bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From confluent human iPS cells to self-forming neural retina and retinal pigmented epithelium
Authors: Reichman Sacha , Terray Angélique , Slembrouck Amélie , Nanteau Céline , Orieux Gaël , Habeler Walter , Nandrot Emeline F. , Sahel José-Alain , Monville Christelle , Goureau Olivier 
Published: May 2014

Significance
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) could be used as an unlimited source of retinal cells for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. The production of retinal cells from hiPSCs for personalized therapeutic approaches must comply with certain criteria, such as safety, efficiency, reproducibility, and low production cost. Here, we report a simple and scalable retinal differentiation process for the generation of retinal pigmented epithelial cells and neural retinal tissues containing retinal progenitor cells. These progenitors can be differentiated into all retinal cell types, including retinal ganglion cells and precursors of photoreceptors, which could find important applications in regenerative medicine. This method also provides an accessible in vitro model to investigate mechanisms involved in human retinogenesis and retinal diseases.
Investigation of triterpene synthesis and regulation in oats reveals a role for β-amyrin in determining root epidermal cell patterning
Authors: Kemen Ariane C. , Honkanen Suvi , Melton Rachel E. , Findlay Kim C. , Mugford Sam T. , Hayashi Keiko , Haralampidis Kosmas , Rosser Susan J. , Osbourn Anne 
Published: May 2014

Significance
Sterols and triterpenes are complex molecules that are synthesized from the isoprenoid pathway. The functions of sterols in plants have been studied extensively, but the role of triterpenes is less well understood. Here we investigate triterpene synthesis and regulation in diploid oat. We show that the genes for triterpene synthesis are regulated by an ancient root development process that is conserved across diverse plants. We further show that mutants in which the metabolism of the most common plant triterpene, β-amyrin, is blocked undergo a change early in the development of the root epidermis that leads to a “superhairy” root phenotype. Our findings shed light on triterpene synthesis and provide evidence for a role for the simple triterpene β-amyrin in plant development.
Dietary history contributes to enterotype-like clustering and functional metagenomic content in the intestinal microbiome of wild mice
Authors: Wang Jun , Linnenbrink Miriam , Künzel Sven , Fernandes Ricardo , Nadeau Marie-Josée , Rosenstiel Philip , Baines John F. 
Published: May 2014

SignificanceRecent investigation of several mammalian hosts suggests that their intestinal bacterial communities display evidence of clusters characterized by differences in specific bacterial taxa, a concept referred to as enterotypes. By performing stable isotope analysis of environmental samples, monitoring communities during dietary shifts, and collecting functional metagenomic sequence data, we provide novel insight into the origins and dynamics of enterotype-like community clustering in wild house mice. Two clusters are present in wild mice, one associated with higher plant-derived and another with animal-derived food intake, which can shift within a period of 1 wk. Remarkably, these clusters display shared characteristics with those present in humans, chimpanzees, and laboratory mice, suggesting ancient shared traits among mammalian bacterial communities.
Microscopic insights into the protein-stabilizing effect of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)
Authors: Ma Jianqiang , Pazos Ileana M. , Gai Feng 
Published: May 2014

SignificanceThe ability of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) to counteract osmotic stress along with the deleterious effects of denaturants such as urea is fascinating and has inspired many studies. To further our understanding of how TMAO acts to stabilize folded proteins, we carry out an infrared experiment designed to probe the microscopic details of this action explicitly from the perspective of the solute molecule. Our results reveal that the protein-stabilizing effect of TMAO originates from two contributions: One is entropic and the other is enthalpic in nature. Thus, this study provides not only microscopic details underlying the stabilizing action of TMAO, but also a method that can be used to study the stability-perturbing effect of other cosolvents.
Hyperoxia reverses glucotoxicity-induced inhibition of insulin secretion in rat INS-1 β cells
Authors: Matsunaga Tetsuro , Li Shiho , Adachi Tetsuya , Joo Erina , Gu Ning , Yamazaki Hanae , Yasuda Koichiro , Kondoh Takashi , Tsuda Kinsuke 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Chronic hyperglycemia has deleterious effects on pancreatic β-cell function, a process known as glucotoxicity. This study examined whether chronic high glucose (CHG) induces cellular hypoxia in rat INS-1 β cells, and whether hyperoxia (35% O2) can reverse glucotoxicity-induced inhibition of insulin secretion. CHG (33.3 mm, 96 h) reduced insulin secretion, and down-regulated insulin and pancreatic duodenal homeobox factor 1 gene expression. CHG also increased intracellular pimonidazole-protein adducts, a marker for hypoxia. CHG also enhanced hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) protein expression and its DNA-binding activity, which was accompanied by a decrease in mRNA expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), glucokinase and uncoupling protein-2 and an increase in mRNA expression of GLUT1 and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1. Hyperoxia restored the decrease in insulin secretion and the gene expression except for GLUT2, and suppressed intracellular hypoxia and HIF-1α activation. These results suggest that glucotoxicity may cause β-cell hypoxia. Hyperoxia might prevent glucotoxicity-induced β-cell dysfunction and improve insulin secretion.
Desmodianone H and uncinanone B, potential tyrosinase inhibitors obtained from Lespedeza maximowiczii by using bioactivity-guided isolation
Authors: Heo Do Yeon , Kim Young Mi , Lee Joongku , Park Sang-Hong , Kim Jinki , Park Hye Min , Lee Choong Hwan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A new bioactive compound, namely desmodianone H (1), and another known compound uncinanone B (2) were first isolated using bioactivity-guided isolation from the leaves of Lespedeza maximowiczii and structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of their nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited strong inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase activity.
Proteomic analysis ofPhyscomitrella patenstreated with 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, an important oxylipin in plants
Authors: Toshima Erika , Nanjo Yohei , Komatsu Setsuko , Abe Tatsuya , Matsuura Hideyuki , Takahashi Kosaku 
Published: May 2014

Abstract12-Oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA) is biosynthesized in the octadecanoid pathway and is considered to be a signaling molecule in plants. In Physcomitrella patens, OPDA is induced by bacterial infection and mechanical stress and is known to suppress growth; however, the functional mechanism of OPDA signaling remains elusive. In this study, we performed a proteomic analysis of P. patens treated with OPDA and found that the expression of 82 proteins was significantly altered, with approximately 80% of these proteins being downregulated by OPDA. The identified proteins were mainly categorized as being involved in photosynthesis, metabolism, and protein synthesis, and most of the proteins that were upregulated by OPDA are involved in light-dependent reactions, suggesting that OPDA regulates a function in chloroplasts. Additionally, OPDA induced the expression of an allene oxide cyclase (PpAOC1) in the octadecanoid pathway, demonstrating positive feedback regulation by OPDA in P. patens.
Antioxidative activity, moisture retention, film formation, and viscosity stability of Auricularia fuscosuccinea, white strain water extract
Authors: Liao Wayne C , Hsueh Chiu-Yen , Chan Chin-Feng 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This study showed that both water extracts (WAF-W) and ethanol extracts (EAF-W) of Auricularia fuscosuccinea (Montagne) Farlow, white strain (AF-W) demonstrated significantly stronger antioxidative effects than did commercially available Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extracts (WSK; with the exception of EAF-W in terms of superoxide radical scavenging activity levels). The moisture retention capacity of WAF-W is as potent as that of sodium hyaluronate (SHA), but less than that of WSK. No corrugation or fissures were observed in WAF-W film; only the SHA and WSK films demonstrated such effects in low-moisture conditions. The WAF-W solution also exhibited stable viscosity at high temperatures, indicating that the WAF-W film was more stable compared with the SHA and WSK films. WAF-W induced no adverse effects when a hen’s egg test was performed on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). This study demonstrated that WAF-W exhibits excellent potential as a topical material for skin moisturizing and anti-aging effects.
Cyanidin-3-glucoside suppresses Th2 cytokines and GATA-3 transcription factor in EL-4 T cells
Authors: Pyo Myoung Yun , Yoon Soo Jeong , Yu Yeonsil , Park Sunyoung , Jin Mirim 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Allergic disease is dominated by Th2 immune responses. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, representative Th2 cytokines, play pivotal roles in the pathogenic activation of the Th2 immune response. In this study, we found that cyanidin-3-glucoside chloride (C3G), an anthocyanin suppressed IL-4 and IL-13 produced in activated EL-4 T cells but not Th1 cytokines including IL-2, interferon-γ, or IL-12. IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA levels and luciferase activation in cells transiently transfected with IL-4 and IL-13 promoter reporter plasmids were significantly inhibited by C3G, suggesting that suppression might be, at least in part, regulated at the transcriptional level. Data from western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses of transcription factors involved in cytokine expression suggested that expression of GATA-3, but not T-bet, was downregulated in the nucleus by C3G. Taken together, our data indicate that C3G may has potential as an anti-allergic agent suppressing Th2 activation by downregulating Th2 cytokines and the GATA3 transcription factor in allergies.
Effects of laver extracts on adhesion, invasion, and migration in SK-Hep1 human hepatoma cancer cells
Authors: Do Thi Nhuan , Hwang Eun-Sun 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The laver (Porphyra tenera), red seaweed, has been reported to have anticancer activity, but little is known about its molecular mechanisms of action. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of laver extract on cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in SK-Hep1 cells using migration and invasion assays. We also investigated the relationship of MMP-2/-9 and TIMP-1/-2 expression at both the protein and gene level in SK-Hep1 human hepatoma carcinoma cells after laver extract treatment. Laver extract inhibited cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. In an invasion assay conducted in Transwell chambers, laver extract showed 19.6 and 27.2% inhibition of cancer cell at 200 and 400 μg/mL, respectively, compared to the control. The mRNA levels of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were down-regulated by laver extract treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Laver extract, at 400 μg/mL, was inhibited by MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions by 70.1 and 77.0%, respectively. An inverse relationship in the mRNA contents of MMP-2/-9 and TIMP-1/-2 expressions in SK-Hep1 cells was found by laver extract treatment. Our results demonstrate antimetastatic properties of laver extract in inhibiting the adhesion, invasion, and migration of SK-Hep1 human hepatoma cancer cells.
Purification and characterization of a novel O-methyltransferase from Flammulina velutipes
Authors: Kirita Masanobu , Tanaka Yoshihisa , Tagashira Motoyuki , Kanda Tomomasa , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
An enzyme catalyzing the methylation of phenolic hydroxyl groups in polyphenols was identified from mycelial cultures of edible mushrooms to synthesize O-methylated polyphenols. Enzyme activity was measured to assess whether methyl groups were introduced into (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) using SAM as a methyl donor, and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)-gallate (EGCG3″Me), (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl)-gallate (EGCG4″Me), and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)-gallate (EGCG3″,5″diMe) peaks were detected using crude enzyme preparations from mycelial cultures of Flammulina velutipes. The enzyme was purified using chromatographic and two-dimensional electrophoresis. The purified enzyme was subsequently analyzed on the basis of the partial amino acid sequence using LC–MS/MS. Partial amino acid sequencing identified the 17 and 12 amino acid sequences, VLEVGTLGGYSTTWLAR and TGGIIIVDNVVR. In database searches, these sequences showed high identity with O-methyltransferases from other mushroom species and completely matched 11 of 17 and 9 of 12 amino acids from five other mushroom O-methyltransferases.
Formation of long-chain N-vanillyl-acylamides from plant oils
Authors: Kobata Kenji , Takemura Ikue , Tago Gaku , Moriya Takayuki , Kubota Kaori , Nakatani Sachie , Wada Masahiro , Watanabe Tatsuo 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Long-chain N-vanillyl-acylamides (LCNVAs) were generated from plant oils and vanillylamine (VA) by nucleophilic amidation without any catalytic reagents. The resulting LCNVAs varied according to the fatty acid composition of the plant oil used. Therefore, the LCNVAs contained in Capsicum oleoresins were products that were spontaneously generated from the oleoresin during storage.
High stability of apo-cytochrome c’ from thermophilic Hydrogenophilus thermoluteolus
Authors: Fujii Sotaro , Masanari Misa , Yamanaka Masaru , Wakai Satoshi , Sambongi Yoshihiro 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Apo-cytochomes c without heme are usually unstructured. Here we showed that apo-form of thermophilic Hydrogenophilus thermoluteolus cytochrome c’ (PHCP) was a monomeric protein with high helix content. Apo-PHCP was thermally stable, possibly due to the hydrophobic residues and ion pairs. PHCP is the first example of a structured apo-cytochrome c’, which will expand our view of hemoprotein structure formation.
Re-feeding rats a high-sucrose diet after 3 days of starvation enhances histone H3 acetylation in transcribed region and expression of jejunal GLUT5 gene
Authors: Honma Kazue , Masuda Yuriko , Mochizuki Kazuki , Goda Toshinao 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Fasting for 3 days leads to reduction in the expression of GLUT5 and SGLT1 genes in jejunum. Re-feeding a high-sucrose diet in fasted rats enhanced mRNA levels and histone H3 acetylation on transcribed region of GLUT5 gene within 24 h, but not in SGLT1. Responsiveness of jejunal GLUT5 gene is associated with changes in histone H3 acetylation on transcribed region.
Compartmentation and localization of bioactive metabolites in different organs of Allium roylei
Authors: Abdelrahman Mostafa , Hirata Sho , Ito Shin-ichi , Yamauchi Naoki , Shigyo Masayoshi 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
To investigate the involvement of Allium roylei metabolites in the plant’s defenses, a comprehensive analysis of the content of cysteine sulfoxides, flavonols, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and saponins was carried out in the various organs of this species. Metabolomics high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectral-based analysis, and histochemcial studies have given important insight to the validity of saponins as a key component involved in plant protection. The root-basal stem, bulb, and leaf extracts exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with inhibition concentration (IC50) ranging from 0.649 to 0.757 mg/mL. The antimicrobial properties of the saponin and flavonoid crude extracts were evaluated. The saponin extracts demonstrated significant antifungal activity depending on the applied concentration, and the growth inhibition rate of the tested fungal pathogens ranged from 1.07 to 47.76%. No appreciable antibacterial activity was recorded in the same sample.
An optimized extraction technique for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from the Camellia japonica seed cake by using response surface methodology
Authors: Kim Jae Kyeom , Kim Cho Rong , Lim Ho-Jeong , Nam Sang Hae , Joo Ok Soo , Shin Dong-Hoon , Shin Eui-Cheol 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction conditions for the acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activity and extraction yield from Camellia japonica seed cake. Predicted values for AchE inhibition and extraction yield were 19.41 and 13.35%, respectively, which are in good agreement with the experimental values from validation, suggesting that RSM may provide a useful tool to optimization processes.
Purification and characterization of three β-glycosidases exhibiting high glucose tolerance from Aspergillus niger ASKU28
Authors: Thongpoo Preeyanuch , Srisomsap Chantragan , Chokchaichamnankit Daranee , Kitpreechavanich Vichien , Svasti Jisnuson , Kongsaeree Prachumporn T 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Production and utilization of cellulosic ethanol has been limited, partly due to the difficulty in degradation of cellulosic feedstock. β-Glucosidases convert cellobiose to glucose in the final step of cellulose degradation, but they are inhibited by high concentrations of glucose. Thus, in this study, we have screened, isolated, and characterized three β-glycosidases exhibiting highly glucose-tolerant property from Aspergillus niger ASKU28, namely β-xylosidase (P1.1), β-glucosidase (P1.2), and glucan 1,3-β-glucosidase (P2). Results from kinetic analysis, inhibition study, and hydrolysis of oligosaccharide substrates supported the identification of these enzymes by both LC/MS/MS analysis and nucleotide sequences. Moreover, the highly efficient P1.2 performed better than the commercial β-glucosidase preparation in cellulose saccharification, suggesting its potential applications in the cellulosic ethanol industry. These results shed light on the nature of highly glucose-tolerant β-glucosidase activities in A. niger, whose kinetic properties and identities have not been completely determined in any prior investigations.
Cell motility and biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis are affected by the ribosomal proteins, S11 and S21
Authors: Takada Hiraku , Morita Masato , Shiwa Yuh , Sugimoto Ryoma , Suzuki Shota , Kawamura Fujio , Yoshikawa Hirofumi 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Bacillus subtilis differentiates into various cellular states in response to environmental changes. It exists in two states during the exponential growth phase: motile cells and connected chains of sessile cells. Here, we identified new regulators of cell motility and chaining, the ribosomal proteins S21 (rpsU) and S11 (rpsK). Their mutants showed impaired cell motility (observed in a laboratory strain) and robust biofilm formation (observed in an undomesticated strain). The two major operons for biofilm formation, tapA-sipW-tasA and epsA-O, were strongly expressed in the rpsU mutant, whereas the flagellin-encoding hag gene and other SigD-dependent motility regulons were not. Genetic analysis revealed that the mutation of remA, the transcriptional activator of the eps operon, is epistatic to that of rpsU, whereas the mutation of antagonistic regulators of SinR is not. Our studies demonstrate that S11 and S21 participate in the regulation of bistability via the RemA/RemB pathway.
Intracellular retention of the extracellular domain of the (pro)renin receptor in mammalian cells
Authors: Suzuki-Nakagawa Chiharu , Nishimura Misa , Noda Masako , Iwata Hideyuki , Hattori Masaru , Ebihara Akio , Suzuki Fumiaki , Nakagawa Tsutomu 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
As a component of the renin-angiotensin system, the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] activates prorenin along with intracellular signaling pathways. In this study, the glutathione S-transferase-fused extracellular domain of (P)RR expressed in mammalian cells was recovered in the detergent phase in detergent-based two-phase separation experiments, and intracellular localization was observed by immunocytochemistry, suggesting retention inside the cell through stable membrane association.
Effect of amines as activators on the alcohol-oxidizing activity of pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent quinoprotein alcohol dehydrogenase
Authors: Takeda Kouta , Ishida Takuya , Igarashi Kiyohiko , Samejima Masahiro , Nakamura Nobuhumi , Ohno Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent quinoprotein alcohol dehydrogenases (PQQ-ADH) require ammonia or primary amines as activators in in vitro assays with artificial electron acceptors. We found that PQQ-ADH from Pseudomonas putida KT2440 (PpADH) was activated by various primary amines, di-methylamine, and tri-methylamine. The alcohol oxidation activity of PpADH was strongly enhanced and the affinity for substrates was also improved by pentylamine as an activator.
Metabolic stability and inhibitory effect of O-methylated theaflavins on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in human HepG2 cells
Authors: Tanaka Yoshihisa , Kirita Masanobu , Abe Yuko , Miyata Satoshi , Tagashira Motoyuki , Kanda Tomomasa , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Seven new O-methylated theaflavins (TFs) were synthesized by using O-methyltransferase from an edible mushroom. Using TFs and O-methylated TFs, metabolic stability in pooled human liver S9 fractions and inhibitory effect on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in human HepG2 cells were investigated. In O-methylation of theaflavin 3′-O-gallate (TF3′G), metabolic stability was potentiated by an increase in the number of introduced methyl groups. O-methylation of TF3,3′G did not affect metabolic stability, which was likely because of a remaining 3-O-galloyl group. The inhibitory effect on oxidative damage was assessed by measuring the viability of H2O2-damaged HepG2 cells treated with TFs and O-methylated TFs. TF3,3′G and O-methylated TFs increased cell viabilities significantly compared with DMSO, which was the compound vehicle (p &lt; 0.05), and improved to approximately 100%. Only TF3′G did not significantly increase cell viability. It was suggested that the inhibitory effect on H2O2-induced oxidative damage was potentiated by O-methylation or O-galloylation of TFs.
Distribution of the Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines, in the United States and Canada: 1954 to 2014
Authors: Tylka Gregory L. , Marett Christopher C. 
Published: May 2014

The soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) is considered the most damaging pathogen of soybean in the USA and Canada, and causes considerable yield loss in many other soybean-producing countries. It is believed to have been introduced into North America from Asia. The map of the known distribution of H. glycines in the USA and Canada has been updated for 2014. Maps of its known distribution in past years illustrate the spread of the pathogen since its initial discovery in the United States in 1954. Accepted for publication 20 April 2014. Published 27 May 2014.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi Detected on Horse Chestnut in Norway
Authors: Perminow Juliana Irina Spies , Brurberg May Bente , Sletten Arild , Talgø Venche 
Published: May 2014

This is the first report of bleeding canker of horse chestnut in Norway. The pathogen Psa, which has most likely entered the country with latently infected imported trees, seems to thrive and spread well in Norway, especially in the mild and humid climate of Rogaland County. Due to the risk of Psa and the new fungal diseases, we no longer recommend horse chestnut for planting in Norway. Accepted for publication 4 February 2014. Published 2 May 2014.