bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CdsA is involved in biosynthesis of glycolipid MPIase essential for membrane protein integration in vivo
Authors: Sawasato Katsuhiro , Sato Ryo , Nishikawa Hanako , Iimura Naoki , Kamemoto Yuki , Fujikawa Kohki , Yamaguchi Toshiyuki , Kuruma Yutetsu , Tamura Yasushi , Endo Toshiya , Ueda Takuya , Shimamoto Keiko , Nishiyama Ken-ichi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMPIase is a glycolipid that is involved in membrane protein integration. Despite evaluation of its functions in vitro, the lack of information on MPIase biosynthesis hampered verification of its involvement in vivo. In this study, we found that depletion of CdsA, a CDP-diacylglycerol synthase, caused not only a defect in phospholipid biosynthesis but also MPIase depletion with accumulation of the precursors of both membrane protein M13 coat protein and secretory protein OmpA. Yeast Tam41p, a mitochondrial CDP-diacylglycerol synthase, suppressed the defect in phospholipid biosynthesis, but restored neither MPIase biosynthesis, precursor processing, nor cell growth, indicating that MPIase is essential for membrane protein integration and therefore for cell growth. Consistently, we observed a severe defect in protein integration into MPIase-depleted membrane vesicles in vitro. Thus, the function of MPIase as a factor involved in protein integration was proven in vivo as well as in vitro. Moreover, Cds1p, a eukaryotic CdsA homologue, showed a potential for MPIase biosynthesis. From these results, we speculate the presence of a eukaryotic MPIase homologue.
Forest type and height are important in shaping the altitudinal change of radial growth response to climate change
Authors: Liang Penghong , Wang Xiangping , Sun Han , Fan Yanwen , Wu Yulian , Lin Xin , Chang Jinfeng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTree radial growth is widely found to respond differently to climate change across altitudinal gradients, but the relative roles of biotic factors (e.g. forest type, height and density) vs. climate gradient remain unclear. We sampled tree rings from 15 plots along a large altitudinal gradient in northeast China, and examined how climate gradient, forest type, height, tree size and density affect: (1) temporal growth variability [mean sensitivity (MS) and standard deviation (SD) of the chronologies], and (2) the relationship of ring width indices (RWI) with historical climate. We used BIC based model selection and variable importance to explore the major drivers of their altitudinal patterns. The results showed that: both growth variability and RWI-climate relationships changed significantly with altitude. Forest height was the most important predictor for altitudinal changes of MS and SD. For RWI-climate relationships, forest type was more important than climate gradient, while height and stem density were weak but necessary predictors. We showed that the altitudinal difference in growth response to climate change cannot be explained by climate gradient alone, and highlight the necessity to examine the influence of biotic factors (which covary with climate across geographic gradient) to better understand forest response to climate change.
Operation mode of a step-feed anoxic/oxic process with distribution of carbon source from anaerobic zone on nutrient removal and microbial properties
Authors: Shen Yijun , Yang Dianhai , Wu Yang , Zhang Hao , Zhang Xinxi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study investigated the operation mode of a step-feed anoxic/oxic (A/O) process with distribution of the carbon source from the anaerobic zone in terms of the treatment effects on sewage with low carbon and high nitrogen and phosphorus. After seven phases of operation, an optimal flow distribution ratio of 75%:25% was obtained from the anaerobic zone, and the concentrations of chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, and total phosphorous in the effluent were 20.8, 0.64, 14.2, and 0.89 mg/L, respectively. The presence of an internal reflux system in the deaeration zone improved the treatment. 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing revealed that the microbial communities in aerobic zone I(O1) of the first-step A/O sludge were different from those in aerobic zone I (O2) of the second-step A/O sludge, whereas microbial communities of the seed sludge were similar to those in O2 of the second-step A/O sludge. The richness and diversity of microbial communities in O1 of the first-step A/O sludge samples were higher than those in O2 of the second-step A/O and seed sludge. At the optimal flow distribution ratio, the microbial abundance and treatment removal efficiency were the highest.
Magnetic phase diagram of K2Cr8O16 clarified by high-pressure muon spin spectroscopy
Authors: Forslund Ola Kenji , Andreica Daniel , Sassa Yasmine , Nozaki Hiroshi , Umegaki Izumi , Nocerino Elisabetta , Jonsson Viktor , Tjernberg Oscar , Guguchia Zurab , Shermadini Zurab , Khasanov Rustem , Isobe Masahiko , Takagi Hidenori , Ueda Yutaka , Sugiyama Jun , Månsson Martin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe K2Cr8O16 compound belongs to a series of quasi-1D compounds with intriguing magnetic properties that are stabilized through a high-pressure synthesis technique. In this study, a muon spin rotation, relaxation and resonance (μ+SR) technique is used to investigate the pressure dependent magnetic properties up to 25 kbar. μ+SR allows for measurements in true zero applied field and hereby access the true intrinsic material properties. As a result, a refined temperature/pressure phase diagram is presented revealing a novel low temperature/high pressure (pC1 = 21 kbar) transition from a ferromagnetic insulating to a high-pressure antiferromagnetic insulator. Finally, the current study also indicates the possible presence of a quantum critical point at pC2 ~ 33 kbar where the magnetic order in K2Cr8O16 is expected to be fully suppressed even at T = 0 K.
Deformation Induced Hierarchical Twinning Coupled with Omega Transformation in a Metastable β-Ti Alloy
Authors: Mantri S. A. , Sun F. , Choudhuri D. , Alam T. , Gwalani B. , Prima F. , Banerjee R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHierarchical twinning, at multiple length scales, was noted in a metastable body-centered cubic (bcc) β-titanium alloy on tensile deformation. Site-specific characterization within the deformation bands, carried out using EBSD and TEM, revealed {332} <113> type primary bcc twins, containing different variants of secondary and tertiary twins, as well as the formation of stress-induced martensite (α”). Within the primary {332} <113> type twin, “destruction” of the prior quenched-in athermal ω phase was observed, while a stress-induced ω phase reforms within the tertiary twins, revealing the intricate nature of coupling between deformation twinning and displacive ω transformation.
Jet and Shock Wave from Collapse of Two Cavitation Bubbles
Authors: Luo Jing , Niu Zhipan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAs a common hydrodynamic phenomenon, multi-cavitation dynamics is widely found in many industries such as hydraulic engineering, shipping industry and chemical industry. The jet and shock wave phenomenon in the interaction of two cavitation bubbles are the basis of multi-cavitation bubbles interaction research. By respectively inducing two cavitation bubbles through laser and underwater low-voltage discharge, this paper tested the jet and shock wave resulting from the collapse of the two cavitation bubbles, and the following conclusions are obtained: (1) If the two cavitation bubbles are synchronously generated but in different size, as the distance between the two cavitation bubbles increases or the maximum radius of the smaller cavitation bubble increases, the effect of the small cavitation bubble on the larger one gradually changes from the surface wave phenomenon to jet that breaks through the larger bubble. When the two bubble center lines are parallel to the wall surface, this jet suppresses the formation of the jet to the wall surface when the large cavitation bubble collapses; if the two cavitation bubbles are generated at the same time with same size, as the initial distance of the two cavitation bubbles gradually decreases, the two bubbles are more likely to form a face-to-face collapse, and the smaller the distance between the two, the easier it is to fuse. (2) The impact of the initial moment of the cavitation bubble on the structure of the collapse shock wave is as follows: for two bubbles of different sizes formed synchronously, the shock wave propagates to the periphery in the form of a number of consecutive waves appearing in the larger bubble, while for the unsynchronized ones, shock waves appeared in both cavitation collapses, and a number of consecutive waves appear in the late-formed cavitation bubble. And multiple consecutive shock waves may overlap in some areas of the space. These conclusions have obvious implications for preventing cavitation damage and utilization of cavitation.
Decreased dopamine in striatum and difficult locomotor recovery from MPTP insult after exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields
Authors: Kim Ju Hwan , Lee Choong-Hyun , Kim Hyung-Gun , Kim Hak Rim 
Published: February 2019

AbstractConcern is growing about possible neuronal effects of human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields because of the increasing usage of cell phones and the close proximity of these devices to the brain when in use. We found that exposure to a radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) of 835 MHz (4.0 W/kg specific absorption rate [SAR] for 5 h/day for 12 weeks) affects striatal neurons in C57BL/6 mice. The number of synaptic vesicles (SVs) in striatal presynaptic boutons was significantly decreased after RF-EMF exposure. The expression levels of synapsin I and II were also significantly decreased in the striatum of the RF-EMF-exposed group. RF-EMF exposure led to a reduction in dopamine concentration in the striatum and also to a decrease in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in striatal neurons. Furthermore, in behavioral tests, exposure to RF-EMF impeded the recovery of locomotor activities after repeated treatments with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). These results suggest that the observed decrease in dopamine concentration in the striatum was caused by both a reduction in the number of dopaminergic neurons and a decline in the number of SVs. The decreased dopamine neuron numbers and concentration seen after RF-EMF exposure would have caused the difficult recovery after MPTP treatment. In summary, our results strongly suggest that exposing the brain to RF-EMF can decrease the number of SVs and dopaminergic neurons in the striatum. These primary changes impair the recovery of locomotor activities following MPTP damage to the striatum.
Prenatal Betamethasone interferes with immune system development and alters target cells in autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Perna-Barrull David , Rodriguez-Fernandez Silvia , Pujol-Autonell Irma , Gieras Anna , Ampudia-Carrasco Rosa M. , Villalba Adrian , Glau Laura , Tolosa Eva , Vives-Pi Marta 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNon-genetic factors are crucial in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), a disease caused by autoimmunity against insulin-producing β-cells. Exposure to medications in the prenatal period may influence the immune system maturation, thus altering self-tolerance. Prenatal administration of betamethasone –a synthetic glucocorticoid given to women at risk of preterm delivery– may affect the development of T1D. It has been previously demonstrated that prenatal betamethasone administration protects offspring from T1D development in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. The direct effect of betamethasone on the immature and mature immune system of NOD mice and on target β-cells is analysed in this paper. In vitro, betamethasone decreased lymphocyte viability and induced maturation-resistant dendritic cells, which in turn impaired γδ T cell proliferation and decreased IL-17 production. Prenatal betamethasone exposure caused thymus hypotrophy in newborn mice as well as alterations in immune cells subsets. Furthermore, betamethasone decreased β-cell growth, reduced C-peptide secretion and altered the expression of genes related to autoimmunity, metabolism and islet mass in T1D target tissue. These results support the protection against T1D in the betamethasone-treated offspring and demonstrate that this drug alters the developing immune system and β-cells. Understanding how betamethasone generates self-tolerance could have potential clinical relevance in T1D.
Observation of Wavelength-Dependent Quantum Plasmon Tunneling with Varying the Thickness of Graphene Spacer
Authors: Lee Khang June , Kim Shinho , Hong Woonggi , Park Hamin , Jang Min Seok , Yu Kyoungsik , Choi Sung-Yool 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPlasmonic coupling provides a highly localized electromagnetic field in the gap of noble metals when illuminated by a light. The plasmonic field enhancement is generally known to be inversely proportional to the gap distance. Given such a relation, reducing the gap distance appears to be necessary to achieve the highest possible field enhancement. At the sub-nanometer scale, however, quantum mechanical effects have to be considered in relation to plasmonic coupling. Here, we use graphene as a spacer to observe plasmonic field enhancement in sub-nanometer gap. The gap distance is precisely controlled by the number of stacked graphene layers. We propose that the sudden drop of field enhancement for the single layer spacer is originated from the plasmon tunneling through the thin spacer. Numerical simulation which incorporates quantum tunneling is also performed to support the experimental results. From the fact that field enhancement with respect to the number of graphene layers exhibits different behavior in two wavelengths corresponding to on- and off-resonance conditions, tunneling phenomenon is thought to destroy the resonance conditions of plasmonic coupling.
A transcription factor PU.1 is critical for Ccl22 gene expression in dendritic cells and macrophages
Authors: Yashiro Takuya , Nakano Shiori , Nomura Kurumi , Uchida Yuna , Kasakura Kazumi , Nishiyama Chiharu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe chemokine CCL22 is predominantly produced by dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. CCL22 acts on CCR4-expressing cells including Th2 and Treg. Although a correlation between the CCL22-CCR4 axis and allergic diseases has been established, the mechanism of monocyte lineage-specific Ccl22 gene expression is largely unknown. In the current study, we investigated transcriptional regulation of the Ccl22 gene in DCs and macrophages. Using reporter assays, we identified the critical cis-enhancing elements at 21/−18 and −10/−4 in the Ccl22 promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays proved that transcription factor PU.1 directly binds to the cis-elements. Knockdown of PU.1 markedly decreased Ccl22 expression in bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) and BM macrophages (BMDMs). Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that PU.1 bound to the Ccl22 promoter in not only BMDCs and BMDMs, but also splenic DCs and peritoneal macrophages. LPS stimulation increased the amount of PU.1 recruited to the promoter, accompanied by upregulation of the Ccl22 mRNA level, which was diminished by Spi1 knockdown. We identified similar cis-elements on the human CCL22 promoter, which were bound with PU.1 in human monocytes. Taken together, these findings indicate that PU.1 transactivates the Ccl22 gene in DCs and macrophages by directly binding to the two elements in the promoter.
Oil-Spill Triggered Shift in Indigenous Microbial Structure and Functional Dynamics in Different Marine Environmental Matrices
Authors: Neethu C. S. , Saravanakumar C. , Purvaja R. , Robin R. S. , Ramesh R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMicrobial degradation has long been recognized as the key rescue mechanism in shaping the oil polluted marine environments and the role of indigenous populations or their functional genomics have never been explored from Indian marine environments, post an oil spill event. In the current study, high throughput metagenomic analysis, PLFA profiling and mass spectrophotometric analysis was performed in combination with metabolomics to capture signature variations among the microbial communities in sediment, water and laboratory enrichments. Contrary to the previous reports, the bloom of Pseudomonadales (specifically genus Acinetobacter) in oiled sediment and Methylococcales in oiled water outnumbered the relative abundance of Alcanivorax in response to hydrocarbon contamination. Overall enhancement of xenobiotic degradation was suggested by metabolomic analysis in sediment and water post the spill event and varying quantitative assemblage of enzymes were found to be involved in hydrocarbon utilization. Laboratory enrichments revealed the competitive advantage of sediment communities over the water communities although unique taxa belonging to the later were also found to be enriched under in vitro conditions. Simultaneous analysis of sediment and water in the study provided explicit evidences on existence of differential microbial community dynamics, offering insight into possibilities of formulating nature identical solutions for hydrocarbon pollution.
Deep Neural Network Inverse Design of Integrated Photonic Power Splitters
Authors: Tahersima Mohammad H. , Kojima Keisuke , Koike-Akino Toshiaki , Jha Devesh , Wang Bingnan , Lin Chungwei , Parsons Kieran 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPredicting physical response of an artificially structured material is of particular interest for scientific and engineering applications. Here we use deep learning to predict optical response of artificially engineered nanophotonic devices. In addition to predicting forward approximation of transmission response for any given topology, this approach allows us to inversely approximate designs for a targeted optical response. Our Deep Neural Network (DNN) could design compact (2.6 × 2.6 μm2) silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based 1 × 2 power splitters with various target splitting ratios in a fraction of a second. This model is trained to minimize the reflection (to smaller than ~ −20 dB) while achieving maximum transmission efficiency above 90% and target splitting specifications. This approach paves the way for rapid design of integrated photonic components relying on complex nanostructures.
Interhemispheric field-aligned currents at the edges of equatorial plasma depletions
Authors: Rodríguez-Zuluaga Juan , Stolle Claudia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA comprehensive description of electromagnetic processes related to equatorial plasma depletions (EPDs) is essential for understanding their evolution and day-to-day variability. Recently, field-aligned currents (FACs) flowing at both western and eastern edges of EPDs were observed to be interhemispheric rather than anti-parallel about the dip equator, as suggested by previous theoretical studies. In this paper, we investigate the spatial and temporal variability of the FACs orientation using simultaneous measurements of electron density and magnetic field gathered by ESA’s Swarm constellation mission. By using empirical models, we assess the role of the Pedersen conductance in the preference of the FACs to close either in the northern or southern magnetic hemisphere. Here we show that the closure of the FACs agrees with an electrostatic regime determined by a hemispherical asymmetry of the Pedersen conductance. That is, the EPD-related FACs close at lower altitudes in the hemisphere with the highest conductivity. The evidence of this conclusion stands on the general agreement between the longitudinal and seasonal variability of both the conductivity and the FACs orientation.
pH-driven conformational switch between non-canonical DNA structures in a C-rich domain of EGFR promoter
Authors: Cristofari Camilla , Rigo Riccardo , Greco Maria Laura , Ghezzo Michele , Sissi Claudia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractEGFR is an oncogene that encodes for a trans-membrane tyrosine kinase receptor. Its mis-regulation is associated to several human cancers that, consistently, can be treated by selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The proximal promoter of EGFR contains a G-rich domain located at 272 bases upstream the transcription start site. We previously proved it folds into two main interchanging G-quadruplex structures, one of parallel and one of hybrid topology. Here we present the first evidences supporting the ability of the complementary C-rich strand (EGFR-272_C) to assume an intramolecular i-Motif (iM) structure that, according to the experimental conditions (pH, presence of co-solvent and salts), can coexist with a different arrangement we referred to as a hairpin. The herein identified iM efficiently competes with the canonical pairing of the two complementary strands, indicating it as a potential novel target for anticancer therapies. A preliminary screening for potential binders identified some phenanthroline derivatives as able to target EGFR-272_C at multiple binding sites when it is folded into an iM.
Recurrent speciation of a tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus in Portugal by recombination
Authors: Fiallo-Olivé Elvira , Trenado Helena P. , Louro Diamantina , Navas-Castillo Jesús 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRecurrent evolution can involve interspecific interactions, recognized to play a primary role in the diversification and organization of life. Both in the plant and animal kingdoms, the recurrent formation of allopolyploid species has been described. In the virosphere, recombination between isolates of different species has been shown to be a source of speciation. In this work, complete genome analysis showed that speciation through recombination of an emergent DNA plant virus, tomato yellow leaf curl Malaga virus (genusBegomovirus, familyGeminiviridae), has occurred independently in Portugal and Spain, confirming previous observations with tomato yellow leaf curl Axarquia virus, also originated independently in Spain and Italy. These results will guide future research to discover new cases of recurrent emergence of recombinant virus species in geographical areas where the putative parents co-exist or can be introduced. This will reveal the role that recurrent speciation through recombination plays in the evolution of the virosphere and will help to understand the consequences of this phenomenon on the diversification of life.
Modulation of salt tolerance in Thai jasmine rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. KDML105) by Streptomyces venezuelae ATCC 10712 expressing ACC deaminase
Authors: Yoolong Suranan , Kruasuwan Worarat , Thanh Phạm Huyền Thị , Jaemsaeng Ratchaniwan , Jantasuriyarat Chatchawan , Thamchaipenet Arinthip 
Published: February 2019

Abstract1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase is a plant growth promoting (PGP) trait found in beneficial bacteria including streptomycetes and responsible for stress modulation. The ACC deaminase gene, acdS, of S. venezuelae ATCC 10712 was cloned into an expression plasmid, pIJ86, to generate S. venezuelae/pIJ86-acdS. Expression of acdS and production of ACC deaminase of S. venezuelae/pIJ86-acdS were significantly higher than the unmodified strain. The ACC deaminase-overexpressing mutant and the wild type control were inoculated into Thai jasmine rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. KDML105) under salt stress conditions. S. venezuelae on its own augmented rice growth and significantly increased more tolerance to salinity by reduction of ethylene, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Na+ contents, while accumulating more proline, total chlorophyll, relative water content (RWC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and K+ than those of uninoculated controls. The overproducer did not alter chlorophyll, RWC, or MDA further–while it did boost more shoot weight and elongation, and significantly regulated salt tolerance of rice by increasing proline and reducing ethylene and Na+ contents further than that of the wild type. This work is the first illustration of the beneficial roles of S. venezuelae to enhance plant fitness endophytically by promotion of growth and salt tolerance of rice.