bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pressure-induced superconductivity in topological semimetal NbAs2
Authors: Li Yupeng , An Chao , Hua Chenqiang , Chen Xuliang , Zhou Yonghui , Zhou Ying , Zhang Ranran , Park Changyong , Wang Zhen , Lu Yunhao , Zheng Yi , Yang Zhaorong , Xu Zhu-An 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTopological superconductivity with Majorana bound states, which are critical to implement nonabelian quantum computation, may be realized in three-dimensional semimetals with nontrivial topological feature, when superconducting transition occurs in the bulk. Here, we report pressure-induced superconductivity in a transition-metal dipnictide NbAs2. The emergence of superconductivity is not accompanied by any structural phase transition up to the maximum experimental pressure of 29.8 GPa, as supported by pressure-dependent synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Intriguingly, the Raman study reveals rapid phonon mode hardening and broadening above 10 GPa, in coincident with the superconducting transition. Using first-principle calculations, we determine Fermi surface change induced by pressure, which steadily increases the density of states without breaking the electron–hole compensation. Noticeably, the main hole pocket of NbAs2 encloses one time-reversal-invariant momenta of the monoclinic lattice, suggesting NbAs2 as a candidate of topological superconductors.
Carbenoxolone-mediated cytotoxicity inhibits Vaccinia virus replication in a human keratinocyte cell line
Authors: Haga Ismar R. , Simpson Jennifer L. , Hawes Philippa C. , Beard Philippa M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe re-emergence of poxviral zoonotic infections and the threat of bioterrorism emphasise the demand for effective antipoxvirus therapies. Here, we show that carbenoxolone, a pharmacological inhibitor of gap junction function and a compound widely used in cell culture, is capable of hindering the replication of Vaccinia virus, the prototypical poxvirus, in a gap junction-independent manner in a human keratinocyte cell line. Viral protein synthesis occurs in the presence of carbenoxolone but infectious virion formation is minimal, indicating that carbenoxolone blocks viral morphogenesis. Initial viability tests suggested that carbenoxolone was not toxic to cells. However, electron microscopic analysis of carbenoxolone treated cells revealed that it alters the cellular endomembrane system. This widespread ultrastructural damage prevents Vaccinia virus virion assembly. These results strengthen the need for thorough characterisation of the effects of antiviral compounds on the cellular ultrastructure.
Direct mineralogical imaging of economic ore and rock samples with multi-modal nonlinear optical microscopy
Authors: Kao Mung-Chung , Pegoraro Adrian F. , Kingston David M. , Stolow Albert , Kuo Wen-Chuan , Mercier Patrick H. J. , Gogoi Ankur , Kao Fu-Jen , Ridsdale Andrew 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMulti-modal nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy, including stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and second harmonic generation (SHG), was used to directly image mineralogical features of economic ore and rock samples. In SRS/SHG imaging, ore samples generally require minimal preparation and may be rapidly imaged, even in their wet state. 3D structural details, at submicron resolution, are revealed tens of microns deep within samples. Standard mineral imaging based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with elemental analysis via energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, was used to independently validate the mineral composition of the samples. Spatially-resolved SRS from dominant Raman-resonant bands precisely maps the locations of specific minerals contained within the samples. SHG imaging reveals locally non-centrosymmetric structures, such as quartz grains. Competing absorption and nonlinear scattering processes, however, can reduce contrast in SRS imaging. Importantly, the correlation between standard electron microscopy and multi-modal NLO optical microscopy shows that the latter offers rapid image contrast based on the mineral content of the sample.
Effects of an Online Mind–Body Training Program on the Default Mode Network: An EEG Functional Connectivity Study
Authors: Lee Dasom , Kang Do-Hyung , Ha Na-hyun , Oh Chang-young , Lee Ulsoon , Kang Seung Wan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOnline mind–body training (MBT) programs can improve the psychological capabilities of practitioners. Although there has been a lot of effort to understand the neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of meditation, little is known about changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity that accompany mind-body training. The present study aimed to investigate how an online MBT program alters EEG functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN). We assessed a group of healthcare providers, including 14 females who participated in the 4-week MBT program and 15 females who underwent a 4-week of waiting period. EEG data and information about psychological states were obtained at baseline and 4 weeks. The result was that the intervention group showed significant reductions in anxiety and trait anger that were accompanied by increased global DMN network strengths in the theta and alpha (but not beta and delta) frequency bands; these changes were not observed in the control group. Other variables including state anger, positive and negative affect, and self-esteem have not been changed over time in both groups. These findings suggest that practicing the mind-body training could have a relevance to the functional differences in network related to stress and anxiety reaction.
Drivers for Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Spread Among Danish Pig Herds - A Simulation Study
Authors: Schulz Jana , Boklund Anette , Toft Nils , Halasa Tariq 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo gain insight into the rapid increase in the number of livestock-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA)-positive herds in Denmark, we developed an individual-based Monte Carlo simulation model. We aimed to assess whether transmission of LA-MRSA via pig movements could explain the observed increase in the number of positive herds in Denmark, and to evaluate the effect of other between-herd transmission mechanisms. Pig movements alone were not sufficient to mimic the observed increase in LA-MRSA-positive herds in Denmark in any of the modelled scenarios. The model identified three factors that played important roles in the between-herd spread of LA-MRSA: (1) the within-herd dynamics, (2) the frequency and effectiveness of indirect transmissions, and (3) unexplainable introduction of LA-MRSA to swine herds. These factors can act as starting points for the development of LA-MRSA control programs in pig herds in order to limit the risk of its transmission to humans.
Sequential state discrimination of coherent states
Authors: Namkung Min , Kwon Younghun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSequential state discrimination is a strategy for quantum state discrimination of a sender’s quantum states when N receivers are separately located. In this report, we propose optical designs that can perform sequential state discrimination of two coherent states. For this purpose, we consider not only binary phase-shifting-key (BPSK) signals but also general coherent states, with arbitrary prior probabilities. Since our optical designs do not include electric feedback, they can be implemented without difficulty. Furthermore, we analyze our proposal for the case of photon loss. We also demonstrate that sequential state discrimination of two coherent states performs better than the probabilistic quantum cloning strategy. This proposal can facilitate multiparty QKD based on coherent states.
Combining fish and benthic communities into multiple regimes reveals complex reef dynamics
Authors: Donovan Mary K. , Friedlander Alan M. , Lecky Joey , Jouffray Jean-Baptiste , Williams Gareth J. , Wedding Lisa M. , Crowder Larry B. , Erickson Ashley L. , Graham Nick A. J. , Gove Jamison M. , Kappel Carrie V. , Karr Kendra , Kittinger John N. , Norström Albert V. , Nyström Magnus , Oleson Kirsten L. L. , Stamoulis Kostantinos A. , White Crow , Williams Ivor D. , Selkoe Kimberly A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCoral reefs worldwide face an uncertain future with many reefs reported to transition from being dominated by corals to macroalgae. However, given the complexity and diversity of the ecosystem, research on how regimes vary spatially and temporally is needed. Reef regimes are most often characterised by their benthic components; however, complex dynamics are associated with losses and gains in both fish and benthic assemblages. To capture this complexity, we synthesised 3,345 surveys from Hawai‘i to define reef regimes in terms of both fish and benthic assemblages. Model-based clustering revealed five distinct regimes that varied ecologically, and were spatially heterogeneous by island, depth and exposure. We identified a regime characteristic of a degraded state with low coral cover and fish biomass, one that had low coral but high fish biomass, as well as three other regimes that varied significantly in their ecology but were previously considered a single coral dominated regime. Analyses of time series data reflected complex system dynamics, with multiple transitions among regimes that were a function of both local and global stressors. Coupling fish and benthic communities into reef regimes to capture complex dynamics holds promise for monitoring reef change and guiding ecosystem-based management of coral reefs.
Single-molecule long-read sequencing facilitates shrimp transcriptome research
Authors: Zeng Digang , Chen Xiuli , Peng Jinxia , Yang Chunling , Peng Min , Zhu Weilin , Xie Daxiang , He Pingping , Wei Pinyuan , Lin Yong , Zhao Yongzhen , Chen Xiaohan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAlthough shrimp are of great economic importance, few full-length shrimp transcriptomes are available. Here, we used Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time (SMRT) long-read sequencing technology to generate transcripts from the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). We obtained 322,600 full-length non-chimeric reads, from which we generated 51,367 high-quality unique full-length transcripts. We corrected errors in the SMRT sequences by comparison with Illumina-produced short reads. We successfully annotated 81.72% of all unique SMRT transcripts against the NCBI non-redundant database, 58.63% against Swiss-Prot, 45.38% against Gene Ontology, 32.57% against Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COG), and 47.83% against Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Across all transcripts, we identified 3,958 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 80,650 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Our study provides a rich set of full-length cDNA sequences for L. vannamei, which will greatly facilitate shrimp transcriptome research.
Genetic engineering a large animal model of human hypophosphatasia in sheep
Authors: Williams Diarra K. , Pinzón Carlos , Huggins Shannon , Pryor Jane H. , Falck Alyssa , Herman Forrest , Oldeschulte James , Chavez Michael B. , Foster Brian L. , White Sarah H. , Westhusin Mark E. , Suva Larry J. , Long Charles R. , Gaddy Dana 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe availability of tools to accurately replicate the clinical phenotype of rare human diseases is a key step toward improved understanding of disease progression and the development of more effective therapeutics. We successfully generated the first large animal model of a rare human bone disease, hypophosphatasia (HPP) using CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce a single point mutation in the tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) gene (ALPL) (1077 C > G) in sheep. HPP is a rare inherited disorder of mineral metabolism that affects bone and tooth development, and is associated with muscle weakness. Compared to wild-type (WT) controls, HPP sheep have reduced serum alkaline phosphatase activity, decreased tail vertebral bone size, and metaphyseal flaring, consistent with the mineralization deficits observed in human HPP patients. Computed tomography revealed short roots and thin dentin in incisors, and reduced mandibular bone in HPP vs. WT sheep, accurately replicating odonto-HPP. Skeletal muscle biopsies revealed aberrant fiber size and disorganized mitochondrial cristae structure in HPP vs. WT sheep. These genetically engineered sheep accurately phenocopy human HPP and provide a novel large animal platform for the longitudinal study of HPP progression, as well as other rare human bone diseases.
Asymmetry in Mechanosensitive Gene Expression during Aortic Arch Morphogenesis
Authors: Karakaya Cansu , Goktas Selda , Celik Merve , Kowalski William J. , Keller Bradley B. , Pekkan Kerem 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEmbryonic aortic arches (AA) are initially bilaterally paired, transitional vessels and failures in remodeling based on hemodynamic and growth-related adaptations cause a spectrum of congenital heart disease (CHD) anatomies. Identifying regulatory mechanisms and cross-talk between the genetic elements of these vessels are critical to understand the ethiology of CHD and refine predictive computational models. This study aims to screen expression profiles of fundamental biological pathways in AA at early stages of chick embryo morphogenesis and correlate them with our current understanding of growth and mechanical loading. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was followed by correlation and novel peak expression analyses to compare the behaviour and activation period of the genes. Available protein networks were also integrated to investigate the interactions between molecules and highlight major hierarchies. Only wall shear stress (WSS) and growth-correlated expression patterns were investigated. Effect of WSS was seen directly on angiogenesis as well on structural and apoptosis-related genes. Our time-resolved network suggested that WSS-correlated genes coordinate the activity of critical growth factors. Moreover, differential gene expression of left and right AA might be an indicator of subsequent asymmetric morphogenesis. These findings may further our understanding of the complex processes of cardiac morphogenesis and errors resulting in CHD.
Inherited genetic predispositions in F13A1 and F13B genes predict abdominal adhesion formation: identification of gender prognostic indicators
Authors: Gemmati Donato , Occhionorelli Savino , Tisato Veronica , Vigliano Marco , Longo Giovanna , Gonelli Arianna , Sibilla Maria G. , Serino Maria L. , Zamboni Paolo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAbdominal adhesions (AA) account for the most common complication of peritoneal surgery with bowel obstruction being the severest problem in the absence of effective predicting biomarkers. Anti-AA-barriers or adhesiolysis did not completely prevent bowel obstruction, although there is evidence they might reduce related complications requiring reoperation. In addition, gender-related predispositions have not been adequately investigated. We explored the role of coagulation Factor XIII (F13A1 and F13B subunit-genes) in patients following laparotomy, mostly median/lower median incision line. Globally, 426 patients (54%,♀), were PCR-SNP-genotyped for FXIIIA V34L (rs5985), FXIIIA P564L (rs5982), FXIIIA Y204F (rs3024477) and FXIIIB H95R (rs6003). Patients’ clinical phenotypes were: Group-A (n = 212), those who developed AA, and 55.2% of them developed bowel obstruction (subgroup-A1), the remaining were subgroup-A2; Group B (n = 214) were those who did not develop AA (subgroup-B1; 53.3%) or symptoms/complications (subgroup-B2). Among different laparotomy, colon surgery associated with AA at a major extent (OR = 5.1; 3.24–7.8; P < 0.0001) with different gender scores (♀OR = 5.33; 2.32–12.23; P < 0.0001 and ♂OR = 3.44; 1.58–7.49; P < 0.0001). Among SNPs, P564L (OR = 4.42; 1.45–13.4; P = 0.008) and Y204F (OR = 7.78; 1.62–37.3; P = 0.01) significantly predicted bowel obstruction and survival-analyses yielded interesting gender distinctions (♀HR = 5.28; 2.36–11.8; P = 0.00005; ♂HR = 2.22; 1.31–3.85; P = 0.0034). Active compounds preventing AA belong to the anticoagulant/fibrinolysis areas, suggesting them candidate investigation targets. We identified novel prognostic markers to predict AA/bowel obstruction giving insights to design novel therapeutic and gender prevention programs.
Large-scale conformational changes and redistribution of surface negative charge upon sugar binding dictate the fidelity of phosphorylation in Vibrio cholerae fructokinase
Authors: Paul Rakhi , Chatterjee Shramana , Nath Seema , Sen Udayaditya 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFructokinase (FRK) catalyzes the first step of fructose metabolism i.e., D-fructose to D-fructose-6-phosphate (F6P), however, the mechanistic insights of this reaction are elusive yet. Here we demonstrate that the putative Vibrio cholerae fructokinase (VcFRK) exhibit strong fructose-6-kinase activity allosterically modulated by K+/Cs+. We have determined the crystal structures of apo-VcFRK and its complex with fructose, fructose-ADP-Ca2+, fructose-ADP-Ca2+-BeF3−. Collectively, we propose the catalytic mechanism and allosteric activation of VcFRK in atomistic details explaining why K+/Cs+ are better activator than Na+. Structural results suggest that apo VcFRK allows entry of fructose in the active site, sequester it through several conserved H-bonds and attains a closed form through large scale conformational changes. A double mutant (H108C/T261C-VcFRK), that arrests the closed form but unable to reopen for F6P release, is catalytically impotent highlighting the essentiality of this conformational change. Negative charge accumulation around ATP upon fructose binding, is presumed to redirect the γ-phosphate towards fructose for efficient phosphotransfer. Reduced phosphotransfer rate of the mutants E205Q and E110Q supports this view. Atomic resolution structure of VcFRK-fructose-ADP-Ca2+-BeF3−, reported first time for any sugar kinase, suggests that BeF3− moiety alongwith R176, Ca2+ and ‘anion hole’ limit the conformational space for γ-phosphate favoring in-line phospho-transfer.
Health behaviour changes after type 2 diabetes diagnosis: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Hackett Ruth A. , Moore Catherine , Steptoe Andrew , Lassale Camille 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHealthy lifestyle is key for type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. It is unclear whether individuals change health behaviours in response to T2D diagnosis. We compared smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake and alcohol consumption at three times (pre-diagnosis, at diagnosis, 2–4 years post-diagnosis) in individuals who developed T2D and controls. Behaviours were assessed in 6877 individuals at waves 3–7 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine differences by group and time and group-by-time interactions. The T2D group were less active (p < 0.001) and consumed less alcohol (p < 0.001). Smoking (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p = 0.037) and physical activity (p = 0.042) decreased over time in the overall sample, fruit and vegetable intake (p = 0.012) and sedentary activity (p < 0.001) increased. A group-by-time interaction was found for smoking, with the T2D group having greater reductions in smoking over time (p < 0.001). No significant interactions were detected for other behaviours. We found limited evidence that T2D diagnosis encourages behaviour change, other than a reduction in smoking. Given the importance of lifestyle for T2D outcomes, strategies for motivating behaviour change need to be identified.
DLK proteins modulate NOTCH signaling to influence a brown or white 3T3-L1 adipocyte fate
Authors: Nueda María-Luisa , González-Gómez María-Julia , Rodríguez-Cano María-Milagros , Monsalve Eva-María , Díaz-Guerra María José M. , Sánchez-Solana Beatriz , Laborda Jorge , Baladrón Victoriano 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe role of NOTCH signaling in adipogenesis is highly controversial, with data indicating null, positive or negative effects on this differentiation process. We hypothesize that these contradictory results could be due to the different global NOTCH signaling levels obtained in different experimental settings, because of a specific modulation of NOTCH receptors’ activity by their ligands. We have previously demonstrated that DLK1 and DLK2, two non-canonical NOTCH1 ligands that inhibit NOTCH1 signaling in a dose-dependent manner, modulate the adipogenesis process of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In this work, we show that over-expression of any of the four NOTCH receptors enhanced adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. We also determine that DLK proteins inhibit not only the activity of NOTCH1, but also the activity of NOTCH2, 3 and 4 receptors to different degrees. Interestingly, we have observed, by different approaches, that NOTCH1 over-expression seems to stimulate the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells towards a brown-like adipocyte phenotype, whereas cells over-expressing NOTCH2, 3 or 4 receptors or DLK proteins would rather differentiate towards a white-like adipocyte phenotype. Finally, our data also demonstrate a complex feed-back mechanism involving Notch and Dlk genes in the regulation of their expression, which suggest that a precise level of global NOTCH expression and NOTCH-dependent transcriptional activity of specific targets could be necessary to determine the final phenotype of 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Femtosecond diffraction studies of solid and liquid phase changes in shock-compressed bismuth
Authors: Gorman M. G. , Coleman A. L. , Briggs R. , McWilliams R. S. , McGonegle D. , Bolme C. A. , Gleason A. E. , Galtier E. , Lee H. J. , Granados E. , Śliwa M. , Sanloup C. , Rothman S. , Fratanduono D. E. , Smith R. F. , Collins G. W. , Eggert J. H. , Wark J. S. , McMahon M. I. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBismuth has long been a prototypical system for investigating phase transformations and melting at high pressure. Despite decades of experimental study, however, the lattice-level response of Bi to rapid (shock) compression and the relationship between structures occurring dynamically and those observed during slow (static) compression, are still not clearly understood. We have determined the structural response of shock-compressed Bi to 68 GPa using femtosecond X-ray diffraction, thereby revealing the phase transition sequence and equation-of-state in unprecedented detail for the first time. We show that shocked-Bi exhibits a marked departure from equilibrium behavior - the incommensurate Bi-III phase is not observed, but rather a new metastable phase, and the Bi-V phase is formed at significantly lower pressures compared to static compression studies. We also directly measure structural changes in a shocked liquid for the first time. These observations reveal new behaviour in the solid and liquid phases of a shocked material and give important insights into the validity of comparing static and dynamic datasets.