bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Soluble NSF Attachment Protein gene family identifies two members involved in additive resistance to a plant pathogen
Authors: Lakhssassi Naoufal , Liu Shiming , Bekal Sadia , Zhou Zhou , Colantonio Vincent , Lambert Kris , Barakat Abdelali , Meksem Khalid 
Published: March 2017

AbstractProteins with Tetratricopeptide-repeat (TPR) domains are encoded by large gene families and distributed in all plant lineages. In this study, the Soluble NSF-Attachment Protein (SNAP) subfamily of TPR containing proteins is characterized. In soybean, five members constitute the SNAP gene family: GmSNAP18, GmSNAP11, GmSNAP14, GmSNAP02, and GmSNAP09. Recently, GmSNAP18 has been reported to mediate resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Using a population of recombinant inbred lines from resistant and susceptible parents, the divergence of the SNAP gene family is analysed over time. Phylogenetic analysis of SNAP genes from 22 diverse plant species showed that SNAPs were distributed in six monophyletic clades corresponding to the major plant lineages. Conservation of the four TPR motifs in all species, including ancestral lineages, supports the hypothesis that SNAPs were duplicated and derived from a common ancestor and unique gene still present in chlorophytic algae. Syntenic analysis of regions harbouring GmSNAP genes in soybean reveals that this family expanded from segmental and tandem duplications following a tetraploidization event. qRT-PCR analysis of GmSNAPs indicates a co-regulation following SCN infection. Finally, genetic analysis demonstrates that GmSNAP11 contributes to an additive resistance to SCN. Thus, GmSNAP11 is identified as a novel minor gene conferring resistance to SCN.
Heteroleptic Copper(I) Complexes of “Scorpionate” Bis-pyrazolyl Carboxylate Ligand with Auxiliary Phosphine as Potential Anticancer Agents: An Insight into Cytotoxic Mode
Authors: Khan Rais Ahmad , Usman Mohammad , Dhivya Rajakumar , Balaji Perumalsamy , Alsalme Ali , AlLohedan Hamad , Arjmand Farukh , AlFarhan Khalid , Akbarsha Mohammad Abdulkader , Marchetti Fabio , Pettinari Claudio , Tabassum Sartaj 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNew copper(I) complexes [CuCl(PPh3)(L)] (1:L = LA = 4-carboxyphenyl)bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane; (2:L = LB = 3-carboxyphenyl)bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane) were prepared and characterised by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, NMR, UV–Vis, and ESI-MS. The molecular structures of complexes1and2were analyzed by theoretical B3LYP/DFT method. Furthermore,in vitroDNA binding studies were carried out to check the ability of complexes1and2to interact with native calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) using absorption titration, fluorescence quenching and circular dichroism, which is indicative of more avid binding of the complex1. Moreover, DNA mobility assay was also conducted to study the concentration-dependent cleavage pattern of pBR322 DNA by complex1, and the role of ROS species to have a mechanistic insight on the cleavage pattern, which ascertained substantial roles by both hydrolytic and oxidative pathways. Additionally, we analyzed the potential of the interaction of complex1with DNA and enzyme (Topo I and II) with the aid of molecular modeling. Furthermore, cytotoxic activity of complex1was tested against HepG2 cancer cell lines. Thus, the potential of the complex1is promising though furtherin vivoinvestigations may be required before subjecting it to clinical trials.
The co-evolution of networks and prisoner’s dilemma game by considering sensitivity and visibility
Authors: Li Dandan , Ma Jing , Han Dun , Sun Mei , Tian Lixin , Stanley H. Eugene 
Published: March 2017

AbstractStrategies adopted by individuals in a social network significantly impact the network, and they strongly affect relationships between individuals in the network. Links between individuals also heavily influence their levels of cooperation. Taking into account the evolution of each individual’s connection, we explore how sensitivity and visibility affect the prisoner’s dilemma game. The so-called ‘sensitivity’ and ‘visibility’ respectively present one’s self-protection consciousness and the ability of gaining information. We find that at moderate levels of player sensitivity cooperative behavior increases, but that at high levels it is inhibited. We also find that the heterogeneity of the weight of individuals at the end of the game is higher when sensitivity and visibility are increased, but that the successful-defection-payoff has less impact on the weight of individuals and on the relationship between the heterogeneity of the weight of individuals and the density of cooperators. This framework can be used to clarify the interaction mechanism between the micro-level of individual behavior and the macro-level of individual co-evolutionary processes.
The cellular protein hnRNP A2/B1 enhances HIV-1 transcription by unfolding LTR promoter G-quadruplexes
Authors: Scalabrin Matteo , Frasson Ilaria , Ruggiero Emanuela , Perrone Rosalba , Tosoni Elena , Lago Sara , Tassinari Martina , Palù Giorgio , Richter Sara N. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractG-quadruplexes are four-stranded conformations of nucleic acids that act as cellular epigenetic regulators. A dynamic G-quadruplex forming region in the HIV-1 LTR promoter represses HIV-1 transcription when in the folded conformation. This activity is enhanced by nucleolin, which induces and stabilizes the HIV-1 LTR G-quadruplexes. In this work by a combined pull-down/mass spectrometry approach, we consistently found hnRNP A2/B1 as an additional LTR-G-quadruplex interacting protein. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed G-quadruplex specificity over linear sequences and fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis indicated that hnRNP A2/B1 is able to efficiently unfold the LTR G-quadruplexes. Evaluation of the thermal stability of the LTR G-quadruplexes in different-length oligonucleotides showed that the protein is fit to be most active in the LTR full-length environment. When hnRNP A2/B1 was silenced in cells, LTR activity decreased, indicating that the protein acts as a HIV-1 transcription activator. Our data highlight a tightly regulated control of transcription based on G-quadruplex folding/unfolding, which depends on interacting cellular proteins. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the viral transcription mechanism and may pave the way to the development of drugs effective against the integrated HIV-1, present both in actively and latently infected cells.
Self-Phase-Matched Second-Harmonic and White-Light Generation in a Biaxial Zinc Tungstate Single Crystal
Authors: Osewski Pawel , Belardini Alessandro , Petronijevic Emilija , Centini Marco , Leahu Grigore , Diduszko Ryszard , Pawlak Dorota A. , Sibilia Concita 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSecond-order nonlinear optical materials are used to generate new frequencies by exploiting second-harmonic generation (SHG), a phenomenon where a nonlinear material generates light at double the optical frequency of the input beam. Maximum SHG is achieved when the pump and the generated waves are in phase, for example through birefringence in uniaxial crystals. However, applying these materials usually requires a complicated cutting procedure to yield a crystal with a particular orientation. Here we demonstrate the first example of phase matching under the normal incidence of SHG in a biaxial monoclinic single crystal of zinc tungstate. The crystal was grown by the micro-pulling-down method with the (102) plane perpendicular to the growth direction. Additionally, at the same time white light was generated as a result of stimulated Raman scattering and multiphoton luminescence induced by higher-order effects such as three-photon luminescence enhanced by cascaded third-harmonic generation. The annealed crystal offers SHG intensities approximately four times larger than the as grown one; optimized growth and annealing conditions may lead to much higher SHG intensities.
The histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid inhibits NKG2D expression in natural killer cells through suppression of STAT3 and HDAC3
Authors: Ni Lulu , Wang Lixin , Yao Chao , Ni Zhongya , Liu Fei , Gong Chenyuan , Zhu Xiaowen , Yan Xuewei , Watowich Stephanie S. , Lee Dean A. , Zhu Shiguo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNKG2D is a major activating receptor of NK cells and plays a critical role in tumor immunosurveillance. NKG2D expression in NK cells is inhibited by the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) and enhanced by the narrow-spectrum HDAC inhibitor entinostat. We previously demonstrated that entinostat enhanced NKG2D transcription by increasing acetylation of Histones H3 and H4. However, the mechanism by which VPA reduces NKG2D expression in NK cells is not known. We have also shown that NKG2D transcription is regulated by STAT3 phosphorylation. In this study, we investigated regulation of NKG2D expression in NK cells by VPA and entinostat by assessing protein expression, phosphorylation, and interaction of HDACs and STAT3. We find that VPA selectively inhibits STAT3 tyrosine705 phosphorylation, but entinostat does not. STAT3 complexes with HDAC3, and HDAC3 inhibition represses STAT3 phosphorylation and therefore NKG2D expression. NK cells from STAT3 wild-type mice downregulate NKG2D in response to VPA, but not NK cells from STAT3 knockout mice. These results show that VPA is a potent inhibitor of STAT3 phosphorylation and demonstrate that histone acetylation and STAT3 tyrosine705 phosphorylation cooperate in regulating NKG2D expression in NK cells.
The role of CREB3L4 in the proliferation of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyun , Park Joo-Man , Kim Mi-Young , Ahn Yong-Ho 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe incidence of prostate cancer (PC) is growing rapidly throughout the world, in probable association with the adoption of western style diets. Thus, understanding the molecular pathways triggering the development of PC is crucial for both its prevention and treatment. Here, we investigated the role of the metabolism-associated protein, CREB3L4, in the proliferation of PC cells. CREB3L4 was upregulated by the synthetic androgen, R1881, in LNCaP PC cells (an androgen-dependent cell line). Knockdown of CREB3L4 resulted in decreased androgen-dependent PC cell growth. LNCaP cells transfected with siCREB3L4 underwent G2/M arrest, with upregulation of the proteins cyclin B1, phospho-CDK1, p21Waf1/Cip1, and INCA1, and downregulation of cyclin D1. Moreover, depletion of CREB3L4 resulted in significantly decreased expression of a subset of androgen-receptor (AR) target genes, including PSA, FKBP5, HPGD, KLK2, and KLK4. We also demonstrated that CREB3L4 directly interacts with the AR, and increases the binding of AR to androgen response elements (AREs). We also identified a role for the unfolded protein response (and its surrogate, IRE1α), in activating CREB3L4. Cumulatively, we postulate that CREB3L4 expression is mediated by an AR-IRE1α axis, but is also directly regulated by AR-to-ARE binding. Thus, our study demonstrates that CREB3L4 plays a key role in PC cell proliferation, which is promoted by both AR and IRE1α.
Does Rare Vocabulary Use Distinguish Giftedness From Typical Development? A Study of School-Age African American Narrators
Authors: Mills Monique T. , Mahurin-Smith Jamie , Steele Sara C. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine rare vocabulary produced in the spoken narratives of school-age African American children.

Method

Forty-three children from general and gifted classrooms produced 2 narratives: a personal story and a fictional story that was based on the wordless book
Frog, Where Are You?
(Mayer, 1969). The Wordlist for Expressive Rare Vocabulary Evaluation (Mahurin-Smith, DeThorne, & Petrill, 2015) was used to tally number and type of uncommon words produced in these narratives. The authors used
t
tests and logistic regressions to explore classroom- and narrative-type differences in rare vocabulary production. Correlational analysis determined the relationship between dialect variation and rare vocabulary production.

Results
Findings indicated that tallies of rare-word types were higher in fictional narratives, whereas rare-word density—a measure that controls for narrative length—was greater in personal narratives. Rare-word density distinguished children in general classrooms from those in gifted classrooms. There was no correlation between dialect variation and rare-word density.

Conclusion
Examining school-age African American children's facility with rare vocabulary production appears to be a dialect-neutral way to measure their narrative language and to distinguish gifted children from typically developing children.
Acute Sensory Neuronopathy following Enterovirus Infection in a 3-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Chiu Chih-Chin , Yang Chen-Ya , Yang Tsui-Fen , Lin Kon-Ping , Huang Shou-Hsien , Wang Jia-Chi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAcute sensory neuronopathy (SNN) is a rapidly developing peripheral nervous system disease that primarily affects sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion or trigeminal ganglion, leading to the impairment of sensory axons. SNN is notably uncommon in childhood; only three cases of childhood or adolescent SNN have been reported to date. Moreover, SSN has never been reported in association with enterovirus infection. Here, we report the case of a 3-year-old girl who was initially diagnosed with enterovirus infection based on the presentation of fevers, rashes on all extremities, and ulceration over the posterior pharynx. Nine days later, she presented with ataxic and wide-based gait and dysmetria affecting the extremities, with an absence of sensory nerve action potentials in the upper and lower limbs. The patient was diagnosed with acute SNN based on the criteria developed by Camdessanché et al in 2009. To our knowledge, this is the youngest case of SNN reported to date. In addition, this case reveals that enterovirus infection can be associated with acute SNN in children in rare cases. Accurate diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion, comprehensive knowledge of the patient's history, and careful characterization of abnormal findings in electrodiagnostic studies.
Platelet-Derived NO in Subjects Affected by Type 2 Diabetes with and without Complications: Is there any Relationship with their Offspring?
Authors: Sabbatinelli Jacopo , Vignini Arianna , Salvolini Eleonora , Nanetti Laura , Mazzanti Laura , Anna Rabini Rosa 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Macro- and microvascular complications are currently the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. Aim of this study was to determine if type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy and coronary artery disease showed altered platelet-derived nitric oxide (NO) production, compared with diabetic subjects without complications, and if this alteration is also present in their diabetic offspring.
In this case-control observational study, platelet NO and peroxynitrite content was determined on plasma from 60 male adult type 2 diabetic patients and 60 male offspring type 2 diabetic patients. Plasmatic levels of homocysteine were also determined in the same individuals. Moreover, Western blot analysis of platelet lysates was performed with specific monoclonal antibody for endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide synthase.
Our study showed a lower piastrinic production of NO in the group of parents without complications (ADH), compared with the group of offspring without complications (YDH) and with the groups of parents with complications. Furthermore, we observed a lower synthesis of peroxynitrite in platelets from the ADH group than in the groups of patients with complications, and in the YDH group compared with all other groups. Subjects from YDH group also showed lower iNOS expression, compared with all other groups.
Our data suggest that alterations in nitric oxide metabolism may represent potential risk factors in type 2 diabetes complications, such as nephropathy and cardiovascular diseases, leading to development of new therapeutic strategies in order to delay and prevent the onset of such complications.
Langue et parole de la serpente dans La Faula de Guillem de Torroella
Authors: Compagna Anna Maria 
Published: March 2017

Vers 1375, le Majorquin Guillem de Torroella écrivit un roman de 1265 vers en langue occitano-catalane. Il s’agit de La Faula, le récit d’un voyage du narrateur à dos de baleine, jusqu’à l’Île enchantée. Là, après une conversation en français avec une serpente, il rencontre Morgane et le roi Arthur. Cette serpente parle français comme Arthur et Morgane. Notre analyse portera notamment sur le discours de la serpente: un animal qui parle… La langue, donc, est le français, mais un français improbable: un français “catalanisé,” qui est non seulement celui de la serpente mais aussi celui d’Arthur et de sa sœur. Une fois de plus, c’est donc dans le merveilleux, et plus particulièrement derrière les références à une culture zoomorphe, que la signification politique possible du texte se trouverait camouflée. Est-il possible qu'un texte comme celui-ci ne dispose que d'une signification didactique et morale sans toute portée politique? Y a-t-il des textes littéraires dépourvus sens politique? Les merveilles et les références à une culture zoomorphe permettent de camoufler l'importance politique, déjà suggérée par l'analyse du contexte historique que semble évoquer l’œuvre (Espadaler), de même que par l'examen de sa tradition textuelle: les lacunes que comportent trois des quatre témoins manuscrits ne paraissent pas fortuites, mais intentionnelles, résultat d’une sorte de censure, que la circulation de l'œuvre a dû subir (Compagna). Ce camouflage n'aurait ainsi pas réussi à convaincre le parti victorieux, opposé à celui de Guillem de Torroella, perdant, qui s’est alors réfugié dans le monde de la littérature…
Un animal très ambigu
Authors: Leclercq-Marx Jacqueline 
Published: March 2017

À la fois vivipare et dotée d’ailes lui permettant de voler, la chauve-souris occupe une place ambiguë dans la classification zoologique d’Aristote, tandis qu’Ésope et Phèdre ont tiré argument de cette forme d’hybridité pour construire des fables à la morale par ailleurs contradictoire. Par contre, Pline en fit un oiseau. On verra ici comment cet héritage complexe fut transmis au Moyen Âge et intégré dans la littérature savante – d’abord les écrits des Pères de l’Église, puis essentiellement la littérature didactique (bestiaires et encyclopédies) et succinctement, les fables. On constatera ainsi que l’interprétation symbolique dont elle fut l’objet dans ce cadre atteste d’une double valorisation, à la fois positive et négative. Il appert toutefois d’après certains indices – notamment iconographiques – que dans les faits, la chauve-souris fut diabolisée et pourchassée par le peuple. Face à ces divergences en termes de perception, on tentera de comprendre les raisons qui ont fait que ce drôle d’oiseau a occupé une place à ce point particulière dans l’imaginaire médiéval.
The Employed Neurosurgeon: Essential Lessons
Authors: Benzil Deborah L. , Zusman Edie E. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Neurosurgeons are highly specialized surgeons whose pride is mastery of the complexity of form and function that is the nervous system and then knowing when and how these require surgical intervention. Following years of arduous postgraduate education, neurosurgeons enter the world of practice that is not only daunting in its intricacies of regulations, mandates, and unknown business practices, but also changing at a meteoric pace. Overwhelmingly, graduating residents and fellows are choosing to practice as employed physicians, a trend that is new in its magnitude and also changed because of the rapid evolution of large health systems. Case studies of challenges other employed surgical specialists have faced can provide critical and important education for any neurosurgeon in this arena. As with the lessons of all case studies, the teachings are remarkably universal, but how those lessons apply to an individual's specific situation will require personalized adaptation.
Creating Leverage to Counter Threats to Neurosurgical Practice
Authors: Dyer E. Hunter 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
This article describes guiding principles utilized in practice. It is descriptive of the evolution of one of the largest neurosurgical practices in the United States. The objective is to identify and effectively create leverage in neurosurgical practice and to describe principles instrumental in the growth of this practice.
Methods included data collection, responsiveness, recruitment, and innovation. Results demonstrate important strategies for creating and maintaining leverage, as well as principles that have enabled the practice to remain independent and continue to provide high-quality care.
In conclusion, it is important to stay focused on potential sources of leverage, to gain advantage for the future, and maintain stability as healthcare changes occur. Quality data and outcomes will allow practice to continue to grow strategically.
A Direct Experience in a New Accountable Care Organization: Results, Challenges, and the Role of the Neurosurgeon
Authors: Kim Dong H. , Lloyd Christopher , Fernandez Douglas K. , Spielman Amanda , Bradshaw David 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The passage of the Affordable Care Act saw the creation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), a new approach to healthcare delivery moving from fee-for-service toward population health. This paper presents a case study of the Memorial Hermann ACO (MHACO), launched in response to the Medicare Shared Savings Program, with goals to align physician and hospital incentives, practice evidence-based medicine, develop care coordination, and increase efficiency. Building blocks included an affiliated primary care network, a clinical integration program (involving shared electronic medical record platforms and quality data reporting), and significant investments in information technology. Presented is the approach taken to form MHACO; the management structure, technology developed, and a 2-year experience. Incorporated in July 2012, the MHACO involved 22 000 Medicare patients. In 2015, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released data showing a composite quality score between 80 and 85 (from a maximum 100) and nearly $53 million in total savings (or 11% of expected expenditure), making MHACO one of the most successful nationally.
1
In fewer than 5 years, almost 500 ACOs have developed, and by some estimates, a quarter of Medicare patients are currently enrolled in an ACO. Although ACOs to date have focused on primary care, the future will increasingly involve specialists. At Memorial Hermann, neurosurgeons took an early role in forming collaborative partnerships with the hospital, and started programs that served as precursors to the ACO model. This paper ends with an overview of ACO development, likely changes going forward, and a discussion of the role of specialists in general, and of neurosurgeons in particular.