bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatty acid profile in the seeds and seed tissues of Paeonia L. species as new oil plant resources
Authors: Yu Shuiyan , Du Shaobo , Yuan Junhui , Hu Yonghong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMost common plant oils have little α-linolenic acid (C18:3Δ9,12,15, ALA) and an unhealthy ω6/ω3 ratio. Here, fatty acids (FAs) in the seeds of 11 species of Paeonia L., including 10 tree peony and one herbaceous species, were explored using gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer. Results indicated that all Paeonia had a ω6/ω3 ratio less than 1.0, and high amounts of ALA (26.7–50%), oleic acid (C18:1Δ9, OA) (20.8–46%) and linoleic acid (C18:2Δ9,12, LA) (10–38%). ALA was a dominant component in oils of seven subsection Vaginatae species, whereas OA was predominant in two subsection Delavayanae species. LA was a subdominant oil component in P. ostii and P. obovata. Moreover, the FA composition and distribution of embryo (22 FAs), endosperm (14 FAs) and seed coat (6 FAs) in P. ostii, P. rockii and P. ludlowii were first reported. Peony species, particularly P. decomposita and P. rockii, can be excellent plant resources for edible oil because they provide abundant ALA to balance the ω6/ω3 ratio. The differences in the ALA, LA and OA content proportion also make the peony species a good system for detailed investigation of FA biosynthesis pathway and ALA accumulation.
A Broadband THz-TDS System Based on DSTMS Emitter and LTG InGaAs/InAlAs Photoconductive Antenna Detector
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Xiaoling , Li Shaoxian , Gu Jianqiang , Li Yanfeng , Tian Zhen , Ouyang Chunmei , He Mingxia , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe demonstrate a 4-f terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system using an organic crystal DSTMS as the THz emitter and a low temperature grown (LTG) InGaAs/InAlAs photoconductive antenna as the receiver. The system covers a frequency range from 0.2 up to 8 THz. The influences of the pump laser power, the probe laser power and the azimuthal angle of the DSTMS crystal on the time-domain THz amplitude are experimentally analyzed. The frequency accuracy of the system is verified by measuring two metamaterial samples and a lactose film in this THz-TDS system. The proposed combination of DSTMS emission and PC antenna detection realizes a compact and low-cost THz-TDS scheme with an ultra-broad bandwidth, which may promote the development and the applications of THz-TDS techniques.
A Phytophthora sojae effector PsCRN63 forms homo-/hetero-dimers to suppress plant immunity via an inverted association manner
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Meixiang , Shen Danyu , Liu Tingli , Chen Yanyu , Zhou Jian-Min , Dou Daolong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractOomycete pathogens produce a large number of effectors to promote infection. Their mode of action are largely unknown. Here we show that a Phytophthora sojae effector, PsCRN63, suppresses flg22-induced expression of FRK1 gene, a molecular marker in pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI). However, PsCRN63 does not suppress upstream signaling events including flg22-induced MAPK activation and BIK1 phosphorylation, indicating that it acts downstream of MAPK cascades. The PsCRN63-transgenic Arabidopsis plants showed increased susceptibility to bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato (Pst) DC3000 and oomycete pathogen Phytophthora capsici. The callose deposition were suppressed in PsCRN63-transgenic plants compared with the wild-type control plants. Genes involved in PTI were also down-regulated in PsCRN63-transgenic plants. Interestingly, we found that PsCRN63 forms an dimer that is mediated by inter-molecular interactions between N-terminal and C-terminal domains in an inverted association manner. Furthermore, the N-terminal and C-terminal domains required for the dimerization are widely conserved among CRN effectors, suggesting that homo-/hetero-dimerization of Phytophthora CRN effectors is required to exert biological functions. Indeed, the dimerization was required for PTI suppression and cell death-induction activities of PsCRN63.
Climatic change controls productivity variation in global grasslands
Authors: Gao Qingzhu , Zhu Wenquan , Schwartz Mark W. , Ganjurjav Hasbagan , Wan Yunfan , Qin Xiaobo , Ma Xin , Williamson Matthew A. , Li Yue 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDetection and identification of the impacts of climate change on ecosystems have been core issues in climate change research in recent years. In this study, we compared average annual values of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) with theoretical net primary productivity (NPP) values based on temperature and precipitation to determine the effect of historic climate change on global grassland productivity from 1982 to 2011. Comparison of trends in actual productivity (NDVI) with climate-induced potential productivity showed that the trends in average productivity in nearly 40% of global grassland areas have been significantly affected by climate change. The contribution of climate change to variability in grassland productivity was 15.2–71.2% during 1982–2011. Climate change contributed significantly to long-term trends in grassland productivity mainly in North America, central Eurasia, central Africa, and Oceania; these regions will be more sensitive to future climate change impacts. The impacts of climate change on variability in grassland productivity were greater in the Western Hemisphere than the Eastern Hemisphere. Confirmation of the observed trends requires long-term controlled experiments and multi-model ensembles to reduce uncertainties and explain mechanisms.
Dietary, circulating beta-carotene and risk of all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis from prospective studies
Authors: Zhao Long-Gang , Zhang Qing-Li , Zheng Jia-Li , Li Hong-Lan , Zhang Wei , Tang Wei-Guo , Xiang Yong-Bing 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObservational studies evaluating the relation between dietary or circulating level of beta-carotene and risk of total mortality yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a comprehensive search on publications of PubMed and EMBASE up to 31 March 2016. Random effect models were used to combine the results. Potential publication bias was assessed using Egger’s and Begg’s test. Seven studies that evaluated dietary beta-carotene intake in relation to overall mortality, indicated that a higher intake of beta-carotene was related to a significant lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR for highest vs. lowest group = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.78–0.88) with no evidence of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 1.0%, P = 0.416). A random-effect analysis comprising seven studies showed high beta-carotene level in serum or plasma was associated with a significant lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR for highest vs. lowest group = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.59–0.80) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 37.1%, P = 0.145). No evidence of publication bias was detected by Begg’s and Egger’s regression tests. In conclusion, dietary or circulating beta-carotene was inversely associated with risk of all-cause mortality. More studies should be conducted to clarify the dose-response relationship between beta-carotene and all-cause mortality.
ALG-2 interacting protein-X (Alix) is essential for clathrin-independent endocytosis and signaling
Authors: Mercier Vincent , Laporte Marine H. , Destaing Olivier , Blot Béatrice , Blouin Cédric M. , Pernet-Gallay Karin , Chatellard Christine , Saoudi Yasmina , Albiges-Rizo Corinne , Lamaze Christophe , Fraboulet Sandrine , Petiot Anne , Sadoul Rémy 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms and the biological functions of clathrin independent endocytosis (CIE) remain largely elusive. Alix (ALG-2 interacting protein X), has been assigned roles in membrane deformation and fission both in endosomes and at the plasma membrane. Using Alix ko cells, we show for the first time that Alix regulates fluid phase endocytosis and internalization of cargoes entering cells via CIE, but has no apparent effect on clathrin mediated endocytosis or downstream endosomal trafficking. We show that Alix acts with endophilin-A to promote CIE of cholera toxin and to regulate cell migration. We also found that Alix is required for fast endocytosis and downstream signaling of the interleukin-2 receptor giving a first indication that CIE is necessary for activation of at least some surface receptors. In addition to characterizing a new function for Alix, our results highlight Alix ko cells as a unique tool to unravel the biological consequences of CIE.
The molecular, temporal and region-specific requirements of the beta isoform of Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type 2 (CAMK2B) in mouse locomotion
Authors: Kool Martijn J. , van de Bree Jolet E. , Bodde Hanna E. , Elgersma Ype , van Woerden Geeske M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGenetic approaches using temporal and brain region-specific restricted gene deletions have provided a wealth of insight in the brain regions and temporal aspects underlying spatial and associative learning. However, for locomotion such extensive studies are still scarce. Previous studies demonstrated that Camk2b–/– mice, which lack the β isoform of Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2 (CAMK2B), show very severe locomotion deficits. However, where these locomotion deficits originate is unknown. Here we made use of novel Camk2b mutants (Camk2bf/f and Camk2bT287A), to explore the molecular, temporal and brain region-specific requirements of CAMK2B for locomotion. At the molecular level we found that normal locomotion requires Calcium/Calmodulin mediated activation of CAMK2B, but CAMK2B autonomous activity is largely dispensable. At a systems level, we found that global deletion of Camk2b in the adult mouse causes only mild locomotion deficits, suggesting that the severe locomotion deficits of Camk2b–/– mice are largely of developmental origin. However, early onset deletion of Camk2b in cerebellum, striatum or forebrain did not recapitulate the locomotion deficits, suggesting that these deficits cannot be attributed to a single brain area. Taken together, these results provide the first insights into the molecular, temporal and region-specific role of CAMK2B in locomotion.
Aerobic Exercise and Pharmacological Treatments Counteract Cachexia by Modulating Autophagy in Colon Cancer
Authors: Pigna Eva , Berardi Emanuele , Aulino Paola , Rizzuto Emanuele , Zampieri Sandra , Carraro Ugo , Kern Helmut , Merigliano Stefano , Gruppo Mario , Mericskay Mathias , Li Zhenlin , Rocchi Marco , Barone Rosario , Macaluso Filippo , Di Felice Valentina , Adamo Sergio , Coletti Dario , Moresi Viviana 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRecent studies have correlated physical activity with a better prognosis in cachectic patients, although the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood. In order to identify the pathways involved in the physical activity-mediated rescue of skeletal muscle mass and function, we investigated the effects of voluntary exercise on cachexia in colon carcinoma (C26)-bearing mice. Voluntary exercise prevented loss of muscle mass and function, ultimately increasing survival of C26-bearing mice. We found that the autophagic flux is overloaded in skeletal muscle of both colon carcinoma murine models and patients, but not in running C26-bearing mice, thus suggesting that exercise may release the autophagic flux and ultimately rescue muscle homeostasis. Treatment of C26-bearing mice with either AICAR or rapamycin, two drugs that trigger the autophagic flux, also rescued muscle mass and prevented atrogene induction. Similar effects were reproduced on myotubesin vitro, which displayed atrophy following exposure to C26-conditioned medium, a phenomenon that was rescued by AICAR or rapamycin treatment and relies on autophagosome-lysosome fusion (inhibited by chloroquine). Since AICAR, rapamycin and exercise equally affect the autophagic system and counteract cachexia, we believe autophagy-triggering drugs may be exploited to treat cachexia in conditions in which exercise cannot be prescribed.
Changing ideas about others’ intentions: updating prior expectations tunes activity in the human motor system
Authors: Jacquet Pierre O. , Roy Alice C. , Chambon Valérian , Borghi Anna M. , Salemme Roméo , Farnè Alessandro , Reilly Karen T. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPredicting intentions from observing another agent’s behaviours is often thought to depend on motor resonance – i.e., the motor system’s response to a perceived movement by the activation of its stored motor counterpart, but observers might also rely on prior expectations, especially when actions take place in perceptually uncertain situations. Here we assessed motor resonance during an action prediction task using transcranial magnetic stimulation to probe corticospinal excitability (CSE) and report that experimentally-induced updates in observers’ prior expectations modulate CSE when predictions are made under situations of perceptual uncertainty. We show that prior expectations are updated on the basis of both biomechanical and probabilistic prior information and that the magnitude of the CSE modulation observed across participants is explained by the magnitude of change in their prior expectations. These findings provide the first evidence that when observers predict others’ intentions, motor resonance mechanisms adapt to changes in their prior expectations. We propose that this adaptive adjustment might reflect a regulatory control mechanism that shares some similarities with that observed during action selection. Such a mechanism could help arbitrate the competition between biomechanical and probabilistic prior information when appropriate for prediction.
Regulating the effects of GPR21, a novel target for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Leonard Siobhán , Kinsella Gemma K. , Benetti Elisa , Findlay John B. C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractType 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder primarily caused by insulin resistance to which obesity is a major contributor. Expression levels of an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), GPR21, demonstrated a trend towards a significant increase in the epididymal fat pads of wild type high fat high sugar (HFHS)-fed mice. To gain further insight into the potential role this novel target may play in the development of obesity-associated type 2 diabetes, the signalling capabilities of the receptor were investigated. Overexpression studies in HEK293T cells revealed GPR21 to be a constitutively active receptor, which couples to Gαq type G proteins leading to the activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Overexpression of GPR21 in vitro also markedly attenuated insulin signalling. Interestingly, the effect of GPR21 on the MAPKs and insulin signalling was reduced in the presence of serum, inferring the possibility of a native inhibitory ligand. Homology modelling and ligand docking studies led to the identification of a novel compound that inhibited GPR21 activity. Its effects offer potential as an anti-diabetic pharmacological strategy as it was found to counteract the influence of GPR21 on the insulin signalling pathway.
Transcriptome Signatures Reveal Rapid Induction of Immune-Responsive Genes in Human Memory CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Yang Cheng , Khanniche Asma , DiSpirito Joanna R. , Ji Ping , Wang Shujun , Wang Ying , Shen Hao 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMemory T cells (TM) play a prominent role in protection and auto-immunity due to their ability to mount a more effective response than naïve T cells (TN). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced functionality of TM are not well defined, particularly in human TM. We examined the global gene expression profiles of human CD8+ TN and TM before and after stimulation. There were 1,284, 1,373 and 1,629 differentially expressed genes between TN and TM at 0 hr, 4 hr and 24 hr after stimulation, respectively, with more genes expressed to higher levels in TM. Genes rapidly up-regulated in TN cells were largely involved in nitrogen, nucleoside and amino acid metabolisms. In contrast, those in CD8+ TM were significantly enriched for immune-response-associated processes, including cytokine production, lymphocyte activation and chemotaxis. Multiple cytokines were rapidly up-regulated in TM cells, including effector cytokines known to be produced by CD8+ T cells and important for their functions, as well as regulatory cytokines, both pro- and anti-inflammatory, that are not typically produced by CD8+ T cells. These results provide new insights into molecular mechanisms that contribute to the enhanced functionality of human CD8+ TM and their prominent role in protection and auto-immunity.
Insight into different environmental niches adaptation and allergenicity from the Cladosporium sphaerospermum genome, a common human allergy-eliciting Dothideomycetes
Authors: Yew Su Mei , Chan Chai Ling , Ngeow Yun Fong , Toh Yue Fen , Na Shiang Ling , Lee Kok Wei , Hoh Chee-Choong , Yee Wai-Yan , Ng Kee Peng , Kuan Chee Sian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCladosporium sphaerospermum, a dematiaceous saprophytic fungus commonly found in diverse environments, has been reported to cause allergy and other occasional diseases in humans. However, its basic biology and genetic information are largely unexplored. A clinical isolate C. sphaerospermum genome, UM 843, was re-sequenced and combined with previously generated sequences to form a model 26.89 Mb genome containing 9,652 predicted genes. Functional annotation on predicted genes suggests the ability of this fungus to degrade carbohydrate and protein complexes. Several putative peptidases responsible for lung tissue hydrolysis were identified. These genes shared high similarity with the Aspergillus peptidases. The UM 843 genome encodes a wide array of proteins involved in the biosynthesis of melanin, siderophores, cladosins and survival in high salinity environment. In addition, a total of 28 genes were predicted to be associated with allergy. Orthologous gene analysis together with 22 other Dothideomycetes showed genes uniquely present in UM 843 that encode four class 1 hydrophobins which may be allergens specific to Cladosporium. The mRNA of these hydrophobins were detected by RT-PCR. The genomic analysis of UM 843 contributes to the understanding of the biology and allergenicity of this widely-prevalent species.
Understory herb layer exerts strong controls on soil microbial communities in subtropical plantations
Authors: Yin Kai , Zhang Lei , Chen Dima , Tian Yichen , Zhang Feifei , Wen Meiping , Yuan Chao 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe patterns and drivers of soil microbial communities in forest plantations remain inadequate although they have been extensively studied in natural forest and grassland ecosystems. In this study, using data from 12 subtropical plantation sites, we found that the overstory tree biomass and tree cover increased with increasing plantation age. However, there was a decline in the aboveground biomass and species richness of the understory herbs as plantation age increased. Biomass of all microbial community groups (i.e. fungi, bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and actinomycete) decreased with increasing plantation age; however, the biomass ratio of fungi to bacteria did not change with increasing plantation age. Variation in most microbial community groups was mainly explained by the understory herb (i.e. herb biomass and herb species richness) and overstory trees (i.e. tree biomass and tree cover), while soils (i.e. soil moisture, soil organic carbon and soil pH) explained a relative low percentage of the variation. Our results demonstrate that the understory herb layer exerts strong controls on soil microbial community in subtropical plantations. These findings suggest that maintenance of plantation health may need to consider the management of understory herb in order to increase the potential of plantation ecosystems as fast-response carbon sinks.
miR-139-5p Inhibits the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Enhances the Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Downregulating BCL2
Authors: Li Qingguo , Liang Xin , Wang Yuwei , Meng Xianke , Xu Ye , Cai Sanjun , Wang Zhimin , Liu Jianwen , Cai Guoxiang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators involved in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The functions and mechanisms of the miRNAs involved in CRC progress and metastasis are largely unknown. In this study, miRNA microarray analysis was performed to screen crucial miRNAs involved in CRC progress and miR-139-5p was chosen for further study. The functional roles of miR-139-5p in colon cancer were demonstrated by CCK-8 proliferation assay, cell invasion and migration, cell apoptosis and in a KO mouse study. miR-139-5p expression was significantly decreased in cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. The miR-139-5p expression level was associated with tumour stage (P < 0.01). Function studies revealed that miR-139-5p was significantly correlated with the metastasis potential and drug resistance of colon cancer cells by affecting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Then, we identified BCL2 as a direct target of miR-139-5p cells in vitro. The patient samples and KO mice model showed that BCL2 expression was inversely correlated with the expression of miR-139-5p. In conclusion, we found that miR-139-5p targeted the BCL2 pathway to reduce tumour metastasis and drug sensitivity in CRC. This axis provided insight into the mechanism underlying miRNA regulation of CRC metastasis and a novel therapeutic target for CRC therapy.
Decreased sensitivity to paroxetine-induced inhibition of peripheral blood mononuclear cell growth in depressed and antidepressant treatment-resistant patients
Authors: Rzezniczek S , Obuchowicz M , Datka W , Siwek M , Dudek D , Kmiotek K , Oved K , Shomron N , Gurwitz D , Pilc A 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMajor depression disorder (MDD) is the most widespread mental disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used as first-line MDD treatment but are effective in <70% of patients. Thus, biomarkers for the early identification of treatment-resistant (TR) MDD patients are needed for prioritizing them for alternative therapeutics. SSRI-induced inhibition of the growth of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is mediated via their target, the serotonin transporter (SERT). Here, we examined whether antidepressant drug-induced inhibition of the growth of PBMCs differed between MDD patients and healthy controls. PBMCs from well-characterized 33 treatment-sensitive (TS) and 33 TR MDD patients, and 24 healthy volunteers were studied. Dose-dependent inhibition of PBMCs growth was observed for both the non-SSRI antidepressant mirtazapine and the SSRI antidepressant paroxetine. Significantly lower sensitivities to 20 μmparoxetine were observed in MDD compared with control PBMCs prior to treatment onset (13% and 46%, respectively;P<0.05). Following antidepressant drug treatment for 4 or 7 weeks, theex vivoparoxetine sensitivity increased to control levels in PBMCs from TS but not from TR MDD patients. This suggests that the lowex vivoparoxetine sensitivity phenotype reflects a state marker of depression. A significantly lower expression ofintegrin beta-3(ITGB3), a co-factor of the SERT, was observed in the PBMCs of MDD patients prior to treatment onset compared with healthy controls, and may explain their lower paroxetine sensitivity. Further studies with larger cohorts are required for clarifying the potential of reduced PBMCs paroxetine sensitivity and lowerITGB3expression as MDD biomarkers.