bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired bio-voltage memristors
Authors: Fu Tianda , Liu Xiaomeng , Gao Hongyan , Ward Joy E. , Liu Xiaorong , Yin Bing , Wang Zhongrui , Zhuo Ye , Walker David J. F. , Joshua Yang J. , Chen Jianhan , Lovley Derek R. , Yao Jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMemristive devices are promising candidates to emulate biological computing. However, the typical switching voltages (0.2-2 V) in previously described devices are much higher than the amplitude in biological counterparts. Here we demonstrate a type of diffusive memristor, fabricated from the protein nanowires harvested from the bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens, that functions at the biological voltages of 40-100 mV. Memristive function at biological voltages is possible because the protein nanowires catalyze metallization. Artificial neurons built from these memristors not only function at biological action potentials (e.g., 100 mV, 1 ms) but also exhibit temporal integration close to that in biological neurons. The potential of using the memristor to directly process biosensing signals is also demonstrated.
Real-time non-contact cellular imaging and angiography of human cornea and limbus with common-path full-field/SD OCT
Authors: Mazlin Viacheslav , Xiao Peng , Scholler Jules , Irsch Kristina , Grieve Kate , Fink Mathias , Boccara A. Claude 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn today’s clinics, a cell-resolution view of the cornea can be achieved only with a confocal microscope (IVCM) in contact with the eye. Here, we present a common-path full-field/spectral-domain OCT microscope (FF/SD OCT), which enables cell-detail imaging of the entire ocular surface in humans (central and peripheral cornea, limbus, sclera, tear film) without contact and in real-time. Real-time performance is achieved through rapid axial eye tracking and simultaneous defocusing correction. Images contain cells and nerves, which can be quantified over a millimetric field-of-view, beyond the capability of IVCM and conventional OCT. In the limbus, palisades of Vogt, vessels, and blood flow can be resolved with high contrast without contrast agent injection. The fast imaging speed of 275 frames/s (0.6 billion pixels/s) allows direct monitoring of blood flow dynamics, enabling creation of high-resolution velocity maps. Tear flow velocity and evaporation time can be measured without fluorescein administration.
Fire decline in dry tropical ecosystems enhances decadal land carbon sink
Authors: Yin Yi , Bloom A. Anthony , Worden John , Saatchi Sassan , Yang Yan , Williams Mathew , Liu Junjie , Jiang Zhe , Worden Helen , Bowman Kevin , Frankenberg Christian , Schimel David 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe terrestrial carbon sink has significantly increased in the past decades, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The current synthesis of process-based estimates of land and ocean sinks requires an additional sink of 0.6 PgC yr−1 in the last decade to explain the observed airborne fraction. A concurrent global fire decline was observed in association with tropical agriculture expansion and landscape fragmentation. Here we show that a decline of 0.2 ± 0.1 PgC yr−1 in fire emissions during 2008–2014 relative to 2001–2007 also induced an additional carbon sink enhancement of 0.4 ± 0.2 PgC yr−1 attributable to carbon cycle feedbacks, amounting to a combined sink increase comparable to the 0.6 PgC yr−1 budget imbalance. Our results suggest that the indirect effects of fire, in addition to the direct emissions, is an overlooked mechanism for explaining decadal-scale changes in the land carbon sink and highlight the importance of fire management in climate mitigation.
A primary care database study of asthma among patients with and without opioid use disorders
Authors: Oliver Phillip , Hulin Joe , Mitchell Caroline 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSubstance misuse is associated with poor asthma outcome and death. People with opioid use disorder (OUD) may be at particular risk, however, there have been no case-control studies of asthma care and outcomes in this patient group. A primary care database study of patients with asthma aged 16–65 years was conducted using a matched case-control methodology. The dataset comprised 275,151 adults with asthma, of whom 459 had a clinical code indicating a lifetime history of OUD. Cases with a history of OUD were matched to controls 1:3 by age, gender, smoking status and deprivation index decile. Attendance at annual review (30%) and for immunisation (25%) was poor amongst the overall matched study population (N = 1832). Compared to matched controls, cases were less likely to have attended for asthma review during the previous 12 months (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.45–0.80) but had similar immunisation rates. Higher rates of ICS (OR = 1.50, 1.13–1.98) and oral prednisolone use (OR = 1.71, 1.25–2.40) were seen amongst those with a history of OUD and 7.2% had a concurrent diagnosis of COPD (OR = 1.86, 1.12–2.40). We found that people with asthma and a history of OUD have worse outcomes on several commonly measured metrics of asthma care. Further research is required to identify reasons for these findings, the most effective strategies to help this vulnerable group access basic asthma care, and to better understand long-term respiratory outcomes.
First comprehensive TSC1/TSC2 mutational analysis in Mexican patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex reveals numerous novel pathogenic variants
Authors: Reyna-Fabián Miriam E. , Hernández-Martínez Nancy L. , Alcántara-Ortigoza Miguel A. , Ayala-Sumuano Jorge T. , Enríquez-Flores Sergio , Velázquez-Aragón José A. , Varela-Echavarría Alfredo , Todd-Quiñones Carlos G. , González-del Angel Ariadna 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to improve knowledge of the mutational spectrum causing tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in a sample of Mexican patients, given the limited information available regarding this disease in Mexico and Latin America. Four different molecular techniques were implemented to identify from single nucleotide variants to large rearrangements in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes of 66 unrelated Mexican-descent patients that clinically fulfilled the criteria for a definitive TSC diagnosis. The mutation detection rate was 94%, TSC2 pathogenic variants (PV) prevailed over TSC1 PV (77% vs. 23%) and a recurrent mutation site (hotspot) was observed in TSC1 exon 15. Interestingly, 40% of the identified mutations had not been previously reported. The wide range of novels PV made it difficult to establish any genotype-phenotype correlation, but most of the PV conditioned neurological involvement (intellectual disability and epilepsy). Our 3D protein modeling of two variants classified as likely pathogenic demonstrated that they could alter the structure and function of the hamartin (TSC1) or tuberin (TSC2) proteins. Molecular analyses of parents and first-degree affected family members of the index cases enabled us to distinguish familial (18%) from sporadic (82%) cases and to identify one case of apparent gonadal mosaicism.
Voltage-Dependent Protonation of the Calcium Pocket Enable Activation of the Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel Anoctamin-1 (TMEM16A)
Authors: Segura-Covarrubias Guadalupe , Aréchiga-Figueroa Iván A. , De Jesús-Pérez José J. , Sánchez-Solano Alfredo , Pérez-Cornejo Patricia , Arreola Jorge 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAnoctamin-1 (ANO1 or TMEM16A) is a homo-dimeric Ca2+-activated Cl− channel responsible for essential physiological processes. Each monomer harbours a pore and a Ca2+-binding pocket; the voltage-dependent binding of two intracellular Ca2+ ions to the pocket gates the pore. However, in the absence of intracellular Ca2+ voltage activates TMEM16A by an unknown mechanism. Here we show voltage-activated anion currents that are outwardly rectifying, time-independent with fast or absent tail currents that are inhibited by tannic and anthracene-9-carboxylic acids. Since intracellular protons compete with Ca2+ for binding sites in the pocket, we hypothesized that voltage-dependent titration of these sites would induce gating. Indeed intracellular acidification enabled activation of TMEM16A by voltage-dependent protonation, which enhanced the open probability of the channel. Mutating Glu/Asp residues in the Ca2+-binding pocket to glutamine (to resemble a permanent protonated Glu) yielded channels that were easier to activate at physiological pH. Notably, the response of these mutants to intracellular acidification was diminished and became voltage-independent. Thus, voltage-dependent protonation of glutamate/aspartate residues (Glu/Asp) located in the Ca2+-binding pocket underlines TMEM16A activation in the absence of intracellular Ca2+.
Violation of Svetlichny inequality in Triple Jaynes-Cummings Models
Authors: Wang Kun , Zheng Zhu-Jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe study the genuine tripartite nonlocality of some qubit states in a triple JCM. In this model, each atom state (A, B or C) was initially prepared with an independent cavity (a, b or c). By using two kinds of GHZ-like states as the atomic initial states, we investigate the genuine tripartite nonlocality as the time evolutions for the non-interaction three-qubit subsystems. We also study the genuine tripartite nonlocality of the subsystems by using the Svetlichny inequality. For the subsystems of three atoms ABC and three cavity modes abc, we show that they are genuinely nonlocal at certain period intervals of time. The states of all the other inequivalent subsystems satisfy the Svetlichny inequality for two types of GHZ-like states.
Effect of TAT-DOX-PEG irradiated gold nanoparticles conjugates on human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Lupusoru Raoul V. , Pricop Daniela A. , Uritu Cristina M. , Arvinte Adina , Coroaba Adina , Esanu Irina , Zaltariov Mirela F. , Silion Mihaela , Stefanescu Cipriana , Pinteala Mariana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe paper aims to investigate the cytotoxic effect on tumor cells of irradiated AuNPs in green light and subsequently functionalized with HS-PEG-NH2. The toxicity level of gold conjugates after their functionalization with DOX and TAT peptide was also evaluated. The AuNPs were prepared using the modified Turkevich method and exposed to visible light at a wavelength of 520 nm prior their PEGylation. The optical properties were analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy, the surface modification was investigated using FTIR and XPS spectroscopies and their sizes and morphologies were evaluated by TEM and DLS techniques. DOX and TAT peptide were linked to the surface of PEGylated AuNPs by reacting their amino groups with glycidyloxypropyl of PEGylated DOX or TAT conjugates under mild conditions at room temperature and in the presence of ethanol as catalyst. The conjugates containing DOX or DOX and TAT have been characterized by fluorescence and FTIR techniques. The changes of electrochemical features were observed using cyclic voltammetry, suggesting a better stability of irradiated nanoparticles. By mass spectrometry it was confirmed that the compounds of interest were obtained. The cell viability test showed that irradiated and non-irradiated nanoparticles coated with PEG are not toxic in normal cells. Tumor cell viability analysis showed that the PEGylated nanoparticles modified with DOX and TAT peptide were more effective than pristine DOX, indicating cytotoxicity up to 10% higher than non-irradiated ones.
Limits in the detection of m6A changes using MeRIP/m6A-seq
Authors: McIntyre Alexa B. R. , Gokhale Nandan S. , Cerchietti Leandro , Jaffrey Samie R. , Horner Stacy M. , Mason Christopher E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMany cellular mRNAs contain the modified base m6A, and recent studies have suggested that various stimuli can lead to changes in m6A. The most common method to map m6A and to predict changes in m6A between conditions is methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), through which methylated regions are detected as peaks in transcript coverage from immunoprecipitated RNA relative to input RNA. Here, we generated replicate controls and reanalyzed published MeRIP-seq data to estimate reproducibility across experiments. We found that m6A peak overlap in mRNAs varies from ~30 to 60% between studies, even in the same cell type. We then assessed statistical methods to detect changes in m6A peaks as distinct from changes in gene expression. However, from these published data sets, we detected few changes under most conditions and were unable to detect consistent changes across studies of similar stimuli. Overall, our work identifies limits to MeRIP-seq reproducibility in the detection both of peaks and of peak changes and proposes improved approaches for analysis of peak changes.
A neo-taphonomic approach to human campsites modified by carnivores
Authors: Arilla Maite , Rosell Jordi , Blasco Ruth 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSkeletal profiles at archaeological bone assemblages can bear little resemblance to original hominin discarded bone elements. Resulting patterns might originate from different taphonomic problems, such as hominin-carnivore activities in alternate visits, and lead to interpretation issues. In this paper, we present a study of predepositional scattering activities caused by small-sized carnivores on simulated short-term hominin campsites. Their disrupting actions affect skeletal element survival considerably and, to a lesser extent, the spatial distribution of hearth-related assemblages. The results of this study demonstrate that small-sized carnivores might cause as much disruption as large-sized ones. Thus, being able to recognize these taphonomic processes and their consequences is critical when discerning between human and non-human behaviour.
Active Tobacco Smoking Impairs Cardiac Systolic Function
Authors: Hendriks Tom , van Dijk Randy , Alsabaan Najod A. , van der Harst Pim 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTobacco smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but its direct effect on myocardial structure and function remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of smoking using a nested matched case-control study design. 5,668 participants of the UK Biobank study who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging were screened for inclusion. 102 smokers (56 males) with a median age of 56 years were matched to non-smokers based on sex, age, and body surface area. Manual post-processing and feature tracking analyses were performed to determine left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) structure and function measures. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the effect of tobacco smoking on imaging measures. Tobacco smoking was associated with increased LV and RV end-systolic volume (4.98 ± 2.08 mL, 5.19 ± 2.62 mL, P = 0.018, 0.049 respectively), reduced LV and RV ejection fraction (β: −2.21 ± 0.82%, −2.06 ± 0.87%, P = 0.007, 0.019 respectively), and reduced absolute measures of LV peak global longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain (β: 0.86 ± 0.30%, −2.52 ± 0.99%, 1.05 ± 0.32%, P = 0.004, 0.011, 0.001 respectively). Effect sizes were larger in daily smokers compared to occasional smokers. In a general Caucasian population without known clinical cardiovascular disease, active tobacco smoking was dose dependently associated with impaired cardiac systolic function.
The effect of tillage systems on phosphorus distribution and forms in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil under maize (Zea mays L.) in Northeast China
Authors: Xomphoutheb Thidaphone , Jiao Shuai , Guo Xinxin , Mabagala Frank Stephano , Sui Biao , Wang Hongbin , Zhao Lanpo , Zhao Xingmin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAn appropriate tillage method must be implemented by maize growers to improve phosphorus dynamics in the soil in order to increase phosphorus uptake by plant. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tillage systems on phosphorus and its fractions in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils under maize. An experimental field was established, with phosphate fertilizers applied to four treatment plots: continuous rotary tillage (CR), continuous no-tillage (CN), plowing-rotary tillage (PR), and plowing-no tillage (PN). Under the different tillage methods, the available P was increased in the non-rhizosphere region. However, the concentration of available P was reduced in the rhizosphere soil region. The soil available P decreased with the age of the crop until the maize reached physiological maturity. The non-rhizosphere region had 132.9%, 82.5%, 259.8%, and 148.4% more available P than the rhizosphere region under the CR, PR, CN, and PN treatments, respectively. The continuous no-tillage method (CN) improved the uptake of soil phosphate by maize. The concentrations of Ca2-P, Ca8-P, Fe-P, Al-P and O-P at the maturity stage were significantly lower than other seedling stages. However, there was no significant relationship between total P and the P fractions. Therefore, a continuous no-tillage method (CN) can be used by farmers to improve phosphorus availability for spring maize. Soil management practices minimizing soil disturbance can be used to impove phosphorus availability for maize roots, increase alkaline phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil and increase the abundance of different phosphorus fractions.
A U-shaped Association of Breastfeeding Duration with Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Li Fu-Dong , Lin Jun-Fen , Ying Xu-Hua , Qiu Yin-Wei , Li Song-Tao , Zhai Yu-Jia , Zhang Tao , Wang Xin-Yi , Gu Xue , Wu Meng-Na , He Fan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBreastfeeding is related to maternal health. However, the association of women’s breastfeeding duration with cognitive function in their later life is limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to accurately evaluate the association in Chinese postmenopausal women. We analyzed the data from Zhejiang Ageing and Health Cohort Study including 5487 postmenopausal women. Cognitive impairment was assessed via the Mini-Mental State Examination. Data on breastfeeding duration was collected in the reproductive history section within the questionnaire. Generalized additive models (GAMs) and logistic regression models, controlled for an extensive range of potential confounders, were generated to examine the associations. A U-shaped association was identified between breastfeeding duration and cognitive impairment based on GAM. The nadir with lowest odds of cognitive impairment was ascertained by quadratic model as 12 months. The logistic models showed that compared with women breastfeeding 12 months per child, the fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 1.50 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.20–1.88), 1.58 (95% CI: 1.29–1.93), 1.33 (95% CI: 1.06–1.68), 2.08 (95% CI: 1.64–2.65) for those averagely breastfeeding <6, 6-<12,>12–18,>18 months, respectively. Furthermore, we did not observe significant effect modification of the association. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the association.
Regulatory relationship between quality variation and environment of Cistanche deserticola in three ecotypes based on soil microbiome analysis
Authors: Sun Xiao , Zhang Li , Pei Jin , Huang Lin-Fang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe environment affects the composition and function of soil microbiome, which indirectly influences the quality of plants. In this study, 16S amplicon sequencing was used to reveal the differences in soil microbial community composition of Cistanche deserticola in three ecotypes (saline-alkali land, grassland and sandy land). Through the correlation analysis of microbial community abundance, phenylethanoid glycoside contents and ecological factors, the regulatory relationship between microbial community and the quality variation of C. deserticola was expounded. The metabolic function profile of soil microbiome was predicted using Tax4Fun. Data showed that the soil microbial communities of the three ecotypes were significantly different (AMOVA, P < 0.001), and the alpha diversity of grassland soil microbial community was the highest. Core microbiome analysis demonstrated that the soil microbial communities of C. deserticola were mostly have drought, salt tolerance, alkali resistance and stress resistance, such as Micrococcales and Bacillales. The biomarkers, namely, Oceanospirillales (saline-alkali land), Sphingomonadales (grassland) and Propionibacteriales (sandy land), which can distinguish three ecotype microbial communities, were excavated through LEfSe and random forest. Correlation analysis results demonstrated that 2′-acetylacteoside is positively correlated with Oceanospirillales in saline-alkali land soil. The metabolic function profiles displayed highly enriched metabolism (carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms) and environmental information processing (membrane transport and signal transduction) pathways. Overall, the composition and function of soil microbiomes were found to be important factors to the quality variation of C. deserticola in different ecotypes. This work provided new insight into the regulatory relationship amongst the environment, soil microbial community and plant quality variation.
New freshwater mussel taxa discoveries clarify biogeographic division of Southeast Asia
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Konopleva Ekaterina S. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Gofarov Mikhail Yu. , Lopes-Lima Manuel , Bogan Arthur E. , Lunn Zau , Chan Nyein , Win Than , Aksenova Olga V. , Tomilova Alena A. , Tanmuangpak Kitti , Tumpeesuwan Sakboworn , Kondakov Alexander V. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWhile a growing body of modern phylogenetic research reveals that the Western Indochina represents a separate biogeographic subregion having a largely endemic freshwater fauna, the boundaries of this subregion are still unclear. We use freshwater mussels (Unionidae) as a model to reconstruct spatial patterns of freshwater biogeographic divides throughout Asia. Here, we present an updated freshwater biogeographic division of mainland Southeast Asia and describe 12 species and 4 genera of freshwater mussels new to science. We show that the Isthmus of Kra represents a significant southern biogeographic barrier between freshwater mussel faunas of the Western Indochina and Sundaland subregions, while the Indian and Western Indochina subregions are separated by the Naga Hills, Chin Hills, and Rakhine Yoma mountain ranges. Our findings highlight that the freshwater bivalve fauna of Southeast Asia primarily originated within three evolutionary hotspots (Western Indochina, Sundaland, and East Asian) supplemented by ancient immigrants from the Indian Subcontinent.