bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shallow slow earthquakes to decipher future catastrophic earthquakes in the Guerrero seismic gap
Authors: Plata-Martinez R. , Ide S. , Shinohara M. , Garcia E. S. , Mizuno N. , Dominguez L. A. , Taira T. , Yamashita Y. , Toh A. , Yamada T. , Real J. , Husker A. , Cruz-Atienza V. M. , Ito Y. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe Guerrero seismic gap is presumed to be a major source of seismic and tsunami hazard along the Mexican subduction zone. Until recently, there were limited observations at the shallow portion of the plate interface offshore Guerrero, so we deployed instruments there to better characterize the extent of the seismogenic zone. Here we report the discovery of episodic shallow tremors and potential slow slip events in Guerrero offshore. Their distribution, together with that of repeating earthquakes, seismicity, residual gravity and bathymetry, suggest that a portion of the shallow plate interface in the gap undergoes stable slip. This mechanical condition may not only explain the long return period of large earthquakes inside the gap, but also reveals why the rupture from past M < 8 earthquakes on adjacent megathrust segments did not propagate into the gap to result in much larger events. However, dynamic rupture effects could drive one of these nearby earthquakes to break through the entire Guerrero seismic gap.
Control of membrane barrier during bacterial type-III protein secretion
Authors: Hüsing Svenja , Halte Manuel , van Look Ulf , Guse Alina , Gálvez Eric J. C. , Charpentier Emmanuelle , Blair David F. , Erhardt Marc , Renault Thibaud T. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractType-III secretion systems (T3SSs) of the bacterial flagellum and the evolutionarily related injectisome are capable of translocating proteins with a remarkable speed of several thousand amino acids per second. Here, we investigate how T3SSs are able to transport proteins at such a high rate while preventing the leakage of small molecules. Our mutational and evolutionary analyses demonstrate that an ensemble of conserved methionine residues at the cytoplasmic side of the T3SS channel create a deformable gasket (M-gasket) around fast-moving substrates undergoing export. The unique physicochemical features of the M-gasket are crucial to preserve the membrane barrier, to accommodate local conformational changes during active secretion, and to maintain stability of the secretion pore in cooperation with a plug domain (R-plug) and a network of salt-bridges. The conservation of the M-gasket, R-plug, and salt-bridge network suggests a universal mechanism by which the membrane integrity is maintained during high-speed protein translocation in all T3SSs.
Predicting disease course in ulcerative colitis using stool proteins identified through an aptamer-based screen
Authors: Soomro Sanam , Venkateswaran Suresh , Vanarsa Kamala , Kharboutli Marwa , Nidhi Malavika , Susarla Ramya , Zhang Ting , Sasidharan Prashanth , Lee Kyung Hyun , Rosh Joel , Markowitz James , Pedroza Claudia , Denson Lee A. , Hyams Jeffrey , Kugathasan Subra , Mohan Chandra 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn the search for improved stool biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an aptamer-based screen of 1129 stool proteins was conducted using stool samples from an IBD cohort. Here we report that of the 20 proteins subsequently validated by ELISA, stool Ferritin, Fibrinogen, Haptoglobin, Hemoglobin, Lipocalin-2, MMP-12, MMP-9, Myeloperoxidase, PGRP-S, Properdin, Resistin, Serpin A4, and TIMP-1 are significantly elevated in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) compared to controls. When tested in a longitudinal cohort of 50 UC patients at 4 time-points, fecal Fibrinogen, MMP-8, PGRP-S, and TIMP-2 show the strongest positive correlation with concurrent PUCAI and PGA scores and are superior to fecal calprotectin. Unlike fecal calprotectin, baseline stool Fibrinogen, MMP-12, PGRP-S, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 can predict clinical remission at Week-4. Here we show that stool proteins identified using the comprehensive aptamer-based screen are superior to fecal calprotectin alone in disease monitoring and prediction in IBD.
Storm surge and ponding explain mangrove dieback in southwest Florida following Hurricane Irma
Authors: Lagomasino David , Fatoyinbo Temilola , Castañeda-Moya Edward , Cook Bruce D. , Montesano Paul M. , Neigh Christopher S. R. , Corp Lawrence A. , Ott Lesley E. , Chavez Selena , Morton Douglas C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMangroves buffer inland ecosystems from hurricane winds and storm surge. However, their ability to withstand harsh cyclone conditions depends on plant resilience traits and geomorphology. Using airborne lidar and satellite imagery collected before and after Hurricane Irma, we estimated that 62% of mangroves in southwest Florida suffered canopy damage, with largest impacts in tall forests (>10 m). Mangroves on well-drained sites (83%) resprouted new leaves within one year after the storm. By contrast, in poorly-drained inland sites, we detected one of the largest mangrove diebacks on record (10,760 ha), triggered by Irma. We found evidence that the combination of low elevation (median = 9.4 cm asl), storm surge water levels (>1.4 m above the ground surface), and hydrologic isolation drove coastal forest vulnerability and were independent of tree height or wind exposure. Our results indicated that storm surge and ponding caused dieback, not wind. Tidal restoration and hydrologic management in these vulnerable, low-lying coastal areas can reduce mangrove mortality and improve resilience to future cyclones.
COVID-19 mRNA vaccine induced antibody responses against three SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Jalkanen Pinja , Kolehmainen Pekka , Häkkinen Hanni K. , Huttunen Moona , Tähtinen Paula A. , Lundberg Rickard , Maljanen Sari , Reinholm Arttu , Tauriainen Sisko , Pakkanen Sari H. , Levonen Iris , Nousiainen Arttu , Miller Taru , Välimaa Hanna , Ivaska Lauri , Pasternack Arja , Naves Rauno , Ritvos Olli , Österlund Pamela , Kuivanen Suvi , Smura Teemu , Hepojoki Jussi , Vapalahti Olli , Lempainen Johanna , Kakkola Laura , Kantele Anu , Julkunen Ilkka 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAs SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating for over a year, dozens of vaccine candidates are under development or in clinical use. The BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine induces spike protein-specific neutralizing antibodies associated with protective immunity. The emergence of the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants has raised concerns of reduced vaccine efficacy and increased re-infection rates. Here we show, that after the second dose, the sera of BNT162b2-vaccinated health care workers (n = 180) effectively neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 variant with the D614G substitution and the B.1.1.7 variant, whereas the neutralization of the B.1.351 variant is five-fold reduced. Despite the reduction, 92% of the seronegative vaccinees have a neutralization titre of >20 for the B.1.351 variant indicating some protection. The vaccinees’ neutralization titres exceeded those of recovered non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our work provides evidence that the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine induces cross-neutralization of at least some of the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Observation of a singular Weyl point surrounded by charged nodal walls in PtGa
Authors: Ma J.-Z. , Wu Q.-S. , Song M. , Zhang S.-N. , Guedes E. B. , Ekahana S. A. , Krivenkov M. , Yao M. Y. , Gao S.-Y. , Fan W.-H. , Qian T. , Ding H. , Plumb N. C. , Radovic M. , Dil J. H. , Xiong Y.-M. , Manna K. , Felser C. , Yazyev O. V. , Shi M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractConstrained by the Nielsen-Ninomiya no-go theorem, in all so-far experimentally determined Weyl semimetals (WSMs) the Weyl points (WPs) always appear in pairs in the momentum space with no exception. As a consequence, Fermi arcs occur on surfaces which connect the projections of the WPs with opposite chiral charges. However, this situation can be circumvented in the case of unpaired WP, without relevant surface Fermi arc connecting its surface projection, appearing singularly, while its Berry curvature field is absorbed by nontrivial charged nodal walls. Here, combining angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with density functional theory calculations, we show experimentally that a singular Weyl point emerges in PtGa at the center of the Brillouin zone (BZ), which is surrounded by closed Weyl nodal walls located at the BZ boundaries and there is no Fermi arc connecting its surface projection. Our results reveal that nontrivial band crossings of different dimensionalities can emerge concomitantly in condensed matter, while their coexistence ensures the net topological charge of different dimensional topological objects to be zero. Our observation extends the applicable range of the original Nielsen-Ninomiya no-go theorem which was derived from zero dimensional paired WPs with opposite chirality.
Efficient long-range conduction in cable bacteria through nickel protein wires
Authors: Boschker Henricus T. S. , Cook Perran L. M. , Polerecky Lubos , Eachambadi Raghavendran Thiruvallur , Lozano Helena , Hidalgo-Martinez Silvia , Khalenkow Dmitry , Spampinato Valentina , Claes Nathalie , Kundu Paromita , Wang Da , Bals Sara , Sand Karina K. , Cavezza Francesca , Hauffman Tom , Bjerg Jesper Tataru , Skirtach Andre G. , Kochan Kamila , McKee Merrilyn , Wood Bayden , Bedolla Diana , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Geerlings Nicole M. J. , Van Gerven Nani , Remaut Han , Geelhoed Jeanine S. , Millan-Solsona Ruben , Fumagalli Laura , Nielsen Lars Peter , Franquet Alexis , Manca Jean V. , Gomila Gabriel , Meysman Filip J. R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFilamentous cable bacteria display long-range electron transport, generating electrical currents over centimeter distances through a highly ordered network of fibers embedded in their cell envelope. The conductivity of these periplasmic wires is exceptionally high for a biological material, but their chemical structure and underlying electron transport mechanism remain unresolved. Here, we combine high-resolution microscopy, spectroscopy, and chemical imaging on individual cable bacterium filaments to demonstrate that the periplasmic wires consist of a conductive protein core surrounded by an insulating protein shell layer. The core proteins contain a sulfur-ligated nickel cofactor, and conductivity decreases when nickel is oxidized or selectively removed. The involvement of nickel as the active metal in biological conduction is remarkable, and suggests a hitherto unknown form of electron transport that enables efficient conduction in centimeter-long protein structures.
Detection of gut microbiota and pathogen produced N-acyl homoserine in host circulation and tissues
Authors: Xue Jingchuan , Chi Liang , Tu Pengcheng , Lai Yunjia , Liu Chih-Wei , Ru Hongyu , Lu Kun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRecent studies suggest that quorum-sensing molecules may play a role in gut microbiota-host crosstalk. However, whether microbiota produces quorum-sensing molecules and whether those molecules can trans-kingdom transport to the host are still unknown. Here, we develop a UPLC-MS/MS-based assay to screen the 27 N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) in the gut microbiota and host. Various AHL molecules are exclusively detected in the cecal contents, sera and livers from conventionally-raised mice but cannot be detected in germ-free mice. Pathogen-produced C4-HSL is detected in the cecal contents and sera of Citrobacter rodentium (C. rodentium)-infected mice, but not found in uninfected controls. Moreover, C. rodentium infection significantly increases the level of multiple AHL molecules in sera. Our findings demonstrate that both commensal and pathogenic bacteria, can produce AHLs that can be detected in host bodies, suggesting that quorum-sensing molecules could be a group of signaling molecules in trans-kingdom microbiota-host crosstalk.
A cross-cultural study showing deficits in gaze-language coordination during rapid automatized naming among individuals with ASD
Authors: Nayar Kritika , Kang Xin , Xing Jiayin , Gordon Peter C. , Wong Patrick C. M. , Losh Molly 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIndividuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their first-degree relatives demonstrate automaticity deficits reflected in reduced eye-voice coordination during rapid automatized naming (RAN), suggesting that RAN deficits may be a genetically meaningful marker of ASD language-related impairments. This study investigated whether RAN deficits in ASD extend to a language typologically distinct from English. Participants included 23 Cantonese-speaking individuals with ASD and 39 controls from Hong Kong (HK), and age- and IQ-comparable groups of previously-studied English-speaking individuals with ASD (n = 45) and controls (n = 44) from the US. Participants completed RAN on an eye tracker. Analyses examined naming time, error rate, measures of eye movement reflecting language automaticity, including eye-voice span (EVS; location of eyes versus the named item) and refixations. The HK-ASD group exhibited longer naming times and more refixations than HK-Controls, in a pattern similar to that observed in the US-ASD group. Cultural effects revealed that both HK groups showed longer EVS and more fixations than US groups. Naming time and refixation differences may be ASD-specific impairments spanning cultures/languages, whereas EVS and fixation frequency may be more variably impacted. A potential underlying mechanism of visual “stickiness” may be contributing to this breakdown in language automaticity in ASD.
Machine learning based prediction of lattice thermal conductivity for half-Heusler compounds using atomic information
Authors: Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Tamura Tomoyuki , Mikami Masashi , Watanabe Kosuke , Ide Naoki , Ozkendir Osman Murat , Nishino Yoichi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHalf-Heusler compound has drawn attention in a variety of fields as a candidate material for thermoelectric energy conversion and spintronics technology. When the half-Heusler compound is incorporated into the device, the control of high lattice thermal conductivity owing to high crystal symmetry is a challenge for the thermal manager of the device. The calculation for the prediction of lattice thermal conductivity is an important physical parameter for controlling the thermal management of the device. We examined whether lattice thermal conductivity prediction by machine learning was possible on the basis of only the atomic information of constituent elements for thermal conductivity calculated by the density functional theory in various half-Heusler compounds. Consequently, we constructed a machine learning model, which can predict the lattice thermal conductivity with high accuracy from the information of only atomic radius and atomic mass of each site in the half-Heusler type crystal structure. Applying our results, the lattice thermal conductivity for an unknown half-Heusler compound can be immediately predicted. In the future, low-cost and short-time development of new functional materials can be realized, leading to breakthroughs in the search of novel functional materials.
Compressional wave velocity measurements on mafic–ultramafic rocks under high aqueous fluid pressure and temperature help to explain low-velocity zones in the lithosphere
Authors: Lebedev Evgeny B. , Kern Hartmut , Pavlenkova Ninely I. , Lukanin Oleg A. , Lobanov Konstantin V. , Zharikov Andrey V. , Popp Till 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDeep seismic studies have revealed that low-velocity zones mainly occurred in the continental lithosphere at the depth of 100–150 km. Their origin has not been clearly explained yet. The article demonstrates the possible scale of Vp changes in crystalline rocks of different composition. The conclusions were made on the basis of the comprehensive analysis of the experimental data obtained by the authors. The compressional wave velocities in the temperature range from 20 to 800 °C, both in dry conditions (at pressure of 600 MPa) and in the presence of aqueous fluid (at pressure of 300 MPa) were measured. It is shown that the most significant decrease of velocities (by ~ 3 km/s) in the temperature range of 400–700 °C, corresponding to the deep waveguides of the lithospheric mantle, occurs under water pressure in ultramafic rocks enriched by olivine (dunites). Such decrease is due to rock structure changes caused by olivine serpentinization reactions. It is assumed that serpentinization and/or formation of similar hydrous minerals, which are stable in a wide range of PT-conditions in olivine-rich mantle rocks due to the influence of deep fluids, may cause low-velocities zones in the upper mantle at depths of about 100 km.
Interfacial coupling effect of Cr2O3 on the magnetic properties of Fe72Ga28 thin films
Authors: Hontecillas I. , Maicas M. , Andrés J. P. , Ranchal R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHere it is investigated the effect of the antiferromagnet Cr2O3on the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic Fe72Ga28thin films. Sputtered Fe72Ga28layers have their magnetization in the sample plane with a magnetic fluctuation that gives rise to magnetic ripple. In order to turn its magnetization into the out of plane (OOP) direction, it has been magnetically coupled with Cr2O3that has magnetic moments along thec-axis, that is the perpendicular direction when properly aligned. Cr2O3has been obtained from Cr oxidation, whereas Fe72Ga28has been deposited on top of it by sputtering in the ballistic regime. Although a uniaxial in-plane magnetic anisotropy is expected for Fe72Ga28thickness above 100 nm, the interfacial coupling with Cr2O3prevents this anisotropy. The formation of stripe domains in Fe72Ga28above a critical thickness reveals the enhancement of the out of plane component of the Fe72Ga28magnetization with respect to uncoupled layers. Due to the interface coupling, the Fe72Ga28magnetization turns into the out-of-plane direction as its thickness is gradually reduced, and a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of 3·106erg·cm−3is inferred from experimental results. Eventually, the coupling between Cr2O3and Fe72Ga28promotes an exchange-bias effect that has been well fitted by means of the random field model.
Low-volume cycling training improves body composition and functionality in older people with multimorbidity: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Carballeira Eduardo , Censi Karla C. , Maseda Ana , López-López Rocío , Lorenzo-López Laura , Millán-Calenti José C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPhysical exercise, when practiced regularly and in adequate doses, is a proven nonpharmacological measure that helps to prevent and reverse noncommunicable diseases, as well as reduce mortality rates from any cause. In general, older adults perform insufficient physical activity and do not meet the doses recommended by the World Health Organization for the improvement of health through physical activity. However, there is little evidence on adequate doses of exercise in older people, especially in those with multimorbidity. Our main aim was to evaluate the effect of a 6-week intervention on health-related outcomes (body composition, hemodynamic and functionality changes) in 24 individuals aged 65 and older with multimorbidity in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention consisted of a very low volume (60 min per week) of low-to-moderate intensity exercise training (perception of effort from 3 to 6 on an 11-point scale). After the intervention, blood pressure was significantly (p = 0.038) reduced in the exercise group (EG), with a higher reduction in men. Furthermore, the EG decreased their waist circumference (p = 0.005), a proxy of abdominal adiposity, and demonstrated an increased likelihood (73%) that a randomly selected change in muscle mass score from the EG would be greater than a randomly selected change score from the control group. The exercise intervention was particularly effective in enhancing the functionality of older adults with multimorbidity, especially in walking speed and balance skills. Perceptually regulated intensity during exercise training seemed to be a very interesting strategy to train individuals with low physical fitness and comorbidities. This study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 04842396).
Follow-up of COVID-19 recovered patients with mild disease
Authors: Kashif Alina , Chaudhry Manahil , Fayyaz Tehreem , Abdullah Mohammad , Malik Ayesha , Anwer Javairia Manal Akmal , Inam Syed Hashim Ali , Fatima Tehreem , Iqbal Noreena , Shoaib Khadija 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCOVID-19 may manifest as mild, moderate or severe disease with each grade of severity having its own features and post-viral implications. With the rising burden of the pandemic, it is vital to identify not only active disease but any post-recovery complications as well. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the presence of post-viral symptomatology in patients recovered from mild COVID-19 disease. Presence or absence of 11 post-viral symptoms was recorded and we found that 8 of the 11 studied symptoms were notably more prevalent amongst the female sample population. Our results validate the presence of prolonged symptoms months after recovery from mild COVID-19 disease, particularly in association with the female gender. Hence, proving the post-COVID syndrome is a recognizable diagnosis in the bigger context of the post-viral fatigue syndrome.
The risk of shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery for infertility is higher in thin patients
Authors: Li Xin You , Tian Ming , Li Ai Zhi , Han Chun Lei , Li Ke Zhong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPostlaparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) is a common clinical problem that needs to be addressed by medical professionals who are currently perform laparoscopic surgeries. The purpose of this study was to determine the perioperative clinical factors and demographic characteristics associated with PLSP. A prospective observational study was performed with 442 inpatients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for infertility. The pain visual analogue scale was used as the measuring instrument. To identify the predictors of PLSP, we performed multivariate conditional logistic regression. PLSP was correlated with body mass index (BMI, odds ratio = 0.815). The incidence of shoulder pain and more severe shoulder pain in patients with a lower BMI was significantly higher than it was in patients with a higher BMI, and BMI was significantly negatively correlated with PLSP. Most of the patients (95%) began to experience shoulder pain on the first postoperative day, and it rarely occurred on the day of surgery. Patients with lower BMI presented a higher risk of reporting shoulder pain on the first postoperative day. We should identify high-risk patients in advance and make specific treatment plans according to the characteristics of their symptoms.