bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dual function of PRMT1 in modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cellular senescence in breast cancer cells through regulation of ZEB1
Authors: Gao Yanyan , Zhao Yaping , Zhang Juechao , Lu Yang , Liu Xin , Geng Pengyu , Huang Baiqu , Zhang Yu , Lu Jun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAlthough the involvement of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) in tumorigenesis has been reported, its roles in breast cancer progression and metastasis has not been elucidated. Here we identified PRMT1 as a key regulator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer. We showed that the EMT program induced by PRMT1 endowed the human mammary epithelial cells with cancer stem cell properties. Moreover, PRMT1 promoted the migratory and invasive behaviors in breast cancer cells. We also demonstrated that abrogation of PRMT1 expression in breast cancer cells abated metastasis in vivo in mouse model. In addition, knockdown of PRMT1 arrested cell growth in G1 tetraploidy and induced cellular senescence. Mechanistically, PRMT1 impacted EMT process and cellular senescence by mediating the asymmetric dimethylation of arginine 3 of histone H4 (H4R3me2as) at the ZEB1 promoter to activate its transcription, indicating the essential roles of this epigenetic control both in EMT and in senescence. Thus, we unraveled a dual function of PRMT1 in modulation of both EMT and senescence via regulating ZEB1. This finding points to the potent value of PRMT1 as a dual therapeutic target for preventing metastasis and for inhibiting cancer cell growth in malignant breast cancer patients.
Distinct cognitive effects and underlying transcriptome changes upon inhibition of individual miRNAs in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Malmevik Josephine , Petri Rebecca , Knauff Pina , Brattås Per Ludvik , Åkerblom Malin , Jakobsson Johan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNA) are small, non-coding RNAs mediating post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. miRNAs have recently been implicated in hippocampus-dependent functions such as learning and memory, although the roles of individual miRNAs in these processes remain largely unknown. Here, we achieved stable inhibition using AAV-delivered miRNA sponges of individual, highly expressed and brain-enriched miRNAs; miR-124, miR-9 and miR-34, in hippocampal neurons. Molecular and cognitive studies revealed a role for miR-124 in learning and memory. Inhibition of miR-124 resulted in an enhanced spatial learning and working memory capacity, potentially through altered levels of genes linked to synaptic plasticity and neuronal transmission. In contrast, inhibition of miR-9 or miR-34 led to a decreased capacity of spatial learning and of reference memory, respectively. On a molecular level, miR-9 inhibition resulted in altered expression of genes related to cell adhesion, endocytosis and cell death, while miR-34 inhibition caused transcriptome changes linked to neuroactive ligand-receptor transduction and cell communication. In summary, this study establishes distinct roles for individual miRNAs in hippocampal function.
Climatic irregular staircases: generalized acceleration of global warming
Authors: De Saedeleer Bernard 
Published: January 2016

AbstractGlobal warming rates mentioned in the literature are often restricted to a couple of arbitrary periods of time, or of isolated values of the starting year, lacking a global view. In this study, we perform on the contrary an exhaustive parametric analysis of the NASA GISS LOTI data and also of the HadCRUT4 data. The starting year systematically varies between 1880 and 2002 and the averaging period from 5 to 30 yr — not only decades; the ending year also varies . In this way, we uncover a whole unexplored space of values for the global warming rate and access the full picture. Additionally, stairstep averaging and linear least squares fitting to determine climatic trends have been sofar exclusive. We propose here an original hybrid method which combines both approaches in order to derive a new type of climatic trend. We find that there is an overall acceleration of the global warming whatever the value of the averaging period and that 99.9% of the 3029 Earth’s climatic irregular staircases are rising. Graphical evidence is also given that choosing an El Niño year as starting year gives lower global warming rates — except if there is a volcanic cooling in parallel. Our rates agree and generalize several results mentioned in the literature.
Gap junction mediated miRNA intercellular transfer and gene regulation: A novel mechanism for intercellular genetic communication
Authors: Zong Liang , Zhu Yan , Liang Ruqiang , Zhao Hong-Bo 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIntercellular genetic communication is an essential requirement for coordination of cell proliferation and differentiation and has an important role in many cellular processes. Gap junction channels possess large pore allowing passage of ions and small molecules between cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that can regulate gene expression broadly. Here, we report that miRNAs can pass through gap junction channels in a connexin-dependent manner. Connexin43 (Cx43) had higher permeability, whereas Cx30 showed little permeability to miRNAs. In the tested connexin cell lines, the permeability to miRNAs demonstrated: Cx43 > Cx26/30 > Cx26 > Cx31 > Cx30 = Cx-null. However, consistent with a uniform structure of miRNAs, there was no significant difference in permeability to different miRNAs. The passage is efficient; the miRNA level in the recipient cells could be up to 30% of the donor level. Moreover, the transferred miRNA is functional and could regulate gene expression in neighboring cells. Connexin mutation and gap junctional blockers could eliminate this miRNA intercellular transfer and gene regulation. These data reveal a novel mechanism for intercellular genetic communication. Given that connexin expression is cell-specific, this connexin-dependent, miRNA intercellular genetic communication may play an important role in synchronizing and coordinating proliferation and differentiation of specific cell types during multicellular organ development.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 21 exists in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Zeng Sheng , Zeng Junsheng , He Miao , Zeng Xianfeng , Zhou Yao , Liu Zhen , Xia Kun , Pan Qian , Jiang Hong , Shen Lu , Yan Xinxiang , Tang Beisha , Wang Junling 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRecently, mutations in transmembrane protein 240 (TMEM240) were identified as the cause of spinocerebellar ataxia type 21 (SCA21) in several French families. Clinically, SCA21 is characterized as an early-onset, slowly progressive cerebellar syndrome typically associated with cognitive impairment. To date, molecular screening of SCA21 has not been reported among patients of other ethnic origins or in other areas. Here we used Sanger sequencing to detect mutations in exons of TMEM240 in 340 unrelated probands with spinocerebellar ataxia for whom commonly known causative mutations have been excluded (96 probands of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia families and 244 patients with sporadic spinocerebellar ataxia). As a result, a de novo missense mutation (c.509C > T/p.P170L) was identified in one sporadic SCA patient. The condition manifested as early-onset (30 years old), slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia accompanied by mild early evidenced mental retardation, mild frontal behavior disorders and intentional hand tremors. Although rare, a SCA21 case was identified and described in mainland China, thus broadening the ethnic distribution of SCA21 beyond French families.
Satellite gravity measurement monitoring terrestrial water storage change and drought in the continental United States
Authors: Yi Hang , Wen Lianxing 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe use satellite gravity measurements in the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) to estimate terrestrial water storage (TWS) change in the continental United States (US) from 2003 to 2012 and establish a GRACE-based Hydrological Drought Index (GHDI) for drought monitoring. GRACE-inferred TWS exhibits opposite patterns between north and south of the continental US from 2003 to 2012, with the equivalent water thickness increasing from −4.0 to 9.4 cm in the north and decreasing from 4.1 to −6.7 cm in the south. The equivalent water thickness also decreases by −5.1 cm in the middle south in 2006. GHDI is established to represent the extent of GRACE-inferred TWS anomaly departing from its historical average and is calibrated to resemble traditional Palmer Hydrological Drought Index (PHDI) in the continental US. GHDI exhibits good correlations with PHDI in the continental US, indicating its feasibility for drought monitoring. Since GHDI is GRACE-based and has minimal dependence of hydrological parameters on the ground, it can be extended for global drought monitoring, particularly useful for the countries that lack sufficient hydrological monitoring infrastructures on the ground.
Dysregulated expression of IDO may cause unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion through suppression of trophoblast cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Zong Shanshan , Li Chunqing , Luo Chengfeng , Zhao Xin , Liu Chunhong , Wang Kai , Jia Wenwen , Bai Mingliang , Yin Minghong , Bao Shihua , Guo Jie , Kang jiuhong , Duan Tao , Zhou Qian 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn pregnancy, trophoblast proliferation, migration and invasion are important for the establishment and maintenance of a successful pregnancy. Impaired trophoblast function has been implicated in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), a major complication of pregnancy, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that catabolizes tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway, is highly expressed in the placenta and serum during pregnancy. Here, we identified a novel function of IDO in regulating trophoblast cell proliferation and migration. We showed that IDO expression and activity were decreased in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) compared to normal pregnancy. Furthermore, blocking IDO in human trophoblast cells led to reduced proliferation and migration, along with decreased STAT3 phosphorylation and MMP9 expression. Increased STAT3 phosphorylation reversed the IDO knockdown-suppressed trophoblast cell proliferation and migration. In addition, the overexpression of IDO promoted cell proliferation and migration, which could be abolished by the STAT3 signaling inhibitor (AG490). Finally, we observed similar reductions of STAT3 phosphorylation and MMP9 expression in URSA patients. These results indicate that the level of IDO expression may be associated with pregnancy-related complications, such as URSA, by affecting trophoblast cell proliferation and migration via the STAT3 signaling pathway.
Effect of a CGMS and SMBG on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: WEI Qiong , SUN Zilin , YANG Yue , YU Hong , DING Hongjuan , WANG Shaohua 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this study, we sought to investigate the effects of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) on maternal and neonatal outcomes. A total of 106 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in gestational weeks 24–28 were randomly allocated to the antenatal care plus CGMS group or the self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) group. The CGMS group was subdivided into early and late subgroups. There were no significant differences in prenatal or obstetric outcomes, e.g., caesarean delivery rate, Apgar score at 5 min, macrosomia or neonatal hypoglycaemia, between the CGMS and SMBG groups. The CGMS group had lower glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels than the SMBG group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The proportion of GDM women with excessive gestational weight gain was lower in the CGMS group than in the SMBG group (33.3% vs. 56.4%, P = 0.039) and women who initiated CGMS earlier gained less weight (P = 0.017). The mode of blood glucose monitoring (adjusted OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.030–5.588; P = 0.042) and pre-pregnancy BMI (adjusted OR 0.578; 95% CI 0.419–0.798; P = 0.001) were independent factors for weight gain. In conclusion, early CGMS for GDM mothers reduces gestational weight gain. A follow-up study with a large cohort is needed.
“Intrinsic” correlations and their temporal evolutions between winter-time PNA/EPW and winter drought in the west United States
Authors: Piao Lin , Fu Zuntao , Yuan Naiming 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this study, relations between winter-time Pacific-Northern America pattern (PNA)/East Pacific wave-train (EPW) and winter-time drought in the west United States over the period of 1951–2010 are analyzed. Considering traditional Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient can be influenced by non-stationarity and nonlinearity, a recently proposed method, Detrended Partial-Cross-Correlation Analysis (DPCCA) is applied. With DPCCA, we analyzed the “intrinsic” correlations between PNA/EPW and the winter drought with possible effects of ENSO and PDO removed. We found, i) significant negative correlations between PNA/EPW and drought on time scales of 5–6 years after removing the effects of ENSO, ii) and significant negative correlations between PNA/EPW and drought on time scales of 15–25 years after removing the effects of PDO. By further studying the temporal evolutions of the “intrinsic” correlations, we found on time scales of 5–6 years, the “intrinsic” correlations between PNA/EPW and drought can vary severely with time, but for most time, the correlations are negative. While on interdecadal (15–25 years) time scales, after the effects of PDO removed, unlike the relations between PNA and drought, the “intrinsic” correlations between EPW and drought takes nearly homogeneous-sign over the whole period, indicating a better model can be designed by using EPW.
PEDOT:PSS as multi-functional composite material for enhanced Li-air-battery air electrodes
Authors: Yoon Dae Ho , Yoon Seon Hye , Ryu Kwang-Sun , Park Yong Joon 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe propose PEDOT:PSS as a multi-functional composite material for an enhanced Li-air-battery air electrode. The PEDOT:PSS layer was coated on the surface of carbon (graphene) using simple method. A electrode containing PEDOT:PSS-coated graphene (PEDOT electrode) could be prepared without binder (such as PVDF) because of high adhesion of PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT electrode presented considerable discharge and charge capacity at all current densities. These results shows that PEDOT:PSS acts as a redox reaction matrix and conducting binder in the air electrode. Moreover, after cycling, the accumulation of reaction products due to side reaction in the electrode was significantly reduced through the use of PEDOT:PSS. This implies that PEDOT:PSS coating layer can suppress the undesirable side reactions between the carbon and electrolyte (and/or Li2O2), which causes enhanced Li-air cell cyclic performance.
Pathway engineering of Propionibacterium jensenii for improved production of propionic acid
Authors: Liu Long , Guan Ningzi , Zhu Gexin , Li Jianghua , Shin Hyun-dong , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPropionic acid (PA) is an important chemical building block widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In our previous study, a shuttle vector was developed as a useful tool for engineering Propionibacterium jensenii and two key enzymes—glycerol dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase—were overexpressed to improve PA titer. Here, we aimed to improve PA production further via the pathway engineering of P. jensenii. First, the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene (ppc) from Klebsiella pneumoniae was overexpressed to access the one-step synthesis of oxaloacetate directly from phosphoenolpyruvate without pyruvate as intermediate. Next, genes encoding lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) and pyruvate oxidase (poxB) were deleted to block the synthesis of the by-products lactic acid and acetic acid, respectively. Overexpression of ppc and deleting ldh improved PA titer from 26.95 ± 1.21 g·L−1 to 33.21 ± 1.92 g·L−1 and 30.50 ± 1.63 g·L−1, whereas poxB deletion decreased it. The influence of this pathway engineering on gene transcription, enzyme expression, NADH/NAD+ ratio and metabolite concentration was also investigated. Finally, PA production in P. jensenii with ppc overexpression as well as ldh deletion was investigated, which resulted in further increases in PA titer to 34.93 ± 2.99 g·L−1 in a fed-batch culture.
Oceanic barnacles act as foundation species on plastic debris: implications for marine dispersal
Authors: Gil Michael A. , Pfaller Joseph B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPlastic has emerged as an abundant, stable substratum for oceanic dispersal of organisms via rafting. However, the ecological mechanisms underlying community diversity on plastic debris remain poorly understood. On a cruise from California to Hawai’i, we surveyed plastic debris, some likely originating from the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami, to examine the relationship between rafting community diversity and both habitat area and stalked barnacle (Lepas spp.) abundance. For sessile taxa richness, we observed an interaction in which the positive effect of debris area weakened the negative effect of barnacle cover. In contrast, for mobile taxa richness, including cohabiting species from opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean, barnacle abundance had a positive effect that was strongest at smaller debris sizes. These findings suggest that barnacles, through interactions with habitat area, have trait-dependent effects on other species, serving as both foundation species and competitors, mediating the diversity and dispersal potential of marine organisms on plastic debris.
The effect of high-fat diet on rat’s mood, feeding behavior and response to stress
Authors: Aslani S , Vieira N , Marques F , Costa P S , Sousa N , Palha J A 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAn association between obesity and depression has been indicated in studies addressing common physical (metabolic) and psychological (anxiety, low self-esteem) outcomes. Of consideration in both obesity and depression are chronic mild stressors to which individuals are exposed to on a daily basis. However, the response to stress is remarkably variable depending on numerous factors, such as the physical health and the mental state at the time of exposure. Here a chronic mild stress (CMS) protocol was used to assess the effect of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity on response to stress in a rat model. In addition to the development of metabolic complications, such as glucose intolerance, diet-induced obesity caused behavioral alterations. Specifically, animals fed on HFD displayed depressive- and anxious-like behaviors that were only present in the normal diet (ND) group upon exposure to CMS. Of notice, these mood impairments were not further aggravated when the HFD animals were exposed to CMS, which suggest a ceiling effect. Moreover, although there was a sudden drop of food consumption in the first 3 weeks of the CMS protocol in both ND and HFD groups, only the CMS-HFD displayed an overall noticeable decrease in total food intake during the 6 weeks of the CMS protocol. Altogether, the study suggests that HFD impacts on the response to CMS, which should be considered when addressing the consequences of obesity in behavior.
TCDD-inducible poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (TIPARP/PARP7) mono-ADP-ribosylates and co-activates liver X receptors
Authors: Bindesbøll Christian , Tan Susanna , Bott Debbie , Cho Tiffany , Tamblyn Laura , MacPherson Laura , Grønning-Wang Line , Nebb Hilde Irene , Matthews Jason 
Published: January 2016

Members of the poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) family catalyse the ADP-ribosylation of target proteins and are known to play important roles in many cellular processes, including DNA repair, differentiation and transcription. The majority of PARPs exhibit mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase activity rather than PARP activity; however, little is known about their biological activity. In the present study, we report that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-inducible poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (TIPARP), mono-ADP-ribosylates and positively regulates liver X receptor α (LXRα) and LXRβ activity. Overexpression of TIPARP enhanced LXR-reporter gene activity. TIPARP knockdown or deletion reduced LXR regulated target gene expression levels in HepG2 cells and in Tiparp−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) respectively. Deletion and mutagenesis studies showed that TIPARP's zinc-finger and catalytic domains were required to enhance LXR activity. Protein interaction studies using TIPARP and LXRα/β peptide arrays revealed that LXRs interacted with an N-terminal sequence (a.a. 209–236) of TIPARP, which also overlapped with a putative co-activator domain of TIPARP (a.a. 200–225). Immunofluorescence studies showed that TIPARP and LXRα or LXRβ co-localized in the nucleus. In vitro ribosylation assays provided evidence that TIPARP mono-ADP-ribosylated both LXRα and LXRβ. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) studies revealed that ADP-ribosylase macrodomain 1 (MACROD1), but not MACROD2, interacted with LXRs in a TIPARP-dependent manner. This was complemented by reporter gene studies showing that MACROD1, but not MACROD2, prevented the TIPARP-dependent increase in LXR activity. GW3965-dependent increases in hepatic Srebp1 mRNA and protein expression levels were reduced in Tiparp−/− mice compared with Tiparp+/+ mice. Taken together, these data identify a new mechanism of LXR regulation that involves TIPARP, ADP-ribosylation and MACROD1.
Local X-ray magnetic circular dichroism study of Fe/Cu(111) using a tunneling smart tip
Authors: DiLullo Andrew , Shirato Nozomi , Cummings Marvin , Kersell Heath , Chang Hao , Rosenmann Daniel , Miller Dean , Freeland John W. , Hla Saw-Wai , Rose Volker 
Published: January 2016

Localized spectroscopy with simultaneous topographic, elemental and magnetic information is presented. A synchrotron X-ray scanning tunneling microscope has been employed for the local study of the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism at the FeL2,3-edges of a thin iron film grown on Cu(111). Polarization-dependent X-ray absorption spectra have been obtained through a tunneling smart tip that serves as a photoelectron detector. In contrast to conventional spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray excitations provide magnetic contrast even with a non-magnetic tip. Intensity variations in the photoexcited tip current point to chemical variations within a single magnetic Fe domain.
Socioecological predictors of immune defences in wild spotted hyenas
Authors: Flies Andrew S. , Mansfield Linda S. , Flies Emily J. , Grant Chris K. , Holekamp Kay E. 
Published: January 2016

Summary

Social rank can profoundly affect many aspects of mammalian reproduction and stress physiology, but little is known about how immune function is affected by rank and other socioecological factors in free‐living animals.

In this study, we examine the effects of sex, social rank and reproductive status on immune function in long‐lived carnivores that are routinely exposed to a plethora of pathogens, yet rarely show signs of disease.

Here, we show that two types of immune defences, complement‐mediated bacterial killing capacity (BKC) and total IgM, are positively correlated with social rank in wild hyenas, but that a third type, total IgG, does not vary with rank.

Female spotted hyenas, which are socially dominant to males in this species, have higher BKC, and higher IgG and IgM concentrations, than do males.

Immune defences are lower in lactating than pregnant females, suggesting the immune defences may be energetically costly.

Serum cortisol and testosterone concentrations are not reliable predictors of basic immune defences in wild female spotted hyenas.

These results suggest that immune defences are costly and multiple socioecological variables are important determinants of basic immune defences among wild hyenas. The effects of these variables should be accounted for when attempting to understand disease ecology and immune function.