bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Field-induced spin-density wave beyond hidden order in URu2Si2
Authors: Knafo W. , Duc F. , Bourdarot F. , Kuwahara K. , Nojiri H. , Aoki D. , Billette J. , Frings P. , Tonon X. , Lelièvre-Berna E. , Flouquet J. , Regnault L.-P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractURu2Si2 is one of the most enigmatic strongly correlated electron systems and offers a fertile testing ground for new concepts in condensed matter science. In spite of >30 years of intense research, no consensus on the order parameter of its low-temperature hidden-order phase exists. A strong magnetic field transforms the hidden order into magnetically ordered phases, whose order parameter has also been defying experimental observation. Here, thanks to neutron diffraction under pulsed magnetic fields up to 40 T, we identify the field-induced phases of URu2Si2 as a spin-density-wave state. The transition to the spin-density wave represents a unique touchstone for understanding the hidden-order phase. An intimate relationship between this magnetic structure, the magnetic fluctuations and the Fermi surface is emphasized, calling for dedicated band-structure calculations.
Preparation of epitaxial hexagonal YMnO3 thin films and observation of ferroelectric vortex domains
Authors: Pang Hongzhuang , Zhang Fengyuan , Zeng Min , Gao Xingsen , Qin Minghui , Lu Xubing , Gao Jinwei , Dai Jiyan , Li Qiliang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFerroelectric vortex is one of unique domain structures in the hexagonal RMnO3 (R=Sc, Y, Ho-Lu) systems. This vortex pattern is quite sensitive to crystal imperfections, such as lattice defects and oxygen vacancies, which has been previously observed and studied in a single-crystal structure. Here we report epitaxial growth of hexagonal YMnO3 thin films on platinum-coated Al2O3 (0001) substrates. High-quality epitaxial YMnO3(0001)/Pt(111)/Al2O3(0001) heterostructures with sharp interfaces have been achieved and characterised by using X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. Reversible ferroelectric domain structures have been achieved and observed with well-established piezoresponse hysteresis. Furthermore, the ferroelectric vortex domain patterns with a typical size of ~20 nm have been observed, representing a significant progress in the fabrication and exploration of topological vortices in hexagonal RMnO3 thin films.
An inhibitory receptor of VLRB in the agnathan lamprey
Authors: Wu Fenfang , Chen Liyong , Ren Yong , Yang Xiaojing , Yu Tongzhou , Feng Bo , Chen Shangwu , Xu Anlong 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLamprey, the primitive jawless vertebrate, uses variable lymphocyte receptor (VLR) as alternative adaptive immune system instead of immunoglobulin (Ig)-based receptors used in jawed vertebrates. In the present study, we characterized a potential inhibitory receptor of VLRB from leucocytes in lamprey. It is a novel ITIM-containing IgSF protein and was therefore named as NICIP. NICIP has two Ig-like domains in extracellular region, a transmembrane domain and two classical ITIM motifs in cytoplasmic domain. It is mainly expressed on the surface of granulocytes and monocytes and can interact with VLRB. In transiently transfected HEK293T cells, it was confirmed again that it could interact with VLRB and the two phosphorylated ITIM motifs could recruit SHP-1 and SHP-2. These results imply that NICIP may play a role as a potential inhibitory receptor of VLRB and involve in negative regulation of immune response mediated by VLRB.
Climatic, Geographic and Operational Determinants of Trihalomethanes (THMs) in Drinking Water Systems
Authors: Valdivia-Garcia Maria , Weir Paul , Frogbrook Zoe , Graham David W. , Werner David 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTrihalomethanes (THMs) are conditionally carcinogenic compounds formed during chlorine disinfection in water treatment processes around the world. THMs occur especially when source waters are subject to marine influences, high and-or regular precipitation, and elevated levels of organic matter. THMs formation is then rooted in geographic, operational and climatic factors, the relative importance of which can only be derived from large datasets and may change in the future. Ninety three full-scale Scottish water treatment plants (WTPs) were assessed from Jan 2011 to Jan 2013 to identify factors that promote THMs formation. Correlation analysis showed that ambient temperature was the primary THMs formation predictor in potable water (r2 = 0.66, p < 0.05) and water distribution systems (r2 = 0.43, p = 0.04), while dissolved organic carbon (r2 = 0.55, p < 0.001) and chloride (indicating marine influence; r2 = 0.41, p < 0.001) also affected THMs formation. GIS mapping of median THMs levels indicated brominated THMs were most prevalent in coastal areas and on islands. This real-world dataset confirms both geographic and climatic factors are key to THMs formation. If ambient temperatures increase, THMs control will become more challenging, substantiating concerns about the impact of global warming on water quality.
Intraoperative electrophysiological evaluations of macular function during peripheral scleral indentation
Authors: Akiyama Goichi , Matsumoto Celso Soiti , Shinoda Kei , Terauchi Gaku , Matsumoto Harue , Watanabe Emiko , Iwata Takeshi , Mizota Atsushi , Miyake Yozo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractScleral indentation is widely used to examine the peripheral fundus, however it can increase the intraocular pressure (IOP) to high levels which can then affect retinal function. We evaluated the effects of scleral indentation on the macular function electrophysiologically. Intraoperative focal macular electroretinograms (iFMERGs) were recorded with and without controlling the IOP in 7 eyes. Without IOP control, the IOP increased from 21.7 ± 4.9 to 92.7 ± 20.2 mmHg significantly (P = 0.020) and the amplitudes of the b-wave (from 6.29 ± 1.160 to 3.71 ± 1.98 uV,P = 0.007), on-photopic negative response (from 2.29 ± 0.99 to 0.72 ± 0.47 uV, on-PhNR,P = 0.005), and d-wave (from 2.57 ± 0.41 to 1.64 ± 0.69 uV,P = 0.007) decreased significantly soon after beginning the indentation. All values returned to the baseline levels after releasing the indentation. In the eyes with IOP controlled, the IOP and the amplitude of all components did not change significantly during and after the indentation except the on-PhNR amplitude which was significantly reduced during the indentation. The changes in the iFMERGs and macular function caused by scleral indentation were transient and reversible. The changes can be minimized by controlling the IOP.
Aberration-free volumetric high-speed imaging of in vivo retina
Authors: Hillmann Dierck , Spahr Hendrik , Hain Carola , Sudkamp Helge , Franke Gesa , Pfäffle Clara , Winter Christian , Hüttmann Gereon 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCertain topics in research and advancements in medical diagnostics may benefit from improved temporal and spatial resolution during non-invasive optical imaging of living tissue. However, so far no imaging technique can generate entirely diffraction-limited tomographic volumes with a single data acquisition, if the target moves or changes rapidly, such as the human retina. Additionally, the presence of aberrations may represent further difficulties. We show that a simple interferometric setup–based on parallelized optical coherence tomography–acquires volumetric data with 10 billion voxels per second, exceeding previous imaging speeds by an order of magnitude. This allows us to computationally obtain and correct defocus and aberrations resulting in entirely diffraction-limited volumes. As demonstration, we imaged living human retina with clearly visible nerve fiber layer, small capillary networks, and photoreceptor cells. Furthermore, the technique can also obtain phase-sensitive volumes of other scattering structures at unprecedented acquisition speeds.
Allosteric regulation by cooperative conformational changes of actin filaments drives mutually exclusive binding with cofilin and myosin
Authors: Ngo Kien Xuan , Umeki Nobuhisa , Kijima Saku T. , Kodera Noriyuki , Ueno Hiroaki , Furutani-Umezu Nozomi , Nakajima Jun , Noguchi Taro Q. P. , Nagasaki Akira , Tokuraku Kiyotaka , Uyeda Taro Q. P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHeavy meromyosin (HMM) of myosin II and cofilin each binds to actin filaments cooperatively and forms clusters along the filaments, but it is unknown whether the two cooperative bindings are correlated and what physiological roles they have. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that HMM-GFP and cofilin-mCherry each bound cooperatively to different parts of actin filaments when they were added simultaneously in 0.2 μM ATP, indicating that the two cooperative bindings are mutually exclusive. In 0.1 mM ATP, the motor domain of myosin (S1) strongly inhibited the formation of cofilin clusters along actin filaments. Under this condition, most actin protomers were unoccupied by S1 at any given moment, suggesting that transiently bound S1 alters the structure of actin filaments cooperatively and/or persistently to inhibit cofilin binding. Consistently, cosedimentation experiments using copolymers of actin and actin-S1 fusion protein demonstrated that the fusion protein affects the neighboring actin protomers, reducing their affinity for cofilin. In reciprocal experiments, cofilin-actin fusion protein reduced the affinity of neighboring actin protomers for S1. Thus, allosteric regulation by cooperative conformational changes of actin filaments contributes to mutually exclusive cooperative binding of myosin II and cofilin to actin filaments, and presumably to the differential localization of both proteins in cells.
3D mapping of elastic modulus using shear wave optical micro-elastography
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Qi Li , Miao Yusi , Ma Teng , Dai Cuixia , Qu Yueqiao , He Youmin , Gao Yiwei , Zhou Qifa , Chen Zhongping 
Published: October 2016

AbstractElastography provides a powerful tool for histopathological identification and clinical diagnosis based on information from tissue stiffness. Benefiting from high resolution, three-dimensional (3D), and noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical micro-elastography has the ability to determine elastic properties with a resolution of ~10 μm in a 3D specimen. The shear wave velocity measurement can be used to quantify the elastic modulus. However, in current methods, shear waves are measured near the surface with an interference of surface waves. In this study, we developed acoustic radiation force (ARF) orthogonal excitation optical coherence elastography (ARFOE-OCE) to visualize shear waves in 3D. This method uses acoustic force perpendicular to the OCT beam to excite shear waves in internal specimens and uses Doppler variance method to visualize shear wave propagation in 3D. The measured propagation of shear waves agrees well with the simulation results obtained from finite element analysis (FEA). Orthogonal acoustic excitation allows this method to measure the shear modulus in a deeper specimen which extends the elasticity measurement range beyond the OCT imaging depth. The results show that the ARFOE-OCE system has the ability to noninvasively determine the 3D elastic map.
Comparative Study of the Catalytic Activities of Three Distinct Carbonaceous Materials through Photocatalytic Oxidation, CO Conversion, Dye Degradation, and Electrochemical Measurements
Authors: Lee Hangil , Kim Yeonwoo , Kim Min Ji , Kim Ki-jeong , Kim Byung-Kwon 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn order to compare the catalytic activities of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), graphene oxide (GO), and graphene, we conducted oxidation of 2-aminothiophenol (2-ATP) and reduction of nitrobenzene (NB) in their presence by using high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy (HRPES). In addition, we determined conversion rates of CO to CO2 in the presence of these catalysts by performing a residual gas analyzer (RGA) under a UHV condition, Orange II and methylene blue degradations UV-vis spectrophotometry, and electrochemistry (EC) measurements in an aqueous solution, as well as by obtaining cyclic voltammograms and determining the change of the condition of electrodes before and after the oxidation of 2-ATP. We found that we can successively fabricate GO (oxidation) and graphene (reduction) from rGO by controlling the oxidation or reduction procedure time and then clearly comparing the critical properties among them as we perform various oxidation and reduction activities.
Polarization of an electroactive functional film on titanium for inducing osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Zhou Zhengnan , Li Weiping , He Tianrui , Qian Lei , Tan Guoxin , Ning Chengyun 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTo enhance the surface bioactivity of titanium (Ti) prostheses, an electroactive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film was prepared on a Ti substrate to provide a mimetic of the electrical microenvironment, which facilitated the performance of cell functions. The results of cell proliferation and differentiation assays indicated that polarization of the PVDF-Ti (PTi) altered its surface charge, thus inducing adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cells. The polarized PVDF-Ti (PPTi) may therefore find applications in bone regeneration.
Genomic, physiologic, and proteomic insights into metabolic versatility in Roseobacter clade bacteria isolated from deep-sea water
Authors: Tang Kai , Yang Yujie , Lin Dan , Li Shuhui , Zhou Wenchu , Han Yu , Liu Keshao , Jiao Nianzhi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRoseobacter clade bacteria are ubiquitous in marine environments and now thought to be significant contributors to carbon and sulfur cycling. However, only a few strains of roseobacters have been isolated from the deep-sea water column and have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we present the complete genomes of phylogentically closed related Thiobacimonas profunda JLT2016 and Pelagibaca abyssi JLT2014 isolated from deep-sea water of the Southeastern Pacific. The genome sequences showed that the two deep-sea roseobacters carry genes for versatile metabolisms with functional capabilities such as ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-mediated carbon fixation and inorganic sulfur oxidation. Physiological and biochemical analysis showed that T. profunda JLT2016 was capable of autotrophy, heterotrophy, and mixotrophy accompanied by the production of exopolysaccharide. Heterotrophic carbon fixation via anaplerotic reactions contributed minimally to bacterial biomass. Comparative proteomics experiments showed a significantly up-regulated carbon fixation and inorganic sulfur oxidation associated proteins under chemolithotrophic conditions compared to heterotrophic conditions. Collectively, rosebacters show a high metabolic flexibility, suggesting a considerable capacity for adaptation to the marine environment.
Juvenile hormone regulation of female reproduction in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius
Authors: Gujar Hemant , Palli Subba Reddy 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTo begin studies on reproduction in common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, we identified three genes coding for vitellogenin (Vg, a protein required for the reproductive success of insects) and studied their hormonal regulation. RNA interference studied showed that expression of Vg3 gene in the adult females is a prerequisite for successful completion of embryogenesis in the eggs laid by them. Juvenile hormone (JH) receptor, Methoprene-tolerant (Met), steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) and GATAa but not ecdysone receptor (EcR) or its partner, ultraspiracle (USP) are required for expression of Vg genes. Feeding and mating working through Vg, Met, SRC, EcR, and GATAa regulate oocyte development. Knockdown of the expression of Met, SRC, EcR, USP, BR-C (Broad-Complex), TOR (target of rapamycin), and GATAa in female adults resulted in a reduction in the number eggs laid by them. Interestingly, Kruppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1) knockdown in the adult females did not reduce their fecundity but affected the development of embryos in the eggs laid by females injected with Kr-h1 double-stranded RNA. These data suggest that JH functioning through Met and SRC regulate both vitellogenesis and oogenesis in C. lectularius. However, JH does not work through Kr-h1 but may work through transcription factors not yet identified.
White matter microstructural characteristics in newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease: An unbiased whole-brain study
Authors: Wen Ming-Ching , Heng Hannah S. E. , Ng Samuel Y. E. , Tan Louis C. S. , Chan Ling Ling , Tan Eng King 
Published: October 2016

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. Findings on specific white matter (WM) alterations in PD have been inconsistent. We hypothesized that WM changes occur in early PD patients and unbiased whole-brain analysis may provide additional evidence of pathological WM changes in PD. In this study, we examined various indexes of WM microstructure in newly diagnosed PD patients at the whole-brain level. 64 PDs with Hoehn & Yahr stage 1 (HY1PDs), 87 PDs with Hoehn & Yahr stage 2 (HYPD2s), and 60 controls (HCs) were recruited. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and diffusion connectometry were used to identify changes of WM pathways associated with PD. There were no significant differences in axial diffusivity, but HY1PDs exhibited greater fractional anisotropy (FA) and decreased mean and radial diffusivities (MD and RD) in callosal, projection, and association fibres than HCs and HY2PDs. Motor severity was inversely correlated with FA, but positively correlated with MD and RD in PD patients. Connectometry analysis also revealed increased WM density in the aforementioned tracts in PD patients, compared with HCs. Our study reveals WM enhancement, suggesting neural compensations in early PD. Longitudinal follow-up studies are warranted to identify the trajectory of WM changes alongside the progression of PD.
AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway is critically involved in human pluripotent stem cell survival
Authors: Romorini Leonardo , Garate Ximena , Neiman Gabriel , Luzzani Carlos , Furmento Verónica Alejandra , Guberman Alejandra Sonia , Sevlever Gustavo Emilio , Scassa María Elida , Miriuka Santiago Gabriel 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHuman embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are self-renewing pluripotent stem cells (PSC) that can differentiate into a wide range of specialized cells. Basic fibroblast growth factor is essential for PSC survival, stemness and self-renewal. PI3K/AKT pathway regulates cell viability and apoptosis in many cell types. Although it has been demonstrated that PI3K/AKT activation by bFGF is relevant for PSC stemness maintenance its role on PSC survival remains elusive. In this study we explored the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of PSC survival by AKT. We found that inhibition of AKT with three non-structurally related inhibitors (GSK690693, AKT inhibitor VIII and AKT inhibitor IV) decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis. We observed a rapid increase in phosphatidylserine translocation and in the extent of DNA fragmentation after inhibitors addition. Moreover, abrogation of AKT activity led to Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and PARP cleavage. Importantly, we demonstrated by pharmacological inhibition and siRNA knockdown that GSK3β signaling is responsible, at least in part, of the apoptosis triggered by AKT inhibition. Moreover, GSK3β inhibition decreases basal apoptosis rate and promotes PSC proliferation. In conclusion, we demonstrated that AKT activation prevents apoptosis, partly through inhibition of GSK3β, and thus results relevant for PSC survival.
Differential effects of L-tryptophan and L-leucine administration on brain resting state functional networks and plasma hormone levels
Authors: Zanchi Davide , Meyer-Gerspach Anne Christin , Suenderhauf Claudia , Janach Katharina , le Roux Carel W. , Haller Sven , Drewe Jürgen , Beglinger Christoph , Wölnerhanssen Bettina K. , Borgwardt Stefan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractDepending on their protein content, single meals can rapidly influence the uptake of amino acids into the brain and thereby modify brain functions. The current study investigates the effects of two different amino acids on the human gut-brain system, using a multimodal approach, integrating physiological and neuroimaging data. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, L-tryptophan, L-leucine, glucose and water were administered directly into the gut of 20 healthy subjects. Functional MRI (fMRI) in a resting state paradigm (RS), combined with the assessment of insulin and glucose blood concentration, was performed before and after treatment. Independent component analysis with dual regression technique was applied to RS-fMRI data. Results were corrected for multiple comparisons. In comparison to glucose and water, L-tryptophan consistently modifies the connectivity of the cingulate cortex in the default mode network, of the insula in the saliency network and of the sensory cortex in the somatosensory network. L-leucine has lesser effects on these functional networks. L-tryptophan and L-leucine also modified plasma insulin concentration. Finally, significant correlations were found between brain modifications after L-tryptophan administration and insulin plasma levels. This study shows that acute L-tryptophan and L-leucine intake directly influence the brain networks underpinning the food-reward system and appetite regulation.
Circular Dichroism Microscopy Free from Commingling Linear Dichroism via Discretely Modulated Circular Polarization
Authors: Narushima Tetsuya , Okamoto Hiromi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn this work, we developed a circular dichroism (CD) imaging microscope with a device to suppress the commingling of linear birefringence (LB) and linear dichroism (LD) signals. CD signals are, in principle, free from the commingling influence of LD and LB if the sample is illuminated with pure circularly polarized light, with no linear polarization contribution. Based on this idea, we here propose a novel circular polarization modulation method to suppress the contribution of linear polarization, which enables high-sensitivity CD detection (10−4 level in optical density unit or mdeg level in ellipticity) for microscopic imaging at a nearly diffraction limited spatial resolution (sub-μm level). The highly sensitive, diffraction-limited local CD detection will make direct analyses of chiral structures and spatial mappings of optical activity feasible for μm- to sub-μm-sized materials and may yield a number of applications as a unique optical imaging method.
Coverage recommendation for genotyping analysis of highly heterologous species using next-generation sequencing technology
Authors: Song Kai , Li Li , Zhang Guofan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractNext-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is being applied to an increasing number of non-model species and has been used as the primary approach for accurate genotyping in genetic and evolutionary studies. However, inferring genotypes from sequencing data is challenging, particularly for organisms with a high degree of heterozygosity. This is because genotype calls from sequencing data are often inaccurate due to low sequencing coverage, and if this is not accounted for, genotype uncertainty can lead to serious bias in downstream analyses, such as quantitative trait locus mapping and genome-wide association studies. Here, we used high-coverage reference data sets from Crassostrea gigas to simulate sequencing data with different coverage, and we evaluate the influence of genotype calling rate and accuracy as a function of coverage. Having initially identified the appropriate parameter settings for filtering to ensure genotype accuracy, we used two different single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling pipelines, single-sample and multi-sample. We found that a coverage of 15× was suitable for obtaining sufficient numbers of SNPs with high accuracy. Our work provides guidelines for the selection of sequence coverage when using NGS to investigate species with a high degree of heterozygosity and rapid decay of linkage disequilibrium.