bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model of processive walking and slipping of kinesin-8 molecular motors
Authors: Xie Ping 
Published: April 2021

AbstractKinesin-8 molecular motor can move with superprocessivity on microtubules towards the plus end by hydrolyzing ATP molecules, depolymerizing microtubules. The available single molecule data for yeast kinesin-8 (Kip3) motor showed that its superprocessive movement is frequently interrupted by brief stick–slip motion. Here, a model is presented for the chemomechanical coupling of the kinesin-8 motor. On the basis of the model, the dynamics of Kip3 motor is studied analytically. The analytical results reproduce quantitatively the available single molecule data on velocity without including the slip and that with including the slip versus external load at saturating ATP as well as slipping velocity versus external load at saturating ADP and no ATP. Predicted results on load dependence of stepping ratio at saturating ATP and load dependence of velocity at non-saturating ATP are provided. Similarities and differences between dynamics of kinesin-8 and that of kinesin-1 are discussed.
Very low-density lipoprotein receptor increases in a liver-specific manner due to protein deficiency but does not affect fatty liver in mice
Authors: Oshio Yui , Hattori Yuta , Kamata Hatsuho , Ozaki-Masuzawa Yori , Seki Arisa , Tsuruta Yasutaka , Takenaka Asako 
Published: April 2021

AbstractVery low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) is a member of the LDL receptor family that is involved in the uptake of VLDL into cells. Increased hepatic VLDLR under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been shown to cause fatty liver. In this study, the effect of dietary protein restriction on hepatic VLDLR and the role of VLDLR in fatty liver were investigated using Vldlr knockout (KO) mice. Growing wild-type (WT) and KO mice were fed a control diet containing 20% ​​protein or a low protein diet containing 3% protein for 11 days. In WT mice, the amount of hepatic Vldlr mRNA and VLDLR protein increased by approximately 8- and 7-fold, respectively, due to protein restriction. Vldlr mRNA and protein levels increased in both type 1 and type 2 VLDLR. However, neither Vldlr mRNA nor protein levels were significantly increased in heart, muscle, and adipose tissue, demonstrating that VLDLR increase due to protein restriction occurred in a liver-specific manner. Increased liver triglyceride levels during protein restriction occurred in KO mice to the same extent as in WT mice, indicating that increased VLDLR during protein restriction was not the main cause of fatty liver, which was different from the case of ER stress.
Chemotherapy confers a conserved secondary tolerance to EGFR inhibition via AXL-mediated signaling bypass
Authors: Aldonza Mark Borris D. , Reyes Roben D. Delos , Kim Young Seo , Ku Jayoung , Barsallo Ana Melisa , Hong Ji-Young , Lee Sang Kook , Ryu Han Suk , Park YongKeun , Cho Je-Yoel , Kim Yoosik 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDrug resistance remains the major culprit of therapy failure in disseminated cancers. Simultaneous resistance to multiple, chemically different drugs feeds this failure resulting in cancer relapse. Here, we investigate co-resistance signatures shared between antimitotic drugs (AMDs) and inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) to probe mechanisms of secondary resistance. We map co-resistance ranks in multiple drug pairs and identified a more widespread occurrence of co-resistance to the EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) gefitinib in hundreds of cancer cell lines resistant to at least 11 AMDs. By surveying different parameters of genomic alterations, we find that the two RTKs EGFR and AXL displayed similar alteration and expression signatures. Using acquired paclitaxel and epothilone B resistance as first-line AMD failure models, we show that a stable collateral resistance to gefitinib can be relayed by entering a dynamic, drug-tolerant persister state where AXL acts as bypass signal. Delayed AXL degradation rendered this persistence to become stably resistant. We probed this degradation process using a new EGFR-TKI candidate YD and demonstrated that AXL bypass-driven collateral resistance can be suppressed pharmacologically. The findings emphasize that AXL bypass track is employed by chemoresistant cancer cells upon EGFR inhibition to enter a persister state and evolve resistance to EGFR-TKIs.
Methane emissions from upstream oil and gas production in Canada are underestimated
Authors: MacKay Katlyn , Lavoie Martin , Bourlon Evelise , Atherton Emmaline , O’Connell Elizabeth , Baillie Jennifer , Fougère Chelsea , Risk David 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMethane emissions were measured at 6650 sites across six major oil and gas producing regions in Canada to examine regional emission trends, and to derive an inventory estimate for Canada’s upstream oil and gas sector. Emissions varied by fluid type and geographic region, with the heavy oil region of Lloydminster ranking highest on both absolute and intensity-based scales. Emission intensities varied widely for natural gas production, where older, low-producing developments such as Medicine Hat, Alberta showed high emission intensities, and newer developments in Montney, British Columbia showed emission intensities that are amongst the lowest in North America.Overall, we estimate that the Canadian upstream oil and gas methane inventory is underestimated by a factor of 1.5, which is consistent with previous studies of individual regions.
Synthesis of Ni2P/CdS and Pt/TiO2 nanocomposite for photoreduction of CO2 into methanol
Authors: Nagababu Penumaka , Ahmed Sehba Anjum Mumtaz , Prabhu Y. Taraka , kularkar Ankush , Bhowmick Subhamoy , Rayalu Sadhana S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIt is a great challenge to convert thermochemically stable CO2 into value-added products such as CH4, CH3OH, CO via utilizing solar energy. It is also a difficult task to develop an efficient catalyst for the reduction of CO2. We have designed and synthesized noble metal-free photocatalytic nanostructure Ni2P/CdS and Pt/TiO2 for conversion of CO2 to methanol in the presence of sacrificial donor triethylamine (TEA) and hydrogen peroxide. The synthesised catalysts physicochemical properties were studied by using several spectroscopic techniques like; XRD, UV-DRS, XPS, TEM, SEM and PL. Quantification of methanol by GC–MS showed encouraging results of 1424.8 and 2843 μmol g−1 of catalyst for Pt/TiO2 and 5 wt% Ni2P/CdS composites, respectively. Thus, Ni2P/CdS is a promising catalyst with higher productivity and significant selectivity than in-vogue catalysts.
Neutron flux evaluation model provided in the accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy system employing a solid-state lithium target
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Igaki Hiroshi , Ito Masashi , Imamichi Shoji , Kashihara Tairo , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Nishioka Shie , Iijima Kotaro , Chiba Takahito , Nakayama Hiroki , Takemori Mihiro , Abe Yoshihisa , Kaneda Tomoya , Takahashi Kana , Inaba Koji , Okuma Kae , Murakami Naoya , Nakayama Yuko , Masutani Mitsuko , Nishio Teiji , Itami Jun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAn accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) system employing a solid-state Li target can achieve sufficient neutron flux for treatment although the neutron flux is reduced over the lifetime of its target. In this study, the reduction was examined in the five targets, and a model was then established to represent the neutron flux. In each target, a reduction in neutron flux was observed based on the integrated proton charge on the target, and its reduction reached 28% after the integrated proton charge of 2.52 × 106 mC was delivered to the target in the system. The calculated neutron flux acquired by the model was compared to the measured neutron flux based on an integrated proton charge, and the mean discrepancies were less than 0.1% in all the targets investigated. These discrepancies were comparable among the five targets examined. Thus, the reduction of the neutron flux can be represented by the model. Additionally, by adequately revising the model, it may be applicable to other BNCT systems employing a Li target, thus furthering research in this direction. Therefore, the established model will play an important role in the accelerator-based BNCT system with a solid-state Li target in controlling neutron delivery and understanding the neutron output characteristics.
Investigations on the potential of optical coherence tomography as an imaging tool for eustachian tube
Authors: Sun Xiao-Mei , Luo Jia-Qi , Xiao Zhi-Wen , Gu Qing-Yu , Lan Lin-Chan , Zhang Hui-Qing , Zhang Guan-Ping 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of eustachian tube optical coherence tomography (ET-OCT) for imaging the pharyngeal region of the eustachian tube (ET). Ten subjects with ear complaints underwent ET-OCT guided by nasal endoscopy, and ET-OCT examination was performed on both sides of each subject's ETs. The process and resulting images were analysed. Ten subjects ranging from 21 to 73 years old (45 ± 14.77) were enrolled in this study. Eighteen ET-OCT imaging examinations were completed. The mean duration of each examination was 2.80 ± 1.62 min (ranging from 2 to 7 min). There were no adverse events or complications. In some subjects, the ET-OCT images clearly presented the microstructures of the ET wall, including the lumen, mucosa, submucosa, cartilage and plica. However, in some subjects, it showed different characteristics, such as an unclear hierarchy and secretions in the lumen. ET-OCT may help to distinguish the structural composition of the ET and elucidate related pathophysiological mechanisms. It is a valuable imaging tool suited for the ET, with potential diagnostic value in determining the morphology of the lumen, intraluminal mucosa and submucosal tissue in the pharyngeal region of the ET.
Heme controls the structural rearrangement of its sensor protein mediating the hemolytic bacterial survival
Authors: Nishinaga Megumi , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Nishitani Yudai , Nagai Seina , Nagatoishi Satoru , Muraki Norifumi , Tosha Takehiko , Tsumoto Kouhei , Aono Shigetoshi , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Sawai Hitomi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHemes (iron-porphyrins) are critical for biological processes in all organisms. Hemolytic bacteria survive by acquiring b-type heme from hemoglobin in red blood cells from their animal hosts. These bacteria avoid the cytotoxicity of excess heme during hemolysis by expressing heme-responsive sensor proteins that act as transcriptional factors to regulate the heme efflux system in response to the cellular heme concentration. Here, the underlying regulatory mechanisms were investigated using crystallographic, spectroscopic, and biochemical studies to understand the structural basis of the heme-responsive sensor protein PefR from Streptococcus agalactiae, a causative agent of neonatal life-threatening infections. Structural comparison of heme-free PefR, its complex with a target DNA, and heme-bound PefR revealed that unique heme coordination controls a >20 Å structural rearrangement of the DNA binding domains to dissociate PefR from the target DNA. We also found heme-bound PefR stably binds exogenous ligands, including carbon monoxide, a by-product of the heme degradation reaction.
Variation in personality can substitute for social feedback in coordinated animal movements
Authors: Planas-Sitjà Isaac , Deneubourg Jean-Louis , Cronin Adam L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCollective movements are essential for the effective function of animal societies, but are complicated by the need for consensus among group members. Consensus is typically assumed to arise via feedback mechanisms, but this ignores inter-individual variation in behavioural tendency (‘personality’), which is known to underpin the successful function of many complex societies. In this study, we use a theoretical approach to examine the relative importance of personality and feedback in the emergence of collective movement decisions in animal groups. Our results show that variation in personality dramatically influences collective decisions and can partially or completely replace feedback depending on the directionality of relationships among individuals. The influence of personality increases with the exaggeration of differences among individuals. While it is likely that both feedback and personality interact in nature, our findings highlight the potential importance of personality in driving collective processes.
Acylation of agricultural protein biomass yields biodegradable superabsorbent plastics
Authors: Capezza Antonio J. , Muneer Faraz , Prade Thomas , Newson William R. , Das Oisik , Lundman Malin , Olsson Richard T. , Hedenqvist Mikael S. , Johansson Eva 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSuperabsorbent polymers (SAP) are a central component of hygiene and medical products requiring high liquid swelling, but these SAP are commonly derived from petroleum resources. Here, we show that sustainable and biodegradable SAP can be produced by acylation of the agricultural potato protein side-stream (PPC) with a non-toxic dianhydride (EDTAD). Treatment of the PPC yields a material with a water swelling capacity of ca. 2400%, which is ten times greater than the untreated PPC. Acylation was also performed on waste potato fruit juice (PFJ), i.e. before the industrial treatment to precipitate the PPC. The use of PFJ for the acylation implies a saving of 320 000 tons as CO2 in greenhouse gas emissions per year by avoiding the industrial drying of the PFJ to obtain the PPC. The acylated PPC shows biodegradation and resistance to mould growth. The possibilities to produce a biodegradable SAP from the PPC allows for future fabrication of environment-friendly and disposable daily-care products, e.g. diapers and sanitary pads.
Temperature chaos is present in off-equilibrium spin-glass dynamics
Authors: Baity-Jesi Marco , Calore Enrico , Cruz Andrés , Fernandez Luis Antonio , Gil-Narvion José Miguel , Gonzalez-Adalid Pemartin Isidoro , Gordillo-Guerrero Antonio , Iñiguez David , Maiorano Andrea , Marinari Enzo , Martin-Mayor Víctor , Moreno-Gordo Javier , Muñoz-Sudupe Antonio , Navarro Denis , Paga Ilaria , Parisi Giorgio , Perez-Gaviro Sergio , Ricci-Tersenghi Federico , Ruiz-Lorenzo Juan Jesús , Schifano Sebastiano Fabio , Seoane Beatriz , Tarancon Alfonso , Tripiccione Raffaele , Yllanes David 
Published: April 2021

AbstractExperiments featuring non-equilibrium glassy dynamics under temperature changes still await interpretation. There is a widespread feeling that temperature chaos (an extreme sensitivity of the glass to temperature changes) should play a major role but, up to now, this phenomenon has been investigated solely under equilibrium conditions. In fact, the very existence of a chaotic effect in the non-equilibrium dynamics is yet to be established. In this article, we tackle this problem through a large simulation of the 3D Edwards-Anderson model, carried out on the Janus II supercomputer. We find a dynamic effect that closely parallels equilibrium temperature chaos. This dynamic temperature-chaos effect is spatially heterogeneous to a large degree and turns out to be controlled by the spin-glass coherence length ξ. Indeed, an emerging length-scale ξ* rules the crossover from weak (at ξ ≪ ξ*) to strong chaos (ξ ≫ ξ*). Extrapolations of ξ* to relevant experimental conditions are provided.
What Influences Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Different Types of Language Assessments for Elementary School–Age Children?
Authors: Denman Deborah , Cordier Reinie , Kim Jae-Hyun , Munro Natalie , Speyer Renée 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
This study reports on data from a survey of speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) language assessment practices for elementary school–age children. The objective was to investigate the regularity with which SLPs use different types of assessments (described across data types, task types, environmental contexts, and dynamic features). This study also investigated factors that influence assessment practice, the main sources from which SLPs obtain information on language assessment and the main challenges reported by SLPs in relation to language assessment.

Method
A web-based survey was used to collect information from 407 Australian SLPs regarding the types of assessments they use. Factors that influenced the regularity with which different types of assessments were used were investigated using regression analysis.

Results
Most SLPs regularly used assessments that are norm-referenced, decontextualized, and conducted in a clinical context and less regularly used other types of assessments. Service agency, Australian state, and SLPs' years of experience were found to influence the regularity with which some types of assessments were used. Informal discussions with colleagues were the most frequently identified source of information on assessment practice. Main challenges related to limited time, lack of assessment materials, and lack of confidence in assessing children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Conclusions
SLPs could improve current language assessment practice for elementary school–age children through more regular use of some types of assessments. Actions to facilitate evidence-based assessment practice should consider the contextual differences that exist between service agencies and states and address challenges that SLPs experience in relation to language assessment.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14378948
A new blind image denoising method based on asymmetric generative adversarial network
Authors: Wang Yiming , Chang Dongxia , Zhao Yao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImage denoising is a classical topic in computer vision. In recent years, with the development of deep learning, image denoising methods based on discriminative learning have received more attention. In this paper, a new blind image denoising method based on the asymmetric generative adversarial network (ID‐AGAN) is proposed. In the new method, the adversarial learning is used to optimise the high‐dimensional image information denoising, so as to balance the noise removal and detail retention. In order to overcome the unstability of the GAN training and improve the discriminative ability of the discriminating model, an image downsampling layer is added between the generating model and the discriminating model. Moreover, a multi‐scale feature downsampling layer is utilised to extract the feature of the entire image and reducing the effect of noise on training images. Extensive experiments are conducted to verify the performance of the ID‐AGAN algorithm. The results demonstrate that authors' method has high performance and flexibility.
Revisiting Kepler-444
Authors: Pezzotti C. , Eggenberger P. , Buldgen G. , Meynet G. , Bourrier V. , Mordasini C. 
Published: April 2021

Context.Kepler-444 is one of the oldest planetary systems known thus far. Its peculiar configuration consisting of five sub-Earth-sized planets orbiting the companion to a binary stellar system makes its early history puzzling. Moreover, observations of HI-Lyαvariations raise many questions about the potential presence of escaping atmospheres today.Aims.We aim to study the orbital evolution of Kepler-444-d and Kepler-444-e and the impact of atmospheric evaporation on Kepler-444-e.Methods.Rotating stellar models of Kepler-444-A were computed with the Geneva stellar evolution code and coupled to an orbital evolution code, accounting for the effects of dynamical, equilibrium tides and atmospheric evaporation. The impacts of multiple stellar rotational histories and X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) luminosity evolutionary tracks are explored.Results.Using detailed rotating stellar models able to reproduce the rotation rate of Kepler-444-A, we find that its observed rotation rate is perfectly in line with what is expected for this old K0-type star, indicating that there is no reason for it to be exceptionally active as would be required to explain the observed HI-Lyαvariations from a stellar origin. We show that given the low planetary mass (~0.03 M⊕) and relatively large orbital distance (~0.06 AU) of Kepler-444-d and e, dynamical tides negligibly affect their orbits, regardless of the stellar rotational history considered. We point out instead how remarkable the impact is of the stellar rotational history on the estimation of the lifetime mass loss for Kepler-444-e. We show that, even in the case of an extremely slow rotating star, it seems unlikely that such a planet could retain a fraction of the initial water-ice content if we assume that it formed with a Ganymede-like composition.
Constraints on the mass and on the atmospheric composition and evolution of the low-density young planet DS Tucanae A b
Authors: Benatti S. , Damasso M. , Borsa F. , Locci D. , Pillitteri I. , Desidera S. , Maggio A. , Micela G. , Wolk S. , Claudi R. , Malavolta L. , Modirrousta-Galian D. 
Published: April 2021

Context. Observations of young close-in exoplanets are providing initial indications for the characteristics of the population and clues to the early stages of their evolution. Transiting planets at young ages are also key benchmarks for our understanding of planetary evolution via the verification of atmospheric escape models.
Aims. We performed radial velocity (RV) monitoring of the 40 Myr old star DS Tuc A with HARPS at the ESO-3.6 m to determine the planetary mass of its 8.14-day planet, which was first revealed by the NASA TESS satellite. We also observed two planetary transits with HARPS and ESPRESSO at ESO-VLT to measure the Rossiter-McLaughlin (RM) effect and characterise the planetary atmosphere. We measured the high-energy emission of the host with XMM-Newton observations to investigate models for atmospheric evaporation.
Methods. We employed a Gaussian Processes (GP) regression to model the high level of the stellar activity, which is more than 40 times larger than the expected RV planetary signal. GPs were also used to correct the stellar contribution to the RV signal of the RM effect. We extracted the transmission spectrum of DS Tuc A b from the ESPRESSO data and searched for atmospheric elements and molecules either by single-line retrieval and by performing cross-correlation with a set of theoretical templates. Through a set of simulations, we evaluated different scenarios for the atmospheric photo-evaporation of the planet induced by the strong XUV stellar irradiation.
Results. While the stellar activity prevented us from obtaining a clear detection of the planetary signal from the RVs, we set a robust mass upper limit of 14.4 M⊕ for DS Tuc A b. We also confirm that the planetary system is almost (but not perfectly) aligned. The strong level of stellar activity hampers the detection of any atmospheric compounds, which is in line with other studies presented in the literature. The expected evolution of DS Tuc A b from our grid of models indicates that the planetary radius after the photo-evaporation phase will be 1.8–2.0 R⊕, falling within the Fulton gap.
Conclusions. The comparison of the available parameters of known young transiting planets with the distribution of their mature counterpart confirms that the former are characterised by a low density, with DS Tuc A b being one of the less dense. A clear determination of their distribution is still affected by the lack of a robust mass measurement, particularly for planets younger than ~100 Myr.