bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WISP1/CCN4 inhibits adipocyte differentiation through repression of PPARγ activity
Authors: Ferrand Nathalie , Béreziat Véronique , Moldes Marthe , Zaoui Maurice , Larsen Annette K. , Sabbah Michèle 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWISP1 (Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1, also known as CCN4) is a member of the CCN family able to mediate cell growth, transformation and survival in a tissue-specific manner. Here, we report that WISP1 expression was highly increased in preadipocytes and decreased during adipocyte differentiation. Moreover, we observed an increase in WISP1 gene expression in adipose tissue from both diet-induced and leptin-deficient ob/ob obese mice, suggesting that WISP1 could be involved in the pathophysiological onset of obesity. Interestingly, overexpression of WISP1 in 3T3-F442A cells prevented adipocyte differentiation via downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) transcriptional activity thereby attenuating the expression of adipogenic markers. Conversely, silencing of WISP1 enhanced adipocyte differentiation. We further show that the inactivation of PPARγ transcriptional activity was mediated, at least in part, by a direct physical association between WISP1 and PPARγ, followed by proteasome-dependent degradation of PPARγ. These results suggest for the first time that WISP1 interacts with PPARγ and that this interaction results in the inhibition of PPARγ activity. Taken together our results suggest that WISP1 functions as a negative regulator of adipogenesis.
Controlling magnetic transition of monovacancy graphene by shear distortion
Authors: Gao Fei , Gao Shiwu 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe effect of shear distortion on the vacancy induced magnetism in graphene is investigated using extensive first-principles calculations. It is found that shear distortion can lead to magnetic transition between two states with high and low magnetic moments. Such a transition is reversible and results from the breaking of the in-plane symmetry of the local atoms, which reverses spin polarization of the π bands of the vacancy states near the Fermi level and leads to the change of magnetic transition by 1 µB. This finding opens the possibility for nanomechanical control of graphene magnetism and has potential applications in spintronics and magnetic sensing.
An ancient selective sweep linked to reproductive life history evolution in sockeye salmon
Authors: Veale Andrew J. , Russello Michael A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractStudy of parallel (or convergent) phenotypic evolution can provide important insights into processes driving sympatric, ecologically-mediated divergence and speciation, as ecotype pairs may provide a biological replicate of the underlying signals and mechanisms. Here, we provide evidence for a selective sweep creating an island of divergence associated with reproductive behavior in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), identifying a series of linked single nucleotide polymorphisms across a ~22,733 basepair region spanning the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 9 gene exhibiting signatures of divergent selection associated with stream- and shore-spawning in both anadromous and resident forms across their pan-Pacific distribution. This divergence likely occurred ~3.8 Mya (95% HPD = 2.1–6.03 Mya), after sockeye separated from pink (O. gorbuscha) and chum (O. keta) salmon, but prior to the Pleistocene glaciations. Our results suggest recurrent evolution of reproductive ecotypes across the native range of O. nerka is at least partially associated with divergent selection of pre-existing genetic variation within or linked to this region. As sockeye salmon are unique among Pacific salmonids in their flexibility to spawn in lake-shore benthic environments, this region provides great promise for continued investigation of the genomic basis of O. nerka life history evolution, and, more broadly, for increasing our understanding of the heritable basis of adaptation of complex traits in novel environments.
Partial microduplication in the histone acetyltransferase complex member KANSL1 is associated with congenital heart defects in 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome patients
Authors: León Luis E. , Benavides Felipe , Espinoza Karena , Vial Cecilia , Alvarez Patricia , Palomares Mirta , Lay-Son Guillermo , Miranda Macarena , Repetto Gabriela M. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common microdeletion disorder in humans, with an incidence of 1/4000 live births. It is caused by a heterozygous deletion of 1.5–3 Mb on chromosome region 22q11.2. Patients with the deletion present features that include neuropsychiatric problems, craniofacial abnormalities and cardiovascular malformations. However, the phenotype is highly variable and the factors related to the clinical heterogeneity are not fully understood. About 65% of patients with 22q11.2DS have congenital heart defects (CHD). The main goal of this study was to identify common CNVs in 22q11.2DS patients that could be associated with the incomplete penetrance of CHD. Analysis of genomic DNA from 253 patients with 22q11.2DS using array technology showed an association between a microduplication located in region 17q21.31 and CHD (p-value = 0.023, OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.17–7.03). This region includes the first three exons of KANSL1 gene. Bioinformatic analysis showed that KANSL1 and CRKL, a gene in the commonly deleted region of 22q11.2DS, are part of the same regulatory module in a miRNA-mRNA network. These results show that a KANSL1 microduplication, in combination with the 22q11.2 deletion, is associated with increased risk of CHD in these patients, suggesting that KANSL1 plays a role as a modifier gene in 22q11.2DS patients.
Direct atomic scale determination of magnetic ion partition in a room temperature multiferroic material
Authors: Keeney Lynette , Downing Clive , Schmidt Michael , Pemble Martyn E. , Nicolosi Valeria , Whatmore Roger W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe five-layer Aurivillius phase Bi6TixFeyMnzO18 system is a rare example of a single-phase room temperature multiferroic material. To optimise its properties and exploit it for future memory storage applications, it is necessary to understand the origin of the room temperature magnetisation. In this work we use high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, EDX and EELS to discover how closely-packed Ti/Mn/Fe cations of similar atomic number are arranged, both within the perfect structure and within defect regions. Direct evidence for partitioning of the magnetic cations (Mn and Fe) to the central three of the five perovskite (PK) layers is presented, which reveals a marked preference for Mn to partition to the central layer. We infer this is most probably due to elastic strain energy considerations. The observed increase (>8%) in magnetic cation content at the central PK layers engenders up to a 90% increase in potential ferromagnetic spin alignments in the central layer and this could be significant in terms of creating pathways to the long-range room temperature magnetic order observed in this distinct and intriguing material system.
Quantum interference and heteroaromaticity of para- and meta-linked bridged biphenyl units in single molecular conductance measurements
Authors: Gantenbein Markus , Wang Lin , Al-jobory Alaa A. , Ismael Ali K. , Lambert Colin J. , Hong Wenjing , Bryce Martin R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIs there a correlation between the (hetero)aromaticity of the core of a molecule and its conductance in a single molecular junction? To address this question, which is of fundamental interest in molecular electronics, oligo(arylene-ethynylene) (OAE) molecular wires have been synthesized with core units comprising dibenzothiophene, carbazole, dibenzofuran and fluorene. The biphenyl core has been studied for comparison. Two isomeric series have been obtained with 4-ethynylpyridine units linked to the core either at para-para positions (para series 1–5) or meta-meta positions (meta series 6–10). A combined experimental and computational study, using mechanically controlled break junction measurements and density functional theory calculations, demonstrates consistently higher conductance in the para series compared to the meta series: this is in agreement with increased conjugation of the π–system in the para series. Within the para series conductance increases in the order of decreasing heteroaromaticity (dibenzothiophene < carbazole < dibenzofuran). However, the sequence is very different in the meta series, where dibenzothiophene ≈ dibenzofuran < carbazole. Excellent agreement between theoretical and experimental conductance values is obtained. Our study establishes that both quantum interference and heteroaromaticity in the molecular core units play important and inter-related roles in determining the conductance of single molecular junctions.
TaPIMP2, a pathogen-induced MYB protein in wheat, contributes to host resistance to common root rot caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana
Authors: Wei Xuening , Shan Tianlei , Hong Yantao , Xu Huijun , Liu Xin , Zhang Zengyan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMYB transcription factors (TFs) have been implicated in various biology processes in model plants. However, functions of the great majority of MYB TFs in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) have not been characterized. The soil-borne fungal pathogens Bipolaris sorokiniana and Rhizoctonia cerealis are the causal agents of important destructive diseases of wheat. Here, the TaPIMP2 gene, encoding a pathogen-induced MYB protein in wheat, was isolated through comparative transcriptomic analysis, and its defensive role was studied. TaPIMP2 was proved to localize in nuclei. TaPIMP2 responded in a different extent and speed upon infections of B. sorokiniana or R. cerealis. TaPIMP2 displayed different expression patterns after exogenous application of phytohormones, including abscisic acid, ethylene, and salicylic acid. Silencing of TaPIMP2 repressed resistance of wheat cultivar Yangmai 6 to B. sorokiniana, but did not alter resistance of wheat line CI12633 to R. cerealis. TaPIMP2 overexpression significantly improved resistance to B. sorokiniana rather than R. cerealis in transgenic wheat. Moreover, TaPIMP2 positively modulated the expression of pathogenesis-related genes, including PR1a, PR2, PR5, and PR10. Collectively, TaPIMP2 positively contributes to wheat resistance to B. sorokiniana possibly through regulating the expression of defense-related genes, and TaPIMP2 plays distinct roles in defense responses to different fungal infection.
El Niño increases the risk of lower Mississippi River flooding
Authors: Munoz Samuel E. , Dee Sylvia G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMississippi River floods rank among the costliest climate-related disasters in the world. Improving flood predictability, preparedness, and response at seasonal to decadal time-scales requires an understanding of the climatic controls that govern flood occurrence. Linking flood occurrence to persistent modes of climate variability like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has proven challenging, due in part to the limited number of high-magnitude floods available for study in the instrumental record. To augment the relatively short instrumental record, we use output from the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Last Millennium Ensemble (LME) to investigate the dynamical controls on discharge extremes of the lower Mississippi River. We show that through its regional influence on surface water storage, the warm phase of ENSO preconditions the lower Mississippi River to be vulnerable to flooding. In the 6–12 months preceding a flood, El Niño generates a positive precipitation anomaly over the lower Mississippi basin that gradually builds up soil moisture and reduces the basin’s infiltration capacity, thereby elevating the risk of a major flood during subsequent rainstorms. Our study demonstrates how natural climate variability mediates the formation of extreme floods on one of the world’s principal commercial waterways, adding significant predictive ability to near- and long-term forecasts of flood risk.
Michaelis-Menten kinetics of soil respiration feedbacks to nitrogen deposition and climate change in subtropical forests
Authors: Eberwein Jennifer , Shen Weijun , Jenerette G. Darrel 
Published: May 2017

AbstractChina experiences some of the highest rates of anthropogenic nitrogen deposition globally, with further increases projected. Understanding of soil feedbacks to the combined anthropogenic influences of climate change and nitrogen deposition in these systems is critical to improve predictive abilities for future climate scenarios. Here we used a Michaelis-Menten substrate-based kinetics framework to explore how soil CO2 production (Rsoil) responds to changes in temperature and available soil nitrogen (N) by combining field experiments with laboratory manipulations from sites experiencing elevated rates of anthropogenic N deposition but varying in soil N availabiltiy. The temperature sensitivity of Rsoil was strongly influenced by labile C additions. Furthermore, estimation of the temperature response of the Michaelis-Menten parameters supports the use of substrate-based kinetics in modeling efforts. Results from both field and laboratory experiments demonstrated a general decrease in Rsoil with increasing soil available N that was variably dependent on carbon (C) availability. Both the field and the laboratory measurements demonstrated a consistent decrease in the Michaelis-Menten parameter kM with increasing soil available N, indicating an increase in the efficiency of soil C decomposition with increasing N. Furthermore, these results provide evidence of interactions between N deposition and temperature sensitivity, which could influence C storage under combined anthropogenic global change drivers.
Single-cell pH imaging and detection for pH profiling and label-free rapid identification of cancer-cells
Authors: Hou Hui , Zhao Yangyang , Li Chuanping , Wang Minmin , Xu Xiaolong , Jin Yongdong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSingle-cell pH-sensing and accurate detection and label-free fast identification of cancer-cells are two long-standing pursuits in cell and life science, as intracellular pH plays a crucial role in many cellular events and fates, while the latter is vital for early cancer theranostics. Numerous methods based on functionalized nanoparticles and fluorescence probes have been developed for cell pH-sensing, but are often hindered for single-cell studies by their main drawbacks of complicated probe preparation and labeling, low sensitivity and poor reproducibility. Here we report a simple and reliable method for single-cell pH imaging and sensing by innovative combined use of UV-Vis microspectroscopy and common pH indicators. Accurate and sensitive pH detection on single-cell or sub-cell level with good reproducibility is achieved by the method, which enables facile single-cell pH profiling and label-free rapid identification of cancer-cells (due to distinguishable intracellular pH levels) for early cancer diagnosis, and may open a new avenue for pH-related single-cell studies.
Structural insights into a 20.8-kDa tegumental-allergen-like (TAL) protein from Clonorchis sinensis
Authors: Jo Chang Hwa , Son Jonghyeon , Kim Sulhee , Oda Takashi , Kim Jaehoon , Lee Myoung-Ro , Sato Mamoru , Kim Hyun Tae , Unzai Satoru , Park Sam-Yong , Hwang Kwang Yeon 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSurvival of Clonorchis sinensis, a cause of human clonorchiasis, requires tegument proteins, which are localized to the tegumental outer surface membrane. These proteins play an important role in a host response and parasite survival. Thus, these proteins are interesting molecular targets for vaccine and drug development. Here, we have determined two crystal structures of the calmodulin like domain (amino acid [aa] positions 1–81) and dynein light chain (DLC)-like domain (aa 83–177) of a 20.8-kDa tegumental-allergen-like protein from Clonorchis sinensis (CsTAL3). The calmodulin like domain has two Ca2+-binding sites (named CB1 and CB2), but Ca2+ binds to only one site, CB1. The DLC-like domain has a dimeric conformation; the interface is formed mainly by hydrogen bonds between the main chain atoms. In addition, we have determined full-length structure of CsTAL3 in solution and showed the conformational change of CsTAL3 induced by Ca2+ ion binding using small-angle X-ray scattering analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. The Ca2+-bound form has a more extended conformation than the Ca2+-free from does. These structural and biochemical analyses will advance the understanding of the biology of this liver fluke and may contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanism of calcium-responsive and tegumental-allergen-like proteins.
Clinical experience with the artificial bone graft substitute Calcibon used following curettage of benign and low-grade malignant bone tumors
Authors: Friesenbichler Joerg , Maurer-Ertl Werner , Bergovec Marko , Holzer Lukas A. , Ogris Kathrin , Leitner Lukas , Leithner Andreas 
Published: May 2017

AbstractArtificial bone graft substitutes, such as Calcibon, are becoming increasingly interesting as they do not cause donor site morbidity which is an advantage compared to autologous bone grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and potential complications associated with the use of Calcibon. Twenty-seven patients with benign and low-grade malignant bone tumors were treated with curettage and refilling of the bony cavity. Based on the radiological classification system of Neer, these lesions only comprised Grade I lesions, describing cysts that only require curettage and filling, but no additional treatment. At a mean follow up of six months we observed radiological consolidation without resorption of the bone graft substitute. These observations were also made at a mean follow-up of 13 and 32 months, respectively. According to the classification system of Goslings and Gouma we observed six surgical complications. Summing up, Calcibon seems to be a reliable bone graft substitute with low complication rates. However, delayed resorption should be expected. Calcibon seems to be an alternative to autologous bone grafts or allografts in adequate indications.
Comparative quality assessment of esophageal examination with transnasal and sedated endoscopy
Authors: Crews Nicholas , Gorospe Emmanuel , Johnson Michele , Wong Kee Song Louis-Michel , Katzka David , Iyer Prasad 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background Unsedated transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) may offer a less expensive, mobile alternative to sedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for evaluations of reflux related complications. Comparisons of imaging quality by these methods are lacking.
Methods Two reviewers evaluated videos of TNE and EGD procedures, performed during a community randomized study comparing endoscopic techniques. Subjects were randomized to EGD, TNE in endoscopy suite, or TNE in mobile research unit. Endoscopic quality was assessed using a validated scoring tool.
Results In total, 115 videos (58 EGD, 28 endoscopy suite TNE, and 29 mobile TNE) were reviewed. Overall quality scores for TNE and EGD were excellent without a statistically significant difference (P = 0.30). There were no differences in gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) visualization scores, though EGD scored higher in esophageal passage (P < 0.05) and TNE scored higher in esophageal intubation (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in any quality score between mobile TNE and gastrointestinal suite TNE.
Conclusion Esophageal assessment with TNE or EGD was comparable in overall quality and GEJ visualization. TNE quality was not affected by procedure location. TNE is a feasible option for endoscopic assessment of reflux complications.
Per-oral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia cardia: outcomes in over 400 consecutive patients
Authors: Nabi Zaheer , Ramchandani Mohan , Chavan Radhika , Kalapala Rakesh , Darisetty Santosh , Rao Guduru , Reddy Nageshwar 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as an efficacious treatment modality for the management of achalasia cardia (AC) and non-achalasia spastic esophageal motility disorders. Initial results are encouraging. We analyzed the safety and efficacy of POEM in a large cohort of patients with AC.
Patients and methods The data from patients who underwent POEM (from January 2013 to June 2016) was prospectively collected and analyzed. Clinical success was defined as Eckardt score ≤ 3 after POEM procedure. Objective parameters including high-resolution manometry (HRM) and timed barium swallow (TBS) were analyzed and compared before and after the procedure. Gastroesophageal reflux was analyzed using 24-hour pH impedance study and esophagogastro-duodenoscopy.
Results A total of 408 patients (mean age 40 years, range 4 – 77 years) underwent POEM during the specified period. POEM could be successfully completed in 396 (97 %) patients. Clinical success rates at 1, 2 and 3 years were 94 %, 91 % and 90 %, respectively. Mean Eckardt score was 7.07 ± 1.6 prior to POEM and 1.27 ± 1.06 after POEM (P = 0.001) at 1 year. Significant improvement in esophageal emptying on TBE (> 50 %) was documented in 93.8 % patients who completed 1-year follow up. Pre-procedure and post-procedure mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 45 ± 16.5 mmHg and 15.6 ± 6.1 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.001). Technical and clinical success were comparable in naïve vs prior treated cases (97.3 % vs 96.8 %, P = 0.795) (95.7 % vs 92.6 %, P = 0.275). GERD was documented in 28.3 % patients with 24-hour pH-impedance study and erosive esophagitis was seen in 18.5 % of patients who underwent POEM.
Conclusions POEM is safe, effective and has a durable response in patients with achalasia cardia. Prior treatment does not influence the outcomes of POEM.
The role of market measures in forest governance: the example of forest certification in boreal forests.
Authors: Almstedt Å. , Keskitalo E. C. H. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Forest governance may be defined as the way in which actions in a sector (here forest use) are controlled at multiple levels and by multiple actors. The forest certification market mechanism was introduced in 1993, partly as a reaction to the failed attempt to create a global forest convention at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Today FSC and the PEFC are the two dominant certification bodies in forestry. This paper exemplifies this novel area of market-based governance through a literature review, including articles published in the Web of Science between 1993 and 2013 on forest certification in countries with boreal forest The study highlights the differences between different countries and certification schemes, for example showing how different actors may choose different certification strategies, depending on market situation and forest ownership structure, and also how the outcomes of the implementation of novel certification practices may vary depending on country and broader governance context.