bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bio-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for the immunoassay of fetal fibronectin: a feasibility study for the prediction of preterm birth
Authors: Wong Chian-Huey , Chen Chie-Pein , Chang Chia-Chen , Chen Chen-Yu 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPreterm birth is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Various biomarkers in cervicovaginal secretions related to preterm birth have been investigated, of which foetal fibronectin (fFN) shows the greatest potential because of its high negative predictive value. The immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assay has emerged as a novel quantitative method to detect biomarkers. In this prospective case-control study, we analysed 33 samples of cervicovaginal secretions from pregnant women between 22 and 34 weeks of gestation at high risk of preterm birth. Seventeen samples were from women with term deliveries and 16 from those with preterm deliveries. The fFN concentration in each sample was measured using both an IMR assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The low detection limits of the IMR assay and ELISA were 0.0001 ng/mL and 0.789 ng/mL, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the IMR assay were 0.833 and 0.944, respectively, compared to 0.583 and 0.611 by ELISA. Our results suggest that measuring the concentration of fFN with the IMR assay is a good alternative method to accurately predict the risk of preterm birth.
An acoustic key to eight languages/dialects: Factor analyses of critical-band-filtered speech
Authors: Ueda Kazuo , Nakajima Yoshitaka 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe peripheral auditory system functions like a frequency analyser, often modelled as a bank of non-overlapping band-pass filters called critical bands; 20 bands are necessary for simulating frequency resolution of the ear within an ordinary frequency range of speech (up to 7,000 Hz). A far smaller number of filters seemed sufficient, however, to re-synthesise intelligible speech sentences with power fluctuations of the speech signals passing through them; nevertheless, the number and frequency ranges of the frequency bands for efficient speech communication are yet unknown. We derived four common frequency bands—covering approximately 50–540, 540–1,700, 1,700–3,300, and above 3,300 Hz—from factor analyses of spectral fluctuations in eight different spoken languages/dialects. The analyses robustly led to three factors common to all languages investigated—the low & mid-high factor related to the two separate frequency ranges of 50–540 and 1,700–3,300 Hz, the mid-low factor the range of 540–1,700 Hz, and the high factor the range above 3,300 Hz—in these different languages/dialects, suggesting a language universal.
A Mutation Identified in Neonatal Microcephaly Destabilizes Zika Virus NS1 Assembly in Vitro
Authors: Wang Deping , Chen Cheng , Liu Shengnan , Zhou Han , Yang Kailin , Zhao Qi , Ji Xiaoyun , Chen Chen , Xie Wei , Wang Zefang , Mi Li-Zhi , Yang Haitao 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAn unprecedented epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection had spread to South and Central America. ZIKV infection was recently confirmed by CDC (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to cause neonatal microcephaly, which posed a significant public health emergency of international concern. No specific vaccines or drugs are currently available to fight ZIKV infection. ZIKV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) plays an essential role in viral replication and immune evasion. We determined the crystal structure of ZIKV NS1172–352, which forms a head-to-head, symmetric dimer with a unique 14-stranded β-ladder conserved among flaviviruses. The assembly of the β-ladder dimer is concentration dependent. Strikingly, one pathogenic mutation T233A (NCBI accession no. KU527068), found in the brain tissue of infected fetus with neonatal microcephaly, is located at the dimer interface. Thr233, a unique residue found in ZIKV but not in other flaviviruses, organizes a central hydrogen bonding network at NS1 dimer interface. Mutation of Thr233 to Ala disrupts this elaborated interaction network, and destabilizes the NS1 dimeric assembly in vitro. In addition, our structural comparison of epitopes for protective antibody 22NS1, targeting West Nile Virus NS1, could potentially be valuable in understanding its anti-virus specificities and in the development of antibodies against ZIKV.
Pre-encoding gamma-band activity during auditory working memory
Authors: Kaiser Jochen , Rieder Maria , Abel Cornelius , Peters Benjamin , Bledowski Christoph 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPrevious magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies have revealed gamma-band activity at sensors over parietal and fronto-temporal cortex during the delay phase of auditory spatial and non-spatial match-to-sample tasks, respectively. While this activity was interpreted as reflecting the memory maintenance of sound features, we noted that task-related activation differences might have been present already prior to the onset of the sample stimulus. The present study focused on the interval between a visual cue indicating which sound feature was to be memorized (lateralization or pitch) and sample sound presentation to test for task-related activation differences preceding stimulus encoding. MEG spectral activity was analyzed with cluster randomization tests (N = 15). Whereas there were no differences in frequencies below 40 Hz, gamma-band spectral amplitude (about 50–65 and 90–100 Hz) was higher for the lateralization than the pitch task. This activity was localized at right posterior and central sensors and present for several hundred ms after task cue offset. Activity at 50–65 Hz was also increased throughout the delay phase for the lateralization compared with the pitch task. Apparently cortical networks related to auditory spatial processing were activated after participants had been informed about the task.
Evaluation of the immunological profile of antibody-functionalized metal-filled single-walled carbon nanocapsules for targeted radiotherapy
Authors: Perez Ruiz de Garibay Aritz , Spinato Cinzia , Klippstein Rebecca , Bourgognon Maxime , Martincic Markus , Pach Elzbieta , Ballesteros Belén , Ménard-Moyon Cécilia , Al-Jamal Khuloud T. , Tobias Gerard , Bianco Alberto 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the immune responses induced by metal-filled single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) under in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo settings. Either empty amino-functionalized CNTs [SWCNT-NH2 (1)] or samarium chloride-filled amino-functionalized CNTs with [SmCl3@SWCNT-mAb (3)] or without [SmCl3@SWCNT-NH2 (2)] Cetuximab functionalization were tested. Conjugates were added to RAW 264.7 or PBMC cells in a range of 1 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml for 24 h. Cell viability and IL-6/TNFα production were determined by flow cytometry and ELISA. Additionally, the effect of SWCNTs on the number of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and monocytes within the PBMC subpopulations was evaluated by immunostaining and flow cytometry. The effect on monocyte number in living mice was assessed after tail vein injection (150 μg of each conjugate per mouse) at 1, 7 and 13 days post-injection. Overall, our study showed that all the conjugates had no significant effect on cell viability of RAW 264.7 but conjugates 1 and 3 led to a slight increase in IL-6/TNFα. All the conjugates resulted in significant reduction in monocyte/macrophage cell numbers within PBMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, monocyte depletion was not observed in vivo, suggesting their suitability for future testing in the field of targeted radiotherapy in mice.
An integrated microfluidic device for rapid and high-sensitivity analysis of circulating tumor cells
Authors: Jiang Jianing , Zhao Hui , Shu Weiliang , Tian Jing , Huang Yuqing , Song Yongxin , Wang Ruoyu , Li Encheng , Slamon Dennis , Hou Dongmei , Du Xiaohui , Zhang Lichuan , Chen Yan , Wang Qi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRecently there has been a more focus on the development of an efficient technique for detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), due to their significance in prognosis and therapy of metastatic cancer. However, it remains a challenge because of the low count of CTCs in the blood. Herein, a rapid and high-sensitivity approach for CTCs detection using an integrated microfluidic system, consisting of a deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) isolating structure, an automatic purifying device with CD45-labeled immunomagnetic beads and a capturing platform coated with rat-tail collagen was reported. We observed high capture rate of 90%, purity of about 50% and viability of more than 90% at the high throughput of 1 mL/min by capturing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive cells from blood. Further capturing of CTCs from metastatic cancers patients revealed a positive capture rate of 83.3%. Furthermore, our device was compared with CellSearch system via parallel analysis of 30 cancer patients, to find no significant difference between the capture efficiency of both methods. However, our device displayed advantage in terms of time, sample volume and cost for analysis. Thus, our integrated device with sterile environment and convenient use will be a promising platform for CTCs detection with potential clinical application.
Polyimide-coated carbon electrodes combined with redox mediators for superior Li-O2 cells with excellent cycling performance and decreased overpotential
Authors: Yoon Seon Hye , Park Yong Joon 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe report an air electrode employing polyimide-coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combined with a redox mediator for Li-O2 cells with enhanced electrochemical performance. The polyimide coating on the carbon surface suppresses unwanted side reactions, which decreases the amount of accumulated reaction products on the surface of the air electrode during cycling. The redox mediators lower the overpotential of the Li-O2 cells because they can easily transfer electrons from the electrode to the reaction products. The low overpotential can also decrease the side reactions that activate at a high potential range. Specifically, the CsI redox mediator effectively interrupted dendrite growth on the Li anode during cycling due to the shielding effect of its Cs+ ions and acted as a redox mediator due to its I− ions. LiNO3 also facilitates the decrease in side reactions and the stabilization of the Li anode. The synergic effect of the polyimide coating and the electrolyte containing the LiNO3/CsI redox mediator leads to a low overpotential and excellent cycling performance (over 250 cycles with a capacity of 1,500 mAh·gelectrode−1).
Undervaluing delayed rewards explains adolescents’ impulsivity in inter-temporal choice: an ERP study
Authors: Huang Yunyun , Hu Ping , Li Xueting 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAdolescence has frequently been characterized as a period of choice impulsivity relative to adulthood. According to the control-integrated valuation model of inter-temporal choice, this choice impulsivity may be driven partly by an age-related difference in reward processing. We hypothesized that, compared to adults, adolescents would undervalue delayed rewards during reward processing and would thus be more impulsive in inter-temporal choice. To test this hypothesis at the behavioural and neural levels, we first measured the choice impulsivity of 18 adolescents and 19 adults using a delay discounting task (DDT). Then, we recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) from the participants while they were performing the valuation task, in which monetary gains and losses were either immediate or delayed. The behavioural results showed that adolescents were more impulsive than adults in the DDT. The ERP results showed that, whilst both groups valued immediate rewards, implied by a similarly strong feedback-related negativity (FRN) effect associated with immediate outcomes, adolescents devalued delayed rewards more than adults did, as they produced a significantly smaller FRN effect associated with delayed outcomes. As predicted, the mediation analysis revealed that the adolescents’ lower FRN effect of delayed outcomes underpinned their stronger impulsive decision making in the DDT.
Investigation of hippocampal synaptic transmission and plasticity in mice deficient in the actin-binding protein Drebrin
Authors: Willmes Claudia G. , Mack Till G. A. , Ledderose Julia , Schmitz Dietmar , Wozny Christian , Eickholt Britta J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe dynamic regulation of the actin cytoskeleton plays a key role in controlling the structure and function of synapses. It is vital for activity-dependent modulation of synaptic transmission and long-term changes in synaptic morphology associated with memory consolidation. Several regulators of actin dynamics at the synapse have been identified, of which a salient one is the postsynaptic actin stabilising protein Drebrin (DBN). It has been suggested that DBN modulates neurotransmission and changes in dendritic spine morphology associated with synaptic plasticity. Given that a decrease in DBN levels is correlated with cognitive deficits associated with ageing and dementia, it was hypothesised that DBN protein abundance instructs the integrity and function of synapses. We created a novel DBN deficient mouse line. Analysis of gross brain and neuronal morphology revealed no phenotype in the absence of DBN. Electrophysiological recordings in acute hippocampal slices and primary hippocampal neuronal cultures showed that basal synaptic transmission, and both long-term and homeostatic synaptic plasticity were unchanged, suggesting that loss of DBN is not sufficient in inducing synapse dysfunction. We propose that the overall lack of changes in synaptic function and plasticity in DBN deficient mice may indicate robust compensatory mechanisms that safeguard cytoskeleton dynamics at the synapse.
Discovery of the Fe-analogue of akimotoite in the shocked Suizhou L6 chondrite
Authors: Bindi Luca , Chen Ming , Xie Xiande 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe report the first natural occurrence of the Fe-analogue of akimotoite, ilmenite-structured MgSiO3, a missing phase among the predicted high-pressure polymorphs of Fe-pyroxene, with the composition (Fe2+0.48Mg0.37Ca0.04Na0.04Mn2+0.03Al0.03Cr3+0.01)Σ=1.00Si1.00O3. The new mineral was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA 2016-085) and named hemleyite in honour of Russell J. Hemley. It was discovered in an unmelted portion of the heavily shocked L6 Suizhou chondrite closely associated to olivine, clinoenstatite and Fe-bearing pyroxene with a composition nearly identical to that of hemleyite. We also report the first single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of a Si-bearing, ilmenite-structured phase. The fact that hemleyite formed in a meteorite exposed to high pressures (<20 GPa) and temperatures (<2000 °C) during impact-induced shocks indicates that it could play a crucial role at the bottom of the Earth’s mantle transition zone and within the uppermost lower mantle.
All-nitride AlxGa1−xN:Mn/GaN distributed Bragg reflectors for the near-infrared
Authors: Capuzzo Giulia , Kysylychyn Dmytro , Adhikari Rajdeep , Li Tian , Faina Bogdan , Tarazaga Martín-Luengo Aitana , Bonanni Alberta 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSince the technological breakthrough prompted by the inception of light emitting diodes based on III-nitrides, these material systems have emerged as strategic semiconductors not only for the lighting of the future, but also for the new generation of high-power electronic and spintronic devices. While III-nitride optoelectronics in the visible and ultraviolet spectral range is widely established, all-nitride efficient devices in the near-infrared (NIR) are still wanted. Here, through a comprehensive protocol of design, modeling, epitaxial growth and in-depth characterization, we develop AlxGa1−xN:Mn/GaN NIR distributed Bragg reflectors and we show their efficiency in combination with GaN:(Mn,Mg) layers containing Mn-Mgk complexes optically active in the near-infrared range of wavelengths.
1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate as a highly efficient organocatalyst for cyanosilylation of carbonyl compounds with trimethylsilyl cyanide
Authors: Ullah Bakhtar , Chen Jingwen , Zhang Zhiguo , Xing Huabin , Yang Qiwei , Bao Zongbi , Ren Qilong 
Published: February 2017

Abstract1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate is introduced as a robust organocatalyst for solvent-free cyanosilylation of carbonyl compounds with trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN). The catalyst loading can be reduced to as low as 0.1–0.0001 mol % under mild reaction conditions, giving considerably high TOF values from 10,843 h−1 to 10,602,410 h−1 in the field of organocatalyzed transformations. The present protocol not only tolerates with extensive carbonyl compounds but also provides somewhat insight into the mechanism of ionic liquids (ILs)-catalyzed reactions.
Four reversible and reconfigurable structures for three-phase emulsions: extended morphologies and applications
Authors: Ge Xue-hui , Geng Yu-hao , Zhang Qiao-chu , Shao Meng , Chen Jian , Luo Guang-sheng , Xu Jian-hong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHere in this article, we classify and conclude the four morphologies of three-phase emulsions. Remarkably, we achieve the reversible transformations between every shape. Through theoretical analysis, we choose four liquid systems to form these four morphologies. Then monodispersed droplets with these four morphologies are formed through a microfluidic device and captured in a petri-dish. By replacing their ambient solution of the captured emulsions, in-situ morphology transformations between each shape are achieved. The process is well recorded through photographs and videos and they are systematical and reversible. Finally, we use the droplets structure to form an on-off switch to start and shut off the evaporation of one volatile phase to achieve the process monitoring. This could be used to initiate and quench a reaction, which offers a novel idea to achieve the switchable and reversible reaction control in multiple-phase reactions.
Recombinant vacuolar iron transporter family homologue PfVIT from human malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum is a Fe2+/H+exchanger
Authors: Labarbuta Paola , Duckett Katie , Botting Catherine H. , Chahrour Osama , Malone John , Dalton John P. , Law Christopher J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVacuolar iron transporters (VITs) are a poorly understood family of integral membrane proteins that can function in iron homeostasis via sequestration of labile Fe2+ into vacuolar compartments. Here we report on the heterologous overexpression and purification of PfVIT, a vacuolar iron transporter homologue from the human malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Use of synthetic, codon-optimised DNA enabled overexpression of functional PfVIT in the inner membrane of Escherichia coli which, in turn, conferred iron tolerance to the bacterial cells. Cells that expressed PfVIT had decreased levels of total cellular iron compared with cells that did not express the protein. Qualitative transport assays performed on inverted vesicles enriched with PfVIT revealed that the transporter catalysed Fe2+/H+ exchange driven by the proton electrochemical gradient. Furthermore, the PfVIT transport function in this system did not require the presence of any Plasmodium-specific factor such as post-translational phosphorylation. PfVIT purified as a monomer and, as measured by intrinsic protein fluorescence quenching, bound Fe2+ in detergent solution with low micromolar affinity. This study of PfVIT provides material for future detailed biochemical, biophysical and structural studies to advance understanding of the vacuolar iron transporter family of membrane proteins from important human pathogens.
First identification ofKrüppel-like factor 2mutation in heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Eichstaedt Christina A. , Song Jie , Viales Rebecca Rodríguez , Pan Zixuan , Benjamin Nicola , Fischer Christine , Hoeper Marius M. , Ulrich Silvia , Hinderhofer Katrin , Grünig Ekkehard 
Published: February 2017

Heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (HPAH) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disease caused by mutations in the bone morphogenic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) gene and/or genes of its signalling pathway in approximately 85% of patients. We clinically and genetically analysed an HPAH family without mutations in previously described pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) genes. Clinical assessment included electrocardiogram, lung function, blood gas analysis, chest X-ray, laboratory testing, echocardiography and right heart catheterization in case of suspected disease. Genetic diagnostics were performed using a PAH-specific gene panel including all known 12 PAH genes and 20 further candidate genes by next-generation sequencing (NGS). HPAH was invasively confirmed in two sisters and their father who died aged 32 years. No signs of HPAH were detected in five first-degree family members. Both sisters were lung transplanted and remained stable during a follow-up of &gt;20 years. We detected a novel missense mutation in the Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) likely leading to a disruption of gene function. The same KLF2 mutation has been described as a recurrent somatic mutation in B-cell lymphoma. Neither the healthy family members carried the mutation nor &gt;120000 controls. These findings point to KLF2 as a new PAH gene. Further studies are needed to assess frequency and implication of KLF2 mutations in PAH patients.
Growth of Expressive Syntax in Children With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Komesidou Rouzana , Brady Nancy C. , Fleming Kandace , Esplund Amy , Warren Steven F. 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThis research explored syntactic growth in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) over a 5-year period, and variability in growth in relation to autism symptoms, nonverbal cognition, maternal responsivity, and gender.MethodLanguage samples at 4 time points from 39 children with FXS, 31 boys and 8 girls, were analyzed using the Index of Productive Syntax (Scarborough, 1990) and mean length of utterance (Brown, 1973). The degree of autism symptoms was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (Schopler, Reichler, & Renner, 1988) at the first time point. Maternal responsivity estimates were averaged across time points.ResultsChildren with FXS showed significant syntactic growth over time and a significant plateau (quadratic trend) in the later observations. Children who exhibited more autism symptoms at Time 1 had significantly lower syntactic abilities over time than children who exhibited fewer autism symptoms. Nonverbal cognition significantly predicted mean length of utterance scores but not Index of Productive Syntax scores. Maternal responsivity was not a significant predictor of syntactic outcomes. Girls with FXS generally demonstrated better expressive syntax than boys with FXS with notable individual differences.ConclusionDespite significant growth over time, expressive syntax is a vulnerable domain for children with FXS, especially for those with severe autism symptoms. Clinical implications arising from the current findings are discussed.