bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tudor Staphylococcal Nuclease Links Formation of Stress Granules and Processing Bodies with mRNA Catabolism in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gutierrez-Beltran Emilio , Moschou Panagiotis N. , Smertenko Andrei P. , Bozhkov Peter V. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Tudor Staphylococcal Nuclease (TSN or Tudor-SN; also known as SND1) is an evolutionarily conserved protein involved in the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression in animals. Although TSN was found to be indispensable for normal plant development and stress tolerance, the molecular mechanisms underlying these functions remain elusive. Here, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana TSN is essential for the integrity and function of cytoplasmic messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complexes called stress granules (SGs) and processing bodies (PBs), sites of posttranscriptional gene regulation during stress. TSN associates with SGs following their microtubule-dependent assembly and plays a scaffolding role in both SGs and PBs. The enzymatically active tandem repeat of four SN domains is crucial for targeting TSN to the cytoplasmic mRNA complexes and is sufficient for the cytoprotective function of TSN during stress. Furthermore, our work connects the cytoprotective function of TSN with its positive role in stress-induced mRNA decapping. While stress led to a pronounced increase in the accumulation of uncapped mRNAs in wild-type plants, this increase was abrogated in TSN knockout plants. Taken together, our results establish TSN as a key enzymatic component of the catabolic machinery responsible for the processing of mRNAs in the cytoplasmic mRNP complexes during stress.
Greenhouse gas reporting quality in the oil and gas industry
Authors: Comyns Breeda , Figge Frank 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolution of greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting quality and to determine whether the evolution of reporting quality is linked with the type of information reported based on the “search”, “experience”, and “credence” typology.Design/methodology/approach– The method is based on the content analysis of GHG reporting in 245 sustainability reports by 45 oil and gas companies between 1998 and 2010. The content analysis disclosure index developed links GHG reporting requirements with seven quality dimensions. The information associated with each item on the content analysis index is classified as “search”, “experience” or “credence”. Statistical analysis is used to determine whether any significant change occurred in either overall GHG reporting quality or in the quality of reporting in any of the individual dimensions of quality over the period of the study.Findings– GHG reporting quality has not improved significantly between 1998 and 2010. The quality of reporting is not the same in each of the seven dimensions of quality and this can be explained by information typology.Originality/value– This paper provides the first longitudinal analysis of the quality of GHG reporting. The methodology developed advances current measures of reporting quality by linking reporting requirements with particular quality dimensions. The results show that the type of information is important in terms of quality evolution and that this can dictate the measures required to improve quality.
How do climate and topography influence the greening of the forest‐tundra ecotone in northern Québec? A dendrochronological analysis ofBetula glandulosa
Authors: Ropars Pascale , Lévesque Esther , Boudreau Stéphane 
Published: March 2015

SummaryNDVIanalysis and repeated aerial photographs have revealed significant shrub expansion in many subarctic regions. While the recent increase in temperature is usually considered to be the main driver of this phenomenon at regional scales, very little is known about the local heterogeneity of shrub responses across the landscape.In this study, we aim to identify the climatic factors controlling the growth of the largely distributed shrub speciesBetula glandulosain three types of environments (terrace, hilltop and snowbed). We also aim to evaluate the relationship betweenB. glandulosagrowth and theNDVIdata for the Boniface River region, in north‐western Québec, where the study took place.In the field, we harvested 180B. glandulosaindividuals (20 per site, 3 sites per type of environment). We constructed specific growth‐ring width chronologies and mean axial growth rate chronologies for each site and used them for dendroclimatic analysis (response functions). We also used linear regressions to evaluate the relative influence of dwarf birch growth on theNDVItrend.We found a sharp increase inB. glandulosaradial growth in the 1990s followed by a sharp decreasing trend from 2002 on terraces and hilltops, while growth remained high in snowbeds.Betula glandulosagrowth was positively correlated with summer temperatures on terraces and hilltops, whereas winter precipitation promoted growth on snowbeds. TheNDVItrend was largely correlated toB. glandulosagrowth on terraces and hilltops for the period between 1986 and 2002 (71–80% explained variance).Synthesis. Our results suggest that topography plays a major role inB. glandulosagrowth and therefore in shrub community dynamics. Because terraces and hilltops represent 70% of the land surface, the sharpB. glandulosagrowth increase at these sites promoted an important overall expansion of the shrub community in the region. However, the decline inB. glandulosagrowth observed after 2002 suggests that the expansion could be slowed down in the near future, therefore limiting shrub growth contribution to the regionalNDVIsignal.
Novel vascular endothelial growth factor blocker improves cellular viability and reduces hypobaric hypoxia‐induced vascular leakage and oedema in rat brain
Authors: Saraswat Deepika , Nehra Sarita , Chaudhary Kamal , CVS Siva Prasad 
Published: March 2015

SummaryVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important cerebral angiogenic and permeability factor under hypoxia. There is a need to find effective molecules that may ameliorate hypoxia‐induced cerebral oedema. In silico identification of novel candidate molecules that block VEGF‐A site were identified and validated with a Ramachandran plot. The active site residues of VEGF‐A were detected by Pocketfinder, CASTp, and DogSiteScorer. Based on in silico data, three VEGF‐A blocker (VAB) candidate molecules (VAB1, VAB2, and VAB3) were checked for improvement in cellular viability and regulation of VEGF levels in N2a cells under hypoxia (0.5% O2). Additionally, the best candidate molecule's efficacy was assessed in male Sprague‐Dawley rats for its ameliorative effect on cerebral oedema and vascular leakage under hypobaric hypoxia 7260 m. All experimental results were compared with the commercially available VEGF blocker sunitinib. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A blocker 1 was found most effective in increasing cellular viability and maintaining normal VEGF levels under hypoxia (0.5% oxygen) in N2a cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A blocker 1 effectively restored VEGF levels, decreased cerebral oedema, and reduced vascular leakage under hypobaric hypoxia when compared to sunitinib‐treated rats. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A blocker 1 may be a promising candidate molecule for ameliorating hypobaric hypoxia‐induced vasogenic oedema by regulating VEGF levels.
The surgical management of recurrent stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review
Authors: Nikolopoulos Kostis I. , Betschart Cornelia , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundDespite a wide spectrum of interventions, surgical treatments of recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are associated with high failure rates.ObjectivesTo systematically review current evidence on the effectiveness of surgical interventions for recurrent SUI.Data sourcesAn electronic database search was undertaken (1980–2014). Keywords were: “stress urinary incontinence,” “failure,” “recurrence,” “treatment.” References of identified studies and abstracts from conferences were considered.Study selectionWe restricted the search to female patients and currently used surgical procedures, including studies with five or more cases. After the initial yield, studies were selected following title screening, abstract and full text scrutiny.ResultsThe pooled objective cure rates of colposuspension for recurrent SUI are 76% (95% CI ±5.04), whereas rates for midurethral sling procedures are 68.5% (95% CI ±3.11). Repeat midurethral sling procedures have pooled success rates of 66.2% (95% CI ±4) but those of the transobturator approach appear lower than retropubic procedures. Pubovaginal slings for recurrent SUI have pooled success of 79.3% (95% CI ±6.54). Success rates for adjustable continence therapy and adjustable slings for recurrent SUI are 53.8% (95% CI ±5.28), whereas for midurethral sling fixation procedures the pooled success is 61% (95% CI ±10.56). Urethral bulking injections have success rates of 38% (95% CI ±10.7). Laparoscopic two‐team sling procedures, salvage spiral slings, and artificial urinary sphincter have shown promising results, but there are limited data on recurrent cases.ConclusionThere is a wide spectrum of surgical interventions reported for secondary or tertiary treatment of SUI. A common characteristic for all recurrent procedures is a lower success rate compared with those reported following primary procedures.
TRPV4 activates autonomic and behavioural warmth‐defence responses in Wistar rats
Authors: Vizin R. C. L. , Scarpellini C. da S. , Ishikawa D. T. , Correa G. M. , de Souza C. O. , Gargaglioni L. H. , Carrettiero D. C. , Bícego K. C. , Almeida M. C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimIn this study, we aimed at investigating the involvement of the warmth‐sensitive channel – TRPV4 (in vitro sensitive to temperatures in the range of approx. 24–34 °C) – on the thermoregulatory mechanisms in rats.MethodsWe treated rats with a chemical selective agonist (RN‐1747) and two antagonists (RN‐1734 and HC‐067047) of the TRPV4 channel and measured core body temperature, metabolism, heat loss index and preferred ambient temperature.ResultsOur data revealed that chemical activation of TRPV4 channels by topical application of RN‐1747 on the skin leads to hypothermia and this effect was blocked by the pre‐treatment with the selective antagonist of this channel. Intracerebroventricular treatment with RN‐1747 did not cause hypothermia, indicating that the observed response was indeed due to activation of TRPV4 channels in the periphery. Intravenous blockade of this channel with HC‐067047 caused an increase in core body temperature at ambient temperature of 26 and 30 °C, but not at 22 and 32 °C. At 26 °C, HC‐067047‐induced hyperthermia was accompanied by increase in oxygen consumption (an index of thermogenesis), while chemical stimulation of TRPV4 increased tail heat loss, indicating that these two autonomic thermoeffectors in the rat are modulated through TRPV4 channels. Furthermore, rats chemically stimulated with TRPV4 agonist choose colder ambient temperatures and cold‐seeking behaviour after thermal stimulation (28–31 °C) was inhibited by TRPV4 antagonist.ConclusionOur results suggest, for the first time, that TRPV4 channel is involved in the recruitment of behavioural and autonomic warmth‐defence responses to regulate core body temperature.
STAT3 Serine 727 Phosphorylation: A Relevant Target to Radiosensitize Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Ouédraogo Zangbéwendé Guy , Müller‐Barthélémy Mélanie , Kemeny Jean‐Louis , Dedieu Véronique , Biau Julian , Khalil Toufic , Raoelfils Lala Ines , Granzotto Adeline , Pereira Bruno , Beaudoin Claude , Guissou Innocent Pierre , Berger Marc , Morel Laurent , Chautard Emmanuel , Verrelle Pierre 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRadiotherapy is an essential component of glioma standard treatment. Glioblastomas (GBM), however, display an important radioresistance leading to tumor recurrence. To improve patient prognosis, there is a need to radiosensitize GBM cells and to circumvent the mechanisms of resistance caused by interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment. STAT3 has been identified as a therapeutic target in glioma because of its involvement in mechanisms sustaining tumor escape to both standard treatment and immune control. Here, we studied the role of STAT3 activation on tyrosine 705 (Y705) and serine 727 (S727) in glioma radioresistance. This study explored STAT3 phosphorylation on Y705 (pSTAT3‐Y705) and S727 (pSTAT3‐S727) in glioma cell lines and in clinical samples. Radiosensitizing effect of STAT3 activation down‐modulation by Gö6976 was explored. In a panel of 15 human glioma cell lines, we found that the level of pSTAT3‐S727 was correlated to intrinsic radioresistance. Moreover, treating GBM cells with Gö6976 resulted in a highly significant radiosensitization associated to a concomitant pSTAT3‐S727 down‐modulation only in GBM cell lines that exhibited no or weak pSTAT3‐Y705. We report the constitutive activation of STAT3‐S727 in all GBM clinical samples. Targeting pSTAT3‐S727 mainly in pSTAT3‐Y705‐negative GBM could be a relevant approach to improve radiation therapy.
Seven novel modulators of the analgesic target NaV1.7 uncovered using a high‐throughput venom‐based discovery approach
Authors: Klint Julie K , Smith Jennifer J , Vetter Irina , Rupasinghe Darshani B , Er Sing Yan , Senff Sebastian , Herzig Volker , Mobli Mehdi , Lewis Richard J , Bosmans Frank , King Glenn F 
Published: March 2015

Background and PurposeChronic pain is a serious worldwide health issue, with current analgesics having limited efficacy and dose‐limiting side effects. Humans with loss‐of‐function mutations in the voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.7 (hNaV1.7) are indifferent to pain, making hNaV1.7 a promising target for analgesic development. Since spider venoms are replete with NaV channel modulators, we examined their potential as a source of hNaV1.7 inhibitors.Experimental ApproachWe developed a high‐throughput fluorescent‐based assay to screen spider venoms against hNaV1.7 and isolate ‘hit’ peptides. To examine the binding site of these peptides, we constructed a panel of chimeric channels in which the S3b‐S4 paddle motif from each voltage sensor domain of hNaV1.7 was transplanted into the homotetrameric KV2.1 channel.Key ResultsWe screened 205 spider venoms and found that 40% contain at least one inhibitor of hNaV1.7. By deconvoluting ‘hit’ venoms, we discovered seven novel members of the NaSpTx family 1. One of these peptides, Hd1a (peptide μ‐TRTX‐Hd1a from venom of the spider Haplopelma doriae), inhibited hNaV1.7 with a high level of selectivity over all other subtypes, except hNaV1.1. We showed that Hd1a is a gating modifier that inhibits hNaV1.7 by interacting with the S3b‐S4 paddle motif in channel domain II. The structure of Hd1a, determined using heteronuclear NMR, contains an inhibitor cystine knot motif that is likely to confer high levels of chemical, thermal and biological stability.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur data indicate that spider venoms are a rich natural source of hNaV1.7 inhibitors that might be useful leads for the development of novel analgesics.
Women's attitudes towards a pre‐conception healthy lifestyle programme
Authors: Funk K. L. , LeBlanc E. S. , Vesco K. K. , Stevens V. J. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryNearly half of US women begin pregnancy overweight or obese and more than half of overweight or obese pregnant women experience excessive gestational weight gain. Recent lifestyle intervention programmes have helped women avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy, but helping women lose weight before pregnancy may be a more effective way to improve pregnancy outcomes. This study assessed women's attitudes towards pre‐conception diet and weight management interventions. An anonymous survey was conducted in patients waiting in a health maintenance organization's obstetrics and primary care waiting rooms. It focused on attitudes towards participating in a pre‐conception, lifestyle change programme. Eighty percent of the 126 women surveyed were pregnant or considering pregnancy within 5 years. Of the 126 respondents, 60 (48%) were overweight or obese. Of these, 96% rated healthy diet and healthy weight before pregnancy as very important or important and 77% favoured a healthy lifestyle programme (diet, weight management and physical activity) before becoming pregnant. Likewise, overweight or obese women reported being likely or highly likely to participate in specific intervention programme aspects such as keeping phone appointments (77%), using a programme website (70%) and keeping food and exercise records (63%). Survey results show that women in this population believe that adopting a healthy lifestyle and losing weight are important before pregnancy and that they are enthusiastic about programmes that will help them achieve those goals in preparation for pregnancy.
What Holds People Together? First‐Person Anthropology and Perspective‐Taking in Thai Ghost Stories
Authors: Carlisle Steven 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWhat allows people to share cultural realities? Many theories imply that people orient themselves directly to abstract cultural structures or toward a set of powerful discourses which shape them. But because cultural worlds are understood practically and experienced and communicated through first‐person perspectives, people must engage in empathic perspective taking—orienting themselves toward one another's perspectives—instead. This article explores idiosyncratic Thai interpretations of ghost attacks, shaped by individual and institutionalized experiences. By focusing first on personal perspectives rather than shared conceptions, it proposes that anthropologists can minimize assumptions about shared social and cultural structures in a way that explains how individualized understandings can be accepted by others. Divergent interpretations become comprehensible through empathic reasoning based on shared notions of human nature. This approach contributes to the ongoing anthropological project of minimizing assumptions about what our subjects know and expands anthropology's ability to explore change, intracultural variation, and the relationships between individuals and their cultural contexts.
Comparison Between 10‐ and 14‐Day Hybrid Regimens for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Metanat Hassan Ali , Valizadeh Seyed Mohammad , Fakheri Hafez , Maleki Iradj , Taghvaei Tarang , Hosseini Vahid , Bari Zohreh 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication has always been a concern. In our pervious study, 14‐day hybrid regimen showed ideal results. Based on these findings, we decided to compare the efficacy of 10‐ and 14‐day hybrid regimens for H. pylori eradication.MethodsTwo hundred and seventy patients with peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection were enrolled in the study. One hundred and thirty‐four patients received 10‐day hybrid regimen (PACT‐10): pantoprazole, 40 mg, and amoxicillin, 1 g, both twice daily for 10 days; plus clarithromycin, 500 mg, and tinidazole, 500 mg, both twice daily just during the last 5 days. One hundred and thirty‐six patients received 14‐day hybrid regimen (PACT‐14): pantoprazole, 40 mg, and amoxicillin, 1 g, both twice a day for 14 days; plus clarithromycin, 500 mg, and tinidazole, 500 mg, both twice daily just for the last 7 days. Eight weeks after treatment, 14C‐urea breath test was performed to evaluate H. pylori eradication.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty patients (124 patients in PACT‐10 and 126 patients in PACT‐14 regimens) completed the study. The intention‐to‐treat eradication rates were 77.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 70.6–84.6%) and 86% (95% CI: 80–92%) for the two regimens, respectively (p = .17). Per‐protocol eradication rates were 83.8% (95% CI: 80–86%) and 92.8% (95% CI: 88–96%), respectively (p < .01). There were no significant intergroup differences in compliance to treatment or discontinuation of therapy due to severe side effects.ConclusionTen‐day hybrid regimen could not achieve acceptable eradication rate. However, 14‐day hybrid regimen seems to be an acceptable option for H. pylori eradication in Iran.
Relationship between programmed cell death‐1 polymorphisms and clearance of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Ülger Y. , Bayram S. , Sandıkçı M. Ü. , Akgöllü E. , Bekar A. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryProgrammed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) plays a critical role in regulating T‐cell function during hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study investigated the relationship between the polymorphisms of PD‐1 gene and the susceptibility to HBV infection. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PD‐1 gene at positions +7146 G>A (guanine to adenine substitution) and +7209 C>T (cytosine to thymine substitution) were analysed using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method in 220 subjects with chronic hepatitis B infection and 165 spontaneous clearance of HBV subjects. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the genotype distributions of the PD‐1 +7146 G>A and PD‐1 +7209 C>T polymorphisms among chronic hepatitis B and spontaneous clearance subjects. According to stratified analyses, borderline significance was observed between PD‐1 +7146 GA genotype and risk of HBV chronicity in the subgroup of male gender (OR = 1.88, 95% 0.95–3.71; P = 0.07). Our findings demonstrate for the first time that the PD‐1 +7146 G>A and PD‐1 +7209 C>T polymorphisms have not been any major role in genetic susceptibility to chronicity of HBV infection, at least in the population studied here. Independent studies are needed to validate our findings in a larger series, as well as in patients of different ethnic origins.
Grain Boundary Plane Effect on Pr Segregation Site in ZnO Σ13 [0001] Symmetric Tilt Grain Boundaries
Authors: Roh Ji‐Young , Sato Yukio , Ikuhara Yuichi 
Published: March 2015

As grain boundary (GB) and GB segregation often have significant impact on various properties of polycrystalline materials, their atomic structures as well as the location of segregated dopant should be intensively investigated. We have thus reported several papers about segregation of Pr (praseodymium) in ZnO (zinc oxide) GBs for case study. In this study, we study the atomic structure of Pr‐doped ZnO [0001]/(130) Σ13 symmetric tilt GB, and the results are compared with that for the (250) GB [Sato et al., Phys. Rev. B, 87,140101 (2013)]. Although atomic arrangements of these GBs can be characterized using the same kinds of structural units (SUs), Pr segregation sites relative to the SU vary with GBs. It is suggested that change in strain distribution for different GBs would cause the variation in the segregation sites and Pr would prefer the Zn site of locally highest tension.
How to define nativeness in organisms with high dispersal capacities? A comment on Essl et al.
Authors: Patiño Jairo , Vanderpoorten Alain 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEssl and colleagues documented worldwide invasion patterns in bryophytes, which so far have been neglected in invasion biology. In the absence of historical evidence, Essl and colleagues used criteria such as anomalous geographical distribution, preference for disturbed habitats, and indirect associations with some means of human transport as criteria to identify aliens. Because bryophytes exhibit high long‐distance dispersal capabilities, disjunct distribution patterns are, however, the rule rather than the exception in the group. In our opinion, none of the previously proposed criteria to characterize aliens can be satisfactorily applied to groups like bryophytes, for which historical and fossil records are extremely scarce. We suggest that, in order to validate the conclusions of Essl and colleagues, further taxonomic and phylogeographical studies are needed. This is especially true for island floras, for which recent critical taxonomic work and updated checklists, which compose the primary source of information for biodiversity, are largely missing.