bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using PconsC4 and PconsFold2 to Predict Protein Structure
Authors: Bassot Claudio , Menendez Hurtado David , Elofsson Arne 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn spite of the fact that there has been a significant increase in the number of solved protein structures, structural information is missing for many proteins. Although structural information is codified in the amino acid sequence, computational prediction using only this information is still an unsolved problem. However, one successful method to model a protein's structure starting from the primary sequence is to use contact prediction derived from multiple sequence alignment (MSA). Here we use our contact predictor PconsC4 to generate a list of probable contacts between residues in the primary sequences. These contacts are then used together with the secondary structure prediction as constraints for the CONFOLD folding method. In this way, a 3D protein model can be built starting directly from the primary sequence. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Improving the Gas‐Separation Properties of PVAc‐Zeolite 4A Mixed‐Matrix Membranes through Nano‐Sizing and Silanation of the Zeolite
Authors: Esmaeili Nazila , Boyd Sue E. , Brown Christopher L. , Mac A. Gray Evan , Webb Colin J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMixed‐matrix membranes containing synthesised nano‐sized zeolite 4A and PVAc were fabricated to investigate the effect of zeolite loading on membrane morphology, polymer‐filler interaction, thermal stability and gas separation properties. SEM studies revealed that, although the membranes with 40 wt % nano‐sized zeolite particles were distributed uniformly through the polymer matrix without voids, the membranes with 15 wt % zeolite loading showed agglomeration. With increasing zeolite content, the thermal stability improved, the permeability decreased and the selectivity increased. The effect of silanation on dispersion of 15 wt % zeolite 4A nanoparticles through PVAc was investigated by post‐synthesis modification of the zeolite with 3‐Aminopropyl(diethoxy)methylsilane. Modification of the nanoparticles improved their dispersion in PVAc, resulting in higher thermal stability than the corresponding unmodified zeolite membrane. Modification also decreased the rigidity of the membrane. Partial pore blockage of the modified zeolite nanoparticles after silanation caused a further decrease in permeability, compared to the 15 wt % unmodified zeolite membrane.
Socially responsible human resource practices to improve the employability of people with disabilities
Authors: Kwan Chi Kin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAlthough the employment of people with disabilities (PWDs) has been recognized as an important human right, it is seldom emphasized in current corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice. Based on experiences with a job training program in hospitality for people with intellectual disabilities or Down syndrome offered by a hotel in Hong Kong, this paper explores how socially responsible human resource (HR) practices can support the employment of PWDs. An A‐B‐C‐D framework is proposed by the author to explore what business enterprises can contribute through HR strategy. Based on the results of interviews conducted with the hotel staff and social workers involved in the program, this study suggests that socially responsible HR practices can play an important role in improving the employability of PWDs by providing workplace accommodations, business‐oriented settings, a caring attitude, and job demands, showing how CSR and PWD employment are intertwined.
Across scales, pronghorn select sagebrush, avoid fences, and show negative responses to anthropogenic features in winter
Authors: Reinking Adele K. , Smith Kurt T. , Mong Tony W. , Read Mary J. , Beck Jeffrey L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are endemic to western North America where they occupy expanses of grassland and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats. The Red Desert region in south‐central Wyoming, USA, has historically served as a stronghold for pronghorn populations, but many herds there have experienced declining population trends over the last two decades, concurrent with oil and natural gas development. These demographic changes and the potential for such energy development, its associated infrastructure, and other anthropogenic features including roads and fences to influence pronghorn habitat selection were the impetuses for our study. We sought to evaluate the potential effect of human‐induced disturbance on multi‐scale seasonal resource selection of 142 adult female pronghorn from 2013 to 2016 using 442 unique animal‐season‐year datasets. We utilized a traditional resource selection function to evaluate seasonal home‐range selection and a step‐selection function to assess fine‐scale, patch‐level seasonal selection. We also compared resource selection during daytime and nighttime hours with step‐selection analyses. At the seasonal home‐range scale, pronghorn selected for areas with more sagebrush during both seasons and areas farther from fences during summer. This trend was also apparent at the patch‐scale level, where pronghorn selected sagebrush‐dominant habitats and avoided crossing fences in all seasons during both day and night. Additionally at this scale, pronghorn selected areas farther from fences during daytime in summer. At the broader, home‐range scale, pronghorn selected areas with greater road density during summer, but with lower road densities and farther from wells during winter. Avoidance of anthropogenic features during winter was also observed at the finer, patch‐scale, with pronghorn selecting for increased density of roads and oil and natural gas wells during daytime in summer, but selecting areas farther from these features during daytime in winter. We recommend minimizing fencing and other forms of anthropogenic disturbance in high‐quality seasonal pronghorn habitats with high proportions of sagebrush, particularly during winter when risk‐avoidance responses may be amplified.
Developing an expert elicited simulation model to evaluate invasive species and fire management alternatives
Authors: Jarnevich Catherine S. , Cullinane Thomas Catherine , Young Nicholas E. , Backer Dana , Cline Sarah , Frid Leonardo , Grissom Perry 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInvasive species can alter ecosystem properties and cause state shifts in landscapes. Resource managers charged with maintaining landscapes require tools to understand implications of alternative actions (or inactions) on landscape structure and function. Simulation models can serve as a virtual laboratory to explore these alternatives and their potential impacts on a landscape. To be useful, however, managers need to participate in model development to ensure that model structure can evaluate the response of key resources to plausible actions. Here, we detail development of a state‐and‐transition simulation model (STSM) to evaluate buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliarisL. synPennisetum ciliare(L.) Link) in Saguaro National Park (SNP), Arizona,USA, through collaboration between managers and researchers. We integrate expert knowledge and research to create and parameterize a stochastic, spatially explicitSTSMto evaluate specific management objectives. We also develop a dynamic link between theSTSMand a fire behavior model to allow exploration of potential novel processes introduced to the ecosystem by buffelgrass invasion. Our projections show that buffelgrass can be expected to increase on the landscape and that the integration of fire into the model accelerates the projected rate of invasion and increases degradation of resources of management concern. We highlight the benefit of engaging end users in the modeling process so that the model is targeted to evaluate management objectives, in this case retention of saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea(Engelm.) Britton & Rose) on the landscape. Being able to integrate an external model that can help address the unique characteristics of a problem such as the introduction of fire into the SNP desert ecosystem increases the ability of simulations to address complex ecological and management questions.
Recent advances in nanomaterial‐based capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Kitte Shimeles Addisu , Fereja Tadesse Haile , Halawa Mohamed Ibrahim , Lou Baohua , Li Haijuan , Xu Guobao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis review gives a summary of applications of different nanomateials, such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), carbon‐based nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and nano‐sized metal organic frameworks (MOFs), in electrophoretic separations. This review also emphasizes the recent works in which nanoparticles (NPs) are used as pseudostationary phase (PSP) or immobilized on the capillary surface for enhancement of separation in CE, CEC, and microchips electrophoresis.
Response of arid northeast Mexico to global climate changes during the late Pleistocene to the middle Holocene
Authors: Roy Priyadarsi D. , Vera‐Vera Guillermo , Curtis Jason H. , Sánchez‐Zavala José L. , Quiroz‐Jiménez Jesús David , Muthu Sankar Gowrappan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAnthropogenic global warming might cause expansion of the drylands and trigger socio‐economic challenges in the water‐deficit subtropical regions. Changes in hydroclimate during the intervals of variable global temperature over the recent geological past, however, could provide useful information about the possible responses of these arid ecosystems to the near future warmer conditions. We evaluated hydroclimates of two different parts of subtropical North America by generating new records of surface processes and regional vegetation from drought‐prone northeast Mexico and subsequently compared them with the paleoclimate of the central‐southern United States. Our study suggests that congruent changes occurred in both parts during ~13.5–9.5 cal ka BP, an interval with no warm pool in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The precipitation and erosion responded to temperature‐modulated variations in positions of the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Conditions were wetter than today in the subsequent warmer interval (~9.5–8.2 cal ka BP) with generally stable ITCZ and the highest summer insolation. Hydroclimate changes of both parts lacked congruency during ~8.2–6.8 cal ka BP as the northern Gulf of Mexico began hosting a warm pool. Similar to the modern conditions, this warm pool might have modified trajectories of the tropical storms. Erosion and abundance of C3 plants decreased in northeast Mexico. Higher wetness in the Mississippi River Basin and the southern Great Plains during this interval suggested that the storms made landfall more frequently in the central‐southern United States. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of the US stock market opening on price discovery of government bond futures
Authors: Indriawan Ivan , Jiao Feng , Tse Yiuman 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe examine price discovery in sequential markets for the 10‐year US Treasury note, German bund, and UK gilt futures over the period 2010–2017. We find that price discovery increases after the opening of the US stock market. Order flows in the bond futures markets are more informative for permanent price changes in the 30‐min period after the US stock market opens. A placebo test using US statutory holidays confirms our findings. A cross‐market analysis suggests that the increased price discovery in the bond futures is related to returns and net order flows of the US stock market.
A neural signature of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kotkowski Eithan , Price Larry R. , Franklin Crystal , Salazar Maximino , Woolsey Mary , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Blangero John , Glahn David C. , Fox Peter T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThat metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with age‐related cognitive decline is well established. The neurobiological changes underlying these cognitive deficits, however, are not well understood. The goal of this study was to determine whether MetS is associated with regional differences in gray‐matter volume (GMV) using a cross‐sectional, between‐group contrast design in a large, ethnically homogenous sample. T1‐weighted MRIs were sampled from the genetics of brain structure (GOBS) data archive for 208 Mexican‐American participants: 104 participants met or exceeded standard criteria for MetS and 104 participants were age‐ and sex‐matched metabolically healthy controls. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 74 years (37.3 ± 13.2 years, 56.7% female). Images were analyzed in a whole‐brain, voxel‐wise manner using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM). Three contrast analyses were performed, a whole sample analysis of all 208 participants, and two post hoc half‐sample analyses split by age along the median (35.5 years). Significant associations between MetS and decreased GMV were observed in multiple, spatially discrete brain regions including the posterior cerebellum, brainstem, orbitofrontal cortex, bilateral caudate nuclei, right parahippocampus, right amygdala, right insula, lingual gyrus, and right superior temporal gyrus. Age, as shown in the post hoc analyses, was demonstrated to be a significant covariate. A further functional interpretation of the structures exhibiting lower GMV in MetS reflected a significant involvement in reward perception, emotional valence, and reasoning. Additional studies are needed to characterize the influence of MetS's individual clinical components on brain structure and to explore the bidirectional association between GMV and MetS.
Anticipatory alpha oscillation predicts attentional selection and hemodynamic response
Authors: Zhao Chenguang , Guo Jialiang , Li Dongwei , Tao Ye , Ding Yulong , Liu Hanli , Song Yan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn covert visual attention, one fundamental question is how advance knowledge facilitates subsequent neural processing and behavioral performance. In this study, with a rapid event‐related simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near infrared spectroscopy recording in humans, we explored the potential contribution of anticipatory electrophysiological activation and hemodynamic activation by examining how anticipatory low‐frequency oscillations and changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) concentration influence the subsequent event‐related potential (ERP) marker of attentional selection. We found that expecting a target led to both a posterior lateralization of alpha‐band (8–12 Hz) oscillation power and a lateralization of HbO response over the visual cortex. Importantly, the magnitude of cue‐induced alpha lateralization was positively correlated with the nearby HbO lateralization in the visual cortex, and such a cue‐induced alpha lateralization predicted the subsequent target‐evoked N2pc amplitudes assumed to reflect attentional selection. Our results suggest that each individual's attentional selection biomarker as reflected by N2pc is predictable in advance via the anticipation‐induced alpha lateralization, and such cue‐induced alpha lateralization seems to play an important role in the functional coupling effects between the low‐frequency EEG and the nearby hemodynamic activation.
Long Noncoding RNA H19 Contributes to Cholangiocyte Proliferation and Cholestatic Liver Fibrosis in Biliary Atresia
Authors: Xiao Yongtao , Liu Runping , Li Xiaojiaoyang , Gurley Emily C. , Hylemon Phillip B. , Lu Ying , Zhou Huiping , Cai Wei 
Published: May 2019

Biliary atresia (BA) is a neonatal liver disease featuring cholestasis and severe liver fibrosis (LF). Despite advances in the development of surgical treatment, lacking an early diagnostic marker and intervention of LF invariably leads to death from end‐stage liver disease in the early years of life. We previously reported that knockout of sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) protected mice from bile duct ligation (BDL)‐induced cholangiocyte proliferation and LF. Our recent studies further showed that both hepatic and serum exosomal long noncoding RNA H19 (lncRNAH19) levels are correlated with cholestatic injury in multidrug resistance 2 knockout (Mdr2–/–
) mice. However, the role of lncRNAH19 in BA progression remains unclear. Here, we show that both hepatic and serum exosomal H19 levels are positively correlated with severity of fibrotic liver injuries in BA patients. H19 deficiency protects mice from BDL‐induced cholangiocyte proliferation and LF by inhibiting bile‐acid–induced expression and activation of S1PR2 and sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2). Furthermore, H19 acts as a molecular sponge for members of the microRNA let‐7 family, which results in up‐regulation of high‐mobility group AT‐hook 2 (HMGA2), a known target of let‐7 and enhancement of biliary proliferation. Conclusion: These results indicate that H19 plays a critical role in cholangiocyte proliferation and cholestatic liver injury in BA by regulating the S1PR2/SphK2 and let‐7/HMGA2 axis. Serum exosomal H19 may represent a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for BA.
Assessing mobile phone use by pregnant women in Nigeria: A capability perspective
Authors: Dasuki Salihu Ibrahim , Zamani Efpraxia D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper explores the use of mobile phones to access maternal health care in sub‐Saharan Africa and whether it enhances capability and human development. Analysing focus groups and interviews on mobile phone uses by pregnant women in Nigeria based on the Technology Augmented Capability Approach, we show that the mobile phone as a technical object facilitates three broad capabilities for pregnant women, namely, (a) enhances their voice and choice to push for health care quality, (b) enhances their access to emergency services while maintaining entrepreneurial activities, and (c) enhances their health literacy and social connectedness. However, personal, social, and environmental factors influence the conversion of the use of the mobile phone into capabilities by the pregnant women.
Treatment of Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia Type 1 With the Calcilytic NPSP795 (SHP635)
Authors: Roberts Mary Scott , Gafni Rachel I , Brillante Beth , Guthrie Lori C , Streit Jamie , Gash David , Gelb Jeff , Krusinska Eva , Brennan Sarah C , Schepelmann Martin , Riccardi Daniela , Bin Khayat Mohd Ezuan , Ward Donald T , Nemeth Edward F , Rosskamp Ralf , Collins Michael T 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1) is a rare form of hypoparathyroidism caused by heterozygous, gain-of-function mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor gene (CAR). Individuals are hypocalcemic with inappropriately low parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion and relative hypercalciuria. Calcilytics are negative allosteric modulators of the extracellular calcium receptor (CaR) and therefore may have therapeutic benefits in ADH1. Five adults with ADH1 due to four distinct CAR mutations received escalating doses of the calcilytic compound NPSP795 (SHP635) on 3 consecutive days. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety were assessed. Parallel in vitro testing with subject CaR mutations assessed the effects of NPSP795 on cytoplasmic calcium concentrations (Ca2+i), and ERK and p38MAPK phosphorylation. These effects were correlated with clinical responses to administration of NPSP795. NPSP795 increased plasma PTH levels in a concentration-dependent manner up to 129% above baseline (p = 0.013) at the highest exposure levels. Fractional excretion of calcium (FECa) trended down but not significantly so. Blood ionized calcium levels remained stable during NPSP795 infusion despite fasting, no calcitriol supplementation, and little calcium supplementation. NPSP795 was generally safe and well-tolerated. There was significant variability in response clinically across genotypes. In vitro, all mutant CaRs were half-maximally activated (EC50) at lower concentrations of extracellular calcium (Ca2+o) compared to wild-type (WT) CaR; NPSP795 exposure increased the EC50 for all CaR activity readouts. However, the in vitro responses to NPSP795 did not correlate with any clinical parameters. NPSP795 increased plasma PTH levels in subjects with ADH1 in a dose-dependent manner, and thus, serves as proof-of-concept that calcilytics could be an effective treatment for ADH1. Albeit all mutations appear to be activating at the CaR, in vitro observations were not predictive of the in vivo phenotype or the response to calcilytics, suggesting that other parameters impact the response to the drug. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
miR‐202‐5p protects rat against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by downregulating the expression of Trpv2 to attenuate the Ca2+ overload in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Yanbing , Li Qiang , Zhang Ou , Guan Xiaonan , Xue Yajun , Li Siyuan , Zhuang Xianjing , Zhou Boda , Miao Guobin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study was aimed to unveil micro RNA (miRNA) expression profiles in myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion (MI/R) rats and explore whether and how dysregulated miRNAs were involved in the initiation and progression of MI/R in a calcium‐dependent manner.Method and ResultsRat model of MI/R was established and cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal rats cardiomyocytes were induced. Both miRNA and messenger RNA expression profiles were analyzed by Microarray. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, bioinformatics analysis, dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, hematoxylin and eosin, Evans blue, and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride were also used in this study. Serum concentrations of myocardial enzymes (phosphocreatine kinase [CK], creatine kinase [CK‐MB], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), cardiomyocytes loadage of Ca2+, as well as the expression level of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) were measured, respectively. Effects of upregulation or downregulation of miR‐202‐5p or Trpv2 on these indicators were investigated in vivo and in vitro. In MI/R rats and hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced NCMs, miR‐202‐5p was downregulated, while Trpv2 was upregulated. Trpv2 was a promising target of miR‐202‐5p and negatively regulated by miR‐202‐5p. Upregulation of miR‐202‐5p or downregulation of Trpv2 significantly reduced the serum concentration of myocardial enzymes, as well as cardiomyocyte‐produced reactive oxygen species, but inhibition of miR‐202‐5p or overexpression of Trpv2 brought the worsening situation for these indicators. Besides, upregulation of miR‐202‐5p upregulation or downregulation of Trpv2 also inhibited Ca2+ overload in cardiomyocytes, accompanied with the increase of SERCA2a and suppression of IP3R. The reduced damage degree and infarct size in myocardial tissue were contrarily worsened by miR‐202‐5p inhibitor.ConclusionOverexpression of miR‐202‐5p or downregulation of its downstream Trpv2 presented the cardioprotective effects to MI/R rats.