bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Dense GPS Data and Examination of the Nature of the Clusters Associated With Regional Tectonics in Taiwan
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Hashimoto Manabu , Hu Jyr‐Ching , Takeuchi Koh , Tsai Min‐Chien , Fukahata Yukitoshi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCollision of the Luzon Volcanic Arc is the primary causative factor behind the creation of Taiwan Island. Additionally, the indention of the Peikang basement highs in the Taiwan Strait and the back arc spreading of the Okinawa Trough are responsible for the characteristic tectonics in Taiwan. Identification of active tectonic boundaries is important for understanding neotectonics in Taiwan. We analyzed Global Positioning System (GPS) horizontal velocity data in Taiwan with a hierarchical cluster analysis method. We also developed a statistical scheme introducing information entropy to quantitatively assess the fuzziness of the obtained cluster boundaries, which enables us to distinguish a trustworthy discontinuity. The hierarchical representation, which is expressed by a dendrogram, suggests the relative importance of tectonic sources in this region. The major clusters, which appear at higher hierarchy, are likely to represent major tectonic features such as the Longitudinal Valley fault and lateral extrusion in southwest Taiwan. Those at lower hierarchy suggest velocity discontinuities associated with local geological structures such as active faults. For example, boundaries in east offshore Taiwan and southern Taiwan are identified without using geological information by this analysis. In addition to the identification of these clear tectonic boundaries, our statistical cluster assessment shows the existence of fuzzy cluster boundaries along the Coastal Plain and the Western Foothills, reflecting continuum deformation in west Taiwan.
Dystrophy-associated caveolin-3 mutations reveal that caveolae couple IL6/STAT3 signaling with mechanosensing in human muscle cells
Authors: Dewulf Melissa , Köster Darius Vasco , Sinha Bidisha , Viaris de Lesegno Christine , Chambon Valérie , Bigot Anne , Bensalah Mona , Negroni Elisa , Tardif Nicolas , Podkalicka Joanna , Johannes Ludger , Nassoy Pierre , Butler-Browne Gillian , Lamaze Christophe , Blouin Cedric M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCaveolin-3 is the major structural protein of caveolae in muscle. Mutations in the CAV3 gene cause different types of myopathies with altered membrane integrity and repair, expression of muscle proteins, and regulation of signaling pathways. We show here that myotubes from patients bearing the CAV3 P28L and R26Q mutations present a dramatic decrease of caveolae at the plasma membrane, resulting in abnormal response to mechanical stress. Mutant myotubes are unable to buffer the increase in membrane tension induced by mechanical stress. This results in impaired regulation of the IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway leading to its constitutive hyperactivation and increased expression of muscle genes. These defects are fully reversed by reassembling functional caveolae through expression of caveolin-3. Our study reveals that under mechanical stress the regulation of mechanoprotection by caveolae is directly coupled with the regulation of IL6/STAT3 signaling in muscle cells and that this regulation is absent in Cav3-associated dystrophic patients.
Structural basis for the promiscuous PAM recognition by Corynebacterium diphtheriae Cas9
Authors: Hirano Seiichi , Abudayyeh Omar O. , Gootenberg Jonathan S. , Horii Takuro , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Hatada Izuho , Zhang Feng , Nishimasu Hiroshi , Nureki Osamu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe RNA-guided DNA endonuclease Cas9 cleaves double-stranded DNA targets bearing a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and complementarity to an RNA guide. Unlike other Cas9 orthologs, Corynebacterium diphtheriae Cas9 (CdCas9) recognizes the promiscuous NNRHHHY PAM. However, the CdCas9-mediated PAM recognition mechanism remains unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of CdCas9 in complex with the guide RNA and its target DNA at 2.9 Å resolution. The structure reveals that CdCas9 recognizes the NNRHHHY PAM via a combination of van der Waals interactions and base-specific hydrogen bonds. Moreover, we find that CdCas9 exhibits robust DNA cleavage activity with the optimal 22-nucleotide length guide RNAs. Our findings highlight the mechanistic diversity of the PAM recognition by Cas9 orthologs, and provide a basis for the further engineering of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editor nucleases.
Nickel-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-couplings of aldehydes
Authors: Guo Lin , Srimontree Watchara , Zhu Chen , Maity Bholanath , Liu Xiangqian , Cavallo Luigi , Rueping Magnus 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTransition-metal-catalyzed cross-couplings have been extensively used in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries for the construction of diverse C–C bonds. Conventional cross-coupling reactions require reactive electrophilic coupling partners, such as organohalides or sulfonates, which are not environmentally friendly and not naturally abundant. Another disadvantage associated with these transformations is the need for an exogenous base to facilitate the key transmetalation step, and this reagent inevitably induces side reactions and limits the substrate scope. Here, we report an unconventional Suzuki-type approach to the synthesis of biaryls, through nickel-catalyzed deformylative cross coupling of aldehydes with organoboron reagents under base-free conditions. The transformation tolerates structurally diverse (hetero)aryl substituents on both coupling partners and shows high reactivity and excellent functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the protocol was carried out on gram scale and successfully applied to the functionalization of complex biologically active molecules. Mechanistic investigations support a catalytic cycle involving the oxidative addition of the nickel into the aldehyde C(acyl)–H bond with subsequent hydride transfer, transmetalation, decarbonylation and reductive elimination processes.
Unique structural features of a bacterial autotransporter adhesin suggest mechanisms for interaction with host macromolecules
Authors: Paxman Jason J. , Lo Alvin W. , Sullivan Matthew J. , Panjikar Santosh , Kuiper Michael , Whitten Andrew E. , Wang Geqing , Luan Chi-Hao , Moriel Danilo G. , Tan Lendl , Peters Kate M. , Phan Minh-Duy , Gee Christine L. , Ulett Glen C. , Schembri Mark A. , Heras Begoña 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAutotransporters are the largest family of outer membrane and secreted proteins in Gram-negative bacteria. Most autotransporters are localised to the bacterial surface where they promote colonisation of host epithelial surfaces. Here we present the crystal structure of UpaB, an autotransporter that is known to contribute to uropathogenicE. coli(UPEC) colonisation of the urinary tract. We provide evidence that UpaB can interact with glycosaminoglycans and host fibronectin. Unique modifications to its core β-helical structure create a groove on one side of the protein for interaction with glycosaminoglycans, while the opposite face can bind fibronectin. Our findings reveal far greater diversity in the autotransporter β-helix than previously thought, and suggest that this domain can interact with host macromolecules. The relevance of these interactions during infection remains unclear.
Sustainability-inspired cell design for a fully recyclable sodium ion battery
Authors: Liu Tiefeng , Zhang Yaping , Chen Chao , Lin Zhan , Zhang Shanqing , Lu Jun 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLarge-scale applications of rechargeable batteries consume nonrenewable resources and produce massive amounts of end-of-life wastes, which raise sustainability concerns in terms of manufacturing, environmental, and ecological costs. Therefore, the recyclability and sustainability of a battery should be considered at the design stage by using naturally abundant resources and recyclable battery technology. Herein, we design a fully recyclable rechargeable sodium ion battery with bipolar electrode structure using Na3V2(PO4)3 as an electrode material and aluminum foil as the shared current collector. Such a design allows exceptional sodium ion battery performance in terms of high-power correspondence and long-term stability and enables the recycling of ∼100% Na3V2(PO4)3 and ∼99.1% elemental aluminum without the release of toxic wastes, resulting in a solid-component recycling efficiency of >98.0%. The successful incorporation of sustainability into battery design suggests that closed-loop recycling and the reutilization of battery materials can be achieved in next-generation energy storage technologies.
Near physiological spectral selectivity of cochlear optogenetics
Authors: Dieter Alexander , Duque-Afonso Carlos J. , Rankovic Vladan , Jeschke Marcus , Moser Tobias 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCochlear implants (CIs) electrically stimulate spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and partially restore hearing to half a million CI users. However, wide current spread from intracochlear electrodes limits spatial selectivity (i.e. spectral resolution) of electrical CIs. Optogenetic stimulation might become an alternative, since light can be confined in space, promising artificial sound encoding with increased spectral selectivity. Here we compare spectral selectivity of optogenetic, electric, and acoustic stimulation by multi-channel recordings in the inferior colliculus (IC) of gerbils. When projecting light onto tonotopically distinct SGNs, we observe corresponding tonotopically ordered IC activity. An activity-based comparison reveals that spectral selectivity of optogenetic stimulation is indistinguishable from acoustic stimulation for modest intensities. Moreover, optogenetic stimulation outperforms bipolar electric stimulation at medium and high intensities and monopolar electric stimulation at all intensities. In conclusion, we demonstrate better spectral selectivity of optogenetic over electric SGN stimulation, suggesting the potential for improved hearing restoration by optical CIs.
Enantiomer-selective magnetization of conglomerates for quantitative chiral separation
Authors: Ye Xichong , Cui Jiaxi , Li Bowen , Li Na , Wang Rong , Yan Zijia , Tan Junyan , Zhang Jie , Wan Xinhua 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSelective crystallization represents one of the most economical and convenient methods to provide large-scale optically pure chiral compounds. Although significant development has been achieved since Pasteur’s separation of sodium ammonium tartrate in 1848, this method is still fundamentally low efficient (low transformation ratio or high labor). Herein, we describe an enantiomer-selective-magnetization strategy for quantitatively separating the crystals of conglomerates by using a kind of magnetic nano-splitters. These nano-splitters would be selectively wrapped into the S-crystals, leading to the formation of the crystals with different physical properties from that of R-crystals. As a result of efficient separation under magnetic field, high purity chiral compounds (99.2 ee% for R-crystals, 95.0 ee% for S-crystals) can be obtained in a simple one-step crystallization process with a high separation yield (95.1%). Moreover, the nano-splitters show expandability and excellent recyclability. We foresee their great potential in developing chiral separation methods used on different scales.
Device-independent certification of non-classical joint measurements via causal models
Authors: Lee Ciarán M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractQuantum measurements are crucial for quantum technologies and give rise to some of the most classically counter-intuitive quantum phenomena. As such, the ability to certify the presence of genuinely non-classical joint measurements in a device-independent fashion is vital. However, previous work has either been non-device-independent, or has relied on post-selection—the ability to discard all runs of an experiment in which a specific event did not occur. In the case of entanglement, the post-selection approach applies an entangled measurement to independent states and post-selects the outcome, inducing non-classical correlations between the states that can be device-independently certified using a Bell inequality. That is, it certifies measurement non-classicality not by what it is, but by what it does. This paper remedies this discrepancy by providing a novel notion of what measurement non-classicality is, which, in analogy with Bell’s theorem, corresponds to measurement statistics being incompatible with an underlying classical causal model. It is shown that this provides a more fine-grained notion of non-classicality than post-selection, as it certifies the presence of non-classicality that cannot be revealed by examining post-selected outcomes alone.
Selection of high affinity aptamer-ligand for dexamethasone and its electrochemical biosensor
Authors: Mehennaoui Somia , Poorahong Sujittra , Jimenez Gaston Contreras , Siaj Mohamed 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA high specificity aptamer-ligand biorecognition and binding system to monitor of dexamethasone (DXN) was developed. The detection principle was based on a label-free electrochemical aptasensor. The selection of the aptamer was successfully performed by the systematic evolution of ligands through exponential enrichment technique (SELEX). From a random library of 1.08 × 1015 single-stranded DNA, an aptamer designated as DEX04 showed a highest affinity with a dissociation constant of 18.35 nM. It also showed a good conformational change when binding with DXN. In addition, the aptamer DEX04 did not show any cross-reactivity with other commonly used hormones. An impedimetric aptasensor for DXN was then developed by immobilizing DEX04 on a gold electrode. The binding upon to DXN was monitored by following the change in the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the [Fe(CN)6]4−/3− redox couple. The aptasensor exhibited a linear range from 2.5 to 100 nM with a detection limit of 2.12 nM. When applied aptasensor to test in water samples, it showed good recovery percentages. The new DXN aptamer can be employed in other biosensing applications for food control and the diagnosis of some diseases in medicine as a cost-effective, sensitive and rapid detection method.
Assessing the human footprint on the sea-floor of coastal systems: the case of the Venice Lagoon, Italy
Authors: Madricardo Fantina , Foglini Federica , Campiani Elisabetta , Grande Valentina , Catenacci Elena , Petrizzo Antonio , Kruss Aleksandra , Toso Carlotta , Trincardi Fabio 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCoastal systems are among the most studied, most vulnerable, and economically most important ecosystems on Earth; nevertheless, little attention has been paid, so far, to the consequences of human activities on the shallow sea-floor of these environments. Here, we present a quantitative assessment of the effects of human actions on the floor of the tidal channels from the Venice Lagoon using 2500 kilometres of full coverage multibeam bathymetric mapping. Such extended dataset provides unprecedented evidence of pervasive human impacts, which extend far beyond the well known shrinking of salt marshes and artificial modifications of inlet geometries. Direct and indirect human imprints include dredging marks and fast-growing scours around anthropogenic structures built to protect the historical city of Venice from flooding. In addition, we document multiple effects of ship traffic (propeller-wash erosion, keel ploughing) and diffuse littering on the sea-floor. Particularly relevant, in view of the ongoing interventions on the lagoon morphology, is the evidence of the rapid morphological changes affecting the sea-floor and threatening the stability of anthropogenic structures.
Large Scale Solid-state Synthesis of Catalytically Active Fe3O4@M (M = Au, Ag and Au-Ag alloy) Core-shell Nanostructures
Authors: Nalluri Srinivasa Rao , Nagarjuna Ravikiran , Patra Dinabandhu , Ganesan Ramakrishnan , Balaji Gopalan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSolvent-less synthesis of nanostructures is highly significant due to its economical, eco-friendly and industrially viable nature. Here we report a solid state synthetic approach for the fabrication of Fe3O4@M (where M = Au, Ag and Au-Ag alloy) core-shell nanostructures in nearly quantitative yields that involves a simple physical grinding of a metal precursor over Fe3O4 core, followed by calcination. The process involves smooth coating of low melting hybrid organic-inorganic precursor over the Fe3O4 core, which in turn facilitates a continuous shell layer post thermolysis. The obtained core-shell nanostructures are characterized using, XRD, XPS, ED-XRF, FE-SEM and HR-TEM for their phase, chemical state, elemental composition, surface morphology, and shell thickness, respectively. Homogeneous and continuous coating of the metal shell layer over a large area of the sample is ascertained by SAXS and STEM analyses. The synthesized catalysts have been studied for their applicability towards a model catalytic hydrogen generation from NH3BH3 and NaBH4 as hydrogen sources. The catalytic efficacy of the Fe3O4@Ag and Ag rich alloy shell materials are found to be superior to the corresponding Au counterparts. The saturation magnetization studies reveal the potential of the core-shell nanostructured catalysts to be magnetically recoverable and recyclable.
Yeast expression of mammalian Onzin and fungal FCR1 suggests ancestral functions of PLAC8 proteins in mitochondrial metabolism and DNA repair
Authors: Daghino Stefania , Di Vietro Luigi , Petiti Luca , Martino Elena , Dallabona Cristina , Lodi Tiziana , Perotto Silvia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe cysteine-rich PLAC8 domain of unknown function occurs in proteins found in most Eukaryotes. PLAC8-proteins play important yet diverse roles in different organisms, such as control of cell proliferation in animals and plants or heavy metal resistance in plants and fungi. Mammalian Onzin can be either pro-proliferative or pro-apoptotic, depending on the cell type, whereas fungal FCR1 confers cadmium tolerance. Despite their different role in different organisms, we hypothesized common ancestral functions linked to the PLAC8 domain. To address this hypothesis, and to investigate the molecular function of the PLAC8 domain, murine Onzin and fungal FCR1 were expressed in the PLAC8-free yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The two PLAC8-proteins localized in the nucleus and induced almost identical phenotypes and transcriptional changes when exposed to cadmium stress. Like FCR1, Onzin also reduced DNA damage and increased cadmium tolerance by a DUN1-dependent pathway. Both proteins activated transcription of ancient mitochondrial pathways such as leucine and Fe-S cluster biosynthesis, known to regulate cell proliferation and DNA repair in yeast. These results strongly suggest a common ancestral function of PLAC8 proteins and open new perspectives to understand the role of the PLAC8 domain in the cellular biology of Eukaryotes.
Monitoring and early warning method for a rockfall along railways based on vibration signal characteristics
Authors: Yan Yan , Li Ting , Liu Jie , Wang Wubin , Su Qian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRockfall disasters occur frequently in mountainous areas of western China, and the rockfall disasters along a railway line will seriously affect the safety and normal operation of railways, causing great economic and property losses. Existing rockfall monitoring and early warning methods still have shortcomings, such as accurate warning of single-point disasters and vulnerability to the natural environment. In this study, a rockfall test of a flexible safety protection net along the slope of a railway and a rockfall test of the railway track were carried out, and the vibration signals of the falling rock hitting the different sites of the protective net and hitting different positions of the rails were obtained. Using the signal analysis methods such as Fast Fourier Transformation and Short-Time Fourier Transform, the basic characteristics of the rockfall vibration signal and the vibration signal when the train passes and the propagation law of the rockfall vibration signal are obtained. Finally, a set of monitoring and early warning systems for rockfall disasters along the railway based on the analysis of vibration signal characteristics is established. The monitoring and early warning method has the advantages of all-weather, high-time, semi-automatic and high efficiency performance.
Improved Expression and Optimization of Trehalose Synthase by Regulation of Pglv in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Liu Hongling , Liu Hao , Yang Shaojie , Wang Ruiming , Wang Tengfei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTrehalose synthase (TreS) converts maltose to trehalose, which has several important functions; therefore, enhancing TreS expression is desirable. Here, a recombinant Bacillus subtilis W800N (ΔamyE)-Pglv strain was constructed to achieve enhanced expression of TreS. Process optimization strategies were developed to improve the expression level of TreS in B. subtilis W800N (ΔamyE)-Pglv. Intracellular activity of TreS was induced using 60 g/L of maltose in shake flask culture. The protein activity reached 5211 ± 134 U/g at 33 °C and pH 7.0 in Luria-Bertani medium. A fed-batch fermentation strategy was applied in a 30 L fermenter containing 18 L terrific broth to achieve high cell density by replacing glycerol with high maltose syrup as a carbon source and an inducer. After 32 h of fermentation, recombinant B. subtilis W800N (ΔamyE)-Pglv activity reached 6850 ± 287 U/g dry cell weight. Our results demonstrate the efficiency of the Pglv promoter in increasing the expression of TreS in B. subtilis W800N (ΔamyE)-Pglv.
PulmoBind Imaging Measures Reduction of Vascular Adrenomedullin Receptor Activity with Lack of effect of Sildenafil in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Merabet Nassiba , Nsaibia Mohamed Jalloul , Nguyen Quang Trinh , Shi Yan Fen , Letourneau Myriam , Fournier Alain , Tardif Jean-Claude , Harel François , Dupuis Jocelyn 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEndothelial dysfunction is a core pathophysiologic process in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We developed PulmoBind (PB), a novel imaging biomarker of the pulmonary vascular endothelium. 99mTechnetium (99mTc)-labelled PB binds to adrenomedullin receptors (AM1) densely expressed in the endothelium of alveolar capillaries. We evaluated the effect of sildenafil on AM1 receptors activity using 99mTc-PB. PAH was induced in rats using the Sugen/hypoxia model and after 3 weeks, animals were allocated to sildenafil (25 or 100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. 99mTc-PB uptake kinetics was assessed by single-photon emission computed tomography. PAH caused right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy that was decreased by low and high sildenafil doses. Sildenafil low and high dose also improved RV function measured from the tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion. Mean integrated pulmonary uptake of 99mTc-PB was reduced in PAH (508% · min ± 37, p < 0.05) compared to controls (630% · min ± 30), but unchanged by sildenafil at low and high doses. Lung tissue expressions of the AM1 receptor components were reduced in PAH and also unaffected by sildenafil. In experimental angio-proliferative PAH, sildenafil improves RV dysfunction and remodeling, but does not modify pulmonary vascular endothelium dysfunction assessed by the adrenomedullin receptor ligand 99mTc-PB.