bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells by manipulating antigen presentation in the thymus
Authors: Lin Jiqiang , Yang Lu , Silva Hernandez Moura , Trzeciak Alissa , Choi Yongwon , Schwab Susan R. , Dustin Michael L. , Lafaille Juan J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRegulatory T-cell (Treg) selection in the thymus is essential to prevent autoimmune diseases. Although important rules for Treg selection have been established, there is controversy regarding the degree of self-reactivity displayed by T-cell receptors expressed by Treg cells. In this study we have developed a model of autoimmune skin inflammation, to determine key parameters in the generation of skin-reactive Treg cells in the thymus (tTreg). tTreg development is predominantly AIRE dependent, with an AIRE-independent component. Without the knowledge of antigen recognized by skin-reactive Treg cells, we are able to enhance skin-specific tTreg cell generation using three approaches. First, we increase medullary thymic epithelial cells by using mice lacking osteoprotegerin or by adding TRANCE (RANKL, Tnfsf11). Second, we inject intrathymically peripheral dendritic cells from skin-draining sites. Finally, we inject skin tissue lysates intrathymically. These findings have implications for enhancing the generation of organ-specific Treg cells in autoimmune diseases.
Polycomb dysregulation in gliomagenesis targets a Zfp423-dependent differentiation network
Authors: Signaroldi Elena , Laise Pasquale , Cristofanon Silvia , Brancaccio Arianna , Reisoli Elisa , Atashpaz Sina , Terreni Maria Rosa , Doglioni Claudio , Pruneri Giancarlo , Malatesta Paolo , Testa Giuseppe 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMalignant gliomas constitute one of the most significant areas of unmet medical need, owing to the invariable failure of surgical eradication and their marked molecular heterogeneity. Accumulating evidence has revealed a critical contribution by the Polycomb axis of epigenetic repression. However, a coherent understanding of the regulatory networks affected by Polycomb during gliomagenesis is still lacking. Here we integrate transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses to define Polycomb-dependent networks that promote gliomagenesis, validating them both in two independent mouse models and in a large cohort of human samples. We find that Polycomb dysregulation in gliomagenesis affects transcriptional networks associated with invasiveness and de-differentiation. The dissection of these networks uncovers Zfp423 as a critical Polycomb-dependent transcription factor whose silencing negatively impacts survival. The anti-gliomagenic activity of Zfp423 requires interaction with the SMAD proteins within the BMP signalling pathway, pointing to a novel synergic circuit through which Polycomb inhibits BMP signalling.
Hypothalamic leptin action is mediated by histone deacetylase 5
Authors: Kabra Dhiraj G. , Pfuhlmann Katrin , García-Cáceres Cristina , Schriever Sonja C. , Casquero García Veronica , Kebede Adam Fiseha , Fuente-Martin Esther , Trivedi Chitrang , Heppner Kristy , Uhlenhaut N. Henriette , Legutko Beata , Kabra Uma D. , Gao Yuanqing , Yi Chun-Xia , Quarta Carmelo , Clemmensen Christoffer , Finan Brian , Müller Timo D. , Meyer Carola W. , Paez-Pereda Marcelo , Stemmer Kerstin , Woods Stephen C. , Perez-Tilve Diego , Schneider Robert , Olson Eric N. , Tschöp Matthias H. , Pfluger Paul T. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHypothalamic leptin signalling has a key role in food intake and energy-balance control and is often impaired in obese individuals. Here we identify histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) as a regulator of leptin signalling and organismal energy balance. Global HDAC5 KO mice have increased food intake and greater diet-induced obesity when fed high-fat diet. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of HDAC5 activity in the mediobasal hypothalamus increases food intake and modulates pathways implicated in leptin signalling. We show HDAC5 directly regulates STAT3 localization and transcriptional activity via reciprocal STAT3 deacetylation at Lys685 and phosphorylation at Tyr705. In vivo, leptin sensitivity is substantially impaired in HDAC5 loss-of-function mice. Hypothalamic HDAC5 overexpression improves leptin action and partially protects against HFD-induced leptin resistance and obesity. Overall, our data suggest that hypothalamic HDAC5 activity is a regulator of leptin signalling that adapts food intake and body weight to our dietary environment.
Global pulses of organic carbon burial in deep-sea sediments during glacial maxima
Authors: Cartapanis Olivier , Bianchi Daniele , Jaccard Samuel L. , Galbraith Eric D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe burial of organic carbon in marine sediments removes carbon dioxide from the ocean–atmosphere pool, provides energy to the deep biosphere, and on geological timescales drives the oxygenation of the atmosphere. Here we quantify natural variations in the burial of organic carbon in deep-sea sediments over the last glacial cycle. Using a new data compilation of hundreds of sediment cores, we show that the accumulation rate of organic carbon in the deep sea was consistently higher (50%) during glacial maxima than during interglacials. The spatial pattern and temporal progression of the changes suggest that enhanced nutrient supply to parts of the surface ocean contributed to the glacial burial pulses, with likely additional contributions from more efficient transfer of organic matter to the deep sea and better preservation of organic matter due to reduced oxygen exposure. These results demonstrate a pronounced climate sensitivity for this global carbon cycle sink.
Stem cell and neurogenic gene-expression profiles link prostate basal cells to aggressive prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Dingxiao , Park Daechan , Zhong Yi , Lu Yue , Rycaj Kiera , Gong Shuai , Chen Xin , Liu Xin , Chao Hsueh-Ping , Whitney Pamela , Calhoun-Davis Tammy , Takata Yoko , Shen Jianjun , Iyer Vishwanath R. , Tang Dean G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe prostate gland mainly contains basal and luminal cells constructed as a pseudostratified epithelium. Annotation of prostate epithelial transcriptomes provides a foundation for discoveries that can impact disease understanding and treatment. Here we describe a genome-wide transcriptome analysis of human benign prostatic basal and luminal epithelial populations using deep RNA sequencing. Through molecular and biological characterizations, we show that the differential gene-expression profiles account for their distinct functional properties. Strikingly, basal cells preferentially express gene categories associated with stem cells, neurogenesis and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) biogenesis. Consistent with this profile, basal cells functionally exhibit intrinsic stem-like and neurogenic properties with enhanced rRNA transcription activity. Of clinical relevance, the basal cell gene-expression profile is enriched in advanced, anaplastic, castration-resistant and metastatic prostate cancers. Therefore, we link the cell-type-specific gene signatures to aggressive subtypes of prostate cancer and identify gene signatures associated with adverse clinical features.
Upper- and mid-mantle interaction between the Samoan plume and the Tonga–Kermadec slabs
Authors: Chang Sung-Joon , Ferreira Ana M. G. , Faccenda Manuele 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMantle plumes are thought to play a key role in transferring heat from the core–mantle boundary to the lithosphere, where it can significantly influence plate tectonics. On impinging on the lithosphere at spreading ridges or in intra-plate settings, mantle plumes may generate hotspots, large igneous provinces and hence considerable dynamic topography. However, the active role of mantle plumes on subducting slabs remains poorly understood. Here we show that the stagnation at 660 km and fastest trench retreat of the Tonga slab in Southwestern Pacific are consistent with an interaction with the Samoan plume and the Hikurangi plateau. Our findings are based on comparisons between 3D anisotropic tomography images and 3D petrological-thermo-mechanical models, which self-consistently explain several unique features of the Fiji–Tonga region. We identify four possible slip systems of bridgmanite in the lower mantle that reconcile the observed seismic anisotropy beneath the Tonga slab (VSH>VSV) with thermo-mechanical calculations.
Heparanase-induced shedding of syndecan-1/CD138 in myeloma and endothelial cells activates VEGFR2 and an invasive phenotype: prevention by novel synstatins
Authors: Jung O , Trapp-Stamborski V , Purushothaman A , Jin H , Wang H , Sanderson R D , Rapraeger A C 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMultiple myeloma arises when malignant plasma cells invade and form multiple tumors in the bone marrow. High levels of heparanase (HPSE) correlate with poor prognosis in myeloma patients. A likely target of the enzyme is the heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan syndecan-1 (Sdc1, CD138), which is highly expressed on myeloma cells and contributes to poor prognosis in this disease. We find that HPSE promotes an invasive phenotype mediated by the very late antigen-4 (VLA-4, or α4β1 integrin) in myeloma cells plated on either fibronectin (FN) or vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), ligands that are prevalent in the bone marrow. The phenotype depends on vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), which is aberrantly expressed in myeloma, and is characterized by a highly protrusive lamellipodium and cell invasion. HPSE-mediated trimming of the HS on Sdc1 and subsequent matrix metalloproteinase-9-mediated shedding of the syndecan exposes a juxtamembrane site in Sdc1 that binds VEGFR2 and VLA-4, thereby coupling VEGFR2 to the integrin. Shed Sdc1 can be mimicked by recombinant Sdc1 ectodomain or by a peptide based on its binding motif, which causes VLA-4 to re-orient from the lagging edge (uropod) to the leading edge of migrating cells, couple with and activate VEGFR2. Peptides (called 'synstatins') containing only the VLA-4 or VEGFR2 binding sites competitively inhibit invasion, as they block coupling of the receptors. This mechanism is also utilized by vascular endothelial cells, in which it is also activated by HPSE, during endothelial cell tube formation. Collectively, our findings reveal for the first time the mechanism through which HPSE modulates Sdc1 function to promote both tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis, thereby driving multiple myeloma progression. The inhibitory synstatins, or inhibitors of HPSE enzyme activity, are likely to show promise as therapeutics against myeloma extravasation and spread.
Investigation of the Hydrolysis of Perovskite Organometallic Halide CH3NH3PbI3 in Humidity Environment
Authors: Zhao Jiangtao , Cai Bing , Luo Zhenlin , Dong Yongqi , Zhang Yi , Xu Han , Hong Bin , Yang Yuanjun , Li Liangbin , Zhang Wenhua , Gao Chen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractInstability of emerging perovskite organometallic halide in humidity environment is the biggest obstacle for its potential applications in solar energy harvest and electroluminescent display. Understanding the detailed decay mechanism of these materials in moisture is a critical step towards the final appropriate solutions. As a model study presented in this work, in situ synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction was combined with microscopy and gravimetric analysis to study the degradation process of CH3NH3PbI3 in moisture and the results reveal that: 1) intermediate monohydrated CH3NH3PbI3·H2O is detected in the degradation process of CH3NH3PbI3 and the final decomposition products are PbI2 and aqueous CH3NH3I; 2) the aqueous CH3NH3I could hardly further decompose into volatile CH3NH2, HI or I2; 3) the moisture disintegrate CH3NH3PbI3 and then alter the distribution of the decomposition products, which leads to an incompletely-reversible reaction of CH3NH3PbI3 hydrolysis and degrades the photoelectric properties. These findings further elucidate the picture of hydrolysis process of perovskite organometallic halide in humidity environment.
Prognostic Impact of Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated using Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
Authors: Peng Hao , Guo Rui , Chen Lei , Zhang Yuan , Li Wen-Fei , Mao Yan-Ping , Sun Ying , Zhang Fan , Liu Li-Zhi , Lin Ai-Hua , Ma Jun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe prognostic value of plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA remains unknown in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 584 newly diagnosed patients with nonmetastatic and biopsy-proven NPC treated using IMRT. Plasma EBV DNA concentration was measured before therapy (pre-DNA) and within 1 month of completing therapy (post-DNA) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to identify pre-DNA and post-DNA cut-off values. Prognostic value was assessed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model .Three-year disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), loco-regional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free (DMFS) for pre-DNA >2010 vs.≤2010 were 78.1% vs. 93.6% (P < 0.001), 92.3% vs. 98.9% (P < 0.001), 90.9% vs. 96.6% (P = 0.004) and 85.5% vs. 96.6% (P < 0.001), respectively. Three-year DFS, OS, LRRFS and DMFS for post-DNA >0 vs. = 0 were 49.9% vs. 88.5% (P < 0.001), 72.1% vs. 97.5% (P < 0.001), 86.6% vs. 94.3% (P = 0.019) and 60.5% vs. 93.3% (P < 0.001), respectively. Plasma EBV DNA remains a prognostic factor in IMRT era and should be incorporated into TNM staging to guide individualized treatment strategies in NPC.
A Novel Approach Toward Fabrication of High Performance Thin Film Composite Polyamide Membranes
Authors: Khorshidi Behnam , Thundat Thomas , Fleck Brian A. , Sadrzadeh Mohtada 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA practical method is reported to enhance water permeability of thin film composite (TFC) polyamide (PA) membranes by decreasing the thickness of the selective PA layer. The composite membranes were prepared by interfacial polymerization (IP) reaction between meta-phenylene diamine (MPD)-aqueous and trimesoyl chloride (TMC)-organic solvents at the surface of polyethersulfone (PES) microporous support. Several PA TFC membranes were prepared at different temperatures of the organic solution ranging from −20 °C to 50 °C. The physico-chemical and morphological properties of the synthesized membranes were carefully characterized using serval analytical techniques. The results confirmed that the TFC membranes, synthesized at sub-zero temperatures of organic solution, had thinner and smoother PA layer with a greater degree of cross-linking and wettability compared to the PA films prepared at 50 °C. We demonstrated that reducing the temperature of organic solution effectively decreased the thickness of the PA active layer and thus enhanced water permeation through the membranes. The most water permeable membrane was prepared at −20 °C and exhibited nine times higher water flux compared to the membrane synthesized at room temperature. The method proposed in this report can be effectively applied for energy- and cost-efficient development of high performance nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes.
Selection and Use of Manganese Dioxide by Neanderthals
Authors: Heyes Peter J. , Anastasakis Konstantinos , de Jong Wiebren , van Hoesel Annelies , Roebroeks Wil , Soressi Marie 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSeveral Mousterian sites in France have yielded large numbers of small black blocs. The usual interpretation is that these ‘manganese oxides’ were collected for their colouring properties and used in body decoration, potentially for symbolic expression. Neanderthals habitually used fire and if they needed black material for decoration, soot and charcoal were readily available, whereas obtaining manganese oxides would have incurred considerably higher costs. Compositional analyses lead us to infer that late Neanderthals at Pech-de-l’Azé I were deliberately selecting manganese dioxide. Combustion experiments and thermo-gravimetric measurements demonstrate that manganese dioxide reduces wood’s auto-ignition temperature and substantially increases the rate of char combustion, leading us to conclude that the most beneficial use for manganese dioxide was in fire-making. With archaeological evidence for fire places and the conversion of the manganese dioxide to powder, we argue that Neanderthals at Pech-de-l’Azé I used manganese dioxide in fire-making and produced fire on demand.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is Associated with MR Biomarkers of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Mercieca Karl , Cain John , Hansen Thomas , Steeples Laura , Watkins Amy , Spencer Fiona , Jackson Alan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis prospective study tests the hypotheses that: 1) glaucoma is associated with evidence of cerebral small vessel disease; 2) that imaging biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease in POAG and NTG will show different characteristics. 12 normal controls, 7 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 9 patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) were recruited. Ophthalmological clinical assessment and MR imaging of the brain were performed. MR imaging was used to quantify white matter lesion load, frequency of dilated perivascular spaces (PVS) and abnormalities in cerebral hydrodynamics. Patients with POAG had significantly greater white matter lesion load (p < 0.05), more PVS in the centrum semiovale (p < 0.05) and had higher overall PVS scores than controls (p < 0.05). In the POAG group, optic cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) was positively correlated with deep white matter hyperintensities (R2 = 0.928, p < 0.01). Mean deviation on the Humphrey visual field assessment was negatively correlated with deep white matter lesion load (R2 = −0.840, p < 0.01), total white matter lesion load (R2 = −0.928, p < 0.01) and total PVS (R2 = −0.820, p < 0.01). MR evidence of cerebral small vessel disease is strongly associated with a diagnosis of POAG and with the severity of abnormalities in CDR and visual field.
Morphological evolution of self-deposition Bi2Se3 nanosheets by oxygen plasma treatment
Authors: Jia Guozhi , Wu Zengna , Wang Peng , Yao Jianghong , Chang Kai 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBi2Se3 nanosheets were successfully synthesized by a microwave-assisted approach in the presence of polyvinylpyrroli done at a temperature of 180 °C for 2 h. The thin film was prepared on a silicon wafer via a self-deposition process in a Bi2Se3 nanosheet ink solution using the evaporation-induced self-assembly method. The structure and morphology of the obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The highly uniform Bi2Se3 particles could be formed by controlling the oxygen plasma treatment time. After the plasma pretreatment from 10 to 20 s, the surface of Bi2Se3 film evolved from the worm-like structure to particles. The highly uniform thin film was formed on further increasing the plasma treatment time, which is consistent with the observed SEM results. Several important processes can result in the morphological evolution of Bi2Se3 nanosheets: (1) formation of Bi2Se3 oxide layer; (2) self-assembly of oxide nanoparticles under the action of high-energy oxygen plasma; and (3) electrostatic interaction and etching mechanism.
Chimpanzee accumulative stone throwing
Authors: Kühl Hjalmar S. , Kalan Ammie K. , Arandjelovic Mimi , Aubert Floris , D’Auvergne Lucy , Goedmakers Annemarie , Jones Sorrel , Kehoe Laura , Regnaut Sebastien , Tickle Alexander , Ton Els , van Schijndel Joost , Abwe Ekwoge E. , Angedakin Samuel , Agbor Anthony , Ayimisin Emmanuel Ayuk , Bailey Emma , Bessone Mattia , Bonnet Matthieu , Brazolla Gregory , Buh Valentine Ebua , Chancellor Rebecca , Cipoletta Chloe , Cohen Heather , Corogenes Katherine , Coupland Charlotte , Curran Bryan , Deschner Tobias , Dierks Karsten , Dieguez Paula , Dilambaka Emmanuel , Diotoh Orume , Dowd Dervla , Dunn Andrew , Eshuis Henk , Fernandez Rumen , Ginath Yisa , Hart John , Hedwig Daniela , Ter Heegde Martijn , Hicks Thurston Cleveland , Imong Inaoyom , Jeffery Kathryn J. , Junker Jessica , Kadam Parag , Kambi Mohamed , Kienast Ivonne , Kujirakwinja Deo , Langergraber Kevin , Lapeyre Vincent , Lapuente Juan , Lee Kevin , Leinert Vera , Meier Amelia , Maretti Giovanna , Marrocoli Sergio , Mbi Tanyi Julius , Mihindou Vianet , Moebius Yasmin , Morgan David , Morgan Bethan , Mulindahabi Felix , Murai Mizuki , Niyigabae Protais , Normand Emma , Ntare Nicolas , Ormsby Lucy Jayne , Piel Alex , Pruetz Jill , Rundus Aaron , Sanz Crickette , Sommer Volker , Stewart Fiona , Tagg Nikki , Vanleeuwe Hilde , Vergnes Virginie , Willie Jacob , Wittig Roman M. , Zuberbuehler Klaus , Boesch Christophe 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe study of the archaeological remains of fossil hominins must rely on reconstructions to elucidate the behaviour that may have resulted in particular stone tools and their accumulation. Comparatively, stone tool use among living primates has illuminated behaviours that are also amenable to archaeological examination, permitting direct observations of the behaviour leading to artefacts and their assemblages to be incorporated. Here, we describe newly discovered stone tool-use behaviour and stone accumulation sites in wild chimpanzees reminiscent of human cairns. In addition to data from 17 mid- to long-term chimpanzee research sites, we sampled a further 34 Pan troglodytes communities. We found four populations in West Africa where chimpanzees habitually bang and throw rocks against trees, or toss them into tree cavities, resulting in conspicuous stone accumulations at these sites. This represents the first record of repeated observations of individual chimpanzees exhibiting stone tool use for a purpose other than extractive foraging at what appear to be targeted trees. The ritualized behavioural display and collection of artefacts at particular locations observed in chimpanzee accumulative stone throwing may have implications for the inferences that can be drawn from archaeological stone assemblages and the origins of ritual sites.
Chitosan nanoparticles synthesis caught in action using microdroplet reactions
Authors: Kamat Vivek , Bodas Dhananjay , Paknikar Kishore 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe ionic gelation process for the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles was carried out in microdroplet reactions. The synthesis could be stopped instantaneously at different time points by fast dilution of the reaction mixture with DI water. Using this simple technique, the effect of temperature and reactant concentrations on the size and distribution of the nanoparticles formed, as a function of time, could be investigated by DLS and SEM. Results obtained indicated very early (1–5 s) nucleation of the particles followed by growth. The concentration of reactants, reaction temperature as well as time, were found to (severally and collectively) determine the size of nanoparticles and their distribution. Nanoparticles obtained at 4 °C were smaller (60–80 nm) with narrower size distribution. Simulation experiments using Comsol software showed that at 4 °C ‘droplet synthesis’ of nanoparticles gets miniaturised to ‘droplet-core synthesis’, which is being reported for the first time.