bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging negative Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation index in spite of warm subtropics
Authors: Frajka-Williams Eleanor , Beaulieu Claudie , Duchez Aurelie 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSea surface temperatures in the northern North Atlantic have shown a marked decrease over the past several years. The sea surface in the subpolar gyre is now as cold as it was during the last cold phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation index in the 1990s. This climate index is associated with shifts in hurricane activity, rainfall patterns and intensity, and changes in fish populations. However, unlike the last cold period in the Atlantic, the spatial pattern of sea surface temperature anomalies in the Atlantic is not uniformly cool, but instead has anomalously cold temperatures in the subpolar gyre, warm temperatures in the subtropics and cool anomalies over the tropics. The tripole pattern of anomalies has increased the subpolar to subtropical meridional gradient in SSTs, which are not represented by the AMO index value, but which may lead to increased atmospheric baroclinicity and storminess. Here we show that the recent Atlantic cooling is likely to persist, as predicted by a statistical forecast of subsurface ocean temperatures and consistent with the irreversible nature of watermass changes involved in the recent cooling of the subpolar gyre.
Formation of ferromagnetic Co–H–Co complex and spin-polarized conduction band in Co-doped ZnO
Authors: Lee Seunghun , Park Ji Hun , Kim Bum-Su , Cho Deok-Yong , Choi Yong Nam , Lee Tae-Woo , Kim Won-Kyung , Kim Doukyun , Cho Chae Ryong , Moriyoshi Chikako , Park Chul Hong , Kuroiwa Yoshihiro , Jeong Se-Young 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMagnetic oxide semiconductors with wide band gaps have promising spintronic applications, especially in the case of magneto-optic devices. Co-doped ZnO (ZnCoO) has been considered for these applications, but the origin of its ferromagnetism has been controversial for several decades and no substantial progress for a practical application has been made to date. In this paper, we present direct evidence of hydrogen-mediated ferromagnetism and spin polarization in the conduction band of ZnCoO. Electron density mapping reveals the formation of Co–H–Co, in agreement with theoretical predictions. Electron spin resonance measurement elucidates the ferromagnetic nature of ZnCoO by the formation of Co–H–Co. We provide evidence from magnetic circular dichroism measurements supporting the hypothesis that Co–H–Co contributes to the spin polarization of the conduction band of hydrogen-doped ZnCoO.
Functional modulation of LHCSR1 protein from Physcomitrella patens by zeaxanthin binding and low pH
Authors: Pinnola Alberta , Ballottari Matteo , Bargigia Ilaria , Alcocer Marcelo , D’Andrea Cosimo , Cerullo Giulio , Bassi Roberto 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLight harvesting for oxygenic photosynthesis is regulated to prevent the formation of harmful photoproducts by activation of photoprotective mechanisms safely dissipating the energy absorbed in excess. Lumen acidification is the trigger for the formation of quenching states in pigment binding complexes. With the aim to uncover the photoprotective functional states responsible for excess energy dissipation in green algae and mosses, we compared the fluorescence dynamic properties of the light-harvesting complex stress-related (LHCSR1) protein, which is essential for fast and reversible regulation of light use efficiency in lower plants, as compared to the major LHCII antenna protein, which mainly fulfills light harvesting function. Both LHCII and LHCSR1 had a chlorophyll fluorescence yield and lifetime strongly dependent on detergent concentration but the transition from long- to short-living states was far more complete and fast in the latter. Low pH and zeaxanthin binding enhanced the relative amplitude of quenched states in LHCSR1, which were characterized by the presence of 80 ps fluorescence decay components with a red-shifted emission spectrum. We suggest that energy dissipation occurs in the chloroplast by the activation of 80 ps quenching sites in LHCSR1 which spill over excitons from the photosystem II antenna system.
Principal contribution of HLA-DQ alleles, DQB1*06:04 and DQB1*03:01, to disease resistance against primary biliary cholangitis in a Japanese population
Authors: Yasunami Michio , Nakamura Hitomi , Tokunaga Katsushi , Kawashima Minae , Nishida Nao , Hitomi Yuki , Nakamura Minoru 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIdentification of the primary allele(s) inHLA class IIassociated diseases remains challenging because of a tight linkage between alleles ofHLA-DRand-DQloci. In the present study, we determined the genotypes of sevenHLAloci (HLA-A,-B,-DRB1,-DQA1,-DQB1,-DPA1and-DPB1) for 1200 Japanese patients with primary biliary cholangitis and 1196 controls. Observation of recombination derivatives facilitated an evaluation of the effects of individualHLAalleles consisting of disease-prone/disease-resistantHLAhaplotypes. Consequently, a primary contribution ofDQB1*06:04(odds ratio: 0.19, p = 1.91 × 10−22),DQB1*03:01(odds ratio: 0.50, p = 6.76 × 10−10),DRB1*08:03(odds ratio: 1.75, p = 1.01 × 10−7) andDQB1*04:01(odds ratio: 1.50, p = 9.20 × 10−6) was suggested. Epistasis of the protectiveDQB1*06:04to risk conferred byDRB1*08:03was demonstrated by subpopulation analysis, implicating the presence of an active immunological mechanism that alleviates pathogenic autoimmune reactions. Further, the contribution of the aforementionedHLAalleles as well as anHLA-DPallele,DPB1*02:01to the association signals of 304 loci among 4103 SNPs in theHLAregion at the genome-wide level of significance (p values less than 5 × 10−8) was demonstrated by the stepwise exclusion of the individuals possessing theseHLAalleles from the comparison.
Melatonin enhances the developmental competence of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos by preventing DNA damage induced by oxidative stress
Authors: Liang Shuang , Jin Yong-Xun , Yuan Bao , Zhang Jia-Bao , Kim Nam-Hyung 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMelatonin has antioxidant and scavenger effects in the cellular antioxidant system. This research investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of melatonin action in porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. The results suggested that the developmental competence of porcine SCNT embryos was considerably enhanced after melatonin treatment. In addition, melatonin attenuated the increase in reactive oxygen species levels induced by oxidative stress, the decrease in glutathione levels, and the mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, melatonin inhibited phospho-histone H2A.X (γH2A.X) expression and comet tail formation, suggesting that γH2A.X prevents oxidative stress-induced DNA damage. The expression of genes involved in homologous recombination and non-homologous end-joining pathways for the repair of double-stranded breaks (DSB) was reduced upon melatonin treatment in porcine SCNT embryos at day 5 of development under oxidative stress condition. These results indicated that melatonin promoted porcine SCNT embryo development by preventing oxidative stress-induced DNA damage via quenching of free radical formation. Our results revealed a previously unrecognized regulatory effect of melatonin in response to oxidative stress and DNA damage. This evidence provides a novel mechanism for the improvement in SCNT embryo development associated with exposure to melatonin.
Novel detection of post-translational modifications in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells after chronic alcohol exposure: Role of inflammation regulator H4K12ac
Authors: Parira Tiyash , Figueroa Gloria , Laverde Alejandra , Casteleiro Gianna , Gomez Hernandez Mario E. , Fernandez-Lima Francisco , Agudelo Marisela 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPrevious reports on epigenetic mechanisms involved in alcohol abuse have focus on hepatic and neuronal regions, leaving the immune system and specifically monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) understudied. Our lab has previously shown histone deacetylases are modulated in cells derived from alcohol users and after in vitro acute alcohol treatment of human MDDCs. In the current study, we developed a novel screening tool using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FT-ICR MS) and single cell imaging flow cytometry to detect post-translational modifications (PTMs) in human MDDCs due to chronic alcohol exposure. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, in vitro chronic alcohol exposure of MDDCs modulates H3 and H4 and induces a significant increase in acetylation at H4K12 (H4K12ac). Moreover, the Tip60/HAT inhibitor, NU9056, was able to block EtOH-induced H4K12ac, enhancing the effect of EtOH on IL-15, RANTES, TGF-β1, and TNF-α cytokines while restoring MCP-2 levels, suggesting that H4K12ac may be playing a major role during inflammation and may serve as an inflammation regulator or a cellular stress response mechanism under chronic alcohol conditions.
Characterization of Volume-Based Changes in Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials and Prepulse Inhibition
Authors: Potter Thomas , Li Sheng , Nguyen Thinh , Nguyen Trac , Ince Nuri , Zhang Yingchun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe auditory evoked startle reflex is a conserved response resulting in neurological and motor activity. The presence of a mild prepulse immediately before the main pulse inhibits startle responses, though the mechanism for this remains unknown. In this study, the electroencephalography (EEG) data recorded from 15 subjects was analyzed to study the N1 and P2 components of cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) evoked by 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 dB stimuli both in the presence and absence of 70 dB prepulses. Results without a prepulse showed an evolution of N1 amplitudes, increasing with stimulus intensity and showing largely significant differences. Results from prepulse trials only showed noteworthy changes in peak-to-peak amplitude in the 100 dB condition. Prepulse and non-prepulse conditions were then compared using peak amplitudes and theta power. Prepulse conditions significantly decreased the amplitude for both components in the 110 dB condition, i.e., pre-pulse inhibition, but significantly increased the N1 amplitude in the 70 dB condition, i.e., pre-pulse facilitation. Similarly theta band power significantly increased in the 70 dB prepulse condition and significantly decreased in the 110 dB prepulse condition. These results expand the basis of knowledge regarding how CAEPs change and elaborate on their neural function and representation.
Biophysical characterisation of the novel zinc binding property in Suppressor of Fused
Authors: Jabrani Amira , Makamte Staëlle , Moreau Emilie , Gharbi Yasmine , Plessis Anne , Bruzzone Lucia , Sanial Matthieu , Biou Valérie 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSuppressor of Fused (SUFU) is a highly conserved protein that acts as a negative regulator of the Hedgehog (HH) signalling pathway, a major determinant of cell differentiation and proliferation. Therefore, SUFU deletion in mammals has devastating effects on embryo development. SUFU is part of a multi-protein cytoplasmic signal-transducing complex. Its partners include the Gli family of transcription factors that function either as repressors, or as transcription activators according to the HH activation state. The crystal structure of SUFU revealed a two-domain arrangement, which undergoes a closing movement upon binding a peptide from Gli1. There remains however, much to be discovered about SUFU’s behaviour. To this end, we expressed recombinant, full-length SUFU from Drosophila, Zebrafish and Human. Guided by a sequence analysis that revealed a conserved potential metal binding site, we discovered that SUFU binds zinc. This binding was found to occur with a nanomolar affinity to SUFU from all three species. Mutation of one histidine from the conserved motif induces a moderate decrease in affinity for zinc, while circular dichroism indicates that the mutant remains structured. Our results reveal new metal binding affinity characteristics about SUFU that could be of importance for its regulatory function in HH.
Small RNAs in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium involved in daptomycin response and resistance
Authors: Sinel Clara , Augagneur Yoann , Sassi Mohamed , Bronsard Julie , Cacaci Margherita , Guérin François , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Meignen Pierrick , Cattoir Vincent , Felden Brice 
Published: September 2017

AbstractVancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections and outbreaks. Regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are major players in adaptive responses, including antibiotic resistance. They were extensively studied in gram-negative bacteria, but less information is available for gram-positive pathogens. No sRNAs are described in E. faecium. We sought to identify a set of sRNAs expressed in vancomycin-resistant E. faecium Aus0004 strain to assess their roles in daptomycin response and resistance. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed a set of 61 sRNA candidates, including 10 that were further tested and validated by Northern and qPCR. RNA-seq was performed with and without subinhibitory concentrations (SICs) of daptomycin, an antibiotic used to treat enterococcal infections. After daptomycin SIC exposure, the expression of 260 coding and srna genes was altered, with 80 upregulated and 180 downregulated, including 51% involved in carbohydrate and transport metabolisms. Daptomycin SIC exposure significantly affected the expression of seven sRNAs, including one experimentally confirmed, sRNA_0160. We studied sRNA expression in isogenic mutants with increasing levels of daptomycin resistance and observed that expression of several sRNAs, including sRNA_0160, was modified in the stepwise mutants. This first genome-wide sRNA identification in E. faecium suggests that some sRNAs are linked to antibiotic stress response and resistance.
N-terminomics identifies widespread endoproteolysis and novel methionine excision in a genome-reduced bacterial pathogen
Authors: Berry Iain J. , Jarocki Veronica M. , Tacchi Jessica L. , Raymond Benjamin B. A. , Widjaja Michael , Padula Matthew P. , Djordjevic Steven P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractProteolytic processing alters protein function. Here we present the first systems-wide analysis of endoproteolysis in the genome-reduced pathogen Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. 669 N-terminal peptides from 164 proteins were identified, demonstrating that functionally diverse proteins are processed, more than half of which 75 (53%) were accessible on the cell surface. Multiple cleavage sites were characterised, but cleavage with arginine in P1 predominated. Putative functions for a subset of cleaved fragments were assigned by affinity chromatography using heparin, actin, plasminogen and fibronectin as bait. Binding affinity was correlated with the number of cleavages in a protein, indicating that novel binding motifs are exposed, and protein disorder increases, after a cleavage event. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase was used as a model protein to demonstrate this. We define the rules governing methionine excision, show that several aminopeptidases are involved, and propose that through processing, genome-reduced organisms can expand protein function.
Effect of prenatal DINCH plasticizer exposure on rat offspring testicular function and metabolism
Authors: Campioli Enrico , Lee Sunghoon , Lau Matthew , Marques Lucas , Papadopoulos Vassilios 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn 2002, the plasticizer 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) was introduced in the European market as a substitute for endocrine-disrupting phthalates. We found that in utero exposure of rats to DINCH from gestational day 14 until parturition affected reproductive organ physiology and reduced circulating testosterone levels at post-natal day 60, indicating a long-term effect on Leydig cells of the testis. Metabolically, animals exhibited randomly increased serum glucose concentrations not associated with impaired glucose utilization. Analysis of liver markers in the serum showed a hepatic effect; e.g. reduced bilirubin levels and albumin/globulin ratio. At post-natal day 200, random appearance of testicular atrophy was noted in exposed offspring, and limited changes in other reproductive parameters were observed. In conclusion, DINCH exposure appears to directly affect Leydig cell function, likely causing premature aging of the testes and impaired liver metabolic capacity. These effects might be attenuated with physiologic aging.
Ambient air pollution, smog episodes and mortality in Jinan, China
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Yao , Cui Liang-liang , Liu Shou-qin , Yin Xi-xiang , Li Huai-chen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe aimed to assess the acute effects of ambient air pollution and weather conditions on mortality in the context of Chinese smog episodes. A total of 209,321 deaths were recorded in Jinan, a large city in eastern China, during 2011–15. The mean concentrations of daily particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were 169 μg/m3, 100 μg/m3, 77 μg/m3, and 54 μg/m3, respectively. Increases of 10 μg/m3 in PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO2 were associated with 1.11% (95% CI 0.96–1.26%), 0.71% (95% CI 0.60–0.82%), 1.69% (95% CI 1.56–1.83%), and 3.12% (95% CI 2.72–3.53%) increases in daily non-accidental mortality rates, respectively. Moreover, the risk estimates for these 4 pollutants were higher in association with respiratory and cardiovascular mortality. The effects of all the evaluated pollutants on mortality were greater in winter than in summer. Smog episodes were associated with a 5.87% (95% CI 0.16–11.58%) increase in the rate of overall mortality. This study highlights the effect of exposure to air pollution on the rate of mortality in China.
A regime shift in the Sun-Climate connection with the end of the Medieval Climate Anomaly
Authors: Smirnov D. A. , Breitenbach S. F. M. , Feulner G. , Lechleitner F. A. , Prufer K. M. , Baldini J. U. L. , Marwan N. , Kurths J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the influence of changes in solar activity on Earth’s climate and distinguishing it from other forcings, such as volcanic activity, remains a major challenge for palaeoclimatology. This problem is best approached by investigating how these variables influenced past climate conditions as recorded in high precision paleoclimate archives. In particular, determining if the climate system response to these forcings changes through time is critical. Here we use the Wiener-Granger causality approach along with well-established cross-correlation analysis to investigate the causal relationship between solar activity, volcanic forcing, and climate as reflected in well-established Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) rainfall proxy records from Yok Balum Cave, southern Belize. Our analysis reveals a consistent influence of volcanic activity on regional Central American climate over the last two millennia. However, the coupling between solar variability and local climate varied with time, with a regime shift around 1000–1300 CE after which the solar-climate coupling weakened considerably.
Multiple Streptomyces species with distinct secondary metabolomes have identical 16S rRNA gene sequences
Authors: Antony-Babu Sanjay , Stien Didier , Eparvier Véronique , Parrot Delphine , Tomasi Sophie , Suzuki Marcelino T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMicrobial diversity studies using small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequences continue to advance our understanding of biological and ecological systems. Although a good predictor of overall diversity, using this gene to infer the presence of a species in a sample is more controversial. Here, we present a detailed polyphasic analysis of 10 bacterial strains isolated from three coastal lichens Lichina confinis, Lichina pygmaea and Roccella fuciformis with SSU rRNA gene sequences identical to the type strain of Streptomyces cyaneofuscatus. This analysis included phenotypic, microscopic, genetic and genomic comparisons and showed that despite their identical SSU rRNA sequences the strains had markedly different properties, and could be distinguished as 5 different species. Significantly, secondary metabolites profiles from these strains were also found to be different. It is thus clear that SSU rRNA based operational taxonomy units, even at the most stringent cut-off can represent multiple bacterial species, and that at least for the case of Streptomyces, strain de-replication based on SSU gene sequences prior to screening for bioactive molecules can miss potentially interesting novel molecules produced by this group that is notorious for the production of drug-leads.
Prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes: the Dongguan Eye Study
Authors: Cui Ying , Zhang Liang , Zhang Min , Yang Xiaohong , Zhang Lixin , Kuang Jian , Zhang Guanrong , Liu Qingyang , Guo Haike , Meng Qianli 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTo assess the prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness in type 2 diabetes patients, a population-based cross-sectional study including 8952 rural-dwelling residents aged 40 years or older from Hengli Town in Southern China was conducted. Participants underwent standard interviews, physical measurements, laboratory tests, and comprehensive eye examinations. Low vision and blindness were defined based on WHO criteria. Visual acuity data were available for 1348 (89.9%) of the 1500 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Age-standardized prevalence of bilateral low vision and blindness assessed in the better-seeing eye was 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0–3.8) and 0.7% (95% CI: 0.2–1.1) based on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Cataracts were the primary cause of low vision and blindness. Visual impairment was associated with age (odds ratio [OR]: 3.73, 95% CI: 2.39–5.83), education level (OR: 3.21, 95% CI: 1.63–6.29), duration of diabetes (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.25) and body mass index (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.95). Our data suggest that approximately 70% of visual impairment in this diabetic population could be eliminated with appropriate cataract surgery or spectacle correction. Greater consideration should be given to older type 2 diabetes patients with a level of lower education.
Light guiding and switching using eccentric core-shell geometries
Authors: Barreda Ángela I. , Gutiérrez Yael , Sanz Juan M. , González Francisco , Moreno Fernando 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHigh Refractive Index (HRI) dielectric nanoparticles have been proposed as an alternative to metallic ones due to their low absorption and magnetodielectric response in the VIS and NIR ranges. For the latter, important scattering directionality effects can be obtained. Also, systems constituted by dimers of HRI dielectric nanoparticles have shown to produce switching effects by playing with the polarization, frequency or intensity of the incident radiation. Here, we show that scattering directionality effects can be achieved with a single eccentric metallo-HRI dielectric core-shell nanoparticle. As an example, the effect of the metallic core displacements for a single Ag-Si core-shell nanoparticle has been analyzed. We report rotation of the main scattering lobe either clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the polarization of the incident radiation leading to new scattering configurations for switching purposes. Also, the efficiency of the scattering directionality can be enhanced. Finally, chains of these scattering units have shown good radiation guiding effects, and for 1D periodic arrays, redirection of diffracted intensity can be observed as a consequence of blazing effects. The proposed scattering units constitute new blocks for building systems for optical communications, solar energy harvesting devices and light guiding at the nanoscale level.