bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slime Moulds
Authors: Blanton Richard L 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Slime moulds are organisms that feed and grow like protozoa but reproduce like fungi. No single taxonomic group encompasses all slime moulds. Instead, the slime mould habit appears to have arisen multiple times across a number of different groups. Their unusual name belies the importance of some species as experimental research organisms.

Dictyostelium discoideum

has provided significant insights into cell differentiation and pattern formation, cell motility, cell signalling, gene expression and cell adhesion and in recent years has also been employed in studies of the mechanism of action of pharmaceuticals, the cellular effects of pathogenic microorganisms and the evolution of social behaviour.

Physarum polycephalum

has provided insights into cytoplasmic streaming and control of nuclear division and more recently has been employed in practical and theoretical studies of path‐finding. The comparative genomics of the multicellular slime moulds has the potential to provide insights into the evolution of multicellularity.

Key Concepts:

‘Slime moulds’ is a descriptive term rather than a systematic category.

The slime mould habit of protozoan‐like feeding stages alternating with fungus‐like reproductive stages has arisen independently in a wide variety of microorganisms embracing four of the five major supergroups of Eukaryotes.

The multicellular slime moulds include the well‐known social amoeba
Dictyostelium discoideum
, which has had broad application as a model research organism in the study of fundamental cellular processes.

Complete genome sequences are available for some of the multicellular slime moulds and their non‐aggregative and nonfruiting amoebal relatives. This presents intriguing prospects for exploring the evolution of multicellularity using comparative genomics.
Huxley, Andrew Fielding
Authors: Huang Christopher L‐H 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAndrew Huxley (1917–2012) graduated in Natural Sciences at Cambridge (1935–1939), beginning research on nerve excitation with Alan Hodgkin in 1939. During World War II he worked on operational anti‐aircraft and naval gunnery. He returned to Cambridge in 1945, moved to University College London in 1960 and returned to Cambridge as Master of Trinity College (1984–1990). Huxley made major contributions on nerve conduction and muscle activation. He analysed nerve action potentials invoking underlying transmembrane ion movements, and their saltatory propagation in myelinated nerves. His muscle work demonstrated the action of the transverse tubules conveying surface excitation to the interior thereby initiating contraction. He established the sliding filament theory for actin–myosin interaction involving actions of cross‐bridges formed between them. Huxley was awarded the 1963 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Hodgkin and John Eccles, elected to the Royal Society in 1955, knighted in 1974 and created Order of Merit in 1983.
Integrated Pest Management
Authors: Philips Christopher R , Kuhar Thomas P , Hoffmann Michael P , Zalom Frank G , Hallberg Rosemary , Herbert D Ames , Gonzales Christopher , Elliott Steve 
Published: October 2014

AbstractDefining integrated pest management (IPM) is not easy. Although numerous definitions can be found, the goal is usually the same, to coordinate pest biology, environmental information and available technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means, while posing the least possible risk to people, property, and the environment. IPM is a science‐based decision‐making process that identifies and reduces risks from unwanted pests and the control strategies used in all arenas from agricultural, residential and public areas to wild lands. The IPM ‘tool box’ has almost limitless combinations of options and applying multiple tactics minimises the chance that a pest will adapt to any one tactic. However, new programmes will only succeed if they meet the economic goals of the growers, are socially accepted and are ecologically based. Herein the authors discuss the concept of IPM; available strategies; examples of successful implementation; and potential new tools. The advancement of IPM will hinge on new technology, and a more fundamental understanding of organisms and ecosystems.Key Concepts:Integrated pest management (IPM) is a science‐based and sustainable approach to managing pests.The goal of IPM is to suppress pest abundance and damage to acceptable or tolerable levels.IPM tactics include pest‐resistant or pest‐tolerant plants, and cultural, physical, mechanical, genetic, biological and chemical controls.IPM is a complex decision‐making process based on numerous factors.Measuring IPM successes can be difficult, but there are clear successes.Technological advances will play a major role in future IPM programs.
Metabolic Effects of Caloric Restriction
Authors: Lamming Dudley W , Anderson Rozalyn M 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Caloric restriction (CR) is a dietary intervention that robustly extends lifespan in diverse species. In mammals CR extends the period in which the animal is fit and vigorous, and attenuates age‐related disease vulnerability. Benefits of CR include reduced incidence of cancer, improved cardiovascular health, increased insulin sensitivity, and resistance to neurodegenerative diseases. The fact that CR extends not only average lifespan but also maximum lifespan has led to the consensus that an optimised CR diet slows the aging process itself. Here we outline the effects of CR on physiology and metabolism and where these may fit with current theories of aging. The authors describe factors that are likely to mediate the physiological adaptations to CR, placing an emphasis on nutrient sensitive regulators of metabolism. A major incentive for research into the mechanisms of CR is the promise of novel treatments for age‐related diseases and disorders that are relevant to human aging.

Key Concepts:

CR has a system‐wide physiological impact.

Metabolic factors are responsive to CR.

Metabolism and aging are tightly linked.

Growth factor signalling impacts metabolism.

CR research is highly relevant for human aging.
Virus Discovery in the 21st Century
Authors: Kapoor Amit , Lipkin W Ian 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Viral discovery poses challenges distinct from those associated with other microbial agents, such as bacteria, fungi and parasites. With the exception of mimiviruses and megaviruses, where imaging is feasible by optical microscopy, viruses cannot be detected without resorting to specialized electron microscopy. Furthermore, viruses lack correlates of the conserved bacterial 16S
ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA)
gene sequences and fungi's 18S rRNA or internal transcribed spacer gene sequences that facilitate detection and phylogenetic characterisation through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Virus discovery during most of the twentieth century followed a classical approach comprising isolation in cell culture or animal models, followed by morphological classification by electron microscopy and studies of serological properties. In the late twentieth century, advances in nucleic acid sequencing have revolutionised virus discovery by enabling cultivation‐independent methods for virus detection and classification. Here, we review current methods for virus discovery and characterisation and provide our perspective on likely future advances in this field.

Key Concepts:

Recent advances in nucleic acid sequencing enable cultivation‐independent methods for microbial diagnosis surveillance and discovery.

Viruses are ubiquitous and play important roles in global ecology and evolution as well as in disease.

Classical methods such as culture and serology remain important despite the increasing emphasis on molecular assays in microbiology.

Zoonoses, infections that jump from domestic animals and wildlife to humans, account for the majority of emerging infectious diseases.

Microbial discovery must be linked to rigorous validation strategies to reduce risks for errors that can profoundly impact public health.
Transhumanism and Enhancement
Authors: Levin Susan B 
Published: October 2014

AbstractHumans have always sought to elevate the conditions of their existence. While ancient writers noted limited human contact with the divine, transhumanists believe that crossing from our ontological status to a higher plane is possible, even inevitable, through human technological ingenuity. Given their content and implications, further scrutiny of transhumanists' views is essential. Areas that should be addressed include transhumanists' own essentialism, the implications of existing brain science for transhumanists' more extravagant claims, and their constricted notions of knowledge and education. Further, not only would posthuman existence not be ours, but exuberant visions of that existence do not adequately heed the irreducible context in which humans pursue desires' fulfillment. Finally, when defending their positions, transhumanists must attend further to potentially grave risks, which, even where acknowledged, are downplayed.Key Concepts:Notwithstanding key differences, conservatives and transhumanists concur on significant points.While proponents of strong enhancement challenge conservatives' views of human nature, they too are essentialists.Transhumanists aim to shift humans' ontological status to a plane on which posthumans would be like the divine on two different ancient views.Since posthuman existence could not be ours, questions of personal identity involving that stage are moot.Current knowledge of the brain does not support extravagant claims about biotechnological boosts, whether cognitive or moral, and uploads.Transhumanists' constricted views of human knowledge and education would extend to posthumans.Our categorical incapacity to meaningfully anticipate what posthuman existence would be like deeply impacts the tenability of transhumanists' claims.Even where transhumanists acknowledge the existence, even likelihood, of serious risks, they do not adequately attend to them.
Recent Advances on 5‐Lipoxygenase Biochemistry
Authors: Werz Oliver , Rådmark Olof , Steinhilber Dieter 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

5‐Lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) catalyses two steps in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes (LTs), lipid mediators of inflammation derived from arachidonic acid. LTs function in normal host defence, and have pathophysiological roles in chronic inflammatory diseases, as asthma and atherosclerosis. Also, possible effects of 5‐LOX products in relation to tumorigenesis have been described. 5‐LOX is also involved in the biosynthesis of anti‐inflammatory/pro‐resolving lipoxins. 5‐LOX is mainly expressed in myeloid and lymphoid cells and its expression is upregulated during cell differentiation. Cellular 5‐LOX activity is regulated in a complex manner and depends on cellular localisation, phosphorylation, the intracellular calcium concentration and the redox status of the cell. Thus, insight regarding the biochemistry of 5‐LOX is relevant for better understanding of normal physiology, and for development of pharmacotherapy.

Key Concepts:

Lipoxygenases oxygenate polyunsaturated fatty acids.

5‐LOX produces 5‐HPETE, leukotrienes and together with other dioxygenases lipoxins.

The regulatory C2‐like domain binds Ca
2+
, diacylglycerols and phosphatidylcholine and regulates the activity of the catalytic domain.

5‐LOX interacts with various proteins such as FLAP, CLP and Dicer.

The 5‐lipoxygenase pathway is part of the innate immune system.

5‐LOX products are involved in inflammation, allergic reactions, development of cardiovascular disease as well as certain types of cancer.
The Immunogenetics of the Autoimmune Myasthenias
Authors: Willcox Nick 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

The autoimmune myasthenias are prototypes of an emerging group of autoantibody‐mediated neurological diseases, mostly with very well defined target molecules, whether receptors or ion channels (or both). At the neuromuscular junction, these include presynaptic calcium channels in the Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) and postsynaptic acetyl‐choline receptors (AChR) in myasthenia gravis (MG). These disorders are particularly informative because of the distinct aetiological factors in the several patient subgroups, including characteristic associations with small cell lung cancers in the LEMS or with thymomas in MG; also – but mainly in other subgroups – with certain immuno‐genetic variants, both in the HLA region and at other immuno‐regulatory loci. Here, I briefly summarise current knowledge in these areas and discuss its implications.
New Roles for
MHC
Class I Immune Molecules in the Healthy and Diseased Nervous System
Authors: Tyler Carolyn M , Boulanger Lisa M 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Proteins of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I) are best known for their central role in the immune response. However, accumulating evidence shows that MHC class I proteins also have nonimmune roles in the healthy nervous system. MHC class I is expressed by developing and adult neurons, and is required for the proper establishment, function and modification of synaptic connections. The newly discovered, critical functions of MHC class I in the healthy nervous system suggest that MHC class I could directly link the immune response to changes in brain structure and function in diverse neurological disorders.

Key Concepts:

MHC class I is expressed by developing and mature neurons in the healthy nervous system.

Endogenous MHC class I limits neurite outgrowth, limits synapse density and promotes synapse elimination in multiple brain regions.

MHC class I limits synaptic transmission mediated by NMDA‐type glutamate receptors in the hippocampus, regulates NMDAR‐dependent synaptic plasticity, and is required for normal NMDAR‐dependent learning and memory.

The receptors and signalling pathways that mediate MHC class I's effects on neurons remain largely unknown.

Disruption of the nonimmune functions of MHC class I may be an unexpected contributor to diverse neurological disorders.
Genetics of Cerebellar and Vestibular Disorders
Authors: Martin‐Sierra Carmen , Requena Teresa , Lopez‐Escamez Jose A 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Cerebellar and vestibular disorders are two groups of rare diseases with overlapping phenotypes with a strong genetic component. Previous studies had shown familial aggregation and few genes had been identified by segregation in large pedigrees. So, causal genes have remained unknown until the recent advances in next‐generation sequencing technologies, including whole‐exome sequencing (WES) as well as different bioinformatics approaches to elucidate and increase the lists of rare variants and novel genes associated with these disorders. WES have defined new genes as CLIC5 causing of DFNB102 and novel variants in
TGM6
, ELOVL4 or FXN genes associated with autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive hereditary ataxias. Vestibular disorders such as Meniere's disease or vestibular migraine also have a strong familial clustering with autosomal dominant inheritance, but no candidate genes have been identified in familial cases.

Key Concepts:

Cerebellar and vestibular disorders are two groups of rare diseases with a strong genetic component.

The clinical heterogeneity and the very low frequency of the causal variants can explain the slow progress in the knowledge of molecular genetics of vestibular and cerebellar disorders.

The bioinformatics analysis of rare variants and synonymous variants identified by NGS technology in multicase families is the best strategy to find out new genes associated with cerebellar and vestibular disorders.

Different bioinformatics approaches are needed to elucidate the genetic basis of cerebellar and vestibular disorders in order to find out causal variants leading to the development of new treatments.

A large number of causal mutations and genes will be described using NGS in vestibular and cerebellar disorders, but functional studies will be required to assess their impact on the phenotype.
Genotoxicity and Epigenetic Modifications in Response to Atmospheric and Engineered Nanoparticles
Authors: Des Marais Thomas L , Costa Max 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Nanoparticles are of increasing interest and concern as they become more widely used in consumer products, industry and medicine. Nanoparticles differ from their ‘bulk’ materials in physiochemical properties, creating interest and further applications. In addition to being engineered, humans are constantly exposed to nanoparticles (NPs) through ambient air pollution. There is a need for toxicological assessment of these particles as humans come into contact with them every day. The toxicological mechanism and biological fate of these particles are not well known. Findings in the fields of genotoxicity and epigenetics shed light on potential mechanisms for adverse human health effects when exposed to these particles. There is still much work to be done in order to properly assess the risk of NP exposure.

Key Concepts:

Nanoparticles have different inherent physiochemical properties from bulk materials of the same composition.

Studies show that nanoparticles at smaller dimensions induce stronger toxic effects than the same particles at larger dimensions

Oxidative stress is increased when exposed to nanoparticles, more free radicals will cause more cellular and DNA damage.

Nanoparticles are being investigated for use in clinical settings, specifically diagnostic procedures and drug delivery.

Epigenetic modifications are those in which there is no genetic mutation or DNA damage present.

Nanoparticles will be constituents of ambient particulate matter, therefore, all life is exposed to varying amounts of nanoparticles daily.

Government organisations are working to increase research and development involving nanoparticles in order to better understand their mechanisms of action.
Lies, Damn Lies, and Expectations: How Base Rates Inform Lie–Truth Judgments
Authors: Street Chris N. H. , Richardson Daniel C. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryWe are biased towards thinking that people are telling the truth. Our study represents the first test of how beliefs about the base rate of truths and lies affect this truth bias. Raters were told either 20, 50 or 80% of the speakers would be telling the truth. As the speaker delivered their statement, participants indicated moment by moment whether they thought the speaker was lying or being truthful. At the end of the statement, they made a final lie–truth judgment and indicated their confidence. While viewing the statement, base rate beliefs had an early influence, but as time progressed, all conditions showed a truth bias. In the final judgment at the end of the statement, raters were truth biased when expecting mostly truths but did not show a lie bias when expecting mostly lies. We conclude base rate beliefs have an early influence, but over time, a truth bias dominates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Artificial Multienzyme Supramolecular Device: Highly Ordered Self‐Assembly of Oligomeric Enzymes In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Gao Xin , Yang Shuai , Zhao Chengcheng , Ren Yuhong , Wei Dongzhi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA strategy for scaffold‐free self‐assembly of multiple oligomeric enzymes was developed by exploiting enzyme oligomerization and protein–protein interaction properties, and was tested both in vitro and in vivo. Octameric leucine dehydrogenase and dimeric formate dehydrogenase were fused to a PDZ (PSD95/Dlg1/zo‐1) domain and its ligand, respectively. The fusion proteins self‐assembled into extended supramolecular interaction networks. Scanning‐electron and atomic‐force microscopy showed that the assemblies assumed two‐dimensional layer‐like structures. A fluorescence complementation assay indicated that the assemblies were localized to the poles of cells. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo assemblies showed higher NAD(H) recycling efficiency and structural stability than did unassembled structures when applied to a coenzyme recycling system. This work provides a novel method for developing artificial multienzyme supramolecular devices and for compartmentalizing metabolic enzyme cascades in living cells.
The Structure and Stability of Magic Carbon Clusters Observed in Graphene Chemical Vapor Deposition Growth on Ru(0001) and Rh(111) Surfaces
Authors: Gao Junfeng , Ding Feng 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTo improve the atomically controlled growth of graphene by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), understanding the evolution from various carbon species to a graphene nucleus on various catalyst surfaces is essential. Experimentally, an ultrastable carbon cluster on Ru(0001) and Rh(111) surfaces was observed, while its structure and formation process were still under debate. Using ab initio calculations and kinetic analyses, we disclose a specific type of carbon cluster, composed of a C21 core and a few dangling C atoms, which is exceptional stable in a size range from 21 to 27 C atoms. The most stable one of them, an isomer of C24 characterized by three dangling C atoms attached to the C21 core (denoted as C21‐3C), is the most promising candidate of the experimental observation. The ultrastability of C21‐3C originates from both the stable core and the appropriate passivation of the dangling carbon atoms by the catalyst surface.
Synthesis of Square‐Planar Aluminum(III) Complexes
Authors: Thompson Emily J. , Myers Thomas W. , Berben Louise A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe synthesis of two four‐coordinate and square planar (SP) complexes of aluminum(III) is presented. Reaction of a phenyl‐substituted bis(imino)pyridine ligand that is reduced by two electrons, Na2(PhI2P2−), with AlCl3 afforded five‐coordinate [(PhI2P2−)Al(THF)Cl] (1). Square‐planar [(PhI2P2−)AlCl] (2) was obtained by performing the same reaction in diethyl ether followed by lyphilization of 2 from benzene. The four‐coordinate geometry index for 2, τ4, is 0.22, where 0 would be a perfectly square‐planar molecule. The analogous aluminum hydride complex, [(PhI2P2−)AlH] (3), is also square‐planar, and was characterized crystallographically and has τ4=0.13. Both 2 and 3 are Lewis acidic and bind 2,6‐lutidine.
Ruthenium–Porphyrin‐Catalyzed Diastereoselective Intramolecular Alkyl Carbene Insertion into CH Bonds of Alkyl Diazomethanes Generated In Situ from N‐Tosylhydrazones
Authors: Reddy Annapureddy Rajasekar , Zhou Cong‐Ying , Guo Zhen , Wei Jinhu , Che Chi‐Ming 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWith a ruthenium–porphyrin catalyst, alkyl diazomethanes generated in situ from N‐tosylhydrazones efficiently underwent intramolecular C(sp3)H insertion of an alkyl carbene to give substituted tetrahydrofurans and pyrrolidines in up to 99 % yield and with up to 99:1 cis selectivity. The reaction displays good tolerance of many functionalities, and the procedure is simple without the need for slow addition with a syringe pump. From a synthetic point of view, the CH insertion of N‐tosylhydrazones can be viewed as reductive coupling between a CO bond and a CH bond to form a new CC bond, since N‐tosylhydrazones can be readily prepared from carbonyl compounds. This reaction was successfully applied in a concise synthesis of (±)‐pseudoheliotridane.
Differential Sensing of MAP Kinases Using SOX‐Peptides
Authors: Zamora‐Olivares Diana , Kaoud Tamer S. , Jose Jiney , Ellington Andrew , Dalby Kevin N. , Anslyn Eric V. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFive SOX peptides are used to classify the MAPK groups and isoforms thereof using chemometrics. The score plots show excellent classification and accuracy, while support vector machine analysis leads to the quantification of ERK and an ERK inhibitor concentration in kinase mixtures. Examination of the loading plots reveals cross‐reactivity among the peptides, and some unexpected surprises.