bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of unintentional extra carriers by Mn valence change for high insulating devices
Authors: Guo Daoyou , Li Peigang , Wu Zhenping , Cui Wei , Zhao Xiaolong , Lei Ming , Li Linghong , Tang Weihua 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFor intrinsic oxide semiconductors, oxygen vacancies served as the electron donors have long been and inevitably still are, attributed as the primary cause of conductivity, making oxide semiconductors seem hard to act as high insulating materials. Meanwhile, the presence of oxygen vacancies often leads to a persistent photoconductivity phenomenon which is not conducive to the practical use in the fast photoelectric response devices. Herein, we propose a possible way to reduce the influence of oxygen vacancies by introducing a valence change doping in the monoclinic β-Ga2O3 epitaxial thin film. The unintentional extra electrons induced by oxygen vacancies can be strongly suppressed by the change valence of the doped Mn ions from +3 to +2. The resistance for the Mn-doped Ga2O3 increases two orders of magnitude in compared with the pure Ga2O3. As a result, photodetector based on Mn-doped Ga2O3 thin films takes on a lower dark current, a higher sensitivity and a faster photoresponse time, exhibiting a promising candidate using in high performance solar-blind photodetector. The study presents that the intentional doping of Mn may provide a convenient and reliable method of obtaining high insulating thin film in oxide semiconductor for the application of specific device.
Well-tolerated Spirulina extract inhibits influenza virus replication and reduces virus-induced mortality
Authors: Chen Yi-Hsiang , Chang Gi-Kung , Kuo Shu-Ming , Huang Sheng-Yu , Hu I-Chen , Lo Yu-Lun , Shih Shin-Ru 
Published: April 2016

AbstractInfluenza is one of the most common human respiratory diseases, and represents a serious public health concern. However, the high mutability of influenza viruses has hampered vaccine development, and resistant strains to existing anti-viral drugs have also emerged. Novel anti-influenza therapies are urgently needed, and in this study, we describe the anti-viral properties of a Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) cold water extract. Anti-viral effects have previously been reported for extracts and specific substances derived from Spirulina, and here we show that this Spirulina cold water extract has low cellular toxicity, and is well-tolerated in animal models at one dose as high as 5,000 mg/kg, or 3,000 mg/kg/day for 14 successive days. Anti-flu efficacy studies revealed that the Spirulina extract inhibited viral plaque formation in a broad range of influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant strains. Spirulina extract was found to act at an early stage of infection to reduce virus yields in cells and improve survival in influenza-infected mice, with inhibition of influenza hemagglutination identified as one of the mechanisms involved. Together, these results suggest that the cold water extract of Spirulina might serve as a safe and effective therapeutic agent to manage influenza outbreaks, and further clinical investigation may be warranted.
Mapping the Nonreciprocal Micromechanics of Individual Cells and the Surrounding Matrix Within Living Tissues
Authors: Xu Xin , Li Zhiyu , Cai Luyao , Calve Sarah , Neu Corey P. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play an important role in cell migration, gene expression and differentiation. Biomechanics measurements of ECM are usually performed on cryotomed tissue sections. However, studies on cell/matrix interplay are impossible to perform due to disruptions in cell viability and tissue architecture from freeze-thaw cycling. We developed a technique to map the stiffness of living cells and surrounding matrix by atomic force microscopy and use fluorescence microscopy to relate those properties to changes in matrix and cell structure in embryonic and adult tissues in situ. Stiffness mapping revealed significant differences between vibratomed (living) and cryotomed tissues. Isolated cells are softer than those in native matrix, suggesting that cell mechanics are profoundly influenced by their three-dimensional environment and processing state. Viable tissues treated by hyaluronidase and cytochalasin D displayed targeted disruption of matrix and cytoskeletal networks, respectively. While matrix stiffness affected cellular stiffness, changes in cell mechanics did not reciprocally influence matrix stiffness.
Bioinspired design of a polymer gel sensor for the realization of extracellular Ca2+ imaging
Authors: Ishiwari Fumitaka , Hasebe Hanako , Matsumura Satoko , Hajjaj Fatin , Horii-Hayashi Noriko , Nishi Mayumi , Someya Takao , Fukushima Takanori 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAlthough the role of extracellular Ca2+ draws increasing attention as a messenger in intercellular communications, there is currently no tool available for imaging Ca2+ dynamics in extracellular regions. Here we report the first solid-state fluorescent Ca2+ sensor that fulfills the essential requirements for realizing extracellular Ca2+ imaging. Inspired by natural extracellular Ca2+-sensing receptors, we designed a particular type of chemically-crosslinked polyacrylic acid gel, which can undergo single-chain aggregation in the presence of Ca2+. By attaching aggregation-induced emission luminogen to the polyacrylic acid as a pendant, the conformational state of the main chain at a given Ca2+ concentration is successfully translated into fluorescence property. The Ca2+ sensor has a millimolar-order apparent dissociation constant compatible with extracellular Ca2+ concentrations and exhibits sufficient dynamic range and excellent selectivity in the presence of physiological concentrations of biologically relevant ions, thus enabling monitoring of submillimolar fluctuations of Ca2+ in flowing analytes containing millimolar Ca2+ concentrations.
MMPI-2 Profile of French Transsexuals: The Role of Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors. A cross-sectional design
Authors: Bonierbale Mireille , Baumstarck Karine , Maquigneau Aurélie , Gorin-Lazard Audrey , Boyer Laurent , Loundou Anderson , Auquier Pascal , Lançon Christophe 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe assessment of co-existing psychological and psychiatric disorders is advocated in the Standards of Care for the health of transsexual people. This study aimed to determine the psychopathological characteristics of transsexuals based on a large sample of French individuals and to identify whether these characteristics differed according to the individual’s sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the psychopathological characteristics of transsexuals from a large sample of French individuals and whether these differed by sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a French public university hospital. The inclusion criteria were 18 years or older, diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and eligibility for a standardized sex reassignment procedure. Personality characteristics were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2). A total of 108 individuals provided a valid MMPI-2 between January 2007 and December 2010. The final sample had a median age of 31 years and included 54 (50%) Female-to-Male individuals. In multivariate models, hormonal therapy status was significantly related to the scales of MMPI-2 (Psychasthenia and Masculinity/Femininity). Personality assessment can help a multidisciplinary gender dysphoria team detect potential psychopathological factors of vulnerability.
Antibiofilm effect enhanced by modification of 1,2,3-triazole and palladium nanoparticles on polysulfone membranes
Authors: Cheng Hong , Xie Yihui , Villalobos Luis Francisco , Song Liyan , Peinemann Klaus-Viktor , Nunes Suzana , Hong Pei-Ying 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBiofouling impedes the performance of membrane bioreactors. In this study, we investigated the antifouling effects of polysulfone membranes that were modified by 1,2,3-triazole and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles. The modified membranes were evaluated for antibacterial and antifouling efficacy in a monoculture species biofilm (i.e., drip flow biofilm reactor, DFR) and mixed species biofilm experiment (i.e., aerobic membrane reactor, AeMBR). 1,2,3-triazole and Pd nanoparticles inhibited growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The decrease in bacterial growth was observed along with a decrease in the amount of total polysaccharide within the monoculture species biofilm matrix. When the modified membranes were connected to AeMBR, the increase in transmembrane pressure was lower than that of the non-modified membranes. This was accompanied by a decrease in protein and polysaccharide concentrations within the mixed species biofilm matrix. Biomass amount in the biofilm layer was also lower in the presence of modified membranes and there was no detrimental effect on the performance of the reactor as evaluated from the nutrient removal rates. 16S rRNA analysis further attributed the delay in membrane fouling to the decrease in relative abundance of selected bacterial groups. These observations collectively point to a lower fouling occurrence achieved by the modified membranes.
Next-generation Sequencing Extends the Phenotypic Spectrum for LCA5 Mutations: Novel LCA5 Mutations in Cone Dystrophy
Authors: Chen Xue , Sheng Xunlun , Sun Xiantao , Zhang Yuxin , Jiang Chao , Li Huiping , Ding Sijia , Liu Yani , Liu Wenzhou , Li Zili , Zhao Chen 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe aim to characterize the clinical features and genetic causes for two affected siblings from a Chinese family with cone dystrophy (CD). Two patients and four unaffected family members were recruited and received complete ophthalmic examinations. Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood samples from all patients. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach followed by intrafamilal cosegregation and in silico analyses were employed to determine the genetic defects. Ophthalmic evaluations finalized the clinical diagnosis of CD for the two patients in this family, both of whom presented macular atrophy with no remarkable changes in the peripheral retina. Comprehensive genetic screening approach revealed biallelic missense mutations in the Leber congenital amaurosis 5 (LCA5) gene, p.[Ala212Pro];[Tyr441Cys], as disease causative for this family. Both mutations were novel. The first substitution was predicted to eliminate a hydrogen bond and alter the tertiary structure of lebercilin, protein encoded by LCA5. We for the first time report novel biallelic LCA5 mutations in causing CD. Our study extends the phenotypic and genotypic spectrums for LCA5-associated retinopathies and better illustrates its genotype-phenotype correlations, which would help with better genetic diagnosis, prognosis and personalized treatment for CD patients.
Dynamic interaction of SARAF with STIM1 and Orai1 to modulate store-operated calcium entry
Authors: Albarran Letizia , Lopez Jose J. , Amor Nidhal Ben , Martin-Cano Francisco E. , Berna-Erro Alejandro , Smani Tarik , Salido Gines M. , Rosado Juan A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCa2+ influx by store-operated Ca2+ channels is a major mechanism for intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and cellular function. Here we present evidence for the dynamic interaction between the SOCE-associated regulatory factor (SARAF), STIM1 and Orai1. SARAF overexpression attenuated SOCE and the STIM1-Orai1 interaction in cells endogenously expressing STIM1 and Orai1 while RNAi-mediated SARAF silencing induced opposite effects. SARAF impaired the association between Orai1 and the Orai1-activating small fragment of STIM1 co-expressed in the STIM1-deficient NG115-401L cells. Cell treatment with thapsigargin or physiological agonists results in direct association of SARAF with Orai1. STIM1-independent interaction of SARAF with Orai1 leads to activation of this channel. In cells endogenously expressing STIM1 and Orai1, Ca2+ store depletion leads to dissociation of SARAF with STIM1 approximately 30s after treatment with thapsigargin, which paralleled the increase in SARAF-Orai1 interaction, followed by reinteraction with STIM1 and dissociation from Orai1. Co-expression of SARAF and either Orai1 or various N-terminal deletion Orai1 mutants did not alter SARAF-Orai1 interaction; however, expression of C-terminal deletion Orai1 mutants or blockade of the C-terminus of Orai1 impair the interaction with SARAF. These observations suggest that SARAF exerts an initial positive role in the activation of SOCE followed by the facilitation of SCDI of Orai1.
Effect of Mg insertion on time‐dependent dielectric breakdown in MgO‐based magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Choi C.M. , Sukegawa H. , Mitani S. , Song Y.H. 
Published: April 2016

The stress‐induced breakdown characteristics in magnesium oxide (MgO)‐based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) including an inserted Mg layer 0.5 nm thick is investigated, above or below an MgO tunnel barrier. Regardless of the insertion position, the inserted layer suppressed the time‐dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) observed in the case of electron tunnelling into the Mg‐inserted interface. This indicates that the Mg insertion significantly suppressed trap site formation at the anode‐side barrier/electrode interface. The improvement of TDDB by the Mg insertion was confirmed through constant voltage stress experiments. Therefore, interface modification by means of inserting an ultra‐thin metallic layer is highly effective in improving the reliability of an MTJ tunnel barrier for practical applications.
Operation analysis of a phase‐shifted full‐bridge converter during the dead‐time interval
Authors: Zhao Lei , Li Haoyu , Hou Yue , Yu Yanxue 
Published: April 2016

During the dead‐time interval for a phase‐shifted full‐bridge (PSFB) converter, switches can achieve zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) operation by using the energy stored in the transformer leakage inductance to discharge or charge the output capacitance of the switches. The value of dead‐time has a great effect on ZVS range so it is a key parameter that needs to be optimised during designing the converter. This study develops theoretical analysis to estimate the dead‐time as a function of load current for PSFB converter. The equivalent circuits of PSFB converter during the dead‐time interval with considering magnetising inductance are mainly analysed in this study. Compared with previous analyses, the influences of dead‐time on ZVS range and efficiency are discussed in detail. The analysis results show that the magnetising inductance of transformer can ensure ZVS over a wide range of load conditions, especially under discontinued current mode operation, without a penalty on the heavy‐load efficiency. By adjusting the dead‐time dynamically, both conduction and switching losses can be reduced. A 1 kW prototype is implemented and experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis.
Return to Play after Cervical Spine Injuries: A Consensus of Opinion
Authors: France John C. , Karsy Michael , Harrop James S. , Dailey Andrew T. 
Published: April 2016

Study Design Survey. Objective Sports-related spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a growing proportion of total SCIs but lacks evidence or guidelines to guide clinical decision-making on return to play (RTP). Our objective is to offer the treating physician a consensus analysis of expert opinion regarding RTP that can be incorporated with the unique factors of a case for clinical decision-making. Methods Ten common clinical scenarios involving neurapraxia and stenosis, atlantoaxial injury, subaxial injury, and general cervical spine injury were presented to 25 spine surgeons from level 1 trauma centers for whom spine trauma is a significant component of their practice. We evaluated responses to questions about patient RTP, level of contact, imaging required for a clinical decision, and time to return for each scenario. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results Evaluation of the surgeons’ responses to these cases showed significant consensus regarding return to high-contact sports in cases of cervical cord neurapraxia without symptoms or stenosis, surgically repaired herniated disks, and nonoperatively healed C1 ring or C2 hangman's fractures. Greater variability was found in recommendations for patients showing persistent clinical symptomatology. Conclusion This survey suggests a consensus among surgeons for allowing patients with relatively normal imaging and resolution of symptoms to return to high-contact activities; however, patients with cervical stenosis or clinical symptoms continue to be a challenge for management. This survey may serve as a basis for future clinical trials and consensus guidelines.
Dominant hemisphere lateralization of cortical parasympathetic control as revealed by frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Guo Christine C. , Sturm Virginia E. , Zhou Juan , Gennatas Efstathios D. , Trujillo Andrew J. , Hua Alice Y. , Crawford Richard , Stables Lara , Kramer Joel H. , Rankin Katherine , Levenson Robert W. , Rosen Howard J. , Miller Bruce L. , Seeley William W. 
Published: April 2016

Significance
Brain–body interactions are fundamental to physical and mental health. Here, we used a unique brain lesion model to elucidate the neural localization and lateralization of cerebro-cardiac control. Our data revealed that the salience network, an intrinsic connectivity network anchored by the anterior insula and cingulate, is crucial for maintaining basal parasympathetic outflow. Specifically, dominant hemisphere-predominant salience network damage undermined parasympathetic control of the heart. The findings suggest that balanced functional integrity of both hemispheres is vital to maintaining bodily homeostasis.
Echolocating bats use future-target information for optimal foraging
Authors: Fujioka Emyo , Aihara Ikkyu , Sumiya Miwa , Aihara Kazuyuki , Hiryu Shizuko 
Published: April 2016

Significance
This study shows how an animal dynamically and rationally controls its sensing and navigates to capture multiple prey items. To perform this study, we extracted sonar attention and flight attention of foraging wild bats from both empirical data and mathematical modeling. We show that the bats directed their sonar and flight attention toward not only an immediate prey but also the next prey. In addition, numerical simulation shows a possibility that the bats select suitable flight paths for the consecutive capture. Hence, wild echolocating bats plan their flight paths by distributing their attention among multiple prey items, which means that the bats do not forage in a hit-or-miss fashion but rather spatially anticipate their future targets for optimum routing.
Function and regulation of TRPP2 ion channel revealed by a gain-of-function mutant
Authors: Arif Pavel Mahmud , Lv Caixia , Ng Courtney , Yang Lei , Kashyap Parul , Lam Clarissa , Valentino Victoria , Fung Helen Y. , Campbell Thomas , Møller Simon Geir , Zenisek David , Holtzman Nathalia G. , Yu Yong 
Published: April 2016

Significance
Mutations in transient receptor potential polycystin 2 (TRPP2) and polycystin-1 account for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). TRPP2 is a cation channel and plays a crucial role in coupling extracellular stimuli to cellular responses in cells. The activation mechanism of TRPP2 is unknown, which significantly limits its study. Here, we report a gain-of-function (GOF) mutation that causes constitutive activity of TRPP2. This mutant was applied to investigation of the TRPP2 channel properties, the functional effects of ADPKD pathogenic TRPP2 mutations, and the in vivo function of the GOF TRPP2 in zebrafish embryos. From our results, we conclude that the GOF TRPP2 is a powerful tool for TRPP2 study, and has potential therapeutic applications in ADPKD treatment.
Emergent ultra–long-range interactions between active particles in hybrid active–inactive systems
Authors: Steimel Joshua P. , Aragones Juan L. , Hu Helen , Qureshi Naser , Alexander-Katz Alfredo 
Published: April 2016

SignificanceParticle–particle interactions determine the state of a system. Control over the range and magnitude of such interactions is critical for science and technology. Here, we show that active particles experience an emergent ultra–long-range attractive interaction in the presence of a passive medium. The range and magnitude of this interaction are controlled by the elasticity of the medium and the activity of the particles. For the conditions studied here, we have found the range to be as large as 20 particle diameters, which is much larger than the typical interaction range between colloids. This interaction may open up new routes of control between active objects in passive environments and help us to understand the emergent interactions in nonequilibrium (biological) systems.
Predictable evolution toward flightlessness in volant island birds
Authors: Wright Natalie A. , Steadman David W. , Witt Christopher C. 
Published: April 2016

SignificancePredictable evolutionary trends illuminate mechanisms that affect the diversity of traits and species on the tree of life. We show that when birds colonize islands, they undergo predictable changes in body shape. Small-island bird populations evolve smaller flight muscles and longer legs. These shifts in investment from wings to legs, although often subtle, are qualitatively similar to changes that have occurred in flightless bird lineages. Islands with fewer predator species were associated with more dramatic shifts toward flightlessness, implicating reduced predation pressure as the most likely cause of this trend. These predictable evolutionary changes likely exacerbate the vulnerability of flighted island birds to introduced predators and reduce the potential for small-island species to give rise to subsequent radiations.
Implications of lemuriform extinctions for the Malagasy flora
Authors: Federman Sarah , Dornburg Alex , Daly Douglas C. , Downie Alexander , Perry George H. , Yoder Anne D. , Sargis Eric J. , Richard Alison F. , Donoghue Michael J. , Baden Andrea L. 
Published: April 2016

Significance
Madagascar is a conservation priority because of its unique and threatened biodiversity. Lemurs, by acting as seed dispersers, are essential to maintaining healthy and diverse forests on the island. However, in the past few thousand years, at least 17 lemur species, many of which were inferred seed dispersers, have gone extinct. We outline the substantial impact that these extinctions have likely had on Malagasy forests by comparing the gape sizes and diets of living and extinct lemurs to identify large-seeded Malagasy plants that appear to be without extant animal dispersers. Additionally, we identify living lemurs that are endangered yet occupy unique and essential dispersal niches. This information can inform conservation initiatives targeting the protection and restoration of these vulnerable ecosystems.
Periodically microstructured composite films made by electric- and magnetic-directed colloidal assembly
Authors: Demirörs Ahmet Faik , Courty Diana , Libanori Rafael , Studart André R. 
Published: April 2016

Significance
Combined magnetic and electric fields offer unprecedented control over the position and orientation of particles, enabling the formation of programmed colloidal assemblies and composite films with locally modulated mechanical properties. The amplitude of this modulation can be controlled to form polymer-based bioinspired films with reinforced islands. Strikingly, such mechanical modulation can be designed to improve considerably the wear resistance of composite films.