bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrochemical Changes Before and After Earthquakes Based on Long‐Term Measurements of Multiple Parameters at Two Sites in Northern Iceland—A Review
Authors: Skelton A. , Liljedahl‐Claesson L. , Wästeby N. , Andrén M. , Stockmann G. , Sturkell E. , Mörth C.‐M. , Stefansson A. , Tollefsen E. , Siegmund H. , Keller N. , Kjartansdóttir R. , Hjartarson H. , Kockum I. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHydrochemical changes before and after earthquakes have been reported for over 50 years. However, few reports provide sufficient data for an association to be verified statistically. Also, no mechanism has been proposed to explain why hydrochemical changes are observed far from earthquake foci where associated strains are small (<10−8). Here we address these challenges based on time series of multiple hydrochemical parameters from two sites in northern Iceland. We report hydrochemical changes before and after M >5 earthquakes in 2002, 2012, and 2013. The longevity of the time series (10 and 16 years) permits statistical verification of coupling between hydrochemical changes and earthquakes. We used a Student t test to find significant hydrochemical changes and a binomial test to confirm association with earthquakes. Probable association was confirmed for preseismic changes based on five parameters (Na, Si, K, δ18O, and δ2H) and postseismic changes based on eight parameters (Ca, Na, Si, Cl, F, SO4, δ18O, and δ2H). Using concentration ratios and stable isotope values, we showed that (1) gradual preseismic changes were caused by source mixing, which resulted in a shift from equilibrium and triggered water‐rock interaction; (2) postseismic changes were caused by rapid source mixing; and (3) longer‐term hydrochemical changes were caused by source mixing and mineral growth. Because hydrochemical changes occur at small earthquake‐related strains, we attribute source mixing and water‐rock interaction to microscale fracturing. Because fracture density and size scale inversely, we infer that mixing of nearby sources and water‐rock interaction are feasible responses to small earthquake‐related strains.
The Impact of Rimed Ice Hydrometeors on Global and Regional Climate
Authors: Gettelman A. , Morrison H. , Thayer‐Calder K. , Zarzycki C. M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRimed hydrometeors (graupel or hail) are added to a stratiform cloud scheme for global models and tested in a variety of configurations. Off‐line tests compare well to other cloud microphysics schemes with rimed ice used in mesoscale models. Tests in single column and climate mode show expected production of small amounts of rimed ice in the middle troposphere and at high latitudes. The overall climate impacts of rimed ice (hail or graupel) at 100‐km horizontal grid spacing are small. There are some changes to partitioning between cloud ice and snow that affect upper troposphere water budgets and clouds. High‐resolution simulations are conducted with a global but regionally refined grid at 14 km over the Contiguous United States. High‐resolution simulations show local production of graupel with realistic size and number concentrations. The maximum graupel frequency at high resolution is over Western U.S. mountain ranges. Differences in total precipitation with the addition of rimed ice in 8‐year simulations are statistically significant only for orographic precipitation over the Cascade and Rocky mountains, reducing model biases when rimed ice is included. Rimed ice slightly improves summer precipitation intensity relative to observations. Thus, while the global climate impact of rimed ice in stratiform clouds may be negligible, there are potentially important and systematic regional effects, particularly for orographic precipitation. Rimed ice in cumulus clouds is not yet treated but is an important next step.
Nacre-mimetic composite with intrinsic self-healing and shape-programming capability
Authors: Du Gaolai , Mao Anran , Yu Jinhong , Hou Jingjing , Zhao Nifang , Han Jingkai , Zhao Qian , Gao Weiwei , Xie Tao , Bai Hao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractReplicating nacre’s multiscale architecture represents a promising approach to design artificial materials with outstanding rigidity and toughness. It is highly desirable yet challenging to incorporate self-healing and shape-programming capabilities into nacre-mimetic composites due to their rigidity and high filler content. Here, we report such a composite obtained by infiltrating a thermally switchable Diels-Alder network polymer into a lamellar scaffold of alumina. The chemical bond switchability and the physical confinement by the filler endows the composite with sufficient molecular mobility without compromising its thermal dimension stability. Consequently, our composite is capable of self-healing internal damages. Additionally, in contrast to the intractable planar shape of other artificial nacres, precise control of the polymer chain dynamics allows the shape of our composite to be programmed permanently via plasticity and temporarily via shape memory effect. Our approach paves a new way for designing durable multifunctional bioinspired structural materials.
Globally correlated conformational entropy underlies positive and negative cooperativity in a kinase’s enzymatic cycle
Authors: Wang Yingjie , V.S. Manu , Kim Jonggul , Li Geoffrey , Ahuja Lalima G. , Aoto Philip , Taylor Susan S. , Veglia Gianluigi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractEnzymes accelerate the rate of chemical transformations by reducing the activation barriers of uncatalyzed reactions. For signaling enzymes, substrate recognition, binding, and product release are often rate-determining steps in which enthalpy-entropy compensation plays a crucial role. While the nature of enthalpic interactions can be inferred from structural data, the molecular origin and role of entropy in enzyme catalysis remains poorly understood. Using thermocalorimetry, NMR, and MD simulations, we studied the conformational landscape of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, a ubiquitous phosphoryl transferase involved in a myriad of cellular processes. Along the enzymatic cycle, the kinase exhibits positive and negative cooperativity for substrate and nucleotide binding and product release. We found that globally coordinated changes of conformational entropy activated by ligand binding, together with synchronous and asynchronous breathing motions of the enzyme, underlie allosteric cooperativity along the kinase’s cycle.
Size-dependent stability of ultra-small α-/β-phase tin nanocrystals synthesized by microplasma
Authors: Haq Atta Ul , Askari Sadegh , McLister Anna , Rawlinson Sean , Davis James , Chakrabarti Supriya , Svrcek Vladimir , Maguire Paul , Papakonstantinou Pagona , Mariotti Davide 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNanocrystals sometimes adopt unusual crystal structure configurations in order to maintain structural stability with increasingly large surface-to-volume ratios. The understanding of these transformations is of great scientific interest and represents an opportunity to achieve beneficial materials properties resulting from different crystal arrangements. Here, the phase transformation from α to β phases of tin (Sn) nanocrystals is investigated in nanocrystals with diameters ranging from 6.1 to 1.6 nm. Ultra-small Sn nanocrystals are achieved through our highly non-equilibrium plasma process operated at atmospheric pressures. Larger nanocrystals adopt the β-Sn tetragonal structure, while smaller nanocrystals show stability with the α-Sn diamond cubic structure. Synthesis at other conditions produce nanocrystals with mean diameters within the range 2–3 nm, which exhibit mixed phases. This work represents an important contribution to understand structural stability at the nanoscale and the possibility of achieving phases of relevance for many applications.
HIV-1 vaccination by needle-free oral injection induces strong mucosal immunity and protects against SHIV challenge
Authors: Jones Andrew T. , Shen Xiaoying , Walter Korey L. , LaBranche Celia C. , Wyatt Linda S. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Montefiori David C. , Moss Bernard , Barouch Dan H. , Clements John D. , Kozlowski Pamela A. , Varadarajan Raghavan , Amara Rama Rao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe oral mucosa is an attractive site for mucosal vaccination, however the thick squamous epithelium limits antigen uptake. Here we utilize a modified needle-free injector to deliver immunizations to the sublingual and buccal (SL/B) tissue of rhesus macaques. Needle-free SL/B vaccination with modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) and a recombinant trimeric gp120 protein generates strong vaccine-specific IgG responses in serum as well as vaginal, rectal and salivary secretions. Vaccine-induced IgG responses show a remarkable breadth against gp70-V1V2 sequences from multiple clades of HIV-1. In contrast, topical SL/B immunizations generates minimal IgG responses. Following six intrarectal pathogenic SHIV-SF162P3 challenges, needle-free but not topical immunization results in a significant delay of acquisition of infection. Delay of infection correlates with non-neutralizing antibody effector function, Env-specific CD4+ T-cell responses, and gp120 V2 loop specific antibodies. These results demonstrate needle-free MVA/gp120 oral vaccination as a practical and effective route to induce protective immunity against HIV-1.
Towards a data-integrated cell
Authors: Malod-Dognin Noël , Petschnigg Julia , Windels Sam F. L. , Povh Janez , Hemingway Harry , Ketteler Robin , Pržulj Nataša 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe are increasingly accumulating molecular data about a cell. The challenge is how to integrate them within a unified conceptual and computational framework enabling new discoveries. Hence, we propose a novel, data-driven concept of an integrated cell, iCell. Also, we introduce a computational prototype of an iCell, which integrates three omics, tissue-specific molecular interaction network types. We construct iCells of four cancers and the corresponding tissue controls and identify the most rewired genes in cancer. Many of them are of unknown function and cannot be identified as different in cancer in any specific molecular network. We biologically validate that they have a role in cancer by knockdown experiments followed by cell viability assays. We find additional support through Kaplan-Meier survival curves of thousands of patients. Finally, we extend this analysis to uncover pan-cancer genes. Our methodology is universal and enables integrative comparisons of diverse omics data over cells and tissues.
The severity of ulnar variance compared with contralateral hand: its significance on postoperative wrist function in patients with distal radius fracture
Authors: Jianda Xu , Qu Yuxing , Huan Li , Chen Qian , Zheng Chong , Bin Wang , Pengfei Shen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to detect the severity of ulnar variance (UV) compared with contralateral hand on postoperative wrist function in patients with distal radius fracture. 116 cases with unilateral distal radius fracture were retrospectively analyzed and divided into high or low UV severity groups (Dividing value = 2.5 mm). The following parameters were used to evaluate the effect: palmar tilt, radial inclination, VAS score, DASH score and wrist function. The severity of UV existed widely, accounting for 93.1% (108 cases). The severity of UV correlated with palmar tilt, radial inclination, grip strength, VAS score, DASH score and the wrist function (P < 0.05). Log-rank analysis showed that the severity of UV, palmar tilt, radial inclination were important factors influencing the joint function postoperatively (P < 0.0 5). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the severity of UV was an independent and significant factor on wrist function (P = 0.010). And the palmar tilt was also an important factor influencing wrist function (P = 0.047). The severity of ulnar variance compared with contralateral hand is an independent and significant factor on wrist function, which should be considered as an important step during preoperative plan.
Determination of pressure properties of superconducting systems based on characteristic ratios 2Δ(0)/Tc and ΔC(Tc)/CN(Tc)
Authors: Krzyzosiak Mateusz , Gonczarek Ryszard , Gonczarek Adam , Jacak Lucjan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA simplified analytical model of the effect of high pressure on the critical temperature and other thermodynamic properties of superconducting systems is developed using the general conformal transformation method and group-theoretical arguments. Relationships between the characteristic ratios $${ {\mathcal R} }_{1}\equiv 2{\rm{\Delta }}(0)/{T}_{{\rm{c}}}$$

ℛ

1

≡
2
Δ
(
0
)
/

T

c

and $${ {\mathcal R} }_{2}\equiv {\rm{\Delta }}C({T}_{{\rm{c}}})/{C}_{{\rm{N}}}({T}_{{\rm{c}}})$$

ℛ

2

≡
Δ
C
(

T

c

)
/

C

N

(

T

c

)
and the stability of the superconducting state is discussed. Including a single two-parameter fluctuation in the density of states, placed away from the Fermi level, stable solutions determined by $${ {\mathcal R} }_{1}$$

ℛ

1

are found. It is shown that the critical temperature Tc(p), as a function of high external pressure, can be predicted from experimental data, based on the values of the two characteristic ratios, the critical temperature, and a pressure coefficient measured at zero pressure. The model can be applied to s-wave low-temperature and high-temperature superconductors, as well as to some novel superconducting systems of the new generation. The problem of emergence of superconductivity under high pressure is explained as well. The discussion is illustrated by using experimental data for superconducting elements available in the literature. A criterion for compatibility of experimental data is formulated, allowing one to identify incompatible measurement data for superconducting systems for which the maximum or the minimum critical temperature is achieved under high pressure.
Attentional selection and illusory surface appearance
Authors: Harrison William J. , Ayeni Alvin J. , Bex Peter J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe visual system is required to compute objects from partial image structure so that figures can be segmented from their backgrounds. Although early clinical, behavioral, and modeling data suggested that such computations are performed pre-attentively, recent neurophysiological evidence suggests that surface filling-in is influenced by attention. In the present study we developed a variant of the classical Kanizsa illusory triangle to investigate whether voluntary attention modulates perceptual filling-in. Our figure consists of “pacmen” positioned at the tips of an illusory 6-point star and alternating in polarity such that two illusory triangles are implied to compete with one another within the figure. On each trial, observers were cued to attend to only one triangle, and then compared its lightness with a matching texture-defined triangle. We found that perceived lightness of the illusory shape depended on the polarity of pacmen framing the attended triangle. Our findings thus reveal that, for overlapping illusory surfaces, lightness judgements can depend on voluntary attention. Our novel stimulus may prove useful in future attempts to link neurophysiological effects to phenomenology.
Multiple concomitant mechanisms contribute to low platelet count in patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Grodzielski Matías , Goette Nora P. , Glembotsky Ana C. , Constanza Baroni Pietto M. , Méndez-Huergo Santiago P. , Pierdominici Marta S. , Montero Verónica S. , Rabinovich Gabriel A. , Molinas Felisa C. , Heller Paula G. , Lev Paola R. , Marta Rosana F. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMechanisms leading to low platelet count in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) involves both decreased production and increased destruction of platelet. However, the contribution of these pathologic mechanisms to clinical outcome of individual patients is uncertain. Here we evaluated different pathogenic mechanisms including in vitro megakaryopoiesis, platelet/megakaryocyte (MK) desialylation and MK apoptosis, and compared these effects with thrombopoyesis and platelet apoptosis in the same cohort of ITP patients. Normal umbilical cord blood-CD34+ cells, mature MK derived cells or platelets were incubated with plasma from ITP patients. Despite inhibition of thrombopoiesis previously observed, megakaryopoiesis was normal or even increased. Plasma from ITP patients affected the sialylation pattern of control platelets and this effect occurred concomitantly with apoptosis in 35% ITP samples. However, none of these abnormalities were observed in control MKs incubated with ITP plasma. Addition of mononuclear cells as immune effectors did not lead to phosphatidylserine exposure in MK, ruling out an antibody-mediated cytotoxic effect. These results suggest that both desialylation and apoptosis may be relevant mechanisms leading to platelet destruction although, they do not interfere with MK function. Analysis of these thrombocytopenic factors in individual patients showed no specific distribution pattern. However, the presence of circulating antiplatelet autoantibodies was associated with higher incidence of abnormalities. In conclusion, the causes of thrombocytopenia are multifactorial and may occur together, providing a rational basis for the use of combination therapies targeting concomitant ITP mechanisms in patients with refractory disease.
Variable temperatures across different stages have novel effects on behavioral response and population viability in a host-feeding parasitoid
Authors: Zhang Yi-Bo , Zhang Gui-Fen , Liu Wan-Xue , Wan Fang-Hao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractParasitoids are insects (usually wasps or flies) that lay eggs within or on other insects (their hosts). Host-feeding parasitoids lay eggs to parasitize the host and feed directly on the host for nourishment. Temperature is the most critical factor affecting insect behavioral responses. Few studies have focused on the impacts of variable temperatures across different life stages on the behaviors of host-feeding parasitoids. This study investigated the effects of temperature experienced during the preadult and adult stages on the life history traits and life table parameters of females of a host-feeding parasitoid, Eretmocerus hayati. Our results show that the temperatures experienced during the preadult and adult stages significantly change life history traits (immature development, adult longevity, host feeding and fecundity). Increasing the preadult temperature resulted in shorter development times for immature stages of the parasitoid, and decreasing the temperature during the adult stage increased reproduction and longevity. Most importantly, we found that host-feeding events changed with temperature rather than life stage. The daily host-feeding ability of the parasitoid increased with increasing temperature at all temperatures except the stress temperature (34 °C). Furthermore, switching temperatures at the immature stage and adult stage can increase the values of life table parameters, with the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) occurring in the 30/26 °C treatment. This study provides new insight into the mass rearing of parasitic natural enemies.
Three-Dimensional Mass Spectrometry Imaging Identifies Lipid Markers of Medulloblastoma Metastasis
Authors: Paine Martin R. L. , Liu Jingbo , Huang Danning , Ellis Shane R. , Trede Dennis , Kobarg Jan H. , Heeren Ron M. A. , Fernández Facundo M. , MacDonald Tobey J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTreatment for medulloblastoma (MB) — the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor — includes prophylactic radiation administered to the entire brain and spine due to the high incidence of metastasis to the central nervous system. However, the majority of long-term survivors are left with permanent and debilitating neurocognitive impairments as a result of this therapy, while the remaining 30–40% of patients relapse with terminal metastatic disease. Development of more effective targeted therapies has been hindered by our lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms regulating the metastatic process in this disease. To understand the mechanism by which MB metastasis occurs, three-dimensional matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) experiments were performed on whole brains from a mouse model of human medulloblastoma. Analyzing the tumor and surrounding normal brain in its entirety enabled the detection of low abundance, spatially-heterogeneous lipids associated with tumor development. Boundaries of metastasizing and non-metastasizing primary tumors were readily defined, leading to the identification of lipids associated with medulloblastoma metastasis, including phosphatidic acids, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylserines, and phosphoinositides. These lipids provide a greater insight into the metastatic process and may ultimately lead to the discovery of biomarkers and novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of metastasizing MB in humans.
Comparative analysis of seven types of superoxide dismutases for their ability to respond to oxidative stress in Bombyx mori
Authors: Kobayashi Yuta , Nojima Yosui , Sakamoto Takuma , Iwabuchi Kikuo , Nakazato Takeru , Bono Hidemasa , Toyoda Atsushi , Fujiyama Asao , Kanost Michael R. , Tabunoki Hiroko 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInsects are well adapted to changing environmental conditions. They have unique systems for eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key enzyme that plays a primary role in removing ROS. Bombyx mori is a lepidopteran insect, whose body size is larger than the model insect Drosophila melanogaster, which enabled us to more easily examine gene expression at the tissue level. We searched B. mori SOD (BmSOD) genes using genome database, and we analyzed their function under different type of oxidative stress. Consequently, we identified four new types of BmSODs in addition to the three types already known. Two of the seven types had a unique domain architecture that has not been discovered previously in the SOD family, and they were expressed in different tissues and developmental stages. Furthermore, these BmSODs responded differently to several kinds of stressors. Our results showed that the seven types of BmSODs are likely to play different roles in B. mori; therefore, B. mori could be used to distinguish the functions of each SOD for resistance to oxidative stress that changes with the environmental conditions.
CT Enhancement and 3D Texture Analysis of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: D’Onofrio Mirko , Ciaravino Valentina , Cardobi Nicolò , De Robertis Riccardo , Cingarlini Sara , Landoni Luca , Capelli Paola , Bassi Claudio , Scarpa Aldo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTo evaluate pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs) grade prediction by means of qualitative and quantitative CT evaluation, and 3D CT-texture analysis. Patients with histopathologically-proven panNEN, availability of Ki67% values and pre-treatment CT were included. CT images were retrospectively reviewed, and qualitative and quantitative images analysis were done; for quantitative analysis four enhancement-ratios and three permeability-ratios were created. 3D CT-texture imaging analysis was done (Mean Value; Variance; Skewness; Kurtosis; Entropy). Subsequently, these features were compared among the three grading (G) groups. 304 patients affected by panNENs were considered, and 100 patients were included. At qualitative evaluation, frequency of irregular margins was significantly different between tumor G groups. At quantitative evaluation, for all ratios, comparisons resulted statistical significant different between G1 and G3 groups and between G2 and G3 groups. At 3D CT-texture analysis, Kurtosis resulted statistical significant different among three G groups and Entropy resulted statistical significant different between G1 and G3 and between G2 and G3 groups. Quantitative CT evaluation of panNENs can predict tumor grade, discerning G1 from G3 and G2 from G3 tumors. CT-texture analysis can predict panNENs tumor grade, distinguishing G1 from G3 and G2 from G3, and G1 from G2 tumors.