bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mouse-to-man candidate gene study identifies association of chronic otitis media with the loci TGIF1 and FBXO11
Authors: Bhutta Mahmood F. , Lambie Jane , Hobson Lindsey , Goel Anuj , Hafrén Lena , Einarsdottir Elisabet , Mattila Petri S. , Farrall Martin , Brown Steve , Burton Martin J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractChronic otitis media with effusion (COME) is the most common cause of hearing loss in children, and known to have high heritability. Mutant mouse models have identified Fbxo11, Evi1, Tgif1, and Nisch as potential risk loci. We recruited children aged 10 and under undergoing surgical treatment for COME from 35 hospitals in the UK, and their nuclear family. We performed association testing with the loci FBXO11, EVI1, TGIF1 and NISCH and sought to replicate significant results in a case-control cohort from Finland. We tested 1296 families (3828 individuals), and found strength of association with the T allele at rs881835 (p = 0.006, OR 1.39) and the G allele at rs1962914 (p = 0.007, OR 1.58) at TGIF1, and the A allele at rs10490302 (p = 0.016, OR 1.17) and the G allele at rs2537742 (p = 0.038, OR 1.16) at FBXO11. Results were not replicated. This study supports smaller studies that have also suggested association of otitis media with polymorphism at FBX011, but this is the first study to report association with the locus TGIF1. Both FBX011 and TGIF1 are involved in TGF-β signalling, suggesting this pathway may be important in the transition from acute to chronic middle ear inflammation, and a potential molecular target.
Cytotoxic Serrulatane-Type Diterpenoids from the Gorgonian Euplexaura sp. and Their Absolute Configurations by Vibrational Circular Dichroism
Authors: Cao Fei , Shao Chang-Lun , Liu Yun-Feng , Zhu Hua-Jie , Wang Chang-Yun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractVibrational circular dichroism (VCD) method has become robust and reliable alternative for the stereochemical characterization of natural products. In this paper, three new serrulatane-type diterpenoids, euplexaurenes A–C (1–3), and a known metabolite, anthogorgiene P (4), were obtained from the South China Sea gorgonian Euplexaura sp. GXWZ-05. The absolute configuration of C-11 in 1–4, which was difficult to be determined by common means due to the high conformational flexibility of the eight-carbon aliphatic chain attached at C-4, was determined by VCD method, suggesting a new horizon to define the absolute configurations of natural products possessing chains. Compounds 1–4 were found to show selective cytotoxic activities against human laryngeal carcinoma (Hep-2) cell line with the IC50 values of 1.95, 7.80, 13.6 and 5.85 μM, respectively.
Ant-infecting Ophiocordyceps genomes reveal a high diversity of potential behavioral manipulation genes and a possible major role for enterotoxins
Authors: de Bekker Charissa , Ohm Robin A , Evans Harry C. , Brachmann Andreas , Hughes David P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMuch can be gained from revealing the mechanisms fungal entomopathogens employ. Especially intriguing are fungal parasites that manipulate insect behavior because, presumably, they secrete a wealth of bioactive compounds. To gain more insight into their strategies, we compared the genomes of five ant-infecting Ophiocordyceps species from three species complexes. These species were collected across three continents, from five different ant species in which they induce different levels of manipulation. A considerable number of (small) secreted and pathogenicity-related proteins were only found in these ant-manipulating Ophiocordyceps species, and not in other ascomycetes. However, few of those proteins were conserved among them, suggesting that several different methods of behavior modification have evolved. This is further supported by a relatively fast evolution of previously reported candidate manipulation genes associated with biting behavior. Moreover, secondary metabolite clusters, activated during biting behavior, appeared conserved within a species complex, but not beyond. The independent co-evolution between these manipulating parasites and their respective hosts might thus have led to rather diverse strategies to alter behavior. Our data indicate that specialized, secreted enterotoxins may play a major role in one of these strategies.
Impact of Endothelial Lipase on Cholesterol Efflux Capacity of Serum and High-density Lipoprotein
Authors: Schilcher Irene , Kern Sabine , Hrzenjak Andelko , Eichmann Thomas O. , Stojakovic Tatjana , Scharnagl Hubert , Duta-Mare Madalina , Kratky Dagmar , Marsche Gunther , Frank Saša 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEndothelial lipase (EL) is a potent modulator of the structural and functional properties of HDL. Impact of EL on cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of serum and isolated HDL is not well understood and apparently contradictory data were published. Here, we systematically examined the impact of EL on composition and CEC of serum and isolated HDL, in vitro and in vivo, using EL-overexpressing cells and EL-overexpressing mice. CEC was examined in a validated assay using 3H-cholesterol labelled J774 macrophages. In vitro EL-modification of serum resulted in complex alterations, including enrichment of serum with lipid-free/-poor apoA-I, decreased size of human (but not mouse) HDL and altered HDL lipid composition. EL-modification of serum increased CEC, in line with increased lipid-free/-poor apoA-I formation. In contrast, CEC of isolated HDL was decreased likely through altered lipid composition. In contrast to in vitro results, EL-overexpression in mice markedly decreased HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I serum levels associated with a decreased CEC of serum. HDL lipid composition was altered, but HDL particle size and CEC were not affected. Our study highlights the multiple and complex effects of EL on HDL composition and function and may help to clarify the seemingly contradictory data found in published articles.
Shift in bacterioplankton diversity and structure: Influence of anthropogenic disturbances along the Yarlung Tsangpo River on the Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Peifang , Wang Xun , Wang Chao , Miao Lingzhan , Hou Jun , Yuan Qiusheng 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRiver systems have critical roles in the natural water environment and the transportation of nutrients. Anthropogenic activities, including wastewater discharge and river damming, raise adverse impacts on ecosystem and continuum of rivers. An increasing amount of attention has been paid to riverine bacterioplankton as they make vital contributions to biogeochemical nutrient cycle. A comprehensive study was conducted on the bacterioplankton community along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which is the longest plateau river in China and is suffering from various anthropogenic impacts. The results indicated that nutrient variations corresponded to anthropogenic activities, and silica, nitrogen and phosphorus were retained by the dam. River damming influenced the biomass and diversity of the bacterioplankton, but significant alterations in the community structure were not observed between upstream and downstream of the dam. Moreover, the spatial distribution of the bacterioplankton community changed gradually along the river, and the dominant bacterioplankton in the upstream, midstream and downstream portions of the river were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, respectively. Soluble reactive phosphorus, elevation, ammonium nitrogen, velocity and turbidity were the main environmental factors that shape the bacterioplankton community. Our study offers the first insights into the variation of a bacterioplankton community of a large river in plateau region.
Fungal endophyte-induced salidroside and tyrosol biosynthesis combined with signal cross-talk and the mechanism of enzyme gene expression in Rhodiola crenulata
Authors: Cui Jin-Long , Wang Ya-Nan , Jiao Jin , Gong Yi , Wang Jun-Hong , Wang Meng-Liang 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEndophyte is a factor that affects the physiology and metabolism of plant. However, limited information is available on the mechanism of interaction between endophyte and plant. To investigate the effects of endophytic fungus ZPRs-R11, that is, Trimmatostroma sp., on salidroside and tyrosol accumulations in Rhodiola crenulata, signal transduction, enzyme gene expression, and metabolic pathway were investigated. Results showed that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), and salicylic acid (SA) involved in fungus-induced salidroside and tyrosol accumulations. NO acted as an upstream signal of H2O2 and SA. No up- or down-stream relationship was observed, but mutual coordination existed between H2O2 and SA. Rate-limiting enzyme genes with the maximum expression activities were UDP-glucosyltransferase, tyrosine decarboxylase (TYDC), monoamine oxidase, phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), and cinnamic-4-hydroxylase sequentially. Nevertheless, the genes of tyrosine transaminase and pyruvate decarboxylase only indicated slightly higher activities than those in control. Thus, TYDC and PAL branches were the preferential pathways in ZPRs-R11-induced salidroside and tyrosol accumulation. Trimmatostroma sp. was a potential fungus for promoting salidroside and tyrosol accumulations. The present data also provided scientific basis for understanding complex interaction between endophytic fungus and R. crenulata.
HSF1-dependent and -independent regulation of the mammalian in vivo heat shock response and its impairment in Huntington's disease mouse models
Authors: Neueder Andreas , Gipson Theresa A. , Batterton Sophie , Lazell Hayley J. , Farshim Pamela P. , Paganetti Paolo , Housman David E. , Bates Gillian P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe heat shock response (HSR) is a mechanism to cope with proteotoxic stress by inducing the expression of molecular chaperones and other heat shock response genes. The HSR is evolutionarily well conserved and has been widely studied in bacteria, cell lines and lower eukaryotic model organisms. However, mechanistic insights into the HSR in higher eukaryotes, in particular in mammals, are limited. We have developed an in vivo heat shock protocol to analyze the HSR in mice and dissected heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)-dependent and -independent pathways. Whilst the induction of proteostasis-related genes was dependent on HSF1, the regulation of circadian function related genes, indicating that the circadian clock oscillators have been reset, was independent of its presence. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the in vivo HSR is impaired in mouse models of Huntington’s disease but we were unable to corroborate the general repression of transcription that follows a heat shock in lower eukaryotes.
Fault-Tolerant Electro-Responsive Surfaces for Dynamic Micropattern Molds and Tunable Optics
Authors: Lin I-Ting , Wang Tiesheng , Zhang Fenghua , Smoukov Stoyan K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractElectrically deformable surfaces based on dielectric elastomers have recently demonstrated controllable microscale roughness, ease of operation, fast response, and possibilities for programmable control. Potential applications include marine anti-biofouling, dynamic pattern generation, and voltage-controlled smart windows. Most of these systems, however, exhibit limited durability due to irreversible dielectric breakdown. Lowering device voltage to avoid this issue is hindered by an inadequate understanding of the electrically-induced wrinkling deformation as a function of the deformable elastic film thickness. Here we report responsive surfaces that overcome these shortcomings: we achieve fault-tolerant behavior based on the ability to self-insulate breakdown faults, and we enhance fundamental understanding of the system by quantifying the critical field necessary to induce wrinkles in films of different thickness and comparing to analytical models. We also observe new capabilities of these responsive surfaces, such as field amplification near local breakdown sites, which enable actuation and wrinkle pattern formation at lower applied voltages. We demonstrate the wide applicability of our responsive, fault-tolerant films by using our system for adjustable transparency films, tunable diffraction gratings, and a dynamic surface template/factory from which various static micropatterns can be molded on demand.
A Therapeutic Peptide Vaccine Against PCSK9
Authors: Pan Yajie , Zhou Yanzhao , Wu Hailang , Chen Xiao , Hu Xiajun , Zhang Hongrong , Zhou Zihua , Qiu Zhihua , Liao Yuhua 
Published: September 2017

AbstractVaccination provides a promising approach for treatment of hypercholesterolemia and improvement in compliance. In this study, the appropriate virus-like particle (VLP)-peptide vaccines targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) were screened. The screening criteria of target peptides were as follows: (1) located in catalytic domain of PCSK9, or regulating the binding of PCSK9 and LDL receptors (LDLR); (2) having low/no-similarity when matched with the host proteome; (3) possessing ideal antigenicity and hydrophilicity; (4) including the functional mutation site of PCSK9. It was found that mice vaccinated with VLP -PCSK9 peptide vaccines, especially PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine, developed high titer IgG antibodies against PCSK9. PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine obviously decreased plasma total cholesterol in both Balb/c mice and LDLR+/− mice. Also, PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine decreased plasma PCSK9 level and up-regulated LDLR expression in liver. Additionally, PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine injection was associated with significant up-regulation of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in LDLR+/− mice. No obvious immune injury was detected in vaccinated animals. The PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine, therefore, may be an attractive treatment approach for hypercholesterolemia through decreasing cholesterol and regulating lipid homeostasis.
Compliance with minimum information guidelines in public metabolomics repositories
Authors: Spicer Rachel A. , Salek Reza , Steinbeck Christoph 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe Metabolomics Standards Initiative (MSI) guidelines were first published in 2007. These guidelines provided reporting standards for all stages of metabolomics analysis: experimental design, biological context, chemical analysis and data processing. Since 2012, a series of public metabolomics databases and repositories, which accept the deposition of metabolomic datasets, have arisen. In this study, the compliance of 399 public data sets, from four major metabolomics data repositories, to the biological context MSI reporting standards was evaluated. None of the reporting standards were complied with in every publicly available study, although adherence rates varied greatly, from 0 to 97%. The plant minimum reporting standards were the most complied with and the microbial and in vitro were the least. Our results indicate the need for reassessment and revision of the existing MSI reporting standards.
Optimal strategy for polarization modulation in the LSPE-SWIPE experiment
Authors: Buzzelli A. , de Bernardis P. , Masi S. , Vittorio N. , de Gasperis G. 
Published: September 2017

Context. Cosmic microwave background (CMB) B-mode experiments are required to control systematic effects with an unprecedented level of accuracy. Polarization modulation by a half wave plate (HWP) is a powerful technique able to mitigate a large number of the instrumental systematics.
Aims. Our goal is to optimize the polarization modulation strategy of the upcoming LSPE-SWIPE balloon-borne experiment, devoted to the accurate measurement of CMB polarization at large angular scales.
Methods. We departed from the nominal LSPE-SWIPE modulation strategy (HWP stepped every 60 s with a telescope scanning at around 12 deg/s) and performed a thorough investigation of a wide range of possible HWP schemes (either in stepped or continuously spinning mode and at different azimuth telescope scan-speeds) in the frequency, map and angular power spectrum domain. In addition, we probed the effect of high-pass and band-pass filters of the data stream and explored the HWP response in the minimal case of one detector for one operation day (critical for the single-detector calibration process). We finally tested the modulation performance against typical HWP-induced systematics.
Results. Our analysis shows that some stepped HWP schemes, either slowly rotating or combined with slow telescope modulations, represent poor choices. Moreover, our results point out that the nominal configuration may not be the most convenient choice. While a large class of spinning designs provides comparable results in terms of pixel angle coverage, map-making residuals and BB power spectrum standard deviations with respect to the nominal strategy, we find that some specific configurations (e.g., a rapidly spinning HWP with a slow gondola modulation) allow a more efficient polarization recovery in more general real-case situations.
Conclusions. Although our simulations are specific to the LSPE-SWIPE mission, the general outcomes of our analysis can be easily generalized to other CMB polarization experiments.
Refining the Translation of Accurate Perceptions into an Accurate Prescription: A Case of Beaucarnea recurvata
Authors: Anderson David 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe author describes the challenge the homeopath has in making an accurate translation of a well-perceived and well-taken case into an accurate prescription. Using a case spanning 25 years of mostly non-helpful prescriptions, he describes how utilizing the seven parameters of Jan Scholten's analytical framework of perceiving and conceptualizing human suffering and the Plant kingdom guided him to an accurate and highly effective remedy.
A Case of Simaruba Cedron
Authors: Scholten Jan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis article describes a case of Simaruba cedron, mostly known in homeopathy as Cedron. The remedy was prescribed on the keynote ‘worse on exactly the same time’. This was long before the Plant theory was discovered and around 12 years before the book ‘Wonderful Plants’ was published. The interesting thing is that many aspects of the Plant theory are confirmed by the case. The case shows strong aspects of the Silver series, Phase 5 and Phase 6. Stage 9 is the information that comes from the case.
Everything Comes into Me: Vernix Caseosa
Authors: Collins Deborah , Leupen Alex 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Alex Leupen practices in the Homeopathic Doctors' Centre in Utrecht, the Netherlands, since 1990. Eight colleagues work in this centre, including Jan Scholten. Alex is an experienced teacher (the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany) on the underlying systems in the plant families, animal kingdom, sarcodes, nosodes, fungi and the periodic table of the elements pertaining to homeopathic practice. In this column, he shares clinical tips.
The Effect of Split Nerve on Electromyography Signal Pattern in a Rat Model
Authors: Deslivia Maria , Lee Hyun-Joo , Zulkarnain Rizki , Zhu Bin , Adikrishna Arnold , Jeon In-ho , Kim Keehoon 
Published: September 2017

Background Recent developments of prosthetic arm are based on the use of electromyography (EMG) signals. To provide improvements, such as coordinated movement of multiple joints and greater control intuitiveness, higher variability of EMG signals is needed. By splitting a nerve lengthwise, connecting each half to new target muscles, and employing a program to assign each biosignal pattern to a specific movement, we hope to enrich the number of biosignal sites on amputees' stump.
Methods We split the gastrocnemius muscle of 12 Sprague-Dawley rats into two muscle heads, searched for the peroneal nerve, divided them lengthwise, and connected one half of the nerve to the tibial nerve innervating both muscle heads (SN_50, n = 8). In another group, we connected the undivided peroneal nerve to the nerve of a single muscle head (non-SN_100, n = 6), while the other muscle head received different innervation (non-SN_0, n = 6). After 10 weeks, we stimulated the peroneal nerve and measured the EMG amplitude.
Results Mean EMG amplitude of the muscle head innervated by one half of the nerve (SN_50; 1.77 [range: 0.71–3.24] mV) and by the undivided nerve (non-SN_100; 3.45 mV [range: 1.13–5.34]) was not significantly different. However, the mean EMG amplitude produced by SN_50 was significantly different from that of the other innervation (i.e., non-SN_0; 0.76 mV [range: 0.41–1.35]), indicating the presence of noise.
Conclusion Split nerve in combination with split-muscle procedure can yield a meaningful EMG signal that might be used to convey the intention of living organism to a machine.
Systemic Hypoxia Increases the Expression of DPP4 in Preadipocytes of Healthy Human Participants
Authors: Chowdhury Helena , Velebit Jelena , Mekjavic Igor , Eiken Ola , Kreft Marko , Zorec Robert 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in protein degradation. Due to its action on incretins, which increase insulin secretion, DPP4 is considered a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes. Here we have studied the role of single and combined effects of hypoxia and inactivity on the expression of DPP4 in human adipose tissue of 12 adult normal-weight males. Fat biopsies were obtained at baseline and after each of three experimental campaigns. The results revealed that in isolated human preadipocytes the expression of DPP4 was significantly increased by exposure of participants to hypoxia. Physical inactivity per se had no apparent effect on the DPP4 expression. It is concluded that DPP4 may be a marker to monitor indirectly tissue hypoxia, as occurs in obese subjects.
Homöopathische Begleitung in der Kinderpalliativmedizin
Authors: Grasser Monika 
Published: September 2017

ZusammenfassungIn der Palliativbetreuung von Kindern und Jugendlichen wurden in den letzten Jahren viele innovative Fortschritte gemacht; die Anforderungen der WHO zur palliativmedizinischen Versorgung von Kindern werden hier dargestellt sowie die derzeitigen Versorgungsstrukturen in Deutschland beschrieben. Die beiden wichtigsten homöopathischen Mittel in der Betreuung und Begleitung sterbender Kinder und Jugendlicher werden besprochen und differenziert. Anschließend wird die praktische homöopathische Begleitung anhand zweier Fallbeispiele von Kindern mit schweren angeborenen Erkrankungen vorgestellt. Sie zeigen, wie die Krankheitssymptome gelindert und die Lebensqualität des jeweiligen Kindes und seiner Familie verbessert werden können.