bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
13 Archaeological Positivism and Cultural Plurality: Working with Conflicting Views of Mesoamerican Legacies
Authors: Anderson David S. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThe complicated cultural history of the modern nation of Mexico has created a lengthy list of people who have vested interests in the protection, promotion, and presentation of the pre‐Hispanic past. In this paper, I wrestle with my own attempts to understand the complexities of these competing narratives by examining who the stakeholders are in this situation and why they consider themselves to be stakeholders. Ultimately I attempt to address how we can approach conflicts between stakeholders when their interpretations of the pre‐Hispanic past do not agree. These problems unfortunately are not simple and do not have simple solutions, but they do form an important part of understanding the contemporary legacies of ancient Mesoamerica.
Stimulation of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Naphthazarin
Authors: Aljanadi Omar , Alzoubi Kousi , Bissinger Rosi , Lang Florian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe 1,4‐naphthoquinone derivative naphthazarin may trigger apoptosis and is thus considered for the treatment of malignancy. On the other hand, naphthazarin decreases neurotoxicity. In analogy to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and by cell membrane scrambling with translocation of phosphatidylserine to the erythrocyte surface. Signalling leading to triggering of eryptosis include increase in cytosolic Ca2+‐activity ([Ca2+]i), ceramide and oxidative stress. The present study explored whether naphthazarin impacts on eryptosis and, if so, to unravel underlying mechanisms. To this end, erythrocyte volume was estimated from forward scatter, phosphatidylserine abundance at the erythrocyte surface from FITC‐annexin‐V‐binding, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3 fluorescence, reactive oxidant species (ROS) from 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence and ceramide abundance at the erythrocyte surface from binding of fluorescent antibodies in flow cytometry. As a result, a 24‐hr exposure of human erythrocytes to naphthazarin (10 μm) significantly decreased erythrocyte forward scatter, significantly increased the percentage of annexin‐V‐binding cells, significantly increased ceramide abundance at the erythrocyte surface and significantly increased ROS. The effect of naphthazarin on annexin‐V‐binding was not significantly blunted by removal of extracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, naphthazarin stimulates eryptosis, an effect at least in part due to oxidative stress and enhanced ceramide abundance at the erythrocyte surface.
Endothelin ETA receptor/lipid peroxides/COX‐2/TGF‐β1 signalling underlies aggravated nephrotoxicity caused by cyclosporine plus indomethacin in rats
Authors: Helmy Maged W , El‐Gowelli Hanan M , Ali Rabab M , El‐Mas Mahmoud M 
Published: May 2015

Background and PurposeCyclosporine (CSA) and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are co‐prescribed for some arthritic conditions. We tested the hypothesis that this combined regimen elicits exaggerated nephrotoxicity in rats via the up‐regulation of endothelin (ET) receptor signalling.Experimental ApproachThe effects of a 10 day treatment with CSA (20 mg·kg−1·day−1), indomethacin (5 mg·kg−1·day−1) or their combination on renal biochemical, inflammatory, oxidative and structural profiles were assessed. The roles of ETA receptor and COX‐2 pathways in the interaction were evaluated.Key ResultsOral treatment with CSA or indomethacin elevated serum urea and creatinine, caused renal tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, increased renal TGF‐β1, and reduced immunohistochemical expressions of ETA receptors and COX‐2. CSA, but not indomethacin, increased renal ET‐1, the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and GSH activity. Compared with individual treatments, simultaneous CSA/indomethacin exposure caused: (i) greater elevations in serum creatinine and renal MDA; (ii) loss of the compensatory increase in GSH; (iii) renal infiltration of inflammatory cells and worsening of fibrotic and necrotic profiles; and (iv) increased renal ET‐1 and decreased ETA receptor and COX‐2 expressions. Blockade of ETA receptors by atrasentan ameliorated the biochemical, structural, inflammatory and oxidative abnormalities caused by the CSA/indomethacin regimen. Furthermore, atrasentan partly reversed the CSA/indomethacin‐evoked reductions in the expression of ETA receptor and COX‐2 protein.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe exaggerated oxidative insult and associated dysregulation of the ETA receptor/COX‐2/TGF‐β1 signalling might account for the aggravated nephrotoxicity caused by the CSA/indomethacin regimen. The potential renoprotective effect of ETA receptor antagonism might be exploited therapeutically.
Novel Aurora/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor dual kinase inhibitor as treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nakao Keisuke , Tanaka Shinji , Miura Tomoya , Sato Kota , Matsumura Satoshi , Aihara Arihiro , Mitsunori Yusuke , Ban Daisuke , Ochiai Takanori , Kudo Atsushi , Arii Shigeki , Tanabe Minoru 
Published: May 2015

We previously identified Aurora B kinase as the only independent factor predictive of the aggressive recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this preclinical study, JNJ‐28841072, a novel Aurora/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor dual kinase inhibitor, was evaluated for treatment of HCC. In vitro and in vivo effects of JNJ‐28841072 were analyzed using human HCC cell cultures and xenograft models. An orthotopic liver xenograft model was used for the pharmacobiological effects on Aurora kinase and vascularization in hepatic tumors. JNJ‐28841072 suppressed in vitro phosphorylation of histone H3 with induction of cell polyploidy and death in a dose‐dependent manner (IC50 = 0.8–1.2 μM). In s.c. human HCC xenografts, remarkable inhibition of tumor growth was observed after JNJ‐28841072 treatment (P = 0.0005). In orthotopic liver xenografts, the treatment with JNJ‐28841072 significantly suppressed in vivo phosphorylation of histone H3 (P = 0.0008), vessel formation (P = 0.018), normoxic area (P = 0.0001), and hepatoma growth (P = 0.038). Our preclinical studies indicate that JNJ‐28841072 is a promising novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of HCC. It might be worthy of evaluation in further studies.
Controller Design for Multi‐Skilled Bipedal Characters
Authors: Firmin M. , van de Panne M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDeveloping motions for simulated humanoids remains a challenging problem. While there exists a multitude of approaches, few of these are reimplemented or reused by others. The predominant focus of papers in the area remains on algorithmic novelty, due to the difficulty and lack of incentive to more fully explore what can be accomplished within the scope of existing methodologies. We develop a language, based on common features found across physics‐based character animation research, that facilitates the controller authoring process. By specifying motion primitives over a number of phases, our language has been used to design over 25 controllers for motions ranging from simple static balanced poses, to highly dynamic stunts. Controller sequencing is supported in two ways. Naive integration of controllers is achieved by using highly stable pose controllers (such as a standing or squatting) as intermediate transitions. More complex controller connections are automatically learned through an optimization process. The robustness of our system is demonstrated via random walkthroughs of our integrated set of controllers.
Review of natural product databases
Authors: Xie Tao , Song Sicheng , Li Sijia , Ouyang Liang , Xia Lin , Huang Jian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesMany natural products have pharmacological or biological activities that can be of therapeutic benefit in treating diseases, and are also an important source of inspiration for development of potential novel drugs. The past few decades have witnessed extensive study of natural products for their promising prospects in application of medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmaceutical sciences.Materials and methodsNatural product databases have provided systematic collection of information concerning natural products and their derivatives, including structure, source and mechanisms of action, which significantly support modern drug discovery.ResultsCurrently, a considerable number of natural product databases, such as TCM Database@Taiwan, TCMID, CEMTDD, SuperToxic and SuperNatural, have been developed, providing data such as integrated medicinal herbs, ingredients, 2D/3D structures of the compounds, related target proteins, relevant diseases, and metabolic toxicity and more.ConclusionsWe focus on an analytical overview of current natural product databases, and further discuss the good, bad or imperfection of current ones, in the hope of better integrating existing relevant outcomes, thus providing new routes for future drug discovery.
Public Interest in Medical Research Participation: Does It Matter if Patients or Community Members Have Helped Design the Study?
Authors: Cobb Enesha M. , Gebremariam Achamyeleh , Singer Dianne , Davis Matthew M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPurposeWe determined national levels of public participation in medical research study design. We compared public interest in medical research participation (MRP) in studies overall, versus studies explicitly designed with public involvement.MethodCross‐sectional household survey of US population in June 2013. Descriptive statistics estimated participation in medical research study design. Chi‐square test compared levels of interest in MRP if respondent knew patients or community members helped design the study.ResultsOf 2,048 respondents (participation rate 60%), 5% knew someone who had helped design a medical research study. There was no association between having known someone or personal participation in study design and willingness to engage in MRP. Although the overall proportion of respondents who would consider MRP initially (51%) was similar to the proportion who would consider MRP with community member involvement in study design (49%), the changes in respondents' views across the different scenarios were significantly greater than what would have been expected by chance.ConclusionsWe found similar levels of interest in MRP whether or not the public is involved in medical research study design. This finding may indicate that public involvement in study design, like community‐based participatory research, may not affect overall rates of MRP.
Rethinking the concepts of ‘local or global processors’: evidence from Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: D'Souza Dean , Booth Rhonda , Connolly Monica , Happé Francesca , Karmiloff‐Smith Annette 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBoth Williams syndrome (WS) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been characterized as preferentially processing local information, whereas in Down syndrome (DS) the reported tendency is to process stimuli globally. We designed a cross‐syndrome, cross‐task comparison to reveal similarities and differences in local/global processing in these disorders. Our in‐depth study compared local/global processing across modalities (auditory‐verbal/visuo‐spatial) and levels of processing (high/low) in the three syndromes. Despite claims in the literature, participants with ASD or WS failed to show a consistent local processing bias, while those with DS failed to show a reliable global processing bias. Depending on the nature of the stimuli and the task, both local and global processing biases were evident in all three neurodevelopmental disorders. These findings indicate that individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders cannot simply be characterized as local or global processors.
Antibody biomarkers in CNS demyelinating diseases – a long and winding road
Authors: Berger T. , Reindl M. 
Published: May 2015

Over several decades, studies sought potential markers to diagnose and to predict the clinical course of central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disorders, especially in multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Reliable biomarkers would ensure correct diagnoses, determine future disease evolvements, stratify patients for appropriate treatments and monitor disease activity and treatment effects – in summary, meet the longing for personalized medicine in these diseases. Out of a plethora of potential biomarker candidates antibodies have turned (again) into the scientific focus, due to pivotal immunological and neuropathological findings in the past 20 years. A major breakthrough and stimulus for further research was the identification of anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibodies in neuromyelitis optica. Various other myelin and non‐myelin antigens were investigated in detail for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, such as antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein or to the potassium channel KIR4.1. Further, the use of biopharmaceutical treatments in multiple sclerosis led to intense research activities to identify anti‐treatment neutralizing antibodies and their clinical consequences. This review briefly summarizes the current knowledge on antibodies in the diagnosis, prognosis, disease and treatment monitoring of CNS demyelinating disorders.
Skin response to a carcinogen involves the xenobiotic receptor pregnane X receptor
Authors: Elentner Andreas , Ortner Daniela , Clausen Björn , Gonzalez Frank J. , Fernández‐Salguero Pedro M. , Schmuth Matthias , Dubrac Sandrine 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSkin is in daily contact with potentially harmful molecules from the environment such as cigarette smoke, automobile emissions, industrial soot and groundwater. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a transcription factor expressed in liver and intestine that is activated by xenobiotic chemicals including drugs and environmental pollutants. Topical application of the tumor initiator 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) enhances Pxr, Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1 and Cyp3a11, but not Ahr expression in the skin. Surprisingly, DMBA‐induced Pxr upregulation is largely impaired in Langerin+ cell‐depleted skin, suggesting that DMBA mainly triggers Pxr in Langerin+ cells. Furthermore, PXR deficiency protects from DNA damage in epidermal cells but to a lesser extent than aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) deficiency. Interestingly, skin exposure to low doses of DMBA induces migration of PXR‐deficient but not of wild‐type and AHR‐deficient Langerhans cells (LCs). PXR‐humanized mice show a marked increase in DNA damage to epidermal cells after topical application of DMBA, demonstrating relevance of these findings in human tissue. This is the first report suggesting that carcinogens might trigger PXR in epidermal cells, particularly in LCs, thus leading to DNA damage. Further studies are required to better delineate the role of PXR in cutaneous carcinogenesis.
Global DNA hypomethylation and hypoxia‐induced expression of the ten eleven translocation (TET) family, TET1, in scleroderma fibroblasts
Authors: Hattori Mai , Yokoyama Yoko , Hattori Tomoyasu , Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Amano Hiroo , Hatada Izuho , Ishikawa Osamu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe precise mechanisms of tissue fibrosis have not yet been elucidated in systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, studies of the regulation of DNA methylation, the most widely studied epigenetic mechanism, have confirmed the involvement of the TET family proteins, recently identified DNA demethylases, in the pathogenesis of SSc. The mRNA levels of TET family members were compared in normal and SSc fibroblasts. The effects of hypoxia and siRNA specific to HIF‐1α on TET expression were also examined. Global methylation status was analysed by LUMA. The presence of 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in SSc was examined by immunohistochemistry. The level of TET1 mRNA in SSc fibroblasts was elevated by 1.68 fold compared with that of normal fibroblasts, but the expression levels of TET2 and TET3 were comparable between both cell types. The expression levels of DNMT1 and DNMT3B mRNA have a tendency to elevate in SSc fibroblasts. Among TET family members, the expression of TET1 was exclusively induced by hypoxia via HIF‐1α‐independent pathways in SSc fibroblasts, but not in normal fibroblasts. The methylation level was decreased in SSc fibroblasts relative to normal fibroblasts, and 5hmC was present in dermal fibroblasts of skin sections from patients with SSc. TET1 expression in SSc fibroblasts was abnormally regulated in the hypoxic environment and accompanied by global DNA hypomethylation, suggesting the involvement of aberrant DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Macrozooplankton and the persistence of the deep chlorophyll maximum in a stratified lake
Authors: Pannard Alexandrine , Planas Dolors , Beisner Beatrix E. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

Deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) are common in deep, oligotrophic stratified lakes. The DCM refer to the maximal chlorophyll a concentration found at depth, and not at the lake surface. While control of the DCM is thought to be via physicochemical factors in many lakes, a role for zooplankton grazing in epilimnetic waters remains a possibility. The occurrence and dynamics of DCM are poorly documented in smaller lakes, where zooplankton grazing is likely to have a stronger structuring effect. In small, shallow stratified lakes, biological control by grazing may be magnified by the short vertical gradient and overall higher water temperature.

The respective contributions of several physical, chemical and biological parameters to the vertical distribution of phytoplankton biomass in a small stratified lake were examined. Associations between phytoplankton depth distribution and vertical gradients in temperature, light and nutrients and the density of herbivorous zooplankton were established through regressions and generalised linear models.

Colimitation of the DCM by light from above and nutrients from below was detected. A threshold was detected at 3% incident light (100 μmol photon m−2 s−1), below which the DCM disappeared. Epilimnetic biomass was related to nutrient availability, with a threshold concentration at 4 μg P L−1, below which the DCM dominated.

Greater stability of the water mass and more zooplankton were associated with higher phytoplankton biomass in the DCM. Stability is likely to have controlled vertical nutrient fluxes, which were intercepted by the metalimnetic phytoplankton. Zooplankton grazing of epilimnetic biomass could have increased incident light reaching the top of the metalimnion, thereby favouring proliferation of photosynthetic biomass in the DCM.

Wind mixing events, as detected by a reduction in Lake number (LN, a measure of the influence of wind forcing on vertical structure), induced vertical intrusions of metalimnetic water, rich in nutrients and phytoplankton, into the epilimnion. We can infer that dominance of phytoplankton in the epilimnion would have occurred earlier during the summer if grazing by zooplankton had not removed epilimnetic phytoplankton. Our results suggest that, while stable stratification is necessary for initial DCM formation, zooplankton grazing may promote the persistence of a DCM.
Impacts of nitrogen addition on plant biodiversity in mountain grasslands depend on dose, application duration and climate: a systematic review
Authors: Humbert Jean‐Yves , Dwyer John M. , Andrey Aline , Arlettaz Raphaël 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAlthough the influence of nitrogen (N) addition on grassland plant communities has been widely studied, it is still unclear whether observed patterns and underlying mechanisms are constant across biomes. In this systematic review, we use meta‐analysis and metaregression to investigate the influence of N addition (here referring mostly to fertilization) upon the biodiversity of temperate mountain grasslands (including montane, subalpine and alpine zones). Forty‐two studies met our criteria of inclusion, resulting in 134 measures of effect size. The main general responses of mountain grasslands to N addition were increases in phytomass and reductions in plant species richness, as observed in lowland grasslands. More specifically, the analysis reveals that negative effects on species richness were exacerbated by dose (ha−1 year−1) and duration of N application (years) in an additive manner. Thus, sustained application of low to moderate levels of N over time had effects similar to short‐term application of high N doses. The climatic context also played an important role: the overall effects of N addition on plant species richness and diversity (Shannon index) were less pronounced in mountain grasslands experiencing cool rather than warm summers. Furthermore, the relative negative effect of N addition on species richness was more pronounced in managed communities and was strongly negatively related to N‐induced increases in phytomass, that is the greater the phytomass response to N addition, the greater the decline in richness. Altogether, this review not only establishes that plant biodiversity of mountain grasslands is negatively affected by N addition, but also demonstrates that several local management and abiotic factors interact with N addition to drive plant community changes. This synthesis yields essential information for a more sustainable management of mountain grasslands, emphasizing the importance of preserving and restoring grasslands with both low agricultural N application and limited exposure to N atmospheric deposition.
Conservation status assessment of Paraphlebia damselflies in Mexico
Authors: Cuevas‐Yáñez Karina , Rivas Miguel , Muñoz Jesús , Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

We assessed the conservation status of the three Mexican Paraphlebia damselflies based on the criterion B of the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN): P. hyalina, P. quinta, and P. zoe. According to this List, P. hyalina has not been evaluated, P. quinta appears as least concern, and P. zoe appears as Vulnerable. Geographical records were taken from literature, enquiries to specialists and field visits. We also projected the future potential geographical range area.

We generated species distribution models (SDM) for P. quinta and P. zoe (as there were not enough records for P. hyalina) as a surrogate of the extension of occurrence (EOO) and also calculated the area of occupancy. Future distributions were projected for years 2020, 2050, and, 2080 based on predicted changes in climatic conditions.

Species distribution models predicted current EOO areas for P. quinta and P. zoe as 18 860 and 16 440 km2, respectively, and around 50% of their distribution coincides with agricultural, pasture or urban sites.

Our SDM results indicate that IUCN‐based conservation status of the three species should be changed as follows: P. quinta and P. zoe moved to endangered category, and P. hyalina to data‐deficient category based on the reduced EOO areas and the historical loss of habitat.

For P. quinta, future climatic projections suggest an initial reduction (2020) followed by an expansion (2050 and 2080) in suitable areas, whereas for P. zoe there will be a decrease in predicted area for the three time periods. Preserving areas that provide shade, high humidity and perching sites seems to be a key for Paraphlebia species survival.