bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative proteomics analysis by iTRAQ in human nuclear cataracts of different ages and normal lens nuclei
Authors: Zhou Hai Yan , Yan Hong , Wang Li Li , Yan Wei Jia , Shui Ying Bo , Beebe David C. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe goal of this study was to quantitatively identify the differentially expressed proteins in nuclear cataracts of different ages and normal lens nuclei in humans.Experimental designForty‐eight human lens nucleus samples with hardness grades III, IV were obtained during cataract surgery by extracapsular cataract extraction. Seven normal transparent human lens nuclei were obtained from fresh normal cadaver eyes during corneal transplantation surgery. Lens nuclei were divided into seven groups according to age and optic axis: Group A (average age 80.8 ± 1.2 years), Group B (average age 57.0 ± 4.0 years), Group C average age 80.3 ± 4.5 years), Group D (average age 56.9 ± 4.2 years), Group E (average age 78.1 ± 2.5 years), Group F (average age 57.6 ± 3.3 years) and Group G (seven normal transparent human lenses from normal cadaver eyes, average age 34.7 ± 4.2 years). Water‐soluble, water‐insoluble, and water‐insoluble‐urea‐soluble protein fractions were extracted from samples. The three‐part protein fractions from the individual lenses were combined to form the total proteins of each sample. The proteomic profiles of each group were further analyzed using 8‐plex iTRAQ labeling combined with 2D‐LC‐MS/MS. The data were analyzed with the ProteinPilot software for peptide matching, protein identification, and quantification. Differentially expressed proteins were validated by Western blotting.ResultsWe employed biological and technical replicates and selected the intersection of the two results, which included 80 proteins. Nine proteins were differentially expressed among the 80 proteins identified using proteomic techniques. In age‐related nuclear cataracts (ARNC), the expression levels of fatty acid‐binding protein and pterin‐4‐alpha‐carbinolamine dehydratase were upregulated, whereas the levels of alpha‐crystallin B chain (CRYAB), GSH synthetase, phakinin, gamma‐crystallin C, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, betaine‐homocysteine S‐methyltransferase 1 (BHMT1), and spectrin beta chain were downregulated. These proteins may be associated with abnormal protein aggregation and oxidative stress. GSH synthetase and CRYAB expression levels in the nuclear cataract decreased with age. The mass spectrometric analysis results were consistent with the Western blot validation.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe results indicate that CRYAB and GSH synthetase may be involved in ARNC pathogenesis. iTRAQ combined with 2D‐LC‐MS/MS provides new methods for future studies of pathological mechanisms and protective drug development for ARNC.
Bitcoin‐Based Decentralized Carbon Emissions Trading Infrastructure Model
Authors: Al Kawasmi Enas , Arnautovic Edin , Svetinovic Davor 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a system‐of‐systems architecture model for a Decentralized Carbon Emissions Trading Infrastructure (D‐CETI) with focus on privacy and system security goals. The structure and behavior are implemented as a solution to the problem of trading carbon emissions anonymously among the trading agents. Privacy and security of the trading agents and their carbon credits are the main requirements behind the architecture of D‐CETI. The decentralized structure of multiple systems and distributed behavior are the two main features of D‐CETI that distinguish it from the traditional carbon trading schemes and protocols. D‐CETI is based on Bitcoin, a peer‐to‐peer digital currency with no central authority, and Open Transactions, a system that simplifies the use of cryptography in financial transactions. The architecture of D‐CETI is evaluated and compared with the architecture of five other carbon emissions trading platforms.
Use of ultrasound in predicting success of intrauterine contraceptive device insertion immediately after delivery
Authors: Dias T. , Abeykoon S. , Kumarasiri S. , Gunawardena C. , Padeniya T. , D'Antonio F. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo assess by ultrasound examination the success of insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) immediately after delivery and to determine the optimal distance between the lower end of the IUD and the internal os in predicting successful retention of an IUD.MethodsThis was a prospective study carried out between December 2012 and April 2013. Two ultrasound examinations, transabdominal and transvaginal, were performed prior to hospital discharge following delivery and again at 6 weeks following delivery in women who received a postpartum IUD. Distance from the internal os to the lower end of the IUD was measured at each examination and compared in unsuccessful and successful cases of postvaginal delivery (PVD) and post‐Cesarean section (PCS) IUD insertion. Logistic regression and receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were used to determine the difference in success between the two modes of delivery and to determine the optimal cut‐off of the internal os‐to‐IUD distance for successful retention, respectively.ResultsNinety‐one women were included in the study, comprising 60 PVD and 31 PCS IUD insertions. Thirteen PVD (22.4%) and eight PCS (25.8%) IUDs were either expelled spontaneously or removed at the 6‐week scan because of improper placement. Mean distance from the internal os to the lower end of the IUD on ultrasound examination immediately after insertion was significantly greater in successful cases than in those in which IUDs were subsequently expelled/displaced (mean difference after PVD insertion, 20.1 mm (P = 0.006); mean difference after PCS insertion, 10.3 mm (P = 0.05)). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that mode of delivery was not independently associated with successful retention of the IUD (P = 0.72; OR, 0.831 (95% CI, 0.301–2.189)). The distance from the lower end of the IUD to the internal os measured at ultrasound examination prior to hospital discharge provided reasonable predictive accuracy for determining retention of the IUD, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.60–0.88) and an optimal cut‐off of ≥ 30 mm (sensitivity, 64.71% (95% CI, 52.17–75.92%) and specificity, 80.95% (95% CI, 58.09–94.55%)).ConclusionsIUD insertion immediately postpartum is feasible but carries a substantial risk of unsuccessful IUD retention. Ultrasound examination after insertion of an IUD could be considered for predicting the success of IUD retention. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Molybdenum Bis(Dinitrogen) Complexes Supported by NP3 Ligands containing Propylene Linkages: Symmetry Breaking and Geometrical Isomerism
Authors: Schnoor Ann‐Christin , Gradert Christian , Schleupner Mareike , Krahmer Jan , Tuczek Felix 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe syntheses of two new NP3 ligands containing propylene linkages, prNP3 (1) = N(CH2CH2CH2PPh2)3 and prPNetP2 (2) = (Ph2PCH2CH2CH2)N(CH2CH2PPh2)2 are reported. Using these ligands, bis(dinitrogen) complexes of molybdenum are synthesized and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The new systems are compared with the literature‐known complex [Mo(N2)2(NP3)] (3) supported by the ligand NP3 [NP3 = N(CH2CH2PPh2)3], which only contains ethylene linkages. Application of the new ligand reduces the symmetry of the complex and leads to the occurrence of different isomers.
Erythrocyte phospholipid molecular species and fatty acids of Down syndrome children compared with non-affected siblings
Authors: Bueno Allain A. , Brand Annette , Neville Marita M. , Lehane Catherine , Brierley Nina , Crawford Michael A. 
Published: November 2014

The majority of children with Down syndrome (DS) develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) at an early age. Although long-chainn-3 fatty acids (FA) are protective of neurodegeneration, little is known about the FA status in DS. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether children with DS presented altered plasma and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids (PL) FA composition, when compared with their non-affected siblings. Venous blood samples were analysed for plasma and erythrocyte membrane FA composition by TLC followed by GC techniques. Lipid molecular species were determined by electrospray ionisation/tandem MS (ESI-MS/MS). FA analysis measured by standard GC showed an increased concentration of MUFA and a decreased concentration of plasmalogens in major PL fractions, but there were no differences in the concentrations of arachidonic acid or DHA. However, as identified by ESI-MS/MS, children with DS had increased levels of the following erythrocyte PL molecular species: 16 : 0–16 : 0, 16 : 0–18 : 1 and 16 : 0–18 : 2n-6, with reduced levels of 16 : 0–20 : 4n-6 species. Children with DS presented significantly higher levels of MUFA in both plasma and erythrocyte membrane, as well as higher levels of saturated and monounsaturated molecular species. Of interest was the almost double proportion of 16 : 0–18 : 2n-6 and nearly half the proportion of 16 : 0–20 : 4n-6 of choline phosphoacylglycerol species in children with DS compared with their non-affected siblings. These significant differences were only revealed by ESI-MS/MS and were not observed in the GC analysis. Further investigations are needed to explore molecular mechanisms and to test the association between the pathophysiology of DS and the risk of AD.
Transnational Identities, Multiculturalism or Assimilation? China's ‘refugee-returnees’ and generational transitions
Authors: HO ELAINE LYNN-EE 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis article investigates the tensions that emerge when transnational identities are juxtaposed against claims of multiculturalism and de facto assimilation processes. The article focuses on the resettlement of co-ethnics who arrived in China through forced migration between 1949 and 1979 and the generational transitions of their descendants. The Chinese state resettled these forced migrants from Southeast Asia on state-owned farms known as the ‘overseas Chinese farms’ and gave them preferential treatment as ‘returnees’ rather than ‘refugees’. They retained transnational cultural identities which set them apart from the China-born Chinese and suffered further stigmatization during the Cultural Revolution. This article highlights the limitations of using ethnicity as a lens for understanding how ‘difference’ is negotiated in China. In contemporary times the (multi)cultural identities of the refugee-returnees are promoted for the purposes of tourism to help reinvent the farms for economic sustainability. Yet the identity transitions experienced by the children and grandchildren of the refugee-returnees suggest that they are assimilating a national identity that subsumes their overseas Chinese cultures, serving to normalize a Chinese identity associated with the locally born Chinese instead. The article argues that the objectification of overseas Chinese heritage and assimilation ideology work together to selectively highlight China's historical connections to its co-ethnics abroad while simultaneously projecting a new national narrative of contemporary Chinese identity that is distinct from the overseas Chinese. This article on Chinese forced migration and resettlement provides useful insights concerning the negotiation of transnational identity with respect to multiculturalism and assimilation, and further suggests new directions for overseas Chinese studies today.
Morphology and phylogeny of two new species of Sphaeromyxa Thélohan, 1892 (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) from marine fish (Clinidae and Trachichthyidae)
Authors: BARTOŠOVÁ-SOJKOVÁ PAVLA , KODÁDKOVÁ ALENA , PECKOVÁ HANA , KUCHTA ROMAN , REED CÉCILE C. 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYOur survey of marine fish from South Africa and Indonesia revealed the presence of two new myxosporean species of the genus Sphaeromyxa for which we provide morphological and sequence data. Sphaeromyxa clini n. sp. detected in three Clinus spp. and Muraenoclinus dorsalis from South Africa is morphologically similar to Sphaeromyxa noblei previously described from Heteroclinus whiteleggii from Australia and to several other sphaeromyxids with arcuate spores and rounded ends. This similarity is reflected by phylogenetic positioning of S. clini n. sp. which clusters within the ‘incurvata’ group of the Sphaeromyxa clade. It differs from morphologically similar species by spore and polar capsule dimensions, host specificity and geographic distribution. Sphaeromyxa limocapitis n. sp., described from Gephyroberyx darwinii from Java, is morphologically similar to sphaeromyxids with straight spores and to marine Myxidium species with spindle-shaped spores but differs from them by spore and polar capsule dimensions, host specificity and geographic distribution. S. limocapitis n. sp. represents a separate lineage of the Sphaeromyxa clade and appears to be a missing link in the evolution of sphaeromyxids.
“No two religions”: Non-Muslims in the early Islamic Ḥijāz
Authors: Munt Harry 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMany classical Islamic sources argue that it is not permissible for non-Muslims to reside in the Ḥijāz, especially Mecca and Medina. Such arguments are usually based on a famous Prophetic saying, “Two religions should not join/remain in the peninsula/land of the Arabs”, and on the reported action taken by the second caliph ʿUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb to remove non-Muslims from settlements in western Arabia. In this article, it is argued that the contradictory nature of the evidence for this expulsion casts serious doubt on whether such a widespread action actually took place, certainly not in the decades immediately following Muḥammad's death. It concludes that the widely attested classical prohibition on non-Muslims residing in the Ḥijāz rather had much more to do with the gradually evolving need to draw up firmer communal boundaries, which could help distinguish Muslims from others, and the role played by sacred spaces in doing so.
Interpretations and pitfalls in modelling vector-transmitted infections
Authors: AMAKU M. , AZEVEDO F. , BURATTINI M. N. , COUTINHO F. A. B. , LOPEZ L. F. , MASSAD E. 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYIn this paper we propose a debate on the role of mathematical models in evaluating control strategies for vector-borne infections. Mathematical models must have their complexity adjusted to their goals, and we have basically two classes of models. At one extreme we have models that are intended to check if our intuition about why a certain phenomenon occurs is correct. At the other extreme, we have models whose goals are to predict future outcomes. These models are necessarily very complex. There are models in between these classes. Here we examine two models, one of each class and study the possible pitfalls that may be incurred. We begin by showing how to simplify the description of a complicated model for a vector-borne infection. Next, we examine one example found in a recent paper that illustrates the dangers of basing control strategies on models without considering their limitations. The model in this paper is of the second class. Following this, we review an interesting paper (a model of the first class) that contains some biological assumptions that are inappropriate for dengue but may apply to other vector-borne infections. In conclusion, we list some misgivings about modelling presented in this paper for debate.
ÉTALE MOTIVIC COHOMOLOGY AND ALGEBRAIC CYCLES
Authors: Rosenschon Andreas , Srinivas V. 
Published: November 2014

We consider étale motivic or Lichtenbaum cohomology and its relation to algebraic cycles. We give an geometric interpretation of Lichtenbaum cohomology and use it to show that the usual integral cycle maps extend to maps on integral Lichtenbaum cohomology. We also show that Lichtenbaum cohomology, in contrast to the usual motivic cohomology, compares well with integral cohomology theories. For example, we formulate integral étale versions of the Hodge and the Tate conjecture, and show that these are equivalent to the usual rational conjectures.
Ablation of Tak1 in osteoclast progenitor leads to defects in skeletal growth and bone remodeling in mice
Authors: Qi Bing , Cong Qian , Li Ping , Ma Gang , Guo Xizhi , Yeh James , Xie Min , Schneider Michael D. , Liu Huijuan , Li Baojie 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTak1 is a MAPKKK that can be activated by growth factors and cytokines such as RANKL and BMPs and its downstream pathways include NF-κB and JNK/p38 MAPKs. Tak1 is essential for mouse embryonic development and plays critical roles in tissue homeostasis. Previous studies have shown that Tak1 is a positive regulator of osteoclast maturation, yet its roles in bone growth and remodeling have not been assessed, as mature osteoclast-specific Tak1 deletion with Cstk-Cre resulted in runtedness and postnatal lethality. Here we generated osteoclast progenitor (monocyte)-specific Tak1 knockout mice and found that these mice show normal body weight, limb size and fertility and osteopetrosis with severity similar to that of RANK or RANKL deficient mice. Mechanistically, Tak1 deficiency altered the signaling of NF-κB, p38MAPK and Smad1/5/8 and the expression of PU.1, MITF, c-Fos and NFATc1, suggesting that Tak1 regulates osteoclast differentiation at multiple stages via multiple signaling pathways. Moreover, the Tak1 mutant mice showed defects in skull, articular cartilage and mesenchymal stromal cells. Ex vivo Tak1−/− monocytes also showed enhanced ability in promoting osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells. These findings indicate that Tak1 functions in osteoclastogenesis in a cell-autonomous manner and in osteoblastogenesis and chondrogenesis in non-cell-autonomous manners.
Coordinating Expression of RNA Binding Proteins with Their mRNA Targets
Authors: Jiang Huifeng , Xu Lin , Wang Zhe , Keene Jack , Gu Zhenglong 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPost-transcriptional regulation by RNA binding proteins (RBPs) plays prominent roles in a variety of biological processes. In this study, by analyzing the global regulatory relationship between RBPs and their target mRNAs in yeast, we discovered that most RBP genes are co-regulated with their target genes, but the RBPs tend to dampen expression variation among their target mRNAs. We further examined a well-studied RBP gene, PUF3 and found that the protein decreases the variation of its target mRNAs by differentially affecting their decay. We also constructed a mathematical model to explain the relationship between RBPs and the expression of their target genes. Our results provided new insights into the functional importance of RBPs in coordinating the expression of their target genes.
PKCθ-regulated signalling in health and disease
Authors: Nath Pulak R. , Isakov Noah 
Published: November 2014

Protein kinase Cθ (PKCθ) is a key enzyme in T-lymphocytes where it plays an important role in signal transduction downstream of the activated T-cell receptor (TCR) and the CD28 co-stimulatory receptor. Antigenic stimulation of T-cells triggers PKCθ translocation to the centre of the immunological synapse (IS) at the contact site between antigen-specific T-cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The IS-residing PKCθ phosphorylates and activates effector molecules that transduce signals into distinct subcellular compartments and activate the transcription factors, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and activating protein 1 (AP-1), which are essential for the induction of T-cell-mediated responses. Besides its major biological role in T-cells, PKCθ is expressed in several additional cell types and is involved in a variety of distinct physiological and pathological phenomena. For example, PKCθ is expressed at high levels in platelets where it regulates signal transduction from distinct surface receptors, and is required for optimal platelet activation and aggregation, as well as haemostasis. In addition, PKCθ is involved in physiological processes regulating insulin resistance and susceptibility to obesity, and is expressed at high levels in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), although the functional importance of PKCθ in these processes and cell types is not fully clear. The present article briefly reviews selected topics relevant to the biological roles of PKCθ in health and disease.
C1 domain-targeted isophthalates as protein kinase C modulators: structure-based design, structure–activity relationships and biological activities
Authors: Talman Virpi , Provenzani Riccardo , Boije af Gennäs Gustav , Tuominen Raimo K. , Yli-Kauhaluoma Jari 
Published: November 2014

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the AGC family. PKC isoenzymes are activated by phospholipid-derived second messengers, transmit their signal by phosphorylating specific substrates and play a pivotal role in the regulation of various cell functions, including metabolism, growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Therefore they represent an interesting molecular target for the treatment of several diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Adopting a structure-based approach on the crystal structure of the PKCδ C1B domain, our team has developed isophthalic acid derivatives that are able to modify PKC functions by binding to the C1 domain of the enzyme. Bis[3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl] 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate (HMI-1a3) and bis(1-ethylpentyl) 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate (HMI-1b11) were selected from a set of compounds for further studies due to their high affinity for the C1 domains of PKCα and PKCδ. HMI-1a3 showed marked antiproliferative activity in HeLa cells whereas HMI-1b11 induced differentiation and supported neurite growth in SH-SY5Y cells. Our aim in the future is to improve the selectivity and potency of isophthalate derivatives, to clarify their mechanism of action in the cellular environment and to assess their efficacy in cell-based and in vivo disease models. HMI-1a3 has already been selected for a further project and redesigned to function as a probe immobilized on an affinity chromatography column. It will be used to identify cellular target proteins from cell lysates, providing new insights into the mechanism of action of HMI-1a3.
An introduction to protein moonlighting
Authors: Jeffery Constance J. 
Published: November 2014

Moonlighting proteins comprise a class of multifunctional proteins in which a single polypeptide chain performs multiple physiologically relevant biochemical or biophysical functions. Almost 300 proteins have been found to moonlight. The known examples of moonlighting proteins include diverse types of proteins, including receptors, enzymes, transcription factors, adhesins and scaffolds, and different combinations of functions are observed. Moonlighting proteins are expressed throughout the evolutionary tree and function in many different biochemical pathways. Some moonlighting proteins can perform both functions simultaneously, but for others, the protein's function changes in response to changes in the environment. The diverse examples of moonlighting proteins already identified, and the potential benefits moonlighting proteins might provide to the organism, such as through coordinating cellular activities, suggest that many more moonlighting proteins are likely to be found. Continuing studies of the structures and functions of moonlighting proteins will aid in predicting the functions of proteins identified through genome sequencing projects, in interpreting results from proteomics experiments, in understanding how different biochemical pathways interact in systems biology, in annotating protein sequence and structure databases, in studies of protein evolution and in the design of proteins with novel functions.