bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of the active components in Bone Marrow Soup: a mitigator against irradiation-injury to salivary glands
Authors: Fang Dongdong , Hu Shen , Liu Younan , Quan Vu-Hung , Seuntjens Jan , Tran Simon D. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn separate studies, an extract of soluble intracellular contents from whole bone marrow cells, named “Bone Marrow (BM) Soup”, was reported to either improve cardiac or salivary functions post-myocardial infarction or irradiation (IR), respectively. However, the active components in BM Soup are unknown. To demonstrate that proteins were the active ingredients, we devised a method using proteinase K followed by heating to deactivate proteins and for safe injections into mice. BM Soup and “deactivated BM Soup” were injected into mice that had their salivary glands injured with 15Gy IR. Control mice received either injections of saline or were not IR. Results at week 8 post-IR showed the ‘deactivated BM Soup’ was no better than injections of saline, while injections of native BM Soup restored saliva flow, protected salivary cells and blood vessels from IR-damage. Protein arrays detected several angiogenesis-related factors (CD26, FGF, HGF, MMP-8, MMP-9, OPN, PF4, SDF-1) and cytokines (IL-1ra, IL-16) in BM Soup. In conclusion, the native proteins (but not the nucleic acids, lipids or carbohydrates) were the therapeutic ingredients in BM Soup for functional salivary restoration following IR. This molecular therapy approach has clinical potential because it is theoretically less tumorigenic and immunogenic than cell therapies.
Natural transformation occurs independently of the essential actin-like MreB cytoskeleton in Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Juan Pierre-Alexandre , Attaiech Laetitia , Charpentier Xavier 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNatural transformation is the process by which bacteria can actively take up and integrate exogenous DNA thereby providing a source of genetic diversity. Under specific growth conditions the coordinated expression of several genes – a situation referred to as “competence” – allows bacteria to assemble a highly processive and dedicated system that can import high molecular weight DNA. Within the cell these large imported DNA molecules are protected from degradation and brought to the chromosome for recombination. Here, we report elevated expression of mreB during competence in the Gram-negative pathogen Legionella pneumophila. Interestingly a similar observation had previously been reported in the distantly-related Gram-positive organism Bacillus subtilis. MreB is often viewed as the bacterial actin homolog contributing to bacterial morphogenesis by coordinating peptidoglycan-synthesising complexes. In addition MreB is increasingly found to be involved in a growing number of processes including chromosome segregation and motor-driven motility. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we examined the possible role of MreB during natural transformation in L. pneumophila. Our data show that natural transformation does not require MreB dynamics and exclude a direct role of MreB filaments in the transport of foreign DNA and its recombination in the chromosome.
Family history of esophageal cancer increases the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Tiantian , Cheng Hongwei , Chen Xingdong , Yuan Ziyu , Yang Xiaorong , Zhuang Maoqiang , Lu Ming , Jin Li , Ye Weimin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA population-based case-control was performed to explore familial aggregation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Family history of cancer was assessed by a structured questionnaire and from which 2 cohorts of relatives of cases and controls were reconstructed. Unconditional logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were applied for case-control design and reconstructed cohort design, respectively. We observed a close to doubled risk of ESCC associated with a positive family history of esophageal cancer among first degree relatives (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–2.41), after adjusting age, sex, family size and other confounders. The excess risks of ESCC increased with the increasing of first-degree relatives affected by esophageal cancer (p < 0.001). In particular, those individuals whose both parents with esophageal cancer had an 8-fold excess risk of ESCC (95% CI: 1.74–36.32). The reconstructed cohort analysis showed that the cumulative risk of esophageal cancer to age 75 was 12.2% in the first-degree relatives of cases and 7.0% in those of controls (hazard ratio = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.54–2.37). Our results suggest family history of esophageal cancer significantly increases the risk for ESCC. Future studies are needed to understand how the shared genetic susceptibility and/or environmental exposures contribute to the observed excess risk.
Transcriptome analysis of genes involved in defence response in Polyporus umbellatus with Armillaria mellea infection
Authors: Liu Meng-Meng , Xing Yong-Mei , Zhang Da-Wei , Guo Shun-Xing 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPolyporus umbellatus, a species symbiotic with Armillaria mellea and it also exhibits substantial defence response to Armillaria mellea infection. There are no genomics resources databases for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the infection stress of P. umbellatus. Therefore, we performed a large-scale transcriptome sequencing of this fungus with A. mellea infection using Illumina sequencing technology. The assembly of the clean reads resulted in 120,576 transcripts, including 38,444 unigenes. Additionally, we performed a gene expression profiling analysis upon infection treatment. The results indicated significant differences in the gene expression profiles between the control and the infection group. In total, 10933 genes were identified between the two groups. Based on the differentially expressed genes, a Gene Ontology annotation analysis showed many defence-relevant categories. Meanwhile, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis uncovered some important pathways. Furthermore, the expression patterns of 13 putative genes that are involved in defence response resulting from quantitative real-time PCR were consistent with their transcript abundance changes as identified by RNA-seq. The sequenced genes covered a considerable proportion of the P. umbellatus transcriptome and the expression results may be useful to strengthen the knowledge on the defence response of this fungus defend against Armillaria mellea invasion.
Coastal sea level projections with improved accounting for vertical land motion
Authors: Han Guoqi , Ma Zhimin , Chen Nan , Yang Jingsong , Chen Nancy 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRegional and coastal mean sea level projections in the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) account only for vertical land motion (VLM) associated with glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA), which may significantly under- or over-estimate sea level rise. Here we adjust AR5-like regional projections with the VLM from Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) measurements and/or from a combination of altimetry and tide-gauge data, which include both GIA and non-GIA VLM. Our results at selected tide-gauge locations on the North American and East Asian coasts show drastically different projections with and without non-GIA VLM being accounted for. The present study points to the importance of correcting IPCC AR5 coastal projections for the non-GIA VLM in making adaptation decisions.
Atomic mapping of Ruddlesden-Popper faults in transparent conducting BaSnO3-based thin films
Authors: Wang W. Y. , Tang Y. L. , Zhu Y. L. , Suriyaprakash J. , Xu Y. B. , Liu Y. , Gao B. , Cheong S-W. , Ma X. L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDoped BaSnO3 has arisen many interests recently as one of the promising transparent conducting oxides for future applications. Understanding the microstructural characteristics are crucial for the exploration of relevant devices. In this paper, we investigated the microstructural features of 0.001% La doped BaSnO3 thin film using both conventional and aberration corrected transmission electron microscopes. Contrast analysis shows high densities of Ruddlesden-Popper faults in the film, which are on {100} planes with translational displacements of 1/2a < 111 > . Atomic EELS element mappings reveal that the Ruddlesden-Popper faults are Ba-O layer terminated and two kinds of kink structures at the Ruddlesden-Popper faults with different element distributions are also demonstrated. Quantitative analysis on lattice distortions of the Ruddlesden-Popper faults illustrates that the local lattice spacing poses a huge increment of 36%, indicating that large strains exist around the Ruddlesden-Popper faults in the film.
Metabolomics Identifies Biomarker Pattern for Early Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: from Diethylnitrosamine Treated Rats to Patients
Authors: Zeng Jun , Huang Xin , Zhou Lina , Tan Yexiong , Hu Chunxiu , Wang Xiaomei , Niu Junqi , Wang Hongyang , Lin Xiaohui , Yin Peiyuan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEarly diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains challenging to date. Characteristic metabolic deregulations of HCC may enable novel biomarkers discovery for early diagnosis. A capillary electrophoresis-time of flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOF/MS)-based metabolomics approach was performed to discover and validate potential biomarkers for HCC from the diethylnitrosamine-induced rat hepatocarcinogenesis model to human subjects. Time series sera from the animal model were evaluated using multivariate and univariate analyses to reveal dynamic metabolic changes. Two independent human cohorts (populations I and II) containing 122 human serum specimens were enrolled for validations. A novel biomarker pattern of ratio creatine/betaine which reflects the balance of methylation was identified. This biomarker pattern achieved effective classification of pre-HCC and HCC stages in animal model. It was still effective in the diagnosis of HCC from high-risk patients with cirrhotic nodules, achieving AUC values of 0.865 and 0.905 for two validation cohorts, respectively. The diagnosis of small HCC from cirrhosis with an AUC of 0.928 highlighted the potential for early diagnosis. This ratio biomarker can also improve the diagnostic performance of α-fetoprotein (AFP). This study demonstrates the efficacy of present strategy for biomarker discovery and the potential of metabolomics approach to provide novel insights for disease study.
Antinociceptive effects of incarvillateine, a monoterpene alkaloid from Incarvillea sinensis and possible involvement of the adenosine system
Authors: Wang Mei-Liang , Yu Gang , Yi Shou-Pu , Zhang Feng-Ying , Wang Zhi-Tong , Huang Bin , Su Rui-Bin , Jia Yan-Xing , Gong Ze-Hui 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIncarvillea sinensis is a Bignoniaceae plant used to treat rheumatism and relieve pain in traditional Chinese medicine. As a major component of I. sinensis, incarvillateine has shown analgesic activity in mice formalin tests. Using a series of animal models, this study further evaluated the effects of incarvillateine against acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Incarvillateine (10 or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently attenuated acetic acid-induced writhing, but did not affect thermal threshold in the hot plate test. In a Complete Freund’s Adjuvant model, incarvillateine inhibited both thermal hyperalgesia and paw edema and increased interleukin-1β levels. Additionally, incarvillateine attenuated mechanical allodynia induced by spared nerve injury or paclitaxel, whereas normal mechanical sensation was not affected. Incarvillateine did not affect locomotor activity and time on the rotarod at analgesic doses and no tolerance was observed after 7 consecutive daily doses. Moreover, incarvillateine-induced antinociception was attenuated by theophylline, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine and 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine, but not naloxone, indicating that the effects of incarvillateine on chronic pain were related to the adenosine system, but not opioid system. These results indicate that incarvillateine is a novel analgesic compound that is effective against inflammatory and neuropathic pain and that its effects are associated with activation of the adenosine system.
Adrenergic stimulation sensitizes TRPV1 through upregulation of cystathionine β-synthetase in a rat model of visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Zhu Liyan , Zhao Liting , Qu Ruobing , Zhu Hong-Yan , Wang Yongmeng , Jiang Xinghong , Xu Guang-Yin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe pathogenesis of pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is poorly understood and treatment remains difficult. The present study was designed to investigate roles of adrenergic signaling and the endogenous hydrogen sulfide producing enzyme cystathionine β-synthetase (CBS) in a previously validated rat model of IBS induced by neonatal colonic inflammation (NCI). Here we showed that NCI-induced visceral hypersensitivity (VH) was significantly attenuated by β2 subunit inhibitor but not by β1 or β3 or α subunit inhibitor. NCI markedly elevated plasma norepinephrine (NE) concentration without alteration in expression of β2 subunit receptors in dorsal root ganglion (DRGs) innervating the colon. In addition, NCI markedly enhanced TRPV1 and CBS expression in the colon DRGs. CBS inhibitor AOAA reversed the upregulation of TRPV1 in NCI rats. In vitro experiments showed that incubation of DRG cells with NE markedly enhanced expression of TRPV1, which was reversed by application of AOAA. Incubation of DRG cells with the H2S donor NaHS greatly enhanced TRPV1 expression. Collectively, these data suggest that activation of adrenergic signaling by NCI sensitizes TRPV1 channel activity, which is likely mediated by upregulation of CBS expression in peripheral sensory neurons, thus contributing to chronic visceral hypersensitivity.
Carbon mineralization pathways and bioturbation in coastal Brazilian sediments
Authors: Quintana Cintia O. , Shimabukuro Maurício , Pereira Camila O. , Alves Betina G. R. , Moraes Paula C. , Valdemarsen Thomas , Kristensen Erik , Sumida Paulo Y. G. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCarbon mineralization processes and their dependence on environmental conditions (e.g. through macrobenthic bioturbation) have been widely studied in temperate coastal sediments, but almost nothing is known about these processes in subtropical coastal sediments. This study investigated pathways of organic carbon mineralization and associated effects of macrobenthic bioturbation in winter and summer (September 2012 and February 2014) at the SE Brazilian coast. Iron reduction (FeR) was responsible for 73–81% of total microbial carbon mineralization in September 2012 and 32–61% in February 2014. Similar high rates of FeR have only been documented a few times in coastal sediments and can be sustained by the presence of large bioturbators. Denitrification accounted for 5–27% of total microbial carbon mineralization while no SO42−reduction was detected in any season. Redox profiles suggested that conditions were less reduced in February 2014 than in September 2012, probably associated with low reactivity of the organic matter, higher rates of aerobic respiration and bioirrigation by the higher density of small-macrofauna. Bioturbation by small macrofauna may maintain the sediment oxidized in summer, while large-sized species stimulate the reoxidation of reduced compounds throughout the year. Therefore, bioturbation seems to have an important role modulating the pathways of carbon mineralization in the area.
Ailanthone Inhibits Huh7 Cancer Cell Growth via Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhuo Zhenjian , Hu Jianyang , Yang Xiaolin , Chen Minfen , Lei Xueping , Deng Lijuan , Yao Nan , Peng Qunlong , Chen Zhesheng , Ye Wencai , Zhang Dongmei 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWhile searching for natural anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) components in Ailanthus altissima, we discovered that ailanthone had potent antineoplastic activity against HCC. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of ailanthone on HCC have not been examined. In this study, the antitumor activity and the underlying mechanisms of ailanthone were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that ailanthone induced G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest, as indicated by decreased expression of cyclins and CDKs and increased expression of p21 and p27. Our results demonstrated that ailanthone triggered DNA damage characterized by activation of the ATM/ATR pathway. Moreover, ailanthone-induced cell death was associated with apoptosis, as evidenced by an increased ratio of cells in the subG1 phase and by PARP cleavage and caspase activation. Ailanthone-induced apoptosis was mitochondrion-mediated and involved the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in Huh7 cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that ailanthone inhibited the growth and angiogenesis of tumor xenografts without significant secondary adverse effects, indicating its safety for treating HCC. In conclusion, our study is the first to report the efficacy of ailanthone against Huh7 cells and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest that ailanthone is a potential agent for the treatment of liver cancer.
3D Ultrasound Evaluation of the Fetal Ear – Comparison of an xMatrix Probe with a Conventional Mechanical Probe
Authors: Bürkel Kai , Krämer Ursula , Möllers Mareike , Falkenberg Maria , Klockenbusch Walter , Schmitz Ralf 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Purpose New 3 D technologies like xMatrix probes promise superiority over conventional mechanical probes and may allow a more detailed and time-saving prenatal diagnosis. In a comparison study we evaluate fetal ears. The aim of our study was to compare the following aspects of both techniques: (1) ultrasound detail resolution, (2) raw data acquisition time (AT) and (3) influence of covariates.
Materials and Methods 3 D raw data volumes of the fetal ear were collected with the V6 – 2 (V6) and with the xMatrix (X6) probe and were stored after offline customization to a single picture. Two observers scored these images independently. Furthermore, the 3 D raw data acquisition time (AT) was recorded. Concordance between observers, maternal age, body mass index (BMI), weeks of gestation and location of the placenta were evaluated.
Results Data volumes of 103 patients were analyzed. The X6 detected anatomic structures like the scapha (p = 0.0146), fossa triangularis (p = 0.0075) and cymba conchae (p = 0.0025) more often. The mean AT of the X6 was shorter compared to the V6 (p < 0.0001). A placenta location in the scanning field increased the AT only for the V6 (p < 0.01). Concordance between observers was higher for the X6 in most cases. Detailed structures were less visible at the end of pregnancy for both devices.
Conclusion The comparison study demonstrated clear advantages of the new xMatrix technology concerning an advanced and fast examination of detailed structures like the fetal ear. The importance of 3 D assessment in cases of fetal ear anomaly should be proven in further studies.
3.2.1 Cytochrome P450 in the Oxidation of Alkanes
Authors: Nolte J. , Urlacher V. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSelective direct oxidation of relatively cheap alkanes leads to valuable synthons that can be used as building blocks for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. This chapter describes the hydroxylation of alkanes and fatty acids catalyzed by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP). It summarizes early and more-recent methods for the selective production of terminal and subterminal alcohols, dicarboxylic acids, and other oxidation products of alkanes using isolated enzymes and whole-cell biocatalysts.
3.4 Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation
Authors: de Gonzalo Calvo G. , van Berkel W. J.H. , Fraaije M. W. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis chapter describes methods for performing biocatalytic Baeyer–Villiger oxidations in which the final compounds are obtained under mild reaction conditions. In particular, reactions that can be performed with typical Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases are presented that illustrate the high degree of regio- and/or enantioselectivity and good yields obtained with such enzymes for the synthesis of various compounds with high added value.
3.5.1 C—N Oxidation with Amine Oxidases and Amino Acid Oxidases
Authors: Pollegioni L. , Molla G. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSelective oxidation of amines and amino acids is of utmost importance in synthetic routes toward valuable chemicals. Such reactions can be performed using various enzymes. Here, the focus is on the use of the flavoenzymes monoamine oxidases and amino acid oxidases in the selective oxidation of natural and nonnatural amines and amino acids under mild reaction conditions. A number of recent successful applications, frequently based on protein-engineering studies, are reported.
3.10 Emerging Enzymes
Authors: Glueck S. , Hammer S. , Hauer B. , Nestl B. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNature has developed and adapted a large number of enzyme types. Remarkably, these enzymes may be further used in biocatalysis for synthetic purposes. This chapter provides an overview of emerging cases of novel enzymes. Herein, nitrile reductases, sulfatases, squalene hopene cyclases, and aldoxime dehydratases may provide very powerful novel synthetic approaches in the futures, as they catalyze chemically interesting reactions under very mild reaction conditions and with high selectivities. These biocatalysts comprise a broad field of options, whereby biocatalysis may contribute to the quest for novel chemistry for future applications.
3.11 Creation and Optimization of Artificial Enzymes for Abiological Reactions
Authors: Obexer R. , Garrabou X. , Hilvert D. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCatalytic antibody technology and computational design represent conceptually distinct strategies to artificial enzymes. Both approaches provide significant activities and tailored specificities for mechanistically distinct transformations, including abiological and asymmetric reactions. This review compares the relative strengths and limitations of such de novo catalysts, delineating challenges to overcome in the pursuit of synthetically useful enzymes for any given chemical transformation.
Strategy and sustainability: a strategic logic for engagement with the environment
Authors: Rosenberg Mike 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWhile many firms today routinely publish sustainability reports, work to increase their energy efficiency and market some part of their products or services to customers who are in some way interested in their environmental performance, there still appears to be a general lack of engagement on the issue of the environment from Chief Executive Officers and members of Boards of Directors. Despite years of effort and thousands of scholarly articles, academia has yet to develop a compelling framework with which to engage Senior Management. The article proposes such a framework based on an idea called environmental sensibility and the degree of compliance a firm chooses to pursue.