bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Field Effect Transistor Based on Layered NiPS
3
Authors: Jenjeti Ramesh Naidu , Kumar Rajat , Austeria Muthu P. , Sampath S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLayered metal phosphochalcogenides of molecular formula, MPX3 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, etc and X = S, Se) have been emerging as new class of semiconductors towards various catalytic and optoelectronic applications. The low cleavage energy associated with these layered chalcogenides may lead to devices with very thin semiconductor channels. Herein, we report the first successful fabrication of field effect transistor (FET) using layered NiPS3 that reveals n-type semiconducting behavior. Devices using bulk and few-layer NiPS3 with gold contacts show on/off ratios of ~103–105 at 25 °C. The device characteristics reveal an increase in on-state current with decrease in threshold voltage and the Schottky barrier height is extracted to be 112 meV. Density functional theory calculations reveal various parameters that affect electron/hole doping in the layered phosphochalcogenide material.
The structural and proteomic analysis of Spiroplasma eriocheiris in response to colchicine
Authors: Liu Peng , Du Jie , Zhang Jia , Wang Jian , Gu Wei , Wang Wen , Meng Qingguo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSpiroplasma eriocheiris, a pathogen that causes mass mortality of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis, is a wall less bacteria and belongs to the Mollicutes. This study was designed to investigate the effects of colchicine on S. eriocheiris growth, cell morphology, and proteins expression. We found that in the presence of colchicine, the spiroplasma cells lost their helicity, and the length of the cells in the experimental group was longer than that of the control. With varying concentrations of the colchicine treatment, the total time to achieve a stationary phase of the spiroplasma was increased, and the cell population was decreased. The virulence ability of S. eriocheiris to E. sinensis was effectively reduced in the presence of colchicine. To expound the toxical mechanism of colchicine on S. eriocheiris, 208 differentially expressed proteins of S. eriocheiris were reliably quantified by iTRAQ analysis, including 77 up-regulated proteins and 131 down-regulated proteins. Especially, FtsY, putative Spiralin, and NADH oxidase were down-regulated. F0F1 ATP synthase subunit delta, ParB, DNABs, and NAD(FAD)-dependent dehydrogenase were up-regulated. A qRT-PCR was conducted to detect 7 expressed genes from the iTRAQ results during the incubation. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with the iTRAQ results. All of our results indicate that colchicine have a strong impact on the cell morphology and cellular metabolism of S. eriocheiris.
RNA Sequencing Reveals Novel Transcripts from Sympathetic Stellate Ganglia During Cardiac Sympathetic Hyperactivity
Authors: Bardsley Emma N. , Davis Harvey , Ajijola Olujimi A. , Buckler Keith J. , Ardell Jeffrey L. , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Paterson David J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCardiovascular disease is the most prevalent age-related illness worldwide, causing approximately 15 million deaths every year. Hypertension is central in determining cardiovascular risk and is a strong predictive indicator of morbidity and mortality; however, there remains an unmet clinical need for disease-modifying and prophylactic interventions. Enhanced sympathetic activity is a well-established contributor to the pathophysiology of hypertension, however the cellular and molecular changes that increase sympathetic neurotransmission are not known. The aim of this study was to identify key changes in the transcriptome in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. We validated 15 of our top-scoring genes using qRT-PCR, and network and enrichment analyses suggest that glutamatergic signalling plays a key role in modulating Ca2+ balance within these ganglia. Additionally, phosphodiesterase activity was found to be altered in stellates obtained from the hypertensive rat, suggesting that impaired cyclic nucleotide signalling may contribute to disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis and sympathetic hyperactivity in hypertension. We have also confirmed the presence of these transcripts in human donor stellate samples, suggesting that key genes coupled to neurotransmission are conserved. The data described here may provide novel targets for future interventions aimed at treating sympathetic hyperactivity associated with cardiovascular disease and other dysautonomias.
Regulation of CD4+CD8−CD25+ and CD4+CD8+CD25+ T cells by gut microbiota in chicken
Authors: Lee In Kyu , Gu Min Jeong , Ko Kwang Hyun , Bae Suhan , Kim Girak , Jin Gwi-Deuk , Kim Eun Bae , Kong Young-Yun , Park Tae Sub , Park Byung-Chul , Jung Hyun Jung , Han Seung Hyun , Yun Cheol-Heui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe gut microbiota in chicken has long been studied, mostly from the perspective of growth performance. However, there are some immunological studies regarding gut homeostasis in chicken. Although CD4+CD25+T cells are reported to act as regulatory T cells (Tregs) in chicken, there have been no studies showing the relationship between gut microbiota and Tregs. Therefore, we established a model for ‘antibiotics (ABX)-treated chickens’ through administration of an antibiotic cocktail consisting of ampicillin, gentamycin, neomycin, metronidazole, and vancomycin in water for 7 days. CD4+CD8−CD25+and CD4+CD8+CD25+T cells in cecal tonsils were significantly decreased in this model. Gram-positive bacteria, especially Clostridia, was responsible for the changes in CD4+CD8−CD25+or CD4+CD8+CD25+T cells in cecal tonsils. Feeding ABX-treated chickens with acetate recovered CD4+CD8−CD25+and CD4+CD8+CD25+T cells in cecal tonsils. GPR43, a receptor for acetate, was highly expressed in CD4+CD8−CD25+T cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the gut microbiota can regulate the population of CD4+CD8−CD25+and CD4+CD8+CD25+T cells, and that acetate is responsible for the induction of CD4+CD8−CD25+T cells in cecal tonsils via GPR43.
Are Systemic Manifestations Ascribable to COPD in Smokers? A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Boyer Laurent , Bastuji-Garin Sylvie , Chouaid Christos , Housset Bruno , Le Corvoisier Philippe , Derumeaux Geneviève , Boczkowski Jorge , Maitre Bernard , Adnot Serge , Audureau Etienne 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhether the systemic manifestations observed in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are ascribable to lung dysfunction or direct effects of smoking is in debate. Structural Equations Modeling (SEM), a causal-oriented statistical approach, could help unraveling the pathways involved, by enabling estimation of direct and indirect associations between variables. The objectives of the study was to investigate the relative impact of smoking and COPD on systemic manifestations, inflammation and telomere length. In 292 individuals (103 women; 97 smokers with COPD, 96 smokers without COPD, 99 non-smokers), we used SEM to explore the pathways between smoking (pack-years), lung disease (FEV1, KCO), and the following parameters: arterial stiffness (aortic pulse wave velocity, PWV), bone mineral density (BMD), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), grip strength, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), creatinine clearance (eGFR), blood leukocyte telomere length and inflammatory markers (Luminex assay). All models were adjusted on age and gender. Latent variables were created for systemic inflammation (inflammatory markers) and musculoskeletal parameters (ASMM, grip strength, BMD). SEM showed that most effects of smoking were indirectly mediated by lung dysfunction: e.g. via FEV1 on musculoskeletal factor, eGFR, HOMA-IR, PWV, telomere length, CRP, white blood cells count (WBC) and inflammation factor, and via KCO on musculoskeletal factor, eGFR and PWV. Direct effects of smoking were limited to CRP and WBC. Models had excellent fit. In conclusion, SEM highlighted the major role of COPD in the occurrence of systemic manifestations while smoking effects were mostly mediated by lung function.
Particle Shape Influences Settling and Sorting Behavior in Microfluidic Domains
Authors: Başağaoğlu Hakan , Succi Sauro , Wyrick Danielle , Blount Justin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe present a new numerical model to simulate settling trajectories of discretized individual or a mixture of particles of different geometrical shapes in a quiescent fluid and their flow trajectories in a flowing fluid. Simulations unveiled diverse particle settling trajectories as a function of their geometrical shape and density. The effects of the surface concavity of a boomerang particle and aspect ratio of a rectangular particle on the periodicity and amplitude of oscillations in their settling trajectories were numerically captured. Use of surrogate circular particles for settling or flowing of a mixture of non-circular particles were shown to miscalculate particle velocities by a factor of 0.9–2.2 and inaccurately determine the particles’ trajectories. In a microfluidic chamber with particles of different shapes and sizes, simulations showed that steady vortices do not necessarily always control particle entrapments, nor do larger particles get selectively and consistently entrapped in steady vortices. Strikingly, a change in the shape of large particles from circular to elliptical resulted in stronger entrapments of smaller circular particles, but enhanced outflows of larger particles, which could be an alternative microfluidics-based method for sorting and separation of particles of different sizes and shapes.
Dynamic microbial succession of Shanxi aged vinegar and its correlation with flavor metabolites during different stages of acetic acid fermentation
Authors: Zhu Yunping , Zhang Feifei , Zhang Chengnan , Yang Li , Fan Guangsen , Xu Youqiang , Sun Baoguo , Li Xiuting 
Published: May 2018

AbstractShanxi aged vinegar (SAV), one of the famous Chinese vinegars, is produced by multispecies solid-state fermentation in which the acetic acid fermentation stage (AAF) is especially important. However, how bacterial succession and their metabolites change along with the different stages of AAF is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the dynamic bacterial succession and flavor formation in three batches of SAV using high-throughput sequencing and metabolomics approaches. It is interesting to find that AAF can be divided into three stages based on its bacterial community succession (early stage, days 0–4; medium stage, days 5–21; and later stage, days 22–26). Pantoea, Pediococcus, Lactococcus and Rhizobium played an important role in the early stage; Lactobacillus was dominant in the medium stage (67.72%); and Acetobacter, Komagataeibacter and Kroppenstedtia were the key bacteria in the later stage. A total of seven organic acids and 42 volatile constituents (esters, alcohol, ketones and aldehydes) were detected during the AAF. Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the bacterial community and these flavor metabolites during the AAF of the SAV. This is the first report to explore the relationships between volatile flavor metabolites and bacterial community succession by a three-staged method and provide theoretical support for a flavor formation mechanism in traditional SAV.
Intermittent strong transport of the quasi-adiabatic plasma state
Authors: Kim Chang-Bae , An Chan-Yong , Min Byunghoon 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe dynamics of the fluctuating electrostatic potential and the plasma density couched in the resistive-drift model at nearly adiabatic state are simulated. The linear modes are unstable if the phase difference between the potential and the density are positive. Exponential growth of the random small perturbations slows down due to the nonlinear E × B flows that work in two ways. They regulate the strength of the fluctuations by transferring the energy from the energy-producing scale to neighboring scales and reduce the cross phase at the same time. During quasi-steady relaxation sporadic appearance of very strong turbulent particle flux is observed that is characterized by the flat energy spectrum and the broad secondary peak in the mesoscale of the order of the gyro-radius. Such boost of the transport is found to be caused by presence of relatively large cross phase as the E × B flows are not effective in cancelling out the cross phase.
Prestressed cells are prone to cytoskeleton failures under localized shear strain: an experimental demonstration on muscle precursor cells
Authors: Streppa Laura , Ratti Francesca , Goillot Evelyne , Devin Anne , Schaeffer Laurent , Arneodo Alain , Argoul Françoise 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe report on a wavelet based space-scale decomposition method for analyzing the response of living muscle precursor cells (C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes) upon sharp indentation with an AFM cantilever and quantifying their aptitude to sustain such a local shear strain. Beyond global mechanical parameters which are currently used as markers of cell contractility, we emphasize the necessity of characterizing more closely the local fluctuations of the shear relaxation modulus as they carry important clues about the mechanisms of cytoskeleton strain release. Rupture events encountered during fixed velocity shear strain are interpreted as local disruptions of the actin cytoskeleton structures, the strongest (brittle) ones being produced by the tighter and stiffer stress fibers or actin agglomerates. These local strain induced failures are important characteristics of the resilience of these cells, and their aptitude to maintain their shape via a quick recovery from local strains. This study focuses on the perinuclear region because it can be considered as a master mechanical organizing center of these muscle precursor cells. Using this wavelet-based method, we combine the global and local approaches for a comparative analysis of the mechanical parameters of normal myoblasts, myotubes and myoblasts treated with actomyosin cytoskeleton disruptive agents (ATP depletion, blebbistatin).
Plasma N-glycans in colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Doherty Margaret , Theodoratou Evropi , Walsh Ian , Adamczyk Barbara , Stöckmann Henning , Agakov Felix , Timofeeva Maria , Trbojević-Akmačić Irena , Vučković Frano , Duffy Fergal , McManus Ciara A. , Farrington Susan M. , Dunlop Malcolm G. , Perola Markus , Lauc Gordan , Campbell Harry , Rudd Pauline M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAberrant glycosylation has been associated with a number of diseases including cancer. Our aim was to elucidate changes in whole plasmaN-glycosylation between colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and controls in one of the largest cohorts of its kind. A set of 633 CRC patients and 478 age and gender matched controls was analysed. Additionally, patients were stratified into four CRC stages. Moreover,N-glycan analysis was carried out in plasma of 40 patients collected prior to the initial diagnosis of CRC. Statistically significant differences were observed in the plasmaN-glycome at all stages of CRC, this included a highly significant decrease in relation to the core fucosylated bi-antennary glycans F(6)A2G2 and F(6)A2G2S(6)1 (P < 0.0009). Stage 1 showed a unique biomarker signature compared to stages 2, 3 and 4. There were indications that at risk groups could be identified from the glycome (retrospective AUC = 0.77 and prospective AUC = 0.65).N-glycome biomarkers related to the pathogenic progress of the disease would be a considerable asset in a clinical setting and it could enable novel therapeutics to be developed to target the disease in patients at risk of progression.
Semi-Supervised Maximum Discriminative Local Margin for Gene Selection
Authors: Li Zejun , Liao Bo , Cai Lijun , Chen Min , Liu Wenhua 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn the present study, we introduce a novel semi-supervised method called the semi-supervised maximum discriminative local margin (semiMM) for gene selection in expression data. The semiMM is a “filter” approach that exploits local structure, variance, and mutual information. We first constructed a local nearest neighbour graph and divided this information into within-class and between-class local nearest neighbour graphs by weighing the edge between the two data points. The semiMM aims to discover the most discriminative features for classification via maximizing the local margin between the within-class and between-class data, the variance of all data, and the mutual information of features with class labels. Experiments on five publicly available gene expression datasets revealed the effectiveness of the proposed method compared to three state-of-the-art feature selection algorithms.
High Throughput Discovery and Design of Strong Multicomponent Metallic Solid Solutions
Authors: Coury Francisco G. , Clarke Kester D. , Kiminami Claudio S. , Kaufman Michael J. , Clarke Amy J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHigh Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are new classes of structural metallic materials that show remarkable property combinations. Yet, often times interesting compositions are still found by trial and error. Here we show an “Effective Atomic Radii for Strength” (EARS) methodology, together with different semi-empirical and first-principle models, can be used to predict the extent of solid solution strengthening to discover and design new HEAs with unprecedented properties. We have designed a Cr45Ni27.5Co27.5 alloy with a yield strength over 50% greater with equivalent ductility than the strongest HEA (Cr33.3Ni33.3Co33.3) from the CrMnFeNiCo family reported to date. We show that values determined by the EARS methodology are more physically representative of multicomponent concentrated solid solutions. Our methodology permits high throughput, property-driven discovery and design of HEAs, enabling the development of future high-performance advanced materials for extreme environments.
Identifying conserved UV exposure genes and mechanisms
Authors: Gomes Susana I. L. , Roca Carlos P. , Scott-Fordsmand Janeck J. , Amorim Mónica J. B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractStudies have been showing how changes in ultraviolet (UV) affect the terrestrial system, mostly focusing on higher plants and indirect effects, e.g. UV changed food quality/decomposition. Much less attention has been given to direct effect on terrestrial species, although the negative effects have been recognized for some earthworms. Further, the actual mechanisms of UV toxicity to soil invertebrates are even less understood. We here studied the effect of UV on the soil oligochaeteEnchytraeus crypticus, and attempted to identify the possible mechanisms of toxicity using high-throughput gene expression. Applying a UV dose equivalent to UV during the winter months in northern Europe we observed an 80% decrease in reproduction. For these organisms, approximately 5% of the genes were differentially expressed. Among the observations was an activation of the DNA repair mechanisms, nucleotide excision repair, which correlated with survival of the organisms. An observed repressing of apoptosis seems to have deleterious effects (e.g. because it may lead to the accumulation of aberrant cells) leading to a decline in reproduction. The mechanisms activated by UV were similar to those mechanisms activated in humans, showing conservation across species.
Growing Oriented Layers of Bi4Ti3O12 in Bi2O3/TiO2/SiO2/Nd2O3/Al2O3 Glass-Ceramics by Melt Quenching
Authors: Wisniewski Wolfgang , Slavov Stanislav , Rüssel Christian , Dimitriev Yanko 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA glass melt with the composition 24Bi2O3/40TiO2/10SiO2/10Nd2O3/16 Al2O3 was prepared and rapidly quenched between two copper blocks (sample A). A part of this glass was subsequently crystallised at 800 °C for 8 h (sample B). For the preparation of another two samples, the melt was slowly cooled on a cooper plate (sample C) or cast into a graphite mould and subsequently thermally treated at 300 °C for 3 h (sample D). As shown by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements, the rapidly cooled samples contained notable amounts of uncrystallised glassy phase next to the Aurivillius phase Bi4Ti3O12. The latter occurred in higher concentrations in all other samples and formed oriented layers. Minor concentrations of Bi2Al4O9 and Al2O3 were also detected in the microstructure.
NNMT activation can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease by modulating the NAD
+
metabolism
Authors: Komatsu Motoaki , Kanda Takeshi , Urai Hidenori , Kurokochi Arata , Kitahama Rina , Shigaki Shuhei , Ono Takashi , Yukioka Hideo , Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Tokuyama Hirobumi , Kawabe Hiroshi , Wakino Shu , Itoh Hiroshi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyses the reaction between nicotinamide (NAM) and S-adenosylmethionine to produce 1-methylnicotinamide and S-adenosylhomocysteine. Recently, this enzyme has also been reported to modulate hepatic nutrient metabolism, but its role in the liver has not been fully elucidated. We developed transgenic mice overexpressing NNMT to elucidate its role in hepatic nutrient metabolism. When fed a high fat diet containing NAM, a precursor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+, these NNMT-overexpressing mice exhibit fatty liver deterioration following increased expression of the genes mediating fatty acid uptake and decreased very low-density lipoprotein secretion. NNMT overactivation decreased the NAD+ content in the liver and also decreased gene activity related to fatty acid oxidation by inhibiting NAD+–dependent deacetylase Sirt3 function. Moreover, the transgenic mice showed liver fibrosis, with the induction of inflammatory and fibrosis genes. Induced NNMT expression decreased the tissue methylation capacity, thereby reducing methylation of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene promoter, resulting in increased CTGF expression. These data indicate that NNMT links the NAD+ and methionine metabolic pathways and promotes liver steatosis and fibrosis. Therefore, targeting NNMT may serve as a therapeutic strategy for treating fatty liver and fibrosis.
The development of cross-cultural recognition of vocal emotion during childhood and adolescence
Authors: Chronaki Georgia , Wigelsworth Michael , Pell Marc D. , Kotz Sonja A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHumans have an innate set of emotions recognised universally. However, emotion recognition also depends on socio-cultural rules. Although adults recognise vocal emotions universally, they identify emotions more accurately in their native language. We examined developmental trajectories of universal vocal emotion recognition in children. Eighty native English speakers completed a vocal emotion recognition task in their native language (English) and foreign languages (Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic) expressing anger, happiness, sadness, fear, and neutrality. Emotion recognition was compared across 8-to-10, 11-to-13-year-olds, and adults. Measures of behavioural and emotional problems were also taken. Results showed that although emotion recognition was above chance for all languages, native English speaking children were more accurate in recognising vocal emotions in their native language. There was a larger improvement in recognising vocal emotion from the native language during adolescence. Vocal anger recognition did not improve with age for the non-native languages. This is the first study to demonstrate universality of vocal emotion recognition in children whilst supporting an “in-group advantage” for more accurate recognition in the native language. Findings highlight the role of experience in emotion recognition, have implications for child development in modern multicultural societies and address important theoretical questions about the nature of emotions.