bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximal dose-response of vitamin-K2 (menaquinone-4) on undercarboxylated osteocalcin in women with osteoporosis
Authors: K Giri Tusar , Newton David , Chaudhary Opal , Deych Elena , Napoli Nicola , Villareal Reina , Diemer Kathy , E Milligan Paul , F Gage Brian 
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Low concentrations of serum vitamin K accompany high concentrations of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) and osteoporotic fractures. Although vitamin K2 (MK-4) is approved as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis in some countries, the dose-response is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the improvement in carboxylation of osteocalcin (OC) in response to escalating doses of MK-4 supplementation. A nine-week, open-labeled, prospective cohort study was conducted in 29 postmenopausal women who suffered hip or vertebral compression fractures. Participants took low-dose MK-4 (0.5 mg) for 3 weeks (until the second visit), then medium-dose MK-4 (5 mg) for 3 weeks (until the third visit), then high-dose MK-4 (45 mg) for 3 weeks. The mean ± SD age of the participants was 69 ± 9 years. MK-4 dose (p < 0.0001), but neither age nor other relevant medications (e.g. bisphosphonates) correlated with improvement in %ucOC. As compared to baseline concentrations (geometric mean ± SD) of 16.8 ± 2.4, 0.5 mg supplementation halved %ucOC to 8.7 ± 2.2 (p < 0.0001) and the 5-mg dose halved %ucOC again (to 3.9 ± 2.2; p = 0.0002 compared to 0.5-mg dose). However, compared to 5 mg/day, there was no additional benefit of 45 mg/day (%ucOC 4.6; p = NS vs. 5-mg dose). MK-4 supplementation resulted in borderline increases in γ-carboxylated osteocalcin (glaOC; p = 0.07). There were no major side effects of MK-4 supplementation. In postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures, supplementation with either 5 or 45 mg/day of MK-4 reduces ucOC to concentrations typical of healthy, pre-menopausal women.
Adaptation to Future Water Shortages in the United States Caused by Population Growth and Climate Change
Authors: Brown Thomas C. , Mahat Vinod , Ramirez Jorge A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPopulation growth and climate change will combine to pose substantial challenges for water management in the United States. Projections of water supply and demand over the 21st century show that in the absence of further adaptation efforts, serious water shortages are likely in some regions. Continued improvements in water use efficiency are likely but will be insufficient to avoid future shortages. Some adaptation measures that have been effective in the past, most importantly large additions to reservoir storage, have little promise. Other major adaptations commonly used in the past, especially instream flow removals and groundwater mining, can substantially lower shortages but have serious external costs. If those costs are to be avoided, transfers from irrigated agriculture probably will be needed and could be substantial.
Atmospheric Waves and Their Possible Effect on the Thermal Structure of Saturn's Thermosphere
Authors: Müller‐Wodarg I. C. F. , Koskinen T. T. , Moore L. , Serigano J. , Yelle R. V. , Hörst S. , Waite J. H. , Mendillo M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAtmospheric waves have been discovered for the first time in Saturn's neutral upper atmosphere (thermosphere). Waves may be generated from instabilities, convective storms or other atmospheric phenomena. The inferred wave amplitudes change little with height within the sampled region, raising the possibility of the waves being damped, which in turn may enhance the eddy friction within the thermosphere. Using our Saturn Thermosphere Ionosphere General Circulation Model, we explore the parameter space of how an enhanced Rayleigh drag in different latitude regimes would affect the global circulation pattern within the thermosphere and, in turn, its global thermal structure. We find that Rayleigh drag of sufficient magnitude at midlatitudes may reduce the otherwise dominant Coriolis forces and enhance equatorward winds to transport energy from poles toward the equator, raising the temperatures there to observed values. Without this Rayleigh drag, energy supplied into the polar upper atmosphere by magnetosphere‐atmosphere coupling processes remains trapped at high latitudes and causes low‐latitude thermosphere temperatures to remain well below the observed levels. Our simulations thus suggest that giant planet upper atmosphere global circulation models need to include additional Rayleigh drag in order to capture the effects of physical processes otherwise not resolved by the codes.
Evaluating Recent Updated Black Carbon Emissions and Revisiting the Direct Radiative Forcing in Arctic
Authors: Dong Xinyi , Zhu Qingzhao , Fu Joshua S. , Huang Kan , Tan Jiani , Tipton Matthew 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere is significant uncertainty in the global inventory of black carbon (BC). Several recent studies have reported BC emission updates, including the Fire Emission Inventory‐northern Eurasia, anthropogenic emission in Russia, and global natural gas flaring. Compared with the inventory used by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, these updates are only 10% higher on a global scale but are 3 times greater than previous estimations in Arctic (60–90°N). We applied GEOS‐Chem to examine these emission updates and evaluate their impacts on direct forcing. We found that Fire Emission Inventory‐northern Eurasia may be substantially overestimated, Russia shows no prominent influence on simulation, and natural gas flaring noticeably improves simulation performance in the Arctic. Model estimated direct forcing of BC is increased by 30% on the global scale and is 2 times higher in the Arctic through application of these emission updates. This study reveals the urgent need to improve the reliability of emission inventories in the high latitudes, especially over Eurasia.
Decreasing Trend in Black Carbon Aerosols Over the Indian Region
Authors: Manoj M. R. , Satheesh S. K. , Moorthy K. Krishna , Gogoi Mukunda M. , Babu S. Suresh 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe examine long‐term trends in the near‐surface black carbon mass concentration, using multiyear primary data obtained from a dense network (ARFINET) of observatories over the Indian region. We report for the first time the statistically significant decreasing trend in black carbon mass concentration, based on primary data from this region, at an average rate of ~242 ± 53 ng · m−3 · year−1 during the period 2007–2016. This finding contrasts with the generally increasing trend in the columnar aerosol optical depth, reported earlier, and the steadily increasing trend in anthropogenic activities over this region. The roles of different possible mechanisms, including possible changes in the vertical redistribution of aerosols, are discussed. Over the period 2007–2015, a significant though weak, increasing trend is seen in the contribution from aerosols above 1 km to the columnar aerosol optical depth. These observations imply possible long‐term climate consequences.
How Global Warming Changes the Difficulty of Synoptic Weather Forecasting
Authors: Scher S. , Messori G. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGlobal warming projections point to a wide range of impacts on the climate system, including changes in storm track activity and more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Little is however known on whether and how global warming may affect the atmosphere's predictability and thus our ability to produce accurate weather forecasts. Here, we combine a state‐of‐the‐art climate and a state‐of‐the‐art ensemble weather prediction model to show that, in a business‐as‐usual 21st century setting, global warming could significantly change the predictability of the atmosphere, defined here via the expected error of weather predictions. Predictability of synoptic weather situations could significantly increase, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. This can be explained by a decrease in the meridional temperature gradient. Contrarily, summertime predictability of weekly rainfall sums might significantly decrease in most regions.
Groundwater Loss and Aquifer System Compaction in San Joaquin Valley During 2012–2015 Drought
Authors: Ojha Chandrakanta , Werth Susanna , Shirzaei Manoochehr 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCalifornia's millennium drought of 2012–2015 severely impacted the Central Valley aquifer system and caused permanent loss of groundwater and aquifer storage capacity. To quantify these impacts within the southern San Joaquin Valley, we analyze various complementary measurements, including gravity changes from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites; vertical land motion from Global Positioning System, interferometric synthetic aperture radar, and extensometer; and groundwater level records. The interferometric data set acquired by the Sentinel‐1 satellite only spans the period January 2015 and October 2017, while the other data sets span the entire drought period. Using GRACE observations, we find an average groundwater loss of 6.1 ± 2.3 km3/year as a lower bound estimate for the San Joaquin Valley, amounting to a total volume of 24.2 ± 9.3 km3 lost during the period October 2011 to September 2015. This is consistent with the total volume of 29.25 ± 8.7 km3, estimated using only Global Positioning System deformation data. Our results highlight the advantage of using vertical land motion data to evaluate groundwater loss and thus fill the gaps between GRACE and GRACE‐Follow‐On missions and complement their estimates. We further determine that 0.4–3.25% of the aquifer system storage capacity is permanently lost during this drought period. Comparing groundwater level and vertical land motion data following September 2015, we determine an equilibration time of 0.5–1.5 years for groundwater levels within aquitard and aquifer units, during which residual compaction of aquitard and land subsidence continues beyond the drought period. We suggest that such studies can advance the knowledge of evolving groundwater resources, enabling managers and decision makers to better assess water demand and supply during and in‐between drought periods.
Submesoscale Coherent Vortices in the Gulf Stream
Authors: Gula Jonathan , Blacic Tanya M. , Todd Robert E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSeismic images and glider sections of the Gulf Stream front along the U.S. eastern seaboard capture deep, lens‐shaped submesoscale features. These features have radii of 5–20 km, thicknesses of 150–300 m, and are located at depths greater than 500 m. These are typical signatures of anticyclonic submesoscale coherent vortices. A submesoscale‐resolving realistic simulation, which reproduces submesoscale coherent vortices with the same characteristics, is used to analyze their generation mechanism. Submesoscale coherent vortices are primarily generated where the Gulf Stream meets the Charleston Bump, a deep topographic feature, due to the frictional effects and intense mixing in the wake of the topography. These submesoscale coherent vortices can transport waters from the Charleston Bump's thick bottom mixed layer over long distances and spread them within the subtropical gyre. Their net effect on heat and salt distribution remains to be quantified.
Tissue-resident Eomes+ NK cells are the major innate lymphoid cell population in human infant intestine
Authors: Sagebiel Adrian F. , Steinert Fenja , Lunemann Sebastian , Körner Christian , Schreurs Renée R. C. E. , Altfeld Marcus , Perez Daniel , Reinshagen Konrad , Bunders Madeleine J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInnate lymphoid cells (ILC), including natural killer (NK) cells, are implicated in host-defense and tissue-growth. However, the composition and kinetics of NK cells in the intestine during the first year of life, when infants are first broadly exposed to exogenous antigens, are still unclear. Here we show that CD103+ NK cells are the major ILC population in the small intestines of infants. When compared to adult intestinal NK cells, infant intestinal NK cells exhibit a robust effector phenotype, characterized by Eomes, perforin and granzyme B expression, and superior degranulation capacity. Absolute intestinal NK cell numbers decrease gradually during the first year of life, coinciding with an influx of intestinal Eomes+ T cells; by contrast, epithelial NKp44+CD69+ NK cells with less cytotoxic capacity persist in adults. In conclusion, NK cells are abundant in infant intestines, where they can provide effector functions while Eomes+ T cell responses mature.
Monolithic lithium niobate photonic circuits for Kerr frequency comb generation and modulation
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhang Mian , Yu Mengjie , Zhu Rongrong , Hu Han , Loncar Marko 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMicroresonator Kerr frequency combs could provide miniaturised solutions for a wide range of applications. Many of these applications however require further manipulation of the generated frequency comb signal using photonic elements with strong second-order nonlinearity (χ(2)). To date these functionalities have largely been implemented as discrete components due to material limitations, which comes at the expense of extra system complexity and increased optical losses. Here we demonstrate the generation, filtering and electro-optic modulation of a frequency comb on a single monolithic integrated chip, using a nanophotonic lithium-niobate platform that simultaneously possesses large electro-optic (χ(2)) and Kerr (χ(3)) nonlinearities, and low optical losses. We generate broadband Kerr frequency combs using a dispersion-engineered high-Q lithium-niobate microresonator, select a single comb line using an electrically programmable add-drop filter, and modulate the intensity of the selected line. Our results pave the way towards monolithic integrated frequency comb solutions for spectroscopy, data communication, ranging and quantum photonics.
Pattern of Altered Plasma Elemental Phosphorus, Calcium, Zinc, and Iron in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ashraf Azhaar , Stosnach Hagen , Parkes Harold G. , Hye Abdul , Powell John , So Po-Wah ,   for the AddNeuroMed consortium, Soinine Hilkka , Tsolaki Magda , Vellas Bruno , Lovestone Simon , Aarsland Dag , Kloszeweska Iwona , Mecocci Patrizia , Wahland Lars-Olaf 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMetal/mineral dyshomeostasis has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the study was to investigate the difference in absolute and percentage levels of plasma phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium in cognitively normal (CN) and AD subjects. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy was used to detect plasma metals/minerals in CN and AD subjects (n = 44 per group). TXRF detected significantly increased plasma levels of phosphorus (p = 1.33 × 10−12) and calcium (p = 0.025) in AD compared to CN subjects, with higher phosphorus/calcium (p = 2.55 × 10−14) ratio in the former. Percentage concentrations calculated for phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium by dividing the concentration of each element by the total concentration of these elements and multiplying by 100%, demonstrated phosphorus was higher in AD compared to CN subjects, while calcium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium were lower in AD subjects, with area under the curves as high as 0.937 (p = 6 × 10−5) computed from receiver operating curves. With exclusion of high levels of phosphorus and calcium from percentage calculations, iron levels remained low in AD whereas zinc was higher in AD, and copper and selenium levels were similar. We demonstrate altered distribution of elements in the plasma of AD subjects with high interdependencies between elemental levels and propose the potential of TXRF measurements for disease monitoring.
Neurological sequel of chronic kidney disease: From diminished Acetylcholinesterase activity to mitochondrial dysfunctions, oxidative stress and inflammation in mice brain
Authors: Mazumder Muhammed Khairujjaman , Paul Rajib , Bhattacharya Pallab , Borah Anupom 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWith increasing prevalence, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a global health problem. Due to the retention of uremic toxins, electrolytes and water, and the resultant metabolic disturbances, CKD affects several organs, including the nervous system. Thus, CKD patients suffer from several neurological complications, including dementia, cognitive impairment, motor abnormalities, depression, and mood and sleep disturbances. However, the mechanisms underlying the neurological complications are least elucidated. We have recently reported a highly reproducible mice model of CKD induced by high adenine diet, which exhibited psychomotor behavioral abnormalities and blood-brain barrier disruption. In the present study, using the mice model, we have investigated psycho-motor and cognitive behaviour, and the neurochemical and histopathological alterations in brain relevant to the observed behavioural abnormalities. The results demonstrate global loss of Acetylcholinesterase activity, and decrease in neuronal arborisation and dendritic spine density in discrete brain regions, of the CKD mice. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunctions were found in specific brain regions of the mice, which have been regarded as the underlying causes of the observed neurochemical and histopathological alterations. Thus, the present study is of immense importance, and has therapeutic implications in the management of CKD-associated neurological complications.
Ectosymbionts alter spontaneous responses to the Earth’s magnetic field in a crustacean
Authors: Landler Lukas , Skelton James , Painter Michael S. , Youmans Paul W. , Muheim Rachel , Creed Robert P. , Brown Bryan L. , Phillips John B. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMagnetic sensing is used to structure every-day, non-migratory behaviours in many animals. We show that crayfish exhibit robust spontaneous magnetic alignment responses. These magnetic behaviours are altered by interactions with Branchiobdellidan worms, which are obligate ectosymbionts. Branchiobdellidan worms have previously been shown to have positive effects on host growth when present at moderate densities, and negative effects at relatively high densities. Here we show that crayfish with moderate densities of symbionts aligned bimodally along the magnetic northeast-southwest axis, similar to passive magnetic alignment responses observed across a range of stationary vertebrates. In contrast, crayfish with high symbiont densities failed to exhibit consistent alignment relative to the magnetic field. Crayfish without symbionts shifted exhibited quadramodal magnetic alignment and were more active. These behavioural changes suggest a change in the organization of spatial behaviour with increasing ectosymbiont densities. We propose that the increased activity and a switch to quadramodal magnetic alignment may be associated with the use of systematic search strategies. Such a strategy could increase contact-rates with conspecifics in order to replenish the beneficial ectosymbionts that only disperse between hosts during direct contact. Our results demonstrate that crayfish perceive and respond to magnetic fields, and that symbionts influence magnetically structured spatial behaviour of their hosts.
Transparent Bendable Secondary Zinc-Air Batteries by Controlled Void Ionic Separators
Authors: Kwon Ohchan , Hwang Ho Jung , Ji Yunseong , Jeon Ok Sung , Kim Jeong Pil , Lee Chanmin , Shul Yong Gun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFirst ever transparent bendable secondary zinc-air batteries were fabricated. Transparent stainless-steel mesh was utilized as the current collector for the electrodes due to its reliable mechanical stability and electrical conductivity. After which separate methods were used to apply the active redox species. For the preparation of the anode, zinc was loaded by an electroplating process to the mesh. For the cathode, catalyst ink solution was spray coated with an airbrush for desired dimensions. An alkaline gel electrolyte layer was used for the electrolyte. Microscale domain control of the materials becomes a crucial factor for fabricating transparent batteries. As for the presented cell, anionic exchange polymer layer has been uniquely incorporated on to the cathode mesh as the separator which becomes a key procedure in the fabrication process for obtaining the desired optical properties of the battery. The ionic resin is applied in a fashion where controlled voids exist between the openings of the grid which facilitates light passage while guaranteeing electrical insulation between the electrodes. Further analysis correlates the electrode dimensions to the transparency of the system. Recorded average light transmittance is 48.8% in the visible light region and exhibited a maximum power density of 9.77 mW/cm2. The produced battery shows both transparent and flexible properties while maintaining a stable discharge/charge operation.
ATP synthesis at physiological nucleotide concentrations
Authors: Meyrat Axel , von Ballmoos Christoph 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSynthesis of ATP by the F1F0 ATP synthase in mitochondria and most bacteria is energized by the proton motive force (pmf) established and maintained by respiratory chain enzymes. Conversely, in the presence of ATP and in the absence of a pmf, the enzyme works as an ATP-driven proton pump. Here, we investigate how high concentrations of ATP affect the enzymatic activity of the F1F0 ATP synthase under high pmf conditions, which is the typical situation in mitochondria or growing bacteria. Using the ATP analogue adenosine 5′-O-(1-thiotriphosphate) (ATPαS), we have developed a modified luminescence-based assay to measure ATP synthesis in the presence of millimolar ATP concentrations, replacing an assay using radioactive nucleotides. In inverted membrane vesicles of E. coli, we found that under saturating pmf conditions, ATP synthesis was reduced to ~10% at 5 mM ATPαS. This reduction was reversed by ADP, but not Pi, indicating that the ATP/ADP ratio controls the ATP synthesis rate. Our data suggests that the ATP/ADP ratio ~30 in growing E. coli limits the ATP synthesis rate to ~20% of the maximal rate possible at the applied pmf and that the rate reduction occurs via product inhibition rather than an increased ATP hydrolysis rate.
Regulation of Cathepsin E gene expression by the transcription factor Kaiso in MRL/lpr mice derived CD4+ T cells
Authors: Hiramatsu Sumie , Watanabe Katsue S , Zeggar Sonia , Asano Yosuke , Miyawaki Yoshia , Yamamura Yuriko , Katsuyama Eri , Katsuyama Takayuki , Watanabe Haruki , Takano-Narazaki Mariko , Matsumoto Yoshinori , Kawabata Tomoko , Sada Ken-Ei , Wada Jun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGlobal DNA hypomethylation in CD4+ cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was suggested to play a key role in the pathogenesis. To identify new methylation-sensitive genes, we integrated genome-wide DNA methylation and mRNA profiling data in CD4+ cells of MRL/lpr (MRL) and C57BL6/J (B6) mice. We identified Cathepsin E (Ctse), in which 13 methyl-CpGs within 583 bp region of intron 1 were hypomethylated, and Ctse mRNA upregulated in MRL compared with B6 mice. One of methyl-CpGs, mCGCG was 93.3 ± 2.05% methylated in B6 mice, while 80.0 ± 6.2% methylated and mutated to CGGG in MRL mice. Kaiso is known to bind to mCGCG and we hypothesized that it represses expression of Ctse in B6 mice. The binding of Kaiso to mCGCG site in B6 mice was reduced in MRL mice revealed by ChIP-PCR. EL4 cells treated with 5-azaC and/or Trichostatin A showed the suppression of binding of Kaiso to mCGCG motif by ChIP-PCR and the overexpression of Ctse was demonstrated by qPCR. Ctse gene silencing by siRNA in EL4 cells resulted in reduction of IL-10 secretion. The hypomethylation of mCGCG motif, reduced recruitment of Kaiso, and increased expression of Ctse and Il-10 in CD4+ cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.