bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two new cellulolytic fungal species isolated from a 19th-century art collection
Authors: Coronado-Ruiz Carolina , Avendaño Roberto , Escudero-Leyva Efraín , Conejo-Barboza Geraldine , Chaverri Priscila , Chavarría Max 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe archive of the Universidad de Costa Rica maintains a nineteenth-century French collection of drawings and lithographs in which the biodeterioration by fungi is rampant. Because of nutritional conditions in which these fungi grew, we suspected that they possessed an ability to degrade cellulose. In this work our goal was to isolate and identify the fungal species responsible for the biodegradation of a nineteenth-century art collection and determine their cellulolytic activity. Fungi were isolated using potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and water-agar with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The identification of the fungi was assessed through DNA sequencing (nrDNA ITS and α-actin regions) complemented with morphological analyses. Assays for cellulolytic activity were conducted with Gram’s iodine as dye. Nineteen isolates were obtained, of which seventeen were identified through DNA sequencing to species level, belonging mainly to genera Arthrinium, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Penicillium and Trichoderma. For two samples that could not be identified through their ITS and α-actin sequences, a morphological analysis was conducted; they were identified as new species, named Periconia epilithographicola sp. nov. and Coniochaeta cipronana sp. nov. Qualitative tests showed that the fungal collection presents important cellulolytic activity.
Decadal surface temperature trends in India based on a new high-resolution data set
Authors: Ross Robert S. , Krishnamurti T. N. , Pattnaik Sandeep , Pai D. S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA new comprehensive surface temperature data set for India is used to document changes in Indian temperature over seven decades, in order to examine the patterns and possible effects of global warming. The data set is subdivided into pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon categories in order to study the temperature patterns in each of these periods. When the decade means in maximum, minimum and daily mean temperature for the 2000s are compared to those of the 1950s, a consistent pattern of warming is found over northwestern and southern India, and a pattern of cooling is seen in a broad zone anchored over northeastern India and extending southwestward across central India. These patterns are explained by the presence of a large region of anthropogenic brown haze over India and adjacent ocean regions. These aerosols absorb solar radiation, leading to warming of the haze layer over northeastern and central India and to cooling of the surface air beneath. The heated air rises and then sinks to the north and south of the haze region over northwestern and southern India, warming the air by compression as it sinks in those regions. The possible impact of these temperature patterns on Indian agriculture is considered.
Relationship Between Homodimeric Glucocorticoid Receptor and Transcriptional Regulation Assessed via an In Vitro Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy-Microwell System
Authors: Oasa Sho , Mikuni Shintaro , Yamamoto Johtaro , Kurosaki Tsumugi , Yamashita Daisuke , Kinjo Masataka 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGlucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a hormone-activated transcription regulatory protein involved in metabolism as well as adrenocortical responses to psychosocial stress. Ligand-activated GR localizes to the nucleus, where GR homodimers regulate gene transcription via direct binding to glucocorticoid response elements (GREs). The role of GR homodimers in transcriptional activation has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we determined the concentration of GR homodimer, and its dissociation constant (Kd), at the single-cell level, by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) combined with a microwell system. Results from dissociation constant analysis and diffusion analysis suggested that GR forms complexes with other proteins as well as homodimers. We determined the relationship between the concentration of GR homodimer and transcriptional activity using a triple-color FCS-microwell system-based fluorescent reporter assay. The binding affinity of GR to GREs was analyzed via fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS). Our findings indicate that the GR homodimer is essential for activating target gene transcription.
Network recovery based on system crash early warning in a cascading failure model
Authors: Zhou Dong , Elmokashfi Ahmed 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates the possibility of saving a network that is predicted to have a cascading failure that will eventually lead to a total collapse. We model cascading failures using the recently proposed KQ model. Then predict an impending total collapse by monitoring critical slowing down indicators and subsequently attempt to prevent the total collapse of the network by adding new nodes. To this end, we systematically evaluate five node addition rules, the effect of intervention delay and network degree heterogeneity. Surprisingly, unlike for random homogeneous networks, we find that a delayed intervention is preferred for saving scale free networks. We also find that for homogeneous networks, the best strategy is to wire newly added nodes to existing nodes in a uniformly random manner. For heterogeneous networks, however, a random selection of nodes based on their degree mostly outperforms a uniform random selection. These results provide new insights into restoring networks by adding nodes after observing early warnings of an impending complete breakdown.
Virulent PB1-F2 residues: effects on fitness of H1N1 influenza A virus in mice and changes during evolution of human influenza A viruses
Authors: Alymova Irina V. , McCullers Jonathan A. , Kamal Ram P. , Vogel Peter , Green Amanda M. , Gansebom Shane , York Ian A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSpecific residues of influenza A virus (IAV) PB1-F2 proteins may enhance inflammation or cytotoxicity. In a series of studies, we evaluated the function of these virulence-associated residues in the context of different IAV subtypes in mice. Here, we demonstrate that, as with the previously assessed pandemic 1968 (H3N2) IAV, PB1-F2 inflammatory residues increase the virulence of H1N1 IAV, suggesting that this effect might be a universal feature. Combining both inflammatory and cytotoxic residues in PB1-F2 enhanced virulence further, compared to either motif alone. Residues from these virulent motifs have been present in natural isolates from human seasonal IAV of all subtypes, but there has been a trend toward a gradual reduction in the number of virulent residues over time. However, human IAV of swine and avian origin tend to have more virulent residues than do the human-adapted seasonal strains, raising the possibility that donation of PB1 segments from these zoonotic viruses may increase the severity of some seasonal human strains. Our data suggest the value of surveillance of virulent residues in both human and animal IAV to predict the severity of influenza season.
Turning Biodiesel Waste Glycerol into 1,3-Propanediol: Catalytic Performance of Sulphuric acid-Activated Montmorillonite Supported Platinum Catalysts in Glycerol Hydrogenolysis
Authors: Samudrala Shanthi Priya , Kandasamy Shalini , Bhattacharya Sankar 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDirect C-O hydrogenolysis of bioglycerine to produce 1,3-propanediol selectively is a vital technology that can expand the scope of biodiesel industry and green chemical production from biomass. Herein we report sulphuric acid-activated montmorillonite clay supported platinum nanoparticles as highly effective solid acid catalysts for the selective production of 1,3-propanediol from glycerol. The catalytic performances of the catalysts were investigated in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol with a fixed bed reactor under ambient pressure. The results were found promising and showed that the activation of montmorillonite by sulphuric acid incorporated Brønsted acidity in the catalyst and significantly improved the selectivity to 1,3-propanediol. The catalytic performance of different platinum loaded catalysts was examined and 2 wt% Pt/S-MMT catalyst presented superior activity among others validating 62% 1,3-propanediol selectivity at 94% glycerol conversion. The catalytic activity of 2Pt/S-MMT was systematically investigated under varying reaction parameters including reaction temperature, hydrogen flow rate, glycerol concentration, weight hourly space velocity, and contact time to derive the optimum conditions for the reaction. The catalyst stability, reusability and structure-activity correlation were also elucidated. The high performance of the catalyst could be ascribed to well disperse Pt nanoparticles immobilized on acid-activated montmorillonite, wider pore-structure and appropriate acid sites of the catalyst.
Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4 Gamma 1 (eIF4G1) is upregulated during Prostate cancer progression and modulates cell growth and metastasis
Authors: Jaiswal Praveen Kumar , Koul Sweaty , Shanmugam Prakash S. T. , Koul Hari K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstracteIF4G1, a critical component of the eIF4F complex, is required for cap-dependent mRNA translation, a process necessary for tumor growth and survival. However, the role of eIF4G1 has not been evaluated in Prostate Cancer (PCa). We observed an increased eIF4G1 protein levels in PCa tissues as compared to normal tissues. Analysis of the TCGA data revealed that eIF4G1 gene expression positively correlated with higher tumor grade and stage. Furthermore, eIF4G1 was over-expressed and or amplified, in 16% patients with metastatic PCa (SU2C/PCF Dream Team dataset) and in 59% of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients (Trento/Cornell/Broad dataset). We showed for the first time that eIF4G1 expression was increased in PCa and that increased eIF4G1 expression associated with tumor progression and metastasis. We also observed high protein levels of eIF4G1 in PCa cell lines and prostate tissues from the TRAMP model of PCa as compared to normal prostate cell line and prostate tissues from the wild type mice. Knockdown of eIF4G1 in PCa cells resulted in decreased Cyclin D1 and p-Rb protein level, cell cycle delay, reduced cell viability and proliferation, impaired clonogenic activity, reduced cell migration and decreased mRNA loading to polysomes. Treatment with eIF4G complex inhibitor also impaired prostasphere formation. eIF4G1 knockdown or treatment with eIF4G complex inhibitor sensitized CRPC cells to Enzalutamide and Bicalutamide. Our results showed that eIF4G1 plays an important role in PCa growth and therapeutic resistance. These data suggested that eIF4G1 functions as an oncoprotein and may serve as a novel target for intervention in PCa and CRPC.
Advantageous environment of micro-patterned, high-density complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor electrode array for spiral ganglion neurons cultured in vitro
Authors: Radotić Viktorija , Braeken Dries , Drviš Petar , Mattotti Marta , Kovačić Damir 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study investigated micro-patterned, high-density complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) electrode array to be used as biologically permissive environment for organization, guidance and electrical stimulation of spiral ganglion neurons (SGN). SGNs extracted and isolated from cochleae of P5-P7 rat pups and adult guinea pigs were cultured 1, 4 and 7 days in vitro on glass coverslips (control) and CMOS electrode array. The cultures were analyzed visually and immunohistochemically for SGN presence, outgrowth, neurite alignment, neurite length, neurite asymmetry as well as the contact of a neuronal soma and neurites with the micro-electrodes. Our findings indicate that topographical environment of CMOS chip with micro-patterned pillars enhanced growth, survival, morphology, neural orientation and alignment of SGNs in vitro compared to control. Smaller spacing (0.8–1.6 µm) between protruding pillars on CMOS led SGNs to develop structured and guided neurites oriented along three topographical axes separated by 60°. We found morphological basis for positioning of the micro-electrodes on the chip that was appropriate for direct contact of SGNs with them. This configuration allowed CMOS electrode array to electrically stimulate the SGN whose responses were observed with live Fluo 4 calcium imaging.
Scalable Surface Microstructuring by a Fiber Laser for Controlled Nucleate Boiling Performance of High- and Low-Surface-Tension Fluids
Authors: Gregorčič Peter , Zupančič Matevž , Golobič Iztok 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNucleate boiling enables effective cooling and heat transfer at low temperature differences between a heated surface and the surrounding fluid. It is utilized in many applications, ranging from large power plants to small microelectronics. To enhance the boiling process by minimization of the surface temperature and increase the maximum attainable heat flux, several approaches for surface modifications were recently developed. However, each of them has at least one important drawback, including challenging and expensive production, mechanical and/or thermal instability or problematic scale-up. Herein, a straightforward, robust and flexible method using a nanosecond fiber laser for production of surfaces with multi-scale micro-cavities (with diameters ranging from 0.2 to 10 μm) is developed. Examination of these surfaces in two very contrasting fluids - water, which is polar, has high surface tension and high latent heat of vaporization; and non-polar, dielectric tetradecafluorohexane (FC-72) with low surface tension and much lower latent heat - confirms that such surfaces enable enhanced heat transfer and controlled boiling in combination with diverse fluids. This demonstration suggests that the developed method has the potential to overcome the current limitations for further miniaturization of microelectronic devices and to increase performance and safety in high heat flux systems.
Wettability and friction control of a stainless steel surface by combining nanosecond laser texturing and adsorption of superhydrophobic nanosilica particles
Authors: Conradi M. , Drnovšek A. , Gregorčič P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this work, we present functionalization of AISI 316 L surfaces by nanosecond Nd:YAG laser texturing and adsorption of superhydrophobic fluoroalkylsilane functionalized 30-nm silica nanoparticles. Surface modification by varying the distance between laser-produced micro(μ)-channels leads to different surface roughnesses. After nanosilica coating, the superhydrophilic laser-textured surfaces change into superhydrophobic surfaces with the same μ-roughness. A higher μ-channel density leads to more hydrophobic surfaces after coating. This enables a study of the combined effect of surface wettability and morphology on the friction coefficient and wear resistance. Experiments were performed in dry and water environments. In the case of dry friction, increased μ-roughness leads to a higher friction coefficient, and the water-repellency modification by nanosilica particles has no influence on the tribological behaviour. In contrast, in the water environment, the wettability presents an important contribution to the properties of contact surfaces: hydrophobic surfaces exhibit a lower friction coefficient, especially at higher densities of μ-channels. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of surfaces before and after the tribological experiments is performed, revealing the difference in weight % of Si in the worn surface compared to the unworn surface, which varies according to the nature of the surface morphology due to laser texturing in both dry and water environments.
Real-world use of ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Yi-Sheng , Lee Wan-Ju , Lim Chen-Chee , Wang Shih-Hao , Hsu Sheng-Min , Chen Yi-Chian , Cheng Chia-Yi , Teng Yu-Ti , Huang Yi-Hsun , Lai Chun-Chieh , Tseng Sung-Huei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the “real-world” use of ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in Taiwan and assessed the visual outcome. We reviewed the medical records at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Taiwan, during 2012–2014 for 264 consecutive eyes of 229 patients with nAMD, who applied for ranibizumab covered by national health insurance. A total of 194 eyes (73.5%) in 179 patients (65.5% men; mean ± standard deviation age 69.4 ± 10.7 years) were pre-approved for treatment. Applications for treatment increased year by year, but approval rates decreased during this time. The major causes of rejection for funding were diseases mimicking nAMD, including macular pucker/epiretinal membrane, macular scarring, dry-type AMD, and possible polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. After completion of three injections in 147 eyes, visual acuity significantly improved, gaining ≥1 line in 51.8% of eyes and stabilising in 38.3% of 141 eyes in which visual acuity was measured. The 114 eyes approved with only one application had a better visual outcome than the 27 eyes approved after the second or third applications. In conclusion, ranibizumab is effective for nAMD; however, approval after the second or third application for national health insurance cover is a less favourable predictor of visual outcome.
Nutrient depletion-induced production of tri-acylated glycerophospholipids in Acinetobacter radioresistens
Authors: Luo Yu , Javed Muhammad Afzal , Deneer Harry , Chen Xialu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBacteria inhabit a vast range of biological niches and have evolved diverse mechanisms to cope with environmental stressors. The genus Acinetobacter comprises a complex group of Gram-negative bacteria. Some of these bacteria such as A. baumannii are nosocomial pathogens. They are often resistant to multiple antibiotics and are associated with epidemic outbreaks. A. radioresistens is generally considered to be a commensal bacterium on human skin or an opportunistic pathogen. Interestingly, this species has exceptional resistance to a range of environmental challenges which contributes to its persistence in clinical environment and on human skin. We studied changes in its lipid composition induced by the onset of stationary phase. This strain produced triglycerides (TG) as well as four common phospholipids: phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), cardiolipin (CL) and lysocardiolipin (LCL). It also produced small amounts of acyl-phosphatidylglycerol (APG). As the bacterial growth entered the stationary phase, the lipidome switched from one dominated by PE and PG to another dominated by CL and LCL. Surprisingly, bacteria in the stationary phase produced N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) and another rare lipid we tentatively name as 1-phosphatidyl-2-acyl-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (PAGPE) based on tandem mass spectrometry. It is possible these tri-acylated lipids play an important role in coping with nutrient depletion.
Exploring DNA quality of single cells for genome analysis with simultaneous whole-genome amplification
Authors: Bäumer Christiane , Fisch Evelyn , Wedler Holger , Reinecke Frank , Korfhage Christian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSingle cell genome analysis methods are powerful tools to define features of single cells and to identify differences between them. Since the DNA amount of a single cell is very limited, cellular DNA usually needs to be amplified by whole-genome amplification before being subjected to further analysis. A single nucleus only contains two haploid genomes. Thus, any DNA damage that prevents amplification results in loss of damaged DNA sites and induces an amplification bias. Therefore, the assessment of single cell DNA quality is urgently required. As of today, there is no simple method to determine the quality of a single cell DNA in a manner that will still retain the entire cellular DNA for amplification and downstream analysis. Here, we describe a method for whole-genome amplification with simultaneous quality control of single cell DNA by using a competitive spike-in DNA template.
Effect of Bmi1 over-expression on gene expression in adult and embryonic murine neural stem cells
Authors: Ganapathi Mythily , Boles Nathan C. , Charniga Carol , Lotz Steven , Campbell Melissa , Temple Sally , Morse Randall H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe ability of isolated neural stem cells (NSCs) to proliferate as neurospheres is indicative of their competence as stem cells, and depends critically on the polycomb group (PcG) member Bmi1: knockdown of Bmi1 results in defective proliferation and self-renewal of isolated NSCs, whereas overexpression of Bmi1 enhances these properties. Here we report genome-wide changes in gene expression in embryonic and adult NSCs (eNSCs and aNSCs) caused by overexpression of Bmi1. We find that genes whose expression is altered by perturbations in Bmi1 levels in NSCs are mostly distinct from those affected in other multipotent stem/progenitor cells, such as those from liver and lung, aside from a small core of common targets that is enriched for genes associated with cell migration and mobility. We also show that genes differing in expression between prospectively isolated quiescent and activated NSCs are not affected by Bmi1 overexpression. In contrast, a comparison of genes showing altered expression upon Bmi1 overexpression in eNSCs and in aNSCs reveals considerable overlap, in spite of their different provenances in the brain and their differing developmental programs.
Frequency and Associated Factors of Bone Fractures in Russians: The Ural Eye and Medical Study
Authors: Bikbov Mukharram M. , Fayzrakhmanov Rinat R. , Kazakbaeva Gyulli M. , Zainullin Rinat M. , Salavatova Venera F. , Gilmanshin Timur R. , Arslangareeva Inga I. , Nikitin Nikolai A. , Panda-Jonas Songhomitra , Mukhamadieva Svetlana R. , Yakupova Dilya F. , Khikmatullin Renat I. , Aminev Said K. , Nuriev Ildar F. , Zaynetdinov Artur F. , Uzianbaeva Yulia V. , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWith information about frequency of bone fractures in Russia mostly missing, we assessed the frequency of previous bone fractures in a Russian population. The population-based study Ural Eye and Medical Study included 5899 (80.5%) out of 7328 eligible individuals (mean age: 59.0 ± 10.7 years; range: 40–94 years). The history of previous bone fractures was assessed in a standardized interview for 5397 (91.5%) individuals. Mean frequency of any previous bone fracture was 1650/5397 (30.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 29, 3, 31.8). In multivariate analysis, higher frequency of bone fractures was associated with male sex (P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR): 1.67; 95% CI: 1.41, 2.00), urban region (P < 0.001; OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.72), higher prevalence of vigorous activity during leisure (P < 0.001; OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.68), current smoking (P = 0.001; OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.82) and higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (P = 0.007; OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.56), low blood pressure episodes with hospital admission (P = 0.001; OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.16), tumbling (P < 0.001; OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.16) and thoracic spine pain (P < 0.001; OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.73). In women, menopause (P < 0.001; OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.47, 3.22) was additionally associated. The most common single-bone fractures involved leg and knee (229/5397; 4.2%), hand in general (n = 169; 3.1%) or hand wrist only (n = 97; 1.8%), arm (n = 94; 1.7%) and ankle (n = 67; 1.2%). Severe fractures included spine (n = 35; 0.6%), os sacrum (n = 10; 0.2%), skull (n = 6; 0.1%), pelvis (n = 5; 0.1%) and hip (n = 22; 0.4%). Most frequent combined fractures included as most important part the leg (n = 90; 1.7%), spine (n = 18; 0.3%), and hip (n = 18; 0.3). These data give hints on the epidemiology of bone fractures in Russia.