bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical Properties and Local Structure Evolution during Crystallization of Ga16Sb84 Alloy
Authors: Dong F. , Guo Y. R. , Qiao C. , Wang J. J. , Shen H. , Su W. S. , Zheng Y. X. , Zhang R. J. , Chen L. Y. , Wang S. Y. , Miao X. S. , Xu M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPhase-change memory is one of the most promising candidates for future memory technologies. However, most of the phase-change memories are based on chalcogenides, while other families of materials for this purpose remain insufficiently studied. In this work, we investigate the optical properties and microstructure of Ga16Sb84 by an in-situ ellipsometer and X-ray diffraction. Our experimental results reveal that the Ga16Sb84 films exhibit a relatively high crystallization temperature of ~250 °C, excelling in long data retention. In addition, a large optical contrast exists between the amorphous and crystalline states, which may make it suitable for use in optical discs. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that a unique local structure order in the amorphous and crystalline phases is responsible for the optical properties observed in the experiment. The similarity found in the short-range orders of the amorphous and crystalline phases is beneficial to better understanding the fast phase transition of phase-change memory.
Towards a gene regulatory network shaping the fins of the Princess cichlid
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay , Sefc Kristina M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractVariation in fin shape and size contributes to the outstanding morphological diversity of teleost fishes, but the regulation of fin growth has not yet been studied extensively outside the zebrafish model. A previous gene expression study addressing the ornamental elongations of unpaired fins in the African cichlid fish Neolamprologus brichardi identified three genes (cx43, mmp9 and sema3d) with strong and consistent expression differences between short and elongated fin regions. Remarkably, the expression patterns of these genes were not consistent with inferences on their regulatory interactions in zebrafish. Here, we identify a gene expression network (GRN) comprising cx43, mmp9, and possibly also sema3d by a stepwise approach of identifying co-expression modules and predicting their upstream regulators. Among the transcription factors (TFs) predicted as potential upstream regulators of 11 co-expressed genes, six TFs (foxc1, foxp1, foxd3, myc, egr2, irf8) showed expression patterns consistent with their cooperative transcriptional regulation of the gene network. Some of these TFs have already been implicated in teleost fish fin regeneration and formation. We particularly discuss the potential function of foxd3 as driver of the network and its role in the unexpected gene expression correlations observed in N. brichardi.
Learning and Memory Impairments in Patients with Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy are Associated with Structural and Functional Connectivity Alterations in Hippocampus
Authors: García-García Raquel , Cruz-Gómez Álvaro Javier , Urios Amparo , Mangas-Losada Alba , Forn Cristina , Escudero-García Desamparados , Kosenko Elena , Torregrosa Isidro , Tosca Joan , Giner-Durán Remedios , Serra Miguel Angel , Avila César , Belloch Vicente , Felipo Vicente , Montoliu Carmina 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPatients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) show mild cognitive impairment associated with alterations in attentional and executive networks. There are no studies evaluating the relationship between memory in MHE and structural and functional connectivity (FC) changes in the hippocampal system. This study aimed to evaluate verbal learning and long-term memory in cirrhotic patients with (C-MHE) and without MHE (C-NMHE) and healthy controls. We assessed the relationship between alterations in memory and the structural integrity and FC of the hippocampal system. C-MHE patients showed impairments in learning, long-term memory, and recognition, compared to C-NMHE patients and controls. Cirrhotic patients showed reduced fimbria volume compared to controls. Larger volumes in hippocampus subfields were related to better memory performance in C-NMHE patients and controls. C-MHE patients presented lower FC between the L-presubiculum and L-precuneus than C-NMHE patients. Compared to controls, C-MHE patients had reduced FC between L-presubiculum and subiculum seeds and bilateral precuneus, which correlated with cognitive impairment and memory performance. Alterations in the FC of the hippocampal system could contribute to learning and long-term memory impairments in C-MHE patients. This study demonstrates the association between alterations in learning and long-term memory and structural and FC disturbances in hippocampal structures in cirrhotic patients.
Body-size increase in crinoids following the end-Devonian mass extinction
Authors: Brom Krzysztof R. , Salamon Mariusz A. , Gorzelak Przemysław 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe Devonian period ended with one of the largest mass extinctions in the Earth history. It comprised a series of separate events, which eliminated many marine species and led to long-term post-extinction reduction in body size in some groups. Surprisingly, crinoids were largely unaffected by these extinction events in terms of diversity. To date, however, no study examined the long-term body-size trends of crinoids over this crucial time interval. Here we compiled the first comprehensive data sets of sizes of calyces for 262 crinoid genera from the Frasnian-Visean. We found that crinoids have not experienced long-term reduction in body size after the so-called Hangenberg event. Instead, size distributions of calyces show temporal heterogeneity in the variance, with an increase in both the mean and maximum biovolumes between the Famennian and Tournaisian. The minimum biovolume, in turn, has remained constant over the study interval. Thus, the observed pattern seems to fit a Brownian motion-like diffusion model. Intriguingly, the same model has been recently invoked to explain morphologic diversification within the eucladid subclade during the Devonian-early Carboniferous. We suggest that the complex interplay between abiotic and biotic factors (i.e., expansion of carbonate ramps and increased primary productivity, in conjunction with predatory release after extinction of Devonian-style durophagous fishes) might have been involved not only in the early Mississippian diversity peak of crinoids, but possibly also in their overall passive expansion into larger body-size niches.
Association of microRNA-7 and its binding partner CDR1-AS with the prognosis and prediction of 1st-line tamoxifen therapy in breast cancer
Authors: Uhr K. , Sieuwerts A. M. , de Weerd V. , Smid M. , Hammerl D. , Foekens J. A. , Martens J. W. M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe large number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their breadth of functionalities has fuelled many studies on their roles in cancer. We previously linked four microRNAs to breast cancer prognosis. One of these microRNAs, hsa-miR-7, was found to be regulated by another type of ncRNA, the circular non-coding RNA (circRNA) CDR1-AS, which contains multiple hsa-miR-7 binding sites. Based on this finding, we studied the potential clinical value of this circRNA on breast cancer prognosis in a cohort based on a cohort that was previously analysed for hsa-miR-7 and in an adjuvant hormone-naïve cohort for 1st-line tamoxifen treatment outcomes, in which we also analysed hsa-miR-7. A negative correlation was observed between hsa-miR-7 and CDR1-AS in both cohorts. Despite associations with various clinical metrics (e.g., tumour grade, tumour size, and relapse location), CDR1-AS was neither prognostic nor predictive of relevant outcomes in our cohorts. However, we did observe stromal CDR1-AS expression, suggesting a possible cell-type specific interaction. Next to the known association of hsa-miR-7 expression with poor prognosis in primary breast cancer, we found that high hsa-miR-7 expression was predictive of an adverse response to tamoxifen therapy and poor progression-free and post-relapse overall survival in patients with recurrent disease.
Dalbavancin for treatment of implant-related methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis in an experimental rat model
Authors: Kussmann Manuel , Obermueller Markus , Berndl Florian , Reischer Veronika , Veletzky Luzia , Burgmann Heinz , Poeppl Wolfgang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDalbavancin is a new semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide with improved antimicrobial activity against various gram-positive pathogens. It demonstrates an extensive plasma half-life which permits outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy with weekly intervals and might therefore be an excellent treatment alternative for patients requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy. The present study investigated dalbavancin monotherapy in an experimental implant-related methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis model. A clinical MRSA isolate and a Kirschner-wire were inserted into the proximal tibia of anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Four weeks after infection 34 animals were treated over 4 weeks with either dalbavancin (20 mg/kg loading-dose; 10 mg/kg daily), vancomycin (50 mg/kg twice daily) or left untreated. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment dose tibial bones and Kirschner-wires were harvested for microbiological examination. Based on quantitative bacterial cultures of osseous tissue, dalbavancin was as effective as vancomycin and both were superior to no treatment. No emergence of an induced glycopeptide-/lipoglycopeptide- resistance was observed after a treatment period of four weeks with either dalbavancin or vancomycin. In conclusion, monotherapy with dalbavancin was shown to be as effective as vancomycin for treatment of experimental implant-related MRSA osteomyelitis in rats, but both antimicrobials demonstrated only limited efficacy. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of dalbavancin for the treatment of periprosthetic S. aureus infections.
Relationship between Optical Intensity on Optical Coherence Tomography and Retinal Ischemia in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Chen Jian , Chen Weiqi , Xia Honghe , Jin Chuang , Lu Xuehui , Chen Haoyu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBranch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) may be complicated with retinal ischemia in some cases. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the relationship between optical intensity on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retinal ischemia in BRVO. Twenty-seven eyes diagnosed with BRVO without macular edema were classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of retinal ischemia. The optical intensity of inner retinal layers and photoreceptor inner segment ellipsoid zone/retinal pigment epithelium layer (ISe/RPE) in the affected and unaffected regions were measured on OCT. Their ratio (Optical intensity ratio, OIR) was calculated and compared between affected and unaffected region. In the retinal ischemia group, the optical intensity of inner retinal layers was higher in the affected region compared to the unaffected region while the optical intensity of ISe/RPE was low. The OIR was significantly higher in the affected region compared to control (0.83 ± 0.17 vs 0.68 ± 0.09, p < 0.001). However, in the non-ischemic group, there was no significant difference between the affected and unaffected region. The BCVA was moderately correlated with OIR of affected region (r = 0.489, p = 0.010). Our study suggests that optical intensity ratio on OCT is correlated with retinal ischemia in BRVO.
Influence of the 2-methylimidazole/zinc nitrate hexahydrate molar ratio on the synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 crystals at room temperature
Authors: Zhang Yongyong , Jia Ying , Li Ming , Hou Li’an 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe effect of the 2-methylimidazole (Hmim)/zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn) molar ratio on the physicochemical characteristics of the zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was investigated. ZIF-8 crystals were synthesized by mixing Hmim with Zn at room temperature without any additives in methanol solution. It was found that Hmim/Zn molar ratio had significant influence on the crystallinity, yield, particle size and porosity of ZIF-8. The samples synthesized at low Hmim/Zn molar ratio showed a cubic shape, whereas at higher Hmim/Zn ratios truncated rhombic dodecahedron or rhombic dodecahedron morphologies were obtained. The particle size is decreased upon increasing the Hmim/Zn molar ratio. Besides, higher Hmim/Zn molar ratio in a certain range resulted in improving crystallinity, yield, surface area and micropore volume of ZIF-8. The ZIF-8 crystals produced at Hmim/Zn molar ratio of 8 exhibited the best characteristics. The present work provides new insights in relation to the role of Hmim/Zn molar ratio on the synthesis process of ZIF-8.
Adaptable, illumination patterning light sheet microscopy
Authors: Power Rory M. , Huisken Jan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMinimally-invasive optical imaging requires that light is delivered efficiently to limit the detrimental impact of photodamage on delicate biological systems. Light sheet microscopy represents the exemplar in tissue specific optical imaging of small and mesoscopic samples alike. However, further gains towards gentler imaging require a more selective imaging strategy to limit exposure to multiple yet discrete tissues without overexposing the sample, particularly where the information content is sparse or particularly optically sensitive tissues are present. The development of sample-adaptive imaging techniques is crucial in pursuit of the next generation of smart, autonomous microscopes. Herein, we report a microscope capable of performing 4D (x, y, z, t) light patterning to selectively illuminate multiple, rapidly reconfigurable regions of interest while maintaining the rapid imaging speed and high contrast associated with light sheet microscopy. We illustrate this utility in living zebrafish larvae and phantom samples.
High-performance solid state supercapacitors assembling graphene interconnected networks in porous silicon electrode by electrochemical methods using 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalen
Authors: Romanitan Cosmin , Varasteanu Pericle , Mihalache Iuliana , Culita Daniela , Somacescu Simona , Pascu Razvan , Tanasa Eugenia , Eremia Sandra A. V. , Boldeiu Adina , Simion Monica , Radoi Antonio , Kusko Mihaela 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe challenge for conformal modification of the ultra-high internal surface of nanoporous silicon was tackled by electrochemical polymerisation of 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene using cyclic voltammetry or potentiometry and, notably, after the thermal treatment (800 °C, N2, 4 h) an assembly of interconnected networks of graphene strongly adhering to nanoporous silicon matrix resulted. Herein we demonstrate the achievement of an easy scalable technology for solid state supercapacitors on silicon, with excellent electrochemical properties. Accordingly, our symmetric supercapacitors (SSC) showed remarkable performance characteristics, comparable to many of the best high-power and/or high-energy carbon-based supercapacitors, their figures of merit matching under battery-like supercapacitor behaviour. Furthermore, the devices displayed high specific capacity values along with enhanced capacity retention even at ultra-high rates for voltage sweep, 5 V/s, or discharge current density, 100 A/g, respectively. The cycling stability tests performed at relatively high discharge current density of 10 A/g indicated good capacity retention, with a superior performance demonstrated for the electrodes obtained under cyclic voltammetry approach, which may be ascribed on the one hand to a better coverage of the porous silicon substrate and, on the other hand, to an improved resilience of the hybrid electrode to pore clogging.
A novel EM concentrator with open-concentrator region based on multi-folded transformation optics
Authors: Madni Hamza Ahmad , Hussain Khurram , Jiang Wei Xiang , Liu Shuo , Aziz Asad , Iqbal Shahid , Mahboob Athar , Cui Tie Jun 
Published: June 2018

AbstractConventional concentrators with inhomogeneous coating materials that fully enclose the destined region pose great challenges for fabrication. In this paper, we propose to design an EM concentrator with homogeneous materials. Distinguished from conventional ones, the elaborately designed EM concentrator features a concentrator region that is open to the outer-world, which is achieved with multi-folded transformation optics method by compressing and folding the coating materials to create window(s). Based on this concept, we also investigate open-rotator and open rotational-concentrator devices, which could simultaneously rotate and store the EM waves in the central destined region. Due to the open nature of our proposed designs, we believe they will find potential applications in remote controlling with impressive new functionalities.
A Zeb2-miR-200c loop controls midbrain dopaminergic neuron neurogenesis and migration
Authors: Yang Shanzheng , Toledo Enrique M. , Rosmaninho Pedro , Peng Changgeng , Uhlén Per , Castro Diogo S. , Arenas Ernest 
Published: June 2018

AbstractZeb2 is a homeodomain transcription factor that plays pleiotropic functions during embryogenesis, but its role for midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron development is unknown. Here we report that Zeb2 is highly expressed in progenitor cells in the ventricular zone of the midbrain floor plate and downregulated in postmitotic neuroblasts. Functional experiments show that Zeb2 expression in the embryonic ventral midbrain is dynamically regulated by a negative feedback loop that involves miR-200c. We also find that Zeb2 overexpression reduces the levels of CXCR4, NR4A2, and PITX3 in the developing ventral midbrain in vivo, resulting in migration and mDA differentiation defects. This phenotype was recapitulated by miR-200c knockdown, suggesting that the Zeb2-miR-200c loop prevents the premature differentiation of mDA progenitors into postmitotic cells and their migration. Together, our study establishes Zeb2 and miR-200c as critical regulators that maintain the balance between mDA progenitor proliferation and neurogenesis.
A solution with free boundary for non-Newtonian fluids with Drucker–Prager plasticity criterion
Authors: Ntovoris E. , Regis M. 
Published: June 2018

We study a free boundary problem which is motivated by a particular case of the flow of a non-Newtonian fluid, with a pressure depending yield stress given by a Drucker–Prager plasticity criterion. We focus on the steady case and reformulate the equation as a variational problem. The resulting energy has a term with linear growth while we study the problem in an unbounded domain. We derive an Euler–Lagrange equation and prove a comparison principle. We are then able to construct a subsolution and a supersolution which quantify the natural and expected properties of the solution; in particular, we show that the solution has in fact compact support, the boundary of which is the free boundary.
The model describes the flow of a non-Newtonian material on an inclined plane with walls, driven by gravity. We show that there is a critical angle for a non-zero solution to exist. Finally, using the sub/supersolutions we give estimates of the free boundary.
Six New neo-Clerodane Diterpenoids from Aerial Parts of Scutellaria barbata and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Yang Guo-Chun , Hu Jia-Hui , Li Bing-Long , Liu Huan , Wang Jia-Yue , Sun Li-Xin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSix new neo-clerodane diterpenoids (1–6), scutebatas X – Z, A1-C1, along with twelve known ones (7–18) were obtained via the phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Scutellaria barbata. Their structures were established by detailed spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2, as the representative members of this type, were identified based on a circular dichroic exciton chirality method. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity of compounds 1–6 were evaluated against three human cancer cell lines (SGC-7901, MCF-7, and A-549) using the MTT method. Compound 6 showed cytotoxic activities against all the three cell lines with IC50 values of 17.9, 29.9, and 35.7 µM, respectively.
Direct Parastomal Percutaneous Embolization for Bleeding Stomal Varices
Authors: Singh Manu , Braverman Stuart , Hartzman Steve , Lee Arthur 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA 71-year-old woman with a history of colon cancer and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease presented with lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Workup revealed cirrhosis with peristomal varices, which was managed successfully with computed tomography (CT)–guided percutaneous parastomal access and subsequent embolization.
Digital Arteriovenous Fistula Formation Associated with Bone Fracture Induced Blunt Trauma
Authors: Miyake Keisuke , Kikuchi Shinsuke , Koya Atsuhiro , Sawa Yoshiki , Azuma Nobuyoshi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAn arteriovenous fistula formation caused by a blunt trauma is a quite rare complication, especially in the hand. We report an extremely rare case of a traumatic arteriovenous formation in a finger that developed 5 years after the patient received a blunt trauma in conjunction with a phalangeal bone fracture. Successful management was achieved by direct surgical resection of the arteriovenous fistula without any complication.
Do Cemented Dual-Mobility Cups Confer Stability for Patients at High Risk of Dislocation in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty?
Authors: Evangelista Perry , Okroj Kamil , Plummer Darren , Della Valle Craig , Schwarzkopf Ran 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDislocation is among the most commonly reported complications following revision total hip arthroplasty. Dual-mobility bearings may lower the risk of dislocation. The authors report the results of a multicenter study evaluating the use of a dual-mobility acetabular cup design that was cemented into a metal shell as part of complex acetabular reconstructions or in cases where the risk of dislocation was felt to be high, such as isolated bearing exchanges. Eighteen patients were identified for being at high risk of dislocation who underwent cementation of a dual-mobility shell that is specifically made for cementation, into a fully porous metal revision acetabular cup (10 patients) or into a well-fixed cup at the time of revision without removal of the existing acetabular component (eight patients). Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at a minimum of 2 years for the evidence of dislocation, revision surgery, and implant loosening. At a mean of 36 months (range, 25–56 months), one patient died and one was lost to follow-up. There were no known cases of hip dislocation. There was one repeat revision, for a deep infection treated with irrigation and debridement. The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score of 46 (range, 40–79) improved to a mean of 65 points (range, 41–97) at the most recent evaluation. Acetabular components were retained in 8 out of 18 cases and the dual-mobility shell was cemented into it. Cementation of a dual-mobility cup into a shell at the time of a revision surgery is a safe and reliable construct at minimum of 2 years for patients at high risk of dislocation. There were no complications related to the cementation of the cup into the metal shell. Longer follow-up is required to further assess the durability of this construct.