bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topology and control of self-assembled domain patterns in low-dimensional ferroelectrics
Authors: Nahas Y. , Prokhorenko S. , Zhang Q. , Govinden V. , Valanoor N. , Bellaiche L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWhilst often discussed as non-trivial phases of low-dimensional ferroelectrics, modulated polar phases such as the dipolar maze and the nano-bubble state have been appraised as essentially distinct. Here we emphasize their topological nature and show that these self-patterned polar states, but also additional mesophases such as the disconnected labyrinthine phase and the mixed bimeron-skyrmion phase, can be fathomed in their plurality through the unifying canvas of phase separation kinetics. Under compressive strain, varying the control parameter, i.e., the external electric field, conditions the nonequilibrium self-assembly of domains, and bridges nucleation and spinodal decomposition via the sequential onset of topological transitions. The evolutive topology of these polar textures is driven by the (re)combination of the elementary topological defects, merons and antimerons, into a plethora of composite topological defects such as the fourfold junctions, the bimeron and the target skyrmion. Moreover, we demonstrate that these manipulable defects are stable at room temperature and feature enhanced functionalities, appealing for devising future topological-based nanoelectronics.
Spontaneous skyrmionic lattice from anisotropic symmetric exchange in a Ni-halide monolayer
Authors: Amoroso Danila , Barone Paolo , Picozzi Silvia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTopological spin structures, such as magnetic skyrmions, hold great promises for data storage applications, thanks to their inherent stability. In most cases, skyrmions are stabilized by magnetic fields in non-centrosymmetric systems displaying the chiral Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya exchange interaction, while spontaneous skyrmion lattices have been reported in centrosymmetric itinerant magnets with long-range interactions. Here, a spontaneous anti-biskyrmion lattice with unique topology and chirality is predicted in the monolayer of a semiconducting and centrosymmetric metal halide, NiI2. Our first-principles and Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the anisotropies of the short-range symmetric exchange, when combined with magnetic frustration, can lead to an emergent chiral interaction that is responsible for the predicted topological spin structures. The proposed mechanism finds a prototypical manifestation in two-dimensional magnets, thus broadening the class of materials that can host spontaneous skyrmionic states.
Kinetic insights into the peroxygenase activity of cellulose-active lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs)
Authors: Kont Riin , Bissaro Bastien , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Väljamäe Priit 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are widely distributed in Nature, where they catalyze the hydroxylation of glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides. Despite the importance of LPMOs in the global carbon cycle and in industrial biomass conversion, the catalytic properties of these monocopper enzymes remain enigmatic. Strikingly, there is a remarkable lack of kinetic data, likely due to a multitude of experimental challenges related to the insoluble nature of LPMO substrates, like cellulose and chitin, and to the occurrence of multiple side reactions. Here, we employed competition between well characterized reference enzymes and LPMOs for the H2O2 co-substrate to kinetically characterize LPMO-catalyzed cellulose oxidation. LPMOs of both bacterial and fungal origin showed high peroxygenase efficiencies, with kcat/KmH2O2 values in the order of 105–106 M−1 s−1. Besides providing crucial insight into the cellulolytic peroxygenase reaction, these results show that LPMOs belonging to multiple families and active on multiple substrates are true peroxygenases.
Clinical transplantation using negative pressure ventilation ex situ lung perfusion with extended criteria donor lungs
Authors: Buchko Max T. , Boroumand Nasim , Cheng Jeffrey C. , Hirji Alim , Halloran Kieran , Freed Darren H. , Nagendran Jayan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLung transplantation remains the best treatment option for end-stage lung disease; however, is limited by a shortage of donor grafts. Ex situ lung perfusion, also known as ex vivo lung perfusion, has been shown to allow for the safe evaluation and reconditioning of extended criteria donor lungs, increasing donor utilization. Negative pressure ventilation ex situ lung perfusion has been shown, preclinically, to result in less ventilator-induced lung injury than positive pressure ventilation. Here we demonstrate that, in a single-arm interventional study (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03293043) of 12 extended criteria donor human lungs, negative pressure ventilation ex situ lung perfusion allows for preservation and evaluation of donor lungs with all grafts and patients surviving to 30 days and recovered to discharge from hospital. This trial also demonstrates that ex situ lung perfusion is safe and feasible with no patients demonstrating primary graft dysfunction scores grade 3 at 72 h or requiring post-operative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Aftershocks are fluid-driven and decay rates controlled by permeability dynamics
Authors: Miller Stephen A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOne aspect of earthquake physics not adequately addressed is why some earthquakes generate thousands of aftershocks while other earthquakes generate few, if any, aftershocks. It also remains unknown why aftershock rates decay as ~1/time. Here, I show that these two are linked, with a dearth of aftershocks reflecting the absence of high-pressure fluid sources at depth, while rich and long-lasting aftershock sequences reflect tapping high-pressure fluid reservoirs that drive aftershock sequences. Using a physical model that captures the dominant aspects of permeability dynamics in the crust, I show that the model generates superior fits to observations than widely used empirical fits such as the Omori-Utsu Law, and find a functional relationship between aftershock decay rates and the tectonic ability to heal the co- and post-seismically generated fracture networks. These results have far-reaching implications, and can help interpret other observations such as seismic velocity recovery, attenuation, and migration.
Long-range ballistic transport of Brown-Zak fermions in graphene superlattices
Authors: Barrier Julien , Kumaravadivel Piranavan , Krishna Kumar Roshan , Ponomarenko L. A. , Xin Na , Holwill Matthew , Mullan Ciaran , Kim Minsoo , Gorbachev R. V. , Thompson M. D. , Prance J. R. , Taniguchi T. , Watanabe K. , Grigorieva I. V. , Novoselov K. S. , Mishchenko A. , Fal’ko V. I. , Geim A. K. , Berdyugin A. I. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn quantizing magnetic fields, graphene superlattices exhibit a complex fractal spectrum often referred to as the Hofstadter butterfly. It can be viewed as a collection of Landau levels that arise from quantization of Brown-Zak minibands recurring at rational (p/q) fractions of the magnetic flux quantum per superlattice unit cell. Here we show that, in graphene-on-boron-nitride superlattices, Brown-Zak fermions can exhibit mobilities above 106 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the mean free path exceeding several micrometers. The exceptional quality of our devices allows us to show that Brown-Zak minibands are 4q times degenerate and all the degeneracies (spin, valley and mini-valley) can be lifted by exchange interactions below 1 K. We also found negative bend resistance at 1/q fractions for electrical probes placed as far as several micrometers apart. The latter observation highlights the fact that Brown-Zak fermions are Bloch quasiparticles propagating in high fields along straight trajectories, just like electrons in zero field.
Associations between blood type and COVID-19 infection, intubation, and death
Authors: Zietz Michael , Zucker Jason , Tatonetti Nicholas P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe rapid global spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has strained healthcare and testing resources, making the identification and prioritization of individuals most at-risk a critical challenge. Recent evidence suggests blood type may affect risk of severe COVID-19. Here, we use observational healthcare data on 14,112 individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 with known blood type in the New York Presbyterian (NYP) hospital system to assess the association between ABO and Rh blood types and infection, intubation, and death. We find slightly increased infection prevalence among non-O types. Risk of intubation was decreased among A and increased among AB and B types, compared with type O, while risk of death was increased for type AB and decreased for types A and B. We estimate Rh-negative blood type to have a protective effect for all three outcomes. Our results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting blood type may play a role in COVID-19.
IRF3 prevents colorectal tumorigenesis via inhibiting the nuclear translocation of β-catenin
Authors: Tian Miao , Wang Xiumei , Sun Jihong , Lin Wenlong , Chen Lumin , Liu Shengduo , Wu Ximei , Shi Liyun , Xu Pinglong , Cai Xiujun , Wang Xiaojian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOccurrence of Colorectal cancer (CRC) is relevant with gut microbiota. However, role of IRF3, a key signaling mediator in innate immune sensing, has been barely investigated in CRC. Here, we unexpectedly found that the IRF3 deficient mice are hyper-susceptible to the development of intestinal tumor in AOM/DSS and Apcmin/+ models. Genetic ablation of IRF3 profoundly promotes the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells via aberrantly activating Wnt signaling. Mechanically, IRF3 in resting state robustly associates with the active β-catenin in the cytoplasm, thus preventing its nuclear translocation and cell proliferation, which can be relieved upon microbe-induced activation of IRF3. In accordance, the survival of CRC is clinically correlated with the expression level of IRF3. Therefore, our study identifies IRF3 as a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and a potential prognosis marker for Wnt-related tumorigenesis, and describes an intriguing link between gut microbiota and CRC via the IRF3-β-catenin axis.
Atypical chemoreceptor arrays accommodate high membrane curvature
Authors: Muok Alise R. , Ortega Davi R. , Kurniyati Kurni , Yang Wen , Maschmann Zachary A. , Sidi Mabrouk Adam , Li Chunhao , Crane Brian R. , Briegel Ariane 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe prokaryotic chemotaxis system is arguably the best-understood signaling pathway in biology. In all previously described species, chemoreceptors organize into a hexagonal (P6 symmetry) extended array. Here, we report an alternative symmetry (P2) of the chemotaxis apparatus that emerges from a strict linear organization of the histidine kinase CheA inTreponema denticolacells, which possesses arrays with the highest native curvature investigated thus far. Using cryo-ET, we reveal thatTdchemoreceptor arrays assume an unusual arrangement of the supra-molecular protein assembly that has likely evolved to accommodate the high membrane curvature. The arrays have several atypical features, such as an extended dimerization domain of CheA and a variant CheW-CheR-like fusion protein that is critical for maintaining an ordered chemosensory apparatus. Furthermore, the previously characterizedTdoxygen sensor ODP influences CheA ordering. These results suggest a greater diversity of the chemotaxis signaling system than previously thought.
Primary cilia mediate early life programming of adiposity through lysosomal regulation in the developing mouse hypothalamus
Authors: Lee Chan Hee , Song Do Kyeong , Park Chae Beom , Choi Jeewon , Kang Gil Myoung , Shin Sung Hoon , Kwon Ijoo , Park Soyoung , Kim Seongjun , Kim Ji Ye , Dugu Hong , Park Jae Woo , Choi Jong Han , Min Se Hee , Sohn Jong-Woo , Kim Min-Seon 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHypothalamic neurons including proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-producing neurons regulate body weights. The non-motile primary cilium is a critical sensory organelle on the cell surface. An association between ciliary defects and obesity has been suggested, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we show that inhibition of ciliogenesis in POMC-expressing developing hypothalamic neurons, by depleting ciliogenic genes IFT88 and KIF3A, leads to adulthood obesity in mice. In contrast, adult-onset ciliary dysgenesis in POMC neurons causes no significant change in adiposity. In developing POMC neurons, abnormal cilia formation disrupts axonal projections through impaired lysosomal protein degradation. Notably, maternal nutrition and postnatal leptin surge have a profound impact on ciliogenesis in the hypothalamus of neonatal mice; through these effects they critically modulate the organization of hypothalamic feeding circuits. Our findings reveal a mechanism of early life programming of adult adiposity, which is mediated by primary cilia in developing hypothalamic neurons.
3D-printed integrative probeheads for magnetic resonance
Authors: Xie Junyao , You Xueqiu , Huang Yuqing , Ni Zurong , Wang Xinchang , Li Xingrui , Yang Chaoyong , Zhang Dechao , Chen Hong , Sun Huijun , Chen Zhong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMagnetic resonance (MR) technology has been widely employed in scientific research, clinical diagnosis and geological survey. However, the fabrication of MR radio frequency probeheads still face difficulties in integration, customization and miniaturization. Here, we utilized 3D printing and liquid metal filling techniques to fabricate integrative radio frequency probeheads for MR experiments. The 3D-printed probehead with micrometer precision generally consists of liquid metal coils, customized sample chambers and radio frequency circuit interfaces. We screened different 3D printing materials and optimized the liquid metals by incorporating metal microparticles. The 3D-printed probeheads are capable of performing both routine and nonconventional MR experiments, including in situ electrochemical analysis, in situ reaction monitoring with continues-flow paramagnetic particles and ions separation, and small-sample MR imaging. Due to the flexibility and accuracy of 3D printing techniques, we can accurately obtain complicated coil geometries at the micrometer scale, shortening the fabrication timescale and extending the application scenarios.
Development and validation of a clinical score to estimate progression to severe or critical state in COVID-19 pneumonia hospitalized patients
Authors: Gude Francisco , Riveiro Vanessa , Rodríguez-Núñez Nuria , Ricoy Jorge , Lado-Baleato Óscar , Lourido Tamara , Rábade Carlos , Lama Adriana , Casal Ana , Abelleira-París Romina , Ferreiro Lucía , Suárez-Antelo Juan , Toubes María E. , Pou Cristina , Taboada-Muñiz Manuel , Calle-Velles Felipe , Mayán-Conesa Plácido , del Molino María L. Pérez , Galbán-Rodríguez Cristóbal , Álvarez-Escudero Julián , Beceiro-Abad Carmen , Molinos-Castro Sonia , Agra-Vázquez Néstor , Pazo-Núñez María , Páez-Guillán Emilio , Varela-García Pablo , Martínez-Rey Carmen , Pernas-Pardavila Hadrián , Domínguez-Santalla María J. , Vidal-Vázquez Martín , Marques-Afonso Ana T. , González-Quintela Arturo , González-Juanatey José R. , Pose Antonio , Valdés Luis 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe prognosis of a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia is uncertain. Our objective was to establish a predictive model of disease progression to facilitate early decision-making. A retrospective study was performed of patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia, classified as severe (admission to the intensive care unit, mechanic invasive ventilation, or death) or non-severe. A predictive model based on clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters was built. The probability of progression to severe disease was estimated by logistic regression analysis. Calibration and discrimination (receiver operating characteristics curves and AUC) were assessed to determine model performance. During the study period 1152 patients presented with SARS-CoV-2 infection, of whom 229 (19.9%) were admitted for pneumonia. During hospitalization, 51 (22.3%) progressed to severe disease, of whom 26 required ICU care (11.4); 17 (7.4%) underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, and 32 (14%) died of any cause. Five predictors determined within 24 h of admission were identified: Diabetes, Age, Lymphocyte count, SaO2, and pH (DALSH score). The prediction model showed a good clinical performance, including discrimination (AUC 0.87 CI 0.81, 0.92) and calibration (Brier score = 0.11). In total, 0%, 12%, and 50% of patients with severity risk scores ≤ 5%, 6–25%, and > 25% exhibited disease progression, respectively. A risk score based on five factors predicts disease progression and facilitates early decision-making according to prognosis.
Comparing distress of mouse models for liver damage
Authors: Tang Guanglin , Seume Nico , Häger Christine , Kumstel Simone , Abshagen Kerstin , Bleich André , Vollmar Brigitte , Talbot Steven R. , Zhang Xianbin , Zechner Dietmar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn order to foster animal welfare as well as high quality of research, many countries regulate by law that the severity of animal experiments must be evaluated and considered when performing biomedical research. It is well accepted that multiple parameters rather than a single readout parameter should be applied to describe animal distress or suffering. However, since the performance of readout parameters for animal distress is rarely defined and methods for multivariate analysis have only in rare cases been used, it is not known which methodology is most appropriate to define animal distress. This study used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to quantify the performance of burrowing activity, body weight change and a distress score of mice after induction of liver damage by bile duct ligation or carbon tetrachloride. In addition, Support Vector Machine classification was used to compare the distress of these mouse models. This approach demonstrated that bile duct ligation causes much more distress than carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. This study, therefore, provides a prototype how to compare two animal models by considering several readout parameters. In the future these or similar methods for multivariate analysis will be necessary, when assessing and comparing the severity of animal models.
Phonon-based partition of (ZnSe-like) semiconductor mixed crystals on approach to their pressure-induced structural transition
Authors: Shoker M. B. , Pagès Olivier , Torres V. J. B. , Polian A. , Itié J.-P. , Pradhan G. K. , Narayana C. , Rao M. N. , Rao R. , Gardiennet C. , Kervern G. , Strzałkowski K. , Firszt F. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe generic 1-bond → 2-mode “percolation-type” Raman signal inherent to the short bond of common A1−xBxC semiconductor mixed crystals with zincblende (cubic) structure is exploited as a sensitive “mesoscope” to explore how various ZnSe-based systems engage their pressure-induced structural transition (to rock-salt) at the sub-macroscopic scale—with a focus on Zn1−xCdxSe. The Raman doublet, that distinguishes between the AC- and BC-like environments of the short bond, is reactive to pressure: either it closes (Zn1−xBexSe, ZnSe1−xSx) or it opens (Zn1−xCdxSe), depending on the hardening rates of the two environments under pressure. A partition of II–VI and III–V mixed crystals is accordingly outlined. Of special interest is the “closure” case, in which the system resonantly stabilizes ante transition at its “exceptional point” corresponding to a virtual decoupling, by overdamping, of the two oscillators forming the Raman doublet. At this limit, the chain-connected bonds of the short species (taken as the minor one) freeze along the chain into a rigid backbone. This reveals a capacity behind alloying to reduce the thermal conductivity as well as the thermalization rate of photo-generated electrons.
The invasive butterbur contaminates stream and seepage water in groundwater wells with toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Authors: Kisielius Vaidotas , Hama Jawameer R. , Skrbic Natasa , Hansen Hans Christian Bruun , Strobel Bjarne W. , Rasmussen Lars Holm 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are persistent mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds produced by many common plant species. Health authorities recommend minimising human exposure via food and medicinal products to ensure consumer health and safety. However, there is little awareness that PAs can contaminate water resources. Therefore, no regulations exist to limit PAs in drinking water. This study measured a PA base concentration of ~ 70 ng/L in stream water adjacent to an invasive PA-producing plantPetasites hybridus (Asteraceae). After intense rain the PA concentration increased tenfold. In addition, PAs measured up to 230 ng/L in seepage water from groundwater wells. The dominant PAs in both water types corresponded to the most abundant PAs in the plants (senkirkine, senecionine, senecionine N-oxide). The study presents the first discovery of persistent plant toxins in well water and their associated risks. In addition, it for the first time reports monocrotaline and monocrotaline N-oxide inPetasitessp.
Intrinsic electrical properties of cable bacteria reveal an Arrhenius temperature dependence
Authors: Bonné Robin , Hou Ji-Ling , Hustings Jeroen , Wouters Koen , Meert Mathijs , Hidalgo-Martinez Silvia , Cornelissen Rob , Morini Filippo , Thijs Sofie , Vangronsveld Jaco , Valcke Roland , Cleuren Bart , Meysman Filip J. R. , Manca Jean V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFilamentous cable bacteria exhibit long-range electron transport over centimetre-scale distances, which takes place in a parallel fibre structure with high electrical conductivity. Still, the underlying electron transport mechanism remains undisclosed. Here we determine the intrinsic electrical properties of the conductive fibres in cable bacteria from a material science perspective. Impedance spectroscopy provides an equivalent electrical circuit model, which demonstrates that dry cable bacteria filaments function as resistive biological wires. Temperature-dependent electrical characterization reveals that the conductivity can be described with an Arrhenius-type relation over a broad temperature range (− 195 °C to + 50 °C), demonstrating that charge transport is thermally activated with a low activation energy of 40–50 meV. Furthermore, when cable bacterium filaments are utilized as the channel in a field-effect transistor, they show n-type transport suggesting that electrons are the charge carriers. Electron mobility values are ~ 0.1 cm2/Vs at room temperature and display a similar Arrhenius temperature dependence as conductivity. Overall, our results demonstrate that the intrinsic electrical properties of the conductive fibres in cable bacteria are comparable to synthetic organic semiconductor materials, and so they offer promising perspectives for both fundamental studies of biological electron transport as well as applications in microbial electrochemical technologies and bioelectronics.