bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contributions of biogenic material to the atmospheric ice-nucleating particle population in North Western Europe
Authors: O’Sullivan D. , Adams M. P. , Tarn M. D. , Harrison A. D. , Vergara-Temprado J. , Porter G. C. E. , Holden M. A. , Sanchez-Marroquin A. , Carotenuto F. , Whale T. F. , McQuaid J. B. , Walshaw R. , Hedges D. H. P. , Burke I. T. , Cui Z. , Murray B. J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA minute fraction of atmospheric particles exert a disproportionate effect on the phase of mixed-phase clouds by acting as ice-nucleating particles (INPs). To understand the effects of these particles on weather and climate, both now and into the future, we must first develop a quantitative understanding of the major INP sources worldwide. Previous work has demonstrated that aerosols such as desert dusts are globally important INPs, but the role of biogenic INPs is unclear, with conflicting evidence for their importance. Here, we show that at a temperate site all INPs active above −18 °C at concentrations >0.1 L−1 are destroyed on heating, consistent with these INPs being of biological origin. Furthermore, we show that a global model of desert dust INPs dramatically underestimates the measured INP concentrations, but is consistent with the thermally-stable component. Notably, the heat sensitive INPs are active at temperatures where shallow cloud layers in Northern Europe are frequently observed to glaciate. Hence, we suggest that biogenic material is important for primary ice production in this region. The prevalence of heat sensitive, most likely biogenic, INPs in this region highlights that, as a community, we need to quantify the sources and transport of these particles as well as determine their atmospheric abundance across the globe and at cloud altitudes.
Within-colony genetic diversity differentially affects foraging, nest maintenance, and aggression in two species of harvester ants
Authors: Saar Maya , Eyer Pierre-André , Kilon-Kallner Tal , Hefetz Abraham , Scharf Inon 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThere is accumulating evidence that genetic diversity improves the behavioral performance and consequently the fitness in groups of social animals. We examined the behavioral performance of colonies of two co-occurring, congeneric harvester ant species (Messor arenarius and a non-described Messor sp.) in fitness-related behaviors, pertaining to foraging performance, nest maintenance, and aggression. We linked these behaviors to the colonial genetic diversity, by genotyping workers, using six and five microsatellite markers for M. arenarius and M. sp., respectively. Correlations of genetic diversity with colony performance and aggression level contrasted between the two species. In M. arenarius, genetic diversity was correlated with foraging performance and nest maintenance but not with the overall aggression level, while in M. sp., genetic diversity was correlated with the overall aggression level, but not with foraging performance or nest maintenance. The two species exhibited similar specific aggression levels, with higher aggression shown towards heterospecifics and lower towards non-nestmate conspecifics and nestmates. However, M. sp. workers displayed a tendency to interact for longer with heterospecifics than did M. arenarius. We speculate that the different foraging strategies, group vs. individual foraging, and possibly also the different mating systems, contribute to the differences found in behavior between the two species.
A new method to improve the prediction of the celestial pole offsets
Authors: Belda Santiago , Ferrándiz José M. , Heinkelmann Robert , Schuh Harald 
Published: September 2018

AbstractKnowledge of the Earth’s changing rotation is fundamental to positioning objects in space and on the planet. Nowadays, the Earth’s orientation in space is expressed by five Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP). Many applications in astronomy, geosciences, and space missions require accurate EOP predictions. Operational predictions are released daily by the Rapid Service/Prediction Centre of the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS). The prediction procedures and performances differ for the three EOP classes: polar motion, rotation angle (UT1-UTC), and the two celestial pole offsets (CPO), dX and dY. The IERS Annual Report 2016 shows Rapid Service CPO predictions errors with respect to IERS 08 C04 observations in 2016 ranging from 120 to 140 μas in 40 days for dX, and 100–160 μas for dY. We test a new method for the CPO prediction based on the recent availability of sophisticated empirical models for the Free Core Nutation, a main component of the CPO variations. We found it allows predicting both CPO with error estimates for the period 2000–2016 lower than the 2016 Rapid Service products, reaching about 85 μas after 40 days and near 90 μas after a year. These results would represent a 35–40% improvement.
Metabolomic Profile Predicts Development of Microalbuminuria in Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Haukka Jani K. , Sandholm Niina , Forsblom Carol , Cobb Jeffrey E. , Groop Per-Henrik , Ferrannini Ele 
Published: September 2018

AbstractElevated urinary albumin excretion (microalbuminuria) is an early marker of diabetic nephropathy, but there is an unmet need for better biomarkers that capture the individuals at risk with higher accuracy and earlier than the current markers do. We performed an untargeted metabolomic study to assess baseline differences between individuals with type 1 diabetes who either developed microalbuminuria or remained normoalbuminuric. A total of 102 individuals progressed to microalbuminuria during a median follow-up of 3.2 years, whereas 98 sex-, age- and body mass index (BMI) matched non-progressors remained normoalbuminuric during a median follow-up of 7.1 years. Metabolomic screening identified 1,242 metabolites, out of which 111 differed significantly between progressors and non-progressors after adjustment for age of diabetes onset, baseline glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and albumin excretion rate (AER). The metabolites that predicted development of microalbumiuria included several uremic toxins and carnitine metabolism related molecules. Iterative variable selection indicated erythritol, 3-phenylpropionate, and N-trimethyl-5-aminovalerate as the best set of variables to predict development of microalbuminuria. A metabolomic index based on these metabolites improved the prediction of incident microalbuminuria on top of the clinical variables age of diabetes onset, baseline HbA1c and AER (ROCAUC = 0.842 vs 0.797), highlighting their ability to predict early-phase diabetic nephropathy.
Enhanced uptake of gH625 by blood brain barrier compared to liver in vivo: characterization of the mechanism by an in vitro model and implications for delivery
Authors: Falanga Annarita , Iachetta Giuseppina , Lombardi Lucia , Perillo Emiliana , Lombardi Assunta , Morelli Giancarlo , Valiante Salvatore , Galdiero Stefania 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe have investigated the crossing of the blood brain barrier (BBB) by the peptide gH625 and compared to the uptake by liver in vivo. We clearly observed that in vivo administration of gH625 allows the crossing of the BBB, although part of the peptide is sequestered by the liver. Furthermore, we used a combination of biophysical techniques to gain insight into the mechanism of interaction with model membranes mimicking the BBB and the liver. We observed a stronger interaction for membranes mimicking the BBB where gH625 clearly undergoes a change in secondary structure, indicating the key role of the structural change in the uptake mechanism. We report model studies on liposomes which can be exploited for the optimization of delivery tools.
A Small Molecule BH3-mimetic Suppresses Cigarette Smoke-Induced Mucous Expression in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Hussain Shah S. , George Shebin , Singh Shashi , Jayant Rahul , Hu Chien-An , Sopori Mohan , Chand Hitendra S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCigarette smoke (CS) exposure is one of the primary risk factors associated with the chronic mucous hypersecretion (CMH). The antiapoptotic protein, Bcl-2 sustains hyperplastic mucous cells, and the airway epithelium of ex-smokers with CMH as well as mice exposed to chronic CS showed increased Bcl-2 expression. Therefore, we investigated whether Bcl-2 plays a role in CS-induced mucous expression. Primary airway epithelial cells (AECs) of murine and human origin were treated with CS extract (CSE), and there was a concentration- and time-dependent increase in secretory mucin (MUC5AC), mucous regulator (SPDEF) and Bcl-2 expression. Using differentiated human AECs cultured on air-liquid interface, EGFR and ERK1/2 pathways were interrogated. Bcl-2 activity was blocked using a small molecule BH3 mimetic ABT-263 that disrupts the Bcl-2 interaction with pro-apoptotic proteins. The ABT-263 treatment resulted in the downregulation of CSE-induced mucus expression and disrupted the EGFR-signaling while inducing the apoptosis and the pro-apoptotic protein, Bik expression. This strategy significantly suppressed the mainstream CS-induced mucous phenotype in a 3-D human airway epithelium model. Therefore, the present study suggests that CS induces Bcl-2 expression to help promote mucous cell survival; and small molecule BH3 mimetics targeting Bcl-2 could be useful in suppressing the CS-induced mucous response.
Elevated basal luteinizing hormone does not impair the outcome of human menopausal gonadotropin and medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment cycles
Authors: Sun Lihua , Ye Jing , Wang Yun , Chen Qiuju , Cai Renfei , Fu Yonglun , Tian Hui , Lyu Qifeng , Lu Xuefeng , Kuang Yanping 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe potential effects of high basal luteinizing hormone (LH) levels on human reproduction were controversial. To demonstrate the effects of elevated basal LH levels on the outcome of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles, we performed a retrospective data analysis of 1011 polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients treated with human menopausal gonadotropin and medroxyprogesterone acetate (hMG + MPA) protocol at our center between Nov. 2013 and Jun. 2017. PCOS patients with elevated basal LH levels had significantly higher LH exposure during the stimulation period. The group with LH ≥ 10 mIU/mL showed a lower mean total hMG dose used but higher numbers of oocytes retrieved, metaphase II oocytes, embryos and top-quality embryos developed than the groups with lower basal LH levels. Moreover, partial correlation analysis showed that the basal LH level was negatively correlated with the total hMG dose but positively correlated with the numbers of oocytes retrieved, metaphase II oocytes, embryos, and top-quality embryos. There were no significant differences in the rates of oocyte retrieval, fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage between the groups based on frozen embryo transfer (FET). We concluded that elevated basal LH level does not impair the final outcome of hMG + MPA-treated IVF/ICSI cycles in PCOS women.
Early identification of esophageal squamous neoplasm by hyperspectral endoscopic imaging
Authors: Wu I-Chen , Syu Hao-Yi , Jen Chun-Ping , Lu Ming-Yen , Chen Yi-Ting , Wu Ming-Tsang , Kuo Chie-Tong , Tsai Yu-Yuan , Wang Hsiang-Chen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEsophageal squamous neoplasm presents a spectrum of different diatheses. A precise assessment for individualized treatment depends on the accuracy of the initial diagnosis. Detection relies on comprehensive and accurate white-light, iodine staining, and narrow-band imaging endoscopy. These methods have limitations in addition to its invasive nature and the potential risks related to the method. These limitations include difficulties in precise tumor delineation to enable complete resection, inflammation and malignancy differentiation, and stage determination. The resolution of these problems depends on the surgeon’s ability and experience with available technology for visualization and resection. We proposed a method for identifying early esophageal cancerous lesion by endoscopy and hyperspectral endoscopic imaging. Experimental result shows the characteristic spectrum of a normal esophagus, precancerous lesion, canceration, and intraepithelial papillary capillary loop can be identified through principal component score chart. The narrow-band imaging (NBI) image shows remarkable spectral characteristic distribution, and the sensitivity and specificity of the proposed method are higher than those of other methods by ~0.8 and ~0.88, respectively. The proposed method enables the accurate visualization of target organs, it may be useful to capsule endoscope and telemedicine, which requires highly precise images for diagnosis.
Contribution of protein Gar1 to the RNA-guided and RNA-independent rRNA:Ψ-synthase activities of the archaeal Cbf5 protein
Authors: Fujikane Ryosuke , Behm-Ansmant Isabelle , Tillault Anne-Sophie , Loegler Christine , Igel-Bourguignon Valérie , Marguet Evelyne , Forterre Patrick , Branlant Christiane , Motorin Yuri , Charpentier Bruno 
Published: September 2018

AbstractArchaeal RNA:pseudouridine-synthase (PUS) Cbf5 in complex with proteins L7Ae, Nop10 and Gar1, and guide box H/ACA sRNAs forms ribonucleoprotein (RNP) catalysts that insure the conversion of uridines into pseudouridines (Ψs) in ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). Nonetheless, in the absence of guide RNA, Cbf5 catalyzes the in vitro formation of Ψ2603 in Pyrococcus abyssi 23S rRNA and of Ψ55 in tRNAs. Using gene-disrupted strains of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis, we studied the in vivo contribution of proteins Nop10 and Gar1 to the dual RNA guide-dependent and RNA-independent activities of Cbf5 on 23S rRNA. The single-null mutants of the cbf5, nop10, and gar1 genes are viable, but display a thermosensitive slow growth phenotype. We also generated a single-null mutant of the gene encoding Pus10, which has redundant activity with Cbf5 for in vitro formation of Ψ55 in tRNA. Analysis of the presence of Ψs within the rRNA peptidyl transferase center (PTC) of the mutants demonstrated that Cbf5 but not Pus10 is required for rRNA modification. Our data reveal that, in contrast to Nop10, Gar1 is crucial for in vivo and in vitro RNA guide-independent formation of Ψ2607 (Ψ2603 in P. abyssi) by Cbf5. Furthermore, our data indicate that pseudouridylation at orphan position 2589 (2585 in P. abyssi), for which no PUS or guide sRNA has been identified so far, relies on RNA- and Gar1-dependent activity of Cbf5.
Rare-earth fluorescence thermometry of laser-induced plasmon heating in silver nanoparticles arrays
Authors: Cesca Tiziana , Perotto Giovanni , Pellegrini Giovanni , Michieli Niccolò , Kalinic Boris , Mattei Giovanni 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe laser-induced plasmon heating of an ordered array of silver nanoparticles, under continuous illumination with an Ar laser, was probed by rare-earth fluorescence thermometry. The rise in temperature in the samples was monitored by measuring the temperature-sensitive photoluminescent emission of a europium complex (EuTTA) embedded in PMMA thin-films, deposited onto the nanoparticles array. A maximum temperature increase of 19 °C was determined upon resonant illumination with the surface plasmon resonance of the nanoarray at the highest pump Ar laser power (173 mW). The experimental results were supported by finite elements method electrodynamic simulations, which provided also information on the temporal dynamics of the heating process. This method proved to be a facile and accurate approach to probe the actual temperature increase due to photo-induced plasmon heating in plasmonic nanosystems.
MiR-199a-5p regulates sirtuin1 and PI3K in the rat hippocampus with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Chen Juncao , Gong Xiaoyun , Huang Li , Chen Pingyang , Wang Tao , Zhou Wei , Luo Kaiju , Wang Jing 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn humans, malnutrition during pregnancy results in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and an increased risk of neurological morbidities; altered miRNA characteristics have been suggested to contribute to IUGR neurological pathogenesis. A miRNA microarray was used to identify differentially expressed miRNA molecules in the hippocampi of rats with IUGR. Five of the molecules in question were selectively validated using real-time PCR in rats with IUGR. We then investigated the role of miR-199a-5p in hippocampal pathology. Bioinformatics analysis results suggested that TNF-α, caspase-3 and SIRT1 were potential targets of miR-199a-5p. Changes in PI3K, SIRT1 and caspase-3 protein expressions levels in the hippocampus were confirmed by Western blot analysis (all P < 0.05). Studies using the pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 cells and primary neurons demonstrated that miR-199a-5p modulated PI3K, caspase-3 and SIRT1 expression. Additionally, there was an inverse correlation between miR-199a-5p and caspase-3 expression, though dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that caspase-3 is not a target of miR-199a-5p. We conclude that IUGR affects hippocampal miRNAs characteristics. Our results also indicated that aberrantly high expression levels of miR-199a-5p may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IUGR by regulating SIRT1 and PI3K.
Cells with stemness features are generated from in vitro transformed human fibroblasts
Authors: Bono Bartolo , Ostano Paola , Peritore Martina , Gregnanin Ilaria , Belgiovine Cristina , Liguori Manuela , Allavena Paola , Chiorino Giovanna , Chiodi Ilaria , Mondello Chiara 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs) have been involved in the maintenance, progression and relapse of several tumors, but their origin is still elusive. Here,in vitrotransformed human fibroblasts (cen3tel cells) and the tumorsphere assay were used to search for and possibly characterize CSCs in transformed somatic cells. Cen3tel cells formed spheres showing self-renewal capacity and Sox2 overexpression, suggesting that they contained a subset of cells with CSC-like features. Sphere cells displayed deregulation of a c-MYC/miR-34a circuitry, likely associated with cell protection from apoptosis. Gene expression profiles of sphere cells revealed an extensive transcriptional reprogramming. Genes up-regulated in tumorspheres identified processes related to tumorigenesis and stemness, as cholesterol biosynthesis, apoptosis suppression, interferon and cytokine mediated signalling pathways. Sphere cells engrafted into NSG mice more rapidly than adherent cells, but both cell populations were tumorigenic. These results indicate that, during transformation, human somatic cells can acquire CSC properties, confirming the high plasticity of tumor cells. However, CSC-like cells are not the only tumorigenic population in transformed cells, indicating that the CSC phenotype and tumorigenicity can be uncoupled.
Evaluation of two-point Dixon water-fat separation for liver specific contrast-enhanced assessment of liver maximum capacity
Authors: Haimerl Michael , Probst Ute , Poelsterl Stefanie , Fellner Claudia , Nickel Dominik , Weigand Kilian , Brunner Stefan M. , Zeman Florian , Stroszczynski Christian , Wiggermann Philipp 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging has become a useful tool for quantitative evaluation of liver capacity. We report on the importance of intrahepatic fat on gadoxetic acid-supported T1 mapping for estimation of liver maximum capacity, assessed by the realtime 13C-methacetin breathing test (13C-MBT). For T1 relaxometry, we used a respective T1-weighted sequence with two-point Dixon water-fat separation and various flip angles. Both T1 maps of the in-phase component without fat separation (T1_in) and T1 maps merely based on the water component (T1_W) were generated, and respective reduction rates of the T1 relaxation time (rrT1) were evaluated. A steady considerable decline in rrT1 with progressive reduction of liver function could be observed for both T1_in and T1_W (p < 0.001). When patients were subdivided into 3 different categories of 13C-MBT readouts, the groups could be significantly differentiated by their rrT1_in and rrT1_W values (p < 0.005). In a simple correlation model of 13C-MBT values with T1_inpost (r = 0.556; p < 0.001), T1_Wpost (r = 0.557; p < 0.001), rrT1_in (r = 0.711; p < 0.001) and rrT1_W (r = 0.751; p < 0.001), a log-linear correlation has been shown. Liver maximum capacity measured with 13C-MBT can be determined more precisely from gadoxetic acid-supported T1 mapping when intrahepatic fat is taken into account. Here, T1_W maps are shown to be significantly superior to T1_in maps without separation of fat.
Skeletal Muscle Dystrophy mutant of lamin A alters the structure and dynamics of the Ig fold domain
Authors: Dutta Subarna , Das Jitendra K. , Maganti Lakshmi , Bhattacharyya Maitree , Bhattacharyya Dhananjay , Mukherjee Sujoy , Sengupta Kaushik 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMutations in the different domains of A-type lamin proteins cause a diverse plethora of diseases collectively termed as laminopathies which can affect multiple organs. Ig fold is one such domain of lamin A which is implicated in numerous nuclear interactions wherein the mutations lead to different laminopathies. W514R is one such mutation in the Ig fold which leads to severe phenotypes in Skeletal Muscle Dystrophy (SMD) which is a class of laminopathies. In this report, we elucidated gross alterations in structure and dynamics at the level of individual amino acids. These studies indicate altered conformational features of residues in the close vicinity of W514. Imaging of mammalian cells transfected with the mutant have shown distinct perturbation of the nuclear meshwork with concomitant alteration in nuclear interactions as a result of increased oligomerization of Ig W514R. Hence, this novel approach of amalgamating theoretical and experimental procedures to predict the severity of a mutant in the context of laminopathies could be extended for numerous lamin A mutants.
Association of Percentage Body Fat and Metabolic Health in Offspring of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Chen Yuan-Yuei , Fang Wen-Hui , Wang Chung-Ching , Kao Tung-Wei , Chang Yaw-Wen , Yang Hui-Fang , Wu Chen-Jung , Sun Yu-Shan , Chen Wei-Liang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFamily history was one of the major risk factors for developing adverse health outcomes such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Our aim was to examine the relationship between different family histories and cardiometabolic events, including DM, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and HTN. Participants who attended the health examinations at the Tri-Service General Hospital from 2010 to 2016 were enrolled in the study and were categorized into four groups by representing different family history. A multivariable logistic regression model was used for the associations between various family history with the cardiometabolic events. Subjects with family history of DM were divided into quartiles by percentage body fat (PBF) to be analyzed for these adverse outcomes. In the cross-sectional analysis, subjects with family history of DM had significant association with MetS (OR = 1.34 [95%CI: 1.17–1.54]) and DM (OR = 3.03 [95%CI: 2.44–3.76]), and those with family history of HTN were positively associated with HTN (OR = 1.60 [95%CI: 1.41–1.81]). Notably, those with family history of DM in higher PBF quartiles had substantially increased association of cardiometabolic events (MetS: OR = 15.20 [95%CI: 9.87–23.39]; DM: OR = 3.35 [95%CI: 1.91–5.90]; HTN: 2.81 [95%CI: 1.84–4.29]). Individuals with family history of DM were positively associated with MetS and DM, and those with family history of HTN was associated with HTN. Family history assessment was requested especially in obese population for screening adverse health outcomes.