bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Up‐regulation of microRNA‐491‐5p suppresses cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis by targeting FOXP4 in human osteosarcoma
Authors: Yin Zhixun , Ding Hongmei , He Erxing , Chen Jingchen , Li Ming 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground and objectivesMicroRNAs are small non‐coding RNAs involved in pathogenesis and progression of human malignancies. MicroRNA‐491‐5p (miR‐491‐5p) is down‐regulated in many human cancers where it would serve as a tumour suppressor. However, the role played by miR‐491‐5p in pathogenesis of human osteosarcoma has remained largely unknown. This study has been conducted to examine effects of miR‐491‐5p on migration and proliferation of cells of the SAOS‐2 and MG63 osteosarcoma lines, and mechanisms of those effects.Materials and methodsLevels of miR‐491‐5p expression in osteosarcoma tissues and in human osteosarcoma cell lines were studied using qualitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) methods. Cell viability was detected using the CCK‐8 and EdU assays, while the transwell assay was used to evaluate migration and invasion. Apoptosis was analysed uing flow cytometry and the Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining method. A dual‐luciferase reporter system was used to confirm the target gene of miR‐491‐5p. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) with DIG‐labelled double‐stranded FOXP4 oligonucleotides was used to confirm whether or not miR‐491‐5p suppressed FOXP4 activation.ResultsCells of osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines had low levels of miR‐491‐5p expression, but high levels of forkhead‐box P4 (FOXP4) expression. Transfection of SAOS‐2 and MG63 cells with miR‐491‐5p mimics inhibited expression of FOXP4 protein, which suppressed cell growth and migration, but induced apoptosis. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays confirmed FOXP4 as the target gene for miR‐491‐5p. Overexpression of miR‐491‐5p suppressed FOXP4 activity in SAOS‐2 and MG63 cells. Knockdown of FOXP4 in SAOS‐2 and MG63 cells using an RNAi strategy resulted in reduced levels of cell proliferation and migration, but increased levels of apoptosis.ConclusionOur in vitro studies showed that up‐regulation of miR‐491‐5p suppressed proliferation of the human osteosarcoma cells and induced apoptosis by targeting FOXP4. These findings suggest that miR‐491‐5p could be further studied as a potential clinical diagnostic or predictive biomarker for human osteosarcoma.
Ecological niche and species distribution modelling of sea stars along the Pacific Northwest continental shelf
Authors: Hemery Lenaïg G. , Marion Scott R. , Romsos Chris G. , Kurapov Alexander L. , Henkel Sarah K. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimPopulations of several sea star species were devastated by a disease in 2013–2014 from Alaska to Baja California. However, their exact distributions and ecological requirements are unknown and better knowledge could help identify populations that are at risk. This study aimed to assess patterns of distribution and determine ecological requirements of several sea star species affected by the disease.LocationContinental shelf from southern Washington State to northern California, USA.MethodsA large occurrence dataset (5385 data points) of 11 taxa was gathered from bottom trawl surveys and underwater video footage, along with data for 13 oceanographic and seafloor environmental parameters. Species distribution modelling (Maxent) and ecological niche (outlying mean index) analyses were applied to these biotic and abiotic datasets.ResultsEach species showed contrasting ecological niches and modelled distributions, the main explanatory factors being depth, temperature, salinity, sediment mean grain size and the presence of rocky outcrops. Despite these species being recorded from Alaska to California, some sea stars showed very narrow distributions, whereas other taxa were widely distributed in the whole area.Main conclusionsThe modelled ecological niches and distributions of these 11 sea star taxa showed a high degree of differentiation. Because intertidal and shallow subtidal populations were drastically affected by the 2013–2014 disease, recovery will depend on health of subtidal populations and the ability of the species to disperse and recolonize shallower areas. Our study will serve as a useful reference of the species distributions before the disease started. This distributional data and assessment of influential environmental factors will be valuable for future predictions or studies of the effects of bottom‐contact ocean‐use activities on sea star species as well as the effects of climate change. Understanding habitat conditions favourable for these species may be helpful in managing population recovery following disease outbreaks or other catastrophic events.
Space invaders; biological invasions in marine conservation planning
Authors: Giakoumi Sylvaine , Guilhaumon François , Kark Salit , Terlizzi Antonio , Claudet Joachim , Felline Serena , Cerrano Carlo , Coll Marta , Danovaro Roberto , Fraschetti Simonetta , Koutsoubas Drosos , Ledoux Jean‐Batiste , Mazor Tessa , Mérigot Bastien , Micheli Fiorenza , Katsanevakis Stelios 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimBiological invasions are major contributors to global change and native biodiversity decline. However, they are overlooked in marine conservation plans. Here, we examine for the first time the extent to which marine conservation planning research has addressed (or ignored) biological invasions. Furthermore, we explore the change of spatial priorities in conservation plans when different approaches are used to incorporate the presence and impacts of invasive species.LocationGlobal analysis with a focus on the Mediterranean Sea region.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review consisting of three steps: (1) article selection using a search engine, (2) abstract screening and (3) review of pertinent articles, which were identified in the second step. The information extracted included the scale and geographical location of each case study as well as the approach followed regarding invasive species. We also applied the softwareMarxanto produce and compare conservation plans for the Mediterranean Sea that either protect, or avoid areas impacted by invasives, or ignore the issue. One case study focused on the protection of critical habitats, and the other on endemic fish species.ResultsWe found that of 119 papers on marine spatial plans in specific biogeographic regions, only three (2.5%) explicitly took into account invasive species. When comparing the different conservation plans for each case study, we found that the majority of selected sites for protection (ca. 80%) changed in the critical habitat case study, while this proportion was lower but substantial (27%) in the endemic fish species case study.Main conclusionsBiological invasions are being widely disregarded when planning for conservation in the marine environment across local to global scales. More explicit consideration of biological invasions can significantly alter spatial conservation priorities. Future conservation plans should explicitly account for biological invasions to optimize the selection of marine protected areas.
Combined effects of urbanization and connectivity on iconic coastal fishes
Authors: Vargas‐Fonseca Elena , Olds Andrew D. , Gilby Ben L. , Connolly Rod M. , Schoeman David S. , Huijbers Chantal M. , Hyndes Glenn A. , Schlacher Thomas A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimDisturbance and connectivity shape the structure and spatial distribution of animal populations in all ecosystems, but the combined effects of these factors are rarely measured in coastal seascapes. We used surf zones of exposed sandy beaches in eastern Australia as a model seascape to test for combined effects of coastal urbanization and seascape connectivity (i.e. spatial links between surf zones, estuaries and rocky headlands) on fish assemblages.LocationFour hundred kilometres of exposed surf beaches along the eastern coastline of Australia.MethodsFish assemblages were surveyed from surf zones of 14 ocean‐exposed sandy beaches using purpose‐built surf baited remote underwater video stations.ResultsThe degree of coastal urbanization and connectivity were strongly correlated with the spatial distribution of fish species richness and abundance and were of greater importance to surf fishes than local surf conditions. Urbanization was associated with reductions in the abundance of harvested piscivores and fish species richness. Piscivore abundance and species richness were lowest on highly urbanized coastlines, and adjacent to beaches in wilderness areas where recreational fishing is intense. By contrast, seascape connectivity was correlated with the spatial distribution of omnivore and planktivore abundance. Spatial linkages between surf zones and estuaries were also important to two globally threatened guitarfish that are of international conservation significance.Main conclusionsWe show for the first time how vulnerable and iconic fish species in surf zones are affected by the presence of coastal cities and the attributes of seascapes in which these cities are embedded. It is possible that greater connectivity may lessen ‘urbanization’ impacts for species with broad diets and strong ecological links to other ecosystems – this offers new perspectives in coastal conservation, for fishes and beyond.
The Plight of Modern Markets: How Universal Banking Undermines Capital Markets
Authors: Sissoko Carolyn 
Published: October 2016

This paper explains the process of competitive deregulation that led both the US and the UK to embrace universal banking and to abandon the functional separation of financial activities that had long characterized their financial systems. The paper argues that some of the consequences of favouring universal banking over functional separation that were understood in the 1930s were rarely voiced in years preceding deregulation. The principal argument offered in favour of separation was that the commercial banking system, which is supported by a government ‘safety net’, needs to be protected from the risks inherent in investment banking. By contrast, this paper argues that functional separation played an important role in protecting capital markets from the banking system.Universal banking is associated historically with thinly traded stock markets, and this paper argues that universal banking promotes the formation of a small group of large dealer‐banks which dominate the financial system and whose interests are best served by trading on nonpublic over‐the‐counter (OTC) markets. The paper finds that just such a group played a key role in the growing importance of such OTC markets in the US over the past few decades.The paper then argues that the benefits of the greater liquidity that large universal banks can provide to capital markets are offset by the dangers they create when they err. Because mistakes at these large banks are often allowed to grow in size to match the size of the banks, they distort prices on financial markets and sometimes create systemic risk. Two recent examples are given: J.P. Morgan Chase Bank's ‘London whale’ fiasco and UBS, Merrill Lynch and Citibank's exposures to subprime mortgages.Finally, the paper explains that the Senate Report on the Glass–Steagall Act indicates that the Act was designed in part to limit commercial bank participation in the margin loan market, as this activity makes possible a feedback loop between increases in the money supply and increases in asset prices, which in turn can generate an asset price bubble in capital markets. The recent crisis has led modern researchers to rediscover the relationship between margin lending, feedback loops, and asset price bubbles that was well understood by at least some legislators in the 1930s. The paper argues that the recent crisis demonstrates that modern banking regulation needs to be informed by an understanding of the consequences that may arise when a financial system is dominated by universal banks.
Herbivore species identity rather than diversity of the non‐host community determines foraging behaviour of the parasitoid wasp Cotesia glomerata
Authors: de Rijk Marjolein , Wang Qianjue , Papagiannaki Evangelia , Dicke Marcel , Poelman Erik H. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractExtensive research has been conducted to reveal how species diversity affects ecosystem functions and services. Yet, consequences of diversity loss for ecosystems as a whole as well as for single community members are still difficult to predict. Arthropod communities typically are species‐rich, and their species interactions, such as those between herbivores and their predators or parasitoids, may be particularly sensitive to changes in community composition. Parasitoids forage for herbivorous hosts by using herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (indirect cues) and cues produced by their host (direct cues). However, in addition to hosts, non‐suitable herbivores are present in a parasitoid's environment which may complicate the foraging process for the parasitoid. Therefore, ecosystem changes in the diversity of herbivores may affect the foraging efficiency of parasitoids. The effect of herbivore diversity may be mediated by either species numbers per se, by specific species traits, or by both. To investigate how diversity and identity of non‐host herbivores influence the behaviour of parasitoids, we created environments with different levels of non‐host diversity. On individual plants in these environments, we complemented host herbivores with 1–4 non‐host herbivore species. We subsequently studied the behaviour of the gregarious endoparasitoid Cotesia glomerata L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) while foraging for its gregarious host Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Neither non‐host species diversity nor non‐host identity influenced the preference of the parasitoid for herbivore‐infested plants. However, after landing on the plant, non‐host species identity did affect parasitoid behaviour, whereas non‐host diversity did not. One of the non‐host species, Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), reduced the time the parasitoid spent on the plant as well as the number of hosts it parasitized. We conclude that non‐host herbivore species identity has a larger influence on C. glomerata foraging behaviour than non‐host species diversity. Our study shows the importance of species identity over species diversity in a multitrophic interaction of plants, herbivores, and parasitoids.
Seasonal variations of host resources influence foraging strategy in parasitoids
Authors: Eoche‐Bosy Delphine , Outreman Yannick , Oliveira Andrade Thiago , Krespi Liliane , van Baaren Joan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMany species have to cope with decreased resource availability and life expectancy during winter. The optimal foraging theory predicts that under these conditions, generalist foraging strategies should be favoured, via the acceptance of suboptimal resources. In contrast, during favourable seasons, specialist foraging strategies, i.e., a preferential consumption of the most profitable resources, should be favoured instead. Although spatial and fine‐scale temporal dimensions of the influence of resource distribution on foraging strategies have long been studied in individual species, guild‐level, large‐scale temporal approaches (over multiple seasons) have rarely been considered. Parasitoids that can remain active during winter are an interesting model system which allows direct testing of resource profitability and reaching conclusions about foraging strategies from an evolutionary point of view. Here, we analysed how temporal variations of host resource availability in northwestern France impact the foraging strategies of parasitoid wasps. The foraging behaviours of dominant cereal aphid parasitoid species in relation to the two most abundant aphid host species were observed in winter and in spring. Because of a seasonal change in the host–parasitoid community and of a few species present in the fields each season, we were unable to confirm our hypothesis at the species level for all the studied species. Nevertheless, this study brought results consistent with our assumptions at the guild level, indicating that different species of a guild favour similar foraging strategies. In winter, female parasitoids generally adopted an opportunistic strategy, accepting all aphid hosts encountered, even if they were suboptimal. In spring, parasitoids displayed a specialist strategy by selecting preferentially a host species, but the better quality of preferentially selected species remains to be fully demonstrated.
Predictive significance of the European LeukemiaNet classification of genetic aberrations in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hemmati Philipp G. , Vuong Lam G. , Terwey Theis H. , Jehn Christian F. , le Coutre Philipp , Penack Olaf , Na Il‐Kang , Dörken Bernd , Arnold Renate 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive capacity of the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) classification of genetic risk in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT).MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 274 patients transplanted at our centre between 2004 and 2014.ResultsThe ELN grouping is comparable to the Southwest Oncology Group/Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (SWOG/ECOG) stratification in predicting the outcome after alloSCT [overall P = 0.0064 for disease‐free survival (DFS), overall P = 0.003 for relapse]. Patients with an intermediate‐1 profile have a significantly elevated 5‐yr relapse incidence as compared to favourable risk patients, that is 40% vs. 15%, [hazard ratio (HR) 2.58, P = 0.048]. An intermediate‐1 risk profile is an independent predictor for relapse as determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR 3.05, P = 0.023). In intermediate‐1 patients, the presence of an FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD) is associated with a significantly increased relapse incidence (P = 0.0323), and a lower DFS (P = 0.0465). FLT3‐ITD is an independent predictor for overall survival, DFS and relapse incidence in the intermediate‐1 subgroup.ConclusionsThe ELN stratification of genetic risk predicts the outcome of patients with AML undergoing alloSCT. Patients with an intermediate‐1 profile have a high risk for treatment failure due to relapse, which prompts the development of alternative treatment strategies.
Visuomotor signals for reaching movements in the rostro‐dorsal sector of the monkey thalamic reticular nucleus
Authors: Saga Yosuke , Nakayama Yoshihisa , Inoue Ken‐ichi , Yamagata Tomoko , Hashimoto Masashi , Tremblay Léon , Takada Masahiko , Hoshi Eiji 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) collects inputs from the cerebral cortex and thalamus and, in turn, sends inhibitory outputs to the thalamic relay nuclei. This unique connectivity suggests that the TRN plays a pivotal role in regulating information flow through the thalamus. Here, we analyzed the roles of TRN neurons in visually guided reaching movements. We first used retrograde transneuronal labeling with rabies virus, and showed that the rostro‐dorsal sector of the TRN (TRNrd) projected disynaptically to the ventral premotor cortex (PMv). In other experiments, we recorded neurons from the TRNrd or PMv while monkeys performed a visuomotor task. We found that neurons in the TRNrd and PMv showed visual‐, set‐, and movement‐related activity modulation. These results indicate that the TRNrd, as well as the PMv, is involved in the reception of visual signals and in the preparation and execution of reaching movements. The fraction of neurons that were non‐selective for the location of visual signals or the direction of reaching movements was greater in the TRNrd than in the PMv. Furthermore, the fraction of neurons whose activity increased from the baseline was greater in the TRNrd than in the PMv. The timing of activity modulation of visual‐related and movement‐related neurons was similar in TRNrd and PMv neurons. Overall, our data suggest that TRNrd neurons provide motor thalamic nuclei with inhibitory inputs that are predominantly devoid of spatial selectivity, and that these signals modulate how these nuclei engage in both sensory processing and motor output during visually guided reaching behavior.
Blood cells serve as a source of factor‐inducing rapid ischemic tolerance in brain
Authors: Bonova Petra , Nemethova Miroslava , Matiasova Milina , Bona Martin , Gottlieb Miroslav 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIschemic tolerance (IT) has gained attention as an attractive strategy for improving stroke outcome. Recently, it was shown that signal responsible for rapid IT induction (tolerance induction factor – TIF) is transmitted via circulating blood. In this study, we have hypothesized about the role of the blood cell compartment in TIF production. We used hind‐limb ischemia to generate TIF as a rapid preconditioning against transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The essential properties of protein synthesis inhibitors actinomycin D and cycloheximide were utilized to obtain the following results: (i) TIF is proteinaceous. Hind‐limb ischemia mediates gene expression followed by translation, resulting in the production of TIF. Blocking of each of these two steps in protein synthesis resulted in rapid infarct evolution (281.5 ± 23.37 and 330.4 ± 71.8 mm3, respectively). (ii) Tourniquet‐treated muscle is not a source of TIF. Actinomicine D injected into rat prior to tolerance induction significantly suppressed RNA synthesis in blood cells and muscle tissue. Cross‐circulation of those rats (donors) with control animals (recipients) did not mediate significant infarct reduction (272.9 ± 12.45 mm3), even when hind‐limb ischemia was performed before MCAO in the recipient (223.2 ± 37.51 mm3). (iii) Blood cells serve as a source of TIF. Preischemic transfusion of plasma‐free, protein‐synthesis‐inactive blood cells, which were obtained from tolerant animals did not reduce infarct volume in recipients (131 ± 16.1 mm3) in a range comparable with their protein‐synthesis‐active counterparts (17.2 ± 12 mm3). We can conclude that blood cells are associated with the induction of rapid IT via production of a bioactive proteinaceous substance.