bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A parabolic model of drag coefficient for storm surge simulation in the South China Sea
Authors: Peng Shiqiu , Li Yineng 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDrag coefficient (Cd) is an essential metric in the calculation of momentum exchange over the air-sea interface and thus has large impacts on the simulation or forecast of the upper ocean state associated with sea surface winds such as storm surges. Generally, Cd is a function of wind speed. However, the exact relationship between Cd and wind speed is still in dispute and the widely-used formula that is a linear function of wind speed in an ocean model could lead to large bias at high wind speed. Here we establish a parabolic model of Cd based on storm surge observations and simulation in the South China Sea (SCS) through a number of tropical cyclone cases. Simulation of storm surges for independent Tropical cyclones (TCs) cases indicates that the new parabolic model of Cd outperforms traditional linear models.
Vagal modulation of high mobility group box-1 protein mediates electroacupuncture-induced cardioprotection in ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhang Juan , Yong Yue , Li Xing , Hu Yu , Wang Jian , Wang Yong-qiang , Song Wei , Chen Wen-ting , Xie Jian , Chen Xue-mei , Lv Xin , Hou Li-li , Wang Ke , Zhou Jia , Wang Xiang-rui , Song Jian-gang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractExcessive release of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein from ischemic cardiomyocytes activates inflammatory cascades and enhances myocardial injury after reperfusion. Here we report evidence that electroacupuncture of mice at Neiguan acupoints can inhibit the up-regulation of cardiac HMGB1 following myocardial ischemia and attenuate the associated inflammatory responses and myocardial injury during reperfusion. These benefits of electroacupuncture were partially reversed by administering recombinant HMGB1 to the mice and further potentiated by administering anti-HMGB1 antibody. Electroacupuncture-induced inhibition of HMGB1 release was markedly reduced by unilateral vagotomy or administration of nicotinic receptor antagonist, but not by chemical sympathectomy. The cholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine mimicked the effects of electroacupuncture on HMGB1 release and myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Culture experiments with isolated neonatal cardiomyocytes showed that acetylcholine, but not noradrenaline, inhibited hypoxia-induced release of HMGB1 via a α7nAchR-dependent pathway. These results suggest that electroacupuncture acts via the vagal nerve and its nicotinic receptor-mediated signaling to inhibit HMGB1 release from ischemic cardiomyocytes. This helps attenuate pro-inflammatory responses and myocardial injury during reperfusion.
Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA paired expression profiling of prenatal skeletal muscle development in three genotype pigs
Authors: Tang Zhonglin , Yang Yalan , Wang Zishuai , Zhao Shuanping , Mu Yulian , Li Kui 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in muscle development by binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Based on prenatal skeletal muscle at 33, 65 and 90 days post-coitus (dpc) from Landrace, Tongcheng and Wuzhishan pigs, we carried out integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiling. We identified 33, 18 and 67 differentially expressed miRNAs and 290, 91 and 502 mRNA targets in Landrace, Tongcheng and Wuzhishan pigs, respectively. Subsequently, 12 mRNAs and 3 miRNAs differentially expressed were validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and 5 predicted miRNA targets were confirmed via dual luciferase reporter or western blot assays. We identified a set of miRNAs and mRNA genes differentially expressed in muscle development. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggests that the miRNA targets are primarily involved in muscle contraction, muscle development and negative regulation of cell proliferation. Our data indicated that more mRNAs are regulated by miRNAs at earlier stages than at later stages of muscle development. Landrace and Tongcheng pigs also had longer phases of myoblast proliferation than Wuzhishan pigs. This study will be helpful to further explore miRNA-mRNA interactions in myogenesis and aid to uncover the molecular mechanisms of muscle development and phenotype variance in pigs.
Disruption of diapause induction by TALEN-based gene mutagenesis in relation to a unique neuropeptide signaling pathway in Bombyx
Authors: Shiomi Kunihiro , Takasu Yoko , Kunii Masayo , Tsuchiya Ryoma , Mukaida Moeka , Kobayashi Masakazu , Sezutsu Hideki , Ichida Takahama Masatoshi , Mizoguchi Akira 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe insect neuropeptide family FXPRLa, which carries the Phe-Xaa-Pro-Arg-Leu-NH2 sequence at the C-terminus, is involved in many physiological processes. Although ligand–receptor interactions in FXPRLa signaling have been examined using in vitro assays, the correlation between these interactions and in vivo physiological function is unclear. Diapause in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is thought to be elicited by diapause hormone (DH, an FXPRLa) signaling, which consists of interactions between DH and DH receptor (DHR). Here, we performed transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-based mutagenesis of the Bombyx DH-PBAN and DHR genes and isolated the null mutants of these genes in a bivoltine strain. All mutant silkworms were fully viable and showed no abnormalities in the developmental timing of ecdysis or metamorphosis. However, female adults oviposited non-diapause eggs despite diapause-inducing temperature and photoperiod conditions. Therefore, we conclude that DH signaling is essential for diapause induction and consists of highly sensitive and specific interactions between DH and DHR selected during ligand–receptor coevolution in Bombyx mori.
Environmental neurotoxin interaction with proteins: Dose-dependent increase of free and protein-associated BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine) in neonatal rat brain
Authors: Karlsson Oskar , Jiang Liying , Ersson Lisa , Malmström Tim , Ilag Leopold L. , Brittebo Eva B. 
Published: October 2015

Abstractβ-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is implicated in the aetiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Neonatal exposure to BMAA induces cognitive impairments and progressive neurodegenerative changes including intracellular fibril formation in the hippocampus of adult rats. It is unclear why the neonatal hippocampus is especially vulnerable and the critical cellular perturbations preceding BMAA-induced toxicity remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare the level of free and protein-associated BMAA in neonatal rat brain and peripheral tissues after different exposures to BMAA. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that BMAA passed the neonatal blood-brain barrier and was distributed to all studied brain areas. BMAA was also associated to proteins in the brain, especially in the hippocampus. The level in the brain was, however, considerably lower compared to the liver that is not a target organ for BMAA. In contrast to the liver there was a significantly increased level of protein-association of BMAA in the hippocampus and other brain areas following repeated administration suggesting that the degradation of BMAA-associated proteins may be lower in neonatal brain than in the liver. Additional evidence is needed in support of a role for protein misincorporation in the neonatal hippocampus for long-term effects of BMAA.
Joint Effect of Genotypic and Phenotypic Features of Reproductive Factors on Endometrial Cancer Risk
Authors: Wang Zhanwei , Risch Harvey , Lu Lingeng , Irwin Melinda L. , Mayne Susan , Schwartz Peter , Rutherford Thomas , De Vivo Immaculata , Yu Herbert 
Published: October 2015

AbstractProlonged estrogen exposure is believed to be the major cause of endometrial cancer. As possible markers of estrogen exposure, various menstrual and reproductive features, e.g., ages at menarche and menopause, are found to be associated with endometrial cancer risk. In order to assess their combined effects on endometrial cancer, we created the total number of menstrual cycles (TNMC) that a woman experienced during her life or up to the time of study and two genetic risk scores, GRS1 for age at menarche and GRS2 for age at menopause. Comparing 482 endometrial cancer patients with 571 population controls, we found TNMC was associated with endometrial cancer risk and that the association remained statistically significant after adjustment for obesity and other potential confounders. Risk increased by about 2.5% for every additional 10 menstrual-cycles. The study also showed that high GRS1 was associated with increased risk. This relationship, however, was attenuated after adjustment for obesity. Our study further indicated women with high TNMC and GRS1 had twice the risk of endometrial cancer compared to those low in both indices. Our results provided additional support to the involvement of estrogen exposure in endometrial cancer risk with regard to genetic background and lifestyle features.
Interaction between PVY HC-Pro and the NtCF1β-subunit reduces the amount of chloroplast ATP synthase in virus-infected tobacco
Authors: Tu Yayi , Jin Yongsheng , Ma Dongyuan , Li Heng , Zhang Zhenqian , Dong Jiangli , Wang Tao 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe photosynthetic rate of virus-infected plants is always reduced. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. The helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro) of Potato virus Y (PVY) was found in the chloroplasts of PVY-infected tobacco, indicating some new function of HC-Pro in the chloroplasts. We generated HC-Pro transgenic plants with a transit peptide to target the protein to chloroplast. The HC-Pro transgenic tobacco showed a decreased photosynthetic rate by 25% at the light intensity of 600 μmol m−2 s−1. Using a yeast two-hybrid screening assay to search for chloroplast proteins interacting with HC-Pro, we identified that PVY HC-Pro can interact with the chloroplast ATP synthase NtCF1β-subunit. This interaction was confirmed by GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays. HC-Pro didn’t interfere with the activity of assembled ATP synthase in vitro. The HC-Pro/NtCF1β-subunit interaction might affect the assembly of ATP synthase complex. Quantitative western blot and immunogold labeling of the ATP synthase indicated that the amount of ATP synthase complex was decreased in both the HC-Pro transgenic and the PVY-infected tobacco. These results demonstrate that HC-Pro plays an important role in reducing the photosynthetic rate of PVY-infected plants, which is a completely new role of HC-Pro besides its multiple known functions.
SKLB-677, an FLT3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor, displays potent activity in models of FLT3-driven AML
Authors: Ma Shuang , Yang Ling-Ling , Niu Ting , Cheng Chuan , Zhong Lei , Zheng Ming-Wu , Xiong Yu , Li Lin-Li , Xiang Rong , Chen Li-Juan , Zhou Qiao , Wei Yu-Quan , Yang Sheng-Yong 
Published: October 2015

AbstractFLT3 has been identified as a valid target for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and some FLT3 inhibitors have shown very good efficacy in treating AML in clinical trials. Nevertheless, recent studies indicated that relapse and drug resistance are still difficult to avoid and leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are considered one of the most important contributors. Here, we report the characterization of SKLB-677, a new FLT3 inhibitor developed by us recently. SKLB-677 exhibits low nanomolar potency in biochemical and cellular assays. It is efficacious in animal models at doses as low as 1mg/kg when administrated orally once daily. In particular, SKLB-677 but not first-generation and second-generation FLT3 inhibitors in clinical trials has the ability to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling; Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for the development of LSCs, but not necessary for the development of adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). This compound indeed showed considerable suppression effects on leukemia stem-like cells in in vitro functional assays, but had no influence on normal HSCs. Collectively, SKLB-677 is an interesting lead compound for the treatment of AML and deserves further investigations.
Induction of Gametogenesis in the Cnidarian Endosymbiosis Model Aiptasia sp.
Authors: Grawunder Désirée , Hambleton Elizabeth A. , Bucher Madeline , Wolfowicz Iliona , Bechtoldt Natascha , Guse Annika 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEndosymbiosis is widespread among cnidarians and is of high ecological relevance. The tropical sea anemone Aiptasia sp. is a laboratory model system for endosymbiosis between reef-building corals and photosynthetic dinoflagellate algae of the genus Symbiodinium. Here we identify the key environmental cues to induce reproducible spawning in Aiptasia under controlled laboratory conditions. We find that simulating a lunar cycle with blue-wavelength light is necessary to promote abundant gamete production and synchronous release in well-fed animals. Sexual reproduction rates are genetically determined and differ among clonal lines under similar conditions. We also find the inverse difference in rates of asexual reproduction. This study provides the requisite basis for further development of the Aiptasia model system, allowing analysis of basic cellular and molecular mechanisms in the laboratory as well as investigations of broad questions of ecological and evolutionary relevance.
Gold Nanoparticle Aggregation as a Probe of Antifreeze (Glyco) Protein-Inspired Ice Recrystallization Inhibition and Identification of New IRI Active Macromolecules
Authors: Mitchell Daniel E. , Congdon Thomas , Rodger Alison , Gibson Matthew I. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAntifreeze (glyco)proteins are found in polar fish species and act to slow the rate of growth of ice crystals; a property known as ice recrystallization inhibition. The ability to slow ice growth is of huge technological importance especially in the cryopreservation of donor cells and tissue, but native antifreeze proteins are often not suitable, nor easily available. Therefore, the search for new materials that mimic this function is important, but currently limited by the low-throughout assays associated with the antifreeze properties. Here 30 nm gold nanoparticles are demonstrated to be useful colorimetric probes for ice recrystallization inhibition, giving a visible optical response and is compatible with 96 well plates for high-throughout studies. This method is faster, requires less infrastructure and has easier interpretation than the currently used ‘splat’ methods. Using this method, a series of serum proteins were identified to have weak, but specific ice recrystallization inhibition activity, which was removed upon denaturation. It is hoped that high-throughput tools such as this will accelerate the discovery of new antifreeze mimics.
Tiagabine Protects Dopaminergic Neurons against Neurotoxins by Inhibiting Microglial Activation
Authors: Liu Jie , Huang Dongping , Xu Jing , Tong Jiabin , Wang Zishan , Huang Li , Yang Yufang , Bai Xiaochen , Wang Pan , Suo Haiyun , Ma Yuanyuan , Yu Mei , Fei Jian , Huang Fang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMicroglial activation and inflammation are associated with progressive neuronal apoptosis in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, has recently been shown to play an inhibitory role in the immune system. Tiagabine, a piperidine derivative, enhances GABAergic transmission by inhibiting GABA transporter 1 (GAT 1). In the present study, we found that tiagabine pretreatment attenuated microglial activation, provided partial protection to the nigrostriatal axis and improved motor deficits in a methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. The protective function of tiagabine was abolished in GAT 1 knockout mice that were challenged with MPTP. In an alternative PD model, induced by intranigral infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), microglial suppression and subsequent neuroprotective effects of tiagabine were demonstrated. Furthermore, the LPS-induced inflammatory activation of BV-2 microglial cells and the toxicity of conditioned medium toward SH-SY5Y cells were inhibited by pretreatment with GABAergic drugs. The attenuation of the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and the inhibition of the generation of inflammatory mediators were the underlying mechanisms. Our results suggest that tiagabine acts as a brake for nigrostriatal microglial activation and that it might be a novel therapeutic approach for PD.
A Retrospective Examination of Prandial Aspiration in Preterm Infants
Authors: Ferguson Neina F. , Estis Julie , Evans Kelli , Dagenais Paul A. , VanHangehan James 
Published: October 2015

PurposeWe conducted this retrospective study to identify potential signs of aspiration in preterm infants based on crib-side nursing documentation.Study Design and MethodsA total of 2,590 bottle-feedings were examined for signs of distress across 41 preterm infants who were referred for a swallowing evaluation. All infants underwent either a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VSS) or upper gastrointestinal study (GIS). Physiologic and behavioral warning signs were coded across feedings 10 days prior to the imaging study. Presence or absence of documented aspiration during VSS/GIS was coded for each infant.ResultsDistress signs were documented in seven percent of oral feeding attempts. Aspiration was more common when the crib-side nurse documented coughing (LR+, 8.77; 95% CI, .99–77.09), compromised oxygen saturation levels (LR+, 2.15; CI, .86–5.47), and tachypnea (LR+, 2.15; CI, .28–3.01) during bottle-feeding.Clinical ImplicationsEvidence-based distress signs that signal increased suspicion for prandial aspiration will facilitate correct clinical judgments at crib-side. Early identification and prevention of prandial aspiration improves health outcomes for preterm infants.
Tunable balanced bandpass filter with high common‐mode suppression
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Lan , Gao Li , Xu Jin‐Xu 
Published: October 2015

This Letter presents a novel tunable balanced bandpass filter with high common‐mode (CM) suppression by using discriminating coupling. Four half‐wavelength resonators terminated with varactors are utilised to obtain the tunable responses. The high CM suppression is realised by discriminating coupling between feeding structures and resonators, which blocks the CM signals. An experimental tunable balanced bandpass filter is implemented which achieve the continuous tuning range from 0.84 to 1.15 GHz and more than 50 dB CM rejection levels.
Lattice reduction aided tabu search with channel‐dependent stopping criterion for MIMO systems
Authors: Gyamfi Kojo Sarfo , Baek Jonghyen , Lee Kyungchun 
Published: October 2015

An initial solution based on lattice reduction (LR) and a novel stopping criterion for the tabu search (TS) detection algorithm are proposed for use in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna systems. LR aided‐detection is performed and its result is utilised as an initial solution to the TS algorithm, while a measure of the condition of the lattice‐reduced channel is used as a criterion for early termination of the algorithm. On the basis of the simulation results, this approach outperforms other initial solutions by about 3.5 dB at a BER of 10−3 for the 16‐QAM 16 × 16 MIMO with only a slight increment in computational cost. The proposed stopping criterion reduces the complexity further with virtually no loss in BER performance.
Critical Values of Facet Joint Angulation and Tropism in the Development of Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: An International, Large-Scale Multicenter Study by the AOSpine Asia Pacific Research Collaboration Consortium
Authors: Samartzis Dino , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan , Kawaguchi Yoshiharu , Acharya Shankar , Kawakami Mamoru , Satoh Shigenobu , Chen Wen-Jer , Park Chun-Kun , Lee Chong-Suh , Foocharoen Thanit , Nagashima Hideki , Kuh Sunguk , Zheng Zhaomin , Condor Richard , Ito Manabu , Iwasaki Motoki , Jeong Je Hoon , Luk Keith D. K. , Prijambodo Bambang , Rege Amol , Jahng Tae-Ahn , Luo Zhuojing , Tassanawipas Warat , Acharya Narayana , Pokharel Rohit , Shen Yong , Ito Takui , Zhang Zhihai , Aithala P Janardhana , Kumar Gomatam Vijay , Jabir Rahyussalim Ahmad , Basu Saumyajit , Li Baojun , Moudgil Vishal , Goss Ben , Sham Phoebe , Williams Richard 
Published: October 2015

Study Design An international, multicenter cross-sectional image-based study performed in 33 institutions in the Asia Pacific region. Objective The study addressed the role of facet joint angulation and tropism in relation to L4–L5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). Methods The study included 349 patients (63% females; mean age: 61.8 years) with single-level DS; 82 had no L4–L5 DS (group A) and 267 had L4–L5 DS (group B). Axial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were utilized to assess facet joint angulations and tropism (i.e., asymmetry between facet joint angulations) between groups. Results There was a statistically significant difference between group A (left mean: 46.1 degrees; right mean: 48.2 degrees) and group B (left mean: 55.4 degrees; right mean: 57.5 degrees) in relation to bilateral L4–L5 facet joint angulations ( p < 0.001). The mean bilateral angulation difference was 7.4 and 9.6 degrees in groups A and B, respectively ( p = 0.025). A critical value of 58 degrees or greater significantly increased the likelihood of DS if unilateral (adjusted OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2 to 5.5; p = 0.021) or bilateral facets (adjusted OR: 5.9; 95% CI: 2.7 to 13.2; p < 0.001) were involved. Facet joint tropism was found to be relevant between 16 and 24 degrees angulation difference (adjusted OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 1.2 to 26.1; p = 0.027). Conclusions In one of the largest studies assessing facet joint orientation in patients with DS, greater sagittal facet joint angulation was associated with L4-L5 DS, with a critical value of 58 degrees or greater increasing the likelihood of the condition for unilateral and bilateral facet joint involvement. Specific facet joint tropism categories were noted to be associated with DS.
2.2.3 Cyanation of Aryl Halides
Authors: Ouali A. , Taillefer M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe cyanation of aryl halides (iodides, bromides, and chlorides) constitutes a very useful transformation in organic chemistry. Indeed, it allows the preparation of arenecarbonitriles, which are important intermediates and targets throughout life and material sciences. The most convenient methods for the cyanation of aryl halides (Ar1X) involve a transition-metal catalyst and a cyanide source, the most common ones being alkali metal cyanides, zinc cyanide, potassium hexacyanoferrate(II), and, to a lesser extent, cyanohydrins or trimethylsilyl cyanide. The main transition metals able to promote such reactions are nickel, palladium, and copper. The choice of the metal mainly depends on the nature of the aryl halide to be converted, with the reactivity of aryl halides decreasing from aryl iodides to aryl bromides to aryl chlorides. Nickel and palladium systems are able to activate all aryl halides, including the less expensive but less reactive chlorides, while copper catalysts can be used for cyanations of aryl iodides and bromides. In this chapter, emphasis is placed on palladium- and copper-based catalysts, taking into account their better ease of execution, their better sustainability, and the high number of systems reported, compared to their nickel counterparts.