bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant communities and ecosystem processes in a succession-altitude matrix after shifting cultivation in the tropical montane forest zone of northern Borneo
Authors: Fujiki Shogoro , Nishio Shogo , Okada Kei-ichi , Nais Jamili , Kitayama Kanehiro 
Published: November 2016

Abstract:Plant communities and ecosystem processes in seres at multiple altitudes in the tropical montane forest zone of northern Borneo were studied to understand the patterns and mechanisms of the secondary succession after shifting cultivation. A total of 25 stands (and additional three stands) were sampled with stand ages ranging from 2 to 55 y after slash and burn at altitudes between 900 and 1400 m asl. Plant species composition, above-ground biomass (AGB), chemical properties of soils, litter and foliar samples were investigated in each stand. A TWINSPAN analysis classified five plant communities primarily as a sere but with two altitudinal communities in the later successional phase. AGB accumulated steadily at the rate of 2.42 Mg ha−1 y−1 during the succession for the first 55 y due to the ontogenetic development of plants as well as plant community shifts. At the onset of secondary succession, pool of soil NO3-N and soil total P was high probably because burning caused flushes of minerals originating from the burnt plant materials. Pool of soil NO3-N and soil total P decreased with increasing stand age during the succession. Leaf-litter N:P ratios of dominant species significantly increased with increasing stand age suggesting disproportionately greater P deficiency than N deficiency in the later successional phase. It is suggested that tree species shifted to those of greater P-use efficiency during succession in response to decreasing soil P availability. We conclude that the interaction of altitude with the reduction of soil N and P availability was related to the altitudinal split of plant communities in the later phase, while pioneer communities were wide-ranging across altitudes reflecting richer soil nutrients.
Notes on weak units of group-like 1- and 2-stacks
Authors: ALDROVANDI ETTORE , TATAR A. EMIN 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe weak units of strict monoidal 1- and 2-categories are defined respectively in [15] and [14]. In this paper, we define them for group-like 1- and 2-stacks. We show that they form a contractible Picard 1- and 2-stack, respectively. We give their cohomological description which provides for these stacks a representation by complexes of sheaves of groups. Later, we extend the discussion to the monoidal case. We consider the (2-)substack of cancelable objects of a monoidal 1-(2-)stack. We observe that this (2-)substack is trivially group-like, its weak units are the same as the weak units of the monoidal 1-(2-)stack, and therefore we can recover the contractibility results in [15] and [14] by analysing it.
Assessing capacity to consent to treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia using a specific and standardized version of the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool (MacCAT-T)
Authors: Mueller Tanja , Haberstroh Julia , Knebel Maren , Oswald Frank , Kaspar Roman , Kemper Christoph J. , Halder-Sinn Petra , Schroeder Johannes , Pantel Johannes 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTBackground:The use of assessment tools has been shown to improve the inter-rater reliability of capacity assessments. However, instrument-based capacity assessments of people with dementia face challenges. In dementia research, measuring capacity with instruments like the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MacCAT-T) mostly employ hypothetical treatment vignettes that can overwhelm the abstraction capabilities of people with dementia and are thus not always suitable for this target group. The primary aim of this study was to provide a standardized real informed consent paradigm that enables the dementia-specific properties of capacity to consent to treatment in people with dementia to be identified in a real informed consent process that is both externally valid and ethically justifiable.Methods:The sample consisted of 53 people with mild to moderate dementia and a group of 133 people without cognitive impairment. Rather than using a hypothetical treatment vignette, we used a standardized version of the MacCAT-T to assess capacity to consent to treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors in people with dementia. Inter-rater reliability, item statistics, and psychometric properties were also investigated.Results:Intraclass correlations (ICCs) (0.951–0.990) indicated high inter-rater reliability of the standardized real informed consent paradigm. In the dementia group, performance on different items of the MacCAT-T varied. Most people with dementia were able to express a treatment choice, and were aware of the need to take a tablet. Further information on the course of the disorder and the benefits and risks of the treatment were less understood, as was comparative reasoning regarding treatment alternatives.Conclusion:The standardized real informed consent paradigm enabled us to detect dementia-specific characteristics of patients’ capacity to consent to treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors. In order to determine suitable enhanced consent procedures for this treatment, we recommend the consideration of MacCAT-T results on an item level. People with dementia seem to understand only basic information. Our data indicate that one useful strategy to enhance capacity to consent is to reduce attention and memory demands as far as possible.
The functional approach in comparative socio-legal research: reflections based on a study of plural work regulation in Australia and Indonesia
Authors: Mahy Petra 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis paper examines the potential use and limits of Zweigert and Kötz's classical functional approach in comparative law for an empirical socio-legal research project. The project involves a comparison of the formal labour laws and informal norms and institutions which regulate restaurant work in the cities of Melbourne, Australia, and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The paper argues that the functional approach is a necessary but incomplete method for overcoming the many issues of comparability between the two research sites; the method requires both extension of its analytical steps and explicit explanation of its limitations.
Nested comparisons: nation-building through comparative thinking about Albanian law
Authors: Pritchard Eleanor 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSince the late nineteenth century, ideas about law, both Albanian and ‘other’, have played significant parts in the development of a sense of ‘Albanian-ness’ and remain central to the ongoing construction of the nation. In this paper, I examine how comparative thinking about ‘Albanian law’ in northern Albania and predominantly Albanian Kosovo has contributed to nation-building aims, with particular reference to comparative thinking around theKanunof Lekë Dukagjin, an early-twentieth-century legal code rooted in northern-Albanian customary practices. I look at this from two perspectives: comparative thinking by the law-writer in theKanunand comparative thinking by a contemporaneous writer about theKanun. Through these perspectives, we gain a more nuanced understanding of the intellectual context of theKanun’s production than is reflected in the existing literature, and a glimpse of its continued relevance today to ideas of nation.
MHC class II complexes sample intermediate states along the peptide exchange pathway
Authors: Wieczorek Marek , Sticht Jana , Stolzenberg Sebastian , Günther Sebastian , Wehmeyer Christoph , El Habre Zeina , Álvaro-Benito Miguel , Noé Frank , Freund Christian 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe presentation of peptide-MHCII complexes (pMHCIIs) for surveillance by T cells is a well-known immunological concept in vertebrates, yet the conformational dynamics of antigen exchange remain elusive. By combining NMR-detected H/D exchange with Markov modelling analysis of an aggregate of 275 microseconds molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal that a stable pMHCII spontaneously samples intermediate conformations relevant for peptide exchange. More specifically, we observe two major peptide exchange pathways: the kinetic stability of a pMHCII’s ground state defines its propensity for intrinsic peptide exchange, while the population of a rare, intermediate conformation correlates with the propensity of the HLA-DM-catalysed pathway. Helix-destabilizing mutants designed based on our model shift the exchange behaviour towards the HLA-DM-catalysed pathway and further allow us to conceptualize how allelic variation can shape an individual’s MHC restricted immune response.
Control of diabetic hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance through TSC22D4
Authors: Ekim Üstünel Bilgen , Friedrich Kilian , Maida Adriano , Wang Xiaoyue , Krones-Herzig Anja , Seibert Oksana , Sommerfeld Anke , Jones Allan , Sijmonsma Tjeerd P. , Sticht Carsten , Gretz Norbert , Fleming Thomas , Nawroth Peter P. , Stremmel Wolfgang , Rose Adam J. , Berriel-Diaz Mauricio , Blüher Matthias , Herzig Stephan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObesity-related insulin resistance represents the core component of the metabolic syndrome, promoting glucose intolerance, pancreatic beta cell failure and type 2 diabetes. Efficient and safe insulin sensitization and glucose control remain critical therapeutic aims to prevent diabetic late complications Here, we identify transforming growth factor beta-like stimulated clone (TSC) 22 D4 as a molecular determinant of insulin signalling and glucose handling. Hepatic TSC22D4 inhibition both prevents and reverses hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in diabetes mouse models. TSC22D4 exerts its effects on systemic glucose homeostasis—at least in part—through the direct transcriptional regulation of the small secretory protein lipocalin 13 (LCN13). Human diabetic patients display elevated hepatic TSC22D4 expression, which correlates with decreased insulin sensitivity, hyperglycaemia and LCN13 serum levels. Our results establish TSC22D4 as a checkpoint in systemic glucose metabolism in both mice and humans, and propose TSC22D4 inhibition as an insulin sensitizing option in diabetes therapy.
Functional competence of a partially engaged GPCR–β-arrestin complex
Authors: Kumari Punita , Srivastava Ashish , Banerjee Ramanuj , Ghosh Eshan , Gupta Pragya , Ranjan Ravi , Chen Xin , Gupta Bhagyashri , Gupta Charu , Jaiman Deepika , Shukla Arun K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractG Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of cell surface receptors and drug targets. GPCR signalling and desensitization is critically regulated by β-arrestins (βarr). GPCR–βarr interaction is biphasic where the phosphorylated carboxyl terminus of GPCRs docks to the N-domain of βarr first and then seven transmembrane core of the receptor engages with βarr. It is currently unknown whether fully engaged GPCR–βarr complex is essential for functional outcomes or partially engaged complex can also be functionally competent. Here we assemble partially and fully engaged complexes of a chimeric β2V2R with βarr1, and discover that the core interaction is dispensable for receptor endocytosis, ERK MAP kinase binding and activation. Furthermore, we observe that carvedilol, a βarr biased ligand, does not promote detectable engagement between βarr1 and the receptor core. These findings uncover a previously unknown aspect of GPCR-βarr interaction and provide novel insights into GPCR signalling and regulatory paradigms.
Neural correlates of working memory development in adolescent primates
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhu Dantong , Qi Xue-Lian , Li Sihai , King Samson G. , Salinas Emilio , Stanford Terrence R. , Constantinidis Christos 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWorking memory ability matures after puberty, in parallel with structural changes in the prefrontal cortex, but little is known about how changes in prefrontal neuronal activity mediate this cognitive improvement in primates. To address this issue, we compare behavioural performance and neurophysiological activity in monkeys as they transitioned from puberty into adulthood. Here we report that monkeys perform working memory tasks reliably during puberty and show modest improvement in adulthood. The adult prefrontal cortex is characterized by increased activity during the delay period of the task but no change in the representation of stimuli. Activity evoked by distracting stimuli also decreases in the adult prefrontal cortex. The increase in delay period activity relative to the baseline activity of prefrontal neurons is the best correlate of maturation and is not merely a consequence of improved performance. Our results reveal neural correlates of the working memory improvement typical of primate adolescence.
MicroRNA-126 overexpression rescues diabetes-induced impairment in efferocytosis of apoptotic cardiomyocytes
Authors: Suresh Babu Sahana , Thandavarayan Rajarajan A. , Joladarashi Darukeshwara , Jeyabal Prince , Krishnamurthy Shashirekha , Bhimaraj Arvind , Youker Keith A. , Krishnamurthy Prasanna 
Published: November 2016

AbstractEfferocytosis, a process of clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes, is essential for successful resolution of inflammation and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Diabetes compromises the function of macrophages leading to adverse inflammatory response during wound healing, myocardial injury, atherosclerosis and autoimmune disorders. However, the effect of diabetes on macrophage-mediated efferocytosis of apoptotic cardiomyocytes (ACM) and the molecular mechanisms involved are not understood so far. In the present study we found that invitro efferocytosis of ACM was impaired in macrophages from db/db (diabetic) mice. Macrophages exposed to high glucose (HG) decreases microRNA-126 (miR-126) expression with a corresponding increase in ADAM9 expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay confirms that ADAM9 3′UTR contains miR-126 target site. ADAM9 inhibition reduces HG-induced proteolytic cleavage of Mer tyrosine receptor kinase (MerTK, a proto-oncogene that plays a critical role in phagocytosis), resulting in shedding of soluble-Mer (sMER) and loss of MERTK function. Over-expression of miR-126 attenuates HG-induced impairment of efferocytosis. Furthermore, human diabetic hearts show lower miR-126 expression with a corresponding increase in ADAM9 expression vs. normal counterparts. These data suggests that diabetes impairs efferocytosis of ACM and that strategies to enhance efferocytosis might attenuate diabetes-induced impairment in inflammation resolution and cardiac repair after injury.
Evolutionary origins of non-adjacent sequence processing in primate brain potentials
Authors: Milne Alice E. , Mueller Jutta L. , Männel Claudia , Attaheri Adam , Friederici Angela D. , Petkov Christopher I. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThere is considerable interest in understanding the ontogeny and phylogeny of the human language system, yet, neurobiological work at the interface of both fields is absent. Syntactic processes in language build on sensory processing and sequencing capabilities on the side of the receiver. While we better understand language-related ontogenetic changes in the human brain, it remains a mystery how neurobiological processes at specific human development stages compare with those in phylogenetically closely related species. To address this knowledge gap, we measured EEG event-related potentials (ERPs) in two macaque monkeys using a paradigm developed to evaluate human infant and adult brain potentials associated with the processing of non-adjacent ordering relationships in sequences of syllable triplets. Frequent standard triplet sequences were interspersed with infrequent voice pitch or non-adjacent rule deviants. Monkey ERPs show early pitch and rule deviant mismatch responses that are strikingly similar to those previously reported in human infants. This stands in contrast to adults’ later ERP responses for rule deviants. The results reveal how non-adjacent sequence ordering relationships are processed in the primate brain and provide evidence for evolutionarily conserved neurophysiological effects, some of which are remarkably like those seen at an early human developmental stage.
Emergence of Ebola virus disease in a french acute care setting: a simulation study based on documented inter-individual contacts
Authors: Vanhems Philippe , Von Raesfeldt Rosette , Ecochard René , Voirin Nicolas 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe potential spread of nosocomial Ebola virus disease (EVD) in non-outbreak areas is not known. The objective was to use detailed contact data on patients and healthcare workers (HCW) to estimate emergence probability and secondary incident cases (SIC) of EVD after hospitalization of an index case with undetected EVD. Contact data were collected through RFID devices used by patients and HCW during hospital care. A “susceptible-exposed-infected” model was used. Emergence probability, ranged from 7% to 84%. A plateau around 84% was observed. Emergence probability was proportional to time exposed to the dry phase of patients with nonspecific symptoms. Nurses were at higher risk of nosocomial EVD than physicians with around 60% emergence probability in this subgroup. The risk of nosocomial EVD in non-outbreak areas might be substantial if no preventive measures are implemented when asymptomatic patients or those with mild symptoms are hospitalized.
Evidence of Olfactory Imprinting at an Early Life Stage in Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Authors: Bett Nolan N. , Hinch Scott G. , Dittman Andrew H. , Yun Sang-Seon 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) navigate towards spawning grounds using olfactory cues they imprinted on as juveniles. The timing at which imprinting occurs has been studied extensively, and there is strong evidence that salmon imprint on their natal water during the parr-smolt transformation (PST). Researchers have noted, however, that the life histories of some species of Pacific salmon could necessitate imprinting prior to the PST. Juvenile pink salmon (O. gorbuscha) spend less time in fresh water than any other species of Pacific salmon, and presumably must imprint on their natal water at a very young age. The time at which imprinting occurs in this species, however, has not been experimentally tested. We exposed juvenile pink salmon as alevins to phenethyl alcohol (PEA) or control water, reared these fish to adulthood, and then tested their behavioural responses to PEA to determine whether the fish successfully imprinted. We found that pink salmon exposed to PEA as alevins were attracted to the chemical as adults, suggesting that imprinting can occur during this stage. Our finding provides some of the first evidence to support the long-standing belief that imprinting can occur in pink salmon prior to the PST.
Himalayan uplift shaped biomes in Miocene temperate Asia: evidence from leguminous Caragana
Authors: Zhang Ming-Li , Xiang Xiao-Guo , Xue Juan-Juan , Sanderson Stewart C. , Fritsch Peter W. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCaragana, with distinctive variation in leaf and rachis characters, exhibits three centers of geographic distribution, i.e., Central Asia, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), and East Asia, corresponding to distinct biomes. Because Caragana species are often ecologically dominant components of the vegetation in these regions, it is regarded as a key taxon for the study of floristic evolution in the dry regions of temperate Asia. Based on an expanded data set of taxa and gene regions from those previously generated, we employed molecular clock and biogeographical analyses to infer the evolutionary history of Caragana and link it to floristic patterns, paleovegetation, and paleoclimate. Results indicate that Caragana is of arid origin from the Junggar steppe. Diversification of crown group Caragana, dated to the early Miocene ca. 18 Ma and onwards, can be linked to the Himalayan Motion stage of QTP uplift. Diversification of the major clades in the genus corresponding to taxonomic sections and morphological variation is inferred to have been driven by the uplift, as well as Asian interior aridification and East Asian monsoon formation, in the middle to late Miocene ca. 12~6 Ma. These findings demonstrate a synchronous evolution among floristics, vegetation and climate change in arid Central Asia, cold arid alpine QTP, and mesophytic East Asia.
miR-107 regulates tumor progression by targeting NF1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Shizhi , Ma Gaoxiang , Zhu Haixia , Lv Chunye , Chu Haiyan , Tong Na , Wu Dongmei , Qiang Fulin , Gong Weida , Zhao Qinghong , Tao Guoquan , Zhou Jianwei , Zhang Zhengdong , Wang Meilin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractOur previous genome-wide miRNA microarray study revealed that miR-107 was upregulated in gastric cancer (GC). In this study we aimed to explore its biological role in the pathogenesis of GC. Integrating in silico prediction algorithms with western blotting assays revealed that miR-107 inhibition enhanced NF1 (neurofibromin 1) mRNA and protein levels, suggesting that NF1 is one of miR-107 targets in GC. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-107 suppressed NF1 expression by binding to the first potential binding site within the 3′-UTR of NF1 mRNA. mRNA stable assay indicated this binding could result in NF1 mRNA instability, which might contribute to its abnormal protein expression. Functional analyses such as cell growth, transwell migration and invasion assays were used to investigate the role of interaction between miR-107 and its target on GC development and progression. Moreover, We investigated the association between the clinical phenotype and the status of miR-107 expression in 55 GC tissues, and found the high expression contributed to the tumor size and depth of invasion. The results exhibited that down regulation of miR-107 opposed cell growth, migration, and invasion, whereas NF1 repression promoted these phenotypes. Our findings provide a mechanism by which miR-107 regulates NF1 in GC, as well as highlight the importance of interaction between miR-107 and NF1 in GC development and progression.
FANCD2 functions as a critical factor downstream of MiTF to maintain the proliferation and survival of melanoma cells
Authors: Bourseguin Julie , Bonet Caroline , Renaud Emilie , Pandiani Charlotte , Boncompagni Marina , Giuliano Sandy , Pawlikowska Patrycja , Karmous-Benailly Houda , Ballotti Robert , Rosselli Filippo , Bertolotto Corine 
Published: November 2016

AbstractProteins involved in genetic stability maintenance and safeguarding DNA replication act not only against cancer initiation but could also play a major role in sustaining cancer progression. Here, we report that the FANC pathway is highly expressed in metastatic melanoma harboring the oncogenic microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MiTF). We show that MiTF downregulation in melanoma cells lowers the expression of several FANC genes and proteins. Moreover, we observe that, similarly to the consequence of MiTF downregulation, FANC pathway silencing alters proliferation, migration and senescence of human melanoma cells. We demonstrate that the FANC pathway acts downstream MiTF and establish the existence of an epistatic relationship between MiTF and the FANC pathway. Our findings point to a central role of the FANC pathway in cellular and chromosomal resistance to both DNA damage and targeted therapies in melanoma cells. Thus, the FANC pathway is a promising new therapeutic target in melanoma treatment.