bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deformation mechanism of innovative 3D chiral metamaterials
Authors: Wu Wenwang , Qi Dexing , Liao Haitao , Qian Guian , Geng Luchao , Niu Yinghao , Liang Jun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRational design of artificial microstructured metamaterials with advanced mechanical and physical properties that are not accessible in nature materials is very important. Making use of node rotation and ligament bending deformation features of chiral materials, two types of innovative 3D chiral metamaterials are proposed, namely chiral- chiral- antichiral and chiral- antichiral- antichiral metamaterials. In-situ compression and uniaxial tensile tests are performed for studying the mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of these two types of 3D chiral metamaterials. Novel deformation mechanisms along different directions are explored and analyzed, such as: uniform spatial rotation deformation, tensile-shearing directed (compression-shearing directed), tensile-expansion directed (compression-shrinkage directed) deformation mechanisms of 3D chiral metamaterials, and competitions between different types of deformation mechanisms are discussed. The proposed 3D chiral metamaterials represents a series of metamaterials with robust microstructures design feasibilities.
A platform for discovery of functional cell-penetrating peptides for efficient multi-cargo intracellular delivery
Authors: Hoffmann Katrin , Milech Nadia , Juraja Suzy M. , Cunningham Paula T. , Stone Shane R. , Francis Richard W. , Anastasas Mark , Hall Clinton M. , Heinrich Tatjana , Bogdawa Heique M. , Winslow Scott , Scobie Marie N. , Dewhurst Robert E. , Florez Laura , Ong Ferrer , Kerfoot Maria , Champain Danie , Adams Abbie M. , Fletcher Susan , Viola Helena M. , Hool Livia C. , Connor Theresa , Longville Brooke A. C. , Tan Yew-Foon , Kroeger Karen , Morath Volker , Weiss Gregory A. , Skerra Arne , Hopkins Richard M. , Watt Paul M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCell penetrating peptides (CPPs) offer great potential to deliver therapeutic molecules to previously inaccessible intracellular targets. However, many CPPs are inefficient and often leave their attached cargo stranded in the cell’s endosome. We report a versatile platform for the isolation of peptides delivering a wide range of cargos into the cytoplasm of cells. We used this screening platform to identify multiple “Phylomer” CPPs, derived from bacterial and viral genomes. These peptides are amenable to conventional sequence optimization and engineering approaches for cell targeting and half-life extension. We demonstrate potent, functional delivery of protein, peptide, and nucleic acid analog cargos into cells using Phylomer CPPs. We validate in vivo activity in the cytoplasm, through successful transport of an oligonucleotide therapeutic fused to a Phylomer CPP in a disease model for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. This report thus establishes a discovery platform for identifying novel, functional CPPs to expand the delivery landscape of druggable intracellular targets for biological therapeutics.
Bioengineering of bacterial pathogens for noninvasive imaging and in vivo evaluation of therapeutics
Authors: Rajamani Sathish , Kuszpit Kyle , Scarff Jennifer M. , Lundh Linnea , Khan Maisha , Brown Jennifer , Stafford Robert , Cazares Lisa H. , Panchal Rekha G. , Bocan Thomas 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCritical bacterial pathogens of public health and biodefense concerns were engineered to constitutively express Escherichia coli enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) that allows for noninvasive nuclear imaging via phosphorylation and entrapment of radiolabeled nucleoside analog 1-(2′deoxy-2′-fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil (FIAU). Expression of functional TK was established using a nucleoside analog Zidovudine that impeded the growth of tk-engineered bacteria. Significantly, no observable growth differences were detected for FIAU. High resolution mass spectrometry with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and its tk variant (PAO1TK) confirmed FIAU phosphorylation and retention only in PAO1TK. In vitro gamma counting with wild-type PAO1, Acinetobacter baumannii and Burkholderia pseudomallei Bp82 and their tk derivatives with [18F]FIAU further confirmed that tk variants selectively incorporated the radiotracer, albeit with varying efficiencies. In vitro [18F]FIAU labeling coupled with in vivo Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging of PAO1 and PAO1TK confirmed that only PAO1TK can be imaged in mice at sensitivities ≥107 bacteria per infection site. This was further verified by administering [18F]FIAU to animals infected with PAO1 and PAO1TK. Utility of tk-engineered P. aeruginosa in noninvasive PET/CT imaging for bacterial therapeutic evaluation in animals was demonstrated employing antibiotic ciprofloxacin, underscoring the immediate use of PAO1TK and potentially other engineered pathogens for evaluating experimental therapeutics.
Area dependent behavior of bathocuproine (BCP) as cathode interfacial layers in organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Patil Bhushan R. , Ahmadpour Mehrad , Sherafatipour Golnaz , Qamar Talha , Fernández Antón F. , Zojer Karin , Rubahn Horst-Günter , Madsen Morten 
Published: August 2018

AbstractStandard and inverted configuration small molecule OPV cells incorporating bathocuproine (BCP) as electron transport and exciton blocking layer is investigated, demonstrating that 2 mm2 standard and inverted cells display a maximum performance for BCP thicknesses of 10 nm and 1.5 nm, respectively. The reason for the different optimum BCP thicknesses for the two device configurations is the BCP-metal complex formed between the Ag electrode and the BCP layer in the standard configuration OPV devices. Interestingly, at optimum BCP thicknesses, the inverted OPV cells outperform the standard devices. Upon up-scaling of the device area of the cells from 2 mm2 to 10 and 100 mm2, device failure becomes prominent for the inverted OPV cells, due to aggregation of the evaporated BCP layer on the ITO surface. This demonstrates that although BCP can be adopted for efficient ETL in inverted configuration OPV devices on small scale, it is not suitable for device up-scaling due to severely decreasing device yields. In this work, a possible solution where an ultrathin layer of C70 is evaporated between the ITO and BCP layer is proposed. It is demonstrated that the proposed solution holds a strong potential to minimize the device failures of the BCP based inverted OPV cells to a significant extent, while maintaining good device performances.
Examining the viability of dorsal fin pigmentation for individual identification of poorly-marked delphinids
Authors: Pawley M. D. M. , Hupman K. E. , Stockin K. A. , Gilman A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDolphin photo-identification has traditionally relied only on distinctive markings on the dorsal fin—this is problematic for delphinids whose populations exhibit a low mark ratio. We used common dolphins (genusDelphinus) as a model species to assess the viability of using pigmentation for photo-identification. Using a photo-identification catalogue of 169 adult individuals collected between 2002 and 2013, we extracted features that quantified pigmentation in a manner that was robust to lighting artefacts and dorsal fin orientation. We determined the proportion of individuals which exhibited pigmentation and examined temporal stability by (i) visually examining individuals and (ii) testing for seriation. We found 88–91% of images could be manually matched to the correct individual in the catalogue based on pigmentation patterns alone. A linear discriminant analysis classifier correctly identified the correct individual 77% of the time. We found 95% common dolphins exhibited distinctive pigmentation—all of which were temporarily stable. Our work challenges the current thinking that pigmentation is an unreliable feature for delphinid photo-identification and suggests that this feature could be applied to common dolphins and other poorly-marked delphinids.
Scale separated low viscosity dynamos and dissipation within the Earth’s core
Authors: Sheyko Andrey , Finlay Christopher , Favre Jean , Jackson Andrew 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe mechanism by which the Earth’s magnetic field is generated is thought to be thermal convection in the metallic liquid iron core. Here we present results of a suite of self-consistent spherical shell computations with ultra-low viscosities that replicate this mechanism, but using diffusivities of momentum and magnetic field that are notably dissimilar from one another. This leads to significant scale separation between magnetic and velocity fields, the latter being dominated by small scales. We show a zeroth order balance between the azimuthally-averaged parts of the Coriolis and Lorentz forces at large scales, which occurs when the diffusivities of magnetic field and momentum differ so much, as in our model. Outside boundary layers, viscous forces have a magnitude that is about one thousandth of the Lorentz force. In this dynamo dissipation is almost exclusively Ohmic, as in the Earth, with convection inside the so-called tangent cylinder playing a crucial role; it is also in the “strong field” regime, with significantly more magnetic energy than kinetic energy (as in the Earth). We finally show a robust empirical scaling law between magnetic dissipation and magnetic energy.
Large-scale synthesis of free-standing N-doped graphene using microwave plasma
Authors: Bundaleska N. , Henriques J. , Abrashev M. , Botelho do Rego A. M. , Ferraria A. M. , Almeida A. , Dias F. M. , Valcheva E. , Arnaudov B. , Upadhyay K. K. , Montemor M. F. , Tatarova E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDirect assembling of N-graphene, i.e. nitrogen doped graphene, in a controllable manner was achieved using microwave plasmas at atmospheric pressure conditions. The synthesis is accomplished via a single step using ethanol and ammonia as carbon and nitrogen precursors. Tailoring of the high-energy density plasma environment results in a selective synthesis of N-graphene (~0.4% doping level) in a narrow range of externally controlled operational conditions, i.e. precursor and background gas fluxes, plasma reactor design and microwave power. Applying infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to the flow of free-standing sheets in the post-plasma zone carries out changes in the percentage of sp2, the N doping type and the oxygen functionalities. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the relative extension of the graphene sheets π-system and the type of nitrogen chemical functions present in the lattice structure. Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy were applied to determine morphological and structural characteristics of the sheets. Optical emission and FT-IR spectroscopy were applied for characterization of the high-energy density plasma environment and outlet gas stream. Electrochemical measurements were also performed to elucidate the electrochemical behavior of NG for supercapacitor applications.
Phase-transition assisted mechanical behavior of TiZrHfTax high-entropy alloys
Authors: Huang Shuo , Li Wei , Holmström Erik , Vitos Levente 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRecent developments of high-entropy alloys with high strength and high ductility draw attention to the metastability-engineering strategy. Using first-principle theory, here we demonstrate that reducing the Ta level in the refractory TiZrHfTax system destabilizes the body-centered cubic (bcc) phase and leads to the appearance of the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phase embedded in the bcc matrix. The alloying-induced features of the elastic parameters for the cubic and hexagonal structures are mapped out in details, and strong sensitivity to the crystal lattice and chemistry is revealed. Results show softening of the bcc matrix with decreasing Ta concentration which ensures ductile behavior. However, the elastically nearly isotropic hcp precipitates possess enhanced resistance against shear which promotes strengthening of the TiZrHfTax dual-phase system. The present atomic-level insight provides strong evidence to the experimental observation, and emphasizes the significance of quantum-design for advanced multi-phase high-entropy alloys with excellent strength-ductility combinations.
Crowding for faces is determined by visual (not holistic) similarity: Evidence from judgements of eye position
Authors: Kalpadakis-Smith Alexandra V. , Goffaux Valérie , Greenwood John A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCrowding (the disruption of object recognition in clutter) presents the fundamental limitation on peripheral vision. For simple objects, crowding is strong when target/flanker elements are similar and weak when they differ – a selectivity for target-flanker similarity. In contrast, the identification of upright holistically-processed face stimuli is more strongly impaired by upright than inverted flankers, whereas inverted face-targets are impaired by both – a pattern attributed to an additional stage of crowding selective for “holistic similarity” between faces. We propose instead that crowding is selective for target-flanker similarity in all stimuli, but that this selectivity is obscured by task difficulty with inverted face-targets. Using judgements of horizontal eye-position that are minimally affected by inversion, we find that crowding is strong when target-flanker orientations match and weak when they differ for both upright and inverted face-targets. By increasing task difficulty, we show that this selectivity for target-flanker similarity is obscured even for upright face-targets. We further demonstrate that this selectivity follows differences in the spatial order of facial features, rather than “holistic similarity” per se. There is consequently no need to invoke a distinct stage of holistic crowding for faces – crowding is selective for target-flanker similarity, even with complex stimuli such as faces.
Bare surface of gold nanoparticle induces inflammation through unfolding of plasma fibrinogen
Authors: Kharazian Bahar , Lohse Samuel E. , Ghasemi Forough , Raoufi Mohamad , Saei Amir Ata , Hashemi Fatemeh , Farvadi Fakhrossadat , Alimohamadi Reza , Jalali Seyed Amir , Shokrgozar Mohammad A. , Hadipour Nasser L. , Ejtehadi Mohammad Reza , Mahmoudi Morteza 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe surface of nanoparticles (NPs) get coated by a wide range of biomolecules, upon exposure to biological fluids. It is now being increasingly accepted that NPs with particular physiochemical properties have a capacity to induce conformational changes to proteins and therefore influence their biological fates, we hypothesized that the gold NP’s metal surface may also be involved in the observed Fg unfolding and inflammatory response. To mechanistically test this hypothesis, we probed the interaction of Fg with gold surfaces using molecular dynamic simulation (MD) and revealed that the gold surface has a capacity to induce Fg conformational changes in favor of inflammation response. As the integrity of coatings at the surface of ultra-small gold NPs are not thorough, we also hypothesized that the ultra-small gold NPs have a capacity to induce unfolding of Fg regardless of the composition and surface charge of their coatings. Using different surface coatings at the surface of ultra-small gold NPs, we validated this hypothesis. Our findings suggest that gold NPs may cause unforeseen inflammatory effects, as their surface coatings may be degraded by physiological activity.
Single compounds elicit complex behavioural responses in wild, free-ranging rats
Authors: Jackson Michael D. , Keyzers Robert A. , Linklater Wayne L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThere is mounting evidence that single compounds can act as signals and cues for mammals and that when presented at their optimal concentration they can elicit behavioural responses that replicate those recorded for complex mixtures like gland secretions and foods. We designed a rapid bioassay to present nine compounds that we had previously identified in foods, each at seven different concentrations (63 treatments), to wild, free-ranging rats and scored each treatment for attraction and three behavioural responses. Nine treatments (taken from five compounds) statistically outperformed the current standard rat attractant, peanut butter. Attraction to treatments was highest at the two lowest concentrations (0.1 and 0.01 μg g−1) and a statistically significant relationship of increasing attraction with decreasing treatment concentration was identified. Our study identified five compounds not previously associated with behavioural responses by rats that elicit equivalent or more intense behavioural responses than those obtained with peanut butter. Moreover, attraction to treatments was driven by a concentration-dependent relationship not previously reported. This is the first study to identify isopentanol, 1-hexanol, acetoin, isobutyl acetate and 2-methylbutyl acetate as possible semiochemicals/cues for rats. More broadly, our findings provide important guidance to researchers in the ongoing search for mammalian semiochemicals and cues.
Long-term potentiation in an innexin-based electrical synapse
Authors: Welzel Georg , Schuster Stefan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractElectrical synapses are formed by two unrelated gap junction protein families, the primordial innexins (invertebrates) or the connexins (vertebrates). Although molecularly different, innexin- and connexin-based electrical synapses are strikingly similar in their membrane topology. However, it remains unclear if this similarity extends also to more sophisticated functions such as long-term potentiation which is only known in connexin-based synapses. Here we show that this capacity is not unique to connexin-based synapses. Using a method that allowed us to quantitatively measure gap-junction conductance we provide the first and unequivocal evidence of long-term potentiation in an innexin-based electrical synapse. Our findings suggest that long-term potentiation is a property that has likely existed already in ancestral gap junctions. They therefore could provide a highly potent system to dissect shared molecular mechanisms of electrical synapse plasticity.
Experimental evaluation of the impact of household aerosolized insecticides on pyrethroid resistant Aedes aegypti
Authors: Gray Lyndsey , Florez Sergio Dzib , Barreiro Anuar Medina , Vadillo-Sánchez José , González-Olvera Gabriela , Lenhart Audrey , Manrique-Saide Pablo , Vazquez-Prokopec Gonzalo M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe extensive reliance on insecticides to control Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and disrupt transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika has fueled the emergence of widespread resistance to insecticides. Mismatch between the frequency of pyrethroid resistance in mosquitoes and the occurrence of pyrethroid-based insecticide applications for vector control is often hypothesized to be due to household use of commercial insecticide products. We experimentally quantified phenotypic and genotypic responses of four Ae. aegypti strains (three field, pyrethroid resistant, and one laboratory, pyrethroid susceptible) after exposure to two commonly used household aerosol insecticide products (a space spray and a residual spray formulation) containing pyrethroid active ingredients. Experiments were performed within homes of Mérida, Mexico. After exposure to the products, all three pyrethroid resistant field Ae. aegypti strains had significantly lower mortality rates (averaging 41% and 50% for the two products, respectively) than the controls (99%). Applying insecticides as surface sprays led to a significant increase in the frequency of I1016 kdr homozygotes in surviving Ae. aegypti, suggesting strong selection pressure for this allele. Given the large-scale use of household aerosol insecticide products in areas that are endemic for Ae. aegypti–transmitted diseases, their role as a pyrethroid resistance selection source, particularly when used as space sprays, should be taken into consideration when designing resistance management plans.
A microsatellite based multiplex PCR method for the detection of chromosomal instability in gastric cancer
Authors: Kohlruss Meike , Reiche Magdalena , Jesinghaus Moritz , Grosser Bianca , Slotta-Huspenina Julia , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Bauer Lukas , Novotny Alexander , Weichert Wilko , Keller Gisela 
Published: August 2018

AbstractChromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of distinct subclasses of tumours with potential clinical relevance. The aim of our study was to establish a time and cost effective method for the determination of CIN in gastric carcinomas (GC). We developed a microsatellite based multiplex PCR assay for the detection of allelic imbalances (AI) using experimentally defined marker specific threshold values for AI. The assay was tested in 90 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded GC and results were compared in a subset of 30 carcinomas with the Affymetrix OncoScan assay, which detects copy number variations on genome wide level. The ratios of alterations detected by the two methods demonstrated a significant correlation (r = 0.88). Based on the results of the OncoScan assay, tumours were classified in CIN-High and CIN-Low and a threshold of the AI ratio determined with the PCR assay was defined. Accordingly, 20 of the 90 GC (22%) were CIN-Low and 70 (78%) CIN-High. A significant association of CIN-High was found with intestinal type tumours and proximal tumour localization. In conclusion, we established a PCR based method to categorize AI as surrogate for CIN, which is easy to perform and useful for the clarification of the clinical relevance of CIN in large GC cohorts.
Sleep-dependent enhancement of emotional memory in early childhood
Authors: Kurdziel Laura B. F. , Kent Jessica , Spencer Rebecca M. C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNaps in early childhood support declarative memory consolidation. However, emotional memories are unique in the neural basis of encoding as well as the sleep physiology underlying consolidation. Specifically, while consolidation of declarative memories has been associated with slow wave sleep, a prevailing theory suggests that REM sleep is necessary for consolidation of memories with emotional valence. Thus, we presented children (34–64 months) with faces paired with mean or nice descriptions. There were no significant main effects of emotional valence on recognition memory. Change in memory accuracy also did not differ when probed after a nap compared to the change in memory accuracy after an interval awake. However, when memory was probed again following overnight sleep, the change in memory accuracy was greater if the child napped the previous day. Greater nap slow wave activity was associated with greater memory decay during the nap. Yet nap slow wave activity also predicted greater overnight improvement in memory. These results suggest that sleep bouts can interact to benefit memory in early childhood.