bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of RNA Interference Lines Identifies New Functions of Maternally-Expressed Genes Involved in Embryonic Patterning inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Liu Niankun , Lasko Paul 
Published: April 2015

AbstractEmbryonic patterning in Drosophila melanogaster is initially established through the activity of a number of maternally expressed genes that are expressed during oogenesis. mRNAs from some of these genes accumulate in the posterior pole plasm of the oocyte and early embryo and localize further into RNA islands, which are transient ring-like structures that form around the nuclei of future primordial germ cells (pole cells) at stage 3 of embryogenesis. As mRNAs from several genes with known functions in anterior–posterior patterning and/or germ cell specification accumulate in RNA islands, we hypothesized that some other mRNAs that localize in this manner might also function in these developmental processes. To test this, we investigated the developmental functions of 51 genes whose mRNAs accumulate in RNA islands by abrogating their activity in the female germline using RNA interference. This analysis revealed requirements for ttk, pbl, Hip14, eIF5, eIF4G, and CG9977 for progression through early oogenesis. We observed dorsal appendage defects in a proportion of eggs produced by females expressing double-stranded RNA targeting Mkrn1 or jvl, implicating these two genes in dorsal–ventral patterning. In addition, posterior patterning defects and a reduction in pole cell number were seen in the progeny of Mkrn1 females. Because the mammalian ortholog of Mkrn1 acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, these results suggest an additional link between protein ubiquitination and pole plasm activity.
TheDrosophila melanogasterMutantsapblotandapXastaAffect an EssentialapterousWing Enhancer
Authors: Bieli Dimitri , Kanca Oguz , Gohl Daryl , Denes Alexandru , Schedl Paul , Affolter Markus , Müller Martin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe selector gene apterous (ap) plays a key role during the development of the Drosophila melanogaster wing because it governs the establishment of the dorsal-ventral (D-V) compartment boundary. The D-V compartment boundary is known to serve as an important signaling center that is essential for the growth of the wing. The role of Ap and its downstream effectors have been studied extensively. However, very little is known about the transcriptional regulation of ap during wing disc development. In this study, we present a first characterization of an essential wing-specific ap enhancer. First, we defined an 874-bp fragment about 10 kb upstream of the ap transcription start that faithfully recapitulates the expression pattern of ap in the wing imaginal disc. Analysis of deletions in the ap locus covering this element demonstrated that it is essential for proper regulation of ap and formation of the wing. Moreover, we showed that the mutations apblot and apXasta directly affect the integrity of this enhancer, leading to characteristic wing phenotypes. Furthermore, we engineered an in situ rescue system at the endogenous ap gene locus, allowing us to investigate the role of enhancer fragments in their native environment. Using this system, we were able to demonstrate that the essential wing enhancer alone is not sufficient for normal wing development. The in situ rescue system will allow us to characterize the ap regulatory sequences in great detail at the endogenous locus.
Single-Cell Based Quantitative Assay of Chromosome Transmission Fidelity
Authors: Zhu Jin , Heinecke Dominic , Mulla Wahid A , Bradford William D , Rubinstein Boris , Box Andrew , Haug Jeffrey S , Li Rong 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Errors in mitosis are a primary cause of chromosome instability (CIN), generating aneuploid progeny cells. Whereas a variety of factors can influence CIN, under most conditions mitotic errors are rare events that have been difficult to measure accurately. Here we report a green fluorescent protein−based quantitative chromosome transmission fidelity (qCTF) assay in budding yeast that allows sensitive and quantitative detection of CIN and can be easily adapted to high-throughput analysis. Using the qCTF assay, we performed genome-wide quantitative profiling of genes that affect CIN in a dosage-dependent manner and identified genes that elevate CIN when either increased (icCIN) or decreased in copy number (dcCIN). Unexpectedly, qCTF screening also revealed genes whose change in copy number quantitatively suppress CIN, suggesting that the basal error rate of the wild-type genome is not minimized, but rather, may have evolved toward an optimal level that balances both stability and low-level karyotype variation for evolutionary adaptation.
Response of Polygenic Traits Under Stabilizing Selection and Mutation When Loci Have Unequal Effects
Authors: Jain Kavita , Stephan Wolfgang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe consider an infinitely large population under stabilizing selection and mutation in which the allelic effects determining a polygenic trait vary between loci. We obtain analytical expressions for the stationary genetic variance as a function of the distribution of effects, mutation rate, and selection coefficient. We also study the dynamics of the allele frequencies, focusing on short-term evolution of the phenotypic mean as it approaches the optimum after an environmental change. We find that when most effects are small, the genetic variance does not change appreciably during adaptation, and the time until the phenotypic mean reaches the optimum is short if the number of loci is large. However, when most effects are large, the change of the variance during the adaptive process cannot be neglected. In this case, the short-term dynamics may be described by those of a few loci of large effect. Our results may be used to understand polygenic selection driving rapid adaptation.
Novel Genes Critical for Hypoxic Preconditioning in Zebrafish Are Regulators of Insulin and Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Manchenkov Tania , Pasillas Martina P , Haddad Gabriel G , Imam Farhad B 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Severe hypoxia is a common cause of major brain, heart, and kidney injury in adults, children, and newborns. However, mild hypoxia can be protective against later, more severe hypoxia exposure via “hypoxic preconditioning,” a phenomenon that is not yet fully understood. Accordingly, we have established and optimized an embryonic zebrafish model to study hypoxic preconditioning. Using a functional genomic approach, we used this zebrafish model to identify and validate five novel hypoxia-protective genes, including irs2, crtc3, and camk2g2, which have been previously implicated in metabolic regulation. These results extend our understanding of the mechanisms of hypoxic preconditioning and affirm the discovery potential of this novel vertebrate hypoxic stress model.
Gene Network Reconstruction by Integration of Prior Biological Knowledge
Authors: Li Yupeng , Jackson Scott A 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWith the development of high-throughput genomic technologies, large, genome-wide datasets have been collected, and the integration of these datasets should provide large-scale, multidimensional, and insightful views of biological systems. We developed a method for gene association network construction based on gene expression data that integrate a variety of biological resources. Assuming gene expression data are from a multivariate Gaussian distribution, a graphical lasso (glasso) algorithm is able to estimate the sparse inverse covariance matrix by a lasso (L1) penalty. The inverse covariance matrix can be seen as direct correlation between gene pairs in the gene association network. In our work, instead of using a single penalty, different penalty values were applied for gene pairs based on a priori knowledge as to whether the two genes should be connected. The a priori information can be calculated or retrieved from other biological data, e.g., Gene Ontology similarity, protein-protein interaction, gene regulatory network. By incorporating prior knowledge, the weighted graphical lasso (wglasso) outperforms the original glasso both on simulations and on data from Arabidopsis. Simulation studies show that even when some prior knowledge is not correct, the overall quality of the wglasso network was still greater than when not incorporating that information, e.g., glasso.
Los sistemas defensivos califales de la Sierra de San Blas (Ágreda, Soria)
Authors: Alonso Fernández Carmen , Jiménez Echevarría Javier 
Published: April 2015

Recent archaeological work in the Sierra de San Blas in Agreda (Soria), have identified a system of three watchtower dating from the tenth century, designed to defend both the emirate nucleus of Agreda and this border region within Marca Media Hispánica.This group is the counterpoint to the lack of related sites existing in Soria eastern against the dense network of western defense, while it allows the introduction of new archaeological and historicaldimensions about the disappearance of the caliphate nucleus of Agreda in an advanced stage of the tenth century. Despite the simplicity of the structures that have survived up to today, all have a constructive model similar to other related archaeological sites located in nearby mountain ranges such as the Sierra del Madero, with which they share the same function.The synchronism come backed by the homogeneity of archaeological materials recovered in San Blas, which enrich the concise record known so far in Soria.
Maxillary anterior alignment stability in Class I and Class II malocclusions treated with or without extraction
Authors: Guirro Willian Juarez Granucci , Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore , Janson Guilherme , de Freitas Marcos Roberto , Quaglio Camila Leite 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To compare the postretention stability of maxillary incisors alignment in subjects with Class I and II malocclusion treated with or without extractions.

Materials and Methods:
The sample comprised 103 subjects with initial maxillary anterior irregularity greater than 3 mm and was divided into four groups: group 1 comprised 19 patients with Class I malocclusion treated with nonextraction (mean initial age = 13.06 years); group 2 comprised 19 patients with Class II malocclusion treated with nonextraction (mean initial age = 12.54 years); group 3 comprised 30 patients with Class I malocclusion treated with extractions (mean initial age = 13.16 years); group 4 comprised 35 patients with Class II malocclusion treated with extractions (mean initial age = 12.99 years). Dental casts were obtained at three different stages: pretreatment (T1), posttreatment (T2), and long-term posttreatment (T3). Maxillary incisor irregularity and arch dimensions were evaluated. Intergroup comparisons were performed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey tests.

Results:
In the long-term posttreatment period, relapse of maxillary crowding and arch dimensions was similar in all groups.

Conclusion:
Changes in maxillary anterior alignment in Class I and Class II malocclusions treated with nonextractions and with extractions were similar in the long-term posttreatment period.
Is the Complement Activation Product C3a a Proinflammatory Molecule? Re-evaluating the Evidence and the Myth
Authors: Coulthard Liam G. , Woodruff Trent M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe complement activation product C3a is often described as a proinflammatory mediator, alongside its downstream cousin, C5a. However, emerging studies show that C3a has several anti-inflammatory facets in vivo. For example, in the acute inflammatory response, C3a acts in direct opposition to C5a, through preventing the accumulation of neutrophils in inflamed tissues by independently regulating their mobilization. This acute, protective, and opposing activity of C3a to C5a is also illustrated in models of septicemia. In this article, we reinvestigate the discovery and original classification of C3a as a proinflammatory mediator and highlight the emerging studies demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects for C3a in the immune response. It is our hope that this review illuminates these apparently contradictory roles for C3a and challenges the general dogma surrounding C3a, which, historically, has ubiquitously been described as a proinflammatory mediator. In light of this, we urge investigators to use “inflammatory modulator” as the descriptor for C3a.
Endothelial Actin-Binding Proteins and Actin Dynamics in Leukocyte Transendothelial Migration
Authors: Schnoor Michael 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The endothelium is the first barrier that leukocytes have to overcome during recruitment to sites of inflamed tissues. The leukocyte extravasation cascade is a complex multistep process that requires the activation of various adhesion molecules and signaling pathways, as well as actin remodeling, in both leukocytes and endothelial cells. Endothelial adhesion molecules, such as E-selectin or ICAM-1, are connected to the actin cytoskeleton via actin-binding proteins (ABPs). Although the contribution of receptor–ligand interactions to leukocyte extravasation has been studied extensively, the contribution of endothelial ABPs to the regulation of leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration remains poorly understood. This review focuses on recently published evidence that endothelial ABPs, such as cortactin, myosin, or α-actinin, regulate leukocyte extravasation by controlling actin dynamics, biomechanical properties of endothelia, and signaling pathways, such as GTPase activation, during inflammation. Thus, ABPs may serve as targets for novel treatment strategies for disorders characterized by excessive leukocyte recruitment.
Sport-Specific Training Targeting the Proximal Segments and Throwing Velocity in Collegiate Throwing Athletes
Authors: Palmer Thomas , Uhl Timothy L. , Howell Dana , Hewett Timothy E. , Viele Kert , Mattacola Carl G. 
Published: April 2015

Context
The ability to generate, absorb, and transmit forces through the proximal segments of the pelvis, spine, and trunk has been proposed to influence sport performance, yet traditional training techniques targeting the proximal segments have had limited success improving sport-specific performance.

Objective
To investigate the effects of a traditional endurance-training program and a sport-specific power-training program targeting the muscles that support the proximal segments and throwing velocity.

Design
Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting
University research laboratory and gymnasium.

Patients or Other Participants
A total of 46 (age = 20 ± 1.3 years, height = 175.7 ± 8.7 cm) healthy National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III female softball (n = 17) and male baseball (n = 29) players.

Intervention(s)
Blocked stratification for sex and position was used to randomly assign participants to 1 of 2 training groups for 7 weeks: a traditional endurance-training group (ET group; n = 21) or a power-stability–training group (PS group; n = 25).

Mean Outcome Measure(s)
The change score in peak throwing velocity (km/h) normalized for body weight (BW; kilograms) and change score in tests that challenge the muscles of the proximal segments normalized for BW (kilograms). We used 2-tailed independent-samples t tests to compare differences between the change scores.

Results
The peak throwing velocity (ET group = 0.01 ± 0.1 km/h/kg of BW, PS group = 0.08 ± 0.03 km/h/kg of BW; P &lt; .001) and muscle power outputs for the chop (ET group = 0.22 ± 0.91 W/kg of BW, PS group = 1.3 ± 0.91 W/kg of BW; P &lt; .001) and lift (ET group = 0.59 ± 0.67 W/kg of BW, PS group = 1.4 ± 0.87 W/kg of BW; P &lt; .001) tests were higher at postintervention in the PT than in the ET group.

Conclusions
An improvement in throwing velocity occurred simultaneously with measures of muscular endurance and power after a sport-specific training regimen targeting the proximal segments.
Neural Excitability Alterations After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Pietrosimone Brian G. , Lepley Adam S. , Ericksen Hayley M. , Clements Amy , Sohn David H. , Gribble Phillip A. 
Published: April 2015

Context
Neuromuscular dysfunction is common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). However, little is known about quadriceps spinal-reflex and descending corticomotor excitability after ACL-R. Understanding the effects of ACL-R on spinal-reflex and corticomotor excitability will help elucidate the origins of neuromuscular dysfunction.

Objective
To determine whether spinal-reflex excitability and corticomotor excitability differed between the injured and uninjured limbs of patients with unilateral ACL-R and between these limbs and the matched limbs of healthy participants.

Design
Case-control study.

Setting
Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants
A total of 28 patients with unilateral ACL-R (9 men, 19 women; age = 21.28 ± 3.79 years, height = 170.95 ± 10.04 cm, mass = 73.18 ± 18.02 kg, time after surgery = 48.10 ± 36.17 months) and 29 participants serving as healthy controls (9 men, 20 women; age = 21.55 ± 2.70 years, height = 170.59 ± 8.93 cm, mass = 71.89 ± 12.70 kg) volunteered.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
Active motor thresholds (AMTs) were collected from the vastus medialis (VM) using transcranial magnetic stimulation. We evaluated VM spinal reflexes using the Hoffmann reflex normalized to maximal muscle responses (H : M ratio). Voluntary quadriceps activation was measured with the superimposed-burst technique and calculated using the central activation ratio (CAR). We also evaluated whether ACL-R patients with high or low voluntary activation had different outcomes.

Results
The AMT was higher in the injured than in the uninjured limb in the ACL-R group (t27 = 3.32, P = .003) and in the matched limb of the control group (t55 = 2.05, P = .04). The H : M ratio was bilaterally higher in the ACL-R than the control group (F1,55 = 5.17, P = .03). The quadriceps CAR was bilaterally lower in the ACL-R compared with the control group (F1,55 = 10.5, P = .002). The ACL-R group with low voluntary activation (CAR &lt; 0.95) had higher AMT than the control group (P = .02), whereas the ACL-R group with high voluntary activation (CAR ≥ 0.95) demonstrated higher H : M ratios than the control group (P = .05).

Conclusions
The higher VM AMT in the injured limbs of ACL-R patients suggested that corticomotor deficits were present after surgery. Higher bilateral H : M ratios in ACL-R patients may be a strategy to reflexively increase excitability to maintain voluntary activation.
A Refined Prediction Model for Core and Lower Extremity Sprains and Strains Among Collegiate Football Players
Authors: Wilkerson Gary B. , Colston Marisa A. 
Published: April 2015

ContextResearchers have identified high exposure to game conditions, low back dysfunction, and poor endurance of the core musculature as strong predictors for the occurrence of sprains and strains among collegiate football players.ObjectiveTo refine a previously developed injury-prediction model through analysis of 3 consecutive seasons of data.DesignCohort study.SettingNational Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision football program.Patients or Other ParticipantsFor 3 consecutive years, all 152 team members (age = 19.7 ± 1.5 years, height = 1.84 ± 0.08 m, mass = 101.08 ± 19.28 kg) presented for a mandatory physical examination on the day before initiation of preseason practice sessions.Main Outcome Measure(s)Associations between preseason measurements and the subsequent occurrence of a core or lower extremity sprain or strain were established for 256 player-seasons of data. We used receiver operating characteristic analysis to identify optimal cut points for dichotomous categorizations of cases as high risk or low risk. Both logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were used to identify a multivariable injury-prediction model with optimal discriminatory power.ResultsExceptionally good discrimination between injured and uninjured cases was found for a 3-factor prediction model that included equal to or greater than 1 game as a starter, Oswestry Disability Index score equal to or greater than 4, and poor wall-sit–hold performance. The existence of at least 2 of the 3 risk factors demonstrated 56% sensitivity, 80% specificity, an odds ratio of 5.28 (90% confidence interval = 3.31, 8.44), and a hazard ratio of 2.97 (90% confidence interval = 2.14, 4.12).ConclusionsHigh exposure to game conditions was the dominant injury risk factor for collegiate football players, but a surprisingly mild degree of low back dysfunction and poor core-muscle endurance appeared to be important modifiable risk factors that should be identified and addressed before participation.
Fully endoscopic supraorbital keyhole approach to the anterior cranial base: A cadaveric study
Authors: Akçakaya Mehmet Osman , Aras Yavuz , İzgi Nail , Gayretli Özcan , Sabancı Pulat Akın , Aydoseli Aydın , Gürses İlke Ali , Sencer Altay , Öztürk Adnan , Hepgül Kemal 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The supraorbital keyhole approach for anterior cranial base lesions has been increasingly used in clinical practice. Anatomical studies focusing on the endoscopic anatomy via this approach are few, although the microscopic anatomy has been well studied. The aim of this study is to describe the anatomical features and surgical exposure provided by the endoscopic supraorbital keyhole approach using quantitative measurements. Materials and Methods: Nine formalin-fixed human cadavers from the inventory of the Anatomy department were used. A total of 18 supraorbital keyhole cranitomies were conducted. The distances between the target anatomical structures and the dura mater at the craniotomy site, and the distances between deep anatomical structures were measured with purpose-designed hooks. Results: The distance between the dura mater and optic canal was measured as 69.5 ± 6.7 mm (62-83 mm); optic chiasm as 76.2 ± 5.4 mm (67-86 mm); anterior communicating artery as 82.6 ± 6.1 mm (71-93 mm); internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation as 74.7 ± 6.0 mm (66-84 mm) and the basilar tip as 94.9 ± 7.0 mm (87-111 mm). The mean diameter of the optic canal was 7.4 ± 1.3 mm (6-11 mm), whereas the mean diameter of diaphragma sellae was measured as 8.4 ± 1.1 mm (7-10 mm). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the anterior anda medial aspects of the anterior cranial fossa can be visualized properly. Dissection of the ipsilateral arteries of Circle of Willis can be performed easily using an endoscopic supraorbital keyhole approach.
Dural metastasis masquerading as an en plaque meningioma
Authors: Kapoor Ankur , Savardekar Amey , Chaterjee Debajyaoti , Salunke Pravin , Vasishta Rakesh K , Bhattacharya Anish 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTMetastatic adenocarcinoma mimicking meningioma is rare; and any metastatic lesion masquerading as an en plaque meningioma is extremely rare. We report the case of a 50-year-old female, who presented with headache and left hemiparesis for 1 month and on imaging showed a dural-based enhancing mass along the right hemisphere. The patient was operated with a working diagnosis of en plaque meningioma. Histopathology revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. This report highlights an unusual radiological presentation of a metastatic lesion as dural based en plaque variety. Metastasis should be borne in mind for any en plaque lesion with rapid clinical progression.
Segmental neuromyotonia
Authors: Panwar Ajay , Junewar Vivek , Sahu Ritesh , Shukla Rakesh 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTUnilateral focal neuromyotonia has been rarely reported in fingers or extraocular muscles. We report a case of segmental neuromyotonia in a 20-year-old boy who presented to us with intermittent tightness in right upper limb. Electromyography revealed myokymic and neuromyotonic discharges in proximal as well as distal muscles of the right upper limb. Patient’s symptoms responded well to phenytoin therapy. Such an atypical involvement of two contiguous areas of a single limb in neuromyotonia has not been reported previously. Awareness of such an atypical presentation of the disease can be important in timely diagnosis and treatment of a patient.