bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Freezing out of a low-energy bulk spin exciton in SmB6
Authors: Akintola Kolawole , Pal Anand , Dunsiger Sarah R. , Fang Alex C. Y. , Potma Matt , Saha Shanta R. , Wang Xiangfeng , Paglione Johnpierre , Sonier Jeff E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe Kondo insulator SmB6 is purported to develop into a robust topological insulator at low temperatures. Yet there are several puzzling and unexplained physical properties of the insulating bulk. It has been proposed that bulk spin excitons may be the source of these anomalies and may also adversely affect the topologically protected metallic surface states. Here, we report muon spin rotation measurements of SmB6 that show thermally activated behavior for the temperature dependence of the transverse-field relaxation rate below 20 K and a decreasing contact hyperfine field contribution to the positive muon Knight shift below 5–6 K. Our data are consistent with the freezing out of a bulk low-energy (~1 meV) spin exciton concurrent with the appearance of metallic surface conductivity. Furthermore, our results support the idea that spin excitons play some role in the anomalous low-temperature bulk properties of SmB6.
Simulating quantum dynamical phenomena using classical oscillators: Landau-Zener-Stückelberg-Majorana interferometry, latching modulation, and motional averaging
Authors: Ivakhnenko O. V. , Shevchenko S. N. , Nori Franco 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA quantum system can be driven by either sinusoidal, rectangular, or noisy signals. In the literature, these regimes are referred to as Landau-Zener-Stückelberg-Majorana (LZSM) interferometry, latching modulation, and motional averaging, respectively. We demonstrate that these pronounced and interesting effects are also inherent in the dynamics of classical two-state systems. We discuss how such classical systems are realized using either mechanical, electrical, or optical resonators. In addition to the fundamental interest of such dynamical phenomena linking classical and quantum physics, we believe that these are attractive for the classical analogue simulation of quantum systems.
Characterization of avian influenza virus attachment patterns to human and pig tissues
Authors: Eriksson Per , Lindskog Cecilia , Engholm Ebbe , Blixt Ola , Waldenström Jonas , Munster Vincent , Lundkvist Åke , Olsen Björn , Jourdain Elsa , Ellström Patrik 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWild birds of Anseriformes and Charadriiformes are natural reservoirs of influenza A viruses (IAVs). Occasionally, IAVs transmit and adapt to mammalian hosts, and are maintained as epidemic strains in their new hosts. Viral adaptions to mammalian hosts include altered receptor preference of host epithelial sialylated oligosaccharides from terminal α2,3-linked sialic acid (SA) towards α2,6-linked SA. However, α2,3-linked SA has been found in human respiratory tract epithelium, and human infections by avian IAVs (AIVs) have been reported. To further explore the attachment properties of AIVs, four AIVs of different subtypes were investigated on human and pig tissues using virus histochemistry. Additionally, glycan array analysis was performed for further characterization of IAVs’ receptor structure tropism. Generally, AIV attachment was more abundant to human tissues than to pig tissues. The attachment pattern was very strong to human conjunctiva and upper respiratory tract, but variable to the lower respiratory tract. AIVs mainly attached to α2,3-linked SA, but also to combinations of α2,3- and α2,6-linked SA. The low attachment of these AIV isolates to pig tissues, but high attachment to human tissues, addresses the question whether AIVs in general require passage through pigs to obtain adaptions towards mammalian receptor structures.
Practical Three-Minute Synthesis of Acid-Coated Fluorescent Carbon Dots with Tuneable Core Structure
Authors: Hill Stephen A. , Benito-Alifonso David , Davis Sean A. , Morgan David J. , Berry Monica , Galan M. Carmen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe report a one-pot, three-minute synthesis of carboxylic acid-decorated fluorescent carbon dots (COOH-FCDs) with tuneable core morphology dependent on the surface passivating agent. Mechanism investigations highlighted the presence of key pyrazine and polyhydroxyl aromatic motifs, which are formed from the degradation of glucosamine in the presence of a bifunctional linker bearing acid and amine groups. The novel COOH-FCDs are selective Fe3+ and hemin sensors. Furthermore, the FCDs are shown to be non-toxic, fluorescent bioimaging agents for cancer cells.
Subcellular Peptide Localization in Single Identified Neurons by Capillary Microsampling Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Linwen , Khattar Nikkita , Kemenes Ildiko , Kemenes Gyorgy , Zrinyi Zita , Pirger Zsolt , Vertes Akos 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSingle cell mass spectrometry (MS) is uniquely positioned for the sequencing and identification of peptides in rare cells. Small peptides can take on different roles in subcellular compartments. Whereas some peptides serve as neurotransmitters in the cytoplasm, they can also function as transcription factors in the nucleus. Thus, there is a need to analyze the subcellular peptide compositions in identified single cells. Here, we apply capillary microsampling MS with ion mobility separation for the sequencing of peptides in single neurons of the mollusk Lymnaea stagnalis, and the analysis of peptide distributions between the cytoplasm and nucleus of identified single neurons that are known to express cardioactive Phe-Met-Arg-Phe amide-like (FMRFamide-like) neuropeptides. Nuclei and cytoplasm of Type 1 and Type 2 F group (Fgp) neurons were analyzed for neuropeptides cleaved from the protein precursors encoded by alternative splicing products of the FMRFamide gene. Relative abundances of nine neuropeptides were determined in the cytoplasm. The nuclei contained six of these peptides at different abundances. Enabled by its relative enrichment in Fgp neurons, a new 28-residue neuropeptide was sequenced by tandem MS.
Method for the Destruction of Endotoxin in Synthetic Spider Silk Proteins
Authors: Decker Richard E. , Harris Thomas I. , Memmott Dylan R. , Peterson Christopher J. , Lewis Randolph V. , Jones Justin A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAlthough synthetic spider silk has impressive potential as a biomaterial, endotoxin contamination of the spider silk proteins is a concern, regardless of the production method. The purpose of this research was to establish a standardized method to either remove or destroy the endotoxins present in synthetic spider silk proteins, such that the endotoxin level was consistently equal to or less than 0.25 EU/mL, the FDA limit for similar implant materials. Although dry heat is generally the preferred method for endotoxin destruction, heating the silk proteins to the necessary temperatures led to compromised mechanical properties in the resultant materials. In light of this, other endotoxin destruction methods were investigated, including caustic rinses and autoclaving. It was found that autoclaving synthetic spider silk protein dopes three times in a row consistently decreased the endotoxin level 10–20 fold, achieving levels at or below the desired level of 0.25 EU/mL. Products made from triple autoclaved silk dopes maintained mechanical properties comparable to products from untreated dopes while still maintaining low endotoxin levels. Triple autoclaving is an effective and scalable method for preparing synthetic spider silk proteins with endotoxin levels sufficiently low for use as biomaterials without compromising the mechanical properties of the materials.
PP4397/FlgZ provides the link between PP2258 c-di-GMP signalling and altered motility in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Wirebrand Lisa , Österberg Sofia , López-Sánchez Aroa , Govantes Fernando , Shingler Victoria 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBacteria swim and swarm using rotating flagella that are driven by a membrane-spanning motor complex. Performance of the flagella motility apparatus is modulated by the chemosensory signal transduction system to allow navigation through physico-chemical gradients – a process that can be fine-tuned by the bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP. We have previously analysed thePseudomonas putidasignalling protein PP2258 that has the capacity to both synthesize and degrade c-di-GMP. A PP2258 null mutant displays reduced motility, implicating the c-di-GMP signal originating from this protein in control ofP. putidamotility. InEscherichia coliandSalmonella, the PilZ-domain protein YcgR mediates c-di-GMP responsive control of motility through interaction with the flagellar motors. Here we provide genetic evidence that theP. putidaprotein PP4397 (also known as FlgZ), despite low sequence homology and a different genomic context to YcgR, functions as a c-di-GMP responsive link between the signal arising from PP2258 and alterations in swimming and swarming motility inP. putida.
COPD is accompanied by co-ordinated transcriptional perturbation in the quadriceps affecting the mitochondria and extracellular matrix
Authors: Willis-Owen Saffron A. G. , Thompson Anna , Kemp Paul R. , Polkey Michael I. , Cookson William O. C. M. , Moffatt Miriam F. , Natanek Samantha A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSkeletal muscle dysfunction is a frequent extra-pulmonary manifestation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with implications for both quality of life and survival. The underlying biology nevertheless remains poorly understood. We measured global gene transcription in the quadriceps using Affymetrix HuGene1.1ST arrays in an unselected cohort of 79 stable COPD patients in secondary care and 16 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. We detected 1,826 transcripts showing COPD-related variation. Eighteen exhibited ≥2fold changes (SLC22A3, FAM184B, CDKN1A, FST, LINC01405, MUSK, PANX1, ANKRD1, C12orf75, MYH1, POSTN, FRZB, TNC, ACTC1, LINC00310, MYH3, MYBPH and AREG). Thirty-one transcripts possessed previous reported evidence of involvement in COPD through genome-wide association, including FAM13A. Network analysis revealed a substructure comprising 6 modules of co-expressed genes. We identified modules with mitochondrial and extracellular matrix features, of which IDH2, a central component of the mitochondrial antioxidant pathway, and ABI3BP, a proposed switch between proliferation and differentiation, represent hubs respectively. COPD is accompanied by coordinated patterns of transcription in the quadriceps involving the mitochondria and extracellular matrix and including genes previously implicated in primary disease processes.
Trends of Visual Impairment and Blindness in the Singapore Chinese Population over a Decade
Authors: Tham Yih-Chung , Lim Sing-Hui , Shi Yuan , Chee Miao-Li , Zheng Ying Feng , Chua Jacqueline , Saw Seang-Mei , Foster Paul , Aung Tin , Wong Tien Yin , Cheng Ching-Yu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe evaluated the prevalence of visual impairment (VI) and blindness among Chinese adults in the Singapore Chinese Eye Study (SCES, 2009–2011), and compared the trends with the Tanjong Pagar Survey, Singapore (TPS), conducted a decade earlier. The SCES comprised of 3,353 Chinese adults aged ≥40 years (response rate, 72.8%). Participants underwent standardized examinations, including measurements of presenting, and best-corrected visual acuity (VA). Bilateral VI (VA < 20/40 to ≥20/200) and blindness (VA < 20/200) were defined based on the United States definition (better-seeing eye). Age-standardized prevalence was calculated using the 2010 Singapore Chinese Population Census. Primary causes and factors associated with VI and blindness were evaluated. In SCES, the age-standardized prevalence of presenting bilateral VI and blindness were 17.7% and 0.6%, respectively; the age-standardised prevalence of best-corrected bilateral VI and blindness were 3.4% and 0.2%, respectively. The previous TPS reported similar rates of best-corrected bilateral VI (3.8%) and blindness (0.3%). In SCES, cataract remains the main cause for both best-corrected bilateral VI (76.0%) and blindness (50.0%). Older age, female, lower income, lower educational level, and smaller housing type were associated with presenting bilateral VI or blindness (all P ≤ 0.025). These findings will be useful for the planning of eye care services and resource allocation.
Assessing the augmentation of Amblydromalus limonicus with the supplementation of pollen, thread, and substrates to combat greenhouse whitefly populations
Authors: Lee Ming Hui , Zhang Zhi-Qiang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDue to issues with establishment and persistence of natural enemies in biological control, the provision of alternative food sources and oviposition sites are important factors to enhance pest control. In this study, three different supplementation treatments were examined for their ability to increase the populations of the predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus, and its implications for greenhouse whitefly control on peppers and eggplants. These were: (1) pollen (Typha orientalis), (2) pollen and thread, (3) pollen, thread, and a substrate mixture of buckwheat, gorse, and rice husks, which were compared to a control treatment that had no supplementation. Significant treatment effects were found on pepper for A. limonicus (mite eggs p = 0.008, mobile mites p = <0.0001). The predatory mite successfully established and persisted at high population levels in the pollen-thread, and pollen-thread-substrate treatments. All supplementation treatments were able to control whitefly populations on peppers, while the control treatment failed to. The results obtained were formulated into possible application techniques for greenhouse growers to utilise.
Human tissue-engineered skeletal muscle: a novel 3D in vitro model for drug disposition and toxicity after intramuscular injection
Authors: Gholobova D. , Gerard M. , Decroix L. , Desender L. , Callewaert N. , Annaert P. , Thorrez L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe development of laboratory-grown tissues, referred to as organoids, bio-artificial tissue or tissue-engineered constructs, is clearly expanding. We describe for the first time how engineered human muscles can be applied as a pre- or non-clinical model for intramuscular drug injection to further decrease and complement the use of in vivo animal studies. The human bio-artificial muscle (BAM) is formed in a seven day tissue engineering procedure during which human myoblasts fuse and differentiate to aligned myofibers in an extracellular matrix. The dimensions of the BAM constructs allow for injection and follow-up during several days after injection. A stereotactic setup allows controllable injection at multiple sites in the BAM. We injected several compounds; a dye, a hydrolysable compound, a reducible substrate and a wasp venom toxin. Afterwards, direct reflux, release and metabolism were assessed in the BAM constructs in comparison to 2D cell culture and isolated human muscle strips. Spectrophotometry and luminescence allowed to measure the release of the injected compounds and their metabolites over time. A release profile over 40 hours was observed in the BAM model in contrast to 2D cell culture, showing the capacity of the BAM model to function as a drug depot. We also determined compound toxicity on the BAMs by measuring creatine kinase release in the medium, which increased with increasing toxic insult. Taken together, we show that the BAM is an injectable human 3D cell culture model that can be used to measure release and metabolism of injected compounds in vitro.
Heavy metals in Yinma River sediment in a major Phaeozems zone, Northeast China: Distribution, chemical fraction, contamination assessment and source apportionment
Authors: Guan Jiunian , Wang Jia , Pan He , Yang Chen , Qu Jiao , Lu Nan , Yuan Xing 
Published: August 2018

AbstractYinma River is a typical river in the major Phaeozems zone of Northeast China. It has been suffering an increasing environmental pressure from heavy metal contamination due to the rapid development of population, social-economy and urbanization as well as long term over cultivation. This study investigated the spatial distribution, chemical fraction of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, Ni, As, and Hg) in sediments of Yinma River based on BCR procedure, assessed the contamination level, and identified their sources via multivariate statistical analysis. The chemical fraction results indicated that Cd, Pb, Ni, and Zn exhibited higher mobility susceptibility and bioavailability with a significant and late anthropogenic origin. Hg and Cd might exert a potential hazardous influence on aquatic biota according to the geo-accumulation index (Igeo). The pollution load index (PLI) assessment suggested that all of the sediment samples have been contaminated. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that Zn, Cu, Hg, Cd, and Pb reflected the anthropogenic sources with a close correlation with TOC and socio-economic development; Ni, As and Cr tended to represent the geochemical background. Furthermore, Changchun City and Shitoukoumen Reservoir as the major drinking water source may be hotspots of the heavy metal contamination in the watershed.
Novel monoclonal antibody L2A5 specifically targeting sialyl-Tn and short glycans terminated by alpha-2–6 sialic acids
Authors: Loureiro Liliana R. , Sousa Diana P. , Ferreira Dylan , Chai Wengang , Lima Luís , Pereira Carina , Lopes Carla B. , Correia Viviana G. , Silva Lisete M. , Li Chunxia , Santos Lúcio Lara , Ferreira José Alexandre , Barbas Ana , Palma Angelina S. , Novo Carlos , Videira Paula A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIncomplete O-glycosylation is a feature associated with malignancy resulting in the expression of truncated glycans such as the sialyl-Tn (STn) antigen. Despite all the progress in the development of potential anti-cancer antibodies, their application is frequently hindered by low specificities and cross-reactivity. In this study, a novel anti-STn monoclonal antibody named L2A5 was developed by hybridoma technology. Flow cytometry analysis showed that L2A5 specifically binds to sialylated structures on the cell surface of STn-expressing breast and bladder cancer cell lines. Moreover, immunoblotting assays demonstrated reactivity to tumour-associated O-glycosylated proteins, such as MUC1. Tumour recognition was further observed using immunohistochemistry assays, which demonstrated a high sensitivity and specificity of L2A5 mAb towards cancer tissue, using bladder and colorectal cancer tissues. L2A5 staining was exclusively tumoural, with a remarkable reactivity in invasive and metastasis sites, not detectable by other anti-STn mAbs. Additionally, it stained 20% of cases of triple-negative breast cancers, suggesting application in diseases with unmet clinical needs. Finally, the fine specificity was assessed using glycan microarrays, demonstrating a highly specific binding of L2A5 to core STn antigens and additional ability to bind 2–6-linked sialyl core-1 probes. In conclusion, this study describes a novel anti-STn antibody with a unique binding specificity that can be applied for cancer diagnostic and future development of new antibody-based therapeutic applications.
Complex bile duct network formation within liver decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogels
Authors: Lewis Phillip L. , Su Jimmy , Yan Ming , Meng Fanyin , Glaser Shannon S. , Alpini Gianfranco D. , Green Richard M. , Sosa-Pineda Beatriz , Shah Ramille N. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe biliary tree is an essential component of transplantable human liver tissue. Despite recent advances in liver tissue engineering, attempts at re-creating the intrahepatic biliary tree have not progressed significantly. The finer branches of the biliary tree are structurally and functionally complex and heterogeneous and require harnessing innate developmental processes for their regrowth. Here we demonstrate the ability of decellularized liver extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels to induce thein vitroformation of complex biliary networks using encapsulated immortalized mouse small biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes). This phenomenon is not observed using immortalized mouse large cholangiocytes, or with purified collagen 1 gels or Matrigel. We also show phenotypic stability via immunostaining for specific cholangiocyte markers. Moreover, tight junction formation and maturation was observed to occur between cholangiocytes, exhibiting polarization and transporter activity. To better define the mechanism of duct formation, we utilized three fluorescently labeled, but otherwise identical populations of cholangiocytes. The cells, in a proximity dependent manner, either branch out clonally, radiating from a single nucleation point, or assemble into multi-colored structures arising from separate populations. These findings present liver dECM as a promising biomaterial for intrahepatic bile duct tissue engineering and as a tool to study duct remodelingin vitro.
Experimental investigations on drag-reduction characteristics of bionic surface with water-trapping microstructures of fish scales
Authors: Wu Liyan , Jiao Zhibin , Song Yuqiu , Liu Cuihong , Wang Huan , Yan Yuying 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBiological surfaces with unique wettability in nature have provided an enormous innovation for scientists and engineers. More specifically, materials possessing various wetting properties have drawn considerable attention owing to their promising application prospects. Recently, great efforts have been concentrated on the researches on wetting-induced drag-reduction materials inspired by biology because of their ability to save energy. In this work, the drag-reduction characteristics of the bionic surface with delicate water-trapping microstructures of fish Ctenopharyngodon idellus scales were explored by experimental method. Firstly, the resistance of smooth surface and bionic surface experimental sample at different speeds was carefully tested through the testing system for operation resistance. Then, the contact angle (CA) of fish scale surface was measured by means of the contact angle measuring instrument. It was discovered that the bionic surface created a rewarding drag-reduction effect at a low speed, and the drag-reduction rate significantly displayed a downward trend with the increase in flow speed. Thus, when the rate was 0.66 m/s, the drag-reduction effect was at the optimum level, and the maximum drag reduction rate was 2.805%, which was in concordance with the simulated one. Furthermore, a contact angle (CA) of 11.5° appeared on the fish scale surface, exhibiting fine hydrophilic property. It further manifested the spreading-wetting phenomenon and the higher surface energy for the area of apical of fish scales, which played an important role in drag-reduction performance. This work will have a great potential in the engineering and transportation field.