bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional metagenomic approach to identify overlooked antibiotic resistance mutations in bacterial rRNA
Authors: Miyazaki Kentaro , Kitahara Kei 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOur knowledge as to how bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance is still fragmented, especially for the ribosome-targeting drugs. In this study, with the aim of finding novel mechanisms that render bacteria resistant to the ribosome-targeting antibiotics, we developed a general method to systematically screen for antibiotic resistant 16 S ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), which are the major target for multiple antibiotics (e.g. spectinomycin, tetracycline, and aminoglycosides), and identify point mutations therein. We used Escherichia coli ∆7, a null mutant of the rrn (ribosomal RNA) operons, as a surrogate host organism to construct a metagenomic library of 16 S rRNA genes from the natural (non-clinical) environment. The library was screened for spectinomycin resistance to obtain four resistant 16 S rRNA genes from non-E. coli bacterial species. Bioinformatic analysis and site-directed mutagenesis identified three novel mutations - U1183C (the first mutation discovered in a region other than helix 34), and C1063U and U1189C in helix 34 - as well as three well-described mutations (C1066U, C1192G, and G1193A). These results strongly suggest that uncharacterized antibiotic resistance mutations still exist, even for traditional antibiotics.
High conversion synthesis of <10 nm starch-stabilized silver nanoparticles using microwave technology
Authors: Kumar Shishir V. , Bafana Adarsh P. , Pawar Prasad , Rahman Ashiqur , Dahoumane Si Amar , Jeffryes Clayton S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA microwave reaction to convert 99 ± 1% of Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of size <10 nm within 4.5 min with a specific production rate and energy input of 5.75 mg AgNP L−1 min−1 and 5.45 W mL−1 reaction volume was developed. The glucose reduced and food grade starch stabilized particles remained colloidally stable with less than a 4% change in the surface plasmon resonance band at 425–430 nm at t > 300 days. TEM determined the size of AgNPs, while TEM-EDS and XRD verified elemental composition. The conversion was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Additionally, the required silver to starch input mass ratio, 1.0:1.3, to produce colloidally stabilized AgNPs is significantly reduced compared to previous studies. The antibacterial activity of freshly prepared AgNPs and AgNPs aged >300 days was demonstrated against E. coli as determined by agar diffusion assays. This result, corroborated by spectrophotometric and TEM measurements, indicates long-term colloidal stability of the product. Thus, this study sustainably produced antibacterial AgNPs from minimal inputs. In the broader context, the current work has quantified a sustainable platform technology to produce sphere-like inorganic nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties.
Structure-based discovery of mPGES-1 inhibitors suitable for preclinical testing in wild-type mice as a new generation of anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Ding Kai , Zhou Ziyuan , Hou Shurong , Yuan Yaxia , Zhou Shuo , Zheng Xirong , Chen Jianzhong , Loftin Charles , Zheng Fang , Zhan Chang-Guo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHuman mPGES-1 is recognized as a promising target for next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs without the side effects of currently available anti-inflammatory drugs, and various inhibitors have been reported in the literature. However, none of the reported potent inhibitors of human mPGES-1 has shown to be also a potent inhibitor of mouse or rat mPGES-1, which prevents using the well-established mouse/rat models of inflammation-related diseases for preclinical studies. Hence, despite of extensive efforts to design and discover various human mPGES-1 inhibitors, the promise of mPGES-1 as a target for the next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs has never been demonstrated in any wild-type mouse/rat model using an mPGES-1 inhibitor. Here we report discovery of a novel type of selective mPGES-1 inhibitors potent for both human and mouse mPGES-1 enzymes through structure-based rational design. Based onin vivostudies using wild-type mice, the lead compound is indeed non-toxic, orally bioavailable, and more potent in decreasing the PGE2(an inflammatory marker) levels compared to the currently available drug celecoxib. This is the first demonstration in wild-type mice that mPGES-1 is truly a promising target for the next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Rapid, topology-based particle tracking for high-resolution measurements of large complex 3D motion fields
Authors: Patel Mohak , Leggett Susan E. , Landauer Alexander K. , Wong Ian Y. , Franck Christian 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSpatiotemporal tracking of tracer particles or objects of interest can reveal localized behaviors in biological and physical systems. However, existing tracking algorithms are most effective for relatively low numbers of particles that undergo displacements smaller than their typical interparticle separation distance. Here, we demonstrate a single particle tracking algorithm to reconstruct large complex motion fields with large particle numbers, orders of magnitude larger than previously tractably resolvable, thus opening the door for attaining very high Nyquist spatial frequency motion recovery in the images. Our key innovations are feature vectors that encode nearest neighbor positions, a rigorous outlier removal scheme, and an iterative deformation warping scheme. We test this technique for its accuracy and computational efficacy using synthetically and experimentally generated 3D particle images, including non-affine deformation fields in soft materials, complex fluid flows, and cell-generated deformations. We augment this algorithm with additional particle information (e.g., color, size, or shape) to further enhance tracking accuracy for high gradient and large displacement fields. These applications demonstrate that this versatile technique can rapidly track unprecedented numbers of particles to resolve large and complex motion fields in 2D and 3D images, particularly when spatial correlations exist.
The properties of fibreboard based on nanolignocelluloses/CaCO3/PMMA composite synthesized through mechano-chemical method
Authors: Chen Yipeng , Cai Tailong , Dang Baokang , Wang Hanwei , Xiong Ye , Yao Qiufang , Wang Chao , Sun Qingfeng , Jin Chunde 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to develop a rapid and green method for the synthesis of lignocelluloses-based materials with superior mechanical properties. Samples were produced by hot-pressed method using different concentrations of CaCO3 and poly (methyl methacrylate) particles-filled nanolignocelluloses composites which was synthesized through mechano-chemical method. Poly (methyl methacrylate) and CaCO3 nanoparticles have been used as nanofillers. Bending strength, elasticity modulus, and dimensional stability, thermal properties of the developed lignocelluloses-based composites were determined. In view of the experimental results, it is found that the composites materials have good mechanical, dimensional stability, and thermal properties which enhanced as the filler loading increased. Thus, herein described lignocelluloses-based materials showed important characteristics to be concluded that these composites are suitable to be used for the design of flooring and construction systems.
Pulsed electromagnetic fields increase osteogenetic commitment of MSCs via the mTOR pathway in TNF-α mediated inflammatory conditions: an in-vitro study
Authors: Ferroni Letizia , Gardin Chiara , Dolkart Oleg , Salai Moshe , Barak Shlomo , Piattelli Adriano , Amir-Barak Hadar , Zavan Barbara 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been considered a potential treatment modality for fracture healing, however, the mechanism of their action remains unclear. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling may affect osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. This study aimed to assess the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under PEMF stimulation and the potential involvement of mTOR signaling pathway in this process. PEMFs were generated by a novel miniaturized electromagnetic device. Potential changes in the expression of mTOR pathway components, including receptors, ligands and nuclear target genes, and their correlation with osteogenic markers and transcription factors were analyzed. Involvement of the mTOR pathway in osteogenesis was also studied in the presence of proinflammatory mediators. PEMF exposure increased cell proliferation and adhesion and the osteogenic commitment of MSCs even in inflammatory conditions. Osteogenic-related genes were over-expressed following PEMF treatment. Our results confirm that PEMFs contribute to activation of the mTOR pathway via upregulation of the proteins AKT, MAPP kinase, and RRAGA, suggesting that activation of the mTOR pathway is required for PEMF-stimulated osteogenic differentiation. Our findings provide insights into how PEMFs influence osteogenic differentiation in normal and inflammatory environments.
Material Synthesis and Device Aspects of Monolayer Tungsten Diselenide
Authors: Yao Zihan , Liu Jialun , Xu Kai , Chow Edmond K. C. , Zhu Wenjuan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the synthesis of WSe2 by chemical vapor deposition and study the current transport and device scaling of monolayer WSe2. We found that the device characteristics of the back-gated WSe2 transistors with thick oxides are very sensitive to the applied drain bias, especially for transistors in the sub-micrometer regime. The threshold voltage, subthreshold swing, and extracted field-effect mobility vary with the applied drain bias. The output characteristics in the long-channel transistors show ohmic-like behavior, while that in the short-channel transistors show Schottky-like behavior. Our investigation reveals that these phenomena are caused by the drain-induced barrier lowering (short-channel effect). For back-gated WSe2 transistors with 280 nm oxide, the short-channel effect appears when the channel length is shorter than 0.4 µm. This extremely long electrostatic scaling length is due to the thick back-gate oxides. In addition, we also found that the hydrogen flow rate and the amount of WO3 precursor play an important role in the morphology of the WSe2. The hole mobility of the monolayer WSe2 is limited by Columbic scattering below 250 K, while it is limited by phonon scattering above 250 K. These findings are very important for the synthesis of WSe2 and accurate characterization of the electronic devices based on 2D materials.
Regulation of IL-22BP in psoriasis
Authors: Voglis Stefanos , Moos Sonja , Kloos Luise , Wanke Florian , Zayoud Morad , Pelczar Penelope , Giannou Anastasios D. , Pezer Silvia , Albers Michael , Luessi Felix , Huber Samuel , Schäkel Knut , Kurschus Florian C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIL-22 is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine upregulated in psoriasis and in other inflammatory diseases. The function of IL-22 is regulated by the soluble scavenging receptor, IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP or IL-22RA2). However, the role and regulation of IL-22BP itself in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease remain unclear. We used the TLR7 agonist Imiquimod (IMQ) to induce a psoriasis-like skin disease in mice and found a strong downregulation of IL-22BP in the affected skin as well as in the lymph nodes of animals treated with IMQ. We also analysed psoriatic skin of patients and compared this to skin of healthy donors. Interestingly, IL-22BP expression was similarly downregulated in skin biopsies of psoriasis patients compared to the skin of healthy donors. Since IL-22BP is expressed foremost in dendritic cells, we characterized its expression in monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) during maturation. In this way, we found Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to be a potent suppressor of IL-22BP expression in vitro. We conclude that regulation of IL-22BP by inflammatory mediators is an important step for the progression of inflammation in the skin and possibly also in other autoimmune diseases.
Comparative transcriptomics gives insights into the evolution of parasitism in Strongyloides nematodes at the genus, subclade and species level
Authors: Hunt Vicky L. , Hino Akina , Yoshida Akemi , Kikuchi Taisei 
Published: March 2018

AbstractStrongyloides spp., gastrointestinal nematode parasites of humans and other animals, have genetically identical parasitic and free-living adult life cycle stages. This is an almost unique feature amongst nematodes and comparison of these two stages can provide insights into the genetic basis and evolution of Strongyloides nematode parasitism. Here, we present RNAseq data for S. venezuelensis, a parasite of rodents, and identify genes that are differentially expressed in parasitic and free-living life cycle stages. Comparison of these data with analogous RNAseq data for three other Strongyloides spp., has identified key protein-coding gene families with a putative role in parasitism including WAGO-like Argonautes (at the genus level) and speckle-type POZ-like coding genes (S. venezuelensis-S. papillosus phylogenetic subclade level). Diverse gene families are uniquely upregulated in the parasitic stage of all four Strongyloides species, including a distinct upregulation of genes encoding cytochrome P450 in S. venezuelensis, suggesting some diversification of the molecular tools used in the parasitic life cycle stage among individual species. Together, our results identify key gene families with a putative role in Strongyloides parasitism or features of the parasitic life cycle stage, and deepen our understanding of parasitism evolution among Strongyloides species.
Tuning the 0 − π Josephson junction with a magnetic impurity: Role of tunnel contacts, exchange coupling, e − e interactions and high-spin states
Authors: Pal Subhajit , Benjamin Colin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe propose Josephson junction with a high-spin magnetic impurity sandwiched between two superconductors. This system shows a π junction behavior as a function of the spin magnetic moment state of the impurity, the interface transparency, exchange coupling and electron-electron interactions in the system. The system is theoretically analyzed for possible reason behind the π shift. The crucial role of spin flip scattering is highlighted. Possible applications in quantum computation of our proposed tunable high spin magnetic impurity π junction is underscored.
The effects of host species and sexual dimorphism differ among root, leaf and flower microbiomes of wild strawberries in situ
Authors: Wei Na , Ashman Tia-Lynn 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPlant-associated microbiomes profoundly influence host interactions with below- and aboveground environments. Characterizing plant-associated microbiomes in experimental settings have revealed important drivers of microbiota assemblies within host species. However, it remains unclear how important these individual drivers (e.g., organ type, host species, host sexual phenotype) are in structuring the patterns of plant–microbiota association in the wild. Using 16s rRNA sequencing, we characterized root, leaf and flower microbiomes in three closely related, sexually polymorphic Fragaria species, in the broadly sympatric portion of their native ranges in Oregon, USA. Taking into account the potential influence of broad-scale abiotic environments, we found that organ type explained the largest variation of compositional and phylogenetic α- and β-diversity of bacterial communities in these wild populations, and its overall effect exceeded that of host species and host sex. Yet, the influence of host species increased from root to leaf to flower microbiomes. We detected strong sexual dimorphism in flower and leaf microbiomes, especially in host species with the most complete separation of sexes. Our results provide the first demonstration of enhanced influence of host species and sexual dimorphism from root to flower microbiomes, which may be applicable to many other plants in the wild.
Predictors and estimation of risk for early exit from working life by poor health among middle and older aged workers in Korea
Authors: Lee Wanhyung , Yoon Jin-Ha , Koo Jung-Wan , Chang Sei-Jin , Roh Jaehoon , Won Jong-Uk 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe aims of this study were to investigate the predictors and estimate the risk for early exit from work owing to poor personal health status of the retirees. This study analysed the longitudinal data of 2,708 workers aged more than 45 years old from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictors and to build a prediction model for early exit from work due to poor health. Internal validation was performed using random split, and external validation using the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Over the 8-year follow-up, 124 workers exited work early because of poor health. Significant predictors for early exit from work due to poor health included hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–2.28), abnormal body mass index (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.10–2.35), decreased grasping power index, and perceived health status. The prediction model designed to estimate the risk of unwanted early exit from work because of poor health status showed fair performance in both the internal and external validations. The current study revealed the specific determinants and the possibility of prediction of shortened working life due to poor health status.
Preparation of Zr(Mo,W)2O8 with a larger negative thermal expansion by controlling the thermal decomposition of Zr(Mo,W)2(OH,Cl)2∙2H2O
Authors: Petrushina Mariya Yu. , Dedova Elena S. , Filatov Eugeny Yu. , Plyusnin Pavel E. , Korenev Sergei V. , Kulkov Sergei N. , Derevyannikova Elizaveta A. , Sharafutdinov Marat R. , Gubanov Alexander I. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSolid solutions of Zr(Mo,W)2O7(OH,Cl)2∙2H2O with a preset ratio of components were prepared by a hydrothermal method. The chemical composition of the solutions was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). For all the samples of ZrMoxW2−xO7(OH,Cl)2∙2H2O (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0), TGA and in situ powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies (300–1100 K) were conducted. For each case, the boundaries of the transformations were determined: Zr(Mo,W)2O7(OH,Cl)2∙2H2O → orthorhombic-ZrMoxW2−xO8 (425–525 K), orthorhombic-ZrMoxW2−xO8 → cubic-ZrMoxW2−xO8 (700–850 K), cubic-ZrMoxW2−xO8 → trigonal-ZrMoxW2−xO8 (800–1050 K for x > 1) and cubic-ZrMoxW2−xO8 → oxides (1000–1075 K for x ≤ 1). The cell parameters of the disordered cubic-ZrMoxW2−xO8 (space group Pa-3) were measured within 300–900 K, and the thermal expansion coefficients were calculated: −3.5∙10−6 – −4.5∙10−6 K−1. For the ordered ZrMo1.8W0.2O8 (space group P213), a negative thermal expansion (NTE) coefficient −9.6∙10−6 K−1 (300-400 K) was calculated. Orthorhombic-ZrW2O8 is formed upon the decomposition of ZrW2O7(OH,Cl)2∙2H2O within 500–800 K.
Application of biosurfactant from Bacillus subtilis C9 for controlling cladoceran grazers in algal cultivation systems
Authors: Yun Jin-Ho , Cho Dae-Hyun , Lee Bongsoo , Kim Hee-Sik , Chang Yong Keun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOpen algal cultivation platforms often suffer crop losses to herbivorous grazers that have potential to devastate biomass production within a few days. While a number of studies suggest synthetic chemicals as control agents for voracious algal grazers, environmental and safety concerns associated with the use of these chemicals encourage the exploration of alternative biological control agents. We hereby propose the application of a biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis C9 (referred to as C9-biosurfactant) for controlling cladoceran grazers commonly found in algal cultivation systems. The results indicated that C9-biosurfactant completely eradicated Daphnia pulex and Moina macrocopa within 24 hours when concentrations were equal to or exceeded 6 mg/L. Moreover, supplying C9-biosurfactant into the cultures of selected algal species with and without cladoceran grazers indicated no adverse effect of C9-biosurfactant on the growth and lipid productivity of algal crops, while cladocerans were selectively controlled by C9-biosurfactant even under the presence of their prey. These results thus indicate that C9-biosurfactant could be an effective biocontrol agent for cladoceran grazers at industrial algal cultivation.
Revealing Individual Lifestyles through Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Chemical Compounds in Fingerprints
Authors: Hinners Paige , O’Neill Kelly C. , Lee Young Jin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFingerprints, specifically the ridge details within the print, have long been used in forensic investigations for individual identification. Beyond the ridge detail, fingerprints contain useful chemical information. The study of fingerprint chemical information has become of interest, especially with mass spectrometry imaging technologies. Mass spectrometry imaging visualizes the spatial relationship of each compound detected, allowing ridge detail and chemical information in a single analysis. In this work, a range of exogenous fingerprint compounds that may reveal a personal lifestyle were studied using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). Studied chemical compounds include various brands of bug sprays and sunscreens, as well as food oils, alcohols, and citrus fruits. Brand differentiation and source determination were possible based on the active ingredients or exclusive compounds left in fingerprints. Tandem mass spectrometry was performed for the key compounds, so that these compounds could be confidently identified in a single multiplex mass spectrometry imaging data acquisition.
Passively Driven Probe Based on Miniaturized Propeller for Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Lu Yu , Li Zhongliang , Nan Nan , Bu Yang , Liu Xuebo , Xu Xiangdong , Wang Xuan , Sasaki Osami , Wang Xiangzhao 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOptical coherent tomography (OCT) has enabled clinical applications ranging from ophthalmology to cardiology that revolutionized in vivo medical diagnostics in the last few decades, and a variety of endoscopic probes have been developed in order to meet the needs of various endoscopic OCT imaging. We propose a passive driven intravascular optical coherent tomography (IV-OCT) probe in this paper. Instead of using any electrically driven scanning device, the probe makes use of the kinetic energy of the fluid that flushes away the blood during the intravascular optical coherence tomography imaging. The probe converts it into the rotational kinetic energy of the propeller, and the rotation of the rectangular prism mounted on the propeller shaft enables the scanning of the beam. The probe is low cost, and enables unobstructed stable circumferential scanning over 360 deg. The experimental results show that the probe scanning speed can exceed 100 rotations per second (rps). Spectral-domain OCT imaging of a phantom and porcine cardiac artery are demonstrated with axial resolution of 13.6 μm, lateral resolution of 22 μm, and sensitivity of 101.7 dB. We present technically the passively driven IV-OCT probe in full detail and discuss how to optimize the probe in further.