bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemolithotrophic processes in the bacterial communities on the surface of mineral-enriched biochars
Authors: Ye Jun , Joseph Stephen D , Ji Mukan , Nielsen Shaun , Mitchell David R G , Donne Scott , Horvat Joseph , Wang Jianli , Munroe Paul , Thomas Torsten 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBiochar and mineral-enriched biochar (MEB) have been used as soil amendments to improve soil fertility, sequester carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Such beneficial outcomes could be partially mediated by soil bacteria, however little is known about how they directly interact with biochar or MEB. We therefore analyzed the diversity and functions of bacterial communities on the surfaces of one biochar and two different MEBs after a 140-day incubation in soil. The results show that the biochar and the MEBs harbor distinct bacterial communities to the bulk soil. Communities on biochar and MEBs were dominated by a novel Gammaproteobacterium. Genome reconstruction combined with electron microscopy and high-resolution elemental analysis revealed that the bacterium generates energy from the oxidation of iron that is present on the surface. Two other bacteria belonging to the genus Thiobacillus and a novel group within the Oxalbacteraceae were enriched only on the MEBs and they had the genetic capacity for thiosulfate oxidation. All three surface-enriched bacteria also had the capacity to fix carbon dioxide, either in a potentially strictly autotrophic or mixotrophic manner. Our results show the dominance of chemolithotrophic processes on the surface of biochar and MEB that can contribute to carbon sequestration in soil.
A functional SNP rs1892901 in FOSL1 is associated with gastric cancer in Chinese population
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Tian Tian , Liu Li , Du Jiangbo , Gu Yayun , Qin Na , Yan Caiwang , Wang Zhaoming , Dai Juncheng , Fan Zhining 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFOSL1(FOS like antigen 1) is one kind of proto-oncogene, and may play a vital role in carcinogenesis of multiple cancers. However, studies about the relationship between SNPs inFOSL1and gastric cancer are still lacking. Thus, we investigated the association of seven SNPs inFOSL1with gastric cancer using case-control design in a two-stage strategy (Screening stage: 1,140 gastric cancer cases and 1,547 controls; Replication stage: 1,006 cases and 2,273 controls). We found that rs1892901 was significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer in additive model (adjusted OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.06–1.47,P = 0.008) in first stage. Following replication results revealed that the relationship between rs1892901 and gastric cancer risk was consistent with our primary results.In silicoanalysis showed that rs1892901 might alter multiple regulatory motifs, disturb protein binding, and affect the expression ofFOSL1and other important gastric cancer-related genes such asEGR1, CHD, EP300, FOS, JUNandFOSL2.Our findings indicated that functional SNP rs1892901 inFOSL1might affect the expression ofFOSL1, and ultimately increase the risk of gastric cancer. Further functional studies and large-scale population studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
The internal anatomy of titanosaur osteoderms from the Upper Cretaceous of Spain is compatible with a role in oogenesis
Authors: Vidal Daniel , Ortega Francisco , Gascó Francisco , Serrano-Martínez Alejandro , Sanz José Luis 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDermal armor is one of the most intriguing features of some titanosaurs, the only sauropod dinosaurs that bore osteoderms. Some studies have revealed cavities of varying sizes inside some titanosaur osteoderms, interpreted as the result of bone remodeling for mineral mobilization. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the need for mineral mobilization in titanosaurs. However, rejecting those hypotheses was difficult with hitherto available evidence. The Upper Cretaceous site of Lo Hueco (Cuenca; Spain) has yielded one of the largest titanosaur osteoderm sets available. Observation of pre-existing breakages in the fossils and CT-scanning have revealed a predominant internal channel network for bulb and root osteoderms: most had a very compact spongy bone core, perfused by large longitudinal branching neurovascular canals. Only few osteoderms from the same bed, which was deposited in a single and short event, had areas with low-density spongy bone. This void-like low-density bone is always associated with internal channels. It is also present in osteoderms of different sizes. This scenario is best explained when considering that Lo Hueco titanosaurs might have used their osteoderms as a source of calcium that was mobilized during oogenesis, although other hypotheses cannot be completely ruled out.
An Assessment of the Contrast Sensitivity in Patients with Ametropic and Anisometropic Amblyopia in Achieving the Corrected Visual Acuity of 1.0
Authors: Wang Guipan , Zhao Congling , Ding Qiang , Wang Ping 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBoth visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) are important parameters for measuring visual function. In this research, we investigated the CS of patients with ametropic or anisometropic amblyopia, whose corrected visual acuity (CVA) recovered to 1.0. Fifty-five cases with amblyopia and 22 control cases with a normal visual acuity of 1.0 were enrolled. The CS of the patients whose ametropic amblyopia had recovered to a CVA of 1.0 at 18 cpd spatial frequency was still lower than that of the normal control group under both photopic and scotopic conditions (P = 0.001, 0.025), but there were no significant differences at low- and middle-spatial frequencies. The CS of amblyopic eyes of the patients with anisometropic amblyopia was lower than that of the normal control group at the 18 cpd spatial frequency under photopic conditions (P = 0.005), and at the 6 cpd, 12 cpd, and 18 cpd spatial frequencies under scotopic conditions (P = 0.008, <0.001, 0.004, respectively). The CS between the amblyopic eyes and the sound eyes of patients with anisometropic amblyopia presented significant differences at the 6 cpd, 12 cpd, and 18 cpd spatial frequencies under scotopic conditions (P = 0.025, 0.045, 0.019, respectively). We suggest that amblyopia treatment should involve not only the correction of VA but also the improvement of CS.
On our rapidly shrinking capacity to comply with the planetary boundaries on climate change
Authors: Mathias Jean-Denis , Anderies John M. , Janssen Marco A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe planetary boundary framework constitutes an opportunity for decision makers to define climate policy through the lens of adaptive governance. Here, we use the DICE model to analyze the set of adaptive climate policies that comply with the two planetary boundaries related to climate change: (1) staying below a CO2 concentration of 550 ppm until 2100 and (2) returning to 350 ppm in 2100. Our results enable decision makers to assess the following milestones: (1) a minimum of 33% reduction of CO2 emissions by 2055 in order to stay below 550 ppm by 2100 (this milestone goes up to 46% in the case of delayed policies); and (2) carbon neutrality and the effective implementation of innovative geoengineering technologies (10% negative emissions) before 2060 in order to return to 350 ppm in 2100, under the assumption of getting out of the baseline scenario without delay. Finally, we emphasize the need to use adaptive path-based approach instead of single point target for climate policy design.
Novel benzoxazole derivatives DCPAB and HPAB attenuate Th1 cell-mediated inflammation through T-bet suppression
Authors: Oh Yeon Ji , Kim Darong , Oh Sera , Jang Eun Jung , Won Hee Yeon , Jeong Hana , Jeong Mi Gyeong , Choo Hea-Young Park , Hwang Eun Sook 
Published: February 2017

AbstractInterferon-γ (IFN-γ), a critical inflammatory cytokine, is primarily produced by T helper 1 (Th1) cells and accelerates the pathogenesis of inflammatory colitis. Pharmacological suppression of IFN-γ production attenuates dysregulated inflammatory responses and may be beneficial for treating inflammatory disease. In this study, we aimed to discover potent anti-inflammatory compounds that suppress IFN-γ production and found that the novel benzoxazole derivatives, 2-((3,4-dichlorophenyl) amino) benzo[d]xazol-5-ol (DCPAB) and 2-((3,4-hydroxyphenyl) amino) benzo[d]xazol-5-ol (HPAB), suppressed IFN-γ production by T cells. Treatment of CD4+ T cells with DCPAB and HPAB selectively inhibited Th1 cell development, and DCPAB more potently suppressed IFN-γ than HPAB did. Interestingly, DCPAB and HPAB significantly suppressed the expression of T-box containing protein expressed in T cells (T-bet) that activates IFN-γ gene transcription. DCPAB additionally suppressed transcriptional activity of T-bet on IFN-γ gene promoter, whereas HPAB had no effect on T-bet activity. IFN-γ suppressive activity of DCPAB and HPAB was impaired in the absence of T-bet but was retrieved by the restoration of T-bet in T-bet-deficient T cells. Furthermore, DCPAB and HPAB attenuated inflammatory colitis development that was induced by CD4+ T cells in vivo. We suggest that the novel benzoxazole derivatives, DCPAB and HPAB, may have therapeutic effects on inflammatory colitis.
Chloroquine inhibits human CD4+ T-cell activation by AP-1 signaling modulation
Authors: Schmidt Ralf L. J. , Jutz Sabrina , Goldhahn Katrin , Witzeneder Nadine , Gerner Marlene C. , Trapin Doris , Greiner Georg , Hoermann Gregor , Steiner Guenter , Pickl Winfried F. , Burgmann Heinz , Steinberger Peter , Ratzinger Franz , Schmetterer Klaus G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractChloroquine (CQ) is widely used as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic for rheumatic diseases. Although its modes of action on the innate immune system are well described, there is still insufficient knowledge about its direct effects on the adaptive immune system. Thus, we evaluated the influence of CQ on activation parameters of human CD4+T-cells. CQ directly suppressed proliferation, metabolic activity and cytokine secretion of T-cells following anti-CD3/anti-CD28 activation. In contrast, CQ showed no effect on up-regulation of T-cell activation markers. CQ inhibited activation of all T helper cell subsets, although IL-4 and IL-13 secretion by Th2 cells were less influenced compared to other Th-specific cytokines. Up to 10 μM, CQ did not reduce cell viability, suggesting specific suppressive effects on T-cells. These properties of CQ were fully reversible in re-stimulation experiments. Analyses of intracellular signaling showed that CQ specifically inhibited autophagic flux and additionally activation of AP-1 by reducing phosphorylation of c-JUN. This effect was mediated by inhibition of JNK catalytic activity. In summary, we characterized selective and reversible immunomodulatory effects of CQ on human CD4+T-cells. These findings provide new insights into the biological actions of JNK/AP-1 signaling in T-cells and may help to expand the therapeutic spectrum of CQ.
Cytoprotective effects of mild plasma-activated medium against oxidative stress in human skin fibroblasts
Authors: Horiba Minori , Kamiya Tetsuro , Hara Hirokazu , Adachi Tetsuo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNon-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) has recently been applied to living cells and tissues and has emerged as a novel technology for medical applications. NTAPP affects cells not only directly, but also indirectly with previously prepared plasma-activated medium (PAM). The objective of this study was to demonstrate the preconditioning effects of “mild PAM” which was prepared under relatively mild conditions, on fibroblasts against cellular injury generated by a high dose of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We observed the preconditioning effects of mild PAM containing approximately 50 μM H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide needs to be the main active species in mild PAM for it to exert preconditioning effects because the addition of catalase to mild PAM eliminated these effects. The nuclear translocation and recruitment of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to antioxidant response elements (ARE) in heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) promoters and the up-regulation of HO-1 were detected in fibroblasts treated with mild PAM. The addition of ZnPP, a HO-1-specific inhibitor, or the knockdown of Nrf2 completely abrogated the preconditioning effects. Our results demonstrate that mild PAM protects fibroblasts from oxidative stress by up-regulating HO-1, and the H2O2-induced activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway needs to be involved in this reaction.
Three-dimensional aligned nanofibers-hydrogel scaffold for controlled non-viral drug/gene delivery to direct axon regeneration in spinal cord injury treatment
Authors: Nguyen Lan Huong , Gao Mingyong , Lin Junquan , Wu Wutian , Wang Jun , Chew Sing Yian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSpinal cord injuries (SCI) often lead to persistent neurological dysfunction due to failure in axon regeneration. Unfortunately, currently established treatments, such as direct drug administration, do not effectively treat SCI due to rapid drug clearance from our bodies. Here, we introduce a three-dimensional aligned nanofibers-hydrogel scaffold as a bio-functionalized platform to provide sustained non-viral delivery of proteins and nucleic acid therapeutics (small non-coding RNAs), along with synergistic contact guidance for nerve injury treatment. A hemi-incision model at cervical level 5 in the rat spinal cord was chosen to evaluate the efficacy of this scaffold design. Specifically, aligned axon regeneration was observed as early as one week post-injury. In addition, no excessive inflammatory response and scar tissue formation was triggered. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential of our scaffold for neural tissue engineering applications.
Genome-wide analysis of auxin transport genes identifies the hormone responsive patterns associated with leafy head formation in Chinese cabbage
Authors: Gao Li-wei , Lyu Shan-wu , Tang Jun , Zhou Dao-yun , Bonnema Guusje , Xiao Dong , Hou Xi-lin , Zhang Chang-wei 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAuxin resistant 1/like aux1 (AUX/LAX), pin-formed (PIN) and ATP binding cassette subfamily B (ABCB/MDR/PGP) are three families of auxin transport genes. The development-related functions of the influx and efflux carriers have been well studied and characterized in model plants. However, there is scant information regarding the functions of auxin genes in Chinese cabbage and the responses of exogenous polar auxin transport inhibitors (PATIs). We conducted a whole-genome annotation and a bioinformatics analysis of BrAUX/LAX, BrPIN, and BrPGP genes in Chinese cabbage. By analyzing the expression patterns at several developmental stages in the formation of heading leaves, we found that most auxin-associate genes were expressed throughout the entire process of leafy head formation, suggesting that these genes played important roles in the development of heads. UPLC was used to detect the distinct and uneven distribution of auxin in various segments of the leafy head and in response to PATI treatment, indicated that the formation of the leafy head depends on polar auxin transport and the uneven distribution of auxin in leaves. This study provides new insight into auxin polar transporters and the possible roles of the BrLAX, BrPIN and BrPGP genes in leafy head formation in Chinese cabbage.
Brain volumetric and metabolic correlates of electroconvulsive therapy for treatment-resistant depression: a longitudinal neuroimaging study
Authors: Cano M , Martínez-Zalacaín I , Bernabéu-Sanz Á , Contreras-Rodríguez O , Hernández-Ribas R , Via E , de Arriba-Arnau A , Gálvez V , Urretavizcaya M , Pujol J , Menchón J M , Cardoner N , Soriano-Mas C 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRecent research suggests that neuroplastic and neuroinflammatory changes may account for the mode of action of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), although extant data do not allow for a clear disambiguation between these two hypotheses. Multimodal neuroimaging approaches (for example, combining structural and metabolic information) may help in clarifying this issue. Here we aimed to assess longitudinal changes in (i) regional gray matter (GM) volumes and (ii) hippocampal metabolite concentrations throughout an acute course of bitemporal ECT, as well as (iii) to determine the association between imaging changes and clinical improvement. We assessed 12 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) at four time points (pre-treatment, after the first ECT session, after the ninth ECT session and 15 days after ECT course completion) and 10 healthy participants at two time points, 5 weeks apart. Patients with TRD showed bilateral medial temporal lobe (MTL) and perigenual anterior cingulate cortex volume increases. Left MTL volume increase was associated with (i) a hippocampal N-acetylaspartate concentration decrease, (ii) a hippocampal Glutamate+Glutamine concentration increase and (iii) significant clinical improvement. The observed findings are, in part, compatible with both neuroplastic and neuroinflammatory changes induced by ECT. We postulate that such phenomena may be interrelated, therefore reconciling the neuroplasticity and neuroinflammatory hypotheses of ECT action.
Inflammation and the neural diathesis-stress hypothesis of schizophrenia: a reconceptualization
Authors: Howes O D , McCutcheon R 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAn interaction between external stressors and intrinsic vulnerability is one of the longest standing pathoaetiological explanations for schizophrenia. However, novel lines of evidence from genetics, preclinical studies, epidemiology and imaging have shed new light on the mechanisms that may underlie this, implicating microglia as a key potential mediator. Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system. They have a central role in the inflammatory response, and are also involved in synaptic pruning and neuronal remodeling. In addition to immune and traumatic stimuli, microglial activation occurs in response to psychosocial stress. Activation of microglia perinatally may make them vulnerable to subsequent overactivation by stressors experienced in later life. Recent advances in genetics have shown that variations in the complement system are associated with schizophrenia, and this system has been shown to regulate microglial synaptic pruning. This suggests a mechanism via which genetic and environmental influences may act synergistically and lead to pathological microglial activation. Microglial overactivation may lead to excessive synaptic pruning and loss of cortical gray matter. Microglial mediated damage to stress-sensitive regions such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus may lead directly to cognitive and negative symptoms, and account for a number of the structural brain changes associated with the disorder. Loss of cortical control may also lead to disinhibition of subcortical dopamine—thereby leading to positive psychotic symptoms. We review the preclinical and in vivo evidence for this model and consider the implications this has for treatment, and future directions.
Z‐number‐based negotiation model for determining two‐part transmission tariffs of cross‐regional transmission projects
Authors: Zou Bo , Zhou Ying , Hu Jiahua , Wen Fushuan , Dong Zhao‐Yang , Zheng Yu , Zhang Rui 
Published: February 2017

For cross‐regional transmission projects, the two‐part transmission pricing mechanism is suggested so as to promote the sustainable development of cross‐regional electricity trading. In the two‐part transmission pricing mechanism, appropriately determining the capacity charging ratio (CCR) is an important issue not well solved. Given this background, a Z‐number‐based risk‐minimised negotiation model is developed for a transmission company and a power purchaser to achieve an agreeable CCR under incomplete information. The uncertainty distribution of the future annual electricity transmission quantity is first estimated by the Z‐number‐based multiple Z‐valuations; and then, the benefit and risk loss measured by the well‐established conditional value at risk (CVaR) are analysed for the participating two parties. Subsequently, the negotiation model where each negotiator is to minimise its risk loss under a given lowest acceptable benefit constraint and the estimations of the opponent's risk tolerance and negotiation strategy is presented to determine the optimal offer. Finally, the ± 500 kV Xiluodu−Guangdong direct current (DC) transmission project in the southern region of China is employed to demonstrate the basic characteristics of the proposed model.
Giant Cell Tumor of the Capitate Treated with Excision and Midcarpal Fusion
Authors: Oufkir Ayat , Lazerges Cyril , Coulet Bertrand , Chammas Michel 
Published: February 2017

Background Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is rare in the carpus, and only 11 cases have been reported in the capitate bone. The problem with this location is the high recurrence rate due to easy extension to the adjacent joint spaces and bones. We describe a case of GCT on the capitate bone and the treatment in comparison with the previously reported cases.
Case Description The case report concerns a 48-year-old woman with a GCT of the capitate diagnosed on curettage. The treatment consisted of large resection with the lunatum and third metacarpal arthrodesis, with a successful union at 2 years follow-up, no recurrence, and an improved function of the wrist.
Literature Review When treated by curettage (alone or with adjuvant procedures), the GCT of the capitate recurred in four out of five cases. All tumors treated with large resection did not recur.
Clinical Relevance Recommended treatment of GCT of the capitate is resection with carpometacarpal arthrodesis.
Reversibility of Severe Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging Changes Associated with Ethylene Glycol Toxicity
Authors: Calhoun Aaron , McDonald Mark , Owen Erin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEthylene glycol (EG), commonly found in antifreeze and deicing solutions, continues to be a cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. EG metabolism produces toxins that cause metabolic acidosis and calcium oxalate deposition throughout the body. Deposition in the central nervous system is associated with significant neurologic sequelae, including altered mental status, seizures, and cerebral edema. We present a case of intentional EG poisoning in a 17-year-old male with resulting cerebral edema and coma. Neuroimaging studies were initially normal but eventually demonstrated diffuse abnormalities on both cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient ultimately made a complete recovery with resolution of the MRI abnormalities noted at the peak of illness. While neuroimaging is often incorporated into the management of EG poisoning, this is the first case report to show the evolution of EG-related MRI changes before, during, and after the resolution of EG-induced intracranial hypertension.
Integrity of the human centromere DNA repeats is protected by CENP-A, CENP-C, and CENP-T
Authors: Giunta Simona , Funabiki Hironori 
Published: February 2017

SignificanceThe centromere is a highly specialized genomic locus playing a critical role in chromosome segregation during cell division and is made of characteristic repetitive DNA sequences. Due to their repetitive nature, it has been difficult to study the organization of human centromeres. Here, we present a way to monitor stability of the human centromeres using chromosome-orientation fluorescent in situ hybridization and superresolution microscopy. We show that the centromere-specific histone variant CENP-A and the centromere-associated proteins CENP-C and CENP-T contribute to maintenance of centromere integrity and present evidence of centromere disregulation in cancer and during cellular senescence, which is related to aging. Our study reveals the existence of a centromere-specific mechanism to organize the repetitive structure and prevent human centromeres from suffering illegitimate rearrangements.