bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
L-citrulline for protection of endothelial function from ADMA–induced injury in porcine coronary artery
Authors: Xuan Chao , Lun Li-Min , Zhao Jin-Xia , Wang Hong-Wei , Wang Jue , Ning Chun-Ping , Liu Zhen , Zhang Bei-Bei , He Guo-Wei 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEndogenous nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a cardiovascular risk factor. We tested the hypothesis that L-citrulline may ameliorate the endothelial function altered by ADMA in porcine coronary artery (PCA). Myograph study for vasorelaxation, electrochemical measurement for NO, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis for expression of eNOS, argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) and p-eNOSser1177 were performed. cGMP was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Superoxide anion (O2.−) production was detected by the lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence method. Compare with controls (96.03% ± 6.2%), the maximal relaxation induced by bradykinin was significantly attenuated (61.55% ± 4.8%, p < 0.01) and significantly restored by L-citrulline (82.67 ± 6.4%, p < 0.05) after 24 hours of ADMA exposure. Expression of eNOS, p-eNOSser1177 and ASS in PCA significantly increased after L-citrulline incubation. L-citrulline also markedly restored the NO production and cGMP level which was reduced by ADMA. The increased O2.− production by ADMA was also inhibited by L-citrulline. L-citrulline restores the endothelial function in preparations treated with ADMA by preservation of NO production and suppression of O2.− generation. Preservation of NO is attributed to the upregulation of eNOS expression along with activation of p-eNOSser1177. L-citrulline improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation through NO/ cGMP pathway.
Unidirectional thermal expansion in edge-sharing BO4 tetrahedra contained KZnB3O6
Authors: Lou Yanfang , Li Dandan , Li Zhilin , Jin Shifeng , Chen Xiaolong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBorates are among a class of compounds that exhibit rich structural diversity and find wide applications. The formation of edge-sharing (es-) BO4 tetrahedra is extremely unfavored according to Pauling’s third and fourth rules. However, as the first and the only es-borate obtained under ambient pressure, es-KZnB3O6 shows an unexpected high thermal stability up to its melting point. The origin of this extraordinary stability is still unclear. Here, we report a novel property in KZnB3O6: unidirectional thermal expansion, which plays a role in preserving es-BO4 from disassociation at elevated temperatures. It is found that this unusual thermal behavior originates from cooperative rotations of rigid groups B6O12 and Zn2O6, driven by anharmonic thermal vibrations of K atoms. Furthermore, a detailed calculation of phonon dispersion in association with this unidirectional expansion predicts the melting initiates with the breakage of the link between BO3 and es-BO4. These findings will broaden our knowledge of the relationship between structure and property and may find applications in future.
A new strategy for controlling invasive weeds: selecting valuable native plants to defeat them
Authors: Li Weihua , Luo Jianning , Tian Xingshan , Soon Chow Wah , Sun Zhongyu , Zhang Taijie , Peng Shaolin , Peng Changlian 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTo explore replacement control of the invasive weedIpomoea cairica, we studied the competitive effects of two valuable natives,Pueraria lobataandPaederia scandens, on growth and photosynthetic characteristics ofI. cairica, in pot and field experiments. WhenI. cairicawas planted in pots withP. lobataorP. scandens, its total biomass decreased by 68.7% and 45.8% and its stem length by 33.3% and 34.1%, respectively. The two natives depressed growth of the weed by their strong effects on its photosynthetic characteristics, including suppression of leaf biomass and the abundance of the CO2-fixing enzyme RUBISCO. The field experiment demonstrated that sowing seeds ofP. lobataorP. scandensin plots where the weed had been largely cleared produced 11.8-fold or 2.5-fold as much leaf biomass of the two natives, respectively, as the weed. Replacement control by valuable native species is potentially a feasible and sustainable means of suppressingI. cairica.
A novel Monoclonal Antibody against Notch1 Targets Leukemia-associated Mutant Notch1 and Depletes Therapy Resistant Cancer Stem Cells in Solid Tumors
Authors: Sharma Ankur , Gadkari Rupali A , Ramakanth Satthenapalli V , Padmanabhan Krishnanand , Madhumathi Davanam S , Devi Lakshmi , Appaji Lingappa , Aster Jon C , Rangarajan Annapoorni , Dighe Rajan R 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHigher Notch signaling is known to be associated with hematological and solid cancers. We developed a potential immunotherapeutic monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for the Negative Regulatory Region of Notch1 (NRR). The MAb604.107 exhibited higher affinity for the “Gain-of-function” mutants of Notch1 NRR associated with T Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL). Modeling of the mutant NRR with 12 amino-acid insertion demonstrated “opening” resulting in exposure of the S2-cleavage site leading to activated Notch1 signaling. The MAb, at low concentrations (1–2 μg/ml), inhibited elevated ligand-independent Notch1 signaling of NRR mutants, augmented effect of Thapsigargin, an inhibitor of mutant Notch1, but had no effect on the wild-type Notch1. The antibody decreased proliferation of the primary T-ALL cells and depleted leukemia initiating CD34/CD44 high population. At relatively high concentrations, (10–20 μg/ml), the MAb affected Notch1 signaling in the breast and colon cancer cell lines. The Notch-high cells sorted from solid-tumor cell lines exhibited characteristics of cancer stem cells, which were inhibited by the MAb. The antibody also increased the sensitivity to Doxorubucinirubicin. Further, the MAb impeded the growth of xenografts from breast and colon cancer cells potentiated regression of the tumors along with Doxorubucin. Thus, this antibody is potential immunotherapeutic tool for different cancers.
Signal honesty and predation risk among a closely related group of aposematic species
Authors: María Arenas Lina , Walter Dominic , Stevens Martin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMany animals have bright colours to warn predators that they have defences and are not worth attacking. However, it remains unclear whether the strength of warning colours reliably indicate levels of defence. Few studies have unambiguously established if warning signals are honest and have rarely considered predator vision or conspicuousness against the background. Importantly, little data exists either on how differences in signal strength translate into survival advantages. Ladybirds exhibit impressive variation in coloration both among and within species. Here we demonstrate that different levels of toxicity exist among and within ladybird species and that signal contrast against the background is a good predictor of toxicity, showing that the colours are honest signals. Furthermore, field experiments with ladybird models created with regards to predator vision show that models with lower conspicuousness were attacked more frequently. This provides one of the most comprehensive studies on signal honesty in warning coloration to date.
The Evolutionary History of R2R3-MYB Proteins Across 50 Eukaryotes: New Insights Into Subfamily Classification and Expansion
Authors: Du Hai , Liang Zhe , Zhao Sen , Nan Ming-Ge , Tran Lam-Son Phan , Lu Kun , Huang Yu-Bi , Li Jia-Na 
Published: June 2015

AbstractR2R3-MYB proteins (2R-MYBs) are one of the main transcription factor families in higher plants. Since the evolutionary history of this gene family across the eukaryotic kingdom remains unknown, we performed a comparative analysis of 2R-MYBs from 50 major eukaryotic lineages, with particular emphasis on land plants. A total of 1548 candidates were identified among diverse taxonomic groups, which allowed for an updated classification of 73 highly conserved subfamilies, including many newly identified subfamilies. Our results revealed that the protein architectures, intron patterns and sequence characteristics were remarkably conserved in each subfamily. At least four subfamilies were derived from early land plants, 10 evolved from spermatophytes and 19 from angiosperms, demonstrating the diversity and preferential expansion of this gene family in land plants. Moreover, we determined that their remarkable expansion was mainly attributed to whole genome and segmental duplication, where duplicates were preferentially retained within certain subfamilies that shared three homologous intron patterns (a, b and c) even though up to 12 types of patterns existed. Through our integrated distributions, sequence characteristics and phylogenetic tree analyses, we confirm that 2R-MYBs are old and postulate that 3R-MYBs may be evolutionarily derived from 2R-MYBs via intragenic domain duplication.
Characterization of Adelphocoris suturalis (Hemiptera: Miridae) Transcriptome from Different Developmental Stages
Authors: Tian Caihong , Tek Tay Wee , Feng Hongqiang , Wang Ying , Hu Yongmin , Li Guoping 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAdelphocoris suturalis is one of the most serious pest insects of Bt cotton in China, however its molecular genetics, biochemistry and physiology are poorly understood. We used high throughput sequencing platform to perform de novo transcriptome assembly and gene expression analyses across different developmental stages (eggs, 2nd and 5th instar nymphs, female and male adults). We obtained 20 GB of clean data and revealed 88,614 unigenes, including 23,830 clusters and 64,784 singletons. These unigene sequences were annotated and classified by Gene Ontology, Clusters of Orthologous Groups and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. A large number of differentially expressed genes were discovered through pairwise comparisons between these developmental stages. Gene expression profiles were dramatically different between life stage transitions, with some of these most differentially expressed genes being associated with sex difference, metabolism and development. Quantitative real-time PCR results confirm deep-sequencing findings based on relative expression levels of nine randomly selected genes. Furthermore, over 791,390 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 2,682 potential simple sequence repeats were identified. Our study provided comprehensive transcriptional gene expression information for A. suturalis that will form the basis to better understanding of development pathways, hormone biosynthesis, sex differences and wing formation in mirid bugs.
DNA double-strand breaks alter the spatial arrangement of homologous loci in plant cells
Authors: Hirakawa Takeshi , Katagiri Yohei , Ando Tadashi , Matsunaga Sachihiro 
Published: June 2015

AbstractChromatin dynamics and arrangement are involved in many biological processes in nuclei of eukaryotes including plants. Plants have to respond rapidly to various environmental stimuli to achieve growth and development because they cannot move. It is assumed that the alteration of chromatin dynamics and arrangement support the response to these stimuli; however, there is little information in plants. In this study, we investigated the chromatin dynamics and arrangement with DNA damage in Arabidopsis thaliana by live-cell imaging with the lacO/LacI-EGFP system and simulation analysis. It was revealed that homologous loci kept a constant distance in nuclei of A. thaliana roots in general growth. We also found that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induce the approach of the homologous loci with γ-irradiation. Furthermore, AtRAD54, which performs an important role in the homologous recombination repair pathway, was involved in the pairing of homologous loci with γ-irradiation. These results suggest that homologous loci approach each other to repair DSBs and AtRAD54 mediates these phenomena.
Multi-dimensional TOF-SIMS analysis for effective profiling of disease-related ions from the tissue surface
Authors: Park Ji-Won , Jeong Hyobin , Kang Byeongsoo , Kim Su Jin , Park Sang Yoon , Kang Sokbom , Kim Hark Kyun , Choi Joon Sig , Hwang Daehee , Lee Tae Geol 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTime-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) emerges as a promising tool to identify the ions (small molecules) indicative of disease states from the surface of patient tissues. In TOF-SIMS analysis, an enhanced ionization of surface molecules is critical to increase the number of detected ions. Several methods have been developed to enhance ionization capability. However, how these methods improve identification of disease-related ions has not been systematically explored. Here, we present a multi-dimensional SIMS (MD-SIMS) that combines conventional TOF-SIMS and metal-assisted SIMS (MetA-SIMS). Using this approach, we analyzed cancer and adjacent normal tissues first by TOF-SIMS and subsequently by MetA-SIMS. In total, TOF- and MetA-SIMS detected 632 and 959 ions, respectively. Among them, 426 were commonly detected by both methods, while 206 and 533 were detected uniquely by TOF- and MetA-SIMS, respectively. Of the 426 commonly detected ions, 250 increased in their intensities by MetA-SIMS, whereas 176 decreased. The integrated analysis of the ions detected by the two methods resulted in an increased number of discriminatory ions leading to an enhanced separation between cancer and normal tissues. Therefore, the results show that MD-SIMS can be a useful approach to provide a comprehensive list of discriminatory ions indicative of disease states.
Identifying ultrasound and clinical features of breast cancer molecular subtypes by ensemble decision
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Jing , Xiao Yun , Cui Hao , Du Guoqing , Wang Ying , Li Ziyao , Wu Tong , Li Xia , Tian Jiawei 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBreast cancer is molecularly heterogeneous and categorized into four molecular subtypes: Luminal-A, Luminal-B, HER2-amplified and Triple-negative. In this study, we aimed to apply an ensemble decision approach to identify the ultrasound and clinical features related to the molecular subtypes. We collected ultrasound and clinical features from 1,000 breast cancer patients and performed immunohistochemistry on these samples. We used the ensemble decision approach to select unique features and to construct decision models. The decision model for Luminal-A subtype was constructed based on the presence of an echogenic halo and post-acoustic shadowing or indifference. The decision model for Luminal-B subtype was constructed based on the absence of an echogenic halo and vascularity. The decision model for HER2-amplified subtype was constructed based on the presence of post-acoustic enhancement, calcification, vascularity and advanced age. The model for Triple-negative subtype followed two rules. One was based on irregular shape, lobulate margin contour, the absence of calcification and hypovascularity, whereas the other was based on oval shape, hypovascularity and micro-lobulate margin contour. The accuracies of the models were 83.8%, 77.4%, 87.9% and 92.7%, respectively. We identified specific features of each molecular subtype and expanded the scope of ultrasound for making diagnoses using these decision models.
Utility of Computed Tomography following Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion
Authors: Derakhshan Adeeb , Lubelski Daniel , Steinmetz Michael P. , Benzel Edward C. , Mroz Thomas E. 
Published: June 2015

Study Design Retrospective case series. Objective To assess the utility of postoperative computed tomography (CT) following anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) and to determine the clinical circumstances most likely to lead to an abnormal CT scan. Methods Patients who underwent ACDF at a tertiary center over a span of 5 years were investigated. Only patients who had a minimum of 6 months’ postoperative follow-up and a CT within 2 years after the surgery were included in the study group. All the postoperative notes were reviewed to determine indications for the CT, abnormalities identified, and whether the scan led to an alteration in the treatment course. Results The charts of 690 patients who underwent ACDF were reviewed. Of the 690 patients, 45 (7%) had postoperative CTs. These patients accounted for 53 postoperative CT scans, 45 (85%) of which were taken for patients who expressed persistent postoperative symptoms and/or had abnormal imaging. There were no indications for 8 (15%) of the CTs. Patients who had a CT for persistent symptoms and/or abnormal preliminary imaging were significantly more likely to have an abnormal CT ( p = 0.03) and/or an alteration in treatment course ( p = 0.04) compared with those with no symptomatic or radiologic indication for CT. Conclusions CT is associated with minimal utility regarding the alteration of treatment course when employed in asymptomatic patients. Postoperative CT should be ordered solely for symptomatic patients or those with other abnormal preliminary imaging. Judicious use of postoperative CT will limit the radiation exposure and cost.
Open versus Minimally Invasive Fixation Techniques for Thoracolumbar Trauma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: McAnany Steven J. , Overley Samuel C. , Kim Jun S. , Baird Evan O. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Anderson Paul A. 
Published: June 2015

Study Design Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of studies published in English. Objective This study evaluated differences in outcome variables between percutaneous and open pedicle screws for traumatic thoracolumbar fractures. Methods A systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase was performed. The variables of interest included postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, kyphosis angle, and vertebral body height, as well as intraoperative blood loss and operative time. The results were pooled by calculating the effect size based on the standardized difference in means. The studies were weighted by the inverse of the variance, which included both within- and between-study error. Confidence intervals were reported at 95%. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I2. Results After two-reviewer assessment, 38 studies were eliminated. Six studies were found to meet inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The combined effect size was found to be in favor of percutaneous fixation for blood loss and operative time ( p < 0.05); however, there were no differences in vertebral body height (VBH), kyphosis angle, or VAS scores between open and percutaneous fixation. All of the studies demonstrated relative homogeneity, with I2 < 25. Conclusions Patients with thoracolumbar fractures can be effectively managed with percutaneous or open pedicle screw placement. There are no differences in VBH, kyphosis angle, or VAS between the two groups. Blood loss and operative time were decreased in the percutaneous group, which may represent a potential benefit, particularly in the polytraumatized patient. All variables in this study demonstrated near-perfect homogeneity, and the effect is likely close to the true effect.
Mitigating bycatch and depredation of marine mammals in longline fisheries
Authors: Werner Timothy B. , Northridge Simon , Press Kate McClellan , Young Nina 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDemersal and pelagic longline fisheries involve frequent and geographically widespread interactions with many individuals, populations, and species of marine mammals. Animals sometimes suffer mortality and serious injury following these interactions, attracted mainly to longlines as a source of food. This depredating behaviour can have serious consequences for fishermen, especially when they lose valuable catch and face other associated operational and regulatory challenges. Using input from a group of international experts in the science, fishing industry, and government sectors, we produced a list of methods for mitigating depredation and bycatch of marine mammals in longline fisheries, collectively assessed their potential as a solution, and determined priorities for further research. The intention of this review is to help synthesize our current understanding about potential solutions, to provide an introduction to the articles that appear in this themed set of the ICES Journal of Marine Science, and to help fishermen, fisheries managers, and research scientists advance solutions to this global problem.
Dive to survive: effects of capture depth on barotrauma and post-release survival of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in recreational fisheries
Authors: Ferter Keno , Weltersbach Marc Simon , Humborstad Odd-Børre , Fjelldal Per Gunnar , Sambraus Florian , Strehlow Harry Vincent , Vølstad Jon Helge 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) caught in recreational fisheries are commonly released, often with barotrauma after rapid decompression. Mouth-hooked, non-bleeding cod kept in a floating net pen showed mortalities ≥40% when angled from &gt;50 m depth, likely because of cumulative stress from ongoing barotrauma and exposure to warm surface water. In a natural setting, however, cod have the opportunity to descend after release and are not restricted to the surface. In a follow-up study, 97.8% of similarly selected cod managed to dive following immediate release, whereas 2.2% were floaters. No mortality was observed for divers kept in cages, which were lowered to capture depth for 72 h. While the floaters would likely have died in a natural setting, no mortality was observed when they were recompressed and kept at capture depth for 72 h. The occurrence of swim bladder ruptures, swollen coelomic cavities, venous gas embolisms, and gas release around the anus was significantly influenced by capture depth (range 0–90 m). A supplementary radiology study showed inflated swim bladders in 87% of the cod after 72 h, and most barotrauma signs had disappeared after 1 month. This study encourages investigation of survival potential for physoclistous species when high mortalities are assumed but undocumented. Matching natural post-release and containment environment is essential in the experimental setup, as failure to do so may bias survival estimates, particularly when a thermocline is present. Assuming minimal predation, short-term mortality of cod experiencing barotrauma is negligible if cod submerge quickly by themselves and are otherwise not substantially injured. Survival of floaters may be increased by forced recompression to capture depth. Sublethal and long-term impacts of barotrauma remain to be studied. To ensure that cod have sufficient energy to submerge, anglers are encouraged to avoid fighting the fish to exhaustion and to minimize handling before release.
Phylodynamics of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Europe, 2005–2010: Potential for Molecular Surveillance of New Outbreaks
Authors: Alkhamis Mohammad A. , Moore Brian R. , Perez Andres M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPrevious Bayesian phylogeographic studies of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) explored the origin and spread of the epidemic from China into Russia, indicating that HPAIV circulated in Russia prior to its detection there in 2005. In this study, we extend this research to explore the evolution and spread of HPAIV within Europe during the 2005–2010 epidemic, using all available sequences of the HA and NA gene regions that were collected in Europe and Russia during the outbreak. We use discrete-trait phylodynamic models within a Bayesian statistical framework to explore the evolution of HPAIV. Our results indicate that the genetic diversity and effective population size of HPAIV peaked between mid-2005 and early 2006, followed by drastic decline in 2007, which coincides with the end of the epidemic in Europe. Our results also suggest that domestic birds were the most likely source of the spread of the virus from Russia into Europe. Additionally, estimates of viral dispersal routes indicate that Russia, Romania, and Germany were key epicenters of these outbreaks. Our study quantifies the dynamics of a major European HPAIV pandemic and substantiates the ability of phylodynamic models to improve molecular surveillance of novel AIVs.