bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extremely high conductivity observed in the triple point topological metal MoP
Authors: Kumar Nitesh , Sun Yan , Nicklas Michael , Watzman Sarah J. , Young Olga , Leermakers Inge , Hornung Jacob , Klotz Johannes , Gooth Johannes , Manna Kaustuv , Süß Vicky , Guin Satya N. , Förster Tobias , Schmidt Marcus , Muechler Lukas , Yan Binghai , Werner Peter , Schnelle Walter , Zeitler Uli , Wosnitza Jochen , Parkin Stuart S. P. , Felser Claudia , Shekhar Chandra 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWeyl and Dirac fermions have created much attention in condensed matter physics and materials science. Recently, several additional distinct types of fermions have been predicted. Here, we report ultra-high electrical conductivity in MoP at low temperature, which has recently been established as a triple point fermion material. We show that the electrical resistivity is 6 nΩ cm at 2 K with a large mean free path of 11 microns. de Haas-van Alphen oscillations reveal spin splitting of the Fermi surfaces. In contrast to noble metals with similar conductivity and number of carriers, the magnetoresistance in MoP does not saturate up to 9 T at 2 K. Interestingly, the momentum relaxing time of the electrons is found to be more than 15 times larger than the quantum coherence time. This difference between the scattering scales shows that momentum conserving scattering dominates in MoP at low temperatures.
Cordycepin prevents radiation ulcer by inhibiting cell senescence via NRF2 and AMPK in rodents
Authors: Wang Ziwen , Chen Zelin , Jiang Zhongyong , Luo Peng , Liu Lang , Huang Yu , Wang Huilan , Wang Yu , Long Lei , Tan Xu , Liu Dengqun , Jin Taotao , Wang Yawei , Wang Yang , Liao Fengying , Zhang Chi , Chen Long , Gan Yibo , Liu Yunsheng , Yang Fan , Huang Chunji , Miao Hongming , Chen Jieping , Cheng Tianmin , Fu Xiaobing , Shi Chunmeng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe pathological mechanisms of radiation ulcer remain unsolved and there is currently no effective medicine. Here, we demonstrate that persistent DNA damage foci and cell senescence are involved in radiation ulcer development. Further more, we identify cordycepin, a natural nucleoside analogue, as a potent drug to block radiation ulcer (skin, intestine, tongue) in rats/mice by preventing cell senescence through the increase of NRF2 nuclear expression (the assay used is mainly on skin). Finally, cordycepin is also revealed to activate AMPK by binding with the α1 and γ1 subunit near the autoinhibitory domain of AMPK, then promotes p62-dependent autophagic degradation of Keap1, to induce NRF2 dissociate from Keap1 and translocate to the nucleus. Taken together, our findings identify cordycepin prevents radiation ulcer by inhibiting cell senescence via NRF2 and AMPK in rodents, and activation of AMPK or NRF2 may thus represent therapeutic targets for preventing cell senescence and radiation ulcer.
MRI-guided robotic arm drives optogenetic fMRI with concurrent Ca2+ recording
Authors: Chen Yi , Pais-Roldan Patricia , Chen Xuming , Frosz Michael H. , Yu Xin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOptical fiber-mediated optogenetic activation and neuronal Ca2+ recording in combination with fMRI provide a multi-modal fMRI platform. Here, we developed an MRI-guided robotic arm (MgRA) as a flexible positioning system with high precision to real-time assist optical fiber brain intervention for multi-modal animal fMRI. Besides the ex vivo precision evaluation, we present the highly reliable brain activity patterns in the projected basal forebrain regions upon MgRA-driven optogenetic stimulation in the lateral hypothalamus. Also, we show the step-wise optical fiber targeting thalamic nuclei and map the region-specific functional connectivity with whole-brain fMRI accompanied by simultaneous calcium recordings to specify its circuit-specificity. The MgRA also guides the real-time microinjection to specific deep brain nuclei, which is demonstrated by an Mn-enhanced MRI method. The MgRA represents a clear advantage over the standard stereotaxic-based fiber implantation and opens a broad avenue to investigate the circuit-specific functional brain mapping with the multi-modal fMRI platform.
Feather moult and bird appearance are correlated with global warming over the last 200 years
Authors: Kiat Y. , Vortman Y. , Sapir N. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractGlobal warming alters various avian phenological processes, including advanced reproduction and migration schedules. In birds, individual appearance is largely determined by plumage, influencing, for example, bird attractiveness, social status and camouflage. Juveniles of most passerine species replace their nest-grown plumage during the first months of life, a process that is called post-juvenile feather moult. Using data from ten natural history collections, we show that the extent of the post-juvenile moult has increased significantly over the last 212 years (1805–2016), a trend that is positively correlated with the temperature of the environment. Therefore, it seems that birds replaced more feathers under warmer conditions, causing juveniles to appear more similar to adult birds. Moreover, in several species, we describe a male–female switch in the extent of moult, with females currently replacing more feathers than males compared to the past. These results demonstrate different biological responses to climate warming by different phenotypes.
Sfrp3 modulates stromal–epithelial crosstalk during mammary gland development by regulating Wnt levels
Authors: Bernascone Ilenia , González Tamara , Barea Maria D. , Carabaña Claudia , Hachimi Mariam , Bosch-Fortea Minerva , Santamaria Silvia , Martin Raquel , Tarnick Julia , Garcia-Sanz Jose A. , Martín-Belmonte Fernando 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMammary stroma is essential for epithelial morphogenesis and development. Indeed, postnatal mammary gland (MG) development is controlled locally by the repetitive and bi-directional cross-talk between the epithelial and the stromal compartment. However, the signalling pathways involved in stromal–epithelial communication are not entirely understood. Here, we identify Sfrp3 as a mediator of the stromal–epithelial communication that is required for normal mouse MG development. Using Drosophila wing imaginal disc, we demonstrate that Sfrp3 functions as an extracellular transporter of Wnts that facilitates their diffusion, and thus, their levels in the boundaries of different compartments. Indeed, loss of Sfrp3 in mice leads to an increase of ductal invasion and branching mirroring an early pregnancy state. Finally, we observe that loss of Sfrp3 predisposes for invasive breast cancer. Altogether, our study shows that Sfrp3 controls MG morphogenesis by modulating the stromal-epithelial cross-talk during pubertal development.
Modeling the electrical resistivity of polymer composites with segregated structures
Authors: Park Sung-Hoon , Hwang Jinyoung , Park Gyeong-Su , Ha Ji-Hwan , Zhang Minsu , Kim Dongearn , Yun Dong-Jin , Lee Sangeui , Lee Sang Hyun 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHybrid carbon nanotube composites with two different types of fillers have attracted considerable attention for various advantages. The incorporation of micro-scale secondary fillers creates an excluded volume that leads to the increase in the electrical conductivity. By contrast, nano-scale secondary fillers shows a conflicting behavior of the decreased electrical conductivity with micro-scale secondary fillers. Although several attempts have been made in theoretical modeling of secondary-filler composites, the knowledge about how the electrical conductivity depends on the dimension of secondary fillers was not fully understood. This work aims at comprehensive understanding of the size effect of secondary particulate fillers on the electrical conductivity, via the combination of Voronoi geometry induced from Swiss cheese models and the underlying percolation theory. This indicates a transition in the impact of the excluded volume, i.e., the adjustment of the electrical conductivity was measured in cooperation with loading of second fillers with different sizes.
IκBζ facilitates protective immunity against Salmonella infection via Th1 differentiation and IgG production
Authors: Ahn Jae-Hee , Cho Jaewon , Kwon Bo-Eun , Lee Geun-Shik , Yoon Sung-il , Kang Seung Goo , Kim Pyeung-Hyeun , Kweon Mi-Na , Yang Hyungjun , Vallance Bruce A. , Kim Young-In , Chang Sun-Young , Ko Hyun-Jeong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractInhibitor of kappa B (IκB)-ζ transcription is rapidly induced by stimulation with TLR ligands and IL-1. Despite high IκBζ expression in inflammation sites, the association of IκBζ with host defence via systemic immune responses against bacterial infection remains unclear. Oral immunisation with a recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccine (RASV) strain did not protect IκBζ-deficient mice against a lethal Salmonella challenge. IκBζ-deficient mice failed to produce Salmonella LPS-specific IgG, especially IgG2a, although inflammatory cytokine production and immune cell infiltration into the liver increased after oral RASV administration. Moreover, IκBζ-deficient mice exhibited enhanced splenic germinal centre reactions followed by increased total IgG production, despite IκBζ-deficient B cells having an intrinsic antibody class switching defect. IκBζ-deficient CD4+ T cells poorly differentiated into Th1 cells. IFN-γ production by CD4+ T cells from IκBζ-deficient mice immunised with RASV significantly decreased after restimulation with heat-killed RASV in vitro, suggesting that IκBζ-deficient mice failed to mount protective immune responses against Salmonella infection because of insufficient Th1 and IgG production. Therefore, IκBζ is crucial in protecting against Salmonella infection by inducing Th1 differentiation followed by IgG production.
An integration-to-bound model of decision-making that accounts for the spectral properties of neural data
Authors: Guevara Erra Ramón , Arbotto Marco , Schurger Aaron 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntegration-to-bound models are among the most widely used models of perceptual decision-making due to their simplicity and power in accounting for behavioral and neurophysiological data. They involve temporal integration over an input signal (“evidence”) plus Gaussian white noise. However, brain data shows that noise in the brain is long-term correlated, with a spectral density of the form 1/fα (with typically 1 < α < 2), also known as pink noise or ‘1/f’ noise. Surprisingly, the adequacy of the spectral properties of drift-diffusion models to electrophysiological data has received little attention in the literature. Here we propose a model of accumulation of evidence for decision-making that takes into consideration the spectral properties of brain signals. We develop a generalization of the leaky stochastic accumulator model using a Langevin equation whose non-linear noise term allows for varying levels of autocorrelation in the time course of the decision variable. We derive this equation directly from magnetoencephalographic data recorded while subjects performed a spontaneous movement-initiation task. We then propose a nonlinear model of accumulation of evidence that accounts for the ‘1/f’ spectral properties of brain signals, and the observed variability in the power spectral properties of brain signals. Furthermore, our model outperforms the standard drift-diffusion model at approximating the empirical waiting time distribution.
Randomly weighted receptor inputs can explain the large diversity of colour-coding neurons in the bee visual system
Authors: Vasas Vera , Peng Fei , MaBouDi HaDi , Chittka Lars 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTrue colour vision requires comparing the responses of different spectral classes of photoreceptors. In insects, there is a wealth of data available on the physiology of photoreceptors and on colour-dependent behaviour, but less is known about the neural mechanisms that link the two. The available information in bees indicates a diversity of colour opponent neurons in the visual optic ganglia that significantly exceeds that known in humans and other primates. Here, we present a simple mathematical model for colour processing in the optic lobes of bees to explore how this diversity might arise. We found that the model can reproduce the physiological spectral tuning curves of the 22 neurons that have been described so far. Moreover, the distribution of the presynaptic weights in the model suggests that colour-coding neurons are likely to be wired up to the receptor inputs randomly. The perceptual distances in our random synaptic weight model are in agreement with behavioural observations. Our results support the idea that the insect nervous system might adopt partially random wiring of neurons for colour processing.
A unified complex index to characterize two types of ENSO simultaneously
Authors: Zhang Zhiyuan , Ren Baohua , Zheng Jianqiu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIt is widely considered the El Nino-South Oscillation (ENSO) has several different types which can be simply classified as eastern Pacific (EP) type and central Pacific (CP) type. However, indices proposed so far can only characterize one single type of ENSO. In this paper, we develop a unified index which can characterize two types of ENSO simultaneously. The new index named as unified complex ENSO index (UCEI) is defined in the complex plane whose real part is NINO3 + NINO4 and imagine part is NINO3-NINO4. The modulus (r) and quadrants (θ) represent the ENSO strength and the ENSO types, respectively. Apart from the EP and CP types, the UCEI could further distinguish the MIX type of ENSO. Besides, the UCEI can capture the type-transforming processes within one ENSO event. Applying UCEI on historical events from 1950 to 2017 demonstrates the new index could be a very useful tool for the research of different types of ENSO.
Promoter activity of ORF-less gene cassettes isolated from the oral metagenome
Authors: Tansirichaiya Supathep , Mullany Peter , Roberts Adam P. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntegrons are genetic elements consisting of a functional platform for recombination and expression of gene cassettes (GCs). GCs usually carry promoter-less open reading frames (ORFs), encoding proteins with various functions including antibiotic resistance. The transcription of GCs relies mainly on a cassette promoter (PC), located upstream of an array of GCs. Some integron GCs, called ORF-less GCs, contain no identifiable ORF with a small number shown to be involved in antisense mRNA mediated gene regulation. In this study, the promoter activity of ORF-less GCs, previously recovered from the oral metagenome, was verified by cloning them upstream of a gusA reporter, proving they can function as a promoter, presumably allowing bacteria to adapt to multiple stresses within the complex physico-chemical environment of the human oral cavity. A bi-directional promoter detection system was also developed allowing direct identification of clones with promoter-containing GCs on agar plates. Novel promoter-containing GCs were identified from the human oral metagenomic DNA using this construct, called pBiDiPD. This is the first demonstration and detection of promoter activity of ORF-less GCs from Treponema bacteria and the development of an agar plate-based detection system will enable similar studies in other environments.
Soft and flexible piezoelectric smart patch for vascular graft monitoring based on Aluminum Nitride thin film
Authors: Natta L. , Mastronardi V. M. , Guido F. , Algieri L. , Puce S. , Pisano F. , Rizzi F. , Pulli R. , Qualtieri A. , De Vittorio M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractVascular grafts are artificial conduits properly designed to substitute a diseased blood vessel. However prosthetic fail can occur without premonitory symptoms. Continuous monitoring of the system can provide useful information not only to extend the graft’s life but also to optimize the patient’s therapy. In this respect, various techniques have been used, but all of them affect the mechanical properties of the artificial vessel. To overcome these drawbacks, an ultrathin and flexible smart patch based on piezoelectric Aluminum Nitride (AlN) integrated on the extraluminal surface of the prosthesis is presented. The sensor can be conformally wrapped around the external surface of the prosthesis. Its design, mechanical properties and dimensions are properly characterized and optimized in order to maximize performances and to avoid any interference with the graft structure during its activity. The sensorized graft is tested in vitro using a pulsatile recirculating flow system that mimics the physiological and pathological blood flow conditions. In this way, the ability of the device to measure real-time variations of the hemodynamics parameters has been tested. The obtained high sensitivity of 0.012 V Pa−1 m−2, joint to the inherent biocompatibility and non-toxicity of the used materials, demonstrates that the device can successfully monitor the prosthesis functioning under different conditions, opening new perspectives for real-time vascular graft surveillance.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in cN0 neck management of parotid cancer
Authors: Pan Wenting , Ba Kai , Niu Xingyu , Liu Fei , Fang Qigen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOur goals was to evaluate how sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) benefit neck management in patients with parotid cancer. Patients diagnosed with cN0 parotid cancer by preoperative fine needle puncture were prospectively enrolled. The neck status was evaluated by SLNB. If node metastasis was proved by SLNB, a neck dissection of level I–V a was performed, or a wait-and-see policy was conducted for the patient. All related information was extracted and analyzed. Positive SLNB result occurred in 33 (16.7%) patients, and level II metastasis was noted in 100% of the patients. Isolated level III metastasis was noted in 3 (9.1%) patients. During our follow-up with mean time of 49.5 months, 20 patients developed regional recurrence, in which 6 patients had neck dissection as part of their initial management. All the recurrent neck disease was successfully salvaged. Therefore, SLNB was a reliable procedure for neck management in parotid cancer.
How haptophytes microalgae mitigate vitamin B12 limitation
Authors: Nef Charlotte , Jung Sébastien , Mairet Francis , Kaas Raymond , Grizeau Dominique , Garnier Matthieu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractVitamin B12(cobalamin) can control phytoplankton development and community composition, with around half of microalgal species requiring this vitamin for growth. B12dependency is determined by the absence of cobalamin-independent methionine synthase and is unrelated across lineages. Despite their important role in carbon and sulphur biogeochemistry, little is known about haptophytes utilization of vitamin B12and their ability to cope with its limitation. Here we report the first evaluation of B12auxotrophy among this lineage based on molecular data of 19 species from 9 families. We assume that all species encode only a B12-dependent methionine synthase, suggesting ubiquitous B12auxotrophy in this phylum. We further address the effect of different B12limitations on the molecular physiology of the model haptophyteTisochrysis lutea. By coupling growth assays in batch and chemostat to cobalamin quantification and expression analyses, we propose that haptophytes use three strategies to cope with B12limitation. Haptophytes may assimilate dissolved methionine, finely regulate genes involved in methionine cycle and B12transport and/or limit B12transport to the mitochondrion. Taken together, these results provide better understanding of B12metabolism in haptophytes and represent valuable data for deciphering how B12-producing bacteria shape the structure and dynamics of this important phytoplankton community.
Enhanced avidity from a multivalent fluorescent antimicrobial peptide enables pathogen detection in a human lung model
Authors: Akram Ahsan R. , Avlonitis Nicolaos , Scholefield Emma , Vendrell Marc , McDonald Neil , Aslam Tashfeen , Craven Thomas H. , Gray Calum , Collie David S. , Fisher Andrew J. , Corris Paul A. , Walsh Timothy , Haslett Christopher , Bradley Mark , Dhaliwal Kevin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractRapid in situ detection of pathogens coupled with high resolution imaging in the distal human lung has the potential to provide new insights and diagnostic utility in patients in whom pneumonia is suspected. We have previously described an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) Ubiquicidin (fragment UBI29–41) labelled with an environmentally sensitive fluorophore that optically detected bacteria in vitro but not ex vivo. Here, we describe further chemical development of this compound and demonstrate that altering the secondary structure of the AMP to generate a tri-branched dendrimeric scaffold provides enhanced signal in vitro and ex vivo and consequently allows the rapid detection of pathogens in situ in an explanted human lung. This compound (NBD-UBIdend) demonstrates bacterial labelling specificity for a broad panel of pathogenic bacteria and Aspergillus fumigatus. NBD-UBIdend demonstrated high signal-to-noise fluorescence amplification upon target engagement, did not label host mammalian cells and was non-toxic and chemically robust within the inflamed biological environment. Intrapulmonary delivery of NBD-UBIdend, coupled with optical endomicroscopy demonstrated real-time, in situ detection of bacteria in explanted whole human Cystic Fibrosis lungs.
Histamine modulates hippocampal inflammation and neurogenesis in adult mice
Authors: Saraiva Cláudia , Barata-Antunes Sandra , Santos Tiago , Ferreiro Elisabete , Cristóvão Ana Clara , Serra-Almeida Catarina , Ferreira Raquel , Bernardino Liliana 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEvidence points to a dual role of histamine in microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, a key pathological feature of several neurodegenerative pathologies. Moreover, histamine has been suggested as a modulator of adult neurogenesis. Herein, we evaluated the effect of histamine in hippocampal neuroinflammation and neurogenesis under physiological and inflammatory contexts. For that purpose, mice were intraperitoneally challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by an intrahippocampal injection of histamine. We showed that histamine per se triggered glial reactivity and induced mild long-term impairments in neurogenesis, reducing immature neurons dendritic volume and complexity. Nevertheless, in mice exposed to LPS (2 mg/Kg), histamine was able to counteract LPS-induced glial activation and release of pro-inflammatory molecules as well as neurogenesis impairment. Moreover, histamine prevented LPS-induced loss of immature neurons complexity as well as LPS-induced loss of both CREB and PSD-95 proteins (essential for proper neuronal activity). Altogether, our results highlight histamine as a potential therapeutic agent to treat neurological conditions associated with hippocampal neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.