bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An efficient and accurate framework for calculating lattice thermal conductivity of solids: AFLOW—AAPL Automatic Anharmonic Phonon Library
Authors: Plata Jose J. , Nath Pinku , Usanmaz Demet , Carrete Jesús , Toher Cormac , de Jong Maarten , Asta Mark , Fornari Marco , Nardelli Marco Buongiorno , Curtarolo Stefano 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOne of the most accurate approaches for calculating lattice thermal conductivity, $$\kappa _\ell$$, is solving the Boltzmann transport equation starting from third-order anharmonic force constants. In addition to the underlying approximations of ab-initio parameterization, two main challenges are associated with this path: high computational costs and lack of automation in the frameworks using this methodology, which affect the discovery rate of novel materials with ad-hoc properties. Here, the Automatic Anharmonic Phonon Library (AAPL) is presented. It efficiently computes interatomic force constants by making effective use of crystal symmetry analysis, it solves the Boltzmann transport equation to obtain $$\kappa _\ell$$, and allows a fully integrated operation with minimum user intervention, a rational addition to the current high-throughput accelerated materials development framework AFLOW. An “experiment vs. theory” study of the approach is shown, comparing accuracy and speed with respect to other available packages, and for materials characterized by strong electron localization and correlation. Combining AAPL with the pseudo-hybrid functional ACBN0 is possible to improve accuracy without increasing computational requirements.
Mitochondrial impairment in microglia amplifies NLRP3 inflammasome proinflammatory signaling in cell culture and animal models of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sarkar Souvarish , Malovic Emir , Harishchandra Dilshan S. , Ghaisas Shivani , Panicker Nikhil , Charli Adhithiya , Palanisamy Bharathi N. , Rokad Dharmin , Jin Huajun , Anantharam Vellareddy , Kanthasamy Arthi , Kanthasamy Anumantha G. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway is a major contributor to the neuroinflammatory process in the central nervous system. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are key pathophysiological processes of many chronic neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the inter-relationship between mitochondrial defects and neuroinflammation is not well understood. In the present study, we show that impaired mitochondrial function can augment the NLRP3 inflammasome-driven proinflammatory cascade in microglia. Primary mouse microglia treated with the common inflammogen LPS increased NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β expression. Interestingly, exposure of LPS-primed microglial cells to the mitochondrial complex-I inhibitory pesticides rotenone and tebufenpyrad specifically potentiated the NLRP3 induction, ASC speck formation and pro-IL-1β processing to IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that mitochondrial impairment heightened the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated proinflammatory response in microglia. The neurotoxic pesticide-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation was accompanied by bioenergetic defects and lysosomal dysfunction in microglia. Furthermore, the pesticides enhanced mitochondrial ROS generation in primary microglia, while amelioration of mitochondria-derived ROS by the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mito-apocynin completely abolished IL-1β release, indicating mitochondrial ROS drives potentiation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia. Exposure to conditioned media obtained from mitochondrial inhibitor-treated, LPS-primed microglial cells, but not unprimed cells, induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in cultured primary mesencephalic and human dopaminergic neuronal cells (LUHMES). Notably, our in vivo results with chronic rotenone rodent models of PD further support the activation of proinflammatory NLRP3 inflammasome signaling due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Collectively, our results demonstrate that mitochondrial impairment in microglia can amplify NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, which augments the dopaminergic neurodegenerative process.
Neuronal replacement therapy: previous achievements and challenges ahead
Authors: Grade Sofia , Götz Magdalena 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLifelong neurogenesis and incorporation of newborn neurons into mature neuronal circuits operates in specialized niches of the mammalian brain and serves as role model for neuronal replacement strategies. However, to which extent can the remaining brain parenchyma, which never incorporates new neurons during the adulthood, be as plastic and readily accommodate neurons in networks that suffered neuronal loss due to injury or neurological disease? Which microenvironment is permissive for neuronal replacement and synaptic integration and which cells perform best? Can lost function be restored and how adequate is the participation in the pre-existing circuitry? Could aberrant connections cause malfunction especially in networks dominated by excitatory neurons, such as the cerebral cortex? These questions show how important connectivity and circuitry aspects are for regenerative medicine, which is the focus of this review. We will discuss the impressive advances in neuronal replacement strategies and success from exogenous as well as endogenous cell sources. Both have seen key novel technologies, like the groundbreaking discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells and direct neuronal reprogramming, offering alternatives to the transplantation of fetal neurons, and both herald great expectations. For these to become reality, neuronal circuitry analysis is key now. As our understanding of neuronal circuits increases, neuronal replacement therapy should fulfill those prerequisites in network structure and function, in brain-wide input and output. Now is the time to incorporate neural circuitry research into regenerative medicine if we ever want to truly repair brain injury.
Combined Microscopy, Calorimetry and X-ray Scattering Study of Fluorinated Dimesogens
Authors: Mandle Richard J. , Cowling Stephen J. , Goodby John W. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe material FDO11DFCB3 (compound 2 in this work) remains the only example of a liquid-crystalline material to exhibit a phase transition from the heliconical twist-bend phase into a lamellar smectic A mesophase, additionally this material exhibits a previously unidentified mesophase. We have prepared and characterised several homologues of this compound, with each material subjected to an in-depth analysis by optical microscopy, calorimetry and small angle X-ray scattering studies. Despite FDO11DFCB3 being similar in chemical structure to the novel materials presented herein its liquid-crystalline behaviour is rather different, indicating an unexpected sensitivity of the twist-bend phase to molecular structure.
Worsening calcification propensity precedes all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in haemodialyzed patients
Authors: Lorenz Georg , Steubl Dominik , Kemmner Stephan , Pasch Andreas , Koch-Sembdner Wilhelm , Pham Dang , Haller Bernhard , Bachmann Quirin , Mayer Christopher C. , Wassertheurer Siegfried , Angermann Susanne , Lech Maciej , Moog Philipp , Bauer Axel , Heemann Uwe , Schmaderer Christoph 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA novel in-vitro test (T50-test) assesses ex-vivo serum calcification propensity which predicts mortality in HD patients. The association of longitudinal changes of T50 with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality has not been investigated. We assessed T50 in paired sera collected at baseline and at 24 months in 188 prevalent European HD patients from the ISAR cohort, most of whom were Caucasians. Patients were followed for another 19 [interquartile range: 11–37] months. Serum T50 exhibited a significant decline between baseline and 24 months (246 ± 64 to 190 ± 68 minutes; p < 0.001). With serum Δ-phosphate showing the strongest independent association with declining T50 (r = −0.39; p < 0.001) in multivariable linear regression. The rate of decline of T50 over 24 months was a significant predictor of all-cause (HR = 1.51 per 1SD decline, 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.2; p = 0.03) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.15 to 3.97; p = 0.02) in Kaplan Meier and multivariable Cox-regression analysis, while cross-sectional T50 at inclusion and 24 months were not. Worsening serum calcification propensity was an independent predictor of mortality in this small cohort of prevalent HD patients. Prospective larger scaled studies are needed to assess the value of calcification propensity as a longitudinal parameter for risk stratification and monitoring of therapeutic interventions.
MiR-302b Suppresses Osteosarcoma Cell Migration and Invasion by Targeting Runx2
Authors: Xie Yuanlong , Sun Wenchao , Deng Zhouming , Zhu Xiaobin , Hu Chao , Cai Lin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOsteosarcoma patients with lung metastasis and local invasion remain challenging to treat despite the significant contribution of the combination of surgery and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Our previous microarray study demonstrated that miR-302b had significantly lower expression in osteosarcoma cell lines than in osteoblast cell lines. In the present study, we further elucidated the role of miR-302b in regulating the migration and invasiveness of osteosarcoma. MiR-302b expression was markedly down-regulated in osteosarcoma cell lines and clinical tumour tissues. Lower levels of miR-302b expression were significantly associated with metastasis and high pathological grades. A functional study demonstrated that over-expression of miR-302b suppressed tumour cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro and in vivo. Runx2 was identified as a direct target gene for miR-302b by bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Moreover, over-expression of miR-302b induced down-regulation of Runx2, OPN, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, MMP-14, and VEGF in 143B cells. Exogenous expression of Runx2 partially rescued the inhibitory effect of miR-302b on the invasion and migration activity of 143B osteosarcoma cells. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-302b functions as a tumour repressor in the invasion and migration of osteosarcoma by directly downregulating Runx2 expression and may be a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Diagonal Earlobe Crease is a Visible Sign for Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Amyloid-β
Authors: Lee Jin San , Park Seongbeom , Kim Hee Jin , Kim Yeshin , Jang Hyemin , Kim Ko Woon , Rhee Hak Young , Yoon Sung Sang , Hwang Kyoung Jin , Park Key-Chung , Moon Seung Hwan , Kim Sung Tae , Lockhart Samuel N. , Na Duk L. , Seo Sang Won 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe investigated the frequency and clinical significance of diagonal earlobe crease (DELC) in cognitively impaired patients using imaging biomarkers, such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI and amyloid-β (Aβ) PET. A total of 471 cognitively impaired patients and 243 cognitively normal (CN) individuals were included in this study. Compared with CN individuals, cognitively impaired patients had a greater frequency of DELC (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.2, P = 0.007). This relationship was more prominent in patients with dementia (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.7, P = 0.002) and subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6–3.6, P < 0.001). Compared with Aβ-negative cognitively impaired patients with minimal WMH, Aβ-positive patients with moderate to severe WMH were significantly more likely to exhibit DELC (OR 7.3, 95% CI 3.4–16.0, P < 0.001). We suggest that DELC can serve as a useful supportive sign, not only for the presence of cognitive impairment, but also for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and Aβ-positivity. The relationship between DELC and Aβ-positivity might be explained by the causative role of CSVD in Aβ accumulation.
Postnatal Development of the Murine Notochord Remnants Quantified by High-resolution Contrast-enhanced MicroCT
Authors: Bhalla Sameer , Lin Kevin H. , Tang Simon Y. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe notochord gives rise to spinal segments during development, and it becomes embedded within the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc (IVD) during maturation. The disruption of the notochord band has been observed with IVD degeneration. Since the mechanical competence of the IVD relies on its structural constituents, defining the structure of the notochord during aging is critical for investigations relating to IVD function and homeostasis. The assessment and imaging of the notochord has classically relied on histological techniques, which introduces sectioning artifacts during preparation and spatial biases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not offer sufficient resolution to discriminate the notochord from the surrounding the nucleus pulposus, especially in murine models. Current X-ray based computed tomography systems provide imaging resolutions down to the single- and sub- micron scales, and when coupled with contrast-enhancing agents, enable the high-resolution three-dimensional imaging of relatively small features. Utilizing phosphomolybdic acid to preferentially bind to collagen cationic domains, we describe the structure of the notochord remnants with aging in the lumbar IVDs of BALB/c mice. These results provide a highly quantitative and sensitive approach to monitoring the IVD during postnatal development.
Progesterone Via its Type-A Receptor Promotes Myometrial Gap Junction Coupling
Authors: Nadeem Lubna , Shynlova Oksana , Mesiano Sam , Lye Stephen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEffective labour contractions require synchronization of myometrial cells through gap junctions (GJs). Clasically, progesterone (P4) is known to inhibit the expression of connexin-43 (Cx43, major component of GJs) and GJ formation in myometrium. Our current study is based on a striking observation that challenges this dogma. We observed conspicuous differences in the intracellular localization of Cx43 protein in PRA versus PRB expressing myocytes. Thus in P4 stimulated PRA cells Cx43 protein forms GJs, whereas in PRB cells the forward trafficking of Cx43 and GJ formation is inhibited even when Cx43 is overexpressed. We found that P4, via PRA/B, differentially regulates Cx43 translation to generate a Cx43-20 K isoform, which facilitates the transport of full length Cx43 to plasma membrane. The P4 mediated regulation of Cx43 trafficking and GJ formation occurs via non-genomic pathway and involves the regulation of mTOR signaling since inhibition of this pathway restored the Cx43 trafficking defect in PRB cells. We propose that PRA is a master regulator of Cx43 expression, GJ formation and myocyte connectivity/synchronization for labour.
Dynamic photo-switching in light-responsive JUC-62 for CO
2

capture
Authors: Prasetya Nicholaus , Ladewig Bradley P. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we demonstrate the highly efficient photo-switching ability of a Cu-azobenzene tetracarboxylate MOF (JUC-62) for low-energy CO2 capture. Under UV light irradiation, both at 273 and 298 K, JUC-62 showed 51% and 34% lower CO2 uptake, respectively, than when UV light was off. Its dynamic CO2 uptake also matched well with its static condition. Storing it at ambient condition was also found not to destroy its framework structure and its dynamic photoswitching property could still be maintained.
Role of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau uplift in the Northern Hemisphere disjunction: evidence from two herbaceous genera of Rubiaceae
Authors: Deng Tao , Zhang Jian-Wen , Meng Ying , Volis Sergei , Sun Hang , Nie Ze-Long 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTo assess the role of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau uplift in shaping the intercontinental disjunction in Northern Hemisphere, we analyzed the origin and diversification within a geological timeframe for two relict herbaceous genera,TheligonumandKelloggia(Rubiaceae). Phylogenetic relationships within and betweenTheligonumandKelloggiaas well as their relatives were inferred using five chloroplast markers with parsimony, Bayesian and maximum-likelihood approaches. Migration routes and evolution of these taxa were reconstructed using Bayesian relaxed molecular clock and ancestral area reconstruction. Our results suggest the monophyly of eachTheligonumandKelloggia. Eastern Asian and North American species ofKelloggiadiverged at ca.18.52 Mya and the Mediterranean species ofTheligonumdiverged from eastern Asian taxa at ca.13.73 Mya. BothKelloggiaandTheligonumare Tethyan flora relicts, and their ancestors might have been occurred in warm tropical to subtropical environments along the Tethys coast. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau separated the eastern and western Tethyan area may contribute significantly to the disjunct distributions ofTheligonum, and the North Atlantic migration appears to be the most likely pathway of expansion ofKelloggiato North America. Our results highlight the importance role of the QTP uplift together with corresponding geological and climatic events in shaping biodiversity and biogeographic distribution in the Northern Hemisphere.
Silica precipitation potentially controls earthquake recurrence in seismogenic zones
Authors: Saishu Hanae , Okamoto Atsushi , Otsubo Makoto 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSilica precipitation is assumed to play a significant role in post-earthquake recovery of the mechanical and hydrological properties of seismogenic zones. However, the relationship between the widespread quartz veins around seismogenic zones and earthquake recurrence is poorly understood. Here we propose a novel model of quartz vein formation associated with fluid advection from host rocks and silica precipitation in a crack, in order to quantify the timescale of crack sealing. When applied to sets of extensional quartz veins around the Nobeoka Thrust of SW Japan, an ancient seismogenic splay fault, our model indicates that a fluid pressure drop of 10–25 MPa facilitates the formation of typical extensional quartz veins over a period of 6.6 × 100–5.6 × 101years, and that 89%–100% of porosity is recovered within ~3 × 102years. The former and latter sealing timescales correspond to the extensional stress period (~3 × 101years) and the recurrence interval of megaearthquakes in the Nankai Trough (~3 × 102years), respectively. We therefore suggest that silica precipitation in the accretionary wedge controls the recurrence interval of large earthquakes in subduction zones.
Comparative analysis of molecular and physiological traits between perennial Arabis alpina Pajares and annual Arabidopsis thaliana Sy-0
Authors: Park Jong-Yoon , Kim Hoyeun , Lee Ilha 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAnnual plants complete life cycle in a year while perennial plants maintain growth for several years. Arabis alpina, a polycarpic perennial, is a close relative of monocarpic annual Arabidopsis. Pajares is an accession of A. alpina requiring vernalization, a long-term cold for flowering. Arabidopsis shows holistic flowering whereas Pajares shows idiographic flowering, producing axillary branches under variable developmental phases from juvenile, adult vegetative to reproductive phases. To understand the molecular mechanism behind diverse phases of axillary branches, we analyzed the levels of primary miR156 expressions because miR156-SPL module is a key regulator for developmental phase transition. We found that in Pajares, miR156 levels were highly variable among the axillary branches, which causes differential sensitivity to vernalization. Thus, the axillary branches expressing high levels of miR156 remain in juvenile phase even after vernalization, whereas the axillary branches expressing low levels of miR156 produce flowers after vernalization. In contrast, every axillary branches of Arabidopsis winter annual Sy-0 expressed similar levels of miR156 and synchronously responded to vernalization, which causes holistic flowering. Therefore, we suggest that variable miR156 expression levels and the resulting differential response to vernalization among axillary branches are distinctive features determining polycarpic perenniality of A. alpina Pajares.
Prokaryotic Community Distribution along an Ecological Gradient of Salinity in Surface and Subsurface Saline Soils
Authors: Xie Kehui , Deng Yong , Zhang Shaocun , Zhang Wenhao , Liu Jianrong , Xie Yulong , Zhang Xuze , Huang He 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSalinity effects on microbial communities in saline soils is still unclear, and little is known about subsurface soil microbial communities especially in saline or hypersaline ecosystems. Here we presented the survey of the prokaryotic community in saline soils along a salinity gradient (17.3–148.3 dS/m) in surface (0–10 cm) and subsurface (15–30 cm) saline soils of Qarhan Salt Lake, China. Moreover, we compared them with three paired nonsaline normal soils. Using the high-throughput sequencing technology and several statistical methods, we observed no significant community difference between surface soils and subsurface soils. For environmental factors, we found that TOC was the primary driver of the prokaryotic community distribution in surface saline soils, so was pH in subsurface saline soils. Salinity had more effects on the prokaryotic community in subsurface saline soils than in surface saline soils and played a less important role in saline soils than in saline waters or saline sediments. Our research provided references for the prokaryotic community distribution along a salinity gradient in both surface and subsurface saline soils of arid playa areas.
Novel Application of Magnetic Protein: Convenient One-Step Purification and Immobilization of Proteins
Authors: Jiang Min , Zhang Lujia , Wang Fengqing , Zhang Jie , Liu Guosong , Gao Bei , Wei Dongzhi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRecently, a magnetic protein was discovered, and a multimeric magnetosensing complex was validated, which may form the basis of magnetoreception. In this study, the magnetic protein was firstly used in biotechnology application, and a novel convenient one-step purification and immobilization method was established. A universal vector and three linker patterns were developed for fusion expression of magnetic protein and target protein. The magnetic protein was absorbed by iron beads, followed by target protein aggregation, purification, and immobilization. GFP, employed as a reporter protein, was successfully purified from cell lysate. Subsequently, three enzymes (lipase, α-L-arabinofuranosidase, pullulanase) with different molecular sizes testified the versatility of this magnetic-based approach. The specific activities of the purified enzymes were distinctly higher than those of the traditionally purified enzymes using affinity chromatography. The lipase immobilized on iron beads presented improved thermostability and enhanced pH tolerance compared to the free enzyme. The immobilized lipase could be easily recovered and reused for maximum utilization. After 20 cycles of reutilization, the magnetically immobilized lipase retained 71% of its initial activity. This investigation may help introduce magnetic protein into biotechnology applications, and the one-step purification and immobilization method may serve to illustrate an economically viable process for industry.