bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Origins of Ripples in CVD-Grown Few-layered MoS2 Structures under Applied Strain at Atomic Scales
Authors: Wang Jin , Namburu Raju R. , Dubey Madan , Dongare Avinash M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe potential of the applicability of two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) structures, in various electronics, optoelectronics, and flexible devices requires a fundamental understanding of the effects of strain on the electronic, magnetic and optical properties. Particularly important is the recent capability to grow large flakes of few-layered structures using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) wherein the top layers are relatively smaller in size than the bottom layers, resulting in the presence of edges/steps across adjacent layers. This paper investigates the strain response of such suspended few-layered structures at the atomic scales using classic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. MD simulations suggest that the suspended CVD-grown structures are able to relax the applied in-plane strain through the nucleation of ripples under both tensile and compressive loading conditions. The presence of terraced edges in these structures is the cause for the nucleation of ripples at the edges that grow towards the center of the structure under applied in-plane strains. The peak amplitudes of ripples observed are in excellent agreement with the experimental observations. The study provides critical insights into the mechanisms of strain relaxation of suspended few-layered MoS2 structures that determine the interplay between the mechanical response and the electronic properties of CVD-grown structures.
Interspecies cathelicidin comparison reveals divergence in antimicrobial activity, TLR modulation, chemokine induction and regulation of phagocytosis
Authors: Coorens Maarten , Scheenstra Maaike R. , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A. , Haagsman Henk P. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCathelicidins are short cationic peptides initially described as antimicrobial peptides, which can also modulate the immune system. Because most findings have been described in the context of human LL-37 or murine CRAMP, or have been investigated under varying conditions, it is unclear which functions are cathelicidin specific and which functions are general cathelicidin properties. This study compares 12 cathelicidins from 6 species under standardized conditions to better understand the conservation of cathelicidin functions. Most tested cathelicidins had strong antimicrobial activity againstE. coliand/or MRSA. Interestingly, while more physiological culture conditions limit the antimicrobial activity of almost all cathelicidins againstE. coli, activity against MRSA is enhanced. Seven out of 12 cathelicidins were able to neutralize LPS and another 7 cathelicidins were able to neutralize LTA; however, there was no correlation found with LPS neutralization. In contrast, only 4 cathelicidins enhanced DNA-induced TLR9 activation. In conclusion, these results provide new insight in the functional differences of cathelicidins both within and between species. In addition, these results underline the importance not to generalize cathelicidin functions and indicates that caution should be taken in extrapolating results from LL-37- or CRAMP-related studies to other animal settings.
Novel Electron-Phonon Relaxation Pathway in Graphite Revealed by Time-Resolved Raman Scattering and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Jhih-An , Parham Stephen , Dessau Daniel , Reznik Dmitry 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTime dynamics of photoexcited electron-hole pairs is important for a number of technologies, in particular solar cells. We combined ultrafast pump-probe Raman scattering and photoemission to directly follow electron-hole excitations as well as the G-phonon in graphite after an excitation by an intense laser pulse. This phonon is known to couple relatively strongly to electrons. Cross-correlating effective electronic and phonon temperatures places new constraints on model-based fits. The accepted two-temperature model predicts that G-phonon population should start to increase as soon as excited electron-hole pairs are created and that the rate of increase should not depend strongly on the pump fluence. Instead we found that the increase of the G-phonon population occurs with a delay of ~65 fs. This time-delay is also evidenced by the absence of the so-called self-pumping for G phonons. It decreases with increased pump fluence. We show that these observations imply a new relaxation pathway: Instead of hot carriers transferring energy to G-phonons directly, the energy is first transferred to optical phonons near the zone boundary K-points, which then decay into G-phonons via phonon-phonon scattering. Our work demonstrates that phonon-phonon interactions must be included in any calculations of hot carrier relaxation in optical absorbers even when only short timescales are considered.
Panmixia and dispersal from the Mediterranean Basin to Macaronesian Islands of a macrolichen species
Authors: Alors David , Grande Francesco Dal , Cubas Paloma , Crespo Ana , Schmitt Imke , Molina M. Carmen , Divakar Pradeep K. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Mediterranean region, comprising the Mediterranean Basin and the Macaronesian Islands, represents a center of diversification for many organisms. The genetic structure and connectivity of mainland and island microbial populations has been poorly explored, in particular in the case of symbiotic fungi. Here we investigated genetic diversity and spatial structure of the obligate outcrossing lichen-forming fungus Parmelina carporrhizans in the Mediterranean region. Using eight microsatellite and mating-type markers we showed that fungal populations are highly diverse but lack spatial structure. This is likely due to high connectivity and long distance dispersal of fungal spores. Consistent with low levels of linkage disequilibrium and lack of clonality, we detected both mating-type idiomorphs in all populations. Furthermore we showed that the Macaronesian Islands are the result of colonization from the Mediterranean Basin. The unidirectional gene flow, though, seemed not to be sufficient to counterbalance the effects of drift, resulting in comparatively allelic poor peripheral populations. Our study is the first to shed light on the high connectivity and lack of population structure in natural populations of a strictly sexual lichen fungus. Our data further support the view of the Macaronesian Islands as the end of the colonization road for this symbiotic ascomycete.
Development of patient-specific phantoms for verification of stereotactic body radiation therapy planning in patients with metallic screw fixation
Authors: Oh Dongryul , Hong Chae-Seon , Ju Sang Gyu , Kim Minkyu , Koo Bum Yong , Choi SungBack , Park Hee Chul , Choi Doo Ho , Pyo Hongryull 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA new technique for manufacturing a patient-specific dosimetric phantom using three-dimensional printing (PSDP_3DP) was developed, and its geometrical and dosimetric accuracy was analyzed. External body contours and structures of the spine and metallic fixation screws (MFS) were delineated from CT images of a patient with MFS who underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy for spine metastasis. Contours were converted into a STereoLithography file format using in-house program. A hollow, four-section PSDP was designed and manufactured using three types of 3DP to allow filling with a muscle-equivalent liquid and insertion of dosimeters. To evaluate the geometrical accuracy of PSDP_3DP, CT images were obtained and compared with patient CT data for volume, mean density, and Dice similarity coefficient for contours. The dose distribution in the PSDP_3DP was calculated by applying the same beam parameters as for the patient, and the dosimetric characteristics of the PSDP_3DP were compared with the patient plan. The registered CT of the PSDP_3DP was well matched with that of the real patient CT in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. The physical accuracy and dosimetric characteristics of PSDP_3DP were comparable to those of a real patient. The ability to manufacture a PSDP representing an extreme patient condition was demonstrated.
Effects of Increased Nitrogen and Phosphorus Deposition on Offspring Performance of Two Dominant Species in a Temperate Steppe Ecosystem
Authors: Li Yang , Hou Longyu , Song Bing , Yang Liuyi , Li Linghao 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPlants adapt to environment by plastic growth which will be transferred to offspring through transgenerational effect. Performance and response of maternal and offspring plant will affect population dynamics and community composition. However, it is scarcely understood how maternal nutrient environment affect the performance and response of offspring through transgenerational effect. Here we studied the impacts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment on maternal and offspring performances and responses ofStipa kryloviiandArtemisia frigida. Seeds were collected from maternal plant experiencing N or/and P addition for three years in Inner Mongolia grassland. We found that maternal nutrient addition significantly affected seed traits, offspring biomass, and offspring responses ofA. frigida. Maternal N addition significantly affected maternal reproductive biomass, seed traits ofS. kryloii. Maternal P addition ofS. kryloiisignificantly affected seed qualities, seedling biomass and seeding response to N addition. Our results suggested that transgenerational effects of N and P enrichment to the two dominant plant species existed in this ecosystem. Furthermore, the two species exhibited different adaptive strategies to future nutrient addition. These findings indicate that maternal environmental effect should be considered into the model projection of vegetation dynamics in response to ongoing environmental change.
Cofilin Regulates Nuclear Architecture through a Myosin-II Dependent Mechanotransduction Module
Authors: Wiggan O’Neil , Schroder Bryce , Krapf Diego , Bamburg James R. , DeLuca Jennifer G. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractStructural features of the nucleus including shape, size and deformability impact its function affecting normal cellular processes such as cell differentiation and pathological conditions such as tumor cell migration. Despite the fact that abnormal nuclear morphology has long been a defining characteristic for diseases such as cancer relatively little is known about the mechanisms that control normal nuclear architecture. Mounting evidence suggests close coupling between F-actin cytoskeletal organization and nuclear morphology however, mechanisms regulating this coupling are lacking. Here we identify that Cofilin/ADF-family F-actin remodeling proteins are essential for normal nuclear structure in different cell types. siRNA mediated silencing of Cofilin/ADF provokes striking nuclear defects including aberrant shapes, nuclear lamina disruption and reductions to peripheral heterochromatin. We provide evidence that these anomalies are primarily due to Rho kinase (ROCK) controlled excessive contractile myosin-II activity and not to elevated F-actin polymerization. Furthermore, we demonstrate a requirement for nuclear envelope LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex proteins together with lamin A/C for nuclear aberrations induced by Cofilin/ADF loss. Our study elucidates a pivotal regulatory mechanism responsible for normal nuclear structure and which is expected to fundamentally influence nuclear function.
Human p53 interacts with the elongating RNAPII complex and is required for the release of actinomycin D induced transcription blockage
Authors: Borsos Barbara N. , Huliák Ildikó , Majoros Hajnalka , Ujfaludi Zsuzsanna , Gyenis Ákos , Pukler Peter , Boros Imre M. , Pankotai Tibor 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe p53 tumour suppressor regulates the transcription initiation of selected genes by binding to specific DNA sequences at their promoters. Here we report a novel role of p53 in transcription elongation in human cells. Our data demonstrate that upon transcription elongation blockage, p53 is associated with genes that have not been reported as its direct targets. p53 could be co-immunoprecipitated with active forms of DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit 1 (RPB1), highlighting its association with the elongating RNA polymerase II. During a normal transcription cycle, p53 and RPB1 are localised at distinct regions of selected non-canonical p53 target genes and this pattern of localisation was changed upon blockage of transcription elongation. Additionally, transcription elongation blockage induced the proteasomal degradation of RPB1. Our results reveal a novel role of p53 in human cells during transcription elongation blockage that may facilitate the removal of RNA polymerase II from DNA.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis with a novel shear wave speed imaging for differential diagnosis of breast lesions
Authors: Yang Yu-Ping , Xu Xiao-Hong , Guo Le-Hang , He Ya-Ping , Wang Dan , Liu Bo-Ji , Zhao Chong-Ke , Chen Bao-Ding , Xu Hui-Xiong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of a new two-dimensional shear wave speed (SWS) imaging (i.e. Toshiba shear wave elastography, T-SWE) in differential diagnosis of breast lesions. 225 pathologically confirmed breast lesions in 218 patients were subject to conventional ultrasound and T-SWE examinations. The mean, standard deviation and ratio of SWS values (m/s) and elastic modulus (KPa) on T-SWE were computed. Besides, the 2D elastic images were classified into four color patterns. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T-SWE in differentiation of breast lesions. Compared with other quantitative T-SWE parameters, mean value expressed in KPa had the highest AUROC value (AUROC = 0.943), with corresponding cut-off value of 36.1 KPa, sensitivity of 85.1%, specificity of 96.6%, accuracy of 94.2%, PPV of 87.0%, and NPV of 96.1%. The AUROC of qualitative color patterns in this study obtained the best performance (AUROC = 0.957), while the differences were not significant except for that of Eratio expressed in m/s (AUROC = 0.863) (P = 0.03). In summary, qualitative color patterns of T-SWE obtained the best performance in all parameters, while mean stiffness (36.05 KPa) provided the best diagnostic performance in the quantitative parameters.
Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-inducing Effect of exo-Protoporphyrin IX based Sonodynamic Therapy on Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lv Yanhong , Zheng Jinhua , Zhou Qi , Jia Limin , Wang Chunying , Liu Nian , Zhao Hong , Ji Hang , Li Baoxin , Cao Wenwu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an innovative modality for cancer treatment. But the biological effect of SDT on oral squamous cell carcinoma has not been studied. Our previous study has shown that endo-Protoporphyrin IX based SDT (ALA-SDT) could induce apoptosis in human tongue squamous carcinoma SAS cells through mitochondrial pathway. Herein, we investigated the effect of exo- Protoporphyrin based SDT (PpIX-SDT) on SAS cells in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that PpIX-SDT increased the ratio of cells in the G2/M phase and induced 3–4 times more cell apoptosis compared to sonocation alone. PpIX-SDT caused cell membrane damage prior to mitochondria damage and upregulated the expression of Fas and Fas L, while the effect was suppressed if cells were pre-treated with p53 inhibitor. Additionally, we examined the SDT-induced cell apoptosis in two cell lines with different p53 status. The increases of p53 expression and apoptosis rate in wild-type p53 SAS cells were found in the SDT group, while p53-mutated HSC-3 cells did not show such increase. Our data suggest that PpIX-SDT suppress the proliferation of SAS cells via arresting cell cycle at G2/M phase and activating the extrinsic Fas-mediated membrane receptor pathway to induce apoptosis, which is regulated by p53.
Conserving herbivorous and predatory insects in urban green spaces
Authors: Mata Luis , Threlfall Caragh G. , Williams Nicholas S. G. , Hahs Amy K. , Malipatil Mallik , Stork Nigel E. , Livesley Stephen J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractInsects are key components of urban ecological networks and are greatly impacted by anthropogenic activities. Yet, few studies have examined how insect functional groups respond to changes to urban vegetation associated with different management actions. We investigated the response of herbivorous and predatory heteropteran bugs to differences in vegetation structure and diversity in golf courses, gardens and parks. We assessed how the species richness of these groups varied amongst green space types, and the effect of vegetation volume and plant diversity on trophic- and species-specific occupancy. We found that golf courses sustain higher species richness of herbivores and predators than parks and gardens. At the trophic- and species-specific levels, herbivores and predators show strong positive responses to vegetation volume. The effect of plant diversity, however, is distinctly species-specific, with species showing both positive and negative responses. Our findings further suggest that high occupancy of bugs is obtained in green spaces with specific combinations of vegetation structure and diversity. The challenge for managers is to boost green space conservation value through actions promoting synergistic combinations of vegetation structure and diversity. Tackling this conservation challenge could provide enormous benefits for other elements of urban ecological networks and people that live in cities.
Effectiveness and Tolerability of Different Recommended Doses of PPIs and H2RAs in GERD: Network Meta-Analysis and GRADE system
Authors: Zhang Chao , Kwong Joey S. W. , Yuan Rui-Xia , Chen Hao , Xu Chang , Wang Yi-Pin , Yang Gong-Li , Yan Jin-Zhu , Peng Le , Zeng Xian-Tao , Weng Hong , Luo Jie , Niu Yu-Ming 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are used for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, the clinical evidence for treatment is poor. We evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of different doses of PPIs, H2RAs and placebo in adults with GERD. Six online databases were searched through September 1, 2016. All related articles were included and combined with a Bayesian network meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The GRADE systems were employed to assess the main outcome. Ninety-eight RCTs were identified, which included 45,964 participants. Our analysis indicated that the full/standard dose of esomeprazole at 40 mg per day was the most efficient in healing among nine different dosages of PPIs and H2RAs. The main efficacy outcome did not change after adjustments for the area, age, level of disease from endoscopy, year of publication, pharmaceutical industry sponsorship, Intention-to-treat (ITT)/per-protocol (PP), withdrawal rate, pre-set select design bias, single blinded and unblinded studies, study origination in China, study arms that included zero events, inconsistency node or discontinued drug were accounted for in the meta-regressions and sensitivity analyses. This research suggests that the full/standard doses (40 mg per day) of esomeprazole should be recommended as first-line treatments for GERD in adults for short-term therapy.
Temporary Vacuum-Assisted Closure of the Open Abdomen in Neonates
Authors: Numanoglu Alp , Cox Sharon , Hattori Kengo 
Published: January 2017

Introduction The need for open abdomen in the treatment of severely ill neonates will increase in time as more complex abdominal procedures are undertaken. However, the experience of temporary closure of an open abdomen using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system is still relatively limited in premature and term neonates. The aim of this study is to describe and review our experience in the use of temporary VAC of the open abdomen for neonates with varying pathological processes.
Materials and Methods A retrospective folder review of all neonates treated with VAC for open abdomen over the study period of 2010 to 2014 at our institution was performed.
Results A total of 15 neonates were included in this study. Mean gestational age and postbirth age at VAC application were 33.6 ± 4.1 (28–40) weeks and 14 ± 10.2 (2–30) days, respectively. Mean weight at VAC application was 1,797.7 ± 730.8 (960–3,200) g. Initial diagnoses were necrotizing enterocolitis (seven), intestinal perforation (three), gastroschisis (two), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (two), and primary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) (one). Reasons for VAC application included confirmed ACS (2) and application to prevent ACS (13). Duration of VAC use was 4 ± 3.4 (0–13) days during which 2 ± 1.2 (1–5) applications were performed. Overall survival rate was 80% (12 of 15 patients). One patient with primary ACS died from sepsis with an open abdomen. The only potential VAC-related complication was an enterocutaneous fistula.
Conclusion Temporary VAC of the open abdomen is a safe method of temporary abdominal closure to prevent ACS in high-risk postoperative conditions in neonates of any gestational age and birth weight.
First Report of Two Rare Entities in a Family: 49,XXXXY and 45,X
Authors: Özcan Aysegül , Şahin Yavuz 
Published: January 2017

Abstract49,XXXXY and 45,X syndromes are sex chromosome aneuploidies in which the affected individuals present with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, short or long stature, and skeletal malformations. Psychological, endocrinological, and orthopaedic disorders constitute the major problems in the clinical follow-up. We report a family with two rare entities: 49,XXXXY and 45, X. Sex chromosome abnormalities should especially be in mind in the evaluation of patients with micropenis, mental retardation, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Management mandates a multidisciplinary approach with pediatric endocrinology, pediatric surgery, orthopaedics, psychiatry, and clinical genetic evaluations. To our knowledge, our cases are the first to report the sibling patients with 49,XXXXY and 45,X.
Dynamic assembly of ultrasoft colloidal networks enables cell invasion within restrictive fibrillar polymers
Authors: Douglas Alison M. , Fragkopoulos Alexandros A. , Gaines Michelle K. , Lyon L. Andrew , Fernandez-Nieves Alberto , Barker Thomas H. 
Published: January 2017

Significance
Decoupling stiffness, pore size, and cell infiltration is a critical hurdle in biomaterials design. Here, by adding ultrasoft colloidal hydrogels to polymerizing fibrin, the particles are driven into a percolated three-dimensional tunnel-like structure throughout the fibrin network. The colloidal particles remain embedded, in stark contrast to the fate of a sacrificial porogen. Yet, cells use the long-time flow behavior of the colloidal network within the tunnels to migrate. Importantly, the colloidal volume fraction, ϕ, defines the critical physical dimensions of the network, which can thus be tuned. Additionally, the stiffness of the constituent particles affects the viscous flow of the colloidal network, affecting cell migration rates. This simplistic approach makes its potential applicability in clinical settings highly tractable.