bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyr61 activates retinal cells and prolongs photoreceptor survival in rd1 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Kucharska Joanna , del Río Patricia , Arango‐Gonzalez Blanca , Gorza Matteo , Feuchtinger Annette , Hauck Stefanie M. , Ueffing Marius 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSubretinal injections with glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) rescue morphology as well as function of rod cells in mouse and rat animal models of retinitis pigmentosa. At the same time, it is postulated that this effect is indirect, mediated by activation of retinal Müller glial (RMG) cells. Here, we show that Cyr61/CCN1, one of the secreted proteins up‐regulated in primary RMG after glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor stimulation, provides neuroprotective and pro‐survival capacities: Recombinant Cyr61 significantly reduced photoreceptor (PR) cells death in organotypic cultures of Pde6brd1 retinas. To identify stimulated pathways in the retina, we treated Pde6brd1 retinal explants with Cyr61 and observed an overall increase in activated Erk1/2 and Stat3 signalling molecules characterized by activation‐site‐specific phosphorylation. To identify Cyr61 retinal target cells, we isolated primary porcine PR, RMG and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and exposed them separately to Cyr61. Here, RMG as well as RPE cells responded with induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2, Stat3 and Akt. In PR, no increase in phosphorylation in any of the studied proteins was detected, suggesting an indirect neuroprotective effect of Cyr61. Cyr61 may thus act as an endogenous pro‐survival factor for PR, contributing to the complex repertoire of neuroprotective activities generated by RMG and RPE cells.image
We propose the following model of Cyr61 neuroprotection within the retina: Cyr61 stimulates retinal Müller glial (RMG) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and activates PI3K/Akt, mitogen‐activated protein kinase(MAPK)/Erk and Janus kinase(JAK)/Stat‐signalling pathways in these cells. Phosphorylated Stat3 and Erk1/2 presumably translocate to the nucleus, induce transcriptional changes, which increase secretion of neuroprotective agents that protect photoreceptors (PR) from mutation‐induced death.
Detection and Molecular Identification of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma in Date Palm in Egypt
Authors: AlKhazindar Maha 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPhytoplasma‐like symptoms were detected in date palm trees (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Al‐Giza Governorate in Egypt. Symptoms varied from leaf chlorotic streaks, stunting and marked reduction in fruit and stalk sizes. Direct and nested PCR of symptomatic samples using P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2n primers, respectively, of the 16S rRNA gene, resulted in a DNA amplification product of c. 1.3 kbp. Symptomless samples collected from the same location and the healthy control produced no product upon amplification. Products were cloned into TOPO TA vector for sequencing. Data generated were deposited in the GenBank (Accession KF826615). A BLAST search showed that the sequence of the 16SrRNA gene shared ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ (16SrI group) with other isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate clustered with the date palm phytoplasma causing Al‐Wijam disease in Saudi Arabia.
Weaker Masturbatory Erection May Be a Sign of Early Cardiovascular Risk Associated with Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men Without Sexual Intercourse
Authors: Huang Yan-Ping , Chen Bin , Yao Feng-Juan , Chen Sheng-Fu , Ouyang Bin , Deng Chun-Hua , Huang Yi-Ran 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Although increasing evidences emphasize the importance of early cardiovascular evaluation in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) of unexplained aetiology, impaired masturbation-induced erections in young men are usually overlooked and habitually presumed to be psychological origin.

Aims
To evaluate the young men presenting weaker masturbatory erection with no sexual intercourse (WME-NS) and verify if this cohort have early cardiovascular risks associated with ED.

Methods
Male subjects aged 18–40 years with WME-NS were screened by analyzing detailed sexual intercourse and masturbatory history. The age-matched ED and non-ED population were identified by using International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). All subjects with acute and/or chronic diseases (including diagnosed hypertension and diabetes) and long-term pharmacotherapy were excluded. Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR), systemic vascular parameters and biochemical indicators related to metabolism were assessed.

Main Outcome Measures
Comparison analysis and logistic regression analysis were conducted among WME-NS, ED and non-ED population.

Results
In total, 78 WME-NS cases (mean 28.99 ± 5.92 years), 179 ED cases (mean 30.69 ± 5.21 years) and 43 non-ED cases (mean 28.65 ± 4.30 years) were screened for analysis. Compared with non-ED group, WME-NS group had higher prevalence of early ED risk factors including endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, high level of glycosylated serum protein and abnormal NPTR. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed endothelia dysfunction (odds ratio: 8.83 vs. 17.11, both P &lt; 0.001) was the independent risk factor for both WME-NS and ED.

Conclusions
Weaker masturbatory erection may be a sign of early cardiovascular risk associated with ED in young men without sexual intercourse. More studies are warranted to elucidate the clinical benefits by targeting these formulated strategies.
Photodissociation of CO isotopologues: Models of laboratory experiments and implications for the solar nebula
Authors: Lyons J. R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCO photodissociation in the solar nebula and/or parent cloud has been proposed to be the mechanism responsible for forming the16O‐poor reservoir of the calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusion (CAI) mixing line. However, laboratory experiments on CO photolysis found a wavelength dependence in the oxygen isotope ratios of the product O atoms, which was interpreted as proof that CO photolysis was not a viable mechanism. Here, I report photochemical simulations of these experiments using line‐by‐line CO spectra to identify the origin of the wavelength dependence. At long wavelengths (>105 nm), the line‐by‐line spectra for isotopic CO can explain the experimental data with a combination of C16O self‐shielding and reduced dissociation probabilities for C18O. At short wavelengths, the greater number of diffuse bands increases the importance of mass‐dependent fractionation, lowering the slope to below unity. The line‐by‐line isotopic spectra are then applied to CO photodissociation in a model solar nebula. Three FUV sources are considered (1) HD 303308, an O4 star in Carina; (2) HD 36981, a B5 star in Orion; and (3) TW Hydrae, a T Tauri star of 10 Myr age. Using reduced dissociation probabilities for C18O based on the photolysis experiments yields nebular water slopes approximately 0.95–1.0 for HD 303308 and TW Hya, and approximately 0.8–1.5 for HD 36981. For the central protostar case (TW Hya) with a simplified treatment of the 2‐D radiative transfer, slopes approximately 0.95–1.0 are obtained, independent of the C18O dissociation probability. Greatly improved measurements of the C17O and C18O cross sections and dissociation probabilities are in progress.
Detection and rapid recovery of the Sutter's Mill meteorite fall as a model for future recoveries worldwide
Authors: Fries Marc , Le Corre Lucille , Hankey Mike , Fries Jeff , Matson Robert , Schaefer Jake , Reddy Vishnu 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe Sutter's Mill C‐type meteorite fall occurred on 22 April 2012 in and around the town of Coloma, California. The exact location of the meteorite fall was determined within hours of the event using a combination of eyewitness reports, weather radar imagery, and seismometry data. Recovery of the first meteorites occurred within 2 days and continued for months afterward. The recovery effort included local citizens, scientists, and meteorite hunters, and featured coordination efforts by local scientific institutions. Scientific analysis of the collected meteorites revealed characteristics that were available for study only because the rapid collection of samples had minimized terrestrial contamination/alteration. This combination of factors—rapid and accurate location of the event, participation in the meteorite search by the public, and coordinated scientific investigation of recovered samples—is a model that was widely beneficial and should be emulated in future meteorite falls. The tools necessary to recreate the Sutter's Mill recovery are available, but are currently underutilized in much of the world. Weather radar networks, scientific institutions with interest in meteoritics, and the interested public are available globally. Therefore, it is possible to repeat the Sutter's Mill recovery model for future meteorite falls around the world, each for relatively little cost with a dedicated researcher. Doing so will significantly increase the number of fresh meteorite falls available for study, provide meteorite material that can serve as the nuclei of new meteorite collections, and will improve the public visibility of meteoritics research.
Insights into the Martian mantle: The age and isotopics of the meteorite fall Tissint
Authors: Brennecka G. A. , Borg L. E. , Wadhwa M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe recent witnessed fall of the meteorite Tissint represents the delivery of a pristine new sample from the surface of Mars. This meteorite provides an unprecedented opportunity to study a variety of aspects about the planet's evolution. Using the Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotopic systems, we determined that Tissint, a depleted shergottite, has a crystallization age of 574 ± 20 Ma, an initial ε143Nd = +42.2 ± 0.5, and an initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.700760 ± 11. These initial Nd and Sr isotopic compositions suggest that Tissint originated from a mantle source on Mars that is distinct from the source reservoirs of the other Martian meteorites. The known crystallization ages, geochemical characteristics, ejection ages, and ejection dynamics of Tissint and other similarly grouped Martian meteorites suggest that they are likely derived from a source crater up to approximately 90 km in diameter with an age of approximately 1 Ma that is located on terrain that is approximately 600 million years old.
Daring to be different: colicin N finds another way
Authors: Jakes Karen S. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe mechanisms by which colicins, protein toxins produced by Escherichia coli, kill other E. coli, have become much better understood in recent years. Most colicins initially bind to an outer membrane protein receptor, and then search for a separate nearby outer membrane protein translocator that serves as a pathway into target cells. Many colicins use the outer membrane porin, OmpF, as that translocator, while using a different primary receptor. Colicin N is unique among known colicins in that only OmpF had been identified as being required for uptake of the colicin and it was presumed to somehow serve as both receptor and translocator. Genetic screens also identified a number of genes required for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis as uniquely required for killing by colicin N, but not by other colicins. Johnson et al. show that the receptor‐binding domain of colicin N binds to LPS, and does not require OmpF for that binding. LPS of a minimal length is required for binding, explaining the requirement for specific elements of the LPS biosynthetic pathway. For colicin N, the receptor‐binding domain does not recognize a protein, but rather the most abundant component of the outer membrane itself, LPS.
A role for the proteasome in the turnover of Sup35p and in [PSI+] prion propagation
Authors: Kabani Mehdi , Redeker Virginie , Melki Ronald 
Published: March 2014

SummaryYeast prions are superb models for understanding the mechanisms of self‐perpetuating protein aggregates formation. [PSI+] stands among the most documented yeast prions and results from self‐assembly of the translation termination factor Sup35p into protein fibrils. A plethora of cellular factors were shown to affect [PSI+] formation and propagation. Clearance of Sup35p prion particles is however poorly understood and documented. Here, we investigated the role of the proteasome in the degradation of Sup35p and in [PSI+] prion propagation. We found that cells lacking the RPN4 gene, which have reduced intracellular proteasome pools, accumulated Sup35p and have defects in [PSI+] formation and propagation. Sup35p is degraded in vitro by the 26S and 20S proteasomes in a ubiquitin‐independent manner, generating an array of amyloidogenic peptides derived from its prion‐domain. We also demonstrate the formation of a proteasome‐resistant fragment spanning residues 83–685 which is devoid of the prion‐domain that is essential for [PSI+] propagation. Most important was the finding that the 26S and 20S proteasomes degrade Sup35p fibrils in vitro and abolish their infectivity. Our results point to an overlooked role of the proteasome in clearing toxic protein aggregates, and have important implications for a better understanding of the life cycle of infectious protein assemblies.
Hydrogen sulfide accelerates cell cycle progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Ma Z , Bi Q , Wang Y 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the cell cycle regulator role of the third gaseous transmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in three oral SCC cell lines by using NaHS, a donor of H2S.MethodsThe synchronized oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (Cal27, GNM, and WSU‐HN6) were treated with different concentrations of NaHS and then subjected to cell proliferation, cell cycle, and Western blot analyses.ResultsThe CCK‐8 assay results showed that the exogenously administered H2S donor, NaHS, induced CAL‐27, and GNM cell proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner, and the cell cycle analysis indicated that NaHS accelerated cell cycle progression of the synchronized CAL‐27, GNM, and WSU‐HN6 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that the cell cycle regulatory genes RPA70 and RB1 were significantly down‐regulated and that proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and CDK4 were markedly up‐regulated by NaHS at specific time points in the cell cycle. In addition, our results indicated that the phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 was involved in exogenous H2S‐induced oral SCC cell proliferation.ConclusionsH2S is a potential pro‐proliferative factor of human oral SCC cells that accelerates the progression of the SCC cell cycle; thus, H2S plays a deleterious role in oral SCC cancer development.
In Defence of My Favourite Theory
Authors: Gustafsson Johan E. , Torpman Olle 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOne of the principles on how to act under moral uncertainty, My Favourite Theory, says roughly that a morally conscientious agent chooses an option that is permitted by the most credible moral theory. In defence of this principle, we argue that it prescribes consistent choices over time, without relying on intertheoretic comparisons of value, while its main rivals are either plagued by moral analogues of money pumps or in need of a method for making non‐arbitrary intertheoretic comparisons. We rebut the arguments that have been levelled against My Favourite Theory and offer some arguments against intertheoretic comparisons of value.
Genetic structure of Japanese Chattonella marina (Raphidophyceae) populations revealed using microsatellite markers
Authors: Demura Mikihide , Nakayama Takuro , Kasai Fumie , Kawachi Masanobu 
Published: March 2014

SummaryChattonella marina var. antiqua and C. marina var. marina (Raphidophyceae) are red tide‐forming, harmful phytoplankton species. We investigated the genetic diversity and genetic relationship among the populations using microsatellite markers to identify putative sources of C. marina var. antiqua and C. marina var. marina in Japanese coastal populations. A positive correlation between genetic divergence and geographical distance (isolation by distance) was recognized for C. marina var. antiqua. The C. marina var. antiqua populations were established throughout a geological time scale, and genetic divergence had progressed in each population with gene flow depending on geographic distances. In contrast, isolation by distance was not observed for C. marina var. marina populations, and the genetic divergence among populations was extremely high. The Tokyo Bay population of C. marina var. marina, which was first recognized in 2008, had many private alleles but was related to the Kagoshima Bay population. The Tokyo Bay population may have been established by several invasions from the Kagoshima Bay population and other regions.
The Universal Decline of Universality? Social Policy Change in Canada, Denmark, Sweden and the UK
Authors: Béland Daniel , Blomqvist Paula , Andersen Jørgen Goul , Palme Joakim , Waddan Alex 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe debate about the future of universal social programmes has been raging for years, both in social‐democratic and in liberal welfare states. The objective of this article is to contribute to the literature on universality by analyzing the evolution of universal social programmes in two social‐democratic and two liberal countries: Denmark, Sweden, Canada and the UK. This choice of countries provides the opportunity to investigate whether the principle and practice of universality has fared differently both within and between countries. The analysis focuses primarily on the national level while exploring three policy areas: pensions, healthcare and family policy, specifically child benefits and day care. The main conclusion of our comparative analysis is clear: among our two liberal and two social‐democratic countries, the institutional strength of universality varies greatly from one policy area and one country to another. Considering this, there is no such a thing as a universal decline of universality.
Croyances et coopération : analyse du réseau des acteurs de la Politique de sécurité et de défense commune de l'UE
Authors: Barrette Patrick 
Published: March 2014

RésuméCet article aborde la Politique de sécurité et de défense commune de l'UE dans une perspective sociologique. Bien que les nationalités ont toujours une influence sur les préférences des acteurs de la défense européenne, elles ne sont, en revanche, pas liées à la coopération entre les acteurs dans un champ qui s'est trangouvernementalisé en une décennie. À l'aide de l'analyse de réseaux sociaux, nous comparons les relations de coopération d'un échantillon d'acteurs clefs oeuvrant dans ce champ politique avec leurs croyances sur certains enjeux de la PSDC, à partir d'une base de données originale. Conformément à notre cadre théorique, l'advocacy coalition framework, nous découvrons que l'intensification des relations de coopération entre les acteurs est liée à la convergence des certaines catégories de croyances sur des enjeux de la défense européenne.
Difference in petrophysical properties between foliated and dilatant fault rocks in deeply buried clastics: The case of the Grès d'Annot Formation, SW French Alps
Authors: Cavailhes Thibault , Labaume Pierre , Sizun Jean‐Pierre , Soliva Roger , Gout Claude , Potdevin Jean‐Luc , Buatier Martine , Gay Aurélien , Chauvet Alain , Charpentier Delphine , Travé Anna 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study describes normal fault zones formed in foreland arkosic turbidites (the Grès d'Annot Formation, SW French Alps) under deep diagenesis conditions (~200 °C) and highlights the occurrence of two markedly different fault‐rock types: (1) the foliated fault rocks of the Moutière‐Restefond area; and (2) the dilatant fault rocks of the Estrop area. The deformation of (1) is dominated by intra‐ and transgranular fracturing, pressure solution of quartz and feldspar grains and syn‐kinematic phyllosilicate precipitation resulting from feldspar alteration. The combination of these mechanisms results in a strongly anisotropic strain with intense shortening normal to the foliation (pressure solution) and extension parallel to the foliation (quartz‐ and calcite‐sealed extension veins). This deformation implies local mass transfer that may be achieved without (or with limited) volume change. The deformation of (2) is expressed as dilatant quartz‐sealed veins and breccia textures in which the main mechanisms are transgranular fracturing and quartz precipitation. Type (2) implies fault volume increase, isotropy of deformation and mass transfer at distances larger than in type (1). This study discusses the origins of (1) and (2) and shows that the permeability of (1) is anisotropic, with higher values than the host rocks parallel to the Y main deformation axis (i.e. perpendicular to the slip vector), whereas the permeability of (2) is isotropic and equivalent to that of the host rocks.
Identification of hematopoietic progenitor cell donor characteristics predicting successful mobilization: results of an Italian multicenter study
Authors: Bertani Giambattista , Santoleri Luca , Martino Massimo , Fedele Roberta , Moscato Tiziana , Marenco Paola , Grillo Giovanni , Zucchetti Elisa , Lotesoriere Ivana , Lando Giuliana , Cesana Clara , Cairoli Roberto , Rossini Silvano 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundPeripheral blood (PB) hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) collected by apheresis are the first‐choice source for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The target HPC dose is usually considered to be 4 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg of the recipient, but higher doses are required in reduced‐intensity conditioning and haploidentical transplants. Thus, prolonged stimulation and repeated collections or failure to reach HPC target may occur, increasing risks for donors and recipients. We carried out a retrospective multicenter study on healthy donors, to identify donor variables which may correlate with HPC mobilization.Study Design and MethodsHPC allogeneic donations from sibling and unrelated donors performed in two centers from 1995 to 2012 were analyzed. We defined a mobilization cutoff of 50 × 106 CD34+ cells/L and tested somatic variables, blood counts, and granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) dose and molecular form.ResultsA total of 360 donors were analyzed (male, 201; female, 159; sibling, 348; unrelated, 12; median [range] age, 44.8 [13‐80] years). Median peak CD34+ in PB was 54.4 × 106/L (range, 5 × 106‐299 × 106). By multivariate analysis, we identified the following variables to correlate with good mobilization: 1) male sex (p < 0.0005); 2) younger age (p = 0.007); 3) higher baseline (premobilization) white blood cell (WBC) count (p < 0.0005); 4) higher G‐CSF dosage (p < 0.0005); and 5) use of lenograstim rather than filgrastim (p < 0.002).ConclusionIn healthy donors it is possible to predict successful HPC mobilization by donor sex, age, WBC count, and G‐CSF form and dose. Furthermore, based on these data, it may be possible, at least in parental setting, to modulate G‐CSF dosage on the basis of donor characteristics.