bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of the plancitoxin I from the venom of crown‐of‐thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) on A375.S2 cells
Authors: Lee Chi‐Chiu , Hsieh Hernyi Justin , Hwang Deng‐Fwu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis study reports on a cytotoxic toxin derived from the venom of the crown‐of‐thorns starfish Acanthaster planci (CAV). The protein toxin was isolated through both ion‐exchange and gel‐filtration chromatography, and characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and mass spectrum analyzes. The CAV was identified as plancitoxin I protein. The mechanistic role of the CAV toxin was explored in human malignant melanoma A375.S2 cell death. The results indicated that after incubation with CAV toxin, cells significantly decreased in A375.S2 cell viability and increased in the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level in a dose‐dependent manner. The assays indicated that CAV toxin promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, induced nitric oxide (NO) formation, lost mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and induced inter‐nucleosomal DNA fragmentation in A375.S2 cells. The molecular cytotoxicity of the CAV toxin was tested through evaluation of the apoptosis/necrosis ratio by double staining with annexin V‐FITC and a propidium iodide (PI) assay. The results suggested that CAV toxin induced a cytotoxic effect in A375.S2 cells via the apoptotic procedure, and may be associated with the regulation of the p38 pathways. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional morphology of the bovid astragalus in relation to habitat: Controlling phylogenetic signal in ecomorphology
Authors: Barr W. Andrew 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBovid astragali are one of the most commonly preserved bones in the fossil record. Accordingly, astragali are an important target for studies seeking to predict the habitat preferences of fossil bovids based on bony anatomy. However, previous work has not tested functional hypotheses linking astragalar morphology with habitat while controlling for body size and phylogenetic signal. This article presents a functional framework relating the morphology of the bovid astragalus to habitat‐specific locomotor ecology and tests four hypotheses emanating from this framework. Highly cursorial bovids living in structurally open habitats are hypothesized to differ from their less cursorial closed‐habitat dwelling relatives in having (1) relatively short astragali to maintain rotational speed throughout the camming motion of the rotating astragalus, (2) a greater range of angular excursion at the hock, (3) relatively larger joint surface areas, and (4) a more pronounced “spline‐and‐groove” morphology promoting lateral joint stability. A diverse sample of 181 astragali from 50 extant species was scanned using a Next Engine laser scanner. Species were assigned to one of four habitat categories based on the published ecological literature. A series of 11 linear measurements and three joint surface areas were measured on each astragalus. A geometric mean body size proxy was used to size‐correct the measurement data. Phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) was used to test for differences between habitat categories while controlling for body size differences and phylogenetic signal. Statistically significant PGLS results support Hypotheses 1 and 2 (which are not mutually exclusive) as well as Hypothesis 3. No support was found for Hypothesis 4. These findings confirm that the morphology of the bovid astragalus is related to habitat‐specific locomotor ecology, and that this relationship is statistically significant after controlling for body size and phylogeny. Thus, this study validates the use of this bone as an ecomorphological indicator. J. Morphol. 275:1201–1216, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulating direct effects of dust aerosol on arid and semi‐arid regions using an aerosol–climate coupled system
Authors: Zhao Shuyun , Zhang Hua , Feng Song , Fu Qiang 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThis work uses an aerosol–climate coupled system to study the direct climatic effects of dust aerosol on global arid (including hyper‐arid) and semi‐arid regions. Results show that dust aerosol can cause surface cooling over these regions. The cooling effects of dust aerosol are larger in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) than in the Southern Hemisphere (SH). This asymmetric cooling leads to a severer reduction in evaporation over the low latitudes of the NH compared with their counterpart areas in the SH. In addition, air descent is enhanced (or ascent is weakened) by dust aerosol over the low latitudes of the NH, whereas the reverse happens in the SH. With the anomalous in evaporation and circulation, precipitation is decreased (increased) over the arid and semi‐arid areas in the NH (SH) by dust aerosol. Dust aerosol can decrease the potential evapotranspiration in arid and semi‐arid regions mainly by decreasing the net radiation flux at the top of the atmosphere, which compensates for the decrease in precipitation caused by dust aerosol. Therefore, as the dominant aerosol in the arid and semi‐arid regions, dust aerosol does not exacerbate the aridity over most of these regions. The effects of dust aerosol are indiscernible in the expansion of arid and semi‐arid areas on a global scale.
Analysis of monthly cloud climatology of the Indian subcontinent as observed by TRMM precipitation radar
Authors: Sen Roy Soma , Saha Subhendu Brata , Roy Bhowmik S. K. , Kundu P. K. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTTropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar data (2A23 V7), for a period of 9 years (2002–2010), is used to analyse the evolution of the monthly cloud climatology over the Indian subcontinent (lat. 6.5°–38.5°N, long. 66.5°–100.5°E). The analysis of the cloud data suggests that over most regions and seasons, the stratiform cloud fraction is associated with outflows from and remnants of convective cells. However, the stratiform cloud cover over the North Indian subcontinent during winter season is not accompanied by any convective cloud maximum zone, indicating minimal role of ground processes in the growth of cloud cover over the region during this season. Mesoscale factors and land surface processes play a major role in the development of cloud maxima during March to May over the Indian subcontinent, over the eastern Himalayas and adjoining plains, as well as southwest peninsular India. As the summer monsoon season approaches, the spatial spread and growth of both cloud fractions gradually increase (stratiform fraction of cloud cover increases rapidly, while the convective fraction rises gradually) over east India, Bay of Bengal and over south Arabian Sea, indicating increased organization of the cloud systems with longer lasting stratiform outflows with the advancement of the season. The largest cloud maxima during the monsoon season are observed at the windward side of hills along the west coast of peninsular India and the west coast of Myanmar. The respective values of convective and stratiform cloud fractions indicate that the cloud cover over Myanmar is associated with more organized cloud systems with larger stratiform outflows, as compared with clouds along the west coast of peninsular India. Similarly, during October to December, the increasing stratiform cloud fractions over southeast peninsular India indicate increasing organization of clouds, compared with values during the monsoon season over this region.
CMIP5‐predicted climate shifts over the East Mediterranean: implications for the transition region between Mediterranean and semi‐arid climates
Authors: Peleg Nadav , Bartov Maya , Morin Efrat 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe effect of climate change on the Eastern Mediterranean (EM) region, a region that reflects a transition between Mediterranean and semi‐arid climates, was examined. This transition region is affected by global changes such as the expansion of the Hadley cell, which leads to a poleward shift of the subtropical dry zone. The Hadley cell expansion forces the migration of jet streams and storm tracks poleward from their standard course, potentially increasing regional desertification. This article focuses on the northern coastline of Israel along the EM region where most wet synoptic systems (i.e. systems that may lead to precipitation) are generated. The current climate was compared to the predicted mid‐21st century climate based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios using four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. A warming of 1.1–2.6 °C was predicted for this region. The models predicted that rain in the region will become less frequent, with a reduction of 1.2–3.4% in 6‐h intervals classified as wet synoptic systems and a 10–22% reduction in wet events. They further predicted that the maximum wet event duration in the mid‐21st century would become shorter relative to the current climate, implying that extremely long wet systems will become less frequent. Three of the models predicted shrinking of the wet season length by up to 15%. All models predicted an increasing occurrence frequency of Active Red Sea Troughs (ARSTs) for the RCP8.5 scenario by up to 11% by the mid‐21st century. For the RCP4.5 scenario, a similar increase of up to 6% was predicted by two of the models.
Inhibition of beta‐catenin signaling by Pb leads to incomplete fracture healing
Authors: Beier Eric E. , Sheu Tzong‐jen , Buckley Taylor , Yukata Kiminori , O'Keefe Regis , Zuscik Michael J. , Puzas J. Edward 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThere is strong evidence in the clinical literature to suggest that elevated lead (Pb) exposure impairs fracture healing. Since Pb has been demonstrated to inhibit bone formation, and Wnt signaling is an important anabolic pathway in chondrocyte maturation and endochondral ossification, we investigated the impact of Wnt therapy on Pb‐exposed mice undergoing bone repair in a mouse tibial fracture model. We established that tibial fracture calluses from Pb‐treated mice were smaller and contained less mineralized tissue than vehicle controls. This resulted in the persistence of immature cartilage in the callus and decreased β‐catenin levels. Reduction of β‐catenin protein was concurrent with systemic elevation of LRP5/6 antagonists DKK1 and sclerostin in Pb‐exposed mice throughout fracture healing. β‐catenin stimulation by the GSK3 inhibitor BIO reversed these molecular changes and restored the amount of mineralized callus. Overall, Pb is identified as a potent inhibitor of endochondral ossification in vivo with correlated effects on bone healing with noted deficits in β‐catenin signaling, suggesting the Wnt/β‐catenin as a pivotal pathway in the influence of Pb on fracture repair. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1397–1405, 2014.
Tourist Identities in Narratives of Unexpected Adventure in Madeira
Authors: Nelson Velvet 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the shift that occurs in role identity, from a tourist to an adventurer, as travel bloggers construct an adventure narrative from their experiences of Madeira's ‘levada walk’. Travel blogs, as a naturally occurring data source, offer insight into both tourism experiences and tourists themselves. The research finds that, while bloggers have touristic motivations for visiting Madeira, they cast themselves in a heroic role as they construct an adventure narrative from their experience. The paper concludes that tourism has the potential to become an ‘adventure’ in which tourists overcome challenges and discover themselves in the process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Chervyakov Alexander V. , Bakulin Ilya S. , Savitskaya Natalia G. , Arkhipov Ivan V. , Gavrilov Andrey V. , Zakharova Maria N. , Piradov Michael A. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a set of disorders associated with preferential degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is a tool used to perform noninvasive functional brain mapping. We aimed to assess function of upper motor neurons in ALS. Methods: nTMS was performed on 30 patients with ALS (mean age 54.4 ± 12.1 years) and 24 healthy volunteers (mean age 32.7 ± 13.3 years). Results: The resting motor threshold (MT) was significantly higher in ALS patients compared with controls (P < 0.001). The mean map areas were smaller in patients with ALS than in healthy individuals, although some patients with short disease duration had extended maps. Conclusions: Motor area maps serve as markers of upper motor neuron damage in ALS. Further research may elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of the neurodegenerative process and aid in development of diagnostic and prognostic markers. Muscle Nerve 51: 125–131, 2015
Making and Breaking the Aboriginal Remote: Realities, Languages, Tomorrows (A Commentary)
Authors: Sider Gerald M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe concept of ‘remote’ has intensified a fundamental misunderstanding of widespread rural Aboriginal situations. More, it has served to mask the causality for current problems, which will remain intractable until causality is effectively addressed. This commentary re‐examines how ‘remote’ is produced, both by and within the dominant state and society and, by means of a reconsideration of demand sharing and long‐distance travel, from and within Aboriginal communities. On that basis new kinds of confrontational engagements with the production of remote are suggested.
Lulik: Taboo, Animism, or Transgressive Sacred? An Exploration of Identity, Morality, and Power in Timor‐Leste
Authors: Bovensiepen Judith 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis article explores the continued significance of lulik for people living in the central highlands of Timor‐Leste today, lulik being a term frequently translated as ‘sacred’. In contrast to the straightforward definition of lulik as the sacred property of religious places or objects set apart from everyday life, it shows that lulik is understood as a potency that animates the environment and that is concentrated in specific sites in the landscape, in ancestral objects and houses. As a vital energy that sustains life, yet that is connected to prohibitions, danger, and restrictions, lulik shares an affinity with similar phenomena found in Melanesia, Polynesia, and Southeast Asia (such as mana, tapu, or semangat). Engaging with recently reinvigorated approaches to animism and Durkheim's notion of the sacred, this article examines how lulik that emerges when distinctions between human and non‐human entities are collapsed. The analysis of how Funar residents maintain a distance from this transgressive force leads to an exploration of how lulik is connected to the constitution of the self, and how lulik is mobilized as a source of power and morality.
Detection of knockdown resistance mutations in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), in Australia
Authors: Dang Kai , Toi Cheryl S , Lilly David G , Bu Wenjun , Doggett Stephen L 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDPyrethroid resistance in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., has been reported worldwide. An important resistance mechanism is via knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, notably V419L and L925I. Information regarding this kdr‐type resistance mechanism is unknown in Australia. This study aims to examine the status of kdr mutations in Australian C. lectularius strains.RESULTSSeveral modern field‐collected strains and museum‐preserved reference collections of Australian C. lectularius were examined. Of the field strains (2007–2013), 96% had the known kdr mutations (L925I or both V419L/L925I). The ‘Adelaide’ strain (2013) and samples from the preserved reference collections (1994–2002) revealed no known kdr mutations. A novel mutation I936F was apparent in the insecticide‐resistant ‘Adelaide’ strain, one strain from Perth (with L925I) and the majority of the reference collection specimens. The laboratory insecticide‐resistant ‘Sydney’ strain showed a mixture of no kdr mutations (20%) and L925I (80%).CONCLUSIONThe novel mutation I936F may be a kdr mutation but appeared to contribute less resistance to the pyrethroids than the V419L and L925I mutations. The detection of high frequencies of kdr mutations indicates that kdr‐type resistance is widespread across Australia. Hence, there should be a reduced reliance on pyrethroid insecticides and an integrated management approach for the control of C. lectularius infestations. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Protein–ligand interaction databases: advanced tools to mine activity data and interactions on a structural level
Authors: Inhester Therese , Rarey Matthias 
Published: July 2014

The formation of molecular complexes between proteins and small organic substances is a fundamental concept of life. Biochemical experiments from X‐ray crystallography to isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) are applied in large‐scale providing data for the analysis of the structural foundations of binding affinity. In recent years, several, mostly publically available databases emerged containing affinity data and structural information. These databases are central for the construction of complex models describing interaction geometries and correlate structural features to the strength of binding. Binding affinity databases reflect the knowledge of affinity measurements from many sources, mostly scientific and patent literature. A critical aspect is the data quality, which is affected by transcription errors during database construction as well as experimental uncertainties. The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is the central resource for macromolecular biological structures containing nearly 100,000 data entries today. Sophisticated geometric databases have been constructed based on this allowing for complex queries about the spatial arrangement of functional groups and their interactions. For scientists working in molecular design like medicinal chemists, access to this information can substantially support the process of creating new molecular entities specifically interacting with proteins of interest. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2014, 4:562–575. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1192This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Computer and Information Science > Chemoinformatics
Computer and Information Science > Databases and Expert Systems
Basic Features of a Cell Electroporation Model: Illustrative Behavior for Two Very Different Pulses
Authors: Son Reuben S. , Smith Kyle C. , Gowrishankar Thiruvallur R. , Vernier P. Thomas , Weaver James C. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Science increasingly involves complex modeling. Here we describe a model for cell electroporation in which membrane properties are dynamically modified by poration. Spatial scales range from cell membrane thickness (5 nm) to a typical mammalian cell radius (10

$$\upmu$$

μ

m), and can be used with idealized and experimental pulse waveforms. The model consists of traditional passive components and additional active components representing nonequilibrium processes. Model responses include measurable quantities: transmembrane voltage, membrane electrical conductance, and solute transport rates and amounts for the representative “long” and “short” pulses. The long pulse—1.5 kV/cm, 100

$$\upmu$$

μ

s—evolves two pore subpopulations with a valley at

$${\sim}$$

∼

5 nm, which separates the subpopulations that have peaks at

$${\sim}$$

∼

1.5 and

$${\sim}$$

∼

12 nm radius. Such pulses are widely used in biological research, biotechnology, and medicine, including cancer therapy by drug delivery and nonthermal physical tumor ablation by causing necrosis. The short pulse—40 kV/cm, 10 ns—creates 80-fold more pores, all small (

$$<$$

<

3 nm;

$$\sim$$

∼

1 nm peak). These nanosecond pulses ablate tumors by apoptosis. We demonstrate the model’s responses by illustrative electrical and poration behavior, and transport of calcein and propidium. We then identify extensions for expanding modeling capability. Structure-function results from MD can allow extrapolations that bring response specificity to cell membranes based on their lipid composition. After a pulse, changes in pore energy landscape can be included over seconds to minutes, by mechanisms such as cell swelling and pulse-induced chemical reactions that slowly alter pore behavior.
Klinischer Effekt biomimetischer Mineralisation bei Approximalkaries
Authors: Schlee M. , Rathe F. , Huck T. , Schad T. , Koch J.H. , Tjaden A. , Bommer C. 
Published: July 2014

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund
Karies hat bis heute eine hohe Prävalenz, auch in westlichen Ländern mit präventiven zahnmedizinischen Angeboten. Bei mechanischer Therapie werden die behandelten Zähne geschwächt. Dies führt über die Jahre oder Jahrzehnte häufig zum Verlust mit erheblichen Folgekosten. In den letzten Jahren eingeführte remineralisierende Substanzen sollen die etablierten remineralisationsfördernden Fluoride ergänzen. Daneben stehen die nicht oder minimal-invasiven Konzepte approximale Versiegelung und Kunststoffinfiltration zur Verfügung.

Methode
In diesem Beitrag wird mit der biomimetischen Mineralisation eine neue Methode vorstellt, die auf sich selbst organisierenden Peptiden (SAP) beruht. Die SAP werden in wässriger Lösung auf die gereinigte und geätzte Schmelzoberfläche aufgetragen und dringen in den Läsionskörper ein. Dort bauen sie eine organische Matrix auf, die sekundär mit Kalzium- und Phosphationen aus dem Speichel mineralisiert wird.

Ergebnis
Die Zwischenauswertung einer klinischen Studie bei Approximalläsionen zeigt, dass mit der neuen Methode drei von vier Läsionen stabilisiert oder remineralisiert werden konnten. Damit könnte es erstmals gelingen, demineralisierten Schmelz bis zum angrenzenden Dentin naturanalog wieder herzustellen.
Respiratory glycerol metabolism ofActinobacillus succinogenes130Z for succinate production
Authors: Schindler Bryan D , Joshi Rajasi V , Vieille Claire 
Published: July 2014

AbstractActinobacillus succinogenes 130Z naturally produces among the highest levels of succinate from a variety of inexpensive carbon substrates. A few studies have demonstrated that A. succinogenes can anaerobically metabolize glycerol, a waste product of biodiesel manufacture and an inexpensive feedstock, to produce high yields of succinate. However, all these studies were performed in the presence of yeast extract, which largely removes the redox constraints associated with fermenting glycerol, a highly reduced molecule. We demonstrated that A. succinogenes cannot ferment glycerol in minimal medium, but that it can metabolize glycerol by aerobic or anaerobic respiration. These results were expected based on the A. succinogenes genome, which encodes respiratory enzymes, but no pathway for 1,3-propanediol production. We investigated A. succinogenes’s glycerol metabolism in minimal medium in a variety of respiratory conditions by comparing growth, metabolite production, and in vitro activity of terminal oxidoreductases. Nitrate inhibited succinate production by inhibiting fumarate reductase expression. In contrast, growth in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide and in microaerobic conditions allowed high succinate yields. The highest succinate yield was 0.75 mol/mol glycerol (75 % of the maximum theoretical yield) in continuous microaerobic cultures. A. succinogenes could also grow and produce succinate on partially refined glycerols obtained directly from biodiesel manufacture. Finally, by expressing a heterologous 1,3-propanediol synthesis pathway in A. succinogenes, we provide the first proof of concept that A. succinogenes can be engineered to grow fermentatively on glycerol.