bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reactivity of He with ionic compounds under high pressure
Authors: Liu Zhen , Botana Jorge , Hermann Andreas , Valdez Steven , Zurek Eva , Yan Dadong , Lin Hai-qing , Miao Mao-sheng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUntil very recently, helium had remained the last naturally occurring element that was known not to form stable solid compounds. Here we propose and demonstrate that there is a general driving force for helium to react with ionic compounds that contain an unequal number of cations and anions. The corresponding reaction products are stabilized not by local chemical bonds but by long-range Coulomb interactions that are significantly modified by the insertion of helium atoms, especially under high pressure. This mechanism also explains the recently discovered reactivity of He and Na under pressure. Our work reveals that helium has the propensity to react with a broad range of ionic compounds at pressures as low as 30 GPa. Since most of the Earth’s minerals contain unequal numbers of positively and negatively charged atoms, our work suggests that large quantities of He might be stored in the Earth’s lower mantle.
Robust singlet fission in pentacene thin films with tuned charge transfer interactions
Authors: Broch K. , Dieterle J. , Branchi F. , Hestand N. J. , Olivier Y. , Tamura H. , Cruz C. , Nichols V. M. , Hinderhofer A. , Beljonne D. , Spano F. C. , Cerullo G. , Bardeen C. J. , Schreiber F. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSinglet fission, the spin-allowed photophysical process converting an excited singlet state into two triplet states, has attracted significant attention for device applications. Research so far has focused mainly on the understanding of singlet fission in pure materials, yet blends offer the promise of a controlled tuning of intermolecular interactions, impacting singlet fission efficiencies. Here we report a study of singlet fission in mixtures of pentacene with weakly interacting spacer molecules. Comparison of experimentally determined stationary optical properties and theoretical calculations indicates a reduction of charge-transfer interactions between pentacene molecules with increasing spacer molecule fraction. Theory predicts that the reduced interactions slow down singlet fission in these blends, but surprisingly we find that singlet fission occurs on a timescale comparable to that in pure crystalline pentacene. We explain the observed robustness of singlet fission in such mixed films by a mechanism of exciton diffusion to hot spots with closer intermolecular spacings.
Nanoplanktonic diatoms are globally overlooked but play a role in spring blooms and carbon export
Authors: Leblanc Karine , Quéguiner Bernard , Diaz Frédéric , Cornet Véronique , Michel-Rodriguez Mónica , Durrieu de Madron Xavier , Bowler Chris , Malviya Shruti , Thyssen Melilotus , Grégori Gérald , Rembauville Mathieu , Grosso Olivier , Poulain Julie , de Vargas Colomban , Pujo-Pay Mireille , Conan Pascal 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDiatoms are one of the major primary producers in the ocean, responsible annually for ~20% of photosynthetically fixed CO2on Earth. In oceanic models, they are typically represented as large (>20 µm) microphytoplankton. However, many diatoms belong to the nanophytoplankton (2–20 µm) and a few species even overlap with the picoplanktonic size-class (<2 µm). Due to their minute size and difficulty of detection they are poorly characterized. Here we describe a massive spring bloom of the smallest known diatom (Minidiscus) in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Analysis ofTaraOceans data, together with literature review, reveal a general oversight of the significance of these small diatoms at the global scale. We further evidence that they can reach the seafloor at high sinking rates, implying the need to revise our classical binary vision of pico- and nanoplanktonic cells fueling the microbial loop, while only microphytoplankton sustain secondary trophic levels and carbon export.
Global Gene Expression Analysis in an in vitro Fibroblast Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Reveals Potential Role for CXCL14/CXCR4
Authors: Rodriguez Luis R. , Emblom-Callahan Margaret , Chhina Mantej , Bui Sarah , Aljeburry Bilal , Tran Luc H. , Novak Rebecca , Lemma Merte , Nathan Steven D. , Grant Geraldine M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIdiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disorder that is marked by an over accumulation of activated fibroblast populations. Despite the improved understanding of many mechanisms within this disease, global gene expression analysis has few focused studies on the fibroblast, the central effector cell of progressive fibrosis. We present a unique analysis of IPF pulmonary fibroblasts as they transition through cell culture and identify in vitro altered cellular processes. Fibroblasts were isolated from diseased (n = 8) and non-diseased (n = 4) lungs. Global gene expression analysis was carried out at the initial point of isolation and after 3 weeks of culture. We identify several genes that are altered by removal of the fibroblast from the IPF environment. Comparison of this subset of genes to four previously published whole lung analyses refined our list to a small subset of key fibroblast specific genes important in IPF. Application of STRING database analysis and confirmation via in-vitro and histological assay highlights the CXCL14/CXCR4 chemokine axis with a possible role in the progression and/or activation of fibroblasts within the IPF lung. Our findings, present a possible therapeutic target for IPF and a model for the study and discovery of novel protein and processes in this terrible disease.
First detection of a Sesamia nonagrioides resistance allele to Bt maize in Europe
Authors: Camargo Ana M. , Andow David A. , Castañera Pedro , Farinós Gema P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Ebro Valley (Spain) is the only hotspot area in Europe where resistance evolution of target pests to Cry1Ab protein is most likely, owing to the high and regular adoption of Bt maize (>60%). The high-dose/refuge (HDR) strategy was implemented to delay resistance evolution, and to be effective it requires the frequency of resistance alleles to be very low (<0.001). An F2 screen was performed in 2016 to estimate the frequency of resistance alleles in Sesamia nonagrioides from this area and to evaluate if the HDR strategy is still working effectively. Out of the 137 isofemale lines screened on Cry1Ab maize leaf tissue, molted larvae and extensive feeding were observed for two consecutive generations in one line, indicating this line carried a resistance allele. The frequency of resistance alleles in 2016 was 0.0036 (CI 95% 0.0004–0.0100), higher but not statistically different from the value obtained in 2004–2005. Resistance does not seem to be evolving faster than predicted by a S. nonagrioides resistance evolution model, but the frequency of resistance is now triple the value recommended for an effective implementation of the HDR strategy. Owing to this, complementary measures should be considered to further delay resistance evolution in the Ebro Valley.
Modulation of miRNA expression in aged rat hippocampus by buttermilk and krill oil
Authors: Crespo M. Carmen , Tomé-Carneiro Joao , Gómez-Coronado Diego , Burgos-Ramos Emma , García-Serrano Alba , Martín-Hernández Roberto , Baliyan Shishir , Fontecha Javier , Venero César , Dávalos Alberto , Visioli Francesco 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe increasing incidence of age-induced cognitive decline justifies the search for complementary ways of prevention or delay. We studied the effects of concentrates of phospholipids, sphingolipids, and/or 3-n fatty acids on the expression of genes or miRNAs related to synaptic activity and/or neurodegeneration, in the hippocampus of aged Wistar rats following a 3-month supplementation. The combination of two phospholipidic concentrates of krill oil (KOC) and buttermilk (BMFC) origin modulated the hippocampal expression of 119 miRNAs (11 were common to both BMFC and BMFC + KOC groups). miR-191a-5p and miR-29a-3p changed significantly only in the BMFC group, whereas miR-195-3p and miR-148a-5p did so only in the combined-supplemented group. Thirty-eight, 58, and 72 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were found in the groups supplemented with KOC, BMFC and BMFC + KOC, respectively. Interaction analysis unveiled networks of selected miRNAs with their potential target genes. DEG found in the KOC and BMFC groups were mainly involved in neuroactive processes, whereas they were associated with lysosomes and mRNA surveillance pathways in the BMFC + KOC group. We also report a significant reduction in hippocampal ceramide levels with BMFC + KOC. Our results encourage additional in-depth investigations regarding the potential beneficial effects of these compounds.
Lactobacillus rossiae strain isolated from sourdough produces putrescine from arginine
Authors: del Rio Beatriz , Alvarez-Sieiro Patricia , Redruello Begoña , Martin María Cruz , Fernandez María , Ladero Victor , Alvarez Miguel A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis work reports a Lactobacillus rossiae strain (L. rossiae D87) isolated from sourdough that synthesizes putrescine - a biogenic amine that raises food safety and spoilage concerns - from arginine via the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) pathway. The odc and potE genes were identified and sequenced. These genes respectively encode ornithine decarboxylase (Odc), which participates in the decarboxylation of ornithine to putrescine, and the ornithine/putrescine exchanger (PotE), which exchanges ornithine for putrescine. Transcriptional analysis showed that odc and potE form an operon that is regulated transcriptionally by ornithine in a dose-dependent manner. To explore the possible role of the ODC pathway as an acid stress resistance mechanism for this bacterium, the effect of acidic pHs on its transcriptional regulation and on putrescine biosynthesis was analysed. Acidic pHs induced the transcription of the odc-potE genes and the production of putrescine over that seen at neutral pH. Further, putrescine production via the ODC system improved the survival of L. rossiae D87 by counteracting the acidification of the cytoplasm when the cells were subjected to acidic conditions. These results suggest the ODC pathway of L. rossiae D87 provides a biochemical defence mechanism against acidic environments.
Disturbance-Disturbance uncertainty relation: The statistical distinguishability of quantum states determines disturbance
Authors: Benítez Rodríguez E. , Arévalo Aguilar L. M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which underlies many quantum key features, is under close scrutiny regarding its applicability to new scenarios. Using both the Bell-Kochen-Specker theorem establishing that observables do not have predetermined values before measurements and the measurement postulate of quantum mechanics, we propose that in order to describe the disturbance produced by the measurement process, it is convenient to define disturbance by the changes produced on quantum states. Hence, we propose to quantify disturbance in terms of the square root of the Jensen-Shannon entropy distance between the probability distributions before and after the measurement process. Additionally, disturbance and statistical distinguishability of states are fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics that have thus far been unrelated; however, we show that they are intermingled thereupon we enquire into whether the statistical distinguishability of states, caused by statistical fluctuations in the measurement outcomes, is responsible for the disturbance’s magnitude.
Analysis of the oligomeric states of nucleophosmin using size exclusion chromatography
Authors: Sakashita Gyosuke , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Naoe Tomoki , Urano Takeshi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNucleophosmin (NPM1) is a multifunctional phosphoprotein which plays important roles in diverse biological processes. NPM1 can form homo- or hetero-oligomers through its N-terminal region, and bind DNA and RNA through its C-terminal region. However, the monomer-oligomer distribution of NPM1, and the extent of NPM1 binding and unbinding to RNA in living cells, are not fully understood. In this work, we analysed molecular complexes of NPM1 using size exclusion chromatography. We found that a substantial fraction of NPM1 behaves as an oligomer in HeLa cells. Furthermore, we identified three distinct oligomeric states of NPM1 using molecular characterization techniques such as subcellular localization and RNA binding. Finally, we found that heterozygous expression of a leukemia-associated NPM1 mutant significantly decreases the RNA binding level. Our data demonstrate that size exclusion chromatography provides a powerful tool for analysing NPM1 oligomers.
Negative soil moisture-precipitation feedback in dry and wet regions
Authors: Yang Lingbin , Sun Guoqing , Zhi Lu , Zhao Jianjun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSoil moisture-precipitation (SM-P) feedback significantly influences the terrestrial water and energy cycles. However, the sign of the feedback and the associated physical mechanism have been debated, leaving a research gap regarding global water and climate changes. Based on Koster’s framework, we estimate SM-P feedback using satellite remote sensing and ground observation data sets. Methodologically, the sign of the feedback is identified by the correlation between monthly soil moisture and next-month precipitation. The physical mechanism is investigated through coupling precipitation and soil moisture (P-SM), soil moisture ad evapotranspiration (SM-E) and evapotranspiration and precipitation (E-P) correlations. Our results demonstrate that although positive SM-P feedback is predominant over land, non-negligible negative feedback occurs in dry and wet regions. Specifically, 43.75% and 40.16% of the negative feedback occurs in the arid and humid climate zones. Physically, negative SM-P feedback depends on the SM-E correlation. In dry regions, evapotranspiration change is soil moisture limited. In wet regions, evapotranspiration change is energy limited. We conclude that the complex SM-E correlation results in negative SM-P feedback in dry and wet regions, and the cause varies based on the environmental and climatic conditions.
In vivo imaging of T cell lymphoma infiltration process at the colon
Authors: Ueda Yoshibumi , Ishiwata Toshiyuki , Shinji Seiichi , Arai Tomio , Matsuda Yoko , Aida Junko , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Okazaki Toshiro , Kikuta Junichi , Ishii Masaru , Sato Moritoshi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe infiltration and proliferation of cancer cells in the secondary organs are of great interest, since they contribute to cancer metastasis. However, cancer cell dynamics in the secondary organs have not been elucidated at single-cell resolution. In the present study, we established anin vivomodel using two-photon microscopy to observe how infiltrating cancer cells form assemblages from single T-cell lymphomas, EL4 cells, in the secondary organs. Using this model, after inoculation of EL4 cells in mice, we discovered that single EL4 cells infiltrated into the colon. In the early stage, sporadic elongated EL4 cells became lodged in small blood vessels. Real-time imaging revealed that, whereas more than 70% of EL4 cells did not move during a 1-hour observation, other EL4 cells irregularly moved even in small vessels and dynamically changed shape upon interacting with other cells. In the late stages, EL4 cells formed small nodules composed of several EL4 cells in blood vessels as well as crypts, suggesting the existence of diverse mechanisms of nodule formation. The presentin vivoimaging system is instrumental to dissect cancer cell dynamics during metastasis in other organs at the single-cell level.
Generation and characterization of a hypothyroidism rat model with truncated thyroid stimulating hormone receptor
Authors: Yang Jianqiang , Yi Ning , Zhang Junhui , He Wen , He Di , Wu Wanwan , Xu Shuyang , Li Feng , Fan Guoping , Zhu Xianmin , Xue Zhigang , Zhou Wensheng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), a G-protein-coupled receptor, is important for thyroid development and growth. In several cases, frameshift and/or nonsense mutations in TSHR were found in the patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH), however they have not been functionally studied in an animal model. In the present work, we generated a unique Tshr
Df/Df
rat model that recapitulates the phenotypes in TSHR Y444X patient by CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology. In this rat model, TSHR is truncated at the second transmembrane domain, leading to CH phenotypes as what was observed in the patients, including dwarf, thyroid aplasia, infertility, TSH resistant as well as low serum thyroid hormone levels. The phenotypes can be reversed, at least partially, by levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment after weaning. The thyroid development is severely impaired in the Tshr
Df/Df
rats due to the suppression of the thyroid specific genes, i.e., thyroperoxidase (Tpo), thyroglobulin (Tg) and sodium iodide symporter (Nis), at both mRNA and protein levels. In conclusion, the Tshr
Df/Df
rat serves as a brand new genetic model to study CH in human, and will greatly help to shed light into the development of terminal organs that are sensitive to thyroid hormones.
The potential role of land cover on secular changes of the hydroclimate of Peninsular Florida
Authors: Misra Vasubandhu , Mishra Akhilesh , Bhardwaj Amit , Viswanathan Krishnan , Schmutz Dan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe seasonal cycle of Peninsular Florida rainfall is a robust feature that has monsoon like seasonality. We objectively define the onset, demise, and length of the wet seasons over the time period of 1948–2006 in Peninsular Florida based on daily rainfall from the Climate Prediction Center of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. This definition defines onset (demise) of the wet season of Peninsular Florida as the first day the daily accumulated precipitation anomaly reaches a minimum (maximum) for the year at a given grid point. A discernible linear trend of later onset, earlier demise, and a resulting shorter length of the wet season in urban areas relative to the rural areas is observed. The wet season accumulation of rainfall, however, does not reveal a proportional change in the linear trend implying a perceptible contrast of comparatively higher (lower) linear trend of the daily rain rate of the wet season over urban (rural) areas of Peninsular Florida.
Interpreting Mini-Mental State Examination Performance in Highly Proficient Bilingual Spanish–English and Asian Indian–English Speakers: Demographic Adjustments, Item Analyses, and Supplemental Measures
Authors: Milman Lisa H. , Faroqi-Shah Yasmeen , Corcoran Chris D. , Damele Deanna M. 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
Performance on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), among the most widely used global screens of adult cognitive status, is affected by demographic variables including age, education, and ethnicity. This study extends prior research by examining the specific effects of bilingualism on MMSE performance.

Method

Sixty independent community-dwelling monolingual and bilingual adults were recruited from eastern and western regions of the United States in this cross-sectional group study. Independent sample
t
tests were used to compare 2 bilingual groups (Spanish–English and Asian Indian–English) with matched monolingual speakers on the MMSE, demographically adjusted MMSE scores, MMSE item scores, and a nonverbal cognitive measure. Regression analyses were also performed to determine whether language proficiency predicted MMSE performance in both groups of bilingual speakers.

Results
Group differences were evident on the MMSE, on demographically adjusted MMSE scores, and on a small subset of individual MMSE items. Scores on a standardized screen of language proficiency predicted a significant proportion of the variance in the MMSE scores of both bilingual groups.

Conclusions
Bilingual speakers demonstrated distinct performance profiles on the MMSE. Results suggest that supplementing the MMSE with a language screen, administering a nonverbal measure, and/or evaluating item-based patterns of performance may assist with test interpretation for this population.
Testing the accuracy of reflection-based supermassive black hole spin measurements in AGN
Authors: Kammoun E. S. , Nardini E. , Risaliti G. 
Published: February 2018

Context. X-ray reflection is a very powerful method to assess the spin of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in active galactic nuclei (AGN), yet this technique is not universally accepted. Indeed, complex reprocessing (absorption, scattering) of the intrinsic spectra along the line of sight can mimic the relativistic effects on which the spin measure is based.
Aims. In this work, we test the reliability of SMBH spin measurements that can currently be achieved through the simulations of high-quality XMM-Newton and NuSTAR spectra.
Methods. Each member of our group simulated ten spectra with multiple components that are typically seen in AGN, such as warm and (partial-covering) neutral absorbers, relativistic and distant reflection, and thermal emission. The resulting spectra were blindly analysed by the other two members.
Results. Out of the 60 fits, 42 turn out to be physically accurate when compared to the input model. The SMBH spin is retrieved with success in 31 cases, some of which (9) are even found among formally inaccurate fits (although with looser constraints). We show that, at the high signal-to-noise ratio assumed in our simulations, neither the complexity of the multi-layer, partial-covering absorber nor the input value of the spin are the major drivers of our results. The height of the X-ray source (in a lamp-post geometry) instead plays a crucial role in recovering the spin. In particular, a success rate of 16 out of 16 is found among the accurate fits for a dimensionless spin parameter larger than 0.8 and a lamp-post height lower than five gravitational radii.
Sensitivity of a Simple Noninvasive Screening Algorithm for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension after Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Ende-Verhaar Yvonne , Ruigrok Dieuwertje , Bogaard Harm Jan , Huisman Menno , Meijboom Lilian , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Klok Frederikus 
Published: February 2018

Background Recently, we constructed a noninvasive screening algorithm aiming at earlier chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) detection after acute pulmonary embolism (PE), consisting of a prediction score and combined electrocardiography (ECG)/N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) assessment. The aim of this study was to confirm the algorithm's sensitivity for CTEPH detection and to evaluate the reproducibility of its individual items.
Methods Two independent researchers calculated the prediction score in 54 consecutive patients with a history of acute PE and proven CTEPH based on clinical characteristics at PE diagnosis, and evaluated the ECG and NT-proBNP level assessed at the moment of CTEPH diagnosis. Interobserver agreement for the assessment of the prediction score, right-to-left ventricle (RV/LV) ratio measurement on computed tomography pulmonary angiography, as well as ECG reading was evaluated by calculating Cohen's kappa statistics.
Results Median time between PE diagnosis and presentation with CTEPH was 9 months (interquartile range: 5–15). The sensitivity of the algorithm was found to be 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79–97%), indicating that 27 of 30 cases of CTEPH would have been detected when applying the screening algorithm to 1,000 random PE survivors with a 3% CTEPH incidence (projected negative predictive value: 99.7%; 95% CI: 99.1–99.9%). The interobserver agreement for calculating the prediction score, RV/LV ratio measurement, and ECG reading was excellent with a kappa of 0.96, 0.95, and 0.89, respectively.
Conclusion The algorithm had a high sensitivity of 91% and was highly reproducible. Prospective validation of the algorithm in consecutive PE patients is required before it can be used in clinical practice.