bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Multi‐GNSS, Multifrequency, and Near‐Real‐Time Ionospheric TEC Monitoring System for South America
Authors: Mendoza L. P. O. , Meza A. M. , Aragón Paz J. M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTaking advantage of the public Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) infrastructure in South America, an operational monitoring system for the total electron content (TEC) in the ionosphere has been developed. It incorporates data in near real time, from more than 90 GNSS satellites tracked by more than 200 ground stations. In turn, the system produces every 15 min a snapshot, that is a map, of the current state of the regional ionosphere, which is immediately available online. These maps could be employed, for example, to augment positioning with single‐frequency GNSS receivers. They could also be combined with similar products in order to obtain weighted and reliable regional TEC maps, even in near real time. Most importantly, these products could be employed as data input in space environment forecasting and nowcasting models, given their very short latency of just a few minutes. In order to assess the response of the whole system to severe geomagnetic disturbances, the performance of the whole monitoring system during an actual geomagnetic storm has been investigated. The results suggest that the near‐real‐time system should be quite capable to monitor the regional TEC at a high temporal rate even under such conditions.
Current status of autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma
Authors: Al Hamed Rama , Bazarbachi Abdul Hamid , Malard Florent , Harousseau Jean-Luc , Mohty Mohamad 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMore than 30 years after its introduction, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard of care for young patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Not only did the arrival of novel agents such as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), proteasome inhibitors (PI) and monoclonal antibodies not replace ASCT, instead they solidified its central role as standard of care. Novel agent use is now inarguably essential in induction, maintenance, and possibly consolidation. In light of these new advancements, new challenges arise in deciding on optimal practice. Who is most suited to undergo ASCT? Is there an age threshold that should not be surpassed? Should transplantation be embarked on early or is it reasonable to delay it? What are the optimal induction, consolidation, and maintenance therapies? What is the role of tandem transplantation in the era of novel agents and where do patient-specific cytogenetics come into the equation when deciding on treatment? These are some of the questions addressed in this review which we will attempt to answer with the latest currently available data.
ILC3 function as a double-edged sword in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Zeng Boning , Shi Shengnan , Ashworth Gareth , Dong Changjiang , Liu Jing , Xing Feiyue 
Published: April 2019

AbstractInflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), composed mainly of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are strongly implicated in the development of intestinal inflammation lesions. Its exact etiology and pathogenesis are still undetermined. Recently accumulating evidence supports that group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) are responsible for gastrointestinal mucosal homeostasis through moderate generation of IL-22, IL-17, and GM-CSF in the physiological state. ILC3 contribute to the progression and aggravation of IBD while both IL-22 and IL-17, along with IFN-γ, are overexpressed by the dysregulation of NCR− ILC3 or NCR+ ILC3 function and the bias of NCR+ ILC3 towards ILC1 as well as regulatory ILC dysfunction in the pathological state. Herein, we feature the group 3 innate lymphoid cells’ development, biological function, maintenance of gut homeostasis, mediation of IBD occurrence, and potential application to IBD therapy.
RdDM-independent de novo and heterochromatin DNA methylation by plant CMT and DNMT3 orthologs
Authors: Yaari Rafael , Katz Aviva , Domb Katherine , Harris Keith D. , Zemach Assaf , Ohad Nir 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTo properly regulate the genome, cytosine methylation is established by animal DNA methyltransferase 3 s (DNMT3s). While altered DNMT3 homologs, Domains rearranged methyltransferases (DRMs), have been shown to establish methylation via the RNA directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, the role of true-plant DNMT3 orthologs remains elusive. Here, we profile de novo (RPS transgene) and genomic methylation in the basal plant, Physcomitrella patens, mutated in each of its PpDNMTs. We show that PpDNMT3b mediates CG and CHH de novo methylation, independently of PpDRMs. Complementary de novo CHG methylation is specifically mediated by the CHROMOMETHYLASE, PpCMT. Intragenomically, PpDNMT3b functions preferentially within heterochromatin and is affected by PpCMT. In comparison, PpDRMs target active-euchromatic transposons. Overall, our data resolve how DNA methylation in plants can be established in heterochromatin independently of RdDM; suggest that DRMs have emerged to target euchromatin; and link DNMT3 loss in angiosperms to the initiation of heterochromatic CHH methylation by CMT2.
Radical-mediated C-S bond cleavage in C2 sulfonate degradation by anaerobic bacteria
Authors: Xing Meining , Wei Yifeng , Zhou Yan , Zhang Jun , Lin Lianyun , Hu Yiling , Hua Gaoqun , N. Nanjaraj Urs Ankanahalli , Liu Dazhi , Wang Feifei , Guo Cuixia , Tong Yang , Li Mengya , Liu Yanhong , Ang Ee Lui , Zhao Huimin , Yuchi Zhiguang , Zhang Yan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBacterial degradation of organosulfonates plays an important role in sulfur recycling, and has been extensively studied. However, this process in anaerobic bacteria especially gut bacteria is little known despite of its potential significant impact on human health with the production of toxic H2S. Here, we describe the structural and biochemical characterization of an oxygen-sensitive enzyme that catalyzes the radical-mediated C-S bond cleavage of isethionate to form sulfite and acetaldehyde. We demonstrate its involvement in pathways that enables C2 sulfonates to be used as terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic respiration in sulfate- and sulfite-reducing bacteria. Furthermore, it plays a key role in converting bile salt-derived taurine into H2S in the disease-associated gut bacterium Bilophila wadsworthia. The enzymes and transporters in these anaerobic pathways expand our understanding of microbial sulfur metabolism, and help deciphering the complex web of microbial pathways involved in the transformation of sulfur compounds in the gut.
TMCO1-mediated Ca2+ leak underlies osteoblast functions via CaMKII signaling
Authors: Li Jianwei , Liu Caizhi , Li Yuheng , Zheng Qiaoxia , Xu Youjia , Liu Beibei , Sun Weijia , Li Yuan , Ji Shuhui , Liu Mingwei , Zhang Jing , Zhao Dingsheng , Du Ruikai , Liu Zizhong , Zhong Guohui , Sun Cuiwei , Wang Yanqing , Song Jinping , Zhang Shu , Qin Jun , Ling Shukuan , Wang Xianhua , Li Yingxian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTransmembrane and coiled-coil domains 1 (TMCO1) is a recently identified Ca2+ leak channel in the endoplasmic reticulum. TMCO1 dysfunction in humans is associated with dysmorphism, mental retardation, glaucoma and the occurrence of cancer. Here we show an essential role of TMCO1 in osteogenesis mediated by local Ca2+/CaMKII signaling in osteoblasts. TMCO1 levels were significantly decreased in bone from both osteoporosis patients and bone-loss mouse models. Tmco1−/− mice exhibited loss of bone mass and altered microarchitecture characteristic of osteoporosis. In the absence of TMCO1, decreased HDAC4 phosphorylation resulted in nuclear enrichment of HADC4, which leads to deacetylation and degradation of RUNX2, the master regulator of osteogenesis. We further demonstrate that TMCO1-mediated Ca2+ leak provides local Ca2+ signals to activate the CaMKII-HDAC4-RUNX2 signaling axis. The establishment of TMCO1 as a pivotal player in osteogenesis uncovers a novel potential therapeutic target for ameliorating osteoporosis.
Discovery and genetic characterization of diverse smacoviruses in Zambian non-human primates
Authors: Anindita Paulina D. , Sasaki Michihito , Gonzalez Gabriel , Phongphaew Wallaya , Carr Michael , Hang’ombe Bernard M. , Mweene Aaron S. , Ito Kimihito , Orba Yasuko , Sawa Hirofumi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe Smacoviridae has recently been classified as a family of small circular single-stranded DNA viruses. An increasing number of smacovirus genomes have been identified exclusively in faecal matter of various vertebrate species and from insect body parts. However, the genetic diversity and host range of smacoviruses remains to be fully elucidated. Herein, we report the genetic characterization of eleven circular replication-associated protein (Rep) encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses detected in the faeces of Zambian non-human primates. Based on pairwise genome-wide and amino acid identities with reference smacovirus species, ten of the identified CRESS DNA viruses are assigned to the genera Porprismacovirus and Huchismacovirus of the family Smacoviridae, which bidirectionally encode two major open reading frames (ORFs): Rep and capsid protein (CP) characteristic of a type IV genome organization. The remaining unclassified CRESS DNA virus was related to smacoviruses but possessed a genome harbouring a unidirectionally oriented CP and Rep, assigned as a type V genome organization. Moreover, phylogenetic and recombination analyses provided evidence for recombination events encompassing the 3′-end of the Rep ORF in the unclassified CRESS DNA virus. Our findings increase the knowledge of the known genetic diversity of smacoviruses and highlight African non-human primates as carrier animals.
Linking morphological and molecular taxonomy for the identification of poultry house, soil, and nest dwelling mites in the Western Palearctic
Authors: Young Monica R. , Moraza María L. , Ueckermann Eddie , Heylen Dieter , Baardsen Lisa F. , Lima-Barbero Jose Francisco , Gal Shira , Gavish-Regev Efrat , Gottlieb Yuval , Roy Lise , Recht Eitan , El Adouzi Marine , Palevsky Eric 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBecause of its ability to expedite specimen identification and species delineation, the barcode index number (BIN) system presents a powerful tool to characterize hyperdiverse invertebrate groups such as the Acari (mites). However, the congruence between BINs and morphologically recognized species has seen limited testing in this taxon. We therefore apply this method towards the development of a barcode reference library for soil, poultry litter, and nest dwelling mites in the Western Palearctic. Through analysis of over 600 specimens, we provide DNA barcode coverage for 35 described species and 70 molecular taxonomic units (BINs). Nearly 80% of the species were accurately identified through this method, but just 60% perfectly matched (1:1) with BINs. High intraspecific divergences were found in 34% of the species examined and likely reflect cryptic diversity, highlighting the need for revision in these taxa. These findings provide a valuable resource for integrative pest management, but also highlight the importance of integrating morphological and molecular methods for fine-scale taxonomic resolution in poorly-known invertebrate lineages.
Inheritance patterns of the transcriptome in hybrid chickens and their parents revealed by expression analysis
Authors: Gu Hongchang , Qi Xin , Jia Yaxiong , Zhang Zebin , Nie Changsheng , Li Xinghua , Li Junying , Jiang Zhihua , Wang Qiong , Qu Lujiang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAlthough many phenotypic traits of chickens have been well documented, the genetic patterns of gene expression levels in chickens remain to be determined. In the present study, we crossed two chicken breeds, White Leghorn (WL) and Cornish (Cor), which have been selected for egg and meat production, respectively, for a few hundred years. We evaluated transcriptome abundance in the brain, muscle, and liver from the day-old progenies of pure-bred WL and Cor, and the hybrids of these two breeds, by RNA-Seq in order to determine the inheritance patterns of gene expression. Comparison among expression levels in the different groups revealed that most of the genes showed conserved expression patterns in all three examined tissues and that brain had the highest number of conserved genes, which indicates that conserved genes are predominantly important compared to others. On the basis of allelic expression analysis, in addition to the conserved genes, we identified the extensive presence of additive, dominant (Cor dominant and WL dominant), over-dominant, and under-dominant genes in all three tissues in hybrids. Our study is the first to provide an overview of inheritance patterns of the transcriptome in layers and broilers, and we also provide insights into the genetics of chickens at the gene expression level.
Imaging and mechanical characterization of different junctions in spider orb webs
Authors: Greco Gabriele , Pantano Maria F. , Mazzolai Barbara , Pugno Nicola M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSpider silk and spider orb webs are among the most studied biological materials and structures owing to their outstanding mechanical properties. A key feature that contributes significantly to the robustness and capability to absorb high kinetic energy of spider webs is the presence of junctions connecting different silk threads. Surprisingly, in spite of their fundamental function, the mechanics of spider web junctions have never been reported. Herein, through mechanical characterization and imaging, we show for the first time that spider orb webs host two different types of junction, produced by different silk glands, which have different morphology, and load bearing capability. These differences can be explained in view of the different roles they play in the web, i.e. allowing for a localized damage control or anchoring the whole structure to the surrounding environment.
Brain-transportable dipeptides across the blood-brain barrier in mice
Authors: Tanaka Mitsuru , Dohgu Shinya , Komabayashi Genki , Kiyohara Hayato , Takata Fuyuko , Kataoka Yasufumi , Nirasawa Takashi , Maebuchi Motohiro , Matsui Toshiro 
Published: April 2019

AbstractApart from nutrients required for the brain, there has been no report that naturally occurring peptides can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The aim of this study was to identify the BBB-transportable peptides using in situ mouse perfusion experiments. Based on the structural features of Gly-N-methylated Gly (Gly-Sar), a reported BBB-transportable compound, 18 dipeptides were synthesized, and were perfused in the mouse brain for two minutes. Among the synthesized dipeptides, Gly-Sar, Gly-Pro, and Tyr-Pro were transported across the BBB with Ki values of 7.60 ± 1.29, 3.49 ± 0.66, and 3.53 ± 0.74 µL/g·min, respectively, and accumulated in the mouse brain parenchyma. Additionally, using MALDI-MS/MS imaging analysis of Tyr-Pro-perfused brain, we provide evidence for Tyr-Pro accumulation in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, striatum, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum of mouse brain.
Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor Attenuates Myocardial Remodeling and Improves Infarct Perfusion in Experimental Heart Failure
Authors: Pfau Daniel , Thorn Stephanie L. , Zhang Jiasheng , Mikush Nicole , Renaud Jennifer M. , Klein Ran , deKemp Robert A. , Wu Xiaohong , Hu Xiaoyue , Sinusas Albert J. , Young Lawrence H. , Tirziu Daniela 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAngiotensin receptor blocker-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) therapy improves the prognosis of heart failure patients. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the biological effects of ARNi with neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril and angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan on myocardial remodeling and cardiac perfusion in experimental heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI). Male Lewis rats (10-weeks old) with confirmed HF were randomized one-week post-MI to treatment with vehicle (water), sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan, as comparator group, for either 1 or 5 weeks. Sacubitril/valsartan for 1-week limited LV contractile dysfunction vs. vehicle and both sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan attenuated progressive LV dilation after 1 and 5 weeks treatment. After 5 weeks, both sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan reduced CTGF expression in the remote myocardium, although only sacubitril/valsartan prevented interstitial fibrosis. In the border zone, sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan reduced hypertrophic markers, but only sacubitril/valsartan reduced cardiomyocyte size and increased VEGFA expression. In the infarct, sacubitril/valsartan induced an early uptake of 99mTc-NC100692 (a radiotracer of angiogenesis) and improved perfusion, as determined by 201Tl microSPECT/CT imaging. In conclusion, ARNi improved global LV function, limited remodeling in the remote and border zones, and increased perfusion to the infarct. Sacubitril/valsartan had more consistent effects than valsartan on LV remodeling in experimental HF.
The exceptional abandonment of metal tools by North American hunter-gatherers, 3000 B.P.
Authors: Bebber Michelle R. , Key Alastair J. M. , Fisch Michael , Meindl Richard S. , Eren Metin I. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMost prehistoric societies that experimented with copper as a tool raw material eventually abandoned stone as their primary medium for tool making. However, after thousands of years of experimentation with this metal, North American hunter-gatherers abandoned it and returned to the exclusive use of stone. Why? We experimentally confirmed that replica copper tools are inferior to stone ones when each is sourced in the same manner as their archaeological counterparts and subjected to identical tasks. Why, then, did copper consistently lead to more advanced metallurgy in most other areas of the world? We suggest that it was the unusual level of purity in the North American copper sourced by North American groups, and that naturally occurring alloys yielded sufficiently superior tools to encourage entry into the copper-bronze-iron continuum of tool manufacture in other parts of the world.
Moderate exercise improves function and increases adiponectin in the mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophy
Authors: Zelikovich Aaron S. , Quattrocelli Mattia , Salamone Isabella M. , Kuntz Nancy L. , McNally Elizabeth M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe loss of dystrophin produces a mechanically fragile sarcolemma, causing muscle membrane disruption and muscle loss. The degree to which exercise alters muscular dystrophy has been evaluated in humans with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and in mouse models including the mdx mouse but with inconsistent findings. We now examined two different levels of exercise, moderate and low intensity, in the mdx mouse model in the DBA2J background. mdx mice at 4–5 months of age were subjected to two different doses of exercise. We found a dose-dependent benefit for low and moderate exercise, defined as 4 m/min or 8 m/min, for 30 minutes three times a week. After six months, exercised mdx mice showed improved tetanic and specific force compared to the sedentary group. We also observed increased respiratory capacity manifesting as greater minute volume, as well as enhanced cardiac function mitigating the decline of fractional shortening that is normally seen. Exercised mdx mice also showed a dose-dependent increase in serum adiponectin with a concomitant reduced adipocyte cross sectional area. These findings identify moderate intensity exercise as a means to improve muscle performance in the mdx DBA2J mice and suggest serum adiponectin as a biomarker for beneficial exercise effect in DMD.
Bacterial communities of Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from pepper crops (Capsicum sp.)
Authors: Gallo-Franco Jenny Johana , Duque-Gamboa Diana Nataly , Toro-Perea Nelson 
Published: April 2019

AbstractInsects harbor a wide variety of microorganisms that form complex and changing communities and play an important role in the biology and evolution of their hosts. Aphids have been used as model organisms to study microorganism-insect interactions. Almost all aphids are infected with the obligate endosymbiontBuchnera aphidicolaand can host different bacteria that allow them to acquire traits of agronomic importance, such as resistance to high temperatures and/or defense against natural enemies. However, the bacterial communities of most aphid species remain poorly characterized. In this study, we used high-throughput DNA sequencing to characterize the bacterial communities ofAphis gossypiiandMyzus persicaefrom two cultivable pepper species,Capsicum frutescens(Tabasco variety) andC.annuum(Cayenne variety), in four localities of southwestern Colombia. In addition, we evaluated the dynamics ofA.gossypii-associated microorganisms on a seasonal basis. Our results show that the bacterial communities ofA.gossypiiandM.persicaeare dominated by the primary endosymbiontB.aphidicola, while the presence of the facultative symbiontArsenophonussp. was only detected in oneA.gossypiipopulation from cayenne pepper. In addition to these two known symbionts, eight bacterial OTUs were identified that presented a frequency of 1% or more in at least one of the analyzed populations. The results show that the bacterial communities of aphids associated with pepper crops appears to be structured according to the host aphid species and the geographical location, while no differences were observed in the diversity of bacteria between host plants. Finally, the diversity and abundance of theA.gossypiibacterial community was variable among the four sampling points evaluated over the year and showed a relation with the aphid’s population dynamics. This study represents the first approach to the knowledge of the bacterial community present in chili pepper aphids from Colombia. Nevertheless, more in-depth studies, including replicates, are required to confirm the patterns observed in the microbial communities of aphids from pepper crops.
Association of white blood cell count with breast cancer burden varies according to menopausal status, body mass index, and hormone receptor status: a case-control study
Authors: Park Byoungjin , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Ji Won , Park Seho 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBreast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that among Korean women has a peak incidence in the perimenopausal period. The full epidemiological characteristics of breast cancer in Korean women are not yet properly understood. We investigated whether white blood cell (WBC) is related to breast cancer burden according to estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status in the context of body mass index and menopausal status. We conducted a large case-control study and compared WBC counts between patients with breast cancer (N = 4,402) and propensity score-matched controls (N = 4,402) selected from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We stratified the study sample by ER/PR status, menopausal status, and body mass index and assessed the association between WBC count and breast cancer burden using multinomial logistic regression. Compared with controls, non-obese patients with ER+/PR+ breast cancer had significantly higher WBC counts regardless of menopausal status (OR 1.293 95% CI 1.139–1.363, p < 0.001 in premenopausal and OR 1.049 95% CI 1.019–1.295, p = 0.023 in postmenopausal). There was no relationship between WBC count and ER+/PR+ breast cancer among premenopausal obese women. Furthermore, premenopausal non-obese women and postmenopausal obese women with ER+/PR+ breast cancer had higher WBC counts than those with ER−/PR− breast cancer. Further larger-scale prospective cohort studies are warranted to determine these associations in the future.