bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local and Global Sensitivity Analysis of Cr (VI) Geogenic Leakage Under Uncertain Environmental Conditions
Authors: Ceriotti G. , Guadagnini L. , Porta G. , Guadagnini A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe focus on the joint application of local and global sensitivity analyses to characterize propagation of model parameter uncertainties to outputs of subsurface water geochemical models. The latter typically involve uncertain inputs, including environmental conditions, mineral rock composition, and flow/transport features. In this context, implementation of sensitivity analysis techniques enables us to grasp the relative role of each model input. Here we focus on the application of several sensitivity approaches to the assessment of Cr (VI) geogenic leakage due to water‐rock interactions. We specifically target the impact of uncertain environmental conditions on the chemical composition of spring waters following water transfer through a host rock system with given mineral composition. We employ a reaction path modeling approach and represent uncertainties of environmental conditions through three parameters, that is, oxygen fugacity (fO2), CO2 fugacity (fCO2), and temperature, which we consider as random quantities. We consider three diverse methodologies, that is, (a) the Scatter Plots sensitivity analysis, (b) the Distributed Evaluation of Local Sensitivity Analysis, and (c) a moment‐based global sensitivity analysis. Our results suggest that (a) the relative importance of a given model parameter in driving the uncertainty of the spring water composition may display remarkable variations across the sampled parameter space and (b) parameter ranking through sensitivity metrics for geochemical applications in subsurface water resources requires a joint assessment of local and global sensitivity.
Multiple stable states in microbial communities explained by the stable marriage problem
Authors: Goyal Akshit , Dubinkina Veronika , Maslov Sergei 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Experimental studies of microbial communities routinely reveal that they have multiple stable states. While each of these states is generally resilient, certain perturbations such as antibiotics, probiotics, and diet shifts, result in transitions to other states. Can we reliably both predict such stable states as well as direct and control transitions between them? Here we present a new conceptual model—inspired by the stable marriage problem in game theory and economics—in which microbial communities naturally exhibit multiple stable states, each state with a different species’ abundance profile. Our model’s core ingredient is that microbes utilize nutrients one at a time while competing with each other. Using only two ranked tables, one with microbes’ nutrient preferences and one with their competitive abilities, we can determine all possible stable states as well as predict inter-state transitions, triggered by the removal or addition of a specific nutrient or microbe. Further, using an example of seven Bacteroides species common to the human gut utilizing nine polysaccharides, we predict that mutual complementarity in nutrient preferences enables these species to coexist at high abundances.
BAP31, a newly defined cancer/testis antigen, regulates proliferation, migration, and invasion to promote cervical cancer progression
Authors: Dang Erle , Yang Shuya , Song Chaojun , Jiang Dongbo , Li Zichao , Fan Wei , Sun Yuanjie , Tao Liang , Wang Jing , Liu Tingting , Zhang Chunmei , Jin Boquan , Wang Jian , Yang Kun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMalignant tumors typically undergo an atavistic regression characterized by the overexpression of embryonic genes and proto-oncogenes, including a variety of cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) that are testis-derived and are not expressed or expressed in trace amounts in somatic tissues. Based on this theory, we established a new method to identify unknown CTAs, the spermatogenic cells-specific monoclonal antibody-defined cancer/testis antigen (SADA) method. Using the SADA method, we identified BAP31 as a novel CTA and confirmed that BAP31 expression is associated with progression and metastasis of several cancers, particularly in cervical cancer. We found that BAP31 was significantly upregulated in stage I, II, and III cervical cancer patients and highly correlated with poor clinic outcomes. We further demonstrated that BAP31 regulates cervical cancer cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 stage and that depletion of BAP31 inhibits hyper-proliferation. Moreover, depletion of BAP31 inhibits cervical cancer cell invasion and migration by regulating the expression and subcellular localization of Drebrin, M-RIP, SPECC1L, and Nexilin, and then affect the cytoskeleton assemblage. Finally, the depletion of BAP31 prevents cervical cancer progression and metastasis in vivo. These findings provide a new method for identifying novel CTAs as well as mechanistic insights into how BAP31 regulates cervical cancer hyper-proliferation and metastasis.
Structure of the intact 14-subunit human cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: Zong Shuai , Wu Meng , Gu Jinke , Liu Tianya , Guo Runyu , Yang Maojun 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Respiration is one of the most basic features of living organisms, and the electron transport chain complexes are probably the most complicated protein system in mitochondria. Complex-IV is the terminal enzyme of the electron transport chain, existing either as randomly scattered complexes or as a component of supercomplexes. NDUFA4 was previously assumed as a subunit of complex-I, but recent biochemical data suggested it may be a subunit of complex-IV. However, no structural evidence supporting this notion was available till now. Here we obtained the 3.3 Å resolution structure of complex-IV derived from the human supercomplex I1III2IV1 and assigned the NDUFA4 subunit into complex-IV. Intriguingly, NDUFA4 lies exactly at the dimeric interface observed in previously reported crystal structures of complex-IV homodimer which would preclude complex-IV dimerization. Combining previous structural and biochemical data shown by us and other groups, we propose that the intact complex-IV is a monomer containing 14 subunits.
Rapid tremor migration and pore-pressure waves in subduction zones
Authors: Cruz-Atienza Víctor M. , Villafuerte Carlos , Bhat Harsha S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRapid tremor migration (RTM) in subduction zones is a manifestation of complex fault-zone processes on the plate interface. Recent observations have revealed a large diversity of RTM patterns that are always associated with aseismic, shear strain at the interface. Small unstable asperities embedded in the stable shear zone are thus believed to originate tremor radiation during migration. Tectonic tremors have been recognized to occur where overpressured fluids exist. Spatial variations of fluid pressure may lead to non-linear diffusion processes with potentially large implications in tremor generation. Here, we show that pore-pressure waves are likely to exist in the plate interface, propagating with speeds and pathways similar to RTMs observed in different subduction zones including Guerrero, Mexico, where we introduce new high-resolution tremor locations and a RTM source physical model. These waves may explain the whole hierarchy of RTM patterns by producing transient reductions of the fault strength and thus secondary slip fronts triggering tremor during slow earthquakes.
Targeting stromal remodeling and cancer stem cell plasticity overcomes chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Cazet Aurélie S. , Hui Mun N. , Elsworth Benjamin L. , Wu Sunny Z. , Roden Daniel , Chan Chia-Ling , Skhinas Joanna N. , Collot Raphaël , Yang Jessica , Harvey Kate , Johan M. Zahied , Cooper Caroline , Nair Radhika , Herrmann David , McFarland Andrea , Deng Niantao , Ruiz-Borrego Manuel , Rojo Federico , Trigo José M. , Bezares Susana , Caballero Rosalía , Lim Elgene , Timpson Paul , O’Toole Sandra , Watkins D. Neil , Cox Thomas R. , Samuel Michael S. , Martín Miguel , Swarbrick Alexander 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe cellular and molecular basis of stromal cell recruitment, activation and crosstalk in carcinomas is poorly understood, limiting the development of targeted anti-stromal therapies. In mouse models of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), Hedgehog ligand produced by neoplastic cells reprograms cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to provide a supportive niche for the acquisition of a chemo-resistant, cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype via FGF5 expression and production of fibrillar collagen. Stromal treatment of patient-derived xenografts with smoothened inhibitors (SMOi) downregulates CSC markers expression and sensitizes tumors to docetaxel, leading to markedly improved survival and reduced metastatic burden. In the phase I clinical trial EDALINE, 3 of 12 patients with metastatic TNBC derived clinical benefit from combination therapy with the SMOi Sonidegib and docetaxel chemotherapy, with one patient experiencing a complete response. These studies identify Hedgehog signaling to CAFs as a novel mediator of CSC plasticity and an exciting new therapeutic target in TNBC.
Artificial water channels—deconvolution of natural Aquaporins through synthetic design
Authors: Kocsis Istvan , Sun Zhanhu , Legrand Yves Marie , Barboiu Mihail 
Published: July 2018

AbstractArtificial Water Channels (AWCs) have been developed during the last decade with the hope to construct artificial analogues of Aquaporin (AQP) proteins. Their osmotic water permeability are in the range of natural transporters, making them suitable candidates that can potentially transport water at lower energy and operating cost. Compared to AQPs, AWCs would have several potential advantages, such as improved stability, simple and scalable fabrication and higher functional density when confined in 2D membrane arrays. The first knowledge gap between AWCs and AQPs is in the mimicry of the complete set of functionality, in terms of obtaining systems capable of simultaneous water permeation and salt rejection, while not forfeiting the advantage of simplicity. Despite incipient developments, major problems still remain unsolved, such as their up-scaling preparation procedures from laboratory studies to square meters needed for large industrial membrane applications. However, the flow of structural information from molecular level through nanoscale dimensions, towards highly ordered ultradense macroscopic arrays of AWCs is conceptually possible. Successfully transitioning from synthetic molecules to functional channels and materials could lead to a new generation of membranes for water purification. Moving AWCs into products in the commercial arena is now the main objective of research in this new-born field.
Rational quantum secret sharing
Authors: Qin Huawang , Tang Wallace K. S. , Tso Raylin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe traditional quantum secret sharing does not succeed in the presence of rational participants. A rational participant’s motivation is to maximize his utility, and will try to get the secret alone. Therefore, in the reconstruction, no rational participant will send his share to others. To tackle with this problem, we propose a rational quantum secret sharing scheme in this paper. We adopt the game theory to analyze the behavior of rational participants and design a protocol to prevent them from deviating from the protocol. As proved, the rational participants can gain their maximal utilities when they perform the protocol faithfully, and the Nash equilibrium of the protocol is achieved. Compared to the traditional quantum secret sharing schemes, our scheme is fairer and more robust in practice.
Effect of Comorbidity On Unplanned Readmissions After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (From The Nationwide Readmission Database)
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Martinez Sara C. , Pancholy Samir , Ahmed Waqar , al-Shaibi Khaled , Potts Jessica , Mohamed Mohamed , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Curzen Nick , Mamas Mamas A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIt is unclear how comorbidity influences rates and causes of unplanned readmissions following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We analyzed patients in the Nationwide Readmission Database who were admitted to hospital between 2010 and 2014. The comorbidity burden as defined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Primary outcomes were 30-day readmission rates and causes of readmission according to comorbidity burden. A total of 2,294,346 PCI procedures were included the analysis. The patients in CCI = 0, 1, 2 and ≥3 were 842,272(36.7%), 701,476(30.6%), 347,537(15.1%) and 403,061(17.6%), respectively. 219,227(9.6%) had an unplanned readmission within 30 days and rates by CCI group were 6.6%, 8.6%, 11.4% and 15.9% for CCI groups 0, 1, 2 and ≥3, respectively. The CCI score was also associated with greater cost (cost of index PCI for not readmitted vs readmitted was CCI = 0 $21,257 vs $19,764 and CCI ≥ 3 $26,736 vs $27,723). Compared to patients with CCI = 0, greater CCI score was associated with greater independent odds of readmission (CCI = 1 OR 1.25(1.22–1.28), p < 0.001, CCI ≥ 3 OR 2.08(2.03–2.14), p < 0.001). Rates of non-cardiac causes for readmissions increased with increasing CCI group from 49.4% in CCI = 0 to 57.1% in CCI ≥ 3. Rates of early unplanned readmission increase with greater comorbidity burden and non-cardiac readmissions are higher among more comorbid patients.
Acoustic spin Hall-like effect in hyperbolic metamaterials controlled by the helical wave
Authors: Ju Fangfang , Cheng Ying , Liu Xiaojun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBecause of the spin-less nature of sound, acoustic helical wave with different helical directions can be taken as a “spin-like” degree of freedom. In this Letter, we examine the pseudospin-orbit coupling effect in acoustics when an acoustic helical wave emitter interacts with the acoustic hyperbolic metamaterial (AHMM). The acoustic helical wave emitter is situated at the boundary of the AHMM, which gives rise to the unidirectional excitation with the trajectory controlled by the helical directions, and hence the acoustic spin Hall-like effect (ASHE) is observed. The ASHE is further demonstrated for the string-type and the membrane-type AHMM based on the hyperbolic dispersion. The reported ASHE paves a new way to exploiting signal routing and unidirectional excitation controlled by the helical directions of the acoustic helical wave.
DNA Flow cytometric analysis of the human testicular tissues to investigate the status of spermatogenesis in azoospermic patients
Authors: Baksi Arka , Vasan S. S. , Dighe Rajan R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA single, rapid and reproducible diagnostic test to predict the type of azoospermia and outcome of sperm retrieval is not yet available. So the feasibility of employing DNA flow cytometry for rapid investigation of the status of spermatogenesis in the patients with azoospermia was investigated. Testicular biopsies of 44 patients with azoospermia undergoing sperm-retrieval surgery and 4 controls were analyzed by flow cytometry to ascertain their testicular germ-cell patterns. The observed germ-cell pattern was further confirmed by RT-PCR analysis of the cell-specific markers and histology for some patients. The patients with Obstructive Azoospermia (OA) exhibited normal spermatogenesis similar to the control fertile patients showing the presence of diploid, double-diploid and haploid cells. The non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients exhibited disrupted spermatogenesis with arrest at the pre-meiotic (only diploid cells present) or meiotic (diploid and double-diploid cells present) stages. The germ-cell pattern, as ascertained by flow cytometry, provided a clear picture of the intra-testicular spermatogenesis and the presence of spermatozoa in the patients’ testes, which was prognostic of their sperm-retrieval. DNA flow cytometry test to ascertain the testicular germ-cell pattern is simple in execution, analysis and interpretation, requires small amount of tissue and provides quantitative data about the status of spermatogenesis in patients. This test would allow comparable analysis of the status of spermatogenesis in patients across clinics and may form the basis for deciding future treatment and intervention strategies.
Trichoplax genomes reveal profound admixture and suggest stable wild populations without bisexual reproduction
Authors: Kamm Kai , Osigus Hans-Jürgen , Stadler Peter F. , DeSalle Rob , Schierwater Bernd 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe phylum Placozoa officially consists of only a single described species, Trichoplax adhaerens, although several lineages can be separated by molecular markers, geographical distributions and environmental demands. The placozoan 16S haplotype H2 (Trichoplax sp. H2) is the most robust and cosmopolitan lineage of placozoans found to date. In this study, its genome was found to be distinct but highly related to the Trichoplax adhaerens reference genome, for remarkably unique reasons. The pattern of variation and allele distribution between the two lineages suggests that both originate from a single interbreeding event in the wild, dating back at least several decades ago, and both seem not to have engaged in sexual reproduction since. We conclude that populations of certain placozoan haplotypes remain stable for long periods without bisexual reproduction. Furthermore, allelic variation within and between the two Trichoplax lineages indicates that successful bisexual reproduction between related placozoan lineages might serve to either counter accumulated negative somatic mutations or to cope with changing environmental conditions. On the other hand, enrichment of neutral or beneficial somatic mutations by vegetative reproduction, combined with rare sexual reproduction, could instantaneously boost genetic variation, generating novel ecotypes and eventually species.
The role of metallothionein in a dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like murine model
Authors: Guo Jin-Zhu , Wang Wen-Hui , Li Lin-Feng , Yang Shao-Min , Wang Jing 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD), one of the most common chronic eczematous skin disorders, is associated with cutaneous hyperactivity as a response to environmental triggers. Metallothionein (MT) plays a constitutive defensive role in the response to noxious stimuli. However, the role of MT in AD development is unclear. Using an AD-like murine model created by the topical application of 2.4-dinitrofluorobenzene, we studied the dynamic pattern of MT expression on AD development. AD-like lesions were evaluated based on the development of erythema, edema, exfoliation, scaling, increased thickness, and increased weight of lesional skin. These characteristics of AD-like lesions and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) expression peaked at Day 1 of the establishment of our model and gradually alleviated over time. The MT expression in lesional skin was increased and peaked at Day 3. By immunostaining, increased expression of MT was translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. MT-1/2 knockout (MT−/−) mice and wild type (MT+/+) mice were also used to evaluate the role of MT on AD.MT−/− mice had greater edema scores, thickness, lesional skin weight, as well as more CD4+ T cells, TSLP, superoxide dismutase, and NDUFAF1. These results suggest that MT may play a protective role against AD development, and that antioxidant and nuclear protective mechanisms may be involved.
FliL association with flagellar stator in the sodium-driven Vibrio motor characterized by the fluorescent microscopy
Authors: Lin Tsai-Shun , Zhu Shiwei , Kojima Seiji , Homma Michio , Lo Chien-Jung 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBacterial flagellar motor (BFM) is a protein complex used for bacterial motility and chemotaxis that involves in energy transformation, torque generation and switching. FliL is a single-transmembrane protein associated with flagellar motor function. We performed biochemical and biophysical approaches to investigate the functional roles of FliL associated with stator-units. Firstly, we found the periplasmic region of FliL is crucial for its polar localization. Also, the plug mutation in stator-unit affected the polar localization of FliL implying the activation of stator-unit is important for FliL recruitment. Secondly, we applied single-molecule fluorescent microscopy to study the role of FliL in stator-unit assembly. Using molecular counting by photobleaching, we found the stoichiometry of stator-unit and FliL protein would be 1:1 in a functional motor. Moreover, the turnover time of stator-units are slightly increased in the absence of FliL. By further investigation of protein dynamics on membrane, we found the diffusions of stator-units and FliL are independent. Surprisingly, the FliL diffusion rate without stator-units is unexpectedly slow indicating a protein-complex forming event. Our results suggest that FliL plays a supporting role to the stator in the BFM.
Mortality and years of life lost due to breast cancer attributable to physical inactivity in the Brazilian female population (1990–2015)
Authors: Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Tremblay Mark Stephen , Souza Maria de Fatima Marinho de , Guerra Maximiliano Ribeiro , Mooney Meghan , Naghavi Mohsen , Malta Deborah Carvalho 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe aims of this study were as follows: to estimate the mortality and years of life lost, assessed by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), due to breast cancer attributable to physical inactivity in Brazilian women; to compare the estimates attributable to physical inactivity and to other modifiable risk factors; and to analyse the temporal evolution of these estimates within Brazilian states over 25 years (1990–2015), compared with global estimates. Databases from the Global Burden of Disease Study for Brazil, Brazilian states, and other parts of the world were used. Physical inactivity has contributed to a substantial number of deaths (1990: 875; 2015: 2,075) and DALYs (1990: 28,089; 2015: 60,585) due to breast cancer in Brazil. Physical inactivity was responsible for more deaths and DALYs (~12.0%) due to breast cancer than other modifiable risk factors (~5.0%). The Brazilian states with better socioeconomic indicators had higher age-standardized rates of mortality and morbidity due to breast cancer attributable to physical inactivity. From 1990 to 2015, mortality due to breast cancer attributable to physical inactivity increased in Brazil (0.77%; 95%U.I.: 0.27–1.47) and decreased (−2.84%; 95%U.I.: −4.35 – −0.10) around the world. These findings support the promotion of physical activity in the Brazilian female population to prevent and manage breast cancer.