bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ESCRT-0 dysfunction compromises autophagic degradation of protein aggregates and facilitates ER stress-mediated neurodegeneration via apoptotic and necroptotic pathways
Authors: Oshima Ryuji , Hasegawa Takafumi , Tamai Keiichi , Sugeno Naoto , Yoshida Shun , Kobayashi Junpei , Kikuchi Akio , Baba Toru , Futatsugi Akira , Sato Ikuro , Satoh Kennichi , Takeda Atsushi , Aoki Masashi , Tanaka Nobuyuki 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEndosomal sorting required for transport (ESCRT) complexes orchestrate endo-lysosomal sorting of ubiquitinated proteins, multivesicular body formation and autophagic degradation. Defects in the ESCRT pathway have been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases, but the underlying molecular mechanisms that link them to neurodegeneration remain unknown. In this study, we showed that forebrain-specific ablation of ESCRT-0/Hrs induced marked hippocampal neuronal cell loss accompanied by the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, including α-synuclein, TDP-43 and huntingtin as well as the autophagic substrate SQSTM1/p62. Consistent with this, silencing of Hrs in cultured cells not only led to α-synuclein and TDP-43 accumulation in addition to impaired autophagic flux but also suppressed cell viability through the induction of ER stress followed by the activation of JNK and RIPK1, a key regulator of necroptosis. Moreover, necrostatin-1, a specific inhibitor of RIPK1 and pan-caspase inhibitors partially reduced the neurotoxicity in the Hrs-silenced cells. Altogether, these findings suggest that the disruption of ESCRT-0/Hrs in the nervous system compromises autophagic/lysosomal degradation of neurodegenerative disease-related proteins, which thereby triggers ER stress-mediated apoptotic and necroptotic cell death.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease effect on the prevalence and postoperative outcome of abdominal aortic aneurysms: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xiong Jiang , Wu Zhongyin , Chen Chen , Guo Wei 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEpidemiologic evidence suggested chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) might increase risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, the association between COPD and AAA remains inconclusive. We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases until June 2015. Forty-eight articles were included for meta-analysis. COPD was found to be positively associated with AAA, regardless of study design and smoking status. AAA mortality is higher among COPD patients compared with non-COPD patients (postoperative [adjusted OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.33–3.34]; long-term [adjusted OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.37–2.12]). But the association between postoperative mortality and COPD was not found to be significant in patients underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (mixed OR 2.53; 95% CI 0.70–9.18). Rupture AAA may increase the postoperative mortality in COPD patients (rupture [adjusted OR 4.75; 95% CI 2.07–10.89]; non-rupture [adjusted OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.11–3.49]). The AAA postoperative morbidity was found to be positively associated with COPD (adjusted OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.14–2.21). Increased COPD severity may increase the long-term mortality (medical versus oxygen dependent: [OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.07–1.49] versus [OR 2.79; 95% CI 2.24–3.49]). In conclusion, COPD may increase the risk of AAA, morbidity and mortality of AAA patients underwent endovascular aortic repair.
Bright-field Nanoscopy: Visualizing Nano-structures with Localized Optical Contrast Using a Conventional Microscope
Authors: Suran Swathi , Bharadwaj Krishna , Raghavan Srinivasan , Varma Manoj M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMost methods for optical visualization beyond the diffraction limit rely on fluorescence emission by molecular tags. Here, we report a method for visualization of nanostructures down to a few nanometers using a conventional bright-field microscope without requiring additional molecular tags such as fluorophores. The technique, Bright-field Nanoscopy, is based on the strong thickness dependent color of ultra-thin germanium on an optically thick gold film. We demonstrate the visualization of grain boundaries in chemical vapour deposited single layer graphene and the detection of single 40 nm Ag nanoparticles. We estimate a size detection limit of about 2 nm using this technique. In addition to visualizing nano-structures, this technique can be used to probe fluid phenomena at the nanoscale, such as transport through 2D membranes. We estimated the water transport rate through a 1 nm thick polymer film using this technique, as an illustration. Further, the technique can also be extended to study the transport of specific ions in the solution. It is anticipated that this technique will find use in applications ranging from single-nanoparticles resolved sensing to studying nanoscale fluid-solid interface phenomena.
Efficient Generation of Myostatin Gene Mutated Rabbit by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Lv Qingyan , Yuan Lin , Deng Jichao , Chen Mao , Wang Yong , Zeng Jian , Li Zhanjun , Lai Liangxue 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCRISPR/Cas9 has been widely used in generating site-specific genetically modified animal models. Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of muscle mass, related to muscle growth and differentiation. The knockout of MSTN with the desired phenotype of double muscle has been successfully generated in mice, goats, pigs and cattle, but not in rabbits. In this study, the MSTN knockout (KO) rabbits were generated by co-injection of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA into zygotes. The typical phenotype of double muscle with hyperplasia or hypertrophy of muscle fiber was observed in MSTN KO rabbits. Furthermore, a similar phenotype was found in the F1 generation, suggesting that the mutation of MSTN could be stably inherited in the MSTN KO rabbits. In summary, we have successfully generated MSTN KO rabbits using CRISPR/Cas9 system with high efficiency, which is a reliable and effective animal model for the study of muscle development and related diseases.
Comparing watershed black locust afforestation and natural revegetation impacts on soil nitrogen on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Jin Zhao , Li Xiangru , Wang Yunqiang , Wang Yi , Wang Kaibo , Cui Buli 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis study examined a pair of neighbouring small watersheds with contrasting vegetations: artificial forestland and natural grassland. Since 1954, afforestation which mainly planted with black locust has been conducted in one of these watersheds and natural revegetation in the other. The differences in soil total N, nitrate, ammonium, foliar litterfall δ15N and dual stable isotopes of δ15N and δ18O in soil nitrate were investigated in the two ecosystems. Results showed that there was no significant difference in soil total N storage between the two ecosystems, but the black locust forestland presented higher soil nitrate than the grassland. Moreover, the foliar litterfall N content and δ15N of the forestland were significant higher than the grassland. These results indicate that 60 years of watershed black locust afforestation have increased soil N availability. The higher nitrate in the forestland was attributed to the biological N fixation of black locust and difference in ecosystem hydrology. The dual stable isotopes of δ15N and δ18O revealed that the two ecosystems had different sources of soil nitrate. The soil nitrate in the forestland was likely derived from soil N nitrification, while the soil nitrate in the grassland was probably derived from the legacy of NO3− fertiliser.
Magnetic neutron scattering by magnetic vortices in thin submicron-sized soft ferromagnetic cylinders
Authors: Metlov Konstantin L. , Michels Andreas 
Published: April 2016

AbstractUsing analytical expressions for the magnetization textures of thin submicron-sized magnetic cylinders in vortex state, we derive closed-form algebraic expressions for the ensuing small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) cross sections. Specifically, for the perpendicular and parallel scattering geometries, we have computed the cross sections for the case of small vortex-center displacements without formation of magnetic charges on the side faces of the cylinder. The results represent a significant qualitative and quantitative step forward in SANS-data analysis on isolated magnetic nanoparticle systems, which are commonly assumed to be homogeneously or stepwise-homogeneously magnetized. We suggest a way to extract the fine details of the magnetic vortex structure during the magnetization process from the SANS measurements in order to help resolving the long-standing question of the magnetic vortex displacement mode.
The Csr system regulates genome-wide mRNA stability and transcription and thus gene expression in Escherichia coli
Authors: Esquerré Thomas , Bouvier Marie , Turlan Catherine , Carpousis Agamemnon J. , Girbal Laurence , Cocaign-Bousquet Muriel 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBacterial adaptation requires large-scale regulation of gene expression. We have performed a genome-wide analysis of the Csr system, which regulates many important cellular functions. The Csr system is involved in post-transcriptional regulation, but a role in transcriptional regulation has also been suggested. Two proteins, an RNA-binding protein CsrA and an atypical signaling protein CsrD, participate in the Csr system. Genome-wide transcript stabilities and levels were compared in wildtype E. coli (MG1655) and isogenic mutant strains deficient in CsrA or CsrD activity demonstrating for the first time that CsrA and CsrD are global negative and positive regulators of transcription, respectively. The role of CsrA in transcription regulation may be indirect due to the 4.6-fold increase in csrD mRNA concentration in the CsrA deficient strain. Transcriptional action of CsrA and CsrD on a few genes was validated by transcriptional fusions. In addition to an effect on transcription, CsrA stabilizes thousands of mRNAs. This is the first demonstration that CsrA is a global positive regulator of mRNA stability. For one hundred genes, we predict that direct control of mRNA stability by CsrA might contribute to metabolic adaptation by regulating expression of genes involved in carbon metabolism and transport independently of transcriptional regulation.
IL-13 mediates collagen deposition via STAT6 and microRNA-135b: a role for epigenetics
Authors: O’Reilly Steven , Ciechomska Marzena , Fullard Nicola , Przyborski Stefan , van Laar Jacob M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSystemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which T cells play a prominent role. We and others have previously demonstrated a role for T cell-derived IL-13 in mediating the induction of collagen in dermal fibroblasts and that blockade with IL-13 antibodies attenuates this increase. In this study we want to probe the signalling that underpins IL-13 mediated matrix deposition. Isolated dermal fibroblasts were incubated with recombinant IL-13 and gene expression by qRT-PCR was performed for collagen1A1 and TGF-β1. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down STAT6 and a small molecule inhibitor was also used to block this pathway. MiR-135b was transfected into fibroblasts plus and minus IL-13 to see if this miR plays a role. miR-135b was measured in systemic sclerosis fibroblasts isolated from patients and also in serum. Results showed that IL-13 increased collagen expression and that this is independent from TGF-β1. This is dependent on STAT6 as targeting this blocked induction. MiR-135b reduces collagen induction in fibroblasts and scleroderma fibroblasts have lower constitutive levels of the miR. We further demonstrate that miR135b is repressed by methylation and may include MeCP2. In conclusion we show that STAT6 and miR-135b regulate IL-13-mediated collagen production by fibroblasts.
Comparative study on catalytic hydrodehalogenation of halogenated aromatic compounds over Pd/C and Raney Ni catalysts
Authors: Ma Xuanxuan , Liu Sujing , Liu Ying , Gu Guodong , Xia Chuanhai 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCatalytic hydrodehalogenation (HDH) has proved to be an efficient approach to dispose halogenated aromatic compounds (HACs). Liquid-phase HDH of single and mixed halobenzenes/4-halophenols with H2 over 5% Pd/C and Raney Ni catalyst are investigated and compared. For liquid-phase HDH of single HACs, hydrogenolytic scission reactivity of C-X bonds decreases in order of C-Br > C-Cl > C-I > C-F over Pd/C catalyst, and in order of C-I > C-Br > C-Cl > C-F over Raney Ni catalyst. To clarify the reason why hydrogenolytic scission reactivity of C-X bonds over Pd/C and Raney Ni catalysts exhibits different trends, liquid-phase HDH of mixed HACs over Pd/C and Raney Ni catalysts were studied, and catalysts are characterized by SEM, EDX, and XRD techniques. It was found that the high adsorption of iodoarenes on Pd/C catalyst caused the HDH reactivity of iodoarenes to be lower than that of chloroarenes and bromoarenes in the HDH of single HACs. Moreover, the adsorption of in situ produced iodine ion (I−) to catalyst surface would result in the decline of catalytic activity, which might be the main reason why the HDH reactivity of HACs in the presence of NaI is rather low.
Salinity shapes microbial diversity and community structure in surface sediments of the Qinghai-Tibetan Lakes
Authors: Yang Jian , Ma Li’an , Jiang Hongchen , Wu Geng , Dong Hailiang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractInvestigating microbial response to environmental variables is of great importance for understanding of microbial acclimatization and evolution in natural environments. However, little is known about how microbial communities responded to environmental factors (e.g. salinity, geographic distance) in lake surface sediments of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). In this study, microbial diversity and community structure in the surface sediments of nine lakes on the QTP were investigated by using the Illumina Miseq sequencing technique and the resulting microbial data were statistically analyzed in combination with environmental variables. The results showed total microbial community of the studied lakes was significantly correlated (r = 0.631, P < 0.001) with lake salinity instead of geographic distance. This suggests that lake salinity is more important than geographic distance in shaping the microbial diversity and community structure in the studied samples. In addition, the abundant and rare taxa (OTUs with relative abundance higher than 1% and lower than 0.01% within one sample, respectively) were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated (r = 0.427 and 0.783, respectively) with salinity, suggesting rare taxa might be more sensitive to salinity than their abundant counterparts, thus cautions should be taken in future when evaluating microbial response (abundant vs. rare sub-communities) to environmental conditions.
MYH9 is an Essential Factor for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Infection
Authors: Gao Jiming , Xiao Shuqi , Xiao Yihong , Wang Xiangpeng , Zhang Chong , Zhao Qin , Nan Yuchen , Huang Baicheng , Liu Hongliang , Liu Ningning , Lv Junhua , Du Taofeng , Sun Yani , Mu Yang , Wang Gang , Syed Shahid Faraz , Zhang Gaiping , Hiscox Julian A. , Goodfellow Ian , Zhou En-Min 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV) is an important swine disease worldwide. PRRSV has a limited tropism for certain cells, which may at least in part be attributed to the expression of the necessary cellular molecules serving as the virus receptors or factors on host cells for virus binding or entry. However, these molecules conferring PRRSV infection have not been fully characterized. Here we show the identification of non-muscle myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) as an essential factor for PRRSV infection using the anti-idiotypic antibody specific to the PRRSV glycoprotein GP5. MYH9 physically interacts with the PRRSV GP5 protein via its C-terminal domain and confers susceptibility of cells to PRRSV infection. These findings indicate that MYH9 is an essential factor for PRRSV infection and provide new insights into PRRSV-host interactions and viral entry, potentially facilitating development of control strategies for this important swine disease.
Exercise during early, but not late abstinence, attenuates subsequent relapse vulnerability in a rat model
Authors: Beiter R M , Peterson A B , Abel J , Lynch W J 
Published: April 2016

AbstractExercise has shown promise as a nonpharmacological intervention for addiction, with evidence suggesting a potential utility for relapse prevention. In humans, exercise as an intervention is typically introduced well after the initiation of abstinence, yet neurobiological data from preclinical studies suggest that it may be more effective if initiated during early abstinence. Here, using rat models, we determined whether the beneficial effects of exercise on relapse vulnerability depends on when exercise is first initiated, during early versus late abstinence. Once rats (n=47) acquired cocaine self-administration, they were given 24-h access to cocaine (1.5 mg/kg per infusion) under a discrete trial procedure (four infusions per hour) for 10 days. The rats then began a 14-day abstinence period in which they had access (2 h per day) to a locked wheel throughout abstinence (sedentary) or an unlocked wheel during early (days 1–7), late (days 8–14) or throughout (days 1–14) abstinence (n=10–14 per group). Cocaine seeking, as assessed under an extinction/cued-induced reinstatement procedure, was examined on day 15 of abstinence. Exercise beginning during early abstinence robustly attenuated subsequent cocaine seeking, and this effect persisted even when exercise ended on the seventh day of abstinence. In contrast, exercise during late abstinence was not effective and these animals displayed high levels of cocaine seeking similar to those observed in sedentary animals. These results indicate that the timing of exercise availability differentially impacts cocaine seeking with results suggesting that exercise during early, but not late, abstinence may provide long-term protection against cocaine relapse.
19.1 GHz 18 mW divide‐by‐3 heterodyne injection locking frequency divider in 0.18 µm CMOS technology
Authors: Huang Jian‐Hua , Yu Xiao‐Peng , Xu Shi‐Yi , Jin Jing , Yu Fa‐Xin 
Published: April 2016

A divide‐by‐3 frequency divider based on heterodyne injection‐locking technique is presented. An injection‐locking LC oscillator with resistive feedback and differential signal injection is implemented to achieve higher injection efficiency over a wider range. Moreover, by optimisation of inter‐stage loading as well as filter‐less design, only one inductor is used in this design to save silicon area. Implemented in a standard 0.18 µm CMOS process, the proposed divide‐by‐3 divider has a locking range from 17 to 19.1 GHz without extra frequency tuning and consumes 10 mA from a 1.8 V supply voltage.
Remarkably low affinity of CD4/peptide-major histocompatibility complex class II protein interactions
Authors: Jönsson Peter , Southcombe Jennifer H. , Santos Ana Mafalda , Huo Jiandong , Fernandes Ricardo A. , McColl James , Lever Melissa , Evans Edward J. , Hudson Alexander , Chang Veronica T. , Hanke Tomáš , Godkin Andrew , Dunne Paul D. , Horrocks Mathew H. , Palayret Matthieu , Screaton Gavin R. , Petersen Jan , Rossjohn Jamie , Fugger Lars , Dushek Omer , Xu Xiao-Ning , Davis Simon J. , Klenerman David 
Published: April 2016

SignificanceThe function of the T-cell coreceptor CD4 presents a long-standing puzzle. Although it is among the most potent modulators of immune responses, CD4 interacts with its binding partner, peptide-major histocompatibility class II (pMHC II), with previously unmeasurably low affinity. Here, we set a new upper limit for the solution affinity of CD4 and pMHC II and show that the two-dimensional dissociation constant in supported lipid bilayers is as much as two to three orders of magnitude higher than that for other interacting leukocyte surface proteins. These findings extend the known physical limits of functional protein interactions at the cell surface and suggest new ways that T cells may use differential receptor affinities during antigen recognition and discrimination.
Models and reality*
Authors: Stalnaker Robert 
Published: April 2016

AbstractKripke models, interpreted realistically, have difficulty making sense of the thesis that there might have existed things that do not in fact exist, since a Kripke model in which this thesis is true requires a model structure in which there are possible worlds with domains that contain things that do not exist. This paper argues that we can use Kripke models as representational devices that allow us to give a realistic interpretation of a modal language. The method of doing this is sketched, with the help of an analogy with a Galilean relativist theory of spatial properties and relations.
Williamsonian modal epistemology, possibility-based
Authors: Vetter Barbara 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWilliamsonian modal epistemology (WME) is characterized by two commitments: realism about modality, and anti-exceptionalism about our modal knowledge. Williamson's own counterfactual-based modal epistemology is the best known implementation of WME, but not the only option that is available. I sketch and defend an alternative implementation which takes our knowledge of metaphysical modality to arise, not from knowledge of counterfactuals, but from our knowledge of ordinary possibility statements of the form ‘x can F’. I defend this view against a criticism indicated in Williamson's own work, and argue that it is better connected to the semantics of modal language.
Metabolic syndrome as a predictor of endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women
Authors: Bueloni-Dias Flavia Neves , Spadoto-Dias Daniel , Delmanto Lucia R.M.G. , Nahas-Neto Jorge , Nahas Eliana A.P. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical predictive factors for endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women compared with postmenopausal women without polyps.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 132 Brazilian women with a histopathological diagnosis of endometrial polyps were compared with 264 women without endometrial alterations (control). The study group included women aged at least 45 years with amenorrhea for at least 12 months, who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy. The control group consisted of women aged at least 45 years with amenorrhea for at least 12 months, without postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickness less than 5 mm by transvaginal ultrasonography. Clinical, anthropometric (body mass index and waist circumference), laboratory, and ultrasonographic data were collected to evaluate predictive factors for endometrial polyps. The Student's t test, χ2 test, and logistic regression (odds ratio [OR]) were used for statistical analysis.

Results:
A higher percentage of women with polyps were obese (72%) when compared with control (39%) (P < 0.0001). Waist circumference was greater among women with polyps (P = 0.0001). The incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was higher among women with endometrial polyps (P < 0.0001). According to the diagnostic criteria of the US National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III), 48.5% of the women with polyps and 33.3% of the controls were classified as having metabolic syndrome (MetS) (P = 0.004). The risk of endometrial polyps was higher in women with body mass index at least 25 kg/m2 (OR = 4.66; 95% CI 2.16-10.05); glucose at least 100 mg/dL (OR = 2.83; 95% CI 1.36-5.90); dyslipidemia (OR = 7.02; 95% CI 3.70-13.32); diabetes (OR = 2.58; 95% CI 1.05-6.32); and MetS (OR = 2.76; 95% CI 1.18-6.46) when compared with control, adjusted for age, and time since menopause.

Conclusions:
In postmenopausal women, obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and the presence of MetS were predictive factors for endometrial polyps.