bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Warming and Inhibition of Salinization at the Ocean's Surface by Cyanobacteria
Authors: Wurl O. , Bird K. , Cunliffe M. , Landing W. M. , Miller U. , Mustaffa N. I. H. , Ribas‐Ribas M. , Witte C. , Zappa C. J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper describes high‐resolution in situ observations of temperature and, for the first time, of salinity in the uppermost skin layer of the ocean, including the influence of large surface blooms of cyanobacteria on those skin properties. In the presence of the blooms, large anomalies of skin temperature and salinity of 0.95°C and −0.49 practical salinity unit were found, but a substantially cooler (−0.22°C) and saltier skin layer (0.19 practical salinity unit) was found in the absence of surface blooms. The results suggest that biologically controlled warming and inhibition of salinization of the ocean's surface occur. Less saline skin layers form during precipitation, but our observations also show that surface blooms of Trichodesmium sp. inhibit evaporation decreasing the salinity at the ocean's surface. This study has important implications in the assessment of precipitation over the ocean using remotely sensed salinity, but also for a better understanding of heat exchange and the hydrologic cycle on a regional scale.
Enhanced electrocaloric efficiency via energy recovery
Authors: Defay E. , Faye R. , Despesse G. , Strozyk H. , Sette D. , Crossley S. , Moya X. , Mathur N. D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMaterials that show large and reversible electrically driven thermal changes near phase transitions have been proposed for cooling applications, but energy efficiency has barely been explored. Here we reveal that most of the work done to drive representative electrocaloric cycles does not pump heat and may therefore be recovered. Initially, we recover 75–80% of the work done each time BaTiO3-based multilayer capacitors drive electrocaloric effects in each other via an inductor (diodes prevent electrical resonance while heat flows after each charge transfer). For a prototype refrigerator with 24 such capacitors, recovering 65% of the work done to drive electrocaloric effects increases the coefficient of performance by a factor of 2.9. The coefficient of performance is subsequently increased by reducing the pumped heat and recovering more work. Our strategy mitigates the advantage held by magnetocaloric prototypes that exploit automatic energy recovery, and should be mandatory in future electrocaloric cooling devices.
Tracing the origin of heterogeneity and symmetry breaking in the early mammalian embryo
Authors: Chen Qi , Shi Junchao , Tao Yi , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA fundamental question in developmental and stem cell biology concerns the origin and nature of signals that initiate asymmetry leading to pattern formation and self-organization. Instead of having prominent pre-patterning determinants as present in model organisms (worms, sea urchin, frog), we propose that the mammalian embryo takes advantage of more subtle cues such as compartmentalized intracellular reactions that generate micro-scale inhomogeneity, which is gradually amplified over several cellular generations to drive pattern formation while keeping developmental plasticity. It is therefore possible that by making use of compartmentalized information followed by its amplification, mammalian embryos would follow general principle of development found in other organisms in which the spatial cue is more robustly presented.
Single quantum dot tracking reveals the impact of nanoparticle surface on intracellular state
Authors: Zahid Mohammad U. , Ma Liang , Lim Sung Jun , Smith Andrew M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInefficient delivery of macromolecules and nanoparticles to intracellular targets is a major bottleneck in drug delivery, genetic engineering, and molecular imaging. Here we apply live-cell single-quantum-dot imaging and tracking to analyze and classify nanoparticle states after intracellular delivery. By merging trajectory diffusion parameters with brightness measurements, multidimensional analysis reveals distinct and heterogeneous populations that are indistinguishable using single parameters alone. We derive new quantitative metrics of particle loading, cluster distribution, and vesicular release in single cells, and evaluate intracellular nanoparticles with diverse surfaces following osmotic delivery. Surface properties have a major impact on cell uptake, but little impact on the absolute cytoplasmic numbers. A key outcome is that stable zwitterionic surfaces yield uniform cytosolic behavior, ideal for imaging agents. We anticipate that this combination of quantum dots and single-particle tracking can be widely applied to design and optimize next-generation imaging probes, nanoparticle therapeutics, and biologics.
Inversion symmetry and bulk Rashba effect in methylammonium lead iodide perovskite single crystals
Authors: Frohna Kyle , Deshpande Tejas , Harter John , Peng Wei , Barker Bradford A. , Neaton Jeffrey B. , Louie Steven G. , Bakr Osman M. , Hsieh David , Bernardi Marco 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMethylammonium lead iodide perovskite (MAPbI3) exhibits long charge carrier lifetimes that are linked to its high efficiency in solar cells. Yet, the mechanisms governing these unusual carrier dynamics are not completely understood. A leading hypothesis—disproved in this work—is that a large, static bulk Rashba effect slows down carrier recombination. Here, using second harmonic generation rotational anisotropy measurements on MAPbI3crystals, we demonstrate that the bulk structure of tetragonal MAPbI3is centrosymmetric withI4/mcmspace group. Our calculations show that a significant Rashba splitting in the bandstructure requires a non-centrosymmetric lead iodide framework, and that incorrect structural relaxations are responsible for the previously predicted large Rashba effect. The small Rashba splitting allows us to compute effective masses in excellent agreement with experiment. Our findings rule out the presence of a large static Rashba effect in bulk MAPbI3, and our measurements find no evidence of dynamic Rashba effects.
Designer cells programming quorum-sensing interference with microbes
Authors: Sedlmayer Ferdinand , Hell Dennis , Müller Marius , Ausländer David , Fussenegger Martin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractQuorum sensing is a promising target for next-generation anti-infectives designed to address evolving bacterial drug resistance. The autoinducer-2 (AI-2) is a key quorum-sensing signal molecule which regulates bacterial group behaviors and is recognized by many Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Here we report a synthetic mammalian cell-based microbial-control device that detects microbial chemotactic formyl peptides through a formyl peptide sensor (FPS) and responds by releasing AI-2. The microbial-control device was designed by rewiring an artificial receptor-based signaling cascade to a modular biosynthetic AI-2 production platform. Mammalian cells equipped with the microbial-control gene circuit detect formyl peptides secreted from various microbes with high sensitivity and respond with robust AI-2 production, resulting in control of quorum sensing-related behavior of pathogenic Vibrio harveyi and attenuation of biofilm formation by the human pathogen Candida albicans. The ability to manipulate mixed microbial populations through fine-tuning of AI-2 levels may provide opportunities for future anti-infective strategies.
Outlook for graphene-based desalination membranes
Authors: Boretti Albert , Al-Zubaidy Sarim , Vaclavikova Miroslava , Al-Abri Mohammed , Castelletto Stefania , Mikhalovsky Sergey 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe discuss here next-generation membranes based on graphene for water desalination, based on the results of molecular simulations, application of nanofabrication technologies, and experiments. The potential of graphene to serve as a key material for advanced membranes comes from two major possible advantages of this atomically thin two-dimensional material: permeability and selectivity. Graphene-based membranes are also hypothetically attractive based on concentration polarization and fouling, and graphene’s chemical and physical stability. Further research is needed to fully achieve these theoretical benefits, however. In addition, improvement in the design and manufacturing processes, so to produce performance and cost-effective graphene-based desalination devices, is still an open question. Finally, membranes are only one part of desalination systems, and current processes are not optimized to take full advantage of the higher selectivity and permeability of graphene. New desalination processes are, therefore, needed to unlock the full benefits of graphene.
Algal–bacterial synergy in treatment of winery wastewater
Authors: Higgins Brendan T. , Gennity Ingrid , Fitzgerald Patrick S. , Ceballos Shannon J. , Fiehn Oliver , VanderGheynst Jean S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThere is significant potential for employing algae in tertiary wastewater treatment, however, little is known about the contribution of algae-bacteria synergy toward treatment performance. This study demonstrates potential synergy in the treatment of three winery wastewater samples. Two strains of green algae, Auxenochlorella protothecoides and Chlorella sorokiniana were tested and each removed > 90% of nitrogen, > 50% of phosphate, and 100% of acetic acid in the wastewater. Both algae strains grew significantly faster on wastewaters compared to growth on minimal media. Organic carbon in the wastewater apparently played a limited role in algal growth enhancement. When cultured on sterile-filtered wastewater, A. protothecoides increased soluble COD loadings in two of the three wastewaters and C. sorokiniana secreted an insoluble film. Culturing algae with the native wastewater microbial community negated the secretion of algal photosynthate, allowing for simultaneous reductions in COD and nutrient concentrations. Both algae species stimulated bacterial growth in a strain-specific way, suggesting unique responses to algal photosynthate. Cofactor auxotrophy for thiamine, cobalamin, and biotin is widespread among algae and these cofactors are typically obtained from bacteria. Sequencing the wastewater microbial community revealed bacteria capable of synthesizing all three cofactors while liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LCMS) and bio-assays revealed the presence of thiamine metabolites in the wastewaters. These cofactors likely increased algal growth rates, particularly for A. protothecoides, which cannot synthesize thiamine de-novo but can salvage it from degradation products. Collectively, these results demonstrate that bacteria and algae provided synergistic growth benefits, potentially contributing to higher levels of wastewater treatment than either organism type alone.
A meta-analysis of Prognostic factor of Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Gao Yong , Gao Hao , Wang Guangfu , Yin Lingdi , Xu Wenbin , Peng Yunpeng , Wu Junli , Jiang Kuirong , Miao Yi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) are a group of clinically rare and heterogeneous diseases of the pancreas. However, the prognostic factors for this disease in patients still remain controversial. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the predictive roles of those prognostic factors for pNENs. All related articles published until Sep 17, 2017 were identified via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid and the Cochrane Library. Studies that examined the prognostic factors of pNENs were enrolled. 17 articles (2822 patients) were finally included in this study. The pooled data suggested that patients with positive surgical resection margin and lymph node, advanced G stage and TMN stage, organ metastasis, vascular invasion and the necrosis of specimens had a decreased overall survival for pNENs. Similarly, patients with functional tumors might have a poor prognosis. However, age, gender, surgical type and size of tumor could not be regarded as prognostic factors for pNENs. Our analytic data demonstrated that surgical resection margin, G stage, TMN stage, lymph node, metastasis, vascular invasion and the necrosis could be prognostic factors for pNENs. Our study may assist doctors to screen patients with different prognosis more efficiently during follow-up and select appropriate treatment measures.
Large current modulation and tunneling magnetoresistance change by a side-gate electric field in a GaMnAs-based vertical spin metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor
Authors: Kanaki Toshiki , Yamasaki Hiroki , Koyama Tomohiro , Chiba Daichi , Ohya Shinobu , Tanaka Masaaki 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA vertical spin metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (spin MOSFET) is a promising low-power device for the post scaling era. Here, using a ferromagnetic-semiconductor GaMnAs-based vertical spin MOSFET with a GaAs channel layer, we demonstrate a large drain-source current IDS modulation by a gate-source voltage VGS with a modulation ratio up to 130%, which is the largest value that has ever been reported for vertical spin field-effect transistors thus far. We find that the electric field effect on indirect tunneling via defect states in the GaAs channel layer is responsible for the large IDS modulation. This device shows a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio up to ~7%, which is larger than that of the planar-type spin MOSFETs, indicating that IDS can be controlled by the magnetization configuration. Furthermore, we find that the TMR ratio can be modulated by VGS. This result mainly originates from the electric field modulation of the magnetic anisotropy of the GaMnAs ferromagnetic electrodes as well as the potential modulation of the nonmagnetic semiconductor GaAs channel layer. Our findings provide important progress towards high-performance vertical spin MOSFETs.
A Meloidogyne incognita effector MiISE5 suppresses programmed cell death to promote parasitism in host plant
Authors: Shi Qianqian , Mao Zhenchuan , Zhang Xi , Zhang Xiaoping , Wang Yunsheng , Ling Jian , Lin Runmao , Li Denghui , Kang Xincong , Sun Wenxian , Xie Bingyan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRoot-knot nematodes (RKNs) are highly specialized parasites that interact with their host plants using a range of strategies. The esophageal glands are the main places where nematodes synthesize effector proteins, which play central roles in successful invasion. TheMeloidogyne incognitaeffectorMiISE5is exclusively expressed within the subventral esophageal cells and is upregulated during early parasitic stages. In this study, we show that MiISE5 can be secreted to barley cells through infectious hyphae ofMagnaporthe oryzae. TransgenicArabidopsisplants expressingMiISE5became significantly more susceptible toM. incognita. Inversely, the tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated silence ofMiISE5decreased nematode parasitism. Moreover, transient expression ofMiISE5suppressed cell death caused byBurkholderia glumaeinNicotiana benthamiana. Based on transcriptome analysis of MiISE5 transgenic sample and the wild-type (WT) sample, we obtained 261 DEGs, and the results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicate that MiISE5 can interfere with various metabolic and signaling pathways, especially the JA signaling pathway, to facilitate nematode parasitism. Results from the present study suggest that MiISE5 plays an important role during the early stages of parasitism and provides evidence to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the manipulation of host immune defense responses byM. incognita.
Whole-transcriptome analysis of atrophic ovaries in broody chickens reveals regulatory pathways associated with proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Liu Lingbin , Xiao Qihai , Gilbert Elizabeth R. , Cui Zhifu , Zhao Xiaoling , Wang Yan , Yin Huadong , Li Diyan , Zhang Haihan , Zhu Qing 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBroodiness in laying hens results in atrophy of the ovary and consequently decreases productivity. However, the regulatory mechanisms that drive ovary development remain elusive. Thus, we collected atrophic ovaries (AO) from 380-day-old broody chickens (BC) and normal ovaries (NO) from even-aged egg-laying hens (EH) for RNA sequencing. We identified 3,480 protein-coding transcripts that were differentially expressed (DE), including 1,719 that were down-regulated and 1,761 that were up-regulated in AO. There were 959 lncRNA transcripts that were DE, including 56 that were down-regulated and 903 that were up-regulated. Among the116 miRNAs that were DE, 79 were down-regulated and 37 were up-regulated in AO. Numerous DE protein-coding transcripts and target genes for miRNAs/lncRNAs were significantly enriched in reproductive processes, cell proliferation, and apoptosis pathways. A miRNA-intersection gene-pathway network was constructed by considering target relationships and correlation of the expression levels between ovary development-related genes and miRNAs. We also constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by integrating competing relationships between protein-coding genes and lncRNA transcripts, and identified several lncRNA transcripts predicted to regulate theCASP6,CYP1B1,GADD45,MMP2, andSMAS2genes. In conclusion, we discovered protein-coding genes, miRNAs, and lncRNA transcripts that are candidate regulators of ovary development in broody chickens.
A Sixteen-year Decline in Dissolved Oxygen in the Central California Current
Authors: Ren Alice S. , Chai Fei , Xue Huijie , Anderson David M. , Chavez Francisco P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA potential consequence of climate change is global decrease in dissolved oxygen at depth in the oceans due to changes in the balance of ventilation, mixing, respiration, and photosynthesis. We present hydrographic cruise observations of declining dissolved oxygen collected along CalCOFI Line 66.7 (Line 67) off of Monterey Bay, in the Central California Current region, and investigate likely mechanisms. Between 1998 and 2013, dissolved oxygen decreased at the mean rate of 1.92 µmol kg−1 year−1 on σθ 26.6–26.8 kg m−3 isopycnals (250–400 m), translating to a 40% decline from initial concentrations. Two cores of elevated dissolved oxygen decline at 130 and 240 km from shore, which we suggest are a California Undercurrent and a California Current signal respectively, occurred on σθ ranges of 26.0–26.8 kg m−3 (100–400 m). A box model suggests that small annual changes in dissolved oxygen in source regions are sufficient to be the primary driver of the mid-depth declines. Variation in dissolved oxygen at the bottom of the surface mixed layer suggests that there is also a signal of increased local remineralization.
Hyperactivity of Rac1-GTPase pathway impairs neuritogenesis of cortical neurons by altering actin dynamics
Authors: Zamboni Valentina , Armentano Maria , Berto Gaia , Ciraolo Elisa , Ghigo Alessandra , Garzotto Donatella , Umbach Alessandro , DiCunto Ferdinando , Parmigiani Elena , Boido Marina , Vercelli Alessandro , El-Assawy Nadia , Mauro Alessandro , Priano Lorenzo , Ponzoni Luisa , Murru Luca , Passafaro Maria , Hirsch Emilio , Merlo Giorgio R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe small-GTPase Rac1 is a key molecular regulator linking extracellular signals to actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Loss-of-function mutations in RAC1 and other genes of the Rac signaling pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Intellectual Disability (ID). The Rac1 activity is negatively controlled by GAP proteins, however the effect of Rac1 hyperactivity on neuronal networking in vivo has been poorly studied. ArhGAP15 is a Rac-specific negative regulator, expressed in the main subtypes of pyramidal cortical neurons. In the absence of ArhGAP15, cortical pyramidal neurons show defective neuritogenesis, delayed axonal elongation, reduced dendritic branching, both in vitro and in vivo. These phenotypes are associated with altered actin dynamics at the growth cone due to increased activity of the PAK-LIMK pathway and hyperphosphorylation of ADF/cofilin. These results can be explained by shootin1 hypo-phosphorylation and uncoupling with the adhesion system. Functionally, ArhGAP15−/− mice exhibit decreased synaptic density, altered electroencephalographic rhythms and cognitive deficits. These data suggest that both hypo- and hyperactivation of the Rac pathway due to mutations in Rac1 regulators can result in conditions of ID, and that a tight regulation of Rac1 activity is required to attain the full complexity of the cortical networks.
A role for SOX9 in post-transcriptional processes: insights from the amphibian oocyte
Authors: Penrad-Mobayed M. , Perrin C. , L’Hôte D. , Contremoulins V. , Lepesant J.-A. , Boizet-Bonhoure B. , Poulat F. , Baudin X. , Veitia R. A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSox9 is a member of the gene family of SOX transcription factors, which is highly conserved among vertebrates. It is involved in different developmental processes including gonadogenesis. In all amniote species examined thus far, Sox9 is expressed in the Sertoli cells of the male gonad, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved role in testis development. However, in the anamniotes, fishes and amphibians, it is also expressed in the oocyte but the significance of such an expression remains to be elucidated. Here, we have investigated the nuclear localization of the SOX9 protein in the oocyte of three amphibian species, the urodelan Pleurodeles waltl, and two anurans, Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis. We demonstrate that SOX9 is associated with ribonucleoprotein (RNP) transcripts of lampbrush chromosomes in an RNA-dependent manner. This association can be visualized by Super-resolution Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM). Our results suggest that SOX9, known to bind DNA, also carries an additional function in the posttranscriptional processes. We also discuss the significance of the acquisition or loss of Sox9 expression in the oocyte during evolution at the transition between anamniotes and amniotes.
Nitrothiophene carboxamides, a novel narrow spectrum antibacterial series: Mechanism of action and Efficacy
Authors: Hameed P Shahul , Bharatham Nagakumar , Katagihallimath Nainesh , Sharma Sreevalli , Nandishaiah Radha , Shanbhag Anirudh P. , Thomas Teby , Narjari Riya , Sarma Maitrayee , Bhowmik Purnendu , Amar Prakruthi , Ravishankar Rajani , Jayaraman Ramesh , Muthan Kubendran , Subbiah Ramesh , Ramachandran Vasanthi , Balasubramanian V. , Datta Santanu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe mechanism of efflux is a tour-de-force in the bacterial armoury that has thwarted the development of novel antibiotics. We report the discovery of a novel chemical series with potent antibacterial properties that was engineered to overcome efflux liability. Compounds liable to efflux specifically via the Resistance Nodulation and cell Division (RND) pump, AcrAB-TolC were chosen for a hit to lead progression. Using structure-based design, the compounds were optimised to lose their binding to the efflux pump, thereby making them potent on wild-type bacteria. We discovered these compounds to be pro-drugs that require activation inE. coliby specific bacterial nitroreductases NfsA and NfsB. Hit to lead chemistry led to the generation of compounds that were potent on wild-type and multi-drug resistant clinical isolates ofE. coli,Shigella spp., andSalmonella spp. These compounds are bactericidal and efficacious in a mouse thigh infection model.