bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene targets of mouse miR-709: regulation of distinct pools
Authors: Surendran Sneha , Jideonwo Victoria N. , Merchun Chris , Ahn Miwon , Murray John , Ryan Jennifer , Dunn Kenneth W. , Kota Janaiah , Morral Núria 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMicroRNA (miRNA) are short non-coding RNA molecules that regulate multiple cellular processes, including development, cell differentiation, proliferation and death. Nevertheless, little is known on whether miRNA control the same gene networks in different tissues. miR-709 is an abundant miRNA expressed ubiquitously. Through transcriptome analysis, we have identified targets of miR-709 in hepatocytes. miR-709 represses genes implicated in cytoskeleton organization, extracellular matrix attachment and fatty acid metabolism. Remarkably, none of the previously identified targets in non-hepatic tissues are silenced by miR-709 in hepatocytes, even though several of these genes are abundantly expressed in liver. In addition, miR-709 is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting it participates in the genetic reprogramming that takes place during cell division, when cytoskeleton remodeling requires substantial changes in gene expression. In summary, the present study shows that miR-709 does not repress the same pool of genes in separate cell types. These results underscore the need for validating gene targets in every tissue a miRNA is expressed.
Adapting to Adaptations: Behavioural Strategies that are Robust to Mutations and Other Organisational-Transformations
Authors: Egbert Matthew D. , Pérez-Mercader Juan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractGenetic mutations, infection by parasites or symbionts and other events can transform the way that an organism’s internal state changes in response to a given environment. We use a minimalistic computational model to support an argument that by behaving “interoceptively,” i.e. responding to internal state rather than to the environment, organisms can be robust to these organisational-transformations. We suggest that the robustness of interoceptive behaviour is due, in part, to the asymmetrical relationship between an organism and its environment, where the latter more substantially influences the former than vice versa. This relationship means that interoceptive behaviour can respond to the environment, the internal state and the interaction between the two, while exteroceptive behaviour can only respond to the environment. We discuss the possibilities that (i) interoceptive behaviour may play an important role of facilitating adaptive evolution (especially in the early evolution of primitive life) and (ii) interoceptive mechanisms could prove useful in efforts to create more robust synthetic life-forms.
PKN3 is the major regulator of angiogenesis and tumor metastasis in mice
Authors: Mukai Hideyuki , Muramatsu Aiko , Mashud Rana , Kubouchi Koji , Tsujimoto Sho , Hongu Tsunaki , Kanaho Yasunori , Tsubaki Masanobu , Nishida Shozo , Shioi Go , Danno Sally , Mehruba Mona , Satoh Ryosuke , Sugiura Reiko 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPKN, a conserved family member related to PKC, was the first protein kinase identified as a target of the small GTPase Rho. PKN is involved in various functions including cytoskeletal arrangement and cell adhesion. Furthermore, the enrichment of PKN3 mRNA in some cancer cell lines as well as its requirement in malignant prostate cell growth suggested its involvement in oncogenesis. Despite intensive research efforts, physiological as well as pathological roles of PKN3in vivoremain elusive. Here, we generated mice with a targeted deletion of PKN3. The PKN3 knockout (KO) mice are viable and develop normally. However, the absence of PKN3 had an impact on angiogenesis as evidenced by marked suppressions of micro-vessel sprouting inex vivoaortic ring assay andin vivocorneal pocket assay. Furthermore, the PKN3 KO mice exhibited an impaired lung metastasis of melanoma cells when administered from the tail vein. Importantly, PKN3 knock-down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) induced a glycosylation defect of cell-surface glycoproteins, including ICAM-1, integrin β1 and integrin α5 in HUVECs. Our data provide the firstin vivogenetic demonstration that PKN3 plays critical roles in angiogenesis and tumor metastasis and that defective maturation of cell surface glycoproteins might underlie these phenotypes.
17beta-estradiol counteracts neuropathic pain: a behavioural, immunohistochemical and proteomic investigation on sex-related differences in mice
Authors: Vacca Valentina , Marinelli Sara , Pieroni Luisa , Urbani Andrea , Luvisetto Siro , Pavone Flaminia 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSex differences play a role in pain sensitivity, efficacy of analgesic drugs and prevalence of neuropathic pain, even if the underlying mechanisms are far from being understood. We demonstrate that male and female mice react differently to structural and functional changes induced by sciatic nerve ligature, used as model of neuropathic pain. Male mice show a gradual decrease of allodynia and a complete recovery while, in females, allodynia and gliosis are still present four months after neuropathy induction. Administration of 17β-estradiol is able to significantly attenuate this difference, reducing allodynia and inducing a complete recovery also in female mice. Parallel to pain attenuation, 17β-estradiol treated-mice show a functional improvement of the injured limb, a faster regenerative process of the peripheral nerve and a decreased neuropathy-induced gliosis. These results indicate beneficial effects of 17β-estradiol on neuropathic pain and neuronal regeneration and focuses on the importance of considering gonadal hormones also in clinical studies.
Inner membrane fusion mediates spatial distribution of axonal mitochondria
Authors: Yu Yiyi , Lee Hao-Chih , Chen Kuan-Chieh , Suhan Joseph , Qiu Minhua , Ba Qinle , Yang Ge 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn eukaryotic cells, mitochondria form a dynamic interconnected network to respond to changing needs at different subcellular locations. A fundamental yet unanswered question regarding this network is whether and if so how, local fusion and fission of individual mitochondria affect their global distribution. To address this question, we developed high-resolution computational image analysis techniques to examine the relations between mitochondrial fusion/fission and spatial distribution within the axon of Drosophila larval neurons. We found that stationary and moving mitochondria underwent fusion and fission regularly but followed different spatial distribution patterns and exhibited different morphology. Disruption of inner membrane fusion by knockdown of dOpa1, Drosophila Optic Atrophy 1, not only increased the spatial density of stationary and moving mitochondria but also changed their spatial distributions and morphology differentially. Knockdown of dOpa1 also impaired axonal transport of mitochondria. But the changed spatial distributions of mitochondria resulted primarily from disruption of inner membrane fusion because knockdown of Milton, a mitochondrial kinesin-1 adapter, caused similar transport velocity impairment but different spatial distributions. Together, our data reveals that stationary mitochondria within the axon interconnect with moving mitochondria through fusion and fission and that local inner membrane fusion between individual mitochondria mediates their global distribution.
Anaerobic decomposition of humic substances by Clostridium from the deep subsurface
Authors: Ueno Akio , Shimizu Satoru , Tamamura Shuji , Okuyama Hidetoshi , Naganuma Takeshi , Kaneko Katsuhiko 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDecomposition of humic substances (HSs) is a slow and cryptic but non-negligible component of carbon cycling in sediments. Aerobic decomposition of HSs by microorganisms in the surface environment has been well documented; however, the mechanism of anaerobic microbial decomposition of HSs is not completely understood. Moreover, no microorganisms capable of anaerobic decomposition of HSs have been isolated. Here, we report the anaerobic decomposition of humic acids (HAs) by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium sp. HSAI-1 isolated from the deep terrestrial subsurface. The use of 14C-labelled polycatechol as an HA analogue demonstrated that the bacterium decomposed this substance up to 7.4% over 14 days. The decomposition of commercial and natural HAs by the bacterium yielded lower molecular mass fractions, as determined using high-performance size-exclusion chromatography. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the removal of carboxyl groups and polysaccharide-related substances, as well as the generation of aliphatic components, amide and aromatic groups. Therefore, our results suggest that Clostridium sp. HSAI-1 anaerobically decomposes and transforms HSs. This study improves our understanding of the anaerobic decomposition of HSs in the hidden carbon cycling in the Earth’s subsurface.
High glucose enhances progression of cholangiocarcinoma cells via STAT3 activation
Authors: Saengboonmee Charupong , Seubwai Wunchana , Pairojkul Chawalit , Wongkham Sopit 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEpidemiological studies have indicated diabetes mellitus (DM) as a risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), however, the effects and mechanisms of high glucose on progression of CCA remain unclear. This study reports for the first time of the enhancing effects of high glucose on aggressive phenotypes of CCA cells via STAT3 activation. CCA cells cultured in high glucose media exerted significantly higher rates of cell proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion than those cultured in normal glucose. The phosphokinase array revealed STAT3 as the dominant signal activated in response to high glucose. Increased nuclear STAT3, p-STAT3 and its downstream target proteins, cyclin D1, vimentin and MMP2, were shown to be underling mechanisms of high glucose stimulation. The link of high glucose and STAT3 activation was confirmed in tumor tissues from CCA patients with DM that exhibited higher STAT3 activation than those without DM. Moreover, the levels of STAT3 activation were correlated with the levels of blood glucose. Finally, decreasing the level of glucose or using a STAT3 inhibitor could reduce the effects of high glucose. These findings suggest that controlling blood glucose or using a STAT3 inhibitor as an alternative approach may improve the therapeutic outcome of CCA patients with DM.
CPUY201112, a novel synthetic small-molecule compound and inhibitor of heat shock protein Hsp90, induces p53-mediated apoptosis in MCF-7 cells
Authors: Xu Xiao-Li , Bao Qi-chao , Jia Jian-Min , Liu Fang , Guo Xiao-Ke , Zhang Ming-ye , Wei Jin-lian , Lu Meng-chen , Xu Li-li , Zhang Xiao-Jin , You Qi-Dong , Sun Hao-Peng 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHeat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is highly expressed in many tumor cells and is associated with the maintenance of malignant phenotypes. Targeting Hsp90 has had therapeutic success in both solid and hematological malignancies, which has inspired more studies to identify new Hsp90 inhibitors with improved clinical efficacy. Using a fragment-based approach and subsequent structural optimization guided by medicinal chemistry principles, we identified the novel compound CPUY201112 as a potent Hsp90 inhibitor. It binds to the ATP-binding pocket of Hsp90 with a kinetic dissociation (Kd) constant of 27 ± 2.3 nM. It also exhibits potent in vitro antiproliferative effects in a range of solid tumor cells. In MCF-7 cells with high Hsp90 expression, CPUY201112 induces the degradation of Hsp90 client proteins including HER-2, Akt and c-RAF. We prove that treating MCF-7 cells with CPUY201112 results in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the wild-type (wt) p53 pathway. CPUY201112 also synergizes with Nutlin-3a to induce cancer cell apoptosis. CPUY201112 significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 xenografts in nude mice without apparent body weight loss. These results demonstrate that CPUY201112 is a novel Hsp90 inhibitor with potential use in treating wild-type p53 related cancers.
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV-IL): a seed-transmissible geminivirus in tomatoes
Authors: Kil Eui-Joon , Kim Sunhoo , Lee Ye-Ji , Byun Hee-Seong , Park Jungho , Seo Haneul , Kim Chang-Seok , Shim Jae-Kyoung , Lee Jung-Hwan , Kim Ji-Kwang , Lee Kyeong-Yeoll , Choi Hong-Soo , Lee Sukchan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the most well-known tomato-infecting begomoviruses and transmitted by Bemisia tabaci. Seed transmission has previously been reported for some RNA viruses, but TYLCV has not previously been described as a seed-borne virus. In 2013 and 2014, without whitefly-mediated transmission, TYLCV was detected in young tomato plants germinated from fallen fruits produced from TYLCV-infected tomato plants in the previous cultivation season. In addition, TYLCV-Israel (TYLCV-IL) was also detected in seeds and their seedlings of TYLCV-infected tomato plants that were infected by both viruliferous whitefly-mediated transmission and agro-inoculation. The seed infectivity was 20–100%, respectively and the average transmission rate to seedlings was also 84.62% and 80.77%, respectively. TYLCV-tolerant tomatoes also produced TYLCV-infected seeds, but the amount of viral genome was less than seen in TYLCV-susceptible tomato plants. When tomato plants germinated from TYLCV-infected seeds, non-viruliferous whiteflies and healthy tomato plants were placed in an insect cage together, TYLCV was detected from whiteflies as well as receiver tomato plants six weeks later. Taken together, TYLCV-IL can be transmitted via seeds and tomato plants germinated from TYLCV-infected seeds can be an inoculum source of TYLCV. This is the first report about TYLCV seed transmission in tomato.
Frustration of Negative Capacitance in Al2O3/BaTiO3 Bilayer Structure
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Park Min Hyuk , Lee Young Hwan , Kim Han Joon , Jeon Woojin , Moon Taehwan , Do Kim Keum , Jeong Doo Seok , Yamada Hiroyuki , Hwang Cheol Seong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEnhancement of capacitance by negative capacitance (NC) effect in a dielectric/ferroelectric (DE/FE) stacked film is gaining a greater interest. While the previous theory on NC effect was based on the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire theory, this work adopted a modified formalism to incorporate the depolarization effect to describe the energy of the general DE/FE system. The model predicted that the SrTiO3/BaTiO3 system will show a capacitance boost effect. It was also predicted that the 5 nm-thick Al2O3/150 nm-thick BaTiO3 system shows the capacitance boost effect with no FE-like hysteresis behavior, which was inconsistent with the experimental results; the amorphous-Al2O3/epitaxial-BaTiO3 system showed a typical FE-like hysteresis loop in the polarization – voltage test. This was due to the involvement of the trapped charges at the DE/FE interface, originating from the very high field across the thin Al2O3 layer when the BaTiO3 layer played a role as the NC layer. Therefore, the NC effect in the Al2O3/BaTiO3 system was frustrated by the involvement of reversible interface charge; the highly stored charge by the NC effect of the BaTiO3 during the charging period could not be retrieved during the discharging process because integral part of the polarization charge was retained within the system as a remanent polarization.
Association between the DOCK7, PCSK9 and GALNT2 Gene Polymorphisms and Serum Lipid levels
Authors: Guo Tao , Yin Rui-Xing , Huang Feng , Yao Li-Mei , Lin Wei-Xiong , Pan Shang-Ling 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study was to determine the association between several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the dedicator of cytokinesis 7 (DOCK7), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (GALNT2) and serum lipid levels. Genotyping of 9 SNPs was performed in 881 Jing subjects and 988 Han participants. Allele and genotype frequencies of the detected SNPs were different between the two populations. Several SNPs were associated with triglyceride (TG, rs10889332, rs615563, rs7552841, rs1997947, rs2760537, rs4846913 and rs11122316), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (rs1997947), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (rs1168013 and rs7552841), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 (rs1997947), ApoB (rs10889332 and rs7552841) and ApoA1/ApoB ratio (rs7552841) in Jing minority; and with TG (rs10889332, rs615563, rs7552841, rs11206517, rs1997947, rs4846913 and rs11122316), HDL cholesterol (rs11206517 and rs4846913), LDL cholesterol (rs1168013), ApoA1 (rs11206517 and rs4846913), ApoB (rs7552841) and ApoA1/ApoB ratio (rs4846913) in Han nationality. Strong linkage disequilibria were noted among the SNPs. The commonest haplotype was G-C-G-C-T-G-C-C-G (>10%). The frequencies of C-C-G-C-T-G-T-C-G, G-C-A-C-T-G-C-C-G, G-C-G-C-T-A-C-C-A, G-C-G-C-T-G-C-C-A, G-C-G-C-T-G-T-C-A haplotypes were different between the two populations. Haplotypes could explain much more serum lipid variation than any single SNP alone especially for TG. Differences in lipid profiles between the two populations might partially attribute to these SNPs and their haplotypes.
The Impact of Dietary Energy Intake Early in Life on the Colonic Microbiota of Adult Mice
Authors: Xu Jinyu , Galley Jeffrey D. , Bailey Michael T. , Thomas-Ahner Jennifer M. , Clinton Steven K. , Olivo-Marston Susan E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe complex and dynamic interactions between diet, gut microbiota (GM) structure and function and colon carcinogenesis are only beginning to be elucidated. We examined the colonic microbiota and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in C57BL/6N female mice fed various dietary interventions (control, energy restricted and high-fat) provided during two phases (initiation and progression) of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced early colon carcinogenesis. During progression (wks. 22–60), a high-fat diet enhanced ACF formation compared to a control or energy restricted diet. In contrast, energy restriction during initiation phase (wks. 3–21) enhanced ACF burden at 60 weeks, regardless of the diet in progression phase. Alterations in GM structure during the initiation phase diet were partially maintained after changing diets during the progression phase. However, diet during the progression phase had major effects on the mucosal GM. Energy restriction in the progression phase increased Firmicutes and reduced Bacteroidetes compared to a high-fat diet, regardless of initiation phase diet, suggesting that diet may have both transient effects as well as a lasting impact on GM composition. Integration of early life and adult dietary impacts on the colonic microbial structure and function with host molecular processes involved in colon carcinogenesis will be key to defining preventive strategies.
Surfactants for Bubble Removal against Buoyancy
Authors: Raza Md. Qaisar , Kumar Nirbhay , Raj Rishi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe common phenomenon of buoyancy-induced vapor bubble lift-off from a heated surface is of importance to many areas of science and technology. In the absence of buoyancy in zero gravity of space, non-departing bubbles coalesce to form a big dry patch on the heated surface and heat transfer deteriorates despite the high latent heat of vaporization of water. The situation is worse on an inverted heater in earth gravity where both buoyancy and surface tension act upwards to oppose bubble removal. Here we report a robust passive technique which uses surfactants found in common soaps and detergents to avoid coalescence and remove bubbles downwards, away from an inverted heater. A force balance model is developed to demonstrate that the force of repulsion resulting from the interaction of surfactants adsorbed at the neighboring liquid-vapor interfaces of the thin liquid film contained between bubbles is strong enough to overcome buoyancy and surface tension. Bubble removal frequencies in excess of ten Hz resulted in more than twofold enhancement in heat transfer in comparison to pure water. We believe that this novel bubble removal mechanism opens up opportunities for designing boiling-based systems for space applications.
Wideband gain enhancement of slot antenna using superstructure with optimised axial permittivity variation
Authors: Baba A.A. , Hashmi R.M. , Esselle K.P. 
Published: January 2016

A simple method is proposed to significantly enhance the broadside directivity of a simple slot antenna over a wide bandwidth. This improvement is achieved by introducing a simple optimised dielectric superstructure with an axial variation of permittivity. In this antenna, both the superstructure and ground plane are cylindrical in shape with an area of 1.62λ02. The antenna has a measured peak directivity of 18.1 dBi and an extremely wide 3 dB directivity bandwidth of 51.1%. A WR‐75 waveguide is used to feed the slot antenna. The antenna is well matched over the entire directivity bandwidth, which extends from 8.75 to 14.75 GHz. The measured average aperture efficiency is ∼88% over the 3 dB directivity bandwidth.
Total harmonic distortion reduction add‐on unit for three‐phase diode rectifiers
Authors: Makoschitz M. , Hartmann M. , Ertl H. 
Published: January 2016

An active add‐on option for 208 VLL/60 Hz passive three‐phase rectifiers is presented. The active optional circuit is implemented as ‘centre‐tapped’ full‐bridge stage and guarantees low‐harmonic input currents and unity power factor. The active unit is able to operate for a wide frequency range and therefore applicable for high‐ (e.g. >100 kW) and low‐power applications. Some basic considerations such as principle operation, duty cycles, voltage/current stress of switches and design of inductors are discussed and additionally supported by simulation results. Applicability of emerging wide bandgap power devices such as silicon carbide MOSFETs, which improve converter efficiency and power density, is furthermore briefly discussed.
Hairy and Groucho mediate the action of juvenile hormone receptor Methoprene-tolerant in gene repression
Authors: Saha Tusar T. , Shin Sang Woon , Dou Wei , Roy Sourav , Zhao Bo , Hou Yuan , Wang Xue-Li , Zou Zhen , Girke Thomas , Raikhel Alexander S. 
Published: January 2016

SignificanceJuvenile hormone is unique to arthropods and controls numerous essential functions in these organisms. Its receptor, Methoprene-tolerant, turns on genes by directly binding to E-box–like motifs in their regulatory regions. However, how juvenile hormone represses genes has remained unclear. Here, we used theAedes aegyptifemale mosquito, in which juvenile hormone is necessary for reproductive maturation, to show that the repressor Hairy is required for the gene-repressive action of juvenile hormone and Methoprene-tolerant. Moreover, we demonstrate that a corepressor, Groucho, supports this Hairy function. Hence, Methoprene-tolerant recruits the evolutionarily conserved Hairy/Groucho molecular system to mediate the juvenile hormone gene-repressive function.