bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degenerative Joint Diseases and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Fusco Mariella , Skaper Stephen D. , Coaccioli Stefano , Varrassi Giustino , Paladini Antonella 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRheumatic and joint diseases, as exemplified by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, are among the most widespread painful and disabling pathologies across the globe. Given the continuing rise in life expectancy, their prevalence is destined to grow. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is, in particular, on its way to becoming the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020, with the rising incidence of obesity in addition to age being important factors. It is estimated that 25% of osteoarthritic individuals are unable to perform daily activities. Accompanying osteoarthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic systemic disease that often causes pain and deformity. At least 50% of those affected are unable to remain gainfully employed within 10 years of disease onset. A growing body of evidence now points to inflammation, locally and more systemically, as a promoter of damage to joints and bones, as well as joint‐related functional deficits. The pathogenesis underlying joint diseases remains unclear; however, it is currently believed that cross‐talk between cartilage and subchondral bone—and loss of balance between these two structures in joint diseases—is a critical element. This view is amplified by the presence of mast cells, whose dysregulation is associated with alterations of junction structures (cartilage, bone, synovia, matrix, nerve endings, and blood vessels). In addition, persistent activation of mast cells facilitates the development of spinal neuroinflammation mediated through their interaction with microglia. Unfortunately, current treatment strategies for rheumatic and articular disease are symptomatic and do little to limit disease progression. Research now should be directed at therapeutic modalities that target osteoarticular structural elements and thereby delaying disease progression and joint replacement.
Water‐deficit‐induced changes in transcription factor expression in maize seedlings
Authors: Seeve Candace M. , Cho In‐Jeong , Hearne Leonard B. , Srivastava Gyan Prakash , Joshi Trupti , Smith Dante O. , Sharp Robert E. , Oliver Melvin J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPlants tolerate water deficits by regulating gene networks controlling cellular and physiological traits to modify growth and development. Transcription factor (TF)‐directed regulation of transcription within these gene networks is key to eliciting appropriate responses. In this study, reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) was used to examine the abundance of 618 transcripts from 536 TF genes in individual root and shoot tissues of maize seedlings grown in vermiculite under well‐watered (water potential of −0.02 MPa) and water‐deficit conditions (water potentials of −0.3 and −1.6 MPa). A linear mixed model identified 433 TF transcripts representing 392 genes that differed significantly in abundance in at least one treatment, including TFs that intersect growth and development and environmental stress responses. TFs were extensively differentially regulated across stressed maize seedling tissues. Hierarchical clustering revealed TFs with stress‐induced increased abundance in primary root tips that likely regulate root growth responses to water deficits, possibly as part of abscisic acid and/or auxin‐dependent signaling pathways. Ten of these TFs were selected for validation in nodal root tips of drought‐stressed field‐grown plants (late V1 to early V2 stage). Changes in abundance of these TF transcripts under a field drought were similar to those observed in the seedling system.
Arabidopsis stress associated protein 9 mediates biotic and abiotic stress responsive ABA signaling via the proteasome pathway
Authors: Kang Miyoung , Lee Seonghee , Abdelmageed Haggag , Reichert Angelika , Lee Hee‐Kyung , Fokar Mohamed , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Allen Randy D. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractArabidopsis thaliana Stress Associated Protein 9 (AtSAP9) is a member of the A20/AN1 zinc finger protein family known to play important roles in plant stress responses and in the mammalian immune response. Although SAPs of several plant species were shown to be involved in abiotic stress responses, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown, and little is known about the involvement of SAPs in plant disease responses. Expression of SAP9 in Arabidopsis is up‐regulated in response to dehydration, cold, salinity and abscisic acid (ABA), as well as pathogen infection. Constitutive expression of AtSAP9 in Arabidopsis leads to increased sensitivity to ABA and osmotic stress during germination and post‐germinative development. Plants that overexpress AtSAP9 also showed increased susceptibility to infection by non‐host pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola, indicating a potential role of AtSAP9 in disease resistance. AtSAP9 was found to interact with RADIATION SENSITIVE23d (Rad23d), a shuttle factor for the transport of ubiquitinated substrates to the proteasome, and it is co‐localized with Rad23d in the nucleus. Thus, AtSAP9 may promote the protein degradation process by mediating the interaction of ubiquitinated targets with Rad23d. Taken together, these results indicate that AtSAP9 regulates abiotic and biotic stress responses, possibly via the ubiquitination/proteasome pathway.
UVB‐generated Microvesicle Particles: A Novel Pathway by Which a Skin‐specific Stimulus Could Exert Systemic Effects
Authors: Fahy Katherine , Liu Langni , Rapp Christine M. , Borchers Christina , Bihl Ji C. , Chen Yanfang , Simman Richard , Travers Jeffrey B. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractUltraviolet B radiation (UVB) exerts profound effects on human skin. Much is known regarding the ability of UVB to generate a plethora of bioactive agents ranging from cytokines and other bioactive proteins, lipid mediators and microRNAs. It is presumed that these agents are in large part responsible for the effects of UVB, which is only absorbed appreciably in the epidermis. However, the exact mechanism by which these bioactive agents can leave the epidermis are as yet unclear. This review addresses the potential role of microvesicle particles (MVP) as UVB signaling agents through transmitting biologic mediators. New data are provided that UVB treatment of human skin explants also generates MVP production. We hypothesize that UVB production of MVPs (UVB‐MVP) could serve this important function of transmitting keratinocyte‐derived bioactive agents. Moreover, we propose that UVB‐MVP formation involves the lipid mediator platelet‐activating factor. This novel pathway has the potential to be exploited pharmacologically to modulate UVB effects.
Selected Least Studied but not Forgotten Bioluminescent Systems
Authors: Oba Yuichi , Stevani Cassius V. , Oliveira Anderson G. , Tsarkova Aleksandra S. , Chepurnykh Tatiana V. , Yampolsky Ilia V. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBioluminescence is a form of chemiluminescence generated by luminous organisms. Luminous taxa have currently been reported from about 800 genera and probably over 10 000 species in the world. On the other hand, their bioluminescent systems, including chemical structures of luciferins/chromophores and the genes encoding luciferases/photoproteins, have been elucidated from only a few taxonomic groups, for example beetles, bacteria, dinoflagellates, ostracods and some cnidarians. Research efforts to understand unknown bioluminescence systems are being conducted around the world, and recently, for example, novel luciferin structures of luminous enchytraeid potworms and fungi were identified by the authors. In this study, we review the current status and perspectives, in the context of postgenomic era, of most likely novel but less‐revealed bioluminescence systems of ten selected organisms: earthworm, parchment tubeworm, fireworm, scaleworm, limpet, millipede, brittle star, acorn worms, tunicate and shark, which indeed are the next focus of our international collaboration.
Interacting protein partners of Arabidopsis RNA‐binding protein AtRBP45b
Authors: Muthuramalingam M. , Wang Y. , Li Y. , Mahalingam R. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

RNA binding proteins, important players in post‐transcriptional gene regulation, usually exist in ribonuclear complexes. However, even in model systems like Arabidopsis characterisation of RBP associated proteins is limited. In this study, we investigated the interacting proteins of the Arabidopsis AtRBP45b, which is involved in stress signalling.

In vivo localisation of AtRBP45b was conducted using 35S‐GFP. FLAG‐tagged AtRBP45b under control of the 35S promoter in the Atrbp45b‐1 mutant background was used to pull down AtRBP45b interacting proteins. Yeast two‐hybrid analysis, fluorescence energy resonance transfer assays were used to confirm the veracity of the AtRBP45b interacting proteins.

In planta GFP‐tagging indicated AtRBP45b is localised to the nucleus and the cytosol. AtRBP45b protein has a N‐terminal proline‐rich region and a C‐terminal glutamine‐rich domain that are usually involved in protein–protein interactions. Co‐immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry‐based protein sequencing led to identification of 30 proteins that interacted with AtRBP45b. Using information from interactome databases (BIOGRID, INTACT and STRING), pull‐down assays and localisation data, 12 putative interacting proteins were selected for yeast two‐hybrid analysis.

Cap‐binding protein (CBP20, At5g44200) and polyA‐binding protein (PAB8, At1g49760) were shown to interact with AtRBP45b. Based on its interacting partners we speculate that AtRBP45b may play an important role in RNA metabolism, especially in aspects related to mRNA stability and translation initiation during stress conditions in plants.
Seed removal in a tropical North American desert: an evaluation of pre‐ and post‐dispersal seed removal in Stenocereus stellatus
Authors: Álvarez‐Espino R. , Ríos‐Casanova L. , Godínez‐Álvarez H. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

To determine seed removal influence on seed populations, we need to quantify pre‐ and post‐dispersal seed removal. Several studies have quantified seed removal in temperate American deserts, but few studies have been performed in tropical deserts. These studies have only quantified pre‐ or post‐dispersal seed removal, thus underestimating the influence of seed removal. We evaluated pre‐ and post‐dispersal seed removal in the columnar cactus Stenocereus stellatus in a Mexican tropical desert.

We performed selective exclosure experiments to estimate percentage of seeds removed by ants, birds and rodents during the pre‐ and post‐dispersal phases. We also conducted field samplings to estimate abundance of the most common seed removers.

Birds (10–28%) removed a higher percentage of seeds than ants (2%) and rodents (1–4%) during pre‐dispersal seed removal. Melanerpes hypopolius was probably the main bird removing seeds from fruits. Ants (62–64%) removed a higher percentage of seeds than birds (34–38%) and rodents (16–30%) during post‐dispersal seed removal. Pogonomyrmex barbatus was probably the main ant removing seeds from soil.

Birds and ants are the main pre‐ and post‐dispersal seed removers in S. stellatus, respectively. Further studies in other S. stellatus populations and plants with different life forms and fruit types will contribute to evaluate seed removal in tropical American deserts.
The oxalyl‐CoA synthetase‐regulated oxalate and its distinct effects on resistance to bacterial blight and aluminium toxicity in rice
Authors: Peng C. , Liang X. , Liu E.‐E. , Zhang J.‐J. , Peng X.‐X. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Oxalic acid is widely distributed in biological systems and known to play functional roles in plants. The gene AAE3 was recently identified to encode an oxalyl‐CoA synthetase (OCS) in Arabidopsis that catalyses the conversion of oxalate and CoA into oxalyl‐CoA. It will be particularly important to characterise the homologous gene in rice since rice is not only a monocotyledonous model plant, but also a staple food crop.

Various enzymatic and biological methods have been used to characterise the homologous gene.

We first defined that AAE3 in the rice genome (OsAAE3) also encodes an OCS enzyme. Its Km for oxalate is 1.73 ± 0.12 mm, and Vm is 6824.9 ± 410.29 U·min−1·mg protein−1. Chemical modification and site‐directed mutagenesis analyses identified thiols as the active site residues for rice OCS catalysis, suggesting that the enzyme might be regulated by redox state. Subcellular localisation assay showed that the enzyme is located in the cytosol and predominantly distributed in leaf epidermal cells. As expected, oxalate levels increased when OCS was suppressed in RNAi transgenic plants. More interestingly, OCS‐suppressed plants were more susceptible to bacterial blight but more resistant to Al toxicity.

The results demonstrate that the OsAAE3‐encoded protein also acts as an OCS in rice, and may play different roles in coping with stresses. These molecular, enzymatic and functional data provide first‐hand information to further clarify the function and mechanism of OCS in rice plants.
Effects of implicit theories of ability and stereotype‐inconsistent information on handgrip strength in older adults: A regulatory fit perspective
Authors: Emile Mélanie , Chalabaev Aina , Colson Serge S. , Vaulerin Jerome , Falzon Charlene , D'Arripe‐Longueville Fabienne 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis study examined whether stereotype‐inconsistent information interacts with implicit theories of ability to affect handgrip strength in older adults. Eighty‐two retired older adults (13 men and 69 women) from 61 to 89 years old (Mage = 75.8 years; SD = 6.9) performed maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) during a handgrip task in a design manipulating implicit theories of ability and stereotype‐inconsistent information related to physical decline with aging. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: incremental condition, entity condition, or control group. The results showed that in the incremental condition the stereotype‐inconsistent information improved the peak MVC, the average MVC, the peak rate of force development (RFD), and RFD in the initial 50 ms of the MVC. This study therefore demonstrated that individuals with an incremental mindset who are exposed to stereotype‐inconsistent information can boost their physical performance. These findings are discussed from the perspective of regulatory fit (i.e., when task framing is congruent with the individual's goal).
The P3 cognitive ERP has at least some sensory modality‐specific generators: Evidence from high‐resolution EEG
Authors: Dreo Jurij , Attia Daniel , Pirtošek Zvezdan , Repovš Grega 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe P3 can arguably be named the most intensely studied ERP. In spite of more than 40 years of research, fundamental questions regarding the nature of its neural generators remain unresolved. While most studies conclude that the P3 is a true classical “endogenous” potential, and that its surface potential distribution remains constant across sensory modalities, these results are largely based on low‐density EEG recordings, without the use of high‐resolution methods such as the spherical spline Laplacian (SSL). Seventeen healthy participants performed a three‐stimulus oddball task in visual and auditory modality while their EEG was recorded using a 128‐channel system. Comparison of amplitude‐normalized SSL estimated P3 brain‐surface potentials, and analysis of spatial and temporal correlations revealed significant differences between visual and auditory evoked P3 topographies from target and distractor stimuli (but not target minus frequent or distractor minus frequent comparisons). Based on these results, we postulate the likely existence of at least some sensory modality‐specific neuronal generators of the P3.
A right‐ear bias of auditory selective attention is evident in alpha oscillations
Authors: Payne Lisa , Rogers Chad S. , Wingfield Arthur , Sekuler Robert 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAuditory selective attention makes it possible to pick out one speech stream that is embedded in a multispeaker environment. We adapted a cued dichotic listening task to examine suppression of a speech stream lateralized to the nonattended ear, and to evaluate the effects of attention on the right ear's well‐known advantage in the perception of linguistic stimuli. After being cued to attend to input from either their left or right ear, participants heard two different four‐word streams presented simultaneously to the separate ears. Following each dichotic presentation, participants judged whether a spoken probe word had been in the attended ear's stream. We used EEG signals to track participants' spatial lateralization of auditory attention, which is marked by interhemispheric differences in EEG alpha (8–14 Hz) power. A right‐ear advantage (REA) was evident in faster response times and greater sensitivity in distinguishing attended from unattended words. Consistent with the REA, we found strongest parietal and right frontotemporal alpha modulation during the attend‐right condition. These findings provide evidence for a link between selective attention and the REA during directed dichotic listening.
Are Determinants of Portfolio Flows Always the Same? ‐ South African Results from a Time Varying Parameter Var Model
Authors: Kavli Haakon , Viegi Nicola 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe literature on determinants of cross‐border capital flows has consistently assumed the determinants of such flows to be constant throughout the sample. This paper investigates this notion by estimating the time varying relationship between portfolio flows to South Africa and two widely accepted determinants of such flows: the sovereign spread and global risk (measured by the CBOE Volatility Index, henceforth VIX). The results show that the time variation is highly significant and a constant parameter model will give biased estimates of the effects of risk on capital flows. The paper also gives important insights to South African policy makers and financial practitioners: Bond flows (non‐resident purchases of South African bonds) have become more sensitive to the VIX after 2010. Share flows were particularly sensitive at the peak of the 2008 global financial crisis, but have at other times not responded in a statistically significant manner to changes in global risk. The relationships are estimated using a time varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP VAR) model with stochastic volatility.
Coastal uplift rate at Matanzas (Cuba) inferred from MIS5e phreatic overgrowths on speleothems
Authors: De Waele Jo , D'Angeli Ilenia M. , Tisato Nicola , Tuccimei Paola , Soligo Michele , Ginés Joaquín , Ginés Angel , Fornós Joan J. , Villa Igor M. , Grau González Esteban R. , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Bontognali Tomaso R. R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMany morphological elements in Cuba's landscape (e.g. marine terraces, tidal notches) demonstrate that coastal uplift has taken place, but the rate at which this occurs is not known. Carbonate phreatic overgrowths on speleothems have been found in a cave in Central North Cuba, ~1 km from the present coastline at 16 m asl. They form exceptional and unique mushroom‐shaped speleothems and balconies decorating the walls of the rooms. These phreatic overgrowths on speleothems (POS) formed at the oscillating air–water interface in sea‐level controlled anchialine lakes. U/Th dating of these overgrowths suggests ages that are compatible with the Marine Isotope Stage 5e (i.e. 130–115 ka). These POS have fixed this sea‐level highstand and demonstrate that this part of Cuba has been subjected to a much lower uplift rate than previously reported, that is, less than 0.1 mm/year since the last interglacial.
Acute pulmonary involvement by paracoccidiodomycosis disease immediately after kidney transplantation: Case report and literature review
Authors: Radisic Marcelo V. , Linares Laura , Afeltra Javier , Pujato Natalia , Vitale Roxana G. , Bravo Martin , Dotta Ana C. , Casadei Domingo H. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractParacoccidioides brasiliensis is the cause of paracoccidioidomycosis, one of the most important systemic mycoses in Latin America. Human disease has been observed in a limited geographic and ecological niche, and it is attributed to exposure to the fungus in soil. Most primary infections are subclinical, as the infection is contained by the host mainly through cell‐mediated immune response. However, as the fungus has the ability to survive in a dormant state for long periods, an impairment of the immune response may lead to reactivation and clinical disease. Surprisingly, paracoccidioidomycosis has rarely been reported in transplanted patients. The aim of this communication is to report a case occurring in a kidney recipient in an acute clinical form immediately after transplantation, and to review the available information on previously reported cases.
Mycobacterium genavense‐induced spindle cell pseudotumor in a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Coelho Ritika , Hanna Rabi , Flagg Aron , Stempak Lisa M. , Ondrejka Sarah , Procop Gary W. , Harrington Susan , Zembillas Anthony , Kusick Karissa , Gonzalez Blanca E. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe describe the first reported pediatric patient to our knowledge with a spindle cell pseudotumor caused by Mycobacterium genavense in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient, and review the literature of such an entity in the transplant population.
An Account of Interference in Associative Memory: Learning the Fan Effect
Authors: Thomson Robert , Harrison Anthony M. , Trafton J. Gregory , Hiatt Laura M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAssociative learning is an essential feature of human cognition, accounting for the influence of priming and interference effects on memory recall. Here, we extend our account of associative learning that learns asymmetric item‐to‐item associations over time via experience (Thomson, Pyke, Trafton, & Hiatt, 2015) by including link maturation to balance associations between longer‐term stability while still accounting for short‐term variability. This account, combined with an existing account of activation strengthening and decay, predicts both human response times and error rates for the fan effect (Anderson, 1974; Anderson & Reder, 1999) for both target and foil stimuli.