bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electronic Properties of Synthetic Shrimp Pathogens-derived DNA Schottky Diodes
Authors: Rizan Nastaran , Yew Chan Yen , Niknam Maryam Rajabpour , Krishnasamy Jegenathan , Bhassu Subha , Hong Goh Zee , Devadas Sridevi , Din Mohamed Shariff Mohd , Tajuddin Hairul Anuar , Othman Rofina Yasmin , Phang Siew Moi , Iwamoto Mitsumasa , Periasamy Vengadesh 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe exciting discovery of the semiconducting-like properties of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and its potential applications in molecular genetics and diagnostics in recent times has resulted in a paradigm shift in biophysics research. Recent studies in our laboratory provide a platform towards detecting charge transfer mechanism and understanding the electronic properties of DNA based on the sequence-specific electronic response, which can be applied as an alternative to identify or detect DNA. In this study, we demonstrate a novel method for identification of DNA from different shrimp viruses and bacteria using electronic properties of DNA obtained from both negative and positive bias regions in current-voltage (I–V) profiles. Characteristic electronic properties were calculated and used for quantification and further understanding in the identification process. Aquaculture in shrimp industry is a fast-growing food sector throughout the world. However, shrimp culture in many Asian countries faced a huge economic loss due to disease outbreaks. Scientists have been using specific established methods for detecting shrimp infection, but those methods do have their significant drawbacks due to many inherent factors. As such, we believe that this simple, rapid, sensitive and cost-effective tool can be used for detection and identification of DNA from different shrimp viruses and bacteria.
Establishing a mental lexicon with cochlear implants: an ERP study with young children
Authors: Vavatzanidis Niki K. , Mürbe Dirk , Friederici Angela D. , Hahne Anja 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the present study we explore the implications of acquiring language when relying mainly or exclusively on input from a cochlear implant (CI), a device providing auditory input to otherwise deaf individuals. We focus on the time course of semantic learning in children within the second year of implant use; a period that equals the auditory age of normal hearing children during which vocabulary emerges and extends dramatically. 32 young bilaterally implanted children saw pictures paired with either matching or non-matching auditory words. Their electroencephalographic responses were recorded after 12, 18 and 24 months of implant use, revealing a large dichotomy: Some children failed to show semantic processing throughout their second year of CI use, which fell in line with their poor language outcomes. The majority of children, though, demonstrated semantic processing in form of the so-called N400 effect already after 12 months of implant use, even when their language experience relied exclusively on the implant. This is slightly earlier than observed for normal hearing children of the same auditory age, suggesting that more mature cognitive faculties at the beginning of language acquisition lead to faster semantic learning.
Microdosimetric Modeling of Biological Effectiveness for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Considering Intra- and Intercellular Heterogeneity in 10B Distribution
Authors: Sato Tatsuhiko , Masunaga Shin-ichiro , Kumada Hiroaki , Hamada Nobuyuki 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe here propose a new model for estimating the biological effectiveness for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) considering intra- and intercellular heterogeneity in 10B distribution. The new model was developed from our previously established stochastic microdosimetric kinetic model that determines the surviving fraction of cells irradiated with any radiations. In the model, the probability density of the absorbed doses in microscopic scales is the fundamental physical index for characterizing the radiation fields. A new computational method was established to determine the probability density for application to BNCT using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System PHITS. The parameters used in the model were determined from the measured surviving fraction of tumor cells administrated with two kinds of 10B compounds. The model quantitatively highlighted the indispensable need to consider the synergetic effect and the dose dependence of the biological effectiveness in the estimate of the therapeutic effect of BNCT. The model can predict the biological effectiveness of newly developed 10B compounds based on their intra- and intercellular distributions, and thus, it can play important roles not only in treatment planning but also in drug discovery research for future BNCT.
Deep-Ultraviolet AlGaN/AlN Core-Shell Multiple Quantum Wells on AlN Nanorods via Lithography-Free Method
Authors: Kim Jinwan , Choi Uiho , Pyeon Jaedo , So Byeongchan , Nam Okhyun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe report deep ultraviolet (UVC) emitting core-shell-type AlGaN/AlN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) on the AlN nanorods which are prepared by catalyst/lithography free process. The MQWs are grown on AlN nanorods on a sapphire substrate by polarity-selective epitaxy and etching (PSEE) using high-temperature metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The AlN nanorods prepared through PSEE have a low dislocation density because edge dislocations are bent toward neighboring N-polar AlN domains. The core–shell-type MQWs grown on AlN nanorods have three crystallographic orientations, and the final shape of the grown structure is explained by a ball-and-stick model. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of MQWs grown on AlN nanorods is approximately 40 times higher than that of MQWs simultaneously grown on a planar structure. This result can be explained by increased internal quantum efficiency, large active volume, and increase in light extraction efficiency based on the examination in this study. Among those effects, the increase of active volume on AlN nanorods is considered to be the main reason for the enhancement of the PL intensity.
Altered pattern of monocyte differentiation and monocyte-derived TGF-β1 in severe asthma
Authors: Hung Chih-Hsing , Wang Chin-Chou , Suen Jau-Ling , Sheu Chau-Chyun , Kuo Chang-Hung , Liao Wei-Ting , Yang Yi-Hsin , Wu Chao-Chien , Leung Sum-Yee , Lai Ruay-Sheng , Lin Chi-Cheng , Wei Yu-Feng , Lee Chong-Yeh , Huang Ming-Shyan , Huang Shau-Ku 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCD14+ monocytes contain precursors for macrophages and fibrocytes, known to be involved in regulating airway remodeling in human asthma and distinguishable by the PM-2K marker. We sought to identify circulating subsets of PM-2K+ macrophage-like cells and evaluate their relationships to lung function, severity and control status. Circulating PM-2K+ macrophage-like cells and fibrocytes could be identified and distinguished between normal individuals (N = 152) and asthmatic subjects (N = 133) using multi-parametric flow cytometry. PM-2K+ macrophage-like cells were found to be significantly lower in asthmatic subjects, particularly noted for the CD14−PM-2K+ subset and PM-2K+CCR7−CD86+ cells in subjects with poor lung function (FEV%/FVC% < 80%) as compared to those of normal subjects and asthmatics with normal lung function, whereas the frequency of fibrocytes was higher in asthmatics and the CCR7−CD86+ subset distribution was significantly different in subjects with varying severity. Moreover, exogenous transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was found to inhibit the generation of PM-2K+ macrophage-like cells, but promote the growth of fibrocytes, from CD14+ monocytes, and monocyte-derived TGF-β1 was found to correlate with the lung function, severity and control status in asthmatic patients. Collectively, aberrant differentiation of monocytes into PM-2K+ macrophage-like cell subsets and fibrocytes, together with increased monocyte-derived TGF-β1, characterized patients with severe asthma.
First estimates of Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) local abundances in Arctic waters
Authors: Devine Brynn M. , Wheeland Laura J. , Fisher Jonathan A. D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBaited remote underwater video cameras were deployed in the Eastern Canadian Arctic, for the purpose of estimating local densities of the long-lived Greenland shark within five deep-water, data-poor regions of interest for fisheries development and marine conservation in Nunavut, Canada. A total of 31 camera deployments occurred between July-September in 2015 and 2016 during joint exploratory fishing and scientific cruises. Greenland sharks appeared at 80% of deployments. A total of 142 individuals were identified and no individuals were observed in more than one deployment. Estimates of Greenland shark abundance and biomass were calculated from averaged times of first arrival, video-derived swimming speed and length data, and local current speed estimates. Density estimates varied 1–15 fold among regions; being highest in warmer (>0 °C), deeper areas and lowest in shallow, sub-zero temperature regions. These baited camera results illustrate the ubiquity of this elusive species and suggest that Nunavut’s Lancaster Sound eco-zone may be of particular importance for Greenland shark, a potentially vulnerable Arctic species.
Effluent and serum protein N-glycosylation is associated with inflammation and peritoneal membrane transport characteristics in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Ferrantelli Evelina , Farhat Karima , Ederveen Agnes L. Hipgrave , Reiding Karli R. , Beelen Robert H. J. , van Ittersum Frans J. , Wuhrer Manfred , Dotz Viktoria 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMass spectrometric glycomics was used as an innovative approach to identify biomarkers in serum and dialysate samples from peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. PD is a life-saving treatment worldwide applied in more than 100,000 patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. PD treatment uses the peritoneum as a natural membrane to exchange waste products from blood to a glucose-based solution. Daily exposure of the peritoneal membrane to these solutions may cause complications such as peritonitis, fibrosis and inflammation which, in the long term, lead to the failure of the treatment. It has been shown in the last years that protein N-glycosylation is related to inflammatory and fibrotic processes. Here, by using a recently developed MALDI-TOF-MS method with linkage-specific sialic acid derivatisation, we showed that alpha2,6-sialylation, especially in triantennary N-glycans from peritoneal effluents, is associated with critical clinical outcomes in a prospective cohort of 94 PD patients. Moreover, we found an association between the levels of presumably immunoglobulin-G-related glycans as well as galactosylation of diantennary glycans with PD-related complications such as peritonitis and loss of peritoneal mesothelial cell mass. The observed glycomic changes point to changes in protein abundance and protein-specific glycosylation, representing candidate functional biomarkers of PD and associated complications.
Malaria infected red blood cells release small regulatory RNAs through extracellular vesicles
Authors: Babatunde Kehinde Adebayo , Mbagwu Smart , Hernández-Castañeda María Andrea , Adapa Swamy R. , Walch Michael , Filgueira Luis , Falquet Laurent , Jiang Rays H. Y. , Ghiran Ionita , Mantel Pierre-Yves 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of malaria. Cell communication between parasites is an important mechanism to control population density and differentiation. The infected red blood cells (iRBCs) release small extracellular vesicles (EVs) that transfer cargoes between cells. The EVs synchronize the differentiation of the asexual parasites into gametocytes to initiate the transmission to the mosquito. Beside their role in parasite communication, EVs regulate vascular function. So far, the exact cargoes responsible for cellular communication remain unknown. We isolated EVs from cultured iRBCs to determine their small RNA content. We identified several types of human and plasmodial regulatory RNAs. While the miRNAs and tRNA-derived fragments were the most abundant human RNAs, we also found Y-RNAs, vault RNAs, snoRNAs and piRNAs. Interestingly, we found about 120 plasmodial RNAs, including mRNAs coding for exported proteins and proteins involved in drug resistance, as well as non-coding RNAs, such as rRNAs, small nuclear (snRNAs) and tRNAs. These data show, that iRBC-EVs carry small regulatory RNAs. A role in cellular communication is possible since the RNAs were transferred to endothelial cells. Furthermore, the presence of Plasmodium RNAs, in EVs suggests that they may be used as biomarker to track and detect disease.
Moderate decline in select synaptic markers in the prefrontal cortex (BA9) of patients with Alzheimer’s disease at various cognitive stages
Authors: Poirel Odile , Mella Sébastien , Videau Catherine , Ramet Lauriane , Davoli Maria Antonietta , Herzog Etienne , Katsel Pavel , Mechawar Naguib , Haroutunian Vahram , Epelbaum Jacques , Daumas Stéphanie , El Mestikawy Salah 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSynaptic loss, plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are viewed as hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study investigated synaptic markers in neocortical Brodmann area 9 (BA9) samples from 171 subjects with and without AD at different levels of cognitive impairment. The expression levels of vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUT1&2), glutamate uptake site (EAAT2), post-synaptic density protein of 95 kD (PSD95), vesicular GABA/glycine transporter (VIAAT), somatostatin (som), synaptophysin and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) were evaluated. VGLUT2 and EAAT2 were unaffected by dementia. The VGLUT1, PSD95, VIAAT, som, ChAT and synaptophysin expression levels significantly decreased as dementia progressed. The maximal decrease varied between 12% (synaptophysin) and 42% (som). VGLUT1 was more strongly correlated with dementia than all of the other markers (polyserial correlation = −0.41). Principal component analysis using these markers was unable to differentiate the CDR groups from one another. Therefore, the status of the major synaptic markers in BA9 does not seem to be linked to the cognitive status of AD patients. The findings of this study suggest that the loss of synaptic markers in BA9 is a late event that is only weakly related to AD dementia.
Increasing conversion efficiency of two-step photon up-conversion solar cell with a voltage booster hetero-interface
Authors: Asahi Shigeo , Kusaki Kazuki , Harada Yukihiro , Kita Takashi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDevelopment of high-efficiency solar cells is one of the attractive challenges in renewable energy technologies. Photon up-conversion can reduce the transmission loss and is one of the promising concepts which improve conversion efficiency. Here we present an analysis of the conversion efficiency, which can be increased by up-conversion in a single-junction solar cell with a hetero-interface that boosts the output voltage. We confirm that an increase in the quasi-Fermi gap and substantial photocurrent generation result in a high conversion efficiency.
Mercury sodium exospheric emission as a proxy for solar perturbations transit
Authors: Orsini Stefano , Mangano Valeria , Milillo Anna , Plainaki Christina , Mura Alessandro , Raines Jim M. , De Angelis Elisabetta , Rispoli Rosanna , Lazzarotto Francesco , Aronica Alessandro 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe first evidence at Mercury of direct relation between ICME transit and Na exosphere dynamics is presented, suggesting that Na emission, observed from ground, could be a proxy of planetary space weather at Mercury. The link existing between the dayside exosphere Na patterns and the solar wind-magnetosphere-surface interactions is investigated. This goal is pursued by analyzing the Na intensity hourly images, as observed by the ground-based THEMIS solar telescope during 10 selected periods between 2012 and 2013 (with seeing, σ < = 2″), when also MESSENGER data were available. Frequently, two-peak patterns of variable intensity are observed, located at high latitudes in both hemispheres. Occasionally, Na signal is instead diffused above the sub-solar region. We compare these different patterns with the in-situ time profiles of proton fluxes and magnetic field data from MESSENGER. Among these 10 cases, only in one occasion the Na signal is diffused above the subsolar region, when the MESSENGER data detect the transit of two ICMEs. The selected cases suggest that the Na emission patterns are well related to the solar wind conditions at Mercury. Hence, the exospheric Na emission patterns, observed from ground, could be considered as a ‘natural monitor’ of solar disturbances when transiting near Mercury.
Significantly High Modulation Efficiency of Compact Graphene Modulator Based on Silicon Waveguide
Authors: Shu Haowen , Su Zhaotang , Huang Le , Wu Zhennan , Wang Xingjun , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhou Zhiping 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe theoretically and experimentally demonstrate a significantly large modulation efficiency of a compact graphene modulator based on a silicon waveguide using the electro refractive effect of graphene. The modulation modes of electro-absorption and electro-refractive can be switched with different applied voltages. A high extinction ratio of 25 dB is achieved in the electro-absorption modulation mode with a driving voltage range of 0 V to 1 V. For electro-refractive modulation, the driving voltage ranges from 1 V to 3 V with a 185-pm spectrum shift. The modulation efficiency of 1.29 V · mm with a 40-μm interaction length is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the first reported graphene phase modulator. The realisation of phase and intensity modulation with graphene based on a silicon waveguide heralds its potential application in optical communication and optical interconnection systems.
Counting Caenorhabditis elegans: Protocol Optimization and Applications for Population Growth and Toxicity Studies in Liquid Medium
Authors: Scanlan Leona D. , Lund Steven P. , Coskun Sanem Hosbas , Hanna Shannon K. , Johnson Monique E. , Sims Christopher M. , Brignoni Karina , Lapasset Patricia , Petersen Elijah J. , Elliott John T. , Nelson Bryant C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is used extensively in molecular, toxicological and genetics research. However, standardized methods for counting nematodes in liquid culture do not exist despite the wide use of nematodes and need for accurate measurements. Herein, we provide a simple and affordable counting protocol developed to maximize count accuracy and minimize variability in liquid nematode culture. Sources of variability in the counting process were identified and tested in 14 separate experiments. Three variables resulted in significant effects on nematode count: shaking of the culture, priming of pipette tips, and sampling location within a microcentrifuge tube. Between-operator variability did not have a statistically significant effect on counts, even among differently-skilled operators. The protocol was used to assess population growth rates of nematodes in two different but common liquid growth media: axenic modified Caenorhabditis elegans Habitation and Reproduction medium (mCeHR) and S-basal complete. In mCeHR, nematode populations doubled daily for 10 d. S-basal complete populations initially doubled every 12 h, but slowed within 7 d. We also detected a statistically significant difference between embryo-to-hatchling incubation period of 5 d in mCeHR compared to 4 d in S-basal complete. The developed counting method for Caenorhabditis elegans reduces variability and allows for rigorous and reliable experimentation.
Focal hyperintensity in the dorsal brain stem of patients with cerebellopontine angle tumor: A high-resolution 3 T MRI study
Authors: Yamamoto Hirotaka , Fujita Atsushi , Imahori Taichiro , Sasayama Takashi , Hosoda Kohkichi , Nibu Ken-ichi , Kohmura Eiji 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFocal hyperintensity (FHI) in the dorsal brain stem on T2-weighted images of patients with cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor was thought to indicate degeneration of the vestibular nucleus and to be specific to vestibular schwannoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate FHI by using high-resolution 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3 T MRI) and the relation to clinical characteristics. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and MRI of 45 patients with CPA tumors (34 vestibular schwannomas and 11 other tumors). FHI in the dorsal brain stem was found in 25 (55.6%) patients (20 vestibular schwannomas and 5 other tumors). For the vestibular schwannomas, the factors contributing to positive FHI were age (p = 0.025), max CPA (p =  < 0.001), hearing ability (P = 0.005), and canal paresis (p =  < 0.001) in the univariate analysis. Multivariate regression analysis showed that max CPA (p = 0.029) was a significant factor of positive FHI. In other CPA tumors, these factors were not significant predictors. With the use of 3 T MRI, FHI was observed more frequently than previously reported. Our results suggest that FHI is not a specific indicator of vestibular schwannoma and is related to not only vestibular function but also other factors.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Dragonfly Wing and Body Motion during Voluntary Take-off
Authors: Li Qiushi , Zheng Mengzong , Pan Tianyu , Su Guanting 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe present a detailed analysis of the voluntary take-off procedure of a dragonfly. The motions of the body and wings are recorded using two high-speed cameras at Beihang University. The experimental results show that the dragonfly becomes airborne after approximately one wingbeat and then leaves the ground. During this process, the maximum vertical acceleration could reach 20 m/s2. Evidence also shows that acceleration is generated only by the aerodynamic force induced by the flapping of wings. The dragonfly voluntary take-off procedure is divided into four phases with distinctive features. The variation in phase difference between the forewing and hindwing and angle of attack in the down-stroke are calculated to explain the different features of the four phases. In terms of the key parameters of flapping, the phase difference increases from approximately 0 to 110 degrees; the angle of attack in down-stroke reaches the maximum at first and then decreases in the following take-off procedure. Due to experimental limitations, 2-D simulations are conducted using the immersed boundary method. The results indicate that the phase difference and the angle of attack are highly correlated with the unsteady fluid field around the dragonfly’s wings and body, which determines the generation of aerodynamic forces.