bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of water-aging for 6 months on the durability of a novel antimicrobial and protein-repellent dental bonding agent
Authors: Zhang Ning , Zhang Ke , Weir Michael D. , Xu David J. , Reynolds Mark A. , Bai Yuxing , Xu Hockin H. K. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBiofilms at the tooth-restoration bonded interface can produce acids and cause recurrent caries. Recurrent caries is a primary reason for restoration failures. The objectives of this study were to synthesize a novel bioactive dental bonding agent containing dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) to inhibit biofilm formation at the tooth-restoration margin and to investigate the effects of water-aging for 6 months on the dentin bond strength and protein-repellent and antibacterial durability. A protein-repellent agent (MPC) and antibacterial agent (DMAHDM) were added to a Scotchbond multi-purpose (SBMP) primer and adhesive. Specimens were stored in water at 37 °C for 1, 30, 90, or 180 days (d). At the end of each time period, the dentin bond strength and protein-repellent and antibacterial properties were evaluated. Protein attachment onto resin specimens was measured by the micro-bicinchoninic acid approach. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model was used to test the biofilm response. The SBMP + MPC + DMAHDM group showed no decline in dentin bond strength after water-aging for 6 months, which was significantly higher than that of the control (P < 0.05). The SBMP + MPC + DMAHDM group had protein adhesion that was only 1/20 of that of the SBMP control (P < 0.05). Incorporation of MPC and DMAHDM into SBMP provided a synergistic effect on biofilm reduction. The antibacterial effect and resistance to protein adsorption exhibited no decrease from 1 to 180 d (P > 0.1). In conclusion, a bonding agent with MPC and DMAHDM achieved a durable dentin bond strength and long-term resistance to proteins and oral bacteria. The novel dental bonding agent is promising for applications in preventive and restorative dentistry to reduce biofilm formation at the tooth-restoration margin.
Precision micro-mechanical components in single crystal diamond by deep reactive ion etching
Authors: Toros Adrien , Kiss Marcell , Graziosi Teodoro , Sattari Hamed , Gallo Pascal , Quack Niels 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe outstanding material properties of single crystal diamond have been at the origin of the long-standing interest in its exploitation for engineering of high-performance micro- and nanosystems. In particular, the extreme mechanical hardness, the highest elastic modulus of any bulk material, low density, and the promise for low friction have spurred interest most notably for micro-mechanical and MEMS applications. While reactive ion etching of diamond has been reported previously, precision structuring of freestanding micro-mechanical components in single crystal diamond by deep reactive ion etching has hitherto remained elusive, related to limitations in the etch processes, such as the need of thick hard masks, micromasking effects, and limited etch rates. In this work, we report on an optimized reactive ion etching process of single crystal diamond overcoming several of these shortcomings at the same time, and present a robust and reliable method to produce fully released micro-mechanical components in single crystal diamond. Using an optimized Al/SiO2 hard mask and a high-intensity oxygen plasma etch process, we obtain etch rates exceeding 30 µm/h and hard mask selectivity better than 1:50. We demonstrate fully freestanding micro-mechanical components for mechanical watches made of pure single crystal diamond. The components with a thickness of 150 µm are defined by lithography and deep reactive ion etching, and exhibit sidewall angles of 82°–93° with surface roughness better than 200 nm rms, demonstrating the potential of this powerful technique for precision microstructuring of single crystal diamond.
Decrypting the sulfur cycle in oceanic oxygen minimum zones
Authors: Crowe Sean A , Cox Raymond P , Jones CarriAyne , Fowle David A , Santibañez-Bustos J F , Ulloa O , Canfield Donald E 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Here we present ecophysiological studies of the anaerobic sulfide oxidizers considered critical to cryptic sulfur cycling in oceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs). We find that HS− oxidation rates by microorganisms in the Chilean OMZ offshore from Dichato are sufficiently rapid (18 nM h−1), even at HS− concentrations well below 100 nM, to oxidize all sulfide produced during sulfate reduction in OMZs. Even at 100 nM, HS− is well below published half-saturation concentrations and we conclude that the sulfide-oxidizing bacteria in OMZs (likely the SUP05/ARTIC96BD lineage of the gammaproteobacteria) have high-affinity (&gt;105 g−1 wet cells h−1) sulfur uptake systems. These specific affinities for sulfide are higher than those recorded for any other organism on any other substrate. Such high affinities likely allow anaerobic sulfide oxidizers to maintain vanishingly low sulfide concentrations in OMZs driving marine cryptic sulfur cycling. If more broadly distributed, such high-affinity sulfur biochemistry could facilitate sulfide-based metabolisms and prominent S-cycles in many other ostensibly sulfide-free environments.
Bacterioplankton drawdown of coral mass-spawned organic matter
Authors: Guillemette Ryan , Kaneko Ryo , Blanton Jessica , Tan Jasmine , Witt Matthias , Hamilton Samantha , Allen Eric E , Medina Mónica , Hamasaki Koji , Koch Boris P , Azam Farooq 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems are highly sensitive to microbial activities that result from dissolved organic matter (DOM) enrichment of their surrounding seawater. However, the response to particulate organic matter (POM) enrichment is less studied. In a microcosm experiment, we tested the response of bacterioplankton to a pulse of POM from the mass-spawning of Orbicella franksi coral off the Caribbean coast of Panama. Particulate organic carbon (POC), a proxy measurement for POM, increased by 40-fold in seawater samples collected during spawning; 68% degraded within 66 h. The elevation of multiple hydrolases presumably solubilized the spawn-derived POM into DOM. A carbon budget constructed for the 275 µM of degraded POC showed negligible change to the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), indicating that the DOM was readily utilized. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry shows that the DOM pool became enriched with heteroatom-containing molecules, a trend that suggests microbial alteration of organic matter. Our sensitivity analysis demonstrates that bacterial carbon demand could have accounted for a large proportion of the POC degradation. Further, using bromodeoxyuridine immunocapture in combination with 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, we surmise that actively growing bacterial groups were the primary degraders. We conclude that coral gametes are highly labile to bacteria and that such large capacity for bacterial degradation and alteration of organic matter has implications for coral reef health and coastal marine biogeochemistry.
High-resolution melting analysis coupled with next-generation sequencing as a simple tool for the identification of a novel somatic BRCA2 variant: a case report
Authors: Costella Alessandra , De Leo Rossella , Guarino Donatella , D’Indinosante Marco , Concolino Paola , Mazzuccato Giorgia , Urbani Andrea , Scambia Giovanni , Capoluongo Ettore , Fagotti Anna , Minucci Angelo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn a 72-year-old woman with no associated personal or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancers, we identified a novel somatic pathogenic BRCA2 variant (c.18_28delAGAGAGGCCAA, p.Lys6Asnfs*4) using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The variant allele frequency (VAF) was 16%, and Sanger sequencing was unable to identify this variant. Adopting a high-resolution melting analysis strategy coupled with NGS, we successfully highlighted the presence of the c.18_28delAGAGAGGCCAA allele.
Two novel mutations of COMP in Japanese boys with pseudoachondroplasia
Authors: Ichihashi Yosuke , Takagi Masaki , Ishii Tomohiro , Watanabe Kenji , Nishimura Gen , Hasegawa Tomonobu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMutations in the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) gene cause both pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED). Most mutations in COMP are located in the region encoding type 3 thrombospondin like domain (TSP3D). We report two Japanese boys with PSACH who had different novel in-frame deletions in TSP3D. The result recapitulates previous reports in that the in-frame deletions in TSP3D preferentially caused PSACH rather than MED.
Chemical synthesis of perfectly isotactic and high melting bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) from bio-sourced racemic cyclic diolide
Authors: Tang Xiaoyan , Chen Eugene Y.-X. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) is a perfectly isotactic, crystalline material possessing properties suitable for substituting petroleum plastics, but high costs and low volumes of its production are impractical for commodity applications. The chemical synthesis of P3HB via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of racemic β-butyrolactone has attracted intensive efforts since the 1960s, but not yet produced P3HB with high isotacticity and molecular weight. Here, we report a route utilizing racemic cyclic diolide (rac-DL) derived from bio-sourced succinate. With stereoselective racemic catalysts, the ROP of rac-DL under ambient conditions produces rapidly P3HB with perfect isotacticity ([mm] > 99%), high melting temperature (Tm = 171 °C), and high molecular weight (Mn = 1.54 × 105 g mol−1, Đ = 1.01). With enantiomeric catalysts, kinetic resolution polymerizations of rac-DL automatically stops at 50% conversion and yields enantiopure (R,R)-DL and (S,S)-DL with >99% e.e. and the corresponding poly[(S)-3HB] and poly[(R)-3HB] with high Tm = 175 °C.
Quantitative in vivo whole genome motility screen reveals novel therapeutic targets to block cancer metastasis
Authors: Stoletov Konstantin , Willetts Lian , Paproski Robert J. , Bond David J. , Raha Srijan , Jovel Juan , Adam Benjamin , Robertson Amy E. , Wong Francis , Woolner Emma , Sosnowski Deborah L. , Bismar Tarek A. , Wong Gane Ka-Shu , Zijlstra Andries , Lewis John D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMetastasis is the most lethal aspect of cancer, yet current therapeutic strategies do not target its key rate-limiting steps. We have previously shown that the entry of cancer cells into the blood stream, or intravasation, is highly dependent upon in vivo cancer cell motility, making it an attractive therapeutic target. To systemically identify genes required for tumor cell motility in an in vivo tumor microenvironment, we established a novel quantitative in vivo screening platform based on intravital imaging of human cancer metastasis in ex ovo avian embryos. Utilizing this platform to screen a genome-wide shRNA library, we identified a panel of novel genes whose function is required for productive cancer cell motility in vivo, and whose expression is closely associated with metastatic risk in human cancers. The RNAi-mediated inhibition of these gene targets resulted in a nearly total (>99.5%) block of spontaneous cancer metastasis in vivo.
Manipulation of emergent vortices in swarms of magnetic rollers
Authors: Kokot Gašper , Snezhko Alexey 
Published: June 2018

AbstractActive colloids are an emergent class of out-of-equilibrium materials demonstrating complex collective phases and tunable functionalities. Microscopic particles energized by external fields exhibit a plethora of fascinating collective phenomena, yet mechanisms of control and manipulation of active phases often remains lacking. Here we report the emergence of unconfined macroscopic vortices in a system of ferromagnetic rollers energized by a vertical alternating magnetic field and elucidate the complex nature of a magnetic roller-vortex interactions with inert scatterers. We demonstrate that active self-organized vortices have an ability to spontaneously switch the direction of rotation and move across the surface. We reveal the capability of certain non-active particles to pin the vortex and manipulate its dynamics. Building on our findings, we demonstrate the potential of magnetic roller vortices to effectively capture and transport inert particles at the microscale.
Deciphering the late steps of rifamycin biosynthesis
Authors: Qi Feifei , Lei Chao , Li Fengwei , Zhang Xingwang , Wang Jin , Zhang Wei , Fan Zhen , Li Weichao , Tang Gong-Li , Xiao Youli , Zhao Guoping , Li Shengying 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRifamycin-derived drugs, including rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and rifaximin, have long been used as first-line therapies for the treatment of tuberculosis and other deadly infections. However, the late steps leading to the biosynthesis of the industrially important rifamycin SV and B remain largely unknown. Here, we characterize a network of reactions underlying the biosynthesis of rifamycin SV, S, L, O, and B. The two-subunit transketolase Rif15 and the cytochrome P450 enzyme Rif16 are found to mediate, respectively, a unique C–O bond formation in rifamycin L and an atypical P450 ester-to-ether transformation from rifamycin L to B. Both reactions showcase interesting chemistries for these two widespread and well-studied enzyme families.
Cell entry of a host-targeting protein of oomycetes requires gp96
Authors: Trusch Franziska , Loebach Lars , Wawra Stephan , Durward Elaine , Wuensch Andreas , Iberahim Nurul Aqilah , de Bruijn Irene , MacKenzie Kevin , Willems Ariane , Toloczko Aleksandra , Diéguez-Uribeondo Javier , Rasmussen Tim , Schrader Thomas , Bayer Peter , Secombes Chris J. , van West Pieter 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe animal-pathogenic oomyceteSaprolegnia parasiticacauses serious losses in aquaculture by infecting and killing freshwater fish. Like plant-pathogenic oomycetes,S. parasiticaemploys similar infection structures and secretes effector proteins that translocate into host cells to manipulate the host. Here, we show that the host-targeting protein SpHtp3 enters fish cells in a pathogen-independent manner. This uptake process is guided by a gp96-like receptor and can be inhibited by supramolecular tweezers. The C-terminus of SpHtp3 (containing the amino acid sequence YKARK), and not the N-terminal RxLR motif, is responsible for the uptake into host cells. Following translocation, SpHtp3 is released from vesicles into the cytoplasm by another host-targeting protein where it degrades nucleic acids. The effector translocation mechanism described here, is potentially also relevant for other pathogen–host interactions as gp96 is found in both animals and plants.
Nitrogen-fixing populations of Planctomycetes and Proteobacteria are abundant in surface ocean metagenomes
Authors: Delmont Tom O. , Quince Christopher , Shaiber Alon , Esen Özcan C. , Lee Sonny TM , Rappé Michael S. , McLellan Sandra L. , Lücker Sebastian , Eren A. Murat 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNitrogen fixation in the surface ocean impacts global marine nitrogen bioavailability and thus microbial primary productivity. Until now, cyanobacterial populations have been viewed as the main suppliers of bioavailable nitrogen in this habitat. Although PCR amplicon surveys targeting the nitrogenase reductase gene have revealed the existence of diverse non-cyanobacterial diazotrophic populations, subsequent quantitative PCR surveys suggest that they generally occur in low abundance. Here, we use state-of-the-art metagenomic assembly and binning strategies to recover nearly one thousand non-redundant microbial population genomes from the TARA Oceans metagenomes. Among these, we provide the first genomic evidence for non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs inhabiting surface waters of the open ocean, which correspond to lineages within the Proteobacteria and, most strikingly, the Planctomycetes. Members of the latter phylum are prevalent in aquatic systems, but have never been linked to nitrogen fixation previously. Moreover, using genome-wide quantitative read recruitment, we demonstrate that the discovered diazotrophs were not only widespread but also remarkably abundant (up to 0.3% of metagenomic reads for a single population) in both the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean northwest. Our results extend decades of PCR-based gene surveys, and substantiate the importance of heterotrophic bacteria in the fixation of nitrogen in the surface ocean.
Acoustic impedance matched buffers enable separation of bacteria from blood cells at high cell concentrations
Authors: Ohlsson Pelle , Petersson Klara , Augustsson Per , Laurell Thomas 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSepsis is a common and often deadly systemic response to an infection, usually caused by bacteria. The gold standard for finding the causing pathogen in a blood sample is blood culture, which may take hours to days. Shortening the time to diagnosis would significantly reduce mortality. To replace the time-consuming blood culture we are developing a method to directly separate bacteria from red and white blood cells to enable faster bacteria identification. The blood cells are moved from the sample flow into a parallel stream using acoustophoresis. Due to their smaller size, the bacteria are not affected by the acoustic field and therefore remain in the blood plasma flow and can be directed to a separate outlet. When optimizing for sample throughput, 1 ml of undiluted whole blood equivalent can be processed within 12.5 min, while maintaining the bacteria recovery at 90% and the blood cell removal above 99%. That makes this the fastest label-free microfluidic continuous flow method per channel to separate bacteria from blood with high bacteria recovery (>80%). The high throughput was achieved by matching the acoustic impedance of the parallel stream to that of the blood sample, to avoid that acoustic forces relocate the fluid streams.
NaoXinTong Capsules inhibit the development of diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice
Authors: Yang Shu , Liu Mengyang , Chen Yuanli , Ma Chuanrui , Liu Lipei , Zhao Buchang , Wang Yong , Li Xiaoju , Zhu Yan , Gao Xiumei , Kong Deling , Duan Yajun , Han Jihong , Yang Xiaoxiao 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNaoXinTong Capsule (NXT), a Chinese medicine, is currently used to treat patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Clinical observations indicate its anti-diabetic functions with unclear mechanisms. Herein, we report the effect of NXT on diabetic nephropathy (DN). Type 2 diabeticdb/dbmice were treated with NXT for 14 weeks. In the course of treatment, NXT reduced diabetes-increased glucose levels and improved renal functions. At the end of treatment, we found that NXT ameliorated serum lipid profiles and other biochemical parameters. In the kidney, NXT inhibited mesangial matrix expansion, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A, fibronectin, advanced glycation end product and its receptor. Meanwhile, it reduced the diabetes-induced podocyte injury by increasing WT1 and nephrin expression. In addition, NXT inhibited accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins by increasing MMP2/9 expression through inactivation of TGFβ/Smad pathway and CTGF expression. Mechanically, NXT activated insulin signaling pathway by increasing expression of INSR, IRS and FGF21, phosphorylation of Akt and AMPKα in the liver, INSR phosphorylation in the kidney, and FGF21 and GLUT4 expression in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Taken together, our study demonstrates that NXT inhibits DN by ameliorating glucose/lipid metabolism, maintaining tissue structure integrity, and correcting diabetes-induced renal dysfunctions.
Psoriasis risk in patients with diabetic retinopathy: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Han Ju Hee , Han Kyung Do , Park Young Min , Lee Jun Young , Park Yong-Gyu , Lee Young Bok 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic cutaneous disease known to be related with systemic disease; however, the association between psoriasis and diabetic complications has not been previously reported. Diabetic microvascular complications include diabetic retinopathy (DR), nephropathy, and neuropathy, and overt diabetic nephropathy can lead to the end-stage renal disease (ESRD).The present study investigated the association between psoriasis and non-proliferative DR (NPDR) or proliferative DR (PDR) or ESRD. We analyzed the relationship between diabetic complication and psoriasis using data from the National Health Insurance Service between 2009 and 2015. During a mean follow-up of 5.18 years, 43,792 patients were newly diagnosed with psoriasis. In Cox proportional hazard models, patients with NPDR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26) had a higher incidence of psoriasis and patients with PDR patients had a higher risk of psoriasis (HR 1.35). ESRD was defined by the ICD-10 code, including chronic kidney disease/renal failure, transplantation, and dialysis. The incidence of psoriasis increased in DR patients with ESRD (HR 2.99, 95% CI 2.49–3.59, p < 0.001) compared to non-DR patients without ESRD. This is the first association study between psoriasis and diabetic complications including DR and ESRD. DR and its severity were related to the onset of psoriasis. In addition, ESRD was related with an increased psoriasis in DR patients.
Distribution of reported syphilis cases in South China: spatiotemporal analysis
Authors: Wong Ngai Sze , Chen Lei , Tucker Joseph D. , Zhao Peizhen , Goh Beng Tin , Poon Chin Man , Yang Ligang , Yang Bin , Zheng Heping , Huang Shujie 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThere was a varied spatial distribution of reported syphilis cases across cities in South China. This study aims to identify and describe spatiotemporal clusters of primary and secondary syphilis (P/S) cases in this region. Reported syphilis cases in Guangdong Province, China, from January 2014 to June 2015 were collected from the national centralized reporting system. Spatiotemporal clusters of P/S were identified and cross-validated by calculating local Moran’s I, performing hotspot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*), and constructing a discrete Poisson model in SaTScan. Reported cases within and outside the clusters were compared by bivariable and multivariable logistic regression. Out of 17,691 reported P/S cases, 11% were in the identified spatiotemporal clusters. The monthly P/S notification rate (per 100,000 persons) ranged between 0.6 and 1. The identified clusters were located in 14, out of 126, counties in eight, out of 21, cities. Cases of older age, living in rural area and taking self-initiated syphilis test were more likely to be in the clusters. Some areas bore a greater burden of P/S in Guangdong Province. Routine spatiotemporal analysis of P/S cases may be useful for enhancing syphilis control programs by strategic location-based service planning.