bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNA‐binding proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Cookson Mark R 
Published: September 2016

Gene expression is regulated at many levels, including after generation of the primary RNA transcript from DNA but before translation into protein. Such post‐translational gene regulation occurs via the action of a multitude of RNA binding proteins and include varied actions from splicing to regulation of association with the translational machinery. Primary evidence that such processes might contribute to disease mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders comes from the observation of mutations in RNA binding proteins, particularly in diseases in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis‐frontotemporal dementia spectrum and in some forms of ataxia and tremor. The bulk of evidence from recent surveys of the types of RNA species that are affected in these disorders suggests a global deregulation of control rather than a very small number of RNA species, although why some groups of neurons are sensitive to these changes is not well understood. Overall, these data suggest that neurodegeneration can be initiated by mutations in RNA binding proteins and, as a corollary, that neurons are particularly sensitive to loss of control of gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. Such observations have implications not only for understanding the nature of neurodegenerative disorders but also how we might intervene therapeutically in these diseases. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1397. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1397This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition
Translation > Translation Regulation
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Lipase‐Catalyzed Production of Biodiesel by Hydrolysis of Waste Cooking Oil Followed by Esterification of Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Vescovi Vinicius , Rojas Mayerlenis Jimenez , Baraldo Anderson , Botta Daniel Carrero , Santana Felipe Augusto Montes , Costa Julia Piva , Machado Mariana Stefani , Honda Vitor Kasuyoshi , de Lima Camargo Giordano Raquel , Tardioli Paulo Waldir 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBiodiesel is conventionally produced by alkaline‐catalyzed transesterification, which requires high‐purity oils. However, low‐quality oils can be used as feedstocks for the production of biodiesel by enzyme‐catalyzed reactions. The use of enzymes has several advantages, such as the absence of saponification side reactions, production of high‐purity glycerol co‐product, and low‐cost downstream processing. In this work, biodiesel was produced from lipase‐catalyzed hydrolysis of waste cooking oil (WCO) followed by esterification of the hydrolyzed WCO (HWCO). The hydrolysis of acylglycerols was carried out at 30 °C in salt‐free water (WCO/water ratio of 1:4, v/v) and the esterification of HWCO was carried out at 40 °C with ethanol in a solvent‐free medium (HWCO/ethanol molar ratio of 1:7). The hydrolysis and esterification steps were carried out using immobilized Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL/WCO ratio of 1:5.6, w/w) and immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (10 wt%, CALB/HWCO) as biocatalysts, respectively. The hydrolysis of acylglycerols was almost complete after 12 h (ca. 94 %), and in the esterification step, the conversion was around 90 % after 6 h. The purified biodiesel had 91.8 wt% of fatty acid ethyl esters, 0.53 wt% of acylglycerols, 0.003 wt% of free glycerol, viscosity of 4.59 cP, and acid value of 10.88 mg KOH/g. Reuse hydrolysis and esterification assays showed that the immobilized enzymes could be recycled five times in 10‐h batches, under the conditions described above. TLL was greatly inactivated under the assay conditions, whereas CALB remained fully active. The results showed that WCO is a promising feedstock for use in the production of biodiesel.
Adverse early life environment increases hippocampal microglia abundance in conjunction with decreased neural stem cells in juvenile mice
Authors: Cohen Susan , Ke Xingrao , Liu Qiuli , Fu Qi , Majnik Amber , Lane Robert 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundAdverse maternal lifestyle resulting in adverse early life environment (AELE) increases risks for neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring. Neuropsychiatric disorders are associated with impaired neurogenesis and neuro‐inflammation in the hippocampus (HP). Microglia are neuro‐inflammatory cells in the brain that regulate neurogenesis via toll‐like receptors (TLR). TLR‐9 is implicated in neurogenesis inhibition and is responsible for stress‐related inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that AELE would increase microglia cell count and increase TLR‐9 expression in juvenile mouse HP. These increases in microglia cell count and TLR‐9 expression would be associated with decrease neural stem cell count and neuronal cell count.MethodsWe developed a mouse model of AELE combining Western diet and a stress environment. Stress environment consisted of random change from embryonic day 13 (E13) to E17 as well as static change in maternal environment from E13 to postnatal day 21(P21). At P21, we measured hippocampal cell numbers of microglia, neural stem cell and neuron, as well as hippocampal TLR‐9 expression.ResultsAELE significantly increased total microglia number and TLR‐9 expression in the hippocampus. Concurrently, AELE significantly decreased neural stem cell and neuronal numbers.ConclusionsAELE increased the neuro‐inflammatory cellular response in the juvenile HP. We speculate that increased neuro‐inflammatory responses may contribute to impaired neurogenesis seen in this model.
Determinants of Women's Sexual Dissatisfaction: Assessing a Cognitive-Emotional Model
Authors: Abdolmanafi Atefe , Owens Richard Glynn , Winter Sam , Jahromi Reza Ghorban , Peixoto Maria Manuela , Nobre Pedro 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionRecent studies have demonstrated the role of sexual dysfunctional beliefs, negative automatic thoughts, and emotional responses in relation to sexual functioning. Nevertheless, no studies seem to have evaluated the role of these cognitive-emotional factors in determining sexual dissatisfaction.AimTo test a cognitive-emotional model of sexual dissatisfaction in women.MethodsIn total, 207 women answered questionnaires assessing sexual dissatisfaction and cognitive and emotional variables that might affect sexual dissatisfaction.Main Outcome MeasuresSexual dissatisfaction was measured by the Index of Sexual Satisfaction, sexual beliefs were measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, and thoughts and emotional responses were measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire.ResultsA path analysis was conducted to assess the conceptual model proposed. Results indicated that dysfunctional sexual beliefs work as predisposing factors by eliciting negative automatic thoughts and emotions, which impair the processing of erotic stimuli and interfere negatively with sexual satisfaction.ConclusionThis finding suggests a role for cognitive and emotional factors in predisposing and maintaining sexual dissatisfaction in women, suggesting relevant implications for intervention.
Body Image in Transmen: Multidimensional Measurement and the Effects of Mastectomy
Authors: van de Grift Tim C. , Kreukels Baudewijntje P.C. , Elfering Lian , Özer Müjde , Bouman Mark-Bram , Buncamper Marlon E. , Smit Jan Maerten , Mullender Margriet G. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionTransmen are generally dissatisfied with their breasts and often opt for mastectomy. However, little is known about the specific effects of this procedure on this group’s body image.AimTo prospectively assess the effect of mastectomy on the body image of transmen, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects.MethodsDuring a 10-month period, all transmen applying for mastectomy were invited to participate in this study. The 33 participants completed assessments preoperatively and at least 6 months postoperatively.Main Outcome MeasuresParticipants were surveyed on body satisfaction (Body Image Scale for Transsexuals), body attitudes (Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire), appearance schemas (Appearance Schemas Inventory), situational bodily feelings (Situational Inventory of Body Image Dysphoria), body image-related quality of life (Body Image Quality of Life Inventory), and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). Control values were retrieved from the literature and a college sample.ResultsBefore surgery, transmen reported less positive body attitudes and satisfaction, a lower self-esteem and body image-related quality of life compared with cisgender men and women. Mastectomy improved body satisfaction most strongly, although respondents reported improvements in all domains (eg, decreased dysphoria when looking in the mirror and improved feelings of self-worth). Most outcome measurements were strongly correlated.ConclusionMastectomy improves body image beyond satisfaction with chest appearance alone. Body satisfaction and feelings of “passing” in social situations are associated with a higher quality of life and self-esteem.
Dysregulation of histone methyltransferases in breast cancer – Opportunities for new targeted therapies?
Authors: Michalak Ewa M. , Visvader Jane E. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHistone methyltransferases (HMTs) catalyze the methylation of lysine and arginine residues on histone tails and non‐histone targets. These important post‐translational modifications are exquisitely regulated and affect chromatin compaction and transcriptional programs leading to diverse biological outcomes. There is accumulating evidence that genetic alterations of several HMTs impinge on oncogenic or tumor‐suppressor functions and influence both cancer initiation and progression. HMTs therefore represent an opportunity for therapeutic targeting in those patients with tumors in which HMTs are dysregulated, to reverse the histone marks and transcriptional programs associated with aggressive tumor behavior. In this review, we describe the known histone methyltransferases and their emerging roles in breast cancer tumorigenesis.
A retrospective cohort study examining treatments and operative interventions for frostbite in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Fabian Jaroslav Christopher , Taljaard Monica , Perry Jeffrey J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundFrostbite is a common yet challenging injury to both diagnose and treat. McCauley’s frostbite treatment protocol consists of 12 treatments that might well represent the standard of care. However, its effectiveness in preventing operative intervention has yet to be examined. Our objectives were to characterize frostbite injuries in Eastern Ontario, identify risk factors for deep injuries, and assess the protocol’s efficacy in preventing operative outcomes.MethodsThis cohort study examined patients with frostbite over ten years at a tertiary care hospital. Demographics and predisposing factors were recorded. Frostbite severity was categorized into superficial or deep. Treatments were recorded, including adherence to protocol and operative outcome.ResultsOf the 265 frostbite patients identified, deep frostbite accounted for 56 (21.1%, 95% CI: 16.2–26.1%), of whom 20 (35.7%) had an operative outcome. Amputation occurred in 16 (28.6%) of deep injuries and debridement in 5 (8.9%). Risk factors for deep frostbite were older age (p=0.002), smoking (p<0.001), male sex (p=0.056) and alcohol abuse (p=0.056). None of the patients with deep frostbite had all 12 treatments performed. Adherence to protocol ranged from 0.0% to 48.2% per treatment. The rate of operative intervention was 7.7% in patients with deep frostbite who did not have any McCauley’s frostbite treatments and ranged from 0.0% to 100.0% per treatment in those who did receive treatments.ConclusionsThe frostbite protocol was not regularly followed and therefore its efficacy in preventing operative intervention could not be determined. Further, none of the individual treatments in the protocol were associated with preventing operative intervention. We recommend that future research focus on identifying effective individual treatments.
Search for Annual 14C Excursions in the Past
Authors: Miyake Fusa , Masuda Kimiaki , Nakamura Toshio , Kimura Katsuhiko , Hakozaki Masataka , Jull A J Timothy , Lange Todd E , Cruz Richard , Panyushkina Irina P , Baisan Chris , Salzer Matthew W 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTwo radiocarbon excursions (AD 774–775 and AD 993–994) occurred due to an increase of incoming cosmic rays on a short timescale. The most plausible cause of these events is considered to be extreme solar proton events (SPE). It is possible that there are other annual 14C excursions in the past that have yet to be confirmed. In order to detect more of these events, we measured the 14C contents in bristlecone pine tree-ring samples during the periods when the rate of 14C increase in the IntCal data is large. We analyzed four periods every other year (2479–2455 BC, 4055–4031 BC, 4465–4441 BC, and 4689–4681 BC), and found no anomalous 14C excursions during these periods. This study confirms that it is important to do continuous measurements to find annual cosmic-ray events at other locations in the tree-ring record.
Effects of a transdiagnostic unguided Internet intervention (‘velibra’) for anxiety disorders in primary care: results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Berger T. , Urech A. , Krieger T. , Stolz T. , Schulz A. , Vincent A. , Moser C. T. , Moritz S. , Meyer B. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundInternet-based cognitive–behavioural treatment (ICBT) for anxiety disorders has shown some promise, but no study has yet examined unguided ICBT in primary care. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated whether a transdiagnostic, unguided ICBT programme for anxiety disorders is effective in primary care settings, after a face-to-face consultation with a physician (MD). We hypothesized that care as usual (CAU) plus unguided ICBT would be superior to CAU in reducing anxiety and related symptoms among patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PDA) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).MethodAdults (n = 139) with at least one of these anxiety disorders, as reported by their MD and confirmed by a structured diagnostic interview, were randomized. Unguided ICBT was provided by a novel transdiagnostic ICBT programme (‘velibra’). Primary outcomes were generic measures, such as anxiety and depression symptom severity, and diagnostic status at post-treatment (9 weeks). Secondary outcomes included anxiety disorder-specific measures, quality of life, treatment adherence, satisfaction, and general psychiatric symptomatology at follow-up (6 months after randomization).ResultsCAU plus unguided ICBT was more effective than CAU at post-treatment, with small to medium between-group effect sizes on primary (Cohen's d = 0.41–0.47) and secondary (Cohen's d = 0.16–0.61) outcomes. Treatment gains were maintained at follow-up. In the treatment group, 28.2% of those with a SAD diagnosis, 38.3% with a PDA diagnosis, and 44.8% with a GAD diagnosis at pretreatment no longer fulfilled diagnostic criteria at post-treatment.ConclusionsThe unguided ICBT intervention examined is effective for anxiety disorders when delivered in primary care.
Subnatural-linewidth biphotons from a Doppler-broadened hot atomic vapour cell
Authors: Shu Chi , Chen Peng , Chow Tsz Kiu Aaron , Zhu Lingbang , Xiao Yanhong , Loy M.M.T. , Du Shengwang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractEntangled photon pairs, termed as biphotons, have been the benchmark tool for experimental quantum optics. The quantum-network protocols based on photon–atom interfaces have stimulated a great demand for single photons with bandwidth comparable to or narrower than the atomic natural linewidth. In the past decade, laser-cooled atoms have often been used for producing such biphotons, but the apparatus is too large and complicated for engineering. Here we report the generation of subnatural-linewidth (<6 MHz) biphotons from a Doppler-broadened (530 MHz) hot atomic vapour cell. We use on-resonance spontaneous four-wave mixing in a hot paraffin-coated 87Rb vapour cell at 63 °C to produce biphotons with controllable bandwidth (1.9–3.2 MHz) and coherence time (47–94 ns). Our backward phase-matching scheme with spatially separated optical pumping is the key to suppress uncorrelated photons from resonance fluorescence. The result may lead towards miniature narrowband biphoton sources.
GDF11 decreases bone mass by stimulating osteoclastogenesis and inhibiting osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Liu Weiqing , Zhou Liyan , Zhou Chenchen , Zhang Shiwen , Jing Junjun , Xie Liang , Sun Ningyuan , Duan Xiaobo , Jing Wei , Liang Xing , Zhao Hu , Ye Ling , Chen Qianming , Yuan Quan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractOsteoporosis is an age-related disease that affects millions of people. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a secreted member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily. Deletion of Gdf11 has been shown to result in a skeletal anterior–posterior patterning disorder. Here we show a role for GDF11 in bone remodelling. GDF11 treatment leads to bone loss in both young and aged mice. GDF11 inhibits osteoblast differentiation and also stimulates RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through Smad2/3 and c-Fos-dependent induction of Nfatc1. Injection of GDF11 impairs bone regeneration in mice and blocking GDF11 function prevents oestrogen-deficiency-induced bone loss and ameliorates age-related osteoporosis. Our data demonstrate that GDF11 is a previously unrecognized regulator of bone remodelling and suggest that GDF11 is a potential target for treatment of osteoporosis.
An imbalance between specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators and pro-inflammatory leukotrienes promotes instability of atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Fredman Gabrielle , Hellmann Jason , Proto Jonathan D. , Kuriakose George , Colas Romain A. , Dorweiler Bernhard , Connolly E. Sander , Solomon Robert , Jones David M. , Heyer Eric J. , Spite Matthew , Tabas Ira 
Published: September 2016

AbstractChronic unresolved inflammation plays a causal role in the development of advanced atherosclerosis, but the mechanisms that prevent resolution in atherosclerosis remain unclear. Here, we use targeted mass spectrometry to identify specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) in histologically-defined stable and vulnerable regions of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The levels of SPMs, particularly resolvin D1 (RvD1), and the ratio of SPMs to pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4 (LTB4), are significantly decreased in the vulnerable regions. SPMs are also decreased in advanced plaques of fat-fed Ldlr−/− mice. Administration of RvD1 to these mice during plaque progression restores the RvD1:LTB4 ratio to that of less advanced lesions and promotes plaque stability, including decreased lesional oxidative stress and necrosis, improved lesional efferocytosis, and thicker fibrous caps. These findings provide molecular support for the concept that defective inflammation resolution contributes to the formation of clinically dangerous plaques and offer a mechanistic rationale for SPM therapy to promote plaque stability.
The Macronova in GRB 050709 and the GRB-macronova connection
Authors: Jin Zhi-Ping , Hotokezaka Kenta , Li Xiang , Tanaka Masaomi , D’Avanzo Paolo , Fan Yi-Zhong , Covino Stefano , Wei Da-Ming , Piran Tsvi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractGRB 050709 was the first short Gamma-ray Burst (sGRB) with an identified optical counterpart. Here we report a reanalysis of the publicly available data of this event and the discovery of a Li-Paczynski macronova/kilonova that dominates the optical/infrared signal at t>2.5 days. Such a signal would arise from 0.05 "Equation missing" r-process material launched by a compact binary merger. The implied mass ejection supports the suggestion that compact binary mergers are significant and possibly main sites of heavy r-process nucleosynthesis. Furthermore, we have reanalysed all afterglow data from nearby short and hybrid GRBs (shGRBs). A statistical study of shGRB/macronova connection reveals that macronova may have taken place in all these GRBs, although the fraction as low as 0.18 cannot be ruled out. The identification of two of the three macronova candidates in the I-band implies a more promising detection prospect for ground-based surveys.
Primary thermometry triad at 6 mK in mesoscopic circuits
Authors: Iftikhar Z. , Anthore A. , Jezouin S. , Parmentier F. D. , Jin Y. , Cavanna A. , Ouerghi A. , Gennser U. , Pierre F. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractQuantum physics emerge and develop as temperature is reduced. Although mesoscopic electrical circuits constitute an outstanding platform to explore quantum behaviour, the challenge in cooling the electrons impedes their potential. The strong coupling of such micrometre-scale devices with the measurement lines, combined with the weak coupling to the substrate, makes them extremely difficult to thermalize below 10 mK and imposes in situ thermometers. Here we demonstrate electronic quantum transport at 6 mK in micrometre-scale mesoscopic circuits. The thermometry methods are established by the comparison of three in situ primary thermometers, each involving a different underlying physics. The employed combination of quantum shot noise, quantum back action of a resistive circuit and conductance oscillations of a single-electron transistor covers a remarkably broad spectrum of mesoscopic phenomena. The experiment, performed in vacuum using a standard cryogen-free dilution refrigerator, paves the way towards the sub-millikelvin range with additional thermalization and refrigeration techniques.
The discovery of the hydrogen bond from p-Nitrothiophenol by Raman spectroscopy: Guideline for the thioalcohol molecule recognition tool
Authors: Ling Yun , Xie Wen Chang , Liu Guo Kun , Yan Run Wen , Wu De Yin , Tang Jing 
Published: September 2016

AbstractInter- and intra- molecular hydrogen bonding plays important role in determining molecular structure, physical and chemical properties, which may be easily ignored for molecules with a non-typical hydrogen bonding structure. We demonstrated in this paper that the hydrogen bonding is responsible for the different Raman spectra in solid and solution states of p-Nitrothiophenol (PNTP). The consistence of the theoretical calculation and experiment reveals that the intermolecular hydrogen bonding yields an octatomic ring structure "Equation missing" (8) of PNTP in the solid state, confirmed by the characteristic S-H---O stretching vibration mode at 2550 cm−1; when it comes to the solution state, the breakage of hydrogen bond of S-H---O induced the S-H stretching vibration at 2590 cm−1. Our findings may provide a simple and fast method for identifying the intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
Degradable Organically-Derivatized Polyoxometalate with Enhanced Activity against Glioblastoma Cell Line
Authors: She Shan , Bian Shengtai , Huo Ruichao , Chen Kun , Huang Zehuan , Zhang Jiangwei , Hao Jian , Wei Yongge 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHigh efficacy and low toxicity are critical for cancer treatment. Polyoxometalates (POMs) have been reported as potential candidates for cancer therapy. On accounts of the slow clearance of POMs, leading to long-term toxicity, the clinical application of POMs in cancer treatment is restricted. To address this problem, a degradable organoimido derivative of hexamolybdate is developed by modifying it with a cleavable organic group, leading to its degradation. Of note, this derivative exhibits favourable pharmacodynamics towards human malignant glioma cell (U251), the ability to penetrate across blood brain barrier and low toxicity towards rat pheochromocytoma cell (PC12). This line of research develops an effective POM-based agent for glioblastoma inhibition and will pave a new way to construct degradable anticancer agents for clinical cancer therapy.