bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of temperature on the displacement threshold energy in graphene
Authors: Chirita Mihaila Alexandru Ionut , Susi Toma , Kotakoski Jani 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe atomic structure of nanomaterials is often studied using transmission electron microscopy. In addition to image formation, the energetic electrons impinging on the sample may also cause damage. In a good conductor such as graphene, the damage is limited to the knock-on process caused by elastic electron-nucleus scattering. This process is determined by the kinetic energy an atom needs to be sputtered, i.e. its displacement threshold energy Ed. This is typically assumed to have a fixed value for all electron impacts on equivalent atoms within a crystal. Here we show using density functional tight-binding simulations that the displacement threshold energy is affected by thermal perturbations of atoms from their equilibrium positions. This effect can be accounted for in the estimation of the displacement cross section by replacing the constant threshold energy value with a distribution. Our refined model better describes previous precision measurements of graphene knock-on damage, and should be considered also for other low-dimensional materials.
Soil temperature and hydric potential influences the monthly variations of soil Tuber aestivum DNA in a highly productive orchard
Authors: Todesco Flora , Belmondo Simone , Guignet Yoann , Laurent Liam , Fizzala Sandrine , Le Tacon François , Murat Claude 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTuber aestivum, also known as the summer or Burgundy truffle, is an ectomycorrhizal Ascomycete associated with numerous trees and shrubs. Its life cycle occurs in the soil, and thus soil parameters such as temperature and water availability could influence it.T.aestivumcultivation has started in several countries, but ecological and agronomic requirements for the establishment and management of orchards are largely unknown. The aims of this work were: 1) to design a specific qPCR protocol using genomic data to trace and quantifyT.aestivumDNA in the soil; and 2) to assess the monthly soil DNA dynamic according to soil parameters (i.e. soil hydric potential and temperature) in this orchard. The study was conducted in a highly productiveT.aestivumorchard (hazels, oaks, pines, lime and hornbeam). The production started five years after the plantation and then increased exponentially to reach a maximum of 320 kg/ha in 2017. The soil hydric potential and temperature partially explained the monthlyT.aestivumsoil DNA variability. The data presented here offer new insights intoT.aestivumecology and cultivation.
Demonstration of polarization control GaN-based micro-cavity lasers using a rigid high-contrast grating reflector
Authors: Chang Tsu-Chi , Hong Kuo-Bin , Kuo Shuo-Yi , Lu Tien-Chang 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe reported on GaN microcavity (MC) lasers combined with one rigid TiO2 high-contrast grating (HCG) structure as the output mirror. The HCG structure was directly fabricated on the GaN structure without an airgap. The entire MC structure comprised a bottom dielectric distributed Bragg reflector; a GaN cavity; and a top HCG reflector, which was designed to yield high reflectance for transverse magnetic (TM)- or transverse electric (TE)-polarized light. The MC device revealed an operation threshold of approximately 0.79 MW/cm2 when pulsed optical pumping was conducted using the HCG structure at room temperature. The laser emission was TM polarized with a degree of polarization of 99.2% and had a small divergence angle of 14° (full width at half maximum). This laser operation demonstration for the GaN-based MC structure employing an HCG exhibited the advantages of HCGs in semiconductor lasers at wavelengths from green to ultraviolet.
Down-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 attenuates p53-dependent apoptosis of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons following transient cerebral ischemia
Authors: Shin Bich Na , Kim Dae Won , Kim In Hye , Park Joon Ha , Ahn Ji Hyeon , Kang Il Jun , Lee Yun Lyul , Lee Choong-Hyun , Hwang In Koo , Kim Young-Myeong , Ryoo Sungwoo , Lee Tae-Kyeong , Won Moo-Ho , Lee Jae-Chul 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAbnormal activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is associated with pathophysiological conditions. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can provide neuroprotective effects against subsequent lethal ischemic insult. The objective of this study was to determine how Cdk5 and related molecules could affect neuroprotection in the hippocampus of gerbils after with IPC [a 2-min transient cerebral ischemia (TCI)] followed by 5-min subsequent TCI. Hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons were dead at 5 days post-TCI. However, treatment with roscovitine (a potent inhibitor of Cdk5) and IPC protected CA1 pyramidal neurons from TCI. Expression levels of Cdk5, p25, phospho (p)-Rb and p-p53 were increased in nuclei of CA1 pyramidal neurons at 1 and 2 days after TCI. However, these expressions were attenuated by roscovitine treatment and IPC. In particular, Cdk5, p-Rb and p-p53 immunoreactivities in their nuclei were decreased. Furthermore, TUNEL-positive CA1 pyramidal neurons were found at 5 days after TCI with increased expression levels of Bax, PUMA, and activated caspase-3. These TUNEL-positive cells and increased molecules were decreased by roscovitine treatment and IPC. Thus, roscovitine treatment and IPC could protect CA1 pyramidal neurons from TCI through down-regulating Cdk5, p25, and p-p53 in their nuclei. These findings indicate that down-regulating Cdk5 might be a key strategy to attenuate p53-dependent apoptosis of CA1 pyramidal neurons following TCI.
Annurca apple polyphenol extract selectively kills MDA-MB-231 cells through ROS generation, sustained JNK activation and cell growth and survival inhibition
Authors: Martino Elisa , Vuoso Daniela Cristina , D’Angelo Stefania , Mele Luigi , D’Onofrio Nunzia , Porcelli Marina , Cacciapuoti Giovanna 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPolyphenols represent the most studied class of nutraceuticals that can be therapeutics for a large spectrum of diseases, including cancer. In this study, we investigated for the first time the antitumor activities of polyphenol extract from Annurca apple (APE) in MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells, and we explored the underlying mechanisms. APE selectively inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell viability and caused G2/M phase arrest associated with p27 and phospho-cdc25C upregulation and with p21 downregulation. APE promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in MDA-MB-231 cells while it acted as antioxidant in non-tumorigenic MCF10A cells. We demonstrated that ROS generation represented the primary step of APE antitumor activity as pretreatment with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevented APE-induced G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy. APE downregulated Dusp-1 and induced a significant increase in JNK/c-Jun phosphorylation that were both prevented by NAC. Moreover, downregulation of JNK by its specific inhibitor SP600125 significantly diminished the anticancer activity of APE indicating that ROS generation and sustained JNK activation represented the main underlying mechanism of APE-induced cell death. APE also inhibited AKT activation and downregulated several oncoproteins, such as NF-kB, c-myc, and β-catenin. In light of these results, APE may be an attractive candidate for drug development against triple negative breast cancer.
Preparation of a novel Fe3O4/HCO composite adsorbent and the mechanism for the removal of antimony (III) from aqueous solution
Authors: Zhang Jun , Deng Ren-jian , Ren Bo-zhi , Hou Baolin , Hursthouse Andrew 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA novel adsorbent (Fe3O4/HCO) was prepared via co-precipitation from a mix of ferriferrous oxide and a Ce-rich waste industrial sludge recovered from an optical polishing activity. The effect of system parameters including reaction time, pH, dose, temperature as well as initial concentration on the adsorption of Sb(III) were investigated by sequential batch tests. The Sb(III)/Fe3O4/HCO system quickly reached adsorption equilibrium within 2 h, was effective over a wide pH (3–7) and demonstrated excellent removal at a 60 mg/L Sb(III) concentration. Three isothermal adsorption models were assessed to describe the equilibrium data for Sb(III) with Fe3O4/HCO. Compared to the Freundlich and dubinin-radushkevich, the Langmuir isotherm model showed the best fit, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 22.853 mg/g, which exceeds many comparable absorbents. Four kinetic models, Pseudo-first-order, Pseudo-second-order, Elovich and Intra-particle, were used to fit the adsorption process. The analysis showed that the mechanism was pseudo-second-order and chemical adsorption played a dominant role in the adsorption of Sb(III) by Fe3O4/HCO (correlation coefficient R2 = 0.993). Thermodynamic calculations suggest that adsorption of Sb(III) ions was endothermic, spontaneous and a thermodynamically feasible process. The mechanism of the adsorption of Sb(III) on Fe3O4/HCO could be described by the synergistic adsorption of Sb (III) on Fe3O4, FeCe2O4 and hydrous ceric oxide. The Fe3O4/HCO sorbent appears to be an efficient and environment-friendly material for the removal of Sb(III) from wastewater.
Impacts of atmospheric vertical structures on transboundary aerosol transport from China to South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyo-Jung , Jo Hyun-Young , Kim Sang-Woo , Park Moon-Soo , Kim Cheol-Hee 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTo forecast haze pollution episodes caused by high concentrations of long-range transported pollutants emitted in the areas upstream of South Korea, it is crucial to study and identify their behaviour. We analysed the three-dimensional air quality structure in Seoul using ground observation data and aerosol lidar measurements to identify vertical aerosol intrusion into the Korean Peninsula during the spring of 2016. The intrusions were particularly affected by the development of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) in the leeward regions. The nocturnal pollutant intrusion into the Korean peninsula via the Yellow Sea was examined using measured data. The pollutants first reached the area above the nocturnal boundary layer (548 ± 180 m) and approached ground level on the following day due to convective mixing depending on the convective ABL growth (1182 ± 540 m) in daytime. These intrusion mechanisms were mostly attributed to extremely high concentrations (i.e. >100 μg m−3) of fine particulate matter in the leeward regions, accounting for four of the total of six cases for which the warnings and alerts were issued in Seoul Metropolitan Area over a year-long period (2016). The horizontal and vertical pathways of the long-range transported pollutants and the atmospheric vertical structure were identified as key factors affecting the surface air quality concentration in the leeward regions.
Enabling Web-scale data integration in biomedicine through Linked Open Data
Authors: Kamdar Maulik R. , Fernández Javier D. , Polleres Axel , Tudorache Tania , Musen Mark A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe biomedical data landscape is fragmented with several isolated, heterogeneous data and knowledge sources, which use varying formats, syntaxes, schemas, and entity notations, existing on the Web. Biomedical researchers face severe logistical and technical challenges to query, integrate, analyze, and visualize data from multiple diverse sources in the context of available biomedical knowledge. Semantic Web technologies and Linked Data principles may aid toward Web-scale semantic processing and data integration in biomedicine. The biomedical research community has been one of the earliest adopters of these technologies and principles to publish data and knowledge on the Web as linked graphs and ontologies, hence creating the Life Sciences Linked Open Data (LSLOD) cloud. In this paper, we provide our perspective on some opportunities proffered by the use of LSLOD to integrate biomedical data and knowledge in three domains: (1) pharmacology, (2) cancer research, and (3) infectious diseases. We will discuss some of the major challenges that hinder the wide-spread use and consumption of LSLOD by the biomedical research community. Finally, we provide a few technical solutions and insights that can address these challenges. Eventually, LSLOD can enable the development of scalable, intelligent infrastructures that support artificial intelligence methods for augmenting human intelligence to achieve better clinical outcomes for patients, to enhance the quality of biomedical research, and to improve our understanding of living systems.
Design Of An Optofluidic Device For The Measurement Of The Elastic Modulus Of Deformable Particles
Authors: Villone Massimiliano M. , Nunes Janine K. , Stone Howard A. , Maﬀettone Pier Luca 
Published: September 2019

Suspensions carrying deformable inclusions are ubiquitous in nature and applications. Hence, high-throughput characterization of the mechanical properties of soft particles is of great interest. Recently, a non-invasive optofluidic technique has been developed for the measurement of the interfacial tension between two immiscible liquids [8]. We have adapted such technique to the case of soft solid beads, thus designing a non-invasive optofluidic device for the measurement of the mechanical properties of deformable particles from real-time optical imaging of their deformation.
The device consists of a cylindrical microfluidic channel with a cross-section reduction in which we make initially spherical soft beads flow suspended in a Newtonian carrier. By imaging the deformation of a particle in real time while it goes through the constriction, it is possible to get a measure of its elastic modulus through a theoretically derived-correlation. We provide both experimental and numerical validation of our device.
Urine Haptoglobin/Creatinine Ratio Correlates with Tubular Injury Biomarkers and Severity of Albuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Zhou Qianying , Zhang Lijun , Dai Yali , Huang Zhijun , Zhang Hao , Yi Bin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between urine haptoglobin/creatinine ratio(UHCR) and tubular injury biomarkers or severity of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes. Recruited T2DM patients (n=120) were divided into three groups based on urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR): normal albuminuria (Normo group, UACR<30 mg/g, n=40), microalbuminuria (Micro group, 30 mg/g ≤UACR<300 mg/g, n=38), and macroalbuminuria (Macro group, UACR ≥300 mg/g, n=42), with matched healthy individuals (NC group, n=30) as controls. ELISA assay was used to detect the levels of urine haptoglobin, NGAL and KIM-1. Automated biochemical analyzer was applied to detect the concentrations of urine creatinine and retinol binding protein (RBP). To eliminate concentration errors, urine NGAL, KIM-1, and RBP were normalized by creatinine and expressed as UHCR, UNCR, UKCR, and URCR, respectively. We found UHCR was significantly increased in T2DM patients as compared with NC group. Among the three diabetic groups, the Macro group had the highest level of UHCR, whereas the Normo group had the lowest level. T2DM patients with higher UHCR levels also had higher levels of UNCR, UKCR, and URCR. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated that UHCR was positively correlated with UACR, UNCR, UKCR, or URCR levels, and negatively correlated with eGFR. ROC curve analysis showed that UHCR was a sensitive and specific indicator for early diagnosis of DN. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that UHCR and UNCR were independent variables for UACR. Our research demonstrated that UHCR correlates with tubular injury biomarkers, including UNCR, UKCR, and URCR, and is independently associated with the severity of albuminuria in T2DM.
The Spectrum of Genetic Defects in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in the Population of Cyprus: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Neocleous Vassos , Fanis Pavlos , Toumba Meropi , Stylianou Charilaos , Picolos Michalis , Andreou Elena , Kyriakou Andreas , Iasonides Michalis , Nicolaou Stella , Kyriakides Tassos C. , Tanteles George A. , Skordis Nicos , Phylactou Leonidas A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is caused by mutations in the CYP21A2 gene. The study refers to CAH patients of Greek-Cypriot ancestry between years 2007 and 2018. One hundred and twenty patients with various degrees of CAH were categorized and genotyped. The patients were categorized in 4 mutation groups based on their clinical and biochemical findings. The majority of patients (85.0%) belonged to the non-classic (NC)-CAH form and the disorder was more often diagnosed in females (71.7%). The most severe classic salt-wasting (SW) form was identified in 11 neonates (9.2%). Seven (5.8%) children were also identified with the simple virilizing (SV) form and a median presentation age of 5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 3.2–6.5]. In the 240 nonrelated alleles, the most frequent mutation was p.Val281Leu (60.0%) followed by c.655 A/C>G (IVS2–13A/C>G) (8.8%), p.Pro453Ser (5.8%), DelEx1–3 (4.6%), p.Val304Met (4.6%), and p.Gln318stop (4.2%). Other less frequent mutations including rare deletions were also identified. Following our recent report that the true carrier frequency of CYP21A2 in Greek-Cypriots is 1:10, this study reports that the CAH prevalence is predicted around 1.7 cases per 10 000 people. Therefore, the up-to-date 120 CAH patients identified by our group make only the 6.9% of the ones estimated (approximately 1750) to exist in the Greek Cypriot population. The compiled data from a coherent population such as the Greek-Cypriot could be valuable for the antenatal diagnosis, management and genetic counselling of the existing and prospect families with CAH.
Sonografie peripherer Nerven: Tumore und Ganglien peripherer Nerven
Authors: Schminke Ulf , Allendörfer Jens 
Published: September 2019

ZusammenfassungDie Sonografie wird häufig als Methode der ersten Wahl zur Untersuchung von tastbaren Raumforderungen der Extremitäten angewendet. Tumore peripherer Nerven können unterteilt werden in periphere Nervenscheidentumore wie Schwannome und Neurofibrome, die von spezifischem neuralen Gewebe ausgehen, und in solche, die von unspezifischem Gewebe des Nervs ausgehen. Zur zweiten Gruppe gehören nervale Fibrolipome, intraneurale Perineuriome, Hämangiome und auch intraneurale Ganglien. Der folgende Artikel hat zum Ziel, eine Übersicht über die typischen sonografischen Befunde sowie über den Zusatznutzen der Sonografie gegenüber der elektrophysiologischen Untersuchung von Tumoren und Ganglien von peripheren Nerven zu geben.
The Risk For Malignancy of the Thyroid Nodule is Modulated by Gender, Echotexture, and Intranodular Lymphocytic Thyroiditis
Authors: Arena Salvatore , Benvenga Salvatore 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBased on the American (Bethesda, 2017) or Italian (SIAPEC 2014) cytological categories of thyroid nodules, the risk of malignancy and management vary. This risk is 5–10% or<3% (benign or TIR2), 6–18% or<10% (AUS/FLUS or TIR3A), 10–40% or 15–30% (FN/SFN or TIR3B), 45–60% or 60–80% (suspicious or TIR4), 94–96% or 95% (malignant or TIR5). In 408 thyroid nodules evaluated cytologically, we computed the malignancy rate in each category considering gender (325 females, 83 males), echotexture (268 isoechoic, 140 hypoechoic), intranodular chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (ICLT: 113 with and 295 without); histology (263 benign, 145 malignant). It was 0–1.7% for the benign categories, except hypoechoic/ICLT+ve nodules of females (25%); 0–2.3% for the AUS/FLUS category, except isoechoic/ICLT–ve nodules of males (11.1%) and hypoechoic/ICLT–ve nodules of females (22.2%). For the FN/SFN category, rate was the most variable (from 0% in isoechoic/ICLT+ve nodules of males to 100% in hypoechoic/ICLT–ve nodules of males). The 30% threshold for risk was passed in four subgroups, and the 40% threshold in two subgroups (45% in isoechoic/ICLT–ve nodules of males, 80% in hypoechoic/ICLT+ve nodules of females). For the suspicious category, rate was 100% in males, except those with isoechoic/ICLT–ve nodules (75%), and>80% in females with hypoechoic nodules. For the malignant category, rate was always 100%. In conclusion, particular groups of nodules (based on gender, echotexture, and ICLT) within the cytologically benign through the suspiciously malignant category are at risk of malignancy substantially greater (even 100%) than the standard one. Accordingly, the suggested management cannot be standardized.
Impact of Deficiency of Intrinsic Coagulation Factors XI and XII on Ex Vivo Thrombus Formation and Clot Lysis
Authors: Govers-Riemslag José W. P. , Konings Joke , Cosemans Judith M. E. M. , van Geffen Johanna P. , de Laat Bas , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Dargaud Yesim , ten Cate Hugo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe contributions of coagulation factor XI (FXI) and FXII to human clot formation is not fully known. Patients with deficiency in FXI have a variable mild bleeding risk, whereas FXII deficiency is not associated with bleeding. These phenotypes make FXII and FXI attractive target proteins in anticoagulant therapy. Here, we studied the mechanisms of fibrin clot formation, stability, and fibrinolytic degradation in patients with severe FXI or FXII deficiency. Thrombin generation was triggered in platelet-poor (PPP) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with the biological FXII trigger sulfatides. Intrinsic and extrinsic thrombus formation and degradation in whole blood were determined with rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Clot formation under flow was assessed by perfusion of whole blood over collagen microspots with(out) tissue factor (TF). Thrombin generation and clot formation were delayed in FXII- and FXI-deficient patients triggered with sulfatides. In FXI-deficient plasma, this delay was more pronounced in PRP compared to PPP. In whole blood of FXII-deficient patients, clots were smaller but resistance to fibrinolysis was normal. In whole blood of FXI-deficient patients, clot formation was normal but the time to complete fibrinolysis was prolonged. In flow chamber experiments triggered with collagen/TF, platelet coverage was reduced in severe compared with moderate FXI deficiency, and fibrin formation was impaired. We conclude that quantitative defects in FXII and FXI have a substantial impact on contact activation-triggered coagulation. Furthermore, FXI deficiency has a dose-dependent suppressing effect on flow-mediated and platelet/TF-dependent clot formation. These last data highlight the contribution of particularly FXI to hemostasis.
Congenital Lymphatic Malformation and Aortic Aneurysm in a Patient with TSC2 Mutation
Authors: Wiemer-Kruel Adelheid , Mayer Hans , Ewert Peter , Martinoff Stefan , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Kriebel Thomas , Bissler John , Franz David , Bast Thomas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe present a 7-year-old boy with tuberous sclerosis and congenital segmental lymphedema (CSL) of the left leg, as well as two aortic aneurysms. He was treated with everolimus (EVE) since the age of 14 months. His CSL regressed under treatment with EVE. His first aneurysms required operative intervention at age of 17 months. Four months afterward a new aortic aneurysm had been detected above the Dracon graft, but this one remained stable since that time. The patient didn't experience severe side effects. EVE has been well tolerated without disturbance of somatic growth or serious adverse effect.