bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Chlamydia infection in human organoids increases stemness and promotes age-dependent CpG methylation
Authors: Kessler Mirjana , Hoffmann Karen , Fritsche Kristin , Brinkmann Volker , Mollenkopf Hans-Joachim , Thieck Oliver , Teixeira da Costa Ana Rita , Braicu Elena I. , Sehouli Jalid , Mangler Mandy , Berger Hilmar , Meyer Thomas F. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractChronic infections of the fallopian tubes with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ctr) cause scarring and can lead to infertility. Here we use human fallopian tube organoids and genital Ctr serovars D, K and E for long-term in vitro analysis. The epithelial monolayer responds with active expulsion of the bacteria into the lumen and with compensatory cellular proliferation—demonstrating a role of epithelial homeostasis in the defense against this pathogen. In addition, Ctr infection activates LIF signaling, which we find to be an essential regulator of stemness in the organoids. Infected organoids exhibit a less differentiated phenotype with higher stemness potential, as confirmed by increased organoid forming efficiency. Moreover, Ctr increases hypermethylation of DNA, which is an indicator of accelerated molecular aging. Thus, the chronic organoid infection model suggests that Ctr has a long-term impact on the epithelium. These heritable changes might be a contributing factor in the development of tubal pathologies, including the initiation of high grade serous ovarian cancer.
UFL1 promotes histone H4 ufmylation and ATM activation
Authors: Qin Bo , Yu Jia , Nowsheen Somaira , Wang Minghui , Tu Xinyi , Liu Tongzheng , Li Honglin , Wang Liewei , Lou Zhenkun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase, an upstream kinase of the DNA damage response (DDR), is rapidly activated following DNA damage, and phosphorylates its downstream targets to launch DDR signaling. However, the mechanism of ATM activation is still not completely understood. Here we report that UFM1 specific ligase 1 (UFL1), an ufmylation E3 ligase, is important for ATM activation. UFL1 is recruited to double strand breaks by the MRE11/RAD50/NBS1 complex, and monoufmylates histone H4 following DNA damage. Monoufmylated histone H4 is important for Suv39h1 and Tip60 recruitment. Furthermore, ATM phosphorylates UFL1 at serine 462, enhancing UFL1 E3 ligase activity and promoting ATM activation in a positive feedback loop. These findings reveal that ufmylation of histone H4 by UFL1 is an important step for amplification of ATM activation and maintenance of genomic integrity.
Inactivation of a CRF-dependent amygdalofugal pathway reverses addiction-like behaviors in alcohol-dependent rats
Authors: de Guglielmo Giordano , Kallupi Marsida , Pomrenze Matthew B. , Crawford Elena , Simpson Sierra , Schweitzer Paul , Koob George F. , Messing Robert O. , George Olivier 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe activation of a neuronal ensemble in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) during alcohol withdrawal has been hypothesized to induce high levels of alcohol drinking in dependent rats. In the present study we describe that the CeA neuronal ensemble that is activated by withdrawal from chronic alcohol exposure contains ~80% corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons and that the optogenetic inactivation of these CeA CRF+ neurons prevents recruitment of the neuronal ensemble, decreases the escalation of alcohol drinking, and decreases the intensity of somatic signs of withdrawal. Optogenetic dissection of the downstream neuronal pathways demonstrates that the reversal of addiction-like behaviors is observed after the inhibition of CeA CRF projections to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and that inhibition of the CRFCeA-BNST pathway is mediated by inhibition of the CRF-CRF1 system and inhibition of BNST cell firing. These results suggest that the CRFCeA-BNST pathway could be targeted for the treatment of excessive drinking in alcohol use disorder.
Magnetization-polarization cross-control near room temperature in hexaferrite single crystals
Authors: Kocsis V. , Nakajima T. , Matsuda M. , Kikkawa A. , Kaneko Y. , Takashima J. , Kakurai K. , Arima T. , Kagawa F. , Tokunaga Y. , Tokura Y. , Taguchi Y. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMutual control of the electricity and magnetism in terms of magnetic (H) and electric (E) fields, the magnetoelectric (ME) effect, offers versatile low power consumption alternatives to current data storage, logic gate, and spintronic devices. Despite its importance, E-field control over magnetization (M) with significant magnitude was observed only at low temperatures. Here we have successfully stabilized a simultaneously ferrimagnetic and ferroelectric phase in a Y-type hexaferrite single crystal up to 450 K, and demonstrated the reversal of large non-volatile M by E field close to room temperature. Manipulation of the magnetic domains by E field is directly visualized at room temperature by using magnetic force microscopy. The present achievement provides an important step towards the application of ME multiferroics.
Low genetic variation is associated with low mutation rate in the giant duckweed
Authors: Xu Shuqing , Stapley Jessica , Gablenz Saskia , Boyer Justin , Appenroth Klaus J. , Sree K. Sowjanya , Gershenzon Jonathan , Widmer Alex , Huber Meret 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMutation rate and effective population size (Ne) jointly determine intraspecific genetic diversity, but the role of mutation rate is often ignored. Here we investigate genetic diversity, spontaneous mutation rate andNein the giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza). Despite its large census population size, whole-genome sequencing of 68 globally sampled individuals reveals extremely low intraspecific genetic diversity. Assessed under natural conditions, the genome-wide spontaneous mutation rate is at least seven times lower than estimates made for other multicellular eukaryotes, whereasNeis large. These results demonstrate that low genetic diversity can be associated with large-Nespecies, where selection can reduce mutation rates to very low levels. This study also highlights that accurate estimates of mutation rate can help to explain seemingly unexpected patterns of genome-wide variation.
Megaphylogeny resolves global patterns of mushroom evolution
Authors: Varga Torda , Krizsán Krisztina , Földi Csenge , Dima Bálint , Sánchez-García Marisol , Sánchez-Ramírez Santiago , Szöllősi Gergely J. , Szarkándi János G. , Papp Viktor , Albert László , Andreopoulos William , Angelini Claudio , Antonín Vladimír , Barry Kerrie W. , Bougher Neale L. , Buchanan Peter , Buyck Bart , Bense Viktória , Catcheside Pam , Chovatia Mansi , Cooper Jerry , Dämon Wolfgang , Desjardin Dennis , Finy Péter , Geml József , Haridas Sajeet , Hughes Karen , Justo Alfredo , Karasiński Dariusz , Kautmanova Ivona , Kiss Brigitta , Kocsubé Sándor , Kotiranta Heikki , LaButti Kurt M. , Lechner Bernardo E. , Liimatainen Kare , Lipzen Anna , Lukács Zoltán , Mihaltcheva Sirma , Morgado Louis N. , Niskanen Tuula , Noordeloos Machiel E. , Ohm Robin A. , Ortiz-Santana Beatriz , Ovrebo Clark , Rácz Nikolett , Riley Robert , Savchenko Anton , Shiryaev Anton , Soop Karl , Spirin Viacheslav , Szebenyi Csilla , Tomšovský Michal , Tulloss Rodham E. , Uehling Jessie , Grigoriev Igor V. , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Papp Tamás , Martin Francis M. , Miettinen Otto , Hibbett David S. , Nagy László G. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes) have the greatest morphological diversity and complexity of any group of fungi. They have radiated into most niches and fulfil diverse roles in the ecosystem, including wood decomposers, pathogens or mycorrhizal mutualists. Despite the importance of mushroom-forming fungi, large-scale patterns of their evolutionary history are poorly known, in part due to the lack of a comprehensive and dated molecular phylogeny. Here, using multigene and genome-based data, we assemble a 5,284-species phylogenetic tree and infer ages and broad patterns of speciation/extinction and morphological innovation in mushroom-forming fungi. Agaricomycetes started a rapid class-wide radiation in the Jurassic, coinciding with the spread of (sub)tropical coniferous forests and a warming climate. A possible mass extinction, several clade-specific adaptive radiations and morphological diversification of fruiting bodies followed during the Cretaceous and the Paleogene, convergently giving rise to the classic toadstool morphology, with a cap, stalk and gills (pileate-stipitate morphology). This morphology is associated with increased rates of lineage diversification, suggesting it represents a key innovation in the evolution of mushroom-forming fungi. The increase in mushroom diversity started during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic radiation event, an era of humid climate when terrestrial communities dominated by gymnosperms and reptiles were also expanding.
Uncovering the potential of novel micromonosporae isolated from an extreme hyper-arid Atacama Desert soil
Authors: Carro Lorena , Castro Jean Franco , Razmilic Valeria , Nouioui Imen , Pan Che , Igual José M. , Jaspars Marcel , Goodfellow Michael , Bull Alan T. , Asenjo Juan A. , Klenk Hans-Peter 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe taxonomic status, biotechnological and ecological potential of several Micromonospora strains isolated from an extreme hyper arid Atacama Desert soil were determined. Initially, a polyphasic study was undertaken to clarify the taxonomic status of five micromonosporae, strains LB4, LB19, LB32T, LB39T and LB41, isolated from an extreme hyper-arid soil collected from one of the driest regions of the Atacama Desert. All of the isolates were found to have chemotaxonomic, cultural and morphological properties consistent with their classification in the genus Micromonospora. Isolates LB32T and LB39T were distinguished from their nearest phylogenetic neighbours and proposed as new species, namely as Micromonospora arida sp. nov. and Micromonospora inaquosa sp. nov., respectively. Eluted methanol extracts of all of the isolates showed activity against a panel of bacterial and fungal indicator strains, notably against multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603 while isolates LB4 and LB41 showed pronounced anti-tumour activity against HepG2 cells. Draft genomes generated for the isolates revealed a rich source of novel biosynthetic gene clusters, some of which were unique to individual strains thereby opening up the prospect of selecting especially gifted micromonosporae for natural product discovery. Key stress-related genes detected in the genomes of all of the isolates provided an insight into how micromonosporae adapt to the harsh environmental conditions that prevail in extreme hyper-arid Atacama Desert soils.
Coffee-based colloids for direct solar absorption
Authors: Alberghini Matteo , Morciano Matteo , Bergamasco Luca , Fasano Matteo , Lavagna Luca , Humbert Gabriele , Sani Elisa , Pavese Matteo , Chiavazzo Eliodoro , Asinari Pietro 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDespite their promising thermo-physical properties for direct solar absorption, carbon-based nanocolloids present some drawbacks, among which the unpleasant property of being potentially cytotoxic and harmful to the environment. In this work, a sustainable, stable and inexpensive colloid based on coffee is synthesized and its photo-thermal properties investigated. The proposed colloid consists of distilled water, Arabica coffee, glycerol and copper sulphate, which provide enhanced properties along with biocompatibility. The photo-thermal performance of the proposed fluid for direct solar absorption is analysed for different dilutions and compared with that of a traditional flat-plate collector. Tailor-made collectors, opportunely designed and realized via 3D-printing technique, were used for the experimental tests. The results obtained in field conditions, in good agreement with two different proposed models, show similar performance of the volumetric absorption using the proposed coffee-based colloids as compared to the classical systems based on a highly-absorbing surface. These results may encourage further investigations on simple, biocompatible and inexpensive colloids for direct solar absorption.
Flow Analysis at the Snow Covered High Altitude Catchment via Distributed Energy Balance Modeling
Authors: Shakoor Abdul , Ejaz Naeem 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEnergy budget-based distributed modeling at high-altitude glacio-nival watersheds is essential to accurately describe hydrological processes and quantify the flow rates. In this study, SNOWPACK model and its distributed version Alpine3D are applied for the first time in Pakistan to simulate the runoff response of a high altitude glaciated catchment. The basic aim was to explore the feasibility of this modeling system and its future applications in the region. Final results demonstrated satisfactory performance of the model between measured and modeled discharges with Nash-Sutcliff Efficiency of 0.54. However, total simulated flow volume differs only 1.3 times as compared to measured discharge of the lake, located at the glacier snout. Flow composition analysis revealed that the runoff regime of the study site is strongly influenced by the snow and glacier melt runoff representing 53% snowmelt and 38% glacier melt contribution. Low model efficiency has been observed during glacier melting season due to inaccurate wind speed distribution and biased input met-data. It is concluded that high performance of this model can be achieved if the model is optimized over the catchment similar to the study site provided with long term data sets. This study leaves a firm foundation for the potential application of a highly accurate distributed energy balance model in the entire Karakoram and Himalaya region to understand the melt dynamics of such a rugged terrain glacier rich mountains.
A neonicotinoid pesticide impairs foraging, but not learning, in free-flying bumblebees
Authors: Muth F. , Leonard A. S. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNeonicotinoids are widely-used pesticides implicated in the decline of bees, known to have sub-lethal effects on bees’ foraging and colony performance. One proposed mechanism for these negative effects is impairment to bees’ ability to learn floral associations. However, the effects of neonicotinoids on learning performance have largely been addressed using a single protocol, where immobilized bees learn an association based on a single sensory modality. We thus have an incomplete understanding of how these pesticides affect bee learning in more naturalistic foraging scenarios. We carried out the first free-foraging study into the effects of acute exposure of a neonicotinoid (imidacloprid) on bumblebees’ (Bombus impatiens) ability to learn associations with visual stimuli. We uncovered dose-dependent detrimental effects on motivation to initiate foraging, amount of nectar collected, and initiation of subsequent foraging bouts. However, we did not find any impairment to bees’ ability to learn visual associations. While not precluding the possibility that other forms of learning are impaired, our findings suggest that some of the major effects of acute neonicotinoid exposure on foraging performance may be due to motivational and/or sensory impairments. In light of these findings, we discuss more broadly how pesticide effects on pollinator cognition might be studied.
Anti-Hexokinase 1 Antibody as a Novel Serum Biomarker of a Subgroup of Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Yoshitake Tatsuya , Murakami Tomoaki , Yoshitake Shin , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Dodo Yoko , Fujimoto Masahiro , Ito Shinji , Tsujikawa Akitaka 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy (DR) induces the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier and promotes neuroinflammation, although autoimmune responses to sequestered retinal antigens remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the autoantibodies for retinal antigens in sera from diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. Screening by immunoblotting demonstrated that IgG from 7 of 10 DME sera samples reacted to an ~102-kDa autoantigen from porcine retinas. Immunoprecipitation with autoantibodies from DME sera and subsequent mass spectrometry enabled us to identify hexokinase 1 as an autoantigen reactive to IgG from DME sera. IgG in 7 of 10 DME sera partially colocalized to hexokinase 1 in the outer plexiform layer of rodent retinas. Quantitative analyses using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays revealed that the serum titers of this autoantibody were significantly higher in the DME sera than those in the sera from diabetic patients without DME, and 20 (24.1%) of the 83 DME serum samples had higher IgG titers than the cutoff value (mean + 2 standard deviations of the sera from diabetic patients without DR). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the higher titer of anti-hexokinase 1 IgG was clinically feasible for the diagnosis of DME. These data identify anti-hexokinase 1 antibody as a serum biomarker of a subset of DME.
Novel catalytically active Pd/Ru bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized by Bacillus benzeovorans
Authors: Omajali Jacob B. , Gomez-Bolivar Jaime , Mikheenko Iryna P. , Sharma Surbhi , Kayode Bayonle , Al-Duri Bushra , Banerjee Dipanjan , Walker Marc , Merroun Mohamed L. , Macaskie Lynne E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBacillus benzeovoransassisted and supported growth of ruthenium (bio-Ru) and palladium/ruthenium (bio-Pd@Ru) core@shell nanoparticles (NPs) as bio-derived catalysts. Characterization of the bio-NPs using various electron microscopy techniques and high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) analysis confirmed two NP populations (1–2 nm and 5–8 nm), with core@shells in the latter. The Pd/Ru NP lattice fringes, 0.231 nm, corresponded to the (110) plane of RuO2.While surface characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed the presence of Pd(0), Pd(II), Ru(III) and Ru(VI), X-ray absorption (XAS) studies of the bulk material confirmed the Pd speciation (Pd(0) and Pd(II)- corresponding to PdO), and identified Ru as Ru(III) and Ru(IV). The absence of Ru–Ru or Ru–Pd peaks indicated Ru only exists in oxide forms (RuO2and RuOH), which are surface-localized. X ray diffraction (XRD) patterns did not identify Pd-Ru alloying. Preliminary catalytic studies explored the conversion of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) to the fuel precursor 2,5-dimethyl furan (2,5-DMF). Both high-loading (9.7 wt.% Pd, 6 wt.% Ru) and low-loading (2.4 wt.% Pd, 2 wt.% Ru) bio-derived catalysts demonstrated high conversion efficiencies (~95%) and selectivity of ~63% (~20% better than bio-Ru NPs) and 58%, respectively. These materials show promising future scope as efficient low-cost biofuel catalysts.
An fMRI study on the neural correlates of social conformity to a sexual minority
Authors: Liuzza M. T. , Macaluso E. , Chiesa P. A. , Lingiardi V. , Aglioti S. M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSocial conformity refers to the tendency to align one’s own behaviors, beliefs and values to those of others. Little is known about social influence coming from a minority group. To test whether social pressure from sexual minorities triggers avoidance-motivated behaviors, we explored how being influenced by the preferences of gay peers modifies the behavioral and neural reactivity of individuals defined as in- vs. out- groups on the basis of sexual orientation. To this aim, we combined fMRI with a social conformity paradigm in which heterosexual and gay/bisexual (hereafter non-exclusively heterosexual, NEH) individuals provided with male body attractiveness ratings by a fictitious group of gay students may or may not alter their previous rating and may or may not conform to the mean. Behaviorally, conformity to the minority preference was found in in-group NEH more than in out-group heterosexuals. Analysis of BOLD signal showed that social pressure brought about increased brain activity in frontal and parietal regions associated with the detection of social conflict. These results show that members of a sexual majority group display a smaller level of conformity when a sexual minority group exerts social influence. However, the neural correlates of this modulation are yet to be clarified.
A Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing strain persists at high rates and extends its geographic boundaries 20 years after importation
Authors: Pérez-Lago Laura , Campos-Herrero María Isolina , Cañas Fernando , Copado Rodolfo , Sante Laura , Pino Berta , Lecuona María , Gil Óscar Díez , Martín Carlos , Muñoz Patricia , García-de-Viedma Darío , Samper Sofía 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTransmission of Beijing Mycobacterium tuberculosis can be investigated based on genotypic analysis of clinical isolates. A Beijing strain began to spread on Gran Canaria Island, Spain, at the end of the last century. In 1996, only 3 years after its importation to the island, its frequency had increased to 27.1% of all the isolates. The strain was tracked during the following years, and the most recent data obtained corresponded to 2007-8, when its presence continued to be alarming (21%). In the current study, we updated data on the distribution of this strain 20 years (2013–2014) after it was first detected on the island and extended the analysis for the first time to all the mycobacteriology laboratories covering the population of the Canary Island archipelago. Rapid updating was enabled by means of 2 different strain-specific PCRs: one targeting a peculiar feature of the strain, which was identified based on an IS6110 copy mapping in the Rv2180c gene, and a newly defined strain-specific single nucleotide polymorphism, which was identified by whole-genome sequencing. The results showed that the strain has remained highly prevalent (20.90% of all isolates), has spread throughout the neighbouring islands, and has also reached high representativeness in them (11–32%).
Guided STED nanoscopy enables super-resolution imaging of blood stage malaria parasites
Authors: Schloetel Jan-Gero , Heine Jörn , Cowman Alan F. , Pasternak Michał 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMalaria remains a major burden world-wide, but the disease-causing parasites from the genus Plasmodium are difficult to study in vitro. Owing to the small size of the parasites, subcellular imaging poses a major challenge and the use of super-resolution techniques has been hindered by the parasites’ sensitivity to light. This is particularly apparent during the blood-stage of the Plasmodium life cycle, which presents an important target for drug research. The iron-rich food vacuole of the parasite undergoes disintegration when illuminated with high-power lasers such as those required for high resolution in Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy. This causes major damage to the sample precluding the use of this super-resolution technique. Here we present guided STED, a novel adaptive illumination (AI) STED approach, which takes advantage of the highly-reflective nature of the iron deposit in the cell to identify the most light-sensitive parts of the sample. Specifically in these parts, the high-power STED laser is deactivated automatically to prevent local damage. Guided STED nanoscopy finally allows super-resolution imaging of the whole Plasmodium life cycle, enabling multicolour imaging of blood-stage malaria parasites with resolutions down to 35 nm without sample destruction.