bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hybrid sub-lineage of Listeria monocytogenes comprising hypervirulent isolates
Authors: Yin Yuelan , Yao Hao , Doijad Swapnil , Kong Suwei , Shen Yang , Cai Xuexue , Tan Weijun , Wang Yuting , Feng Youwei , Ling Zhiting , Wang Guoliang , Hu Yachen , Lian Kai , Sun Xinyu , Liu Yuliang , Wang Chuanbin , Jiao Kuhua , Liu Guoping , Song Ruilong , Chen Xiang , Pan Zhiming , Loessner Martin J. , Chakraborty Trinad , Jiao Xin’an 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a highly heterogeneous species and currently comprises of 4 evolutionarily distinct lineages. Here, we characterize isolates from severe ovine listeriosis outbreaks that represent a hybrid sub-lineage of the major lineage II (HSL-II) and serotype 4h. HSL-II isolates are highly virulent and exhibit higher organ colonization capacities than well-characterized hypervirulent strains of Lm in an orogastric mouse infection model. The isolates harbour both the Lm Pathogenicity Island (LIPI)-1 and a truncated LIPI-2 locus, encoding sphingomyelinase (SmcL), a virulence factor required for invasion and bacterial translocation from the gut, and other non-contiguous chromosomal segments from another pathogenic species, L. ivanovii. HSL-II isolates exhibit a unique wall teichoic acid (WTA) structure essential for resistance to antimicrobial peptides, bacterial invasion and virulence. The discovery of isolates harbouring pan-species virulence genes of the genus Listeria warrants global efforts to identify further hypervirulent lineages of Lm.
A physically cryptographic warhead verification system using neutron induced nuclear resonances
Authors: Engel Ezra M. , Danagoulian Areg 
Published: September 2019

AbstractArms control treaties are necessary to reduce the large stockpiles of the nuclear weapons that constitute one of the biggest dangers to the world. However, an impactful treaty hinges on effective inspection exercises to verify the participants’ compliance to the treaty terms. Such procedures would require verification of the authenticity of a warhead undergoing dismantlement. Previously proposed solutions lacked the combination of isotopic sensitivity and information security. Here we present the experimental feasibility proof of a technique that uses neutron induced nuclear resonances and is sensitive to the combination of isotopics and geometry. The information is physically encrypted to prevent the leakage of sensitive information. Our approach can significantly increase the trustworthiness of future arms control treaties while expanding their scope to include the verified dismantlement of nuclear warheads themselves.
Obtaining free USArray data by multi-dimensional seismic reconstruction
Authors: Chen Yangkang , Bai Min , Chen Yunfeng 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUSArray, a pioneering project for the dense acquisition of earthquake data, provides a semi-uniform sampling of the seismic wavefield beneath its footprint and greatly advances the understanding of the structure and dynamics of Earth. Despite continuing efforts in improving the acquisition design, network irregularity still causes spatial sampling alias and incomplete, noisy data, which imposes major challenges in array-based data analysis and seismic imaging. Here we employ an iterative rank-reduction method to simultaneously reconstruct the missing traces and suppress noise, i.e., obtaining free USArray recordings as well as enhancing the existing data. This method exploits the spatial coherency of three-dimensional data and recovers the missing elements via the principal components of the incomplete data. We examine its merits using simulated and real teleseismic earthquake recordings. The reconstructed P wavefield enhances the spatial coherency and accuracy of tomographic travel time measurements, which demonstrates great potential to benefit seismic investigations based on array techniques.
Molecular identification of organic vapors driving atmospheric nanoparticle growth
Authors: Mohr Claudia , Thornton Joel A. , Heitto Arto , Lopez-Hilfiker Felipe D. , Lutz Anna , Riipinen Ilona , Hong Juan , Donahue Neil M. , Hallquist Mattias , Petäjä Tuukka , Kulmala Markku , Yli-Juuti Taina 
Published: September 2019

AbstractParticles formed in the atmosphere via nucleation provide about half the number of atmospheric cloud condensation nuclei, but in many locations, this process is limited by the growth of the newly formed particles. That growth is often via condensation of organic vapors. Identification of these vapors and their sources is thus fundamental for simulating changes to aerosol-cloud interactions, which are one of the most uncertain aspects of anthropogenic climate forcing. Here we present direct molecular-level observations of a distribution of organic vapors in a forested environment that can explain simultaneously observed atmospheric nanoparticle growth from 3 to 50 nm. Furthermore, the volatility distribution of these vapors is sufficient to explain nanoparticle growth without invoking particle-phase processes. The agreement between observed mass growth, and the growth predicted from the observed mass of condensing vapors in a forested environment thus represents an important step forward in the characterization of atmospheric particle growth.
Destruction of tumor mass by gadolinium-loaded nanoparticles irradiated with monochromatic X-rays: Implications for the Auger therapy
Authors: Matsumoto Kotaro , Saitoh Hiroyuki , Doan Tan Le Hoang , Shiro Ayumi , Nakai Keigo , Komatsu Aoi , Tsujimoto Masahiko , Yasuda Ryo , Kawachi Tetsuya , Tajima Toshiki , Tamanoi Fuyuhiko 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSynchrotron generated monochromatic X-rays can be precisely tuned to the K-shell energy of high Z materials resulting in the release of the Auger electrons. In this work, we have employed this mechanism to destruct tumor spheroids. We first loaded gadolinium onto the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) producing gadolinium-loaded MSN (Gd-MSN). When Gd-MSN was added to the tumor spheroids, we observed efficient uptake and uniform distribution of Gd-MSN. Gd-MSN also can be taken up into cancer cells and localize to a site just outside of the cell nucleus. Exposure of the Gd-MSN containing tumor spheroids to monochromatic X-ray beams resulted in almost complete destruction. Importantly, this effect was observed at an energy level of 50.25 keV, but not with 50.0 keV. These results suggest that it is possible to use precisely tuned monochromatic X-rays to destruct tumor mass loaded with high Z materials, while sparing other cells. Our experiments point to the importance of nanoparticles to facilitate loading of gadolinium to tumor spheroids and to localize at a site close to the nucleus. Because the nanoparticles can target to tumor, our study opens up the possibility of developing a new type of radiation therapy for cancer.
Evaluation of a Recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus Expressing Human IL12 against Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Mohamed Amin Zahiah , Che Ani Muhamad Alhapis , Tan Sheau Wei , Yeap Swee Keong , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu , Syed Najmuddin Syed Umar Faruq , Kalyanasundram Jeevanathan , Chan Soon Choy , Veerakumarasivam Abhi , Chia Suet Lin , Yusoff Khatijah 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain AF2240 is an avian avulavirus that has been demonstrated to possess oncolytic activity against cancer cells. However, to illicit a greater anti-cancer immune response, it is believed that the incorporation of immunostimulatory genes such as IL12 into a recombinant NDV backbone will enhance its oncolytic effect. In this study, a newly developed recombinant NDV that expresses IL12 (rAF-IL12) was tested for its safety, stability and cytotoxicity. The stability of rAF-IL12 was maintained when passaged in specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken eggs from passage 1 to passage 10; with an HA titer of 29. Based on the results obtained from the MTT cytotoxic assay, rAF-IL12 was determined to be safe as it only induced cytotoxic effects against normal chicken cell lines and human breast cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Significant tumor growth inhibition (52%) was observed in the rAF-IL12-treated mice. Thein vivosafety profile of rAF-IL12 was confirmed through histological observation and viral load titer assay. The concentration and presence of the expressed IL12 was quantified and verifiedviaELISA assay. In summary, rAF-IL12 was proven to be safe, selectively replicating in chicken and cancer cells and was able to maintain its stability throughout several passages; thus enhancing its potential as an anti-breast cancer vaccine.
Weakly-Emergent Strain-Dependent Properties of High Field Superconductors
Authors: Branch Paul , Tsui Yeekin , Osamura Kozo , Hampshire Damian P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAll superconductors in high field magnets operating above 12 T are brittle and subjected to large strains because of the differential thermal contraction between component parts on cool-down and the large Lorentz forces produced in operation. The continuous scientific requirement for higher magnetic fields in superconducting energy-efficient magnets means we must understand and control the high sensitivity of critical current densityJcto strainε. Here we present very detailedJc(B,θ,T,ε) measurements on a high temperature superconductor (HTS), a (Rare−Earth)Ba2Cu3O7−δ(REBCO) coated conductor, and a low temperature superconductor (LTS), a Nb3Sn wire, that include the very widely observed inverted parabolic strain dependence forJc(ε). The canonical explanation for the parabolic strain dependence ofJcin LTS wires attributes it to an angular average of an underlying intrinsic parabolic single crystal response. It assigns optimal superconducting critical parameters to the unstrained state which implies thatJc(ε) should reach its peak value at a single strain (ε = εpeak), independent of fieldB, and temperatureT. However, consistent with a new analysis, the high field measurements reported here provide a clear signature for weakly-emergent behaviour, namelyεpeakis markedlyB, (field angleθfor the HTS) andTdependent in both materials. The strain dependence ofJcin these materials is termed weakly-emergent because it is not qualitatively similar to the strain dependence ofJcof any of their underlying component parts, but is amenable to calculation. We conclude thatJc(ε) is an emergent property in both REBCO and Nb3Sn conductors and that for the LTS Nb3Sn conductor, the emergent behaviour is not consistent with the long-standing canonical explanation forJc(ε).
Comparison of Individual Retinal Layer Thicknesses between Highly Myopic Eyes and Normal Control Eyes Using Retinal Layer Segmentation Analysis
Authors: Kim Jin Hyung , Lee Sung Hoon , Han Jae Yong , Kang Hyun Goo , Byeon Suk Ho , Kim Sung Soo , Koh Hyoung Jun , Lee Sung Chul , Kim Min 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe incidence of myopia is increasing worldwide, and the investigation on pathophysiology of myopia is becoming more important. This retrospective study aimed to compare the thicknesses of individual retinal layers between high-myopic and control eyes, and to evaluate the effects of age and sex on each retinal layer thickness. We assessed 164 subjects and divided them into two groups based on axial length (AL) (i.e., high-myopic group (AL ≥ 26 mm) and control group (AL < 26 mm)). Individual retinal layer thicknesses of five subfields in the macula were measured using automated retinal segmentation software packaged with the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and were compared. In high-myopia group, the thicknesses of total retina and all individual retinal layers in central and entire perifoveal subfields were significantly thicker than the corresponding layers in control group after adjustment for ocular magnification (all P < 0.05). There were no significant effects of sex on individual retinal thicknesses, and age had less negative effects on the thicknesses of retina layers in high-myopic eyes than normal eyes. Axially elongated, non-pathologic highly myopic eyes had different structural features than control eyes, with significantly greater individual macular layer thicknesses independent of sex or age.
Ge1−xSnx alloys: Consequences of band mixing effects for the evolution of the band gap Γ-character with Sn concentration
Authors: Eales Timothy D. , Marko Igor P. , Schulz Stefan , O’Halloran Edmond , Ghetmiri Seyed , Du Wei , Zhou Yiyin , Yu Shui-Qing , Margetis Joe , Tolle John , O’Reilly Eoin P. , Sweeney Stephen J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this work we study the nature of the band gap in GeSn alloys for use in silicon-based lasers. Special attention is paid to Sn-induced band mixing effects. We demonstrate from both experiment and ab-initio theory that the (direct) Γ-character of the GeSn band gap changes continuously with alloy composition and has significant Γ-character even at low (6%) Sn concentrations. The evolution of the Γ-character is due to Sn-induced conduction band mixing effects, in contrast to the sharp indirect-to-direct band gap transition obtained in conventional alloys such as Al1−xGaxAs. Understanding the band mixing effects is critical not only from a fundamental and basic properties viewpoint but also for designing photonic devices with enhanced capabilities utilizing GeSn and related material systems.
Toward a better understanding of the enhancing/embrittling effects of impurities in Nickel grain boundaries
Authors: Bentria El Tayeb , Lefkaier Ibn Khaldoun , Benghia Ali , Bentria Bachir , Kanoun Mohammed Benali , Goumri-Said Souraya 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe fracture path follows grain boundaries (GB) in most metallic system under tensile test. In general, impurities, even in ppm concentration, that segregate to these boundaries can remarkably change materials mechanical properties. Predicting impurities segregation effects in Nickel super-alloys might not be seen as intuitive and perhaps more fundamental understanding is needed. We performed a density functional theory calculation to elucidate the effect of eight light elements (B, C, N, O, Al, Si, P and S) and twelve transition metal elements (Tc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, Re) on Nickel ∑5(210) grain boundary formation and its Ni free surface. The effect of impurities was carefully examined by calculating different properties such as segregation, binding and cohesive energies, strengthening/embrittling potency and the theoretical tensile strength. Additionally, we employed the electron density differences and magnetic effects to explain why and how impurities such as B, S, V, Nb, Mn and W affect Nickel ∑5 GB. We used the generated data calculated on equal footing, to develop a fundamental understanding on impurity effect. A clear and strong correlation is found between difference in magnetic moment change between isolated and imbedded impurity atom on one hand and the tensile strength on the other hand. The higher the loss of the magnetic moment, the more the impurity consolidates the GB.
HCV p7 as a novel vaccine-target inducing multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells targeting liver cells expressing the viral antigen
Authors: Filskov Jonathan , Andersen Peter , Agger Else Marie , Bukh Jens 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDespite recent treatment advances for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a vaccine is urgently needed for global control of this important liver pathogen. The lack of robust immunocompetent HCV infection models makes it challenging to identify correlates of protection and test vaccine efficacy. However, vigorous CD4+and CD8+T-cell responses are detected in patients that spontaneously resolve acute infection, whereas dysfunctional T-cell responses are a hallmark of chronic infection. The HCV p7 protein, forming ion-channels essential for viral assembly and release, has not previously been pursued as a vaccine antigen. Herein, we demonstrated that HCV p7 derived from genotype 1a and 1b sequences are highly immunogenic in mice when employed as overlapping peptides formulated as nanoparticles with the cross-priming adjuvant, CAF09. This approach induced multifunctional cytokine producing CD4+and CD8+T-cells targeting regions of p7 that are subject to immune pressure during HCV infection in chimpanzees and humans. Employing a surrogatein vivochallenge model of liver cells co-expressing HCV-p7 and GFP, we found that vaccinated mice cleared transgene expressing cells. This study affirms the potential of a T-cell inducing nanoparticle vaccine platform to target the liver and introduces HCV p7 as a potential target for HCV vaccine explorations.
Synthesis and characterization of Mono-disperse Carbon Quantum Dots from Fennel Seeds: Photoluminescence analysis using Machine Learning
Authors: Dager Akansha , Uchida Takashi , Maekawa Toru , Tachibana Masaru 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHerein, we present the synthesis of mono-dispersed C-QDs via single-step thermal decomposition process using the fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare). As synthesized C-QDs have excellent colloidal, photo-stability, environmental stability (pH) and do not require any additional surface passivation step to improve the fluorescence. The C-QDs show excellent PL activity and excitation-independent emission. Synthesis of excitation-independent C-QDs, to the best of our knowledge, using natural carbon source via pyrolysis process has never been achieved before. The effect of reaction time and temperature on pyrolysis provides insight into the synthesis of C-QDs. We used Machine-learning techniques (ML) such as PCA, MCR-ALS, and NMF-ARD-SO in order to provide a plausible explanation for the origin of the PL mechanism of as-synthesized C-QDs. ML techniques are capable of handling and analyzing the large PL data-set, and institutively recommend the best excitation wavelength for PL analysis. Mono-disperse C-QDs are highly desirable and have a range of potential applications in bio-sensing, cellular imaging, LED, solar cell, supercapacitor, printing, and sensors.
Enhanced relativistic-electron beam collimation using two consecutive laser pulses
Authors: Malko Sophia , Vaisseau Xavier , Perez Frederic , Batani Dimitri , Curcio Alessandro , Ehret Michael , Honrubia Javier , Jakubowska Katarzyna , Morace Alessio , Santos João Jorge , Volpe Luca 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe double laser pulse approach to relativistic electron beam (REB) collimation in solid targets has been investigated at the LULI-ELFIE facility. In this scheme two collinear laser pulses are focused onto a solid target with a given intensity ratio and time delay to generate REBs. The magnetic field generated by the first laser-driven REB is used to guide the REB generated by a second delayed laser pulse. We show how electron beam collimation can be controlled by properly adjusting the ratio of focus size and the delay time between the two pulses. We found that the maximum of electron beam collimation is clearly dependent on the laser focal spot size ratio and related to the magnetic field dynamics. Cu-Kα and CTR imaging diagnostics were implemented to evaluate the collimation effects on the respectively low energy (≤100 keV) and high energy (≥MeV) components of the REB.
A Modal Rendition of ENSO Diversity
Authors: Chattopadhyay Rajib , Dixit Shivsai Ajit , Goswami B. N. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe El Nino and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) ‘diversity’ has been considered as a major factor limiting its predictability, a critical need for disaster mitigation associated with the trademark climatic swings of the ENSO. Improving climate models for ENSO forecasts relies on deeper understanding of the ENSO diversity but currently at a nascent stage. Here, we show that the ENSO diversity thought previously as ‘complex,’ arises largely as varied contributions from three leading modes of the ENSO to a given event. The ENSO ‘slow manifold’ can be fully described by three leading predictable modes, a quasi-quadrennial mode (QQD), a quasi-biennial (QB) mode and a decadal modulation of the quasi-biennial (DQB). The modal description of ENSO provides a framework for understanding the predictability of and global teleconnections with the ENSO. We further demonstrate it to be a useful framework for understanding biases of climate models in simulating and predicting the ENSO. Therefore, skillful prediction of all shades of ENSO depends critically on the coupled models’ ability to simulate the three modes with fidelity, providing basis for optimism for future of ENSO forecasts.
Ultra-fast direct growth of metallic micro- and nano-structures by focused ion beam irradiation
Authors: Córdoba Rosa , Orús Pablo , Strohauer Stefan , Torres Teobaldo E. , De Teresa José María 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAn ultra-fast method to directly grow metallic micro- and nano-structures is introduced. It relies on a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and a condensed layer of suitable precursor material formed on the substrate under cryogenic conditions. The technique implies cooling the substrate below the condensation temperature of the gaseous precursor material, subsequently irradiating with ions according to the wanted pattern, and posteriorly heating the substrate above the condensation temperature. Here, using W(CO)6 as the precursor material, a Ga+ FIB, and a substrate temperature of −100 °C, W-C metallic layers and nanowires with resolution down to 38 nm have been grown by Cryogenic Focused Ion Beam Induced Deposition (Cryo-FIBID). The most important advantages of Cryo-FIBID are the fast growth rate (about 600 times higher than conventional FIBID with the precursor material in gas phase) and the low ion irradiation dose required (∼50 μC/cm2), which gives rise to very low Ga concentrations in the grown material and in the substrate (≤0.2%). Electrical measurements indicate that W-C layers and nanowires grown by Cryo-FIBID exhibit metallic resistivity. These features pave the way for the use of Cryo-FIBID in various applications in micro- and nano-lithography such as circuit editing, photomask repair, hard masks, and the growth of nanowires and contacts. As a proof of concept, we show the use of Cryo-FIBID to grow metallic contacts on a Pt-C nanowire and investigate its transport properties. The contacts have been grown in less than one minute, which is considerably faster than the time needed to grow the same contacts with conventional FIBID, around 10 hours.
Inhibition of Kirsten-Ras reduces fibrosis and protects against renal dysfunction in a mouse model of chronic folic acid nephropathy
Authors: Newbury Lucy J. , Wang Jui-Hui , Hung Gene , Hendry Bruce M. , Sharpe Claire C. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractChronic Kidney Disease is a growing problem across the world and can lead to end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Fibrosis is the underlying mechanism that leads to organ dysfunction, but as yet we have no therapeutics that can influence this process. Ras monomeric GTPases are master regulators that direct many of the cytokines known to drive fibrosis to downstream effector cascades. We have previously shown that K-Ras is a key isoform that drives fibrosis in the kidney. Here we demonstrate that K-Ras expression and activation are increased in rodent models of CKD. By knocking down expression of K-Ras using antisense oligonucleotides in a mouse model of chronic folic acid nephropathy we can reduce fibrosis by 50% and prevent the loss of renal function over 3 months. In addition, we have demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that reduction of K-Ras expression is associated with a reduction in Jag1 expression; we hypothesise this is the mechanism by which targeting K-Ras has therapeutic benefit. In conclusion, targeting K-Ras expression with antisense oligonucleotides in a mouse model of CKD prevents fibrosis and protects against renal dysfunction.