bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topological structures, spontaneous symmetry breaking and energy spectra in dipole hexagonal lattices
Authors: Batle Josep 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe interplay between the special triangular/hexagonal two dimensional lattice and the long range dipole–dipole interaction gives rise to topological defects, specifically the vortex, formed by a particular arrangement of the interacting classic dipoles. The nature of such vortices has been traditionally explained on the basis of numerical evidence. Here we propose the emerging formation of vortices as the natural minimum energy configuration of interacting (in-plane) two-dimensional dipoles based on the mechanism of spontaneous symmetry breaking. As opposed to the quantal case, where spin textures such as skyrmions or bimerons occur due to non-linearities in their Hamiltonian, it is still possible to witness classic topological structures due only to the nature of the dipole–dipole force. We shall present other (new) topological structures for the in-plane honeycomb lattice, as well as for two-dimensional out-of-plane dipoles. These structures will prove to be essential in the minimum energy configurations for three-dimensional simple hexagonal and hexagonal-closed-packed structures, whose energies in the bulk are obtained for the first time.
Relevant methane emission to the atmosphere from a geological gas manifestation
Authors: Mazzini Adriano , Sciarra Alessandra , Etiope Giuseppe , Sadavarte Pankaj , Houweling Sander , Pandey Sudhanshu , Husein Alwi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractQuantifying natural geological sources of methane (CH4) allows to improve the assessment of anthropogenic emissions to the atmosphere from fossil fuel industries. The global CH4 flux of geological gas is, however, an object of debate. Recent fossil (14C-free) CH4 measurements in preindustrial-era ice cores suggest very low global geological emissions (~ 1.6 Tg year−1), implying a larger fossil fuel industry source. This is however in contrast with previously published bottom-up and top-down geo-emission estimates (~ 45 Tg year−1) and even regional-scale emissions of ~ 1–2 Tg year−1. Here we report on significant geological CH4 emissions from the Lusi hydrothermal system (Indonesia), measured by ground-based and satellite (TROPOMI) techniques. Both techniques indicate a total CH4 output of ~ 0.1 Tg year−1, equivalent to the minimum value of global geo-emission derived by ice core 14CH4 estimates. Our results are consistent with the order of magnitude of the emission factors of large seeps used in global bottom-up estimates, and endorse a substantial contribution from natural Earth’s CH4 degassing. The preindustrial ice core assessments of geological CH4 release may be underestimated and require further study. Satellite measurements can help to test geological CH4 emission factors and explain the gap between the contrasting estimates.
Relationship model between surface strain of concrete and expansion force of reinforcement rust
Authors: Chen Fanxiu , Jin Zuquan , Wang Endong , Wang Lanqin , Jiang Yudan , Guo Pengfei , Gao Xinya , He Xiaoyuan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractConcrete cracking caused by corrosion of reinforcement could significantly shorten the durability of reinforced concrete structure. It remains critical to investigate the process and mechanism of the corrosion occurring to concrete reinforcement and establish the theoretical prediction model of concrete expansion force for the whole process of corrosion cracking of reinforcement. Under the premise of uniform corrosion of reinforcing steel bars, the elastic mechanics analysis method is adopted to analyze the entire process starting from the corrosion of steel bars to the cracking of concrete due to corrosion. A relationship model between the expansion force of corrosion of steel bars and the surface strain of concrete is established. On the cuboid reinforced concrete specimens with square cross-sections, accelerated corrosion tests are carried out to calibrate and verify the established model. The model can be able to estimate the real-time expansion force of reinforced concrete at any time of the whole process from the initiation of steel corrosion to the end of concrete cracking by measuring the surface strain of concrete. It could be useful for quantitative real-time monitoring of steel corrosion in concrete structures.
One-carbon pathway and cognitive skills in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Antonaros Francesca , Lanfranchi Silvia , Locatelli Chiara , Martelli Anna , Olivucci Giulia , Cicchini Elena , Carosi Diatricch Ludovica , Mannini Elisa , Vione Beatrice , Feliciello Agnese , Ramacieri Giuseppe , Onnivello Sara , Vianello Renzo , Vitale Lorenza , Pelleri Maria Chiara , Strippoli Pierluigi , Cocchi Guido , Pulina Francesca , Piovesan Allison , Caracausi Maria 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis work investigates the role of metabolite levels in the intellectual impairment of subjects with Down syndrome (DS). Homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, uric acid (UA), creatinine levels and MTHFR C677T genotype were analyzed in 147 subjects with DS. For 77 subjects, metabolite levels were correlated with cognitive tests. Griffiths-III test was administered to 28 subjects (3.08–6.16 years) and WPPSI-III test was administered to 49 subjects (7.08–16.08 years). Significant correlations were found among some metabolite levels and between homocysteine levels and MTHFR C677T genotype. Moreover, homocysteine, UA and creatinine levels resulted increased with age. We did not find any correlation between metabolites and cognitive test score in the younger group. Homocysteine showed statistically significant correlation with WPPSI-III subtest scores when its level is ≥ 7.35 µmol/L, remaining correlated in higher thresholds only for non-verbal area scores. Vitamin B12 showed correlations with all WPPSI-III subtest scores when its level is < 442 pg/mL. The relevance of the present findings is the detection of a specific metabolite threshold related with a better or worse cognitive score, suggesting that vitamin B12 and homocysteine may have a role in cognitive development in children with DS.
Virus-derived peptide inhibitors of the herpes simplex virus type 1 nuclear egress complex
Authors: Draganova Elizabeth B. , Heldwein Ekaterina E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHerpesviruses infect a majority of the human population, establishing lifelong latent infections for which there is no cure. Periodic viral reactivation spreads infection to new hosts while causing various disease states particularly detrimental in the immunocompromised. Efficient viral replication, and ultimately the spread of infection, is dependent on the nuclear egress complex (NEC), a conserved viral heterodimer that helps translocate viral capsids from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where they mature into infectious virions. Here, we have identified peptides, derived from the capsid protein UL25, that are capable of inhibiting the membrane-budding activity of the NEC from herpes simplex virus type 1 in vitro. We show that the inhibitory ability of the peptides depends on their length and the propensity to form an α-helix but not on the exact amino acid sequence. Current therapeutics that target viral DNA replication machinery are rendered ineffective by drug resistance due to viral mutations. Our results establish a basis for the development of an alternative class of inhibitors against nuclear egress, an essential step in herpesvirus replication, potentially expanding the current repertoire of available therapeutics.
Factors influencing scavenger guilds and scavenging efficiency in Southwestern Montana
Authors: Walker Morgan A. , Uribasterra Maria , Asher Valpa , Getz Wayne M. , Ryan Sadie J. , Ponciano José Miguel , Blackburn Jason K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractScavenging of carrion shapes ecological landscapes by influencing scavenger population demography, increasing inter- and intra-specific interactions, and generating ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and disease moderation. Previous research found the cues promoting, or the constraints limiting, an individual’s propensity or ability to scavenge vary widely, depending on anthropogenic and environmental factors. Here we investigated differences in scavenging patterns in a complex scavenger guild in Southwestern Montana. We used camera traps established at 13 carcass sites to monitor carcass detection, visitation, and consumption times, during 2016–2018 and generalized linear models to explore the influence of carcass characteristics, habitat features, and seasonality, on carcass selection and scavenging efficiency. We found that scavenger species diversity was higher at higher elevations and in grassland habitats. Scavenging efficiency was influencedinter aliaby seasonality, distance to water, and elevation. We found that most carcass consumption was via facultative scavengers (bears, wolves, magpies,Corvusspp.) rather than turkey vultures, the only obligate scavengers in the study area. However, growing populations of turkey vultures may lead to increased competition with facultative scavengers over carrion, and could have cascading effects on food webs in this ecosystem.
Colloidal stability of phytosynthesised gold nanoparticles and their catalytic effects for nerve agent degradation
Authors: Holišová Veronika , Urban Martin , Konvičková Zuzana , Kolenčík Marek , Mančík Pavel , Slabotinský Jiří , Kratošová Gabriela , Plachá Daniela 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHerein, Tilia sp. bract leachate was used as the reducing agent for Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) phytosynthesis. The colloidal properties of the prepared Au NPs were determined to confirm their stability over time, and the NPs were then used as active catalysts in soman nerve agent degradation. The Au NPs characterisation, reproducibility and stability studies were performed under transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and with ζ-potential measurements. The reaction kinetics was detected by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detector and solid-phase micro-extraction to confirm the Au NPs applicability in soman hydrolysis. The ‘green’ phytosynthetic formation of colloidal crystalline Au NPs with dominant quasi-spherical shape and 55 ± 10 nm diameter was successfully achieved, and there were no significant differences in morphology, ζ-potential or absorbance values observed during the 5-week period. This verified the prepared colloids’ long-term stability. The soman nerve agent was degraded to non-toxic substances within 24 h, with 0.2156 h−1 reaction rate constant. These results confirmed bio-nanotechnology’s great potential in preparation of stable and functional nanocatalysts for degradation of hazardous substances, including chemical warfare agents.
Risk of thrombotic events after respiratory infection requiring hospitalization
Authors: Smilowitz Nathaniel R. , Subashchandran Varun , Newman Jonathan , Barfield Michael E. , Maldonado Thomas S. , Brosnahan Shari B. , Yuriditsky Eugene , Horowitz James M. , Shah Binita , Reynolds Harmony R. , Hochman Judith S. , Berger Jeffrey S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThrombosis is a major concern in respiratory infections. Our aim was to investigate the magnitude and duration of risk for arterial and venous thrombosis following discharge after respiratory infection. Patients with respiratory infections were identified using the United States Nationwide Readmission Database from 2012 to 2014. Patients admitted with asthma or cellulitis served as comparators. Readmissions for acute myocardial infarction (MI) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) were evaluated at 30 to 180 days. The likelihood of a first thrombotic event after discharge was compared with a 30-day period prior to hospitalization. Among 5,271,068 patients discharged after a respiratory infection, 0.56% and 0.78% were readmitted within 30-days with MI and VTE, respectively. Relative to asthma and cellulitis, respiratory infection was associated with a greater age and sex-adjusted hazard of 30-day readmission for MI (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.48 [95% CI 1.42–1.54] vs. asthma; aHR 1.36 [95% CI 1.31–1.41] vs. cellulitis) and VTE (aHR 1.28 [95% CI 1.24–1.33] vs. asthma; aHR 1.26, [95% CI 1.22–1.30] vs. cellulitis). Risks of MI and VTE attenuated over time. In a crossover-cohort analysis, the odds of MI (OR 1.68 [95% CI 1.62–1.73]) and VTE (OR 3.30 [95% 3.19–3.41]) were higher in the 30 days following discharge after respiratory infection than during the 30-day baseline period. Hospitalization for respiratory infection was associated with increased risks of thrombosis that were highest in the first 30-days after discharge and declined over time.
Distinct late Pleistocene subtropical-tropical divergence revealed by fifteen low-copy nuclear genes in a dominant species in South-East China
Authors: Ye Jun-Wei , Li De-Zhu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn East Asia, genetic divergence is usually considered to be correlated to different floristic regions, however, subtropical-tropical divergence is largely ignored, compared to widely explored temperate-subtropical divergence. Lindera aggregata (Lauraceae), a dominant species in South-East China was selected to address this issue. Fifteen low-copy nuclear genes (LCGs) and four chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments were used to detect its evolutionary history. In LCGs, STRUCTURE and dated Bayesian phylogeny analyses detect distinct subtropical-tropical divergence since late Pleistocene. Approximate Bayesian calculation (ABC) further supports the distinct subtropical-tropical divergence, and close related Taiwan and South China populations are diverged at the last interglacial. Isolation by distance, isolation by environment and isolation by resistance analyses suggest the current climatic difference rather than geographical distance contributes to the genetic differentiation. Principle component analysis shows populations of tropical cluster occur in warmer area with higher precipitation. Ancestral area reconstruction based on Bayesian phylogeny indicates that ancestral L. aggregata populations are distributed in tropical region. In cpDNA, although unique haplotypes are found in tropical region, distinct subtropical-tropical divergence is absent. In conclusion, distinct late Pleistocene subtropical-tropical divergence of L. aggregata is triggered by climate. It is likely that L. aggregata is originated in Southwest-South China and experienced hierarchical dispersal from south to north. The South China Sea land bridge has dual role in connecting or isolating Taiwan and mainland populations since the last glaciation.
Subseasonal relationship between Arctic and Eurasian surface air temperature
Authors: Kim Hye-Jin , Son Seok-Woo , Moon Woosok , Kug Jong-Seong , Hwang Jaeyoung 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe subseasonal relationship between Arctic and Eurasian surface air temperature (SAT) is re-examined using reanalysis data. Consistent with previous studies, a significant negative correlation is observed in cold season from November to February, but with a local minimum in late December. This relationship is dominated not only by the warm Arctic-cold Eurasia (WACE) pattern, which becomes more frequent during the last two decades, but also by the cold Arctic-warm Eurasia (CAWE) pattern. The budget analyses reveal that both WACE and CAWE patterns are primarily driven by the temperature advection associated with sea level pressure anomaly over the Ural region, partly cancelled by the diabatic heating. It is further found that, although the anticyclonic anomaly of WACE pattern mostly represents the Ural blocking, about 20% of WACE cases are associated with non-blocking high pressure systems. This result indicates that the Ural blocking is not a necessary condition for the WACE pattern, highlighting the importance of transient weather systems in the subseasonal Arctic-Eurasian SAT co-variability.
Music-based biofeedback to reduce tibial shock in over-ground running: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Van den Berghe Pieter , Lorenzoni Valerio , Derie Rud , Six Joren , Gerlo Joeri , Leman Marc , De Clercq Dirk 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMethods to reduce impact in distance runners have been proposed based on real-time auditory feedback of tibial acceleration. These methods were developed using treadmill running. In this study, we extend these methods to a more natural environment with a proof-of-concept. We selected ten runners with high tibial shock. They used a music-based biofeedback system with headphones in a running session on an athletic track. The feedback consisted of music superimposed with noise coupled to tibial shock. The music was automatically synchronized to the running cadence. The level of noise could be reduced by reducing the momentary level of tibial shock, thereby providing a more pleasant listening experience. The running speed was controlled between the condition without biofeedback and the condition of biofeedback. The results show that tibial shock decreased by 27% or 2.96 g without guided instructions on gait modification in the biofeedback condition. The reduction in tibial shock did not result in a clear increase in the running cadence. The results indicate that a wearable biofeedback system aids in shock reduction during over-ground running. This paves the way to evaluate and retrain runners in over-ground running programs that target running with less impact through instantaneous auditory feedback on tibial shock.
TNFR1-d2 carrying the p.(Thr79Met) pathogenic variant is a potential novel actor of TNFα/TNFR1 signalling regulation in the pathophysiology of TRAPS
Authors: Rittore Cécile , Méchin Déborah , Sanchez Elodie , Marinèche Léa , Ea Vuthy , Soler Stephan , Vereecke Marion , Mallavialle Aude , Richard Eric , Duroux-Richard Isabelle , Apparailly Florence , Touitou Isabelle , Grandemange Sylvie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBinding of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) to its receptor (TNFR1) is critical for both survival and death cellular pathways. TNFα/TNFR1 signalling is complex and tightly regulated at different levels to control cell fate decisions. Previously, we identified TNFR1-d2, an exon 2-spliced transcript of TNFRSF1A gene encoding TNFR1, whose splicing may be modulated by polymorphisms associated with inflammatory disorders. Here, we investigated the impact of TNFRSF1A variants involved in TNFR-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) on TNFR1-d2 protein expression and activity. We found that TNFR1-d2 could be translated by using an internal translation initiation codon and a de novo internal ribosome entry site (IRES), which resulted in a putative TNFR1 isoform lacking its N-terminal region. The kinetic of assembly of TNFR1-d2 clusters at the cell surface was reduced as compared with full-length TNFR1. Although co-localized with the full-length TNFR1, TNFR1-d2 neither activated nuclear factor (NF)-κB signalling, nor interfered with TNFR1-induced NF-κB activation. Translation of TNFR1-d2 carrying the severe p.(Thr79Met) pathogenic variant (also known as T50M) was initiated at the mutated codon, resulting in an elongated extracellular domain, increased speed to form preassembled clusters in absence of TNFα, and constitutive NF-κB activation. Overall, TNFR1-d2 might reflect the complexity of the TNFR1 signalling pathways and could be involved in TRAPS pathophysiology of patients carrying the p.(Thr79Met) disease-causing variant.
A/H1N1 hemagglutinin antibodies show comparable affinity in vaccine-related Narcolepsy type 1 and control and are unlikely to contribute to pathogenesis
Authors: Lind Alexander , Marzinotto Ilaria , Brigatti Cristina , Ramelius Anita , Piemonti Lorenzo , Lampasona Vito 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn increased incidence of narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) was observed in Scandinavia following the 2009–2010 influenza Pandemrix vaccination. The association between NT1 and HLA-DQB1*06:02:01 supported the view of the vaccine as an etiological agent. A/H1N1 hemagglutinin (HA) is the main antigenic determinant of the host neutralization antibody response. Using two different immunoassays, the Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System (LIPS) and Radiobinding Assay (RBA), we investigated HA antibody levels and affinity in an exploratory and in a confirmatory cohort of Swedish NT1 patients and healthy controls vaccinated with Pandemrix. HA antibodies were increased in NT1 patients compared to controls in the exploratory (LIPS p = 0.0295, RBA p = 0.0369) but not in the confirmatory cohort (LIPS p = 0.55, RBA p = 0.625). HA antibody affinity, assessed by competition with Pandemrix vaccine, was comparable between patients and controls (LIPS: 48 vs. 39 ng/ml, p = 0.81; RBA: 472 vs. 491 ng/ml, p = 0.65). The LIPS assay also detected higher HA antibody titres as associated with HLA-DQB1*06:02:01 (p = 0.02). Our study shows that following Pandemrix vaccination, HA antibodies levels and affinity were comparable NT1 patients and controls and suggests that HA antibodies are unlikely to play a role in NT1 pathogenesis.
Association between EBV serological patterns and lymphocytic profile of SjS patients support a virally triggered autoimmune epithelitis
Authors: Barcelos Filipe , Martins Catarina , Monteiro Ricardo , Cardigos Joana , Prussiani Tiziano , Sítima Miguel , Alves Nuno , Vaz-Patto José , Cunha-Branco Jaime , Borrego Luís-Miguel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSjögren's syndrome (SjS) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, i.e. autoimmune epithelitis. Lymphocytes are central in SjS pathogenesis, with B-cell hyperactivity mediated by T-cells. B-cells are main targets of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, a frequently-suggested trigger for SjS. We aimed to evaluate how the EBV infection modulates B and T-cell subsets in SjS, including as controls Rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA) and healthy participants (HC). SjS patients presented decreased CXCR5+T-cells, although IL21-secreting Tfh and Tfc cells were increased. Tfc were positively correlated with ESSDAI scores, suggesting their relevant role in SjS pathogenesis. As previously described, SjS patients showed expanded circulating naïve B-cell compartments. SjS patients had a higher incidence of EBV-EA-D-IgG+ antibodies, characteristic of recent EBV-infection/reactivation. SjS patients with past infection or recent infection/reactivation showed increased CXCR3+Th1 and CXCR3+Tfh1 cells compared to those without active infection. SjS patients with a recent infection/reactivation profile presented increased transitional B-cells compared to patients with past infection and increased plasmablasts, compared to those without infection. Our results suggest EBV-infection contributes to B and T-cell differentiation towards the effector phenotypes typical of SjS. Local lymphocyte activation at ectopic germinal centres, mediated by Tfh and Tfc, can be EBV-driven, perpetuating autoimmune epithelitis, which leads to gland destruction in SjS.