bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and ecological population genetic structures within two island‐endemic Aeonium species of different niche width
Authors: Harter David E. V. , Thiv Mike , Weig Alfons , Jentsch Anke , Beierkuhnlein Carl 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Crassulacean genus Aeonium is a well‐known example for plant species radiation on oceanic archipelagos. However, while allopatric speciation among islands is documented for this genus, the role of intra‐island speciation due to population divergence by topographical isolation or ecological heterogeneity has not yet been addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate intraspecific genetic structures and to identify spatial and ecological drivers of genetic population differentiation on the island scale. We analyzed inter simple sequence repeat variation within two island‐endemic Aeonium species of La Palma: one widespread generalist that covers a large variety of different habitat types (Ae. davidbramwellii) and one narrow ecological specialist (Ae. nobile), in order to assess evolutionary potentials on this island. Gene pool differentiation and genetic diversity patterns were associated with major landscape structures in both species, with phylogeographic implications. However, overall levels of genetic differentiation were low. For the generalist species, outlier loci detection and loci–environment correlation approaches indicated moderate signatures of divergent selection pressures linked to temperature and precipitation variables, while the specialist species missed such patterns. Our data point to incipient differentiation among populations, emphasizing that ecological heterogeneity and topographical structuring within the small scales of an island can foster evolutionary processes. Very likely, such processes have contributed to the radiation of Aeonium on the Canary Islands. There is also support for different evolutionary mechanisms between generalist and specialist species.
Effects of flooding on seedling establishment in two Australian riparian trees with contrasting distributions; Acacia stenophylla A. Cunn. ex Benth. and Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq.
Authors: Maxwell Adam , Capon Samantha J. , James Cassandra S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRiparian habitats in arid and semi‐arid landscapes are characterised by unpredictable flooding and drought with favourable opportunities for seedling establishment limited to short periods following floodwater recession. Tree species persisting under such conditions might therefore be expected to exhibit traits that facilitate seedling growth and survival in the face of unpredictable flooding and drought. We examined seedling growth in response to flooding in two common eastern Australian riparian tree species with contrasting distributions: Acacia stenophylla, common in lowland riparian habitats of the arid and semi‐arid interior where average annual rainfall is below 500 mm, and Casuarina cunninghamiana, widespread in upland and coastal catchments with average annual rainfall over 500 mm. We conducted a glasshouse experiment to investigate seedling growth and survival over 90 days under a range of watering treatments including continuous flooding, flooding followed by drying and continuously moist conditions. Seedlings of both species exhibited high levels of flood tolerance, apparently facilitated by a capacity to halt growth and delay development rather than via plastic growth responses. Both species also displayed rapid and opportunistic growth in response to moist conditions; however, this was around three‐fold greater in A. stenophylla seedlings. Our results suggest that seedling establishment traits influence the distribution of these widespread riparian species and contribute to the capacity of A. stenophylla to persist under the stressful and unpredictable conditions characteristic of arid and semi‐arid riparian habitats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipid carriers for delivery of celecoxib: In vitro, in vivo assessment of nanomedicine in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kishore Narra , Raja Modhugoor Devendiran , Kumar Chinnaiyan Senthil , Dhanalekshmi Unnikrishnan , Srinivasan Rajagopal 
Published: September 2015

Celecoxib loaded tristearin lipid nanoparticles (CEL‐TS‐LN) formulation was prepared by micro emulsion technique. The prepared CEL‐TS‐LN formulations were characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), Zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in vitro release kinetics, In vivo toxicity and pharmacokinetics; and Freund's adjuvant‐induced arthritic studies were conducted. The mean diameter of the CEL‐TS‐LN was about 188 nm; the particles had spherical morphology and an amorphous nature. In vitro drug release study of CEL‐TS‐LN revealed sustained drug release of 62% for 36 hrs; and the drug release was found to follow zero order and Fickian diffusion mechanism. The biochemical and haematology reports of in vivo toxicity studies revealed that CEL‐TS‐LN does not exhibit any toxic symptoms on vital organs and could be safe. With 88% percent inhibition of edema, serum biochemical parameters of CEL‐TS‐LN treated animal groups showed significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to arthritic control (without treatment). In conclusion, the results clearly suggested that CEL‐TS‐LN facilitated sustained release enhanced bioavailability and improved therapeutic efficiency of the encapsulated celecoxib drug.Practical applications: In this paper we stress the importance of solid lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery. We also discuss the feasibility of large scale production of celecoxib loaded tristearin lipid nanoparticles (CEL‐TS‐LN) by micro emulsion technique for industrial application. Celecoxib (CEL) has been recommended as oral use for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Low oral bioavailability and long term oral administration of CEL produces severe gastrointestinal side effects. CEL‐TS‐LN holds promise for safe, improved bioavailability and enhanced therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of RA.Successfully incorporated celecoxib into tristearin solid lipid Nanoparticles (CEL‐TS‐LN).The optimized CEL‐TS‐LN preparation was exhibited spherical morphology, amorphous nature, maximum entrapment efficiency and sustained release of celecoxib. CEL‐TS‐LN does not exhibit any toxic symptoms, enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency in In Vivo.
A numerical study of the effect of brine displaced from CO2 storage in a saline formation on groundwater
Authors: Hussain Furqan , Michael Karsten , Cinar Yildiray 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis paper presents a numerical simulation study that examines the CO2 injection‐induced salinity changes in groundwater formations. We use a simplified numerical model to simulate the migration of formation water caused by pressure build‐up during CO2 injection. A stacked reservoir consisting of a storage formation overlain by a geological seal and groundwater aquifer is modeled. We use a commercial reservoir simulator to run various realizations with different seal permeabilities, injection rates, lateral boundary conditions, and groundwater production rates. We then track salinity changes calculated by the simulations. We find that lateral boundary conditions and seal permeabilities are the most critical parameters that govern lateral and vertical displacement of formation water. If the seal permeability is high enough or the lateral boundary is closed, the vertical fluid displacement dominates the lateral displacement. Depending on seal thickness, injection rate and reservoir salinity, this has the potential to cause significant salinity change in the overlying groundwater aquifer. If the seal permeability is low or the lateral boundary is open, then the lateral displacement becomes dominant. If the storage formation extends to an up‐dip shallow groundwater formation, the higher the lateral fluid displacement the higher the increase in salinity of the groundwater. Moreover, salinity changes occur in the deeper part of the groundwater formation because displaced water is heavier than groundwater. This study shows that tracking salinity changes in numerical simulations may provide a quantitative measure of the change in groundwater quality. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Stable 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) Acquisition Marks Gene Activation During Chondrogenic Differentiation
Authors: Taylor Sarah EB , Li Ye Henry , Smeriglio Piera , Rath Madhusikta , Wong Wing H , Bhutani Nidhi 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Regulation of gene expression changes during chondrogenic differentiation by DNA methylation and demethylation is little understood. Methylated cytosines (5mC) are oxidized by the ten-eleven-translocation (TET) proteins to 5-hydroxymethylcytosines (5hmC), 5-formylcytosines (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosines (5caC), eventually leading to a replacement by unmethylated cytosines (C), ie, DNA demethylation. Additionally, 5hmC is stable and acts as an epigenetic mark by itself. Here, we report that global changes in 5hmC mark chondrogenic differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Tibia anlagen and growth plate analyses during limb development at mouse embryonic days E 11.5, 13.5, and 17.5 showed dynamic changes in 5hmC levels in the differentiating chondrocytes. A similar increase in 5hmC levels was observed in the ATDC5 chondroprogenitor cell line accompanied by increased expression of the TET proteins during in vitro differentiation. Loss of TET1 in ATDC5 decreased 5hmC levels and impaired differentiation, demonstrating a functional role for TET1-mediated 5hmC dynamics in chondrogenic differentiation. Global analyses of the 5hmC-enriched sequences during early and late chondrogenic differentiation identified 5hmC distribution to be enriched in the regulatory regions of genes preceding the transcription start site (TSS), as well as in the gene bodies. Stable gains in 5hmC were observed in specific subsets of genes, including genes associated with cartilage development and in chondrogenic lineage-specific genes. 5hmC gains in regulatory promoter and enhancer regions as well as in gene bodies were strongly associated with activated but not repressed genes, indicating a potential regulatory role for DNA hydroxymethylation in chondrogenic gene expression. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
CCN1 Regulates Chondrocyte Maturation and Cartilage Development
Authors: Zhang Yongchun , Sheu Tzong-jen , Hoak Donna , Shen Jie , Hilton Matthew J , Zuscik Michael J , Jonason Jennifer H , O'Keefe Regis J 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

WNT/β-CATENIN signaling is involved in multiple aspects of skeletal development, including chondrocyte differentiation and maturation. Although the functions of β-CATENIN in chondrocytes have been extensively investigated through gain-of-function and loss-of-function mouse models, the precise downstream effectors through which β-CATENIN regulates these processes are not well defined. Here, we report that the matricellular protein, CCN1, is induced by WNT/β-CATENIN signaling in chondrocytes. Specifically, we found that β-CATENIN signaling promotes CCN1 expression in isolated primary sternal chondrocytes and both embryonic and postnatal cartilage. Additionally, we show that, in vitro, CCN1 overexpression promotes chondrocyte maturation, whereas inhibition of endogenous CCN1 function inhibits maturation. To explore the role of CCN1 on cartilage development and homeostasis in vivo, we generated a novel transgenic mouse model for conditional Ccn1 overexpression and show that cartilage-specific CCN1 overexpression leads to chondrodysplasia during development and cartilage degeneration in adult mice. Finally, we demonstrate that CCN1 expression increases in mouse knee joint tissues after meniscal/ligamentous injury (MLI) and in human cartilage after meniscal tear. Collectively, our data suggest that CCN1 is an important regulator of chondrocyte maturation during cartilage development and homeostasis. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Barranc de la Boella (Catalonia, Spain): an Acheulean elephant butchering site from the European late Early Pleistocene
Authors: Mosquera M. , Saladié P. , Ollé A. , Cáceres I. , Huguet R. , Villalaín J. J. , Carrancho A. , Bourlès D. , Braucher R. , Vallverdú J. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTEvidence of late Early Pleistocene elephant butchery activity has been excavated in the Pit 1 locality at Barranc de la Boella (Catalonia, Spain). The fossil assemblage mainly comprises the remains of one prime adult individual ofMammuthus meridionalis, together with 125 lithic artefacts, among which several refitting groups of chert have been identified. The lithic assemblage from the Pit 1 locality is composed of cobbles, cores, simple and retouched flakes, together with a large, well‐fashioned pick of hard‐wearing schist. Spatial, zooarchaeological, taphonomic, technical and use‐wear analyses confirm that the occupation was devoted to butchery of the mammoth carcass. The activity zone is in a fluvio‐deltaic area that incises the terrace T+60 of the lower Francolí river basin, 50 m a.s.l. Palaeomagnetic and cosmogenic analyses, as well as microfaunal (Mimomys savini,Victoriamys chalinei) and macrofaunal biostratigraphy (Mammuthus meridionalis), support the timing of the occupation to the late Matuyama chron. These various lines of evidence point to Barranc de la Boella being the oldest Early Acheulean butchering site in Europe. Ongoing excavations at several localities at Barranc de la Boella are yielding new data on the palaeoenvironmental, geochronological and technological framework of these occupations. Finally, the evidence is integrated into current understanding of the subsistence strategies practised by Early Pleistocene hominins.
Data‐driven optimized flip angle selection for T1 estimation from spoiled gradient echo acquisitions
Authors: Lewis Christina M. , Hurley Samuel A. , Meyerand M. Elizabeth , Koay Cheng Guan 
Published: September 2015

PurposeDefine criteria for selection of optimal flip angle sets for T1 estimation and evaluate effects on T1 mapping.Theory and MethodsFlip angle sets for spoiled gradient echo‐based T1 mapping were selected by minimizing T1 estimate variance weighted by the joint density of M0 and T1 in an initial acquisition. The effect of optimized flip angle selection on T1 estimate error was measured using simulations and experimental data in the human and rat brain.ResultsFor two‐point acquisitions, optimized angle sets were similar to those proposed by other groups and, therefore, performed similarly. For multipoint acquisitions, optimal angle sets for T1 mapping in the brain consisted of a repetition of two angles. Implementation of optimal angles reduced T1 estimate variance by 30–40% compared with a multipoint acquisition using a range of angles. Performance of the optimal angle set was equivalent to that of a repetition of the two‐angle set selected using criteria proposed by other researchers.ConclusionRepetition of two carefully selected flip angles notably improves the precision of resulting T1 estimates compared with acquisitions using a range of flip angles. This work provides a flexible and widely applicable optimization method of particular use for those who repeatedly perform T1 estimation. Magn Reson Med 76:792–802, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic manipulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis for improved production in Streptomyces and other actinomycetes
Authors: Baltz Richard H 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Actinomycetes continue to be important sources for the discovery of secondary metabolites for applications in human medicine, animal health, and crop protection. With the maturation of actinomycete genome mining as a robust approach to identify new and novel cryptic secondary metabolite gene clusters, it is critical to continue developing methods to activate and enhance secondary metabolite biosynthesis for discovery, development, and large-scale manufacturing. This review covers recent reports on promising new approaches and further validations or technical improvements of existing approaches to strain improvement applicable to a wide range of Streptomyces species and other actinomycetes.
MicroRNAs Regulating Signaling Pathways: Potential Biomarkers in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Li Yisha , Huang Jing , Guo Muyao , Zuo Xiaoxia 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem fibrotic and autoimmune disease. Both genetic and epigenetic elements mediate SSc pathophysiology. This review summarizes the role of one epigenetic element, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), involved in different signaling pathways of SSc pathogenesis. The expression of key components in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway has been found to be regulated by miRNAs both upstream and downstream of TGF-β. We are specifically interested in the pathway components upstream of TGF-β, while miRNAs in other signaling pathways have not been extensively studied. The emerging role of miRNAs in vasculopathy of SSc suggests a promising new direction for future investigation. Elucidation of the regulatory role of miRNAs in the expression of signaling factors may facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers in SSc and improve the understanding and treatment of this disease.
The influence of GAP‐43 on orientation of cell division through G proteins
Authors: Huang Rui , Zhao Junpeng , Ju Lili , Wen Yujun , Xu Qunyuan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRecent studies have shown that GAP‐43 is highly expressed in horizontally dividing neural progenitor cells, and G protein complex are required for proper mitotic‐spindle orientation of those progenitors in the mammalian developing cortex. In order to verify the hypothesis that GAP‐43 may influence the orientation of cell division through interacting with G proteins during neurogenesis, the GAP‐43 RNA from adult C57 mouse was cloned into the pEGFP‐N1 vector, which was then transfected into Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells cultured in a three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture system. The interaction of GAP‐43 with Gαi was detected by co‐immunoprecipitation (co‐IP), while cystogenesis of 3D morphogenesis of MDCK cells and expression of GAP‐43 and Gαi were determined by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The results showed are as follows: After being transfected by pEGFP‐N1‐GAP‐43, GAP‐43 was localized on the cell membrane and co‐localized with Gαi, and this dramatically induced a defective cystogenesis in 3D morphogenesis of MDCK cells. The functional interaction between GAP‐43 and Gαi proteins was proven by the co‐IP assay. It can be considered from the results that the GAP‐43 is involved in the orientation of cell division by interacting with Gαi and this should be an important mechanism for neurogenesis in the mammalian brain.
Ending the Use of Animals in Toxicity Testing and Risk Evaluation
Authors: ROWAN ANDREW N. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract:This article discusses the use of animals for the safety testing of chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, household products, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. It reviews changes in safety testing technology and what those changes mean from the perspective of industrial innovation, public policy and public health, economics, and ethics. It concludes that the continuing use of animals for chemical safety testing should end within the decade as cheaper, quicker, and more predictive technologies are developed and applied.
Mitochondrial dynamics and their intracellular traffic in porcine oocytes
Authors: Yamochi T. , Hashimoto S. , Amo A. , Goto H. , Yamanaka M. , Inoue M. , Nakaoka Y. , Morimoto Y. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryMeiotic maturation of oocytes requires a variety of ATP-dependent reactions, such as germinal vesicle breakdown, spindle formation, and rearrangement of plasma membrane structure, which is required for fertilization. Mitochondria are accordingly expected be localized to subcellular sites of energy utilization. Although microtubule-dependent cellular traffic for mitochondria has been studied extensively in cultured neuronal (and some other somatic) cells, the molecular mechanism of their dynamics in mammalian oocytes at different stages of maturation remains obscure. The present work describes dynamic aspects of mitochondria in porcine oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage. After incubation of oocytes with MitoTracker Orange followed by centrifugation, mitochondria-enriched ooplasm was obtained using a glass needle and transferred into a recipient oocyte. The intracellular distribution of the fluorescent mitochondria was then observed over time using a laser scanning confocal microscopy equipped with an incubator. Kinetic analysis revealed that fluorescent mitochondria moved from central to subcortical areas of oocytes and were dispersed along plasma membranes. Such movement of mitochondria was inhibited by either cytochalasin B or cytochalasin D but not by colcemid, suggesting the involvement of microfilaments. This method of visualizing mitochondrial dynamics in live cells permits study of the pathophysiology of cytoskeleton-dependent intracellular traffic of mitochondria and associated energy metabolism during meiotic maturation of oocytes.
The wall-top of the Late-Roman defences at Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges: interim report
Authors: Wood Jason 
Published: September 2015

Between 1993 and 2001 a British team led by S. Esmonde Geary, M. J. Jones and the author examined the Late-Roman defences of the ‘ville haute’ of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (SW France). The project fell within the overall theme of studying the transition from the classical to the late antique/early mediaeval town, a principal objective of the international Trojet Collectif de Recherches’ at Saint-Bertrand. The primary aim of the British investigation was to document and analyse the construction of the Late-Roman defences and their subsequent development through a combination of architectural survey and excavation. During the nine seasons of fieldwork, the architectural remains of the entire wall circuit were analysed and 11 separate trenches excavated. The evidence obtained from these excavations dates the wall's construction to the early years of the 5th c.The architectural survey included collating old photographs and unpublished excavation records; preparing a plan showing the surviving original and rebuilt stretches of the walls; making a general survey of the principal external and internal elevations, and recording the outline of all visible Roman facing and corework, vertical and horizontal breaks, offsets, tile courses, drains, re-used masonry and later building and repairs; making stone-by-stone drawings of the best surviving elevations and features; making a detailed analysis of the wall fabric, interpreting its building periods and phases of construction, and identifying changes in alignment of the defences, the presence of external towers, work-gang divisions, and so on. For ease of reference, the circuit was divided into 26 sectors on the basis of criteria such as change of alignment and state of preservation.