bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Thiel–Zsutty earthquake damage model, reformulated and extended
Authors: Thiel Charles C. , Zsutty Theodore C. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe Thiel–Zsutty (TZ) model predicts mean and the probability distribution function for earthquake damageability of building as a function of peak ground acceleration. ATC‐13‐1 provides an alternate damageability model based on modified Mercalli intensity characterization of ground motion and a beta distribution function for selected building types. This paper provides a reconciliation of the TZ and Applied Technology Council (ATC) methods. It is shown that the beta distribution can provide a continuous representation of the step‐wise TZ Markov distribution function. When the TZ model uses a compression factor for the standard deviation to represent the degree of uncertainty in the parameters, then the TZ results are found to be consistent with the ATC‐13‐1 distribution function for a specific compression factor of 0.40. This paper provides a new, simply applicable method to determine the damage distribution function for a given site, building type, and site conditions; using a beta distribution and allowing inclusion of the degree of confidence the assessor has in the determination of the parameters. New equations are provided to estimate the mean, standard deviation, and upper confidence limit of the damage ratio.
Reconstruction of the hydrologic history of a shallow Patagonian steppe lake during the past 700 yr, using chemical, geologic, and biological proxies
Authors: Coviaga Corina , Rizzo Andrea , Pérez Patricia , Daga Romina , Poiré Daniel , Cusminsky Gabriela , Ribeiro Guevara Sergio 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe limnological conditions during the past 700 yr were reconstructed based on multiproxy analysis of a short sedimentary sequence from El Toro Lake (~40°S, 70°W). Mineralogical and geochemical features, as well as ostracods and chironomids, record hydrologic changes in the El Toro Lake basin. The ostracodLimnocythere rionegroensisvar. 1, a reliable indicator of high salinity, andEucypris fontana, a euryhaline species with preferences for moderate-salinity waters, are studied as paleolimnological proxies. The chironomid fauna indicates less saline conditions in the mid-twentieth century. These salinity changes are interpreted in terms of negative–positive hydrologic balance. High lake level and low salinity between AD 1500 and 1700 match with the wetter and colder climate during the second pulse of the Little Ice Age in northern Patagonia. High-salinity conditions occurred during the late nineteenth century, corresponding to the driest period during the past 400 yr in northeastern Patagonia. An increase in the precipitation around the middle of the twentieth century, in contrast to the records from the Chilean side of the mountains, correlates with a positive phase of the Southern Annular Mode. This is associated, in turn, with a strengthening, poleward shift of the midlatitude westerlies, possibly enhancing easterly moist air flows into central-north Patagonia.
An intriguing middle-sized horse from Coste San Giacomo (Anagni Basin, central Italy)
Authors: Palombo Maria Rita , Alberdi Maria Teresa , Bellucci Luca , Sardella Raffaele 
Published: March 2017

AbstractVarious species and ecomorphotypes of the genus Equus are recorded in several southern European Early Pleistocene local faunal assemblages (LFAs), though their taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships, and chronological distribution are still a matter of debate. This article aims to increase knowledge on the European pre-Olduvai stenonoid horses by describing and discussing the equid sample from the middle Villafranchian (Gelasian) Italian site of Coste San Giacomo (CSG; Anagni). Although horse remains from CSG are scanty, the morphological traits, dimensions, and proportions of teeth and some limb bones suggest some affinities with middle-sized European stenonoid horses, in particular with Equus senezensis, as supported by statistical analysis. This opens a new window on the possible phylogenetic relationships of the middle-sized, slender middle Villafranchian horses, although some questions about their actual taxonomic rank cannot be firmly answered based on available data. The complex relationship among environment, structure of the accompanying mammalian fauna, and the presence in the Early Pleistocene LFAs of only one equid, large or middle-sized, or even of more horse species with different size is briefly discussed.
“Drive the Lane; Together, Hard!”
Authors: Breuer Johannes , Velez John , Bowman Nicholas , Wulf Tim , Bente Gary 
Published: March 2017

Abstract. As an entertainment technology, video games are a popular social activity that can allow for multiple players to cooperatively engage on-screen challenges. Emerging research has found that when people play together, the resulting teamwork can have beneficial impacts on their prosocial orientations after gameplay – especially when the players are cooperative with one another. The present study wanted to expand the scope of these beneficial interpersonal effects by considering both inter- and intrapersonal factors. In an experimental study (N = 115) we manipulated the difficulty of a game (easy or hard) and the behavior of a confederate teammate (supportive or unsupportive playing style). We found that neither coplayer supportiveness nor game difficulty had an effect on the expectations of a teammate’s prosocial behavior or one’s own prosocial behavior toward the teammate after the game (operationalized as willingness to share small amounts of money with one’s teammate after playing). Increased expectations of prosocial behavior from one’s teammate were related to one’s own prosocial behaviors, independent of our manipulations. Considering these results, we propose alternative theoretical approaches to understanding complex social interactions in video games. Furthermore, we suggest to explore other types of manipulations of game difficulty and cooperation between video game players as well as alternative measures of prosocial behavior.
Progress of antibody-based inhibitors of the HGF–cMET axis in cancer therapy
Authors: Kim Ki-Hyun , Kim Hyori 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDysregulated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in human cancer cells leads to tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. The receptor tyrosine kinase cMET is frequently overexpressed in cancer tissue, and activation of cMET signaling is related to drug resistance and the processes of carcinogenesis, invasion and metastasis. For that reason, cMET and its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), are considered prime targets for the development of anticancer drugs. At least eight anti-cMET and four anti-HGF antibodies have been tested or are being tested in clinical trials. However, to date none of these HGF/cMET inhibitors have shown significant efficacy in clinical trials. Furthermore, no receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors primarily targeting cMET have been approved. Given that neutralization of HGF or cMET does not cause significant adverse effects, inhibition of the HGF/cMET signaling pathway appears to be safe. In this review, we summarized the completed and ongoing clinical trials testing antibody- or protein-based anticancer drugs targeting cMET and HGF.
Dirhamnolipids secreted from Pseudomonas aeruginosa modify anjpegungal susceptibility of Aspergillus fumigatus by inhibiting β1,3 glucan synthase activity
Authors: Briard Benoit , Rasoldier Vero , Bomme Perrine , ElAouad Noureddine , Guerreiro Catherine , Chassagne Pierre , Muszkieta Laetitia , Latgé Jean-Paul , Mulard Laurence , Beauvais Anne 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are the two microorganisms responsible for most of the chronic infections in cystic fibrosis patients. P. aeruginosa is known to produce quorum-sensing controlled rhamnolipids during chronic infections. Here we show that the dirhamnolipids secreted from P. aeruginosa (i) induce A. fumigatus to produce an extracellular matrix, rich in galactosaminogalactan, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)- and pyo-melanin, surrounding their hyphae, which facilitates P. aeruginosa binding and (ii) inhibit A. fumigatus growth by blocking β1,3 glucan synthase (GS) activity, thus altering the cell wall architecture. A. fumigatus in the presence of diRhls resulted in a growth phenotype similar to that upon its treatment with anjpegungal echinocandins, showing multibranched hyphae and thicker cell wall rich in chitin. The diRhl structure containing two rhamnose moieties attached to fatty acyl chain is essential for the interaction with β1,3 GS; however, the site of action of diRhls on GS is different from that of echinocandins, and showed synergistic anjpegungal effect with azoles.
A chemical chaperone improves muscle function in mice with a RyR1 mutation
Authors: Lee Chang Seok , Hanna Amy D. , Wang Hui , Dagnino-Acosta Adan , Joshi Aditya D. , Knoblauch Mark , Xia Yan , Georgiou Dimitra K. , Xu Jianjun , Long Cheng , Amano Hisayuki , Reynolds Corey , Dong Keke , Martin John C. , Lagor William R. , Rodney George G. , Sahin Ergun , Sewry Caroline , Hamilton Susan L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMutations in the RYR1 gene cause severe myopathies. Mice with an I4895T mutation in the type 1 ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channel (RyR1) display muscle weakness and atrophy, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here we show that the I4895T mutation in RyR1 decreases the amplitude of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ transient, resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels, muscle triadin content and calsequestrin (CSQ) localization to the junctional SR, and increases endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/unfolded protein response (UPR) and mitochondrial ROS production. Treatment of mice carrying the I4895T mutation with a chemical chaperone, sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA), reduces ER stress/UPR and improves muscle function, but does not restore SR Ca2+ transients in I4895T fibres to wild type levels, suggesting that decreased SR Ca2+ release is not the major driver of the myopathy. These findings suggest that 4PBA, an FDA-approved drug, has potential as a therapeutic intervention for RyR1 myopathies that are associated with ER stress.
MicroRNA filters Hox temporal transcription noise to confer boundary formation in the spinal cord
Authors: Li Chung-Jung , Hong Tian , Tung Ying-Tsen , Yen Ya-Ping , Hsu Ho-Chiang , Lu Ya-Lin , Chang Mien , Nie Qing , Chen Jun-An 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe initial rostrocaudal patterning of the neural tube leads to differential expression of Hox genes that contribute to the specification of motor neuron (MN) subtype identity. Although several 3′ Hox mRNAs are expressed in progenitors in a noisy manner, these Hox proteins are not expressed in the progenitors and only become detectable in postmitotic MNs. MicroRNA biogenesis impairment leads to precocious expression and propagates the noise of Hoxa5 at the protein level, resulting in an imprecise Hoxa5-Hoxc8 boundary. Here we uncover, using in silico simulation, two feed-forward Hox-miRNA loops accounting for the precocious and noisy Hoxa5 expression, as well as an ill-defined boundary phenotype in Dicer mutants. Finally, we identify mir-27 as a major regulator coordinating the temporal delay and spatial boundary of Hox protein expression. Our results provide a novel trans Hox-miRNA circuit filtering transcription noise and controlling the timing of protein expression to confer robust individual MN identity.
Monolayer optical memory cells based on artificial trap-mediated charge storage and release
Authors: Lee Juwon , Pak Sangyeon , Lee Young-Woo , Cho Yuljae , Hong John , Giraud Paul , Shin Hyeon Suk , Morris Stephen M. , Sohn Jung Inn , Cha SeungNam , Kim Jong Min 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMonolayer transition metal dichalcogenides are considered to be promising candidates for flexible and transparent optoelectronics applications due to their direct bandgap and strong light-matter interactions. Although several monolayer-based photodetectors have been demonstrated, single-layered optical memory devices suitable for high-quality image sensing have received little attention. Here we report a concept for monolayer MoS2optoelectronic memory devices using artificially-structured charge trap layers through the functionalization of the monolayer/dielectric interfaces, leading to localized electronic states that serve as a basis for electrically-induced charge trapping and optically-mediated charge release. Our devices exhibit excellent photo-responsive memory characteristics with a large linear dynamic range of ∼4,700 (73.4 dB) coupled with a low OFF-state current (<4 pA), and a long storage lifetime of over 104 s. In addition, the multi-level detection of up to 8 optical states is successfully demonstrated. These results represent a significant step toward the development of future monolayer optoelectronic memory devices.
Thermoelectric and phonon transport properties of two-dimensional IV–VI compounds
Authors: Shafique Aamir , Shin Young-Han 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe explore the thermoelectric and phonon transport properties of two-dimensional monochalcogenides (SnSe, SnS, GeSe, and GeS) using density functional theory combined with Boltzmann transport theory. We studied the electronic structures, Seebeck coefficients, electrical conductivities, lattice thermal conductivities, and figures of merit of these two-dimensional materials, which showed that the thermoelectric performance of monolayer of these compounds is improved in comparison compared to their bulk phases. High figures of merit (ZT) are predicted for SnSe (ZT = 2.63, 2.46), SnS (ZT = 1.75, 1.88), GeSe (ZT = 1.99, 1.73), and GeS (ZT = 1.85, 1.29) at 700 K along armchair and zigzag directions, respectively. Phonon dispersion calculations confirm the dynamical stability of these compounds. The calculated lattice thermal conductivities are low while the electrical conductivities and Seebeck coefficients are high. Thus, the properties of the monolayers show high potential toward thermoelectric applications.
Novel insights into the interaction of UBA5 with UFM1 via a UFM1-interacting sequence
Authors: Padala Prasanth , Oweis Walaa , Mashahreh Bayan , Soudah Nadine , Cohen-Kfir Einav , Todd Emily A. , Berndsen Christopher E. , Wiener Reuven 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe modification of proteins by ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1) is implicated in many human diseases. Prior to conjugation, UFM1 undergoes activation by its cognate activating enzyme, UBA5. UBA5 is a non-canonical E1 activating enzyme that possesses an adenylation domain but lacks a distinct cysteine domain. Binding of UBA5 to UFM1 is mediated via an amino acid sequence, known as the UFM1-interacting sequence (UIS), located outside the adenylation domain that is required for UFM1 activation. However, the precise boundaries of the UIS are yet not clear and are still under debate. Here we revisit the interaction of UFM1 with UBA5 by determining the crystal structure of UFM1 fused to 13 amino acids of human UBA5. Using binding and activity assays, we found that His 336 of UBA5, previously not reported to be part of the UIS, occupies a negatively charged pocket on UFM1’s surface. This His is involved in UFM1 binding and if mutated perturbs activation of UFM1. Surprisingly, we also found that the interaction between two UFM1 molecules mimics how the UIS binds UFM1. Specifically, UFM1 His 70 resembles UBA5 His336 and enters a negatively charged pocked on the other UFM1 molecule. Our results refine our understanding of UFM1-UBA5 binding.
Muscle-specific downregulation of GR levels inhibits adipogenesis in porcine intramuscular adipocyte tissue
Authors: Chu Weiwei , Wei Wei , Han Haiyin , Gao Ying , Liu Kaiqing , Tian Ye , Jiang Zaohang , Zhang Lifan , Chen Jie 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntramuscular adipose is conducive to good pork quality, whereas subcutaneous adipose is considered as waste in pig production. So uncovering the regulation differences between these two adiposes is helpful to tissue-specific control of fat deposition. In this study, we found the sensitivity to glucocorticoids (GCs) was lower in intramuscular adipocytes (IMA) compared with subcutaneous adipocytes (SA). Comparison of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) revealed that IMA had lower GR level which contributed to its reduced GCs sensitivity. Higher methylation levels of GR promotor 1-C and 1-H were detected in IMA compared with SA. GR expression decrease was also found in adipocytes when treated with muscle conditioned medium (MCM)in vitro, which resulted in significant inhibition of adipocytes proliferation and differentiation. Since abundant myostatin (MSTN) was detected in MCM by ELISA assay, we further investigated the effect of this myokine on adipocytes. MSTN treatment suppressed adipocytes GR expression, cell proliferation and differentiation, which mimicked the effects of MCM. The methylation levels of GR promotor 1-C and 1-H were also elevated after MSTN treatment. Our study reveals the role of GR in muscle fiber inhibition on intramuscular adipocytes, and identifies myostatin as a muscle-derived modulator for adipose GR level.
Interplay of DNA methyltransferase 1 and EZH2 through inactivation of Stat3 contributes to β-elemene-inhibited growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Wu JingJing , Tang Qing , Yang LiJuan , Chen YuQing , Zheng Fang , Hann Swei Sunny 
Published: March 2017

Abstractβ-elemene, a compound extracted from Curcuma wenyujin plant, exhibits anticancer activity in many cancer types. However, the detailed mechanism by which β-elemene inhibits growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells remains unknown. We showed that β-elemene reduced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), and protein expressions of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). Exogenously expressed Stat3 antagonized the effect of β-elemene on DNMT1 and EZH2 expressions. Furthermore, overexpressions of DNMT1 and EZH2 reversed the effect of β-elemene on phosphorylation of Stat3 and cell growth inhibition. Intriguingly, exogenously expressed DNMT1 overcame β-elemene-inhibited EZH2 protein expression and promoter activity. On the contrary, silencing of EZH2 and DNMT1 genes feedback strengthened the effect of β-elemene on phosphorylation of Stat3. Consistent with this, β-elemene inhibited tumor growth, phosphorylation of Stat3, expressions of DNMT1 and EZH2 in a mouse xenograft model. Collectively, this study shows that β-elemene inhibits NPC cell growth via inactivation of Stat3, and reduces DNMT1 and EZH2 expressions. The interplay of DNMT1 and EZH2, and the mutual regulations among Stat3, EZH2 and DNMT1 contribute to the overall responses of β-elemene. This study uncovers a novel mechanism by which β-elemene inhibits growth of NPC cells.
The molecular determinants governing the immunogenicity of Japanese encephalitis live attenuated vaccines
Authors: Li Yuhua , Fu Yin , Liu Xinyu , Yang Huiqiang , Yu Yongxin , Jia Lili , Li Xuguang , Farnsworth Aaron , Wang Junzhi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn the course of isolating the attenuated Japanese encephalitis vaccine SA14-14-2, two attenuated strains SA14-9-7 and SA14-5-3 were also obtained that elicited low antibody responses in humans (<10% and 62%, respectively) and exerted much weaker immune protection in animal challenge experiments. However, the reason for these differences remains unknown. In order to understand why SA14-14-2 is superior to SA14-9-7 and SA14-5-3, we employed a reverse genetics method to identify the key mutations in the virus genome that determine the immunogenicity of live attenuated Japanese encephalitis viruses. We first sequenced the full genomic sequences of SA14-9-7 and SA14-5-3 and found mutations that changed four amino-acid base pairs when compared to the envelope gene of SA14-14-2. We mutated the genome of SA14-14-2 to generate these mutations both singly (E-177, E-264, E-279 and E-315) and in combination (E-177/264, E-279/315 and E-177/264/279/315) and tested these mutants along with parental strains SA14-14-2, SA14-9-7 and SA14-5-3 for their immunogenicity in vivo. When mice were immunized with SA14-9-7 and SA14-5-3, lower levels of neutralizing antibodies were generated compared with the immune response to SA14-14-2. Furthermore, SA14-5-3 was more immunogenic than SA14-9-7, which replicated the results previously seen in humans. Point mutations E-177, E-264, E-279 and E-315 diminished the immunogenicity of SA14-14-2 with E-264 and E-315, contributing the most to this phenotype. The mutant rJEV (E-177/E-264/E-279/E-315) containing all four point mutations exhibited the lowest immunogenicity with a seroconversion rate of 0 at an inoculation dose of 103 PFU (plaque-forming unit). We have identified the key amino acids in the envelope protein that account for the superior immunogenicity of SA14-14-2.
Directional Phonon Suppression Function as a Tool for the Identification of Ultralow Thermal Conductivity Materials
Authors: Romano Giuseppe , Kolpak Alexie M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBoundary-engineering in nanostructures has the potential to dramatically impact the development of materials for high- efficiency conversion of thermal energy directly into electricity. In particular, nanostructuring of semiconductors can lead to strong suppression of heat transport with little degradation of electrical conductivity. Although this combination of material properties is promising for thermoelectric materials, it remains largely unexplored. In this work, we introduce a novel concept, the directional phonon suppression function, to unravel boundary-dominated heat transport in unprecedented detail. Using a combination of density functional theory and the Boltzmann transport equation, we compute this quantity for nanoporous silicon materials. We first compute the thermal conductivity for the case with aligned circular pores, confirming a significant thermal transport degradation with respect to the bulk. Then, by analyzing the information on the directionality of phonon suppression in this system, we identify a new structure of rectangular pores with the same porosity that enables a four-fold decrease in thermal transport with respect to the circular pores. Our results illustrate the utility of the directional phonon suppression function, enabling new avenues for systematic thermal conductivity minimization and potentially accelerating the engineering of next-generation thermoelectric devices.