bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coherent behavior of neuromuscular oscillations between isometrically interacting subjects: experimental study utilizing wavelet coherence analysis of mechanomyographic and mechanotendographic signals
Authors: Schaefer Laura V. , Bittmann Frank N. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPrevious research has shown that electrical muscle activity is able to synchronize between muscles of one subject. The ability to synchronize the mechanical muscle oscillations measured by Mechanomyography (MMG) is not described sufficiently. Likewise, the behavior of myofascial oscillations was not considered yet during muscular interaction of two human subjects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the myofascial oscillations intra- and interpersonally. For this the mechanical muscle oscillations of the triceps and the abdominal external oblique muscles were measured by MMG and the triceps tendon was measured by mechanotendography (MTG) during isometric interaction of two subjects (n = 20) performed at 80% of the MVC using their arm extensors. The coherence of MMG/MTG-signals was analyzed with coherence wavelet transform and was compared with randomly matched signal pairs. Each signal pairing shows significant coherent behavior. Averagely, the coherent phases of n = 485 real pairings last over 82 ± 39 % of the total duration time of the isometric interaction. Coherent phases of randomly matched signal pairs take 21 ± 12 % of the total duration time (n = 39). The difference between real vs. randomly matched pairs is significant (U = 113.0, p = 0.000, r = 0.73). The results show that the neuromuscular system seems to be able to synchronize to another neuromuscular system during muscular interaction and generate a coherent behavior of the mechanical muscular oscillations. Potential explanatory approaches are discussed.
Blood immune transcriptome analysis of artificially fed dairy calves and naturally suckled beef calves from birth to 7 days of age
Authors: Surlis C. , Earley B. , McGee M. , Keogh K. , Cormican P. , Blackshields G. , Tiernan K. , Dunn A. , Morrison S. , Arguello A. , Waters S. M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNeonatal calves possess a very immature and naïve immune system and are reliant on the intake of maternal colostrum for passive transfer of immunoglobulins. Variation in colostrum management of beef and dairy calves is thought to affect early immune development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine changes in gene expression and investigate molecular pathways involved in the immune-competence development of neonatal Holstein dairy calves and naturally suckled beef calves using next generation RNA-sequencing during the first week of life. Jugular whole blood samples were collected from Holstein (H) dairy calves (n = 8) artificially fed 5% B.W. colostrum, and from beef calves which were the progenies of Charolais-Limousin (CL; n = 7) and Limousin-Friesian beef suckler cows (LF; n = 7), for subsequent RNA isolation. In dairy calves, there was a surge in pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression possibly due to the stress of separation from the dam. LF calves exhibited early signs of humoral immune development with observed increases in the expression genes coding for Ig receptors, which was not evident in the other breeds by 7 days of age. Immune and health related DEGs identified as upregulated in beef calves are prospective contender genes for the classification of biomarkers for immune-competence development, and will contribute towards a greater understanding of the development of an immune response in neonatal calves.
An analytical model for computing the sound power of an unbraced irregular-shaped plate of variable thickness
Authors: Lee Meng Koon , Hosseini Fouladi Mohammad , Narayana Namasivayam Satesh 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAn irregular-shaped plate with dimensions identical to a guitar soundboard is chosen for this study. It is well known that the classical guitar soundboard is a major contributor to acoustic radiation at high frequencies when compared to the bridge and sound hole. This paper focuses on using an analytical model to compute the sound power of an unbraced irregular-shaped plate of variable thickness up to frequencies of 5 kHz. The analytical model is an equivalent thin rectangular plate of variable thickness. Sound power of an irregular-shaped plate of variable thickness and with dimensions of an unbraced Torres’ soundboard is determined from computer analysis using ANSYS. The number of acoustic elements used in ANSYS for accurate simulation is six elements per wavelength. Here we show that the analytical model can be used to compute sound power of an unbraced irregular-shaped plate of variable thickness.
Alendronate release from calcium phosphate cement for bone regeneration in osteoporotic conditions
Authors: van Houdt Claire I. A. , Gabbai-Armelin Paulo R. , Lopez-Perez Paula M. , Ulrich Dietmar J. O. , Jansen John A. , Renno Ana Claudia M. , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOsteoporosis represents a major health problem in terms of compromising bone strength and increasing the risk of bone fractures. It can be medically treated with bisphosphonates, which act systemically upon oral or venous administration. Further, bone regenerative treatments in osteoporotic conditions present a challenge. Here, we focused on the development of a synthetic bone substitute material with local diminishing effects on osteoporosis. Composites were created using calcium phosphate cement (CPC; 60 wt%) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA; 40 wt%), which were loaded with alendronate (ALN). In vitro results showed that ALN-loaded CPC/PLGA composites presented clinically suitable properties, including setting times, appropriate compressive strength, and controlled release of ALN, the latter being dependent on composite degradation. Using a rat femoral condyle bone defect model in osteoporotic animals, ALN-loaded CPC/PLGA composites demonstrated stimulatory effects on bone formation both within and outside the defect region.
A Novel Target Pathogen Identification and Tracking System Using Capillary Electrophoresis-Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA
Authors: Lin Wei-Ju , Tung Chien-Yi , Yen Muh-Yong , Chan Yu-Jiun , Lin Chi-Hung , Hsueh Po-Ren 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRapid and accurate identification of pathogen is a major quarantine strategy for outbreak prevention. We used capillary electrophoresis-random amplified polymorphic DNA (CE-RAPD) to generate highly discriminatory pathogen profiles, reduced batch effects between profiles by novel normalization procedure and pattern of technical repeats, followed by target similarity evaluation using target identification score (TIS). A full target signature contains several patterns. TIS system was optimized by training set isolates that included three species, and validated using two hundred clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed CE-RAPD profiles arrange clusters according to the species or the source. Moreover, samples with similar profile may display similar antibiotic susceptibility. By using a signature of four patterns, the TIS system could accurately identify target among different isolates. The variation between isolates may be caused by small change in genome. TIS system provides a standardized tool for building of outbreak firewall and facilitate data exchange.
Optical control of spin-polarized photocurrent in topological insulator thin films
Authors: Takeno Hiroaki , Saito Shingo , Mizoguchi Kohji 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDirac electrons in topological insulators (TIs) provide one possible avenue to achieve control of photocurrents and spin currents without the need to apply external fields by utilizing characteristic spin-momentum locking. However, for TI crystals with electrodes it is actually difficult to characterize the net flow of spin-polarized photocurrents because of the coexistence of surface carriers and bulk carriers generated by optical excitations. We demonstrate here that the net flow directions of spin-polarized photocurrents in TI polycrystalline thin films without electrodes can be precisely and intentionally controlled by the polarization of the excitation pulse alone, which is characterized by performing time-domain terahertz (THz) wave measurements and time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr rotation measurements that are non-contact methods. We show that the amplitudes of s-polarized THz waves radiated from photocurrents under right- and left-circularly polarized excitations are inverted relative to one another. Moreover, we observe the inversion of time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr rotation signals between the two excitations. Our results will open the way as innovative methods to control spin-polarized electrons in optoelectronic and spintronic TI devices without the need to apply external fields.
Carbon Nanohorns as Reaction Nanochambers – a Systematic Monte Carlo Study
Authors: Furmaniak Sylwester , Gauden Piotr A. , Patrykiejew Andrzej , Miśkiewicz Radosław , Kowalczyk Piotr 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCarbon nanohorns (CNHs, one of the newest carbon allotropes) have been subjected to intensive experimental and theoretical studies due to their potential applications. One of such applications can be their use as reaction nanochambers. However, experimental studies on the reaction equilibria under confinement are extremely challenging since accurate measurements of the concentrations of reacting species in pores are a very hard task. So, the main ways to examine such phenomena are theoretical methods (e.g. the reactive Monte Carlo, RxMC). We have presented the first systematic RxMC study on the influence of the CNH’s geometric parameters (the apex angle, the diameter, and the length) on reaction equilibria, taking the nitrogen monoxide dimerisation as an example. All the investigated parameters significantly affect the reaction yield at low and moderate coverages. Short and narrow CNHs have been found to be preferred. However, the key factor influencing the reaction equilibria is the presence of a conical part. Energetics of interactions between the reacting molecules in this fragment of a nanohorn maximises the effects of confinement. In consequence, CNHs have the advantage over their nanotube counterparts of the same diameter. The obtained results have confirmed that CNHs can be considered as potential reaction nanochambers.
Early Clinical and Radiological Experience with a Ceramic Bone Graft Substitute in the Treatment of Benign and Borderline Bone Lesions
Authors: Horstmann Peter Frederik , Hettwer Werner Herbert , Kaltoft Nicolai Stefan , Petersen Michael Mørk 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSubstitutes for bone grafts experience increasing popularity, but the need for defect-filling following simple curettage of benign bone lesions is controversial. In this study, we wish to objectively report the radiological changes following bone defect-filling using a composite ceramic bone graft substitute, as well as the clinical results and complications. We evaluated 35 surgically treated benign bone lesions with subsequent defect-filling using two variants of a composite ceramic bone graft substitute (CERAMENT|BONE VOID FILLER or CERAMENT|G, BONESUPPORT AB, SWEDEN). After one year, a normal cortical thickness surrounding the defect was seen in approximately 80% of patients. Inside the defect-cavity, an almost complete product-resorption was seen after one year. The most common complication was a post-operative inflammatory soft-tissue reaction, seen in 7 patients (20%), which resolved without further treatment, although short-term antibiotic treatment was initiated at a local hospital in 6 patients, due to suspected wound infection. In summary, cortical thickness most commonly normalizes after bone tumor removal and filling of the bone defect using this particular composite ceramic bone graft substitute. The ceramic substitute undergoes resorption, which causes progressive changes in the radiological appearance inside the bone defect.
A Microfluidic Device for Simultaneous Extraction of Plasma, Red Blood Cells, and On-Chip White Blood Cell Trapping
Authors: Kuan Da-Han , Wu Chia-Chien , Su Wei-Yu , Huang Nien-Tsu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study reports a microfluidic device for whole blood processing. The device uses the bifurcation law, cross-flow method, and hydrodynamic flow for simultaneous extraction of plasma, red blood cells, and on-chip white blood cell trapping. The results demonstrate successful plasma and red blood cell collection with a minimum dilution factor (0.76x) and low haemolysis effect. The extracted red blood cells can also be applied for blood type tests. Moreover, the device can trap up to ~1,800 white blood cells in 20 minutes. The three components can be collected simultaneously using only 6 μL of whole blood without any sample preparation processes. Based on these features, the microfluidic device enables low-cost, rapid, and efficient whole blood processing functionality that could potentially be applied for blood analysis in resource-limited environments or point-of-care settings.
Glaulactams A–C, daphniphyllum alkaloids from Daphniphyllum glaucescens
Authors: Chao Chih-Hua , Cheng Ju-Chien , Gonçalves Théo P. , Huang Kuo-Wei , Lin Chi-Chien , Huang Hui-Chi , Hwang Syh-Yuan , Wu Yang-Chang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGlaulactams A–C (1–3), which possess a novel skeleton, as well as the known compound daphmanidin B (4), were isolated from the leaves of Daphniphyllum glaucescens and separated using ion-exchange chromatography aided by NMR fingerprinting. Their structures, including their absolute configurations, were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and time-dependent density-functional-theory-calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra; the data were subsequently analyzed to gain insight into the respective biogenetic relationships between the isolates, which exhibited anti-H1N1 and immunosuppressive activities.
Tracking EBV-encoded RNAs (EBERs) from the nucleus to the excreted exosomes of B-lymphocytes
Authors: Ahmed Waqar , Tariq Saeed , Khan Gulfaraz 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEpstein-Barr virus-encoded RNAs (EBER1 and EBER2) are two highly abundant, non-protein coding RNAs consistently expressed in all EBV infected cells, but their function remains poorly understood. Conventional in situ hybridization studies have indicated that these RNAs are present exclusively in the nucleus. We have recently demonstrated that EBERs can be excreted from infected cells via exosomes. However, the details of the steps involved in their excretion remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to directly track the journey of EBERs from the nucleus to the excretory exosomes of EBV immortalized B-lymphocytes. Using a combination of molecular and novel immuno-gold labelled electron microscopy (EM) based techniques, we demonstrate the presence of EBERs, not only in the nucleus, but also in the cytoplasm of EBV infected B cell lines. EBERs were also seen in exosomes shed from infected cells along with the EBER binding protein La. Our results show, for the first time, that at least a proportion of EBERs are transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where they appear to be loaded into multi-vesicular bodies for eventual excretion via exosomes.
Novel Physical Vapor Deposition Approach to Hybrid Perovskites: Growth of MAPbI3 Thin Films by RF-Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Bonomi Sara , Marongiu Daniela , Sestu Nicola , Saba Michele , Patrini Maddalena , Bongiovanni Giovanni , Malavasi Lorenzo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSolution-based methods represent the most widespread approach used to deposit hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite films for low-cost but efficient solar cells. However, solution-process techniques offer limited control over film morphology and crystallinity, and most importantly do not allow sequential film deposition to produce perovskite-perovskite heterostructures. Here the successful deposition of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPI) thin films by RF-magnetron sputtering is reported, an industry-tested method to grow large area devices with precisely controlled stoichiometry. MAPI films are grown starting from a single-target made of CH3NH3I (MAI) and PbI2. Films are single-phase, with a barely detectable content of unreacted PbI2, full surface coverage and thickness ranging from less than 200 nm to more than 3 μm. Light absorption and emission properties of the deposited films are comparable to as-grown solution-processed MAPI films. The development of vapor-phase deposition methods is of interest to advance perovskite photovoltaic devices with the possibility of fabricating perovskite multijunction solar cells or multicolor bright light-emitting devices in the whole visible spectrum.
Supplemental Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 manipulates intestinal structure and microbial composition in broiler chickens
Authors: Ma Youbiao , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Haijun , Wang Jing , Zhang Wenming , Gao Jun , Wu Shugeng , Qi Guanghai 
Published: October 2018

AbstractKnowledge about the modulation of gut microbiota improves our understanding of the underlying mechanism by which probiotic treatment benefits the chickens. This study examined the effects of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 on intestinal structure and microbial composition in broilers. Broiler chicks were fed basal diets without or with B. subtilis supplementation (1.0 × 109 spores/kg of diet). Supplemental B. subtilis increased average body weight and average daily gain, as well as elevated villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio of ileum in broilers. Multi-dimension analysis showed a certain degree of separation between the cecal microbiota from treatment and control groups. Increased Firmicutes abundance and reduced Bacteroidetes abundance in cecum were observed responded to B. subtilis addition, which also increased the abundances of Christensenellaceae and Caulobacteraceae, and simultaneously decreased the abundances of potentially harmful bacteria such as Vampirovibrio, Escherichia/Shigella and Parabacteroides. Network analysis signified that B. subtilis addition improved the interaction pattern within cecal microbiota of broilers, however, it exerted little influence on the metabolic pathways of cecal microbiota by comparison of the functional prediction of metagenomes. In conclusion, supplemental B. subtilis DSM 32315 improved growth performance and intestinal structure of broilers, which could be at least partially responsible by the manipulation of cecal microbial composition.
Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and hyperinfection syndrome among renal allograft recipients in Central Europe
Authors: Winnicki Wolfgang , Eder Michael , Mazal Peter , Mayer Florian J. , Sengölge Gürkan , Wagner Ludwig 
Published: October 2018

AbstractStrongyloides stercoralis is not hyperendemic in European countries but has been increasing in prevalence due to migration and travel. The infection is characterized by a mostly asymptomatic course or nonspecific symptoms in healthy subjects. However, immunosuppression or chemotherapy have been described as leading triggers for Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome and may have a fatal course. A post hoc analysis was performed among renal transplant patients during a 5-year period. Plasma samples of two hundred kidney allograft recipients were retrospectively analyzed for Strongyloides stercoralis seropositivity by established ELISA testing. Positive Strongyloides stercoralis serology was found in 3% of allograft recipients. One patient developed a life-threatening hyperinfection syndrome. His Strongyloides IgG signal had been elevated for years before the outbreak of the disease. Stronglyoides infections in transplant recipients are an important issue that physicians also in Central Europe should be aware of, given the risk of hyperinfection syndrome and the challenges in clinical diagnosis. Our study suggests that recipient and donor screening should be recommended in kidney transplantation programs in Central Europe as Strongyloides infection rates increase and its prevalence may be underestimated. Further research is needed to understand why some Strongyloides stercoralis seropositive individuals develop hyperinfection syndrome and others do not.
Neonatal 6-OHDA lesion model in mouse induces Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like behaviour
Authors: Bouchatta Otmane , Manouze Houria , Bouali-benazzouz Rabia , Kerekes Nóra , Ba-M’hamed Saadia , Fossat Pascal , Landry Marc , Bennis Mohamed 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The “neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine” (6-OHDA) lesion is a commonly used model of ADHD in rat. However, a comprehensive assessment of ADHD‐like symptoms is still missing, and data in mouse remain largely unavailable. Our aim was to analyse symptoms of ADHD in the mouse neonatal 6‐OHDA model. 6‐OHDA mice exhibited the major ADHD‐like symptoms, i.e. hyperactivity (open field), attention deficit and impulsivity (five‐choice serial reaction time task). Further, the model revealed discrete co‐existing symptoms, i.e. anxiety‐like (elevated plus maze test) and antisocial (social interaction) behaviours and decreased cognitive functioning (novel object recognition). The efficacy of methylphenidate, a classical psychostimulant used in the treatment of ADHD, was also evaluated. A histological analysis further supports the model validity by indicating dopamine depletion, changes in cortical thickness and abnormalities in anterior cingulate cortex neurons. A principal component analysis of the behaviour profile confirms that the 6‐OHDA mouse model displayed good face and predictive validity. We conclude that neonatal dopamine depletion results in behavioural and morphological changes similar to those seen in patients and therefore could be used as a model for studying ADHD pathophysiological mechanisms and identifying therapeutic targets.
An in-situ small angle x ray scattering analysis of nanopore formation during thermally induced chemical dealloying of brass thin foils
Authors: Lin Bao , Döbeli Max , Mudie Stephen , Hawley Adrian , Hodgson Peter , Kong Lingxue , Spolenak Ralph , Dumée Ludovic F. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe development of non-noble nano-porous metal materials is hindered by surface oxidation reactions and from the difficulty to generate long range order pore arrays. Dealloying is a promising route to generate such materials by selective chemical etching of metal alloy materials. This process can generate nano-metal materials with superior plasmonic, catalytic and adsorptive surface properties. Here, the impact of properties of the etching solution on the dealloying process to generate nano-pores across thin film alloys was investigated by in-situ SAXS dealloying experiments. Single phase CuZn alloys were used as model materials to evaluate the influence of the solution temperature on the pore formation kinetics. This novel analysis allowed to visualize the change in surface properties of the materials over time, including their surface area as well as their pore and ligament sizes. The dealloying kinetics at the very early stage of the process were found to be critical to both stable pore formation and stabilization. SAXS in-situ data were correlated to the morphological properties of the materials obtained from ex-situ samples by Rutherford back scattering and scanning electron microscopy.