bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Stage 1 Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khalil Asma , Cooper Emily , Townsend Rosemary , Thilaganathan Basky 
Published: May 2016

Objectives:The natural history of stage 1 Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) remains unclear and its optimal management is yet to be established. The main aims of this meta-analysis were to quantify the incidence of progression in stage 1 TTTS and to ascertain survival in these pregnancies.Methods:MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched. Reference lists within each article were hand-searched for additional reports. The outcomes included incidence of progression and survival in stage 1 TTTS. Randomized controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies were included. Case reports, studies including three or fewer cases of stage 1 TTTS, and editorials were excluded. Proportion meta-analysis was used for analysis (Registration number: CRD42016036190).Results:The search yielded 3,085 citations; 18 studies were included in the review (172 pregnancies to assess progression and 433 pregnancies to assess the survival). The pooled incidence of progression in stage 1 TTTS was 27% [95% CI 16–39%]. The pooled overall survival, double survival and at least one survival in the pregnancies managed expectantly were 79% [95% CI 62–92%], 70% [95% CI 54–84%] and 87% [95% CI 69–98%], respectively. In those undergoing amnioreduction, the corresponding figures were 77% [95% CI 68–85%], 67% [95% CI 57–76%] and 86% [95% CI 76–94%], respectively. The survival rates were 68% [95% CI 54–81%], 54% [95% CI 36–72%], and 81% [95% CI 69–90%], when laser surgery was performed.Conclusions:The optimal initial management of stage 1 TTTS remains in equipoise. The ongoing randomized trial comparing immediate laser surgery versus conservative management should provide a definitive answer.
A conceptual framework for invasion in microbial communities
Authors: Kinnunen Marta , Dechesne Arnaud , Proctor Caitlin , Hammes Frederik , Johnson David , Quintela-Baluja Marcos , Graham David , Daffonchio Daniele , Fodelianakis Stilianos , Hahn Nicole , Boon Nico , Smets Barth F 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
There is a growing interest in controlling—promoting or avoiding—the invasion of microbial communities by new community members. Resource availability and community structure have been reported as determinants of invasion success. However, most invasion studies do not adhere to a coherent and consistent terminology nor always include rigorous interpretations of the processes behind invasion. Therefore, we suggest that a consistent set of definitions and a rigorous conceptual framework are needed. We define invasion in a microbial community as the establishment of an alien microbial type in a resident community and argue how simple criteria to define aliens, residents, and alien establishment can be applied for a wide variety of communities. In addition, we suggest an adoption of the community ecology framework advanced by Vellend (2010) to clarify potential determinants of invasion. This framework identifies four fundamental processes that control community dynamics: dispersal, selection, drift and diversification. While selection has received ample attention in microbial community invasion research, the three other processes are often overlooked. Here, we elaborate on the relevance of all four processes and conclude that invasion experiments should be designed to elucidate the role of dispersal, drift and diversification, in order to obtain a complete picture of invasion as a community process.
The Arabidopsis NPF3 protein is a GA transporter
Authors: Tal Iris , Zhang Yi , Jørgensen Morten Egevang , Pisanty Odelia , Barbosa Inês C. R. , Zourelidou Melina , Regnault Thomas , Crocoll Christoph , Erik Olsen Carl , Weinstain Roy , Schwechheimer Claus , Halkier Barbara Ann , Nour-Eldin Hussam Hassan , Estelle Mark , Shani Eilon 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGibberellins (GAs) are plant hormones that promote a wide range of developmental processes. While GA signalling is well understood, little is known about how GA is transported or how GA distribution is regulated. Here we utilize fluorescently labelled GAs (GA-Fl) to screen for Arabidopsis mutants deficient in GA transport. We show that the NPF3 transporter efficiently transports GA across cell membranes in vitro and GA-Fl in vivo. NPF3 is expressed in root endodermis and repressed by GA. NPF3 is targeted to the plasma membrane and subject to rapid BFA-dependent recycling. We show that abscisic acid (ABA), an antagonist of GA, is also transported by NPF3 in vitro. ABA promotes NPF3 expression and GA-Fl uptake in plants. On the basis of these results, we propose that GA distribution and activity in Arabidopsis is partly regulated by NPF3 acting as an influx carrier and that GA–ABA interaction may occur at the level of transport.
Semi-metallic Be5C2 monolayer global minimum with quasi-planar pentacoordinate carbons and negative Poisson’s ratio
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Feng , Li Yafei , Chen Zhongfang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDesigning new materials with novel topological properties and reduced dimensionality is always desirable for material innovation. Here we report the design of a two-dimensional material, namely Be5C2 monolayer on the basis of density functional theory computations. In Be5C2 monolayer, each carbon atom binds with five beryllium atoms in almost the same plane, forming a quasi-planar pentacoordinate carbon moiety. Be5C2 monolayer appears to have good stability as revealed by its moderate cohesive energy, positive phonon modes and high melting point. It is the lowest-energy structure with the Be5C2 stoichiometry in two-dimensional space and therefore holds some promise to be realized experimentally. Be5C2 monolayer is a gapless semiconductor with a Dirac-like point in the band structure and also has an unusual negative Poisson’s ratio. If synthesized, Be5C2 monolayer may find applications in electronics and mechanics.
Microglia protect against brain injury and their selective elimination dysregulates neuronal network activity after stroke
Authors: Szalay Gergely , Martinecz Bernadett , Lénárt Nikolett , Környei Zsuzsanna , Orsolits Barbara , Judák Linda , Császár Eszter , Fekete Rebeka , West Brian L. , Katona Gergely , Rózsa Balázs , Dénes Ádám 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMicroglia are the main immune cells of the brain and contribute to common brain diseases. However, it is unclear how microglia influence neuronal activity and survival in the injured brain in vivo. Here we develop a precisely controlled model of brain injury induced by cerebral ischaemia combined with fast in vivo two-photon calcium imaging and selective microglial manipulation. We show that selective elimination of microglia leads to a striking, 60% increase in infarct size, which is reversed by microglial repopulation. Microglia-mediated protection includes reduction of excitotoxic injury, since an absence of microglia leads to dysregulated neuronal calcium responses, calcium overload and increased neuronal death. Furthermore, the incidence of spreading depolarization (SD) is markedly reduced in the absence of microglia. Thus, microglia are involved in changes in neuronal network activity and SD after brain injury in vivo that could have important implications for common brain diseases.
Evidence of structural invariance across three groups of Meehlian schizotypes
Authors: Chan Raymond CK , Gooding Diane C , Shi Hai-song , Geng Fu-lei , Xie Dong-jie , Yang Zhuo-Ya , Liu Wen-hua , Wang Yi , Yan Chao , Shi Chuan , Lui Simon SY , Cheung Eric FC 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAccording to Meehl’s model of schizotypy, there is a latent personality organization associated with the diathesis for schizophrenia that can be identified in several ways. We sought to examine the structural invariance of four Chapman psychosis–proneness scales (CPPS) across three groups of putative schizotypes, namely, clinically-, biologically-, and psychometrically-identified schizotypes. We examined the factor structure of the Perceptual Aberration (PER), Magical Ideation (MIS), Revised Social Anhedonia (RSAS), and Revised Physical Anhedonia (RPAS) scales in 196 schizophrenia patients, 197 non-psychotic first-degree relatives, and 1,724 non-clinical young adults. The confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the best-fitting model was one in which there is a two-factor model with negative schizotypy (RSAS and RPAS) and positive schizotypy (PER and MIS). All three samples fit the model well, with Comparative Fit Indices>0.95 and Tucker Lewis Indices>0.90. The root mean square error of approximations were all small (P values⩽0.01). We also observed that for both anhedonia scales, the groups’ mean scale scores varied in the hypothesized direction, as predicted by Meehl’s model of schizotypy. All three Chinese samples, namely, the patients (clinical schizotypes), relatives (biologically-identified schizotypes), and non-clinical young adults (containing psychometrically-identified schizotypes) showed the same factorial structure. This finding supports the suitability of the CPPS for cross-cultural and/or genetic investigations of schizotypy.
Kinetic inductance driven nanoscale 2D and 3D THz transmission lines
Authors: Mousavi S. Hossein , Williamson Ian A. D. , Wang Zheng 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe examine the unusual dispersion and attenuation of transverse electromagnetic waves in the few-THz regime on nanoscale graphene and copper transmission lines. Conventionally, such propagation has been considered to be highly dispersive, due to the RC time constant-driven voltage diffusion below 1 THz and plasmonic effects at higher optical frequencies. Our numerical modeling across the microwave, THz and optical frequency ranges reveals that the conductor kinetic inductance creates an ultra-broadband linear-dispersion and constant-attenuation region in the THz regime. This so-called LC region is an ideal characteristic that is known to be absent in macro-scale transmission lines. The kinetic-LC frequency range is dictated by the structural dimensionality and the free-carrier scattering rate of the conductor material. Moreover, up to 40x wavelength reduction is observed in graphene transmission lines.
In vivo 3D measurement of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin distributions in the mouse cornea using multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Lee Seunghun , Lee Jun Ho , Park Jin Hyoung , Yoon Yeoreum , Chung Wan Kyun , Tchah Hungwon , Kim Myoung Joon , Kim Ki Hean 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMoxifloxacin and gatifloxacin are fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotics used in the clinic to prevent or treat ocular infections. Their pharmacokinetics in the cornea is usually measured from extracted ocular fluids or tissues, and in vivo direct measurement is difficult. In this study multiphoton microscopy (MPM), which is a 3D optical microscopic technique based on multiphoton fluorescence, was applied to the measurement of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin distribution in the cornea. Intrinsic multiphoton fluorescence properties of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin were characterized, and their distributions in mouse cornea in vivo were measured by 3D MPM imaging. Both moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin had similar multiphoton spectra, while moxifloxacin had stronger fluorescence than gatifloxacin. MPM imaging of mouse cornea in vivo showed (1) moxifloxacin had good penetration through the superficial corneal epithelium, while gatifloxacin had relatively poor penetration, (2) both ophthalmic solutions had high intracellular distribution. In vivo MPM results were consistent with previous studies. This study demonstrates the feasibility of MPM as a method for in vivo direct measurement of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin in the cornea.
Protein crystal screening and characterization for serial femtosecond nanocrystallography
Authors: Darmanin Connie , Strachan Jamie , Adda Christopher G. , Ve Thomas , Kobe Bostjan , Abbey Brian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe recent development of X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) has spurred the development of serial femtosecond nanocrystallography (SFX) which, for the first time, is enabling structure retrieval from sub-micron protein crystals. Although there are already a growing number of structures published using SFX, the technology is still very new and presents a number of unique challenges as well as opportunities for structural biologists. One of the biggest barriers to the success of SFX experiments is the preparation and selection of suitable protein crystal samples. Here we outline a protocol for preparing and screening for suitable XFEL targets.
Side-chain Engineering of Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene Core-structured Small Molecules for High-Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yin Xinxing , An Qiaoshi , Yu Jiangsheng , Guo Fengning , Geng Yongliang , Bian Linyi , Xu Zhongsheng , Zhou Baojing , Xie Linghai , Zhang Fujun , Tang Weihua 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThree novel small molecules have been developed by side-chain engineering on benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene (BDT) core. The typical acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) structure is adopted with 4,8-functionalized BDT moieties as core, dioctylterthiophene as π bridge and 3-ethylrhodanine as electron-withdrawing end group. Side-chain engineering on BDT core exhibits small but measurable effect on the optoelectronic properties of small molecules. Theoretical simulation and X-ray diffraction study reveal the subtle tuning of interchain distance between conjugated backbones has large effect on the charge transport and thus the photovoltaic performance of these molecules. Bulk-heterojunction solar cells fabricated with a configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/SM:PC71BM/PFN/Al exhibit a highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.99% after solvent vapor annealing.
Enzymatically Regulated Peptide Pairing and Catalysis for the Bioanalysis of Extracellular Prometastatic Activities of Functionally Linked Enzymes
Authors: Li Hao , Huang Yue , Yu Yue , Li Tianqi , Li Genxi , Anzai Jun-ichi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDiseases such as cancer arise from systematical reconfiguration of interactions of exceedingly large numbers of proteins in cell signaling. The study of such complicated molecular mechanisms requires multiplexed detection of the inter-connected activities of several proteins in a disease-associated context. However, the existing methods are generally not well-equipped for this kind of application. Here a method for analyzing functionally linked protein activities is developed based on enzyme controlled pairing between complementary peptide helix strands, which simultaneously enables elaborate regulation of catalytic activity of the paired peptides. This method has been used to detect three different types of protein modification enzymes that participate in the modification of extracellular matrix and the formation of invasion front in tumour. In detecting breast cancer tissue samples using this method, up-regulated activity can be observed for two of the assessed enzymes, while the third enzyme is found to have a subtle fluctuation of activity. These results may point to the application of this method in evaluating prometastatic activities of proteins in tumour.
Growth and characteristics of self-assembled MoS2/Mo-S-C nanoperiod multilayers for enhanced tribological performance
Authors: Xu Jiao , He TengFei , Chai LiQiang , Qiao Li , Wang Peng , Liu WeiMin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHighly ordered MoS2/Mo-S-C nanoperiod multilayers are synthesized by a novel self-assembling mechanism in simultaneous sputtering of MoS2 and graphite targets. The sequential formation of MoS2-riched domain layers and Mo-S-C compositional mixed capping layers reveals no correspondence to the sample stage rotation but is caused by the low energy ion bombardment enhanced interdiffusion. The HRTEM observation shows that the phase segregation normal to the film surface is initiated from substrate-film interlayer with clear contrasts in the first few bi-layers and then diffuses mutually in a quasiperiodic pattern between two altered sub-layers. Compared with sputtered MoS2 film, the bulk film of multilayers exhibit largely improved toughness under a normal load and the preferential orientation of sputtered MoS2 in (002) basal planes is significantly enhanced, both of which render the film excellent loads-bearing capacity and lubricant properties. The nano-scratching tests performed on a nanoindentation system suggest that the nano-tribological performance of multilayers is directly determined by the altered structure and properties of neighboring sub-layers until stable tribofilms are formed. Meanwhile, the pin-on-disk tribotests in ambient air, low vacuum and high vacuum provide comparably low friction coefficient yet distinct wear lives in different atmospheres due to the partially restricted humid-sensitivity of sputtered MoS2 phase.
Cation Tuning toward the Inference of the Gelation Behavior of Supramolecular Gels
Authors: Xue Peng , Wu Huiqiong , Wang Xiaojuan , He Ting , Shen Rujuan , Yue Fan , Wang Jide , Zhang Yi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe serendipitously discovered that the tripeptide Asp–Phe–Phe trifluoroacetic acid salt (hereafter abbreviated as β-AspFF) formed a reversible thermotropic gel in chloroform solution (at temperatures higher than the boiling point of chloroform) and a stable gel in toluene solution (at equal to or lower than the room temperature). Experimental results indicate that doping metal ions into β-AspFF toluene gels can trigger morphological variations in the gel skeleton, thereby increasing gel volume and inducing the collapse of organogels. Investigation on the cation-tuned gelation behavior of β-AspFF can be used to elucidate heating-induced gel collapse (of normal gel) or reverse thermotropic gelation as well as select carbamide and acetamide as activators of β-AspFF gels in chloroform solution at room temperature.
Blood pressure reverse dipping may associate with stable coronary artery disease in patients with essential hypertension: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yan Bin , Sun Lu , Gao Ya , Guo Qi , Guo Litao , Wang Xue , Wang Gang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe dipping variations of circadian blood pressure (BP) correlate closely with target-organ damages and cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between BP reverse dipping and the prevalence of stable coronary artery disease (sCAD) in hypertensive patients. Clinical data and the results of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were obtained from 718 hypertensive patients (390 males, mean age 59.6 ± 13.8 years) in a single centre in Northern China. Reverse dipping pattern was defined as nocturnal systolic BP (SBP) was higher than daytime SBP. A logistic regression model was applied to explore the independent risk factors of sCAD. The patients with BP reverse dipping accounted for 31.5% in sCAD group and 19.5% in control group (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, BP reverse dipping remained significantly associated with the prevalence of sCAD (Odds ratio [OR], 1.772; p = 0.027). Furthermore, the circadian decline rate of SBP was independently associated with sCAD (OR, 0.975; p = 0.043). The hypertensive patients with reverse BP dipping were found to be more frequently suffering from sCAD. BP reverse dipping examined with 24-hour ABPM may indicate sCAD.
Charactering the ZFAND3 gene mapped in the sex-determining locus in hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)
Authors: Ma Keyi , Liao Minghui , Liu Feng , Ye Baoqing , Sun Fei , Yue Gen Hua 
Published: May 2016

AbstractZinc finger AN1-type domain 3 (ZFAND3) is essential for spermatogenesis in mice. However, its function in teleosts remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the ZFAND3 gene (termed as OsZFAND3) in an important food fish, tilapia. The OsZFAND3 cDNA sequence is 1,050 bp in length, containing an ORF of 615 bp, which encodes a putative peptide of 204 amino acid residues. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the OsZFAND3 transcripts were exclusively expressed in the testis and ovary. In situ hybridization showed that the high expression of OsZFAND3 transcripts was predominantly localized in the spermatocyte and spermatid. These results suggest that OsZFAND3 is involved in male germ cell maturation. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in the introns of OsZFAND3. The OsZFAND3 gene was mapped in the sex-determining locus on linkage group 1 (LG1). The three SNPs in the OsZFAND3 gene were strictly associated with sex phenotype, suggesting that the OsZFAND3 gene is tightly linked to the sex-determining locus. Our study provides new insights into the functions of the OsZFAND3 gene in tilapia and a foundation for further detailed analysis of the OsZFAND3 gene in sex determination and differentiation.
Association of CYP2C19 Polymorphisms with the Clinical Efficacy of Clopidogrel Therapy in Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stenting in Asia
Authors: Zhu Wen-Yao , Zhao Ting , Xiong Xiao-Yi , Li Jie , Wang Li , Zhou Yu , Gong Zi-Li , Cheng Sai-Yu , Liu Yong , Shuai Jie , Yang Qing-Wu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe CYP2C19 gene plays a detrimental role in the metabolism of clopidogrel. This study aimed to investigate the association between CYP2C19 polymorphisms and the clinical efficacy of clopidogrel therapy in patients who have undergone carotid artery stenting (CAS). CYP2C19 genotype screening was performed on 959 ischemic stroke patients. Of these patients, 241 who had undergone CAS were enrolled in the study. They were all followed up for 1 year after stent surgery, and the primary clinical end-points were ischemic events. The frequencies of the CYP2C19*2 and *3 alleles among the 959 patients were 31.80% and 5.06%, respectively. Regarding the 241 participants who had undergone CAS, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) alleles (*2 and *3) were risk factors for post-CAS prognosis. Within 1 year of follow-up, the patients carrying the CYP2C19 LOF alleles were more likely to experience ischemic events than those carrying none. The occurrence of ischemic events did not significantly differ between the *2 and *3 allele carriers. Our results suggest that CYP2C19 LOF alleles (*2 and *3) significantly impact the prognosis of patients on clopidogrel therapy after CAS and that the CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 alleles have the same effects on prognosis.
Giant and reversible room-temperature elastocaloric effect in a single-crystalline Ni-Fe-Ga magnetic shape memory alloy
Authors: Li Yang , Zhao Dewei , Liu Jian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGood mechanical properties and large adiabatic temperature change render Heusler-type Ni2FeGa-based magnetic shape memory alloys as a promising candidate material for solid-state mechanical cooling application at ambient conditions. Superelastic behavior and associated elastocaloric effect strongly reply on deformation conditions (e.g. applied strain rate and strain level) of stress-induced martensitic transformations. With the aim of developing high-performance elastic cooling materials, in this work, we have carried out a systematic study on a Ni54Fe19Ga27 [420]-oriented single crystal by exploring the interaction between dynamic deformation parameters and thermal response. A giant and reversible adiabatic temperature change of ±7.5 K triggered by a low stress of 30 MPa was achieved. Such a high specific cooling performance thus offers the great advantage for the small scale solid-state mechanical cooling applications. Besides, a significant temporary residual strain effect has been observed at high strain rate, which is unfavorable for reversible elastocaloric effect but can be overcome by reducing stress hysteresis, and/or by elevating initial environmental temperature. The established criterion for the desirable reversible elastocaloric properties goes beyond the present system and can be applicable for other shape memory alloys used for elastic cooling techniques.