bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and functional characterization of glycosylation-associated mutational landscapes in colon cancer
Authors: Venkitachalam Srividya , Revoredo Leslie , Varadan Vinay , Fecteau Ryan E. , Ravi Lakshmeswari , Lutterbaugh James , Markowitz Sanford D. , Willis Joseph E. , Gerken Thomas A. , Guda Kishore 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe molecular basis of aberrant protein glycosylation, a pathological alteration widespread in colorectal cancers (CRC) and the mechanisms by which it contributes to tumor progression remain largely unknown. We performed targeted re-sequencing of 430 glycosylation-associated genes in a series of patient-derived CRC cell lines (N = 31) and matched primary tumor tissues, identifying 12 new significantly mutated glycosylation-associated genes in colon cancer. In particular, we observed an enrichment of mutations in genes (B3GNT2,B4GALT2,ST6GALNAC2) involved in the biosynthesis ofN- and Cores 1–3O-linked glycans in the colon, accounting for ~16% of the CRCs tested. Analysis of independent large-scale tumor tissue datasets confirmed recurrent mutations within these genes in colon and other gastrointestinal cancers. Systematic biochemical and phenotypic characterization of the candidate wild-type and mutant glycosyltransferases demonstrated these mutations as either markedly altering protein localization, post-translational modification, encoded enzymatic activities and/or the migratory potential of colon carcinoma cells. These findings suggest that functionally deleterious mutations in glycosyltransferase genes in part underlie aberrant glycosylation and contribute to the pathogenesis of molecular subsets of colon and other gastrointestinal malignancies.
Magnetic Sensing through the Abdomen of the Honey bee
Authors: Liang Chao-Hung , Chuang Cheng-Long , Jiang Joe-Air , Yang En-Cheng 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHoney bees have the ability to detect the Earth’s magnetic field and the suspected magnetoreceptors are the iron granules in the abdomens of the bees. To identify the sensing route of honey bee magnetoreception, we conducted a classical conditioning experiment in which the responses of the proboscis extension reflex (PER) were monitored. Honey bees were successfully trained to associate the magnetic stimulus with a sucrose reward after two days of training. When the neural connection of the ventral nerve cord (VNC) between the abdomen and the thorax was cut, the honey bees no longer associated the magnetic stimulus with the sucrose reward but still responded to an olfactory PER task. The neural responses elicited in response to the change of magnetic field were also recorded at the VNC. Our results suggest that the honey bee is a new model animal for the investigation of magnetite-based magnetoreception.
Using linear and non‐parametric regression models to describe the contribution of non‐linear loads on the voltage harmonic distortions in the electrical grid
Authors: de Matos Edson Ortiz , Mota Soares Thiago , Bezerra Ubiratan Holanda , Tostes Maria Emília de Lima , Manito Allan Rodrigo Arrifano , Costa Benjamim Cordeiro 
Published: March 2016

This study addresses the problem of determining which non‐linear loads can be considered potential harmonic sources to the voltage harmonic distortions observed in the utility grid voltages. Statistical regression models are used to establish correlations between the simultaneously measured harmonic voltages, in the grid, and harmonic currents, at each non‐linear individual load. First, the R‐squared statistic is used to decide the goodness of fit of the developed models, giving indication on the relevance of the model. In order to overcome the limitation of the linear regression model based on voltage and current magnitudes measurements only, that imposes a constant behaviour for the background harmonic sources, a non‐parametric regression model is suggested and a comparison between the performances of the two models is carried out. Field data from two real electrical systems, one having a 138 kV substation in which a large industrial load and a 34.5 kV rural long feeder are connected; and the other having four urban 13.8 kV feeders supplying industrial and commercial loads, were used to develop and validate the statistical models used in the application.
Dimmable flicker‐free power LEDs lighting system based on a SEPIC rectifier using a regenerative snubber
Authors: Burgardt Ismael , Agostini Junior Eloi , Illa Font Carlos H. , Nascimento Claudinor B. 
Published: March 2016

This study presents a universal‐input AC electronic lighting system using a non‐isolated SEPIC PFC rectifier to drive and control power light emitting diodes (LEDs). One energy regenerative snubber is proposed to reduce the converter switching losses aiming to improve the overall system efficiency. A linear current regulator is employed to provide the features of flicker‐free and dimming capability for the lighting system. The operation stages as well as the theoretical waveforms and main equations at steady state of the proposed SEPIC rectifier using the regenerative snubber are described in details. To reduce the efficiency impairment, the conditions for achieving minimum energy loss in the current regulator are also detailed. A control loop designed using the results from the small‐signal analysis presented in the study is proposed to track the optimal current regulator operating point in real‐time. Experimental results of a prototype operating from 90 to 265 V and output power from 15 to 100% for 35 LEDs / 42 W are presented to verify the analyses carried out.
Transformerless high‐gain DC–DC converter for microgrids
Authors: Revathi B. Sri , Prabhakar Mahalingam 
Published: March 2016

This study proposes a novel non‐isolated high‐gain high‐power DC–DC converter. The converter is developed from a basic high‐gain high‐power converter structure. The proposed converter comprises of a three‐phase interleaved boost converter, one coupled inductor and a voltage multiplier cell which act as gain extension stage. The main desirable features like voltage gain, stress on the switches and diodes, turns ratio, component utilisation factor and efficiency are summarised. The power circuit, operational details, simulation and experimental results of the 60 V/1.1 kV, 3 kW, 100 kHz proposed converter are presented.
Differential volume regulation and calcium signaling in two ciliary body cell types is subserved by TRPV4 channels
Authors: Jo Andrew O. , Lakk Monika , Frye Amber M. , Phuong Tam T. T. , Redmon Sarah N. , Roberts Robin , Berkowitz Bruce A. , Yarishkin Oleg , Križaj David 
Published: March 2016

Significance
The secretion of aqueous humor from the ciliary body is regulated by osmotic gradients, yet the mechanism through which these cells sense these gradients is still under debate. We have identified the calcium-permeable transient receptor potential vanilloid isoform 4 (TRPV4) ion channel as critical for translating hypotonic stimuli into intracellular signals and linked the activation of this channel to a known proinflammatory lipid signaling pathway. The channel was confined to nonpigmented cells that secrete aqueous fluid and regulate intraocular pressure. Thus, activation of TRPV4 may contribute to vision through metabolic support of anterior eye tissues and regulation of osmotic and tensile homeostasis within the eye.
Assessing the sensitivity of diffusion MRI to detect neuronal activity directly
Authors: Bai Ruiliang , Stewart Craig V. , Plenz Dietmar , Basser Peter J. 
Published: March 2016

Significance
Diffusion functional MRI has been proposed as a noninvasive neuroimaging method to detect neuronal activity more directly than current blood-oxygen-level-dependent functional MRI, yet initial findings have proven difficult to interpret and reproduce. Here, we study the direct relationship between water diffusion and neuronal activity by simultaneously imaging intracellular calcium using fluorescence along with diffusion MR acquisitions from organotypic rat brain cortex cultures. Although we found that diffusion MR methods can follow the pathological time course of hyperexcitability, e.g., as those seen in epilepsy, they do not appear to be sensitive or specific enough to detect or follow normal neuronal activity.
Unique coupling of mono- and dioxygenase chemistries in a single active site promotes heme degradation
Authors: Matsui Toshitaka , Nambu Shusuke , Goulding Celia W. , Takahashi Satoshi , Fujii Hiroshi , Ikeda-Saito Masao 
Published: March 2016

SignificanceOxygenases are classified into two groups, mono- and dioxygenases, which, respectively, catalyze insertion of one and two oxygen atoms of O2into substrates. These two modes of oxygenation proceed through distinct reaction mechanisms and require totally different active site structures. For more than 60 years, oxygenase enzymes thus far have been found to catalyze either a mono- or dioxygenation reaction. This study has broken this paradigm as it clearly demonstrates that the heme-degrading enzyme fromMycobacterium tuberculosis, MhuD, catalyzes successive mono- and dioxygenation reactions within its single active site. This unprecedented bifunctionality of the single active center rationally explains the unique heme catabolites of MhuD, which have been proposed to meet the physiological demands of the pathogenic bacterium.
Quantitative MS-based enzymology of caspases reveals distinct protein substrate specificities, hierarchies, and cellular roles
Authors: Julien Olivier , Zhuang Min , Wiita Arun P. , O’Donoghue Anthony J. , Knudsen Giselle M. , Craik Charles S. , Wells James A. 
Published: March 2016

SignificanceCaspases, a family of 12 proteases involved in irreversible cell state changes including cell death, often cleave common substrates. However, we show here by quantitative N-terminomics MS, for caspase-2 and caspase-6, that the rates of substrate cleavage vary more than 500-fold in cellular lysate. The rates of cleavage show virtually no correlation among common substrates for these two caspases, as well as for three other caspases previously studied: caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-8. These global and unbiased studies reveal a greater degree of substrate hierarchy and specialized functions for caspases than previously appreciated. We believe this quantitative approach is of general use to other proteases and enzymes involved in posttranslational modifications to better define their roles.
Severity of Pulmonary Hypertension and Obesity are Not Associated with Worse Functional Outcomes after Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy
Authors: Matthews Daniel T. , Le Catherine N. , Robbins Ivan M. , Petracek Michael R. , Pugh Meredith E. , Brittain Evan L. , Hemnes Anna R. 
Published: March 2016

Predictors of functional outcomes in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) are important to identify preoperatively. We hypothesized that baseline severity of pulmonary hypertension and obesity would not be associated with 6‐month functional outcomes after PTE. Clinical and hemodynamic data were collected on consecutive patients undergoing PTE from 2008 to 2014. Patients were stratified according to baseline pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and body mass index (BMI). Six‐minute walk distance (6MWD), New York Heart Association functional class (FC), and echocardiography were assessed in each group at baseline and 6 months after PTE. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate for associations between functional outcomes and baseline PVR and BMI. Forty‐two patients underwent PTE and had 6‐month follow up data. In comparisons of patients with high and low baseline PVR, the baseline characteristics, distribution of disease, 6MWD, and FC were similar. Postoperative hemodynamics for both groups were similar. At 6 months, both groups achieved improvements in FC, and there were no between‐group differences in the change in 6MWD or FC. In comparisons of obese and nonobese patients, perioperative and FC improvement were similar; however, obese patients achieved a greater improvement in 6MWD than nonobese patients (P = 0.04). In conclusion, our data suggest that baseline severity of CTEPH and obesity were not associated with worse functional outcome. Further studies are needed to confirm these results, as these findings could have implications for patient selection for PTE.
Toroidal rotation induced by asymmetric cyclotron resonance absorption in minority ICRF-heated tokamak plasmas
Authors: Xu Y. , Wang S. , Zhang D. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
A new mechanism of ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF)-induced rotation is proposed to explain the toroidal rotation with minority ICRF heating without net momentum injection. For ICRF waves launched with the symmetric spectrum, a nonlinear toroidal force can be generated through the asymmetric absorption of the toroidal wave momentum, which is due to the finite toroidal rotation of minority ions. This ICRF-induced toroidal force can drive a significant toroidal rotation of bulk ions.
Tritium retention measurements by accelerator mass spectrometry and full combustion of W-coated and uncoated CFC tiles from the JET divertor
Authors: Stan-Sion C. , Bekris N. , Kizane G. , Enachescu M. , Likonen J. , Halitovs M. , Petre A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and the full combustion method (FCM) followed by liquid scintillation counting were applied to quantitatively determine the tritium retention in the tungsten-coated carbon fibre composites (CFC), in comparison to uncoated CFC tiles from the JET divertor. The tiles were adjacent and exposed to plasma operations between 2007 and 2009. The tritium depth profiles are showing that the tritium retention on the W-coated tile was reduced by a factor of 13.5 in comparison to the uncoated tile whereas the bulk tritium concentration is approximately the same for both tiles.
Mouse models for ROS1-fusion-positive lung cancers and their application to the analysis of multikinase inhibitor efficiency
Authors: Inoue Maki , Toki Hideaki , Matsui Junko , Togashi Yuki , Dobashi Akito , Fukumura Ryutaro , Gondo Yoichi , Minowa Osamu , Tanaka Norio , Mori Seiichi , Takeuchi Kengo , Noda Tetsuo 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
ROS1-fusion genes, resulting from chromosomal rearrangement, have been reported in 1–2% of human non-small cell lung cancer cases. More than 10 distinct ROS1-fusion genes, including break-point variants, have been identified to date. In this study, to investigate the in vivo oncogenic activities of one of the most frequently detected fusions, CD74-ROS1, as well as another SDC4-ROS1 fusion that has also been reported in several studies, we generated transgenic (TG) mouse strains that express either of the two ROS1-fusion genes specifically in lung alveolar type II cells. Mice in all TG lines developed tumorigenic nodules in the lung, and a few strains of both TG mouse lines demonstrated early-onset nodule development (multiple tumor lesions present in the lung at 2–4 weeks after birth); therefore, these two strains were selected for further investigation. Tumors developed progressively in the untreated TG mice of both lines, whereas those receiving oral administration of an ALK/MET/ROS1 inhibitor, crizotinib, and an ALK/ROS1 inhibitor, ASP3026, showed marked reduction in the tumor burden. Collectively, these data suggest that each of these two ROS1-fusion genes acts as a driver for the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma in vivo. The TG mice developed in this study are expected to serve as valuable tools for exploring novel therapeutic agents against ROS1-fusion-positive lung cancer.
Vaccine adjuvants as potential cancer immunotherapeutics
Authors: Temizoz Burcu , Kuroda Etsushi , Ishii Ken J. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Accumulated evidence obtained from various clinical trials and animal studies suggested that cancer vaccines need better adjuvants than those that are currently licensed, which include the most commonly used alum and incomplete Freund’s adjuvant, because of either a lack of potent anti-tumor immunity or the induction of undesired immunity. Several clinical trials using immunostimulatory adjuvants, particularly agonistic as well as non-agonistic ligands for TLRs, C-type lectin receptors, retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptors and stimulator of interferon genes, have revealed their therapeutic potential not only as vaccine adjuvants but also as anti-tumor agents. Recently, combinations of such immunostimulatory or immunomodulatory adjuvants have shown superior efficacy over their singular use, suggesting that seeking optimal combinations of the currently available or well-characterized adjuvants may provide a better chance for the development of novel adjuvants for cancer immunotherapy.
Brown hyena habitat selection varies among sites in a semi-arid region of southern Africa
Authors: Welch Rebecca J. , Tambling Craig J. , Bissett Charlene , Gaylard Angela , Müller Konrad , Slater Kerry , Strauss W. Maartin , Parker Daniel M. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Human/carnivore conflicts are common across the globe, and with a growing human population, this conflict is likely to increase as the space available to large carnivores is reduced. In South Africa, many small (&lt; 400 km 2 ), fenced protected areas have reintroduced persecuted carnivores, such as brown hyenas ( Hyaena brunnea ). These reserves have great potential to conserve brown hyena populations; consequently, understanding the limitations that small, fenced reserves impose on space use patterns is needed. We investigated the home range (95% fixed kernel utilization distributions) and landscape determinants of habitat selection using resource selection functions for 10 brown hyenas in 3 separate fenced reserves. Home range sizes were consistently smaller in 2 of the reserves when compared to the third. Considerable variation in the selection of habitat features exists among individual brown hyenas and reserves. The most important landscape determinant driving brown hyena space use was distance to roads, with brown hyenas observed closer to roads when compared to random locations within their ranges. If this relationship with roads holds outside of protected areas, it could represent a considerable threat to the species. Thus, obtaining a better understanding of the influence of roads on brown hyenas represents an important focus for future research.
Paternity and male mating strategies of a ground squirrel (
Ictidomys parvidens
) with an extended mating season
Authors: Schwanz Lisa E. , Sherwin William B. , Ognenovska Katherine , Lacey Eileen A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Animal mating systems are driven by the temporal and spatial distribution of sexually receptive females. In mammals, ground-dwelling squirrels represent an ideal clade for testing predictions regarding the effects of these parameters on male reproductive strategies. While the majority of ground squirrel species have a short, highly synchronous annual breeding season that occurs immediately after females emerge from hibernation, the Mexican or Rio Grande ground squirrel ( Ictidomys parvidens ) differs markedly in having an extended mating season (2 months) and a long delay between emergence from hibernation and female receptivity (1–2 months). Both traits are expected to favor polygyny by increasing the chances that a male can secure matings with multiple females (e.g., females that come into estrus on different days). To test this prediction, we used microsatellite markers to characterize the mating system of a population of Rio Grande ground squirrels from Carlsbad, New Mexico. Our analyses indicated a high frequency of multiple paternity of litters in this population. Paternity was not related to spatial overlap between known mothers and assigned fathers, suggesting that territory defense is unlikely to be an effective male reproductive strategy in the study population. Dominance interactions among males were frequent, with heavier males typically winning dyadic interactions. Surprisingly, however, males with lower dominance scores appeared to have higher reproductive success, as did males that were active over a greater extent of the study site. Collectively, these results suggest that the mating system of the Rio Grande ground squirrel is best described as scramble competition polygyny, with the primary male reproductive strategy consisting of searching for estrous females. Similar patterns of male–male competition have been reported for a few other ground squirrel species, providing potentially important opportunities for comparative studies of the factors favoring this form of male reproductive strategy.
Resource selection by southeastern fox squirrels in a fire-maintained forest system
Authors: Prince Annemarie , Chitwood M. Colter , Lashley Marcus A. , DePerno Christopher S. , Moorman Christopher E. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Fire is essential to maintain the open forest structure required by the southeastern fox squirrel ( Sciurus niger niger ). In recent decades, managers of the longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris ) ecosystem have transitioned from dormant-season to growing-season burns, which more effectively limit midstory hardwood encroachment. Similarly, aggressive hardwood removal programs have been employed to further reduce hardwood midstory. However, fox squirrels are dependent on oaks ( Quercus spp.) for food and cover; thus, it is unclear how growing-season burns and hardwood removal may affect habitat quality for fox squirrels. We used compositional analysis to investigate selection of home ranges within the study area by 48 radiocollared fox squirrels on the Fort Bragg Military Installation, North Carolina. We used resource utilization functions with growing-season fire history and other habitat covariates as explanatory variables to test whether growing-season fires influenced the selection of habitat components within home ranges. Lastly, using a sample of fox squirrel relocations and paired random points, we performed binomial logistic regression to test whether habitat selection by fox squirrels was influenced by the availability of oaks and longleaf pines and select forest stand structural characteristics. When establishing home ranges, fox squirrels selected southern yellow pine over other cover types. Within home ranges, fox squirrel use increased with decreasing distance to a riparian area but was not affected by the application of growing-season fires. At the population level, fox squirrels selected for greater densities of reproductively mature oak stems. Fox squirrels likely benefit from growing-season fires that maintain expansive upland pine stands but are negatively affected by homogeneous fire application and mechanical hardwood removal that reduce the occurrence of reproductively mature oaks across the landscape. Managers should strive to maintain oaks in riparian areas, fire shadows, and naturally occurring patches within pine stands when managing for fox squirrels.