bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection of reference genes suitable for normalization of qPCR data under abiotic stresses in bioenergy crop Arundo donax L.
Authors: Poli Michele , Salvi Silvio , Li Mingai , Varotto Claudio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSuitable reference gene selection in qRT-PCR is a key pre-requisite to produce reliable data in gene expression analyses. In this study, novel primers for six commonly used reference genes (AC1, TLF, Act2, TUB α, EF-1α and GAPDH) plus two new candidates (pDUF221 and RPN6) were designed and comparatively tested for expression stability under abiotic stresses (osmotic, heavy metal and heat shock) in shoot, root and their combination of Arundo donax L., a raising non-food energy crop. Expression stability rankings from the most to the least stable gene in each condition and in two tissues (young shoots and roots) were generated with geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper programs. All programs provided similar rankings and, strikingly, in most cases identified one of the new candidates, RPN6, as the most suitable reference gene. This novel set of reliable references allows to choose either the best combination of reference genes across multiple stress/organ conditions or to select condition-specific genes that can improve the quality of qRT-PCR analysis. This work provides a solid basis for the functional characterization of A. donax, by enabling accurate quantification of the transcriptional responsiveness under a series of common stress conditions of any gene of interest in this promising biomass/bioenergy species.
Dietary iron restriction alleviates renal tubulointerstitial injury induced by protein overload in mice
Authors: Ikeda Yasumasa , Horinouchi Yuya , Hamano Hirofumi , Hirayama Tasuku , Kishi Seiji , Izawa-Ishizawa Yuki , Imanishi Masaki , Zamami Yoshito , Takechi Kenshi , Miyamoto Licht , Ishizawa Keisuke , Aihara Ken-ichi , Nagasawa Hideko , Tsuchiya Koichiro , Tamaki Toshiaki 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIncreased proteinuria causes tubulointerstitial injury due to inflammation in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Iron restriction exhibits protective effects against renal dysfunction; however, its effects against protein overload-induced tubulointerstitial damage remain unclear. Here, we investigated dietary iron restriction effect on tubulointerstitial damage in mice with protein-overload tubulointerstitial injury. Renal tubulointerstitial injury in animal model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of an overdose of bovine serum albumin (BSA). We divided mice into three groups: normal saline + normal diet (ND), BSA + ND, and BSA + iron-restricted diet (IRD). BSA overload induced renal tubulointerstitial injury in the ND mice, which was ameliorated in the IRD mice. Inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix mRNA expression was upregulated in BSA + ND mice kidneys and was inhibited by IRD. BSA-induced increase in renal superoxide production, NADPH oxidase activity, and p22phox expression was diminished in the IRD mice. IRD suppression increased BSA-induced renal macrophage infiltration. Moreover, BSA mice exhibited nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein (NLRP) inflammasome activation, which was inhibited by IRD. Ferrous iron increased in kidneys with BSA overload and was inhibited by IRD. Thus, iron restriction inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory changes, contributing to the protective effect against BSA overload-induced tubulointerstitial injury.
Identification of oriT and a recombination hot spot in the IncA/C plasmid backbone
Authors: Hegyi Anna , Szabó Mónika , Olasz Ferenc , Kiss János 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDissemination of multiresistance has been accelerating among pathogenic bacteria in recent decades. The broad host-range conjugative plasmids of the IncA/C family are effective vehicles of resistance determinants in Gram-negative bacteria. Although more than 150 family members have been sequenced to date, their conjugation system and other functions encoded by the conserved plasmid backbone have been poorly characterized. The key cis-acting locus, the origin of transfer (oriT), has not yet been unambiguously identified. We present evidence that IncA/C plasmids have a single oriT locus immediately upstream of the mobI gene encoding an indispensable transfer factor. The fully active oriT spans ca. 150-bp AT-rich region overlapping the promoters of mobI and contains multiple inverted and direct repeats. Within this region, the core domain of oriT with reduced but detectable transfer activity was confined to a 70-bp segment containing two inverted repeats and one copy of a 14-bp direct repeat. In addition to oriT, a second locus consisting of a 14-bp imperfect inverted repeat was also identified, which mimicked the function of oriT but which was found to be a recombination site. Recombination between two identical copies of these sites is RecA-independent, requires a plasmid-encoded recombinase and resembles the functioning of dimer-resolution systems.
RhoA-ROCK Inhibition Reverses Synaptic Remodeling and Motor and Cognitive Deficits Caused by Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mulherkar Shalaka , Firozi Karen , Huang Wei , Uddin Mohammad Danish , Grill Raymond J. , Costa-Mattioli Mauro , Robertson Claudia , Tolias Kimberley F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) causes extensive neural damage, often resulting in long-term cognitive impairments. Unfortunately, effective treatments for TBI remain elusive. The RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic target since it is activated by TBI and can promote the retraction of dendritic spines/synapses, which are critical for information processing and memory storage. To test this hypothesis, RhoA-ROCK signaling was blocked by RhoA deletion from postnatal neurons or treatment with the ROCK inhibitor fasudil. We found that TBI impairs both motor and cognitive performance and inhibiting RhoA-ROCK signaling alleviates these deficits. Moreover, RhoA-ROCK inhibition prevents TBI-induced spine remodeling and mature spine loss. These data argue that TBI elicits pathological spine remodeling that contributes to behavioral deficits by altering synaptic connections, and RhoA-ROCK inhibition enhances functional recovery by blocking this detrimental effect. As fasudil has been safely used in humans, our results suggest that it could be repurposed to treat TBI.
Enhanced tensile strength and thermal conductivity in copper diamond composites with B4C coating
Authors: Sun Youhong , He Linkai , Zhang Chi , Meng Qingnan , Liu Baochang , Gao Ke , Wen Mao , Zheng Weitao 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBoron carbide (B4C) coating on diamond particle is synthesized by heating diamond particles in a powder mix of H3BO3 and B in Ar atmosphere. The composition, bond state and coverage fraction of boron carbide coating on diamond particles are investigated. The boron carbide coating favors to grow on diamond (100) surface rather than on diamond (111) surface. Cu matrix composites reinforced with B4C-coated diamond particles were made by powder metallurgy. The addition of B4C coating gave rise to a dense composite. The influence of B4C coating on both tensile strength and thermal conductivity of the composite were investigated. When the B4C fully covered on diamond particles, the composite exhibited a greatly increase in tensile strength (115 MPa) which was much higher than that for uncoated-diamond/Cu (60 MPa) composites. Meanwhile, a high thermal conductivity of 687 W/mK was achieved in the B4C-coated-diamond/Cu composites.
A Universal Isotherm Model to Capture Adsorption Uptake and Energy Distribution of Porous Heterogeneous Surface
Authors: Ng Kim Choon , Burhan Muhammad , Shahzad Muhammad Wakil , Ismail Azahar Bin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe adsorbate-adsorbent thermodynamics are complex as it is influenced by the pore size distributions, surface heterogeneity and site energy distribution, as well as the adsorbate properties. Together, these parameters defined the adsorbate uptake forming the state diagrams, known as the adsorption isotherms, when the sorption site energy on the pore surfaces are favorable. The available adsorption models for describing the vapor uptake or isotherms, hitherto, are individually defined to correlate to a certain type of isotherm patterns. There is yet a universal approach in developing these isotherm models. In this paper, we demonstrate that the characteristics of all sorption isotherm types can be succinctly unified by a revised Langmuir model when merged with the concepts of Homotattic Patch Approximation (HPA) and the availability of multiple sets of site energy accompanied by their respective fractional probability factors. The total uptake (q/q*) at assorted pressure ratios (P/P
s
) are inextricably traced to the manner the site energies are spread, either naturally or engineered by scientists, over and across the heterogeneous surfaces. An insight to the porous heterogeneous surface characteristics, in terms of adsorption site availability has been presented, describing the unique behavior of each isotherm type.
FOXF1 transcription factor promotes lung regeneration after partial pneumonectomy
Authors: Bolte Craig , Flood Hannah M. , Ren Xiaomeng , Jagannathan Sajjeev , Barski Artem , Kalin Tanya V. , Kalinichenko Vladimir V. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFOXF1, a member of the forkhead box family of transcription factors, has been previously shown to be critical for lung development, homeostasis, and injury responses. However, the role of FOXF1 in lung regeneration is unknown. Herein, we performed partial pneumonectomy, a model of lung regeneration, in mice lacking one Foxf1 allele in endothelial cells (PDGFb-iCre/Foxf1
fl/+ mice). Endothelial cell proliferation was significantly reduced in regenerating lungs from mice deficient for endothelial Foxf1. Decreased endothelial proliferation was associated with delayed lung regeneration as shown by reduced respiratory volume in Foxf1-deficient lungs. FACS-sorted endothelial cells isolated from regenerating PDGFb-iCre/Foxf1
fl/+ and control lungs were used for RNAseq analysis to identify FOXF1 target genes. Foxf1 deficiency altered expression of numerous genes including those regulating extracellular matrix remodeling (Timp3, Adamts9) and cell cycle progression (Cdkn1a, Cdkn2b, Cenpj, Tubb4a), which are critical for lung regeneration. Deletion of Foxf1 increased Timp3 mRNA and protein, decreasing MMP14 activity in regenerating lungs. ChIPseq analysis for FOXF1 and histone methylation marks identified DNA regulatory regions within the Cd44, Cdkn1a, and Cdkn2b genes, indicating they are direct FOXF1 targets. Thus FOXF1 stimulates lung regeneration following partial pneumonectomy via direct transcriptional regulation of genes critical for extracellular matrix remodeling and cell cycle progression.
Identification of a p53 target, CD137L, that mediates growth suppression and immune response of osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Tsuda Yusuke , Tanikawa Chizu , Miyamoto Takafumi , Hirata Makoto , Yodsurang Varalee , Zhang Yao-zhong , Imoto Seiya , Yamaguchi Rui , Miyano Satoru , Takayanagi Hiroshi , Kawano Hirotaka , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Tanaka Sakae , Matsuda Koichi 
Published: August 2017

Abstractp53 encodes a transcription factor that transactivates downstream target genes involved in tumour suppression. Although osteosarcoma frequently has p53 mutations, the role of p53 in osteosarcomagenesis is not fully understood. To explore p53-target genes comprehensively in calvarial bone and find out novel druggable p53 target genes for osteosarcoma, we performed RNA sequencing using the calvarial bone and 23 other tissues from p53+/+ and p53−/− mice after radiation exposure. Of 23,813 genes, 69 genes were induced more than two-fold in irradiated p53+/+ calvarial bone, and 127 genes were repressed. Pathway analysis of the p53-induced genes showed that genes associated with cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions were enriched. Three genes, CD137L, CDC42 binding protein kinase gamma and Follistatin, were identified as novel direct p53 target genes that exhibited growth-suppressive effects on osteosarcoma cell lines. Of the three genes, costimulatory molecule Cd137l was induced only in calvarial bone among the 24 tissues tested. CD137L-expressing cells exhibited growth-suppressive effects in vivo. In addition, recombinant Fc-fusion Cd137l protein activated the immune response in vitro and suppressed osteosarcoma cell growth in vivo. We clarified the role of CD137L in osteosarcomagenesis and its potential therapeutic application. Our transcriptome analysis also indicated the regulation of the immune response through p53.
Revisiting myocardial necrosis biomarkers: assessment of the effect of conditioning therapies on infarct size by kinetic modelling
Authors: Ternant David , Ivanes Fabrice , Prunier Fabrice , Mewton Nathan , Bejan-Angoulvant Theodora , Paintaud Gilles , Ovize Michel , Angoulvant Denis 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInfarct size is a major predictor of subsequent cardiovascular events following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is frequently used in clinical trials focused on cardioprotection. Approximately assessed through serial blood sampling, it can be accurately measured by imaging techniques, e.g. cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, which is the actual gold standard for infarct size determination but with limited availability in daily practice. We developed a mathematical biomarker kinetic model based on pharmacokinetic compartment models to easily and accurately estimate infarct size using individual data from five clinical trials evaluating the impact of conditioning therapies in STEMI between 2005 and 2013. Serial blood sampling was available in all studies with data regarding creatine kinase (CK), CK specific of cardiomyocytes (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I. Our model allowed an accurate estimation of biomarker release as a surrogate marker of infarct size and a powerful assessment of conditioning treatments. This biomarker kinetic modelling approach identified CK-MB as the most accurate biomarker in determining infarct size and supports the development of limited sampling strategies that estimate total biomarker amount released with a lower number of samples. It will certainly be a useful add-on to future studies in the field of STEMI and cardioprotection.
Analysis and imaging of biocidal agrochemicals using ToF-SIMS
Authors: Converso Valerio , Fearn Sarah , Ware Ecaterina , McPhail David S. , Flemming Anthony J. , Bundy Jacob G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractToF-SIMS has been increasingly widely used in recent years to look at biological matrices, in particular for biomedical research, although there is still a lot of development needed to maximise the value of this technique in the life sciences. The main issue for biological matrices is the complexity of the mass spectra and therefore the difficulty to specifically and precisely detect analytes in the biological sample. Here we evaluated the use of ToF-SIMS in the agrochemical field, which remains a largely unexplored area for this technique. We profiled a large number of biocidal active ingredients (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides); we then selected fludioxonil, a halogenated fungicide, as a model compound for more detailed study, including the effect of co-occurring biomolecules on detection limits. There was a wide range of sensitivity of the ToF-SIMS for the different active ingredient compounds, but fludioxonil was readily detected in real-world samples (wheat seeds coated with a commercial formulation). Fludioxonil did not penetrate the seed to any great depth, but was largely restricted to a layer coating the seed surface. ToF-SIMS has clear potential as a tool for not only detecting biocides in biological samples, but also mapping their distribution.
Direct growth of InAs/GaSb type II superlattice photodiodes on silicon substrates
Authors: González Burguete Claudia , Guo Daqian , Jurczak Pamela , Cui Fan , Tang Mingchu , Chen Wei , Deng Zhuo , Chen Yaojiang , Gutiérrez Marina , Chen Baile , Liu Huiyun , Wu Jiang 
Published: August 2017

In this study, p‐i‐n InAs/GaSb type II superlattice photodiodes were directly grown on silicon substrates. The superlattice structures were grown monolithically on miscut Si substrates via a 10 nm AlSb nucleation layer. Interfacial misfit array technique was used to accommodate the large lattice mismatch between III‐Sb epi‐layers and Si. Atomic force microscopy and X‐ray diffraction measurements revealed degraded material quality of type II superlattices grown on Si, compared with the sample grown on GaAs. Photoluminescence characterisation indicates comparable optical properties with about 39% deduction of peak intensity. Dark current measurements were also used to study the electrical properties of the samples.
MOG Spectrum Disorders and Role of MOG-Antibodies in Clinical Practice
Authors: Hennes Eva-Maria , Baumann Matthias , Lechner Christian , Rostásy Kevin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMyelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies (abs) are present in one third of all children with an acute demyelinating syndrome (ADS). MOG-abs can be found in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), transverse myelitis, isolated optic neuritis (ON), or recurrent demyelinating diseases, such as multiphasic neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) without aquaporin-4 (AQP4) abs or multiphasic ADEM (MDEM), but rarely in children who subsequently develop multiple sclerosis (MS). The presence of MOG-abs is age dependent with the highest seropositivity rates found in young children and an episode of ADEM, whereas older children with MOG-abs present with ON, myelitis, or brainstem symptoms. MOG-abs, initially thought to be associated with a benign disease course, are found in a substantial proportion of children with relapsing episodes associated with high and persisting MOG-ab titers. This review describes, in particular, the increasing spectrum of phenotypes associated with MOG-abs with a focus on clinical characteristics, radiological features, and therapeutic aspects.
Von Nährstoffen zu Lebensmitteln und Mahlzeiten: das Konzept der Optimierten Mischkost für Kinder und Jugendliche in Deutschland
Authors: Kersting Mathilde , Kalhoff Hermann , Lücke Thomas 
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Nährstoffbezogene Empfehlungen müssen in lebensmittelbasierte Richtlinien übersetzt werden, damit sie für die Bevölkerung anwendbar werden. Noch praxisnäher sind mahlzeitenbezogene Richtlinien, gerade für die Kinderernährung. Diese Public-Health-Empfehlung wird in Deutschland mit dem Präventionskonzept der Optimierten Mischkost (OMK) für Kinder und Jugendliche umgesetzt. Verschiedene Überarbeitungen der D-A-CH-Referenzwerte für die Nährstoffzufuhr erforderten eine Neuberechnung der OMK.
Methodik Ausgangsbasis waren Speisepläne für 4 Wochen (28 Tage) für 4 – 6-jährige Kinder als Referenzaltersgruppe. Mit einer vorsichtigen Optimierung von Lebensmittelauswahl und -mengen unter Berücksichtigung bevorzugt verzehrter Lebensmittel bei Kindern und Jugendlichen und üblicher Mahlzeitengewohnheiten (3 Haupt- und 2 Zwischenmahlzeiten am Tag) sollten die empfohlenen maximalen Nährstoffdichten (g[mg]/1000 kcal) im Altersbereich von 1 – 18 Jahren erreicht werden. Unter Annahme eines Energiebedarfs bei geringer körperlicher Aktivität (Physical Activity Level PAL 1.4) wurden altersgemäße Verzehrmengen für 11 Lebensmittelgruppen pro Tag und pro Mahlzeit ermittelt.
Ergebnisse Allein mit herkömmlichen Lebensmitteln ohne Nährstoffanreicherung konnte bei den betrachteten Nährstoffen eine empfehlungsgerechte Zufuhr erreicht werden, mit Ausnahme der generell kritischen Nährstoffe Vitamin D und Jod. Dabei sind die Anteile der Lebensmittel am Gesamtverzehr pro Tag und pro Mahlzeit in allen Altersgruppen gleich, lediglich die Mengen ändern sich mit dem Energiebedarf. Die mahlzeitenspezifischen Nährstoffprofile ergänzen sich in einem Baukastensystem zu einer ausgewogenen Tagesernährung.
Schlussfolgerung Mit dem durchkalkulierten Konzept der Optimierten Mischkost steht ein Referenzinstrumentarium für eine präventiv ausgerichtete Ernährung von Kindern und Jugendlichen zur Verfügung. Es kann für gesunde und kranke Kinder und Jugendliche in der Familienernährung und der Gemeinschaftsverpflegung angewendet werden.
1′-Acetoxychavicol Acetate Increases Proteasome Activity by Activating cAMP-PKA Signaling
Authors: Yaku Keisuke , Matsui-Yuasa Isao , Kojima-Yuasa Akiko 
Published: August 2017

AbstractProtein degradation systems are critical pathways for the maintenance of protein homeostasis. The age-dependent attenuation of the proteasome activity contributes to age-related neurodegenerative processes. The molecule 1′-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) is naturally obtained from the rhizomes and seeds of Zingiberaceae plants, such as Languas galangal and Alpinia galangal, and exhibits anti-carcinogenic effects. Recently, we have shown that ACA protected the age-related learning and memory impairments in senescence-accelerated mice and maintained cognitive performance. Therefore, we here examined the effects of ACA on the protein degradation systems and cell protection against neurotoxicity in differentiated PC12 cells. ACA increased proteasome activity in PC12 cells. Increased proteasome activity occurred during the initial stages of ACA treatment and lasted at least 9 h. The activity returned to control levels within 24 h. The increase in proteasome activity by ACA was suppressed by H-89, which is a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A inhibitor. ACA increased the adenylate cyclase activity and therefore the intracellular cAMP levels. Furthermore, ACA recovered the initial cell viability, which was reduced after the addition of the amyloid β-protein fragment to neuronally differentiated PC12 cells. The effects of ACA on amyloid toxicity were reduced after treatment with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. These results demonstrated a neuroprotective effect of ACA via activation of cAMP/cAMP-dependent protein kinase A signaling in neuronally differentiated PC12 cells.
A gradual reformation: empirical character and causal powers in Kant
Authors: Indregard Jonas Jervell 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAccording to Kant each person has an empirical character, which is ultimately grounded in one’s free choice. The popular Causal Laws interpretation of empirical character holds that it consists of the causal laws governing our psychology. I argue that this reading has difficulties explaining moral change, the ‘gradual reformation’ of our empirical character: Causal laws cannot change and hence cannot be gradually reformed. I propose an alternative Causal Powers interpretation of empirical character, where our empirical character consists of our mind’s causal powers. The resulting picture of empirical character allows for moral change and Kantian weakness of will.