bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tunable inverted gap in monolayer quasi-metallic MoS2 induced by strong charge-lattice coupling
Authors: Yin Xinmao , Wang Qixing , Cao Liang , Tang Chi Sin , Luo Xin , Zheng Yujie , Wong Lai Mun , Wang Shi Jie , Quek Su Ying , Zhang Wenjing , Rusydi Andrivo , Wee Andrew T. S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPolymorphism of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) exhibit fascinating optical and transport properties. Here, we observe a tunable inverted gap (~0.50 eV) and a fundamental gap (~0.10 eV) in quasimetallic monolayer MoS2. Using spectral-weight transfer analysis, we find that the inverted gap is attributed to the strong charge–lattice coupling in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs). A comprehensive experimental study, supported by theoretical calculations, is conducted to understand the transition of monolayer MoS2 on gold film from trigonal semiconducting 1H phase to the distorted octahedral quasimetallic 1T’ phase. We clarify that electron doping from gold, facilitated by interfacial tensile strain, is the key mechanism leading to its 1H–1T’ phase transition, thus resulting in the formation of the inverted gap. Our result shows the importance of charge–lattice coupling to the intrinsic properties of the inverted gap and polymorphism of MoS2, thereby unlocking new possibilities for 2D-TMD-based device fabrication.
Impact of the Mk VI SkinSuit on skin microbiota of terrestrial volunteers and an International Space Station-bound astronaut
Authors: Stabler Richard A. , Rosado Helena , Doyle Ronan , Negus David , Carvil Philip A. , Kristjánsson Juan G. , Green David A. , Franco-Cendejas Rafael , Davies Cadi , Mogensen Andreas , Scott Jonathan , Taylor Peter W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMicrogravity induces physiological deconditioning due to the absence of gravity loading, resulting in bone mineral density loss, atrophy of lower limb skeletal and postural muscles, and lengthening of the spine. SkinSuit is a lightweight compression suit designed to provide head-to-foot (axial) loading to counteract spinal elongation during spaceflight. As synthetic garments may impact negatively on the skin microbiome, we used 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon procedures to define bacterial skin communities at sebaceous and moist body sites of five healthy male volunteers undergoing SkinSuit evaluation. Each volunteer displayed a diverse, distinct bacterial population at each skin site. Short (8 h) periods of dry hyper-buoyancy flotation wearing either gym kit or SkinSuit elicited changes in the composition of the skin microbiota at the genus level but had little or no impact on community structure at the phylum level or the richness and diversity of the bacterial population. We also determined the composition of the skin microbiota of an astronaut during pre-flight training, during an 8-day visit to the International Space Station involving two 6–7 h periods of SkinSuit wear, and for 1 month after return. Changes in composition of bacterial skin communities at five body sites were strongly linked to changes in geographical location. A distinct ISS bacterial microbiota signature was found which reversed to a pre-flight profile on return. No changes in microbiome complexity or diversity were noted, with little evidence for colonisation by potentially pathogenic bacteria; we conclude that short periods of SkinSuit wear induce changes to the composition of the skin microbiota but these are unlikely to compromise the healthy skin microbiome.
FLO5 gene controls flocculation phenotype and adhesive properties in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae sparkling wine strain
Authors: Di Gianvito Paola , Tesnière Catherine , Suzzi Giovanna , Blondin Bruno , Tofalo Rosanna 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFlocculation is an important feature for yeast survival in adverse conditions. The natural diversity of flocculating genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can also be exploited in several biotechnological applications. Flocculation is mainly regulated by the expression of genes belonging to the FLO family. These genes have a similar function, but their specific contribution to flocculation ability is still unclear. In this study, the distribution of FLO1, FLO5 and FLO8 genes in four S. cerevisiae wine strains was investigated. Subsequently, both FLO1 and FLO5 genes were separately deleted in a flocculent S. cerevisiae wine strain. After gene disruption, flocculation ability and agar adhesion were evaluated. FLO1 and FLO5 genes inheritance was also monitored. All strains presented different lengths for FLO1 and FLO5 genes. Results confirm that in S. cerevisiae strain F6789, the FLO5 gene drives flocculation and influences adhesive properties. Flocculation ability monitoring after a cross with a non-flocculent strain revealed that FLO5 is the gene responsible for flocculation development.
Assessing SNP genotyping of noninvasively collected wildlife samples using microfluidic arrays
Authors: von Thaden Alina , Cocchiararo Berardino , Jarausch Anne , Jüngling Hannah , Karamanlidis Alexandros A. , Tiesmeyer Annika , Nowak Carsten , Muñoz-Fuentes Violeta 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNoninvasively collected samples are a common source of DNA in wildlife genetic studies. Currently, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping using microfluidic arrays is emerging as an easy-to-use and cost-effective methodology. Here we assessed the performance of microfluidic SNP arrays in genotyping noninvasive samples from grey wolves, European wildcats and brown bears, and we compared results with traditional microsatellite genotyping. We successfully SNP-genotyped 87%, 80% and 97% of the wolf, cat and bear samples, respectively. Genotype recovery was higher based on SNPs, while both marker types identified the same individuals and provided almost identical estimates of pairwise differentiation. We found that samples for which all SNP loci were scored had no disagreements across the three replicates (except one locus in a wolf sample). Thus, we argue that call rate (amplification success) can be used as a proxy for genotype quality, allowing the reduction of replication effort when call rate is high. Furthermore, we used cycle threshold values of real-time PCR to guide the choice of protocols for SNP amplification. Finally, we provide general guidelines for successful SNP genotyping of degraded DNA using microfluidic technology.
An optical probe for detecting chondrocyte apoptosis in response to mechanical injury
Authors: Huang Yihui , Zhou Jun , Hakamivala Amirhossein , Wu Jinglei , Hong Yi , Borrelli Joseph , Tang Liping 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCartilage injury induced by acute excessive contact stress is common and mostly affects young adult. Although early detection of cartilage injury may prevent serious and lifelong arthritic complications, early detection and treatment is not possible due to the lack of a reliable detection method. Since chondrocyte injury and subsequent cell death are the early signs of cartilage injury, it is likely that cartilage cell apoptosis can be used to predict the extent of injury. To test this hypothesis, a near infrared probe was fabricated to have high affinity to apoptotic cells. In vitro tests show that this apoptosis probe has low toxicity, high specificity, and high affinity to apoptotic cells. In addition, there is a positive relationship between apoptotic cell numbers and fluorescence intensities. Using a mouse xiphoid injury model, we found significant accumulation of the apoptosis probes at the injured xiphoid cartilage site. There was also a positive correlation between probe accumulation and the number of apoptotic chondrocytes within the injured xiphoid cartilage, which was confirmed by TUNEL assay. The results support that the apoptosis probes may serve as a powerful tool to monitor the extent of mechanical force-induced cartilage injury in vivo.
Active Control of Charge Density Waves at Degenerate Semiconductor Interfaces
Authors: Vinnakota Raj K. , Genov Dentcho A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe present an optoelectronic switch for functional plasmonic circuits based on active control of Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) at degenerate PN+-junction interfaces. Self-consistent multi-physics simulations of the electromagnetic, thermal and IV characteristics of the device have been performed. The lattice matched Indium Gallium Arsenide (In0.53Ga0.47As) is identified as a better semiconductor material compared to Si for the practical implementation of the proposed optoelectronic switch providing higher optical confinement, reduced size and faster operation. The optimal device is shown to operate at signal modulation surpassing −100 dB, responsivity in excess of −600 dB·V−1and switching rates up to 50 GHz, thus potentially providing a new pathway toward bridging the gap between electronic and photonic devices.
Knowledge diffusion of dynamical network in terms of interaction frequency
Authors: Liu Jian-Guo , Zhou Qing , Guo Qiang , Yang Zhen-Hua , Xie Fei , Han Jing-Ti 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we present a knowledge diffusion (SKD) model for dynamic networks by taking into account the interaction frequency which always used to measure the social closeness. A set of agents, which are initially interconnected to form a random network, either exchange knowledge with their neighbors or move toward a new location through an edge-rewiring procedure. The activity of knowledge exchange between agents is determined by a knowledge transfer rule that the target node would preferentially select one neighbor node to transfer knowledge with probability p according to their interaction frequency instead of the knowledge distance, otherwise, the target node would build a new link with its second-order neighbor preferentially or select one node in the system randomly with probability 1 − p. The simulation results show that, comparing with the Null model defined by the random selection mechanism and the traditional knowledge diffusion (TKD) model driven by knowledge distance, the knowledge would spread more fast based on SKD driven by interaction frequency. In particular, the network structure of SKD would evolve as an assortative one, which is a fundamental feature of social networks. This work would be helpful for deeply understanding the coevolution of the knowledge diffusion and network structure.
The utility of mtDNA and rDNA for barcoding and phylogeny of plant-parasitic nematodes from Longidoridae (Nematoda, Enoplea)
Authors: Palomares-Rius J. E. , Cantalapiedra-Navarrete C. , Archidona-Yuste A. , Subbotin S. A. , Castillo P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe traditional identification of plant-parasitic nematode species by morphology and morphometric studies is very difficult because of high morphological variability that can lead to considerable overlap of many characteristics and their ambiguous interpretation. For this reason, it is essential to implement approaches to ensure accurate species identification. DNA barcoding aids in identification and advances species discovery. This study sought to unravel the use of the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (coxI) as barcode for Longidoridae species identification, and as a phylogenetic marker. The results showed that mitochondrial and ribosomal markers could be used as barcoding markers, except for some species from the Xiphinema americanum group. The ITS1 region showed a promising role in barcoding for species identification because of the clear molecular variability among species. Some species presented important molecular variability in coxI. The analysis of the newly provided sequences and the sequences deposited in GenBank showed plausible misidentifications, and the use of voucher species and topotype specimens is a priority for this group of nematodes. The use of coxI and D2 and D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA gene did not clarify the phylogeny at the genus level.
Label-free characterization of ultra violet-radiation-induced changes in skin fibroblasts with Raman spectroscopy and quantitative phase microscopy
Authors: Singh S. P. , Kang Sungsam , Kang Jeon Woong , So Peter T. C. , Dasari Ramanchandra Rao , Yaqoob Zahid , Barman Ishan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMinimizing morbidities and mortalities associated with skin cancers requires sustained research with the goal of obtaining fresh insights into disease onset and progression under specific stimuli, particularly the influence of ultraviolet rays. In the present study, label-free profiling of skin fibroblasts exposed to time-bound ultra-violet radiation has been performed using quantitative phase imaging and Raman spectroscopy. Statistically significant differences in quantifiable biophysical parameters, such as matter density and cell dry mass, were observed with phase imaging. Accurate estimation of changes in the biochemical constituents, notably nucleic acids and proteins, was demonstrated through a combination of Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis of spectral patterns. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate the promise of these non-perturbative optical modalities in accurately identifying cellular phenotypes and responses to external stimuli by combining molecular and biophysical information.
Bio-fabrication of silver nanoparticles by phycocyanin, characterization, in vitro anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line and in vivo cytotxicity
Authors: El-Naggar Noura El-Ahmady , Hussein Mervat H. , El-Sawah Asmaa Atallah 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn recent decades, researchers were attracted towards cyanobacterial components which are potential low-cost biological reagents for silver nanoparticle biosynthesis. This article describes the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using a proteinaceous pigment phycocyanin extracted from Nostoc linckia as reducing agent. The synthesized silver nanoparticles have a surface plasmon resonance band centered at 425 nm. Face-centered central composite design used for optimization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesis using phycocyanin. The maximum AgNPs biosynthesis obtained using the optimized four variables, initial pH level (10), AgNO3 concentration (5 mM), phycocyanin pigment concentration (1 mg/mL) and incubation period (24 h) was 1100.025 µg/mL. The TEM analysis of AgNPs showed spherical nanoparticles with mean size between 9.39 to 25.89 nm. FTIR spectra showed major peaks of proteins involved in AgNPs biosynthesis by identifying different functional groups involved in effective capping of AgNPs. The biosynthesized AgNPs significantly inhibited the growth of medically important pathogenic Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Klebsiella pneumonia). The synthesized AgNPs exhibited effective cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) was recorded at 27.79 ± 2.3 µg/mL. The in vivo studies clearly indicated that AgNPs has a capacity to inhibit the growth of tumor in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice.
Organotypic pancreatoids with native mesenchyme develop Insulin producing endocrine cells
Authors: Scavuzzo Marissa A. , Yang Diane , Borowiak Malgorzata 
Published: September 2017

AbstractReplacement of lost beta cells in patients with diabetes has the potential to alleviate them of their disease, yet current protocols to make beta cells are inadequate for therapy. In vitro screens can reveal the signals necessary for endocrine maturation to improve beta cell production, however the complexities of in vivo development that lead to beta cell formation are lost in two-dimensional systems. Here, we create three-dimensional organotypic pancreatic cultures, named pancreatoids, composed of embryonic day 10.5 murine epithelial progenitors and native mesenchyme. These progenitors assemble in scaffold-free, floating conditions and, with the inclusion of native mesenchyme, develop into pancreatoids expressing markers of different pancreatic lineages including endocrine-like cells. Treatment of pancreatoids with (−)-Indolactam-V or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, two protein kinase C activators, leads to altered morphology which otherwise would be overlooked in two-dimensional systems. Protein kinase C activation also led to fewer Insulin+ cells, decreased Ins1 and Ins2 mRNA levels, and increased Pdx1 and Hes1 mRNA levels with a high number of DBA+ cells. Thus, organotypic pancreatoids provide a useful tool for developmental studies, and can further be used for disease modeling, small molecules and genetic screens, or applied to human pluripotent stem cell differentiation for beta-like cell formation.
Patterns of Oxygen Pulse Curve in Response to Incremental Exercise in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – An Observational Study
Authors: Chuang Ming-Lung , Lin I.-Feng , Huang Shih-Feng , Hsieh Meng-Jer 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn COPD, pulmonary hyperinflation causes decreased stroke volume thereby decreased oxygen pulse (O2P). While O2P flattening is related to myocardial ischemia in cardiac patients, O2P patterns have seldom been explored in COPD. The aims of the study were to investigate O2P-curve patterns and associated factors in COPD. Seventy-five patients with stable COPD were enrolled. The demographics, cardiac size, physiological measurements and stress EKG were compared among O2P-curve pattern groups. An algorithm to identify O2P-curve patterns was developed in 28 patients. In the remaining 45 patients after excluding two with poor effort, this algorithm revealed 20 (44%) flattening, 16 (36%) increasing, and nine (20%) decreasing patterns. The flattening-type group had lower body mass, cardiac size, and diffusing capacity, and larger lung volumes (p = 0.05–<0.0001) compared to the increasing-type group. During exercise, the flattening-type group had a lower operable O2P and more hyperventilation and dyspnea (p = 0.02–<0.01). None had ST-T changes. Most differences were related to body mass and mildly to inspiratory fraction. The decreasing-type group performed higher effort than the increasing-type group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, O2P flattening was common and was associated with reduced body mass and pulmonary hyperinflation rather than with myocardial ischemia. The decreasing-type may be caused by motivation to exercise.
GYY4137, a Hydrogen Sulfide Donor Modulates miR194-Dependent Collagen Realignment in Diabetic Kidney
Authors: John AM Sashi Papu , Kundu Sourav , Pushpakumar Sathnur , Fordham Maura , Weber Gregory , Mukhopadhyay Manas , Sen Utpal 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe relationship between hydrogen sulfide (H2S), microRNAs (miRs), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase-1 (PARP-1) in diabetic kidney remodeling remains mostly obscured. We aimed at investigating whether alteration of miR-194-dependent MMPs and PARP-1 causes renal fibrosis in diabetes kidney, and whether H2S ameliorates fibrosis. Wild type, diabetic Akita mice as well as mouse glomerular endothelial cells (MGECs) were used as experimental models, and GYY4137 as H2S donor. In diabetic mice, plasma H2S levels were decreased while ROS and expression of its modulator (ROMO1) were increased. In addition, alteration of MMPs-9, −13 and −14 expression, PARP-1, HIF1α, and increased collagen biosynthesis as well as collagen cross-linking protein, P4HA1 and PLOD2 were observed along with diminished vascular density in diabetic kidney. These changes were ameliorated by GYY4137. Further, downregulated miRNA-194 was normalized by GYY4137 in diabetic kidney. Similar results were obtained in in vitro condition. Interestingly, miR-194 mimic also diminished ROS production, and normalized ROMO1, MMPs-9, −13 and −14, and PARP-1 along with collagen biosynthesis and cross-linking protein in HG condition. We conclude that decrease H2S diminishes miR-194, induces collagen deposition and realignment leading to fibrosis and renovascular constriction in diabetes. GYY4137 mitigates renal fibrosis in diabetes through miR-194-dependent pathway.
Running reorganizes the circuitry of one-week-old adult-born hippocampal neurons
Authors: Sah Nirnath , Peterson Benjamin D. , Lubejko Susan T. , Vivar Carmen , van Praag Henriette 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAdult hippocampal neurogenesis is an important form of structural and functional plasticity in the mature mammalian brain. The existing consensus is that GABA regulates the initial integration of adult-born neurons, similar to neuronal development during embryogenesis. Surprisingly, virus-based anatomical tracing revealed that very young, one-week-old, new granule cells in male C57Bl/6 mice receive input not only from GABAergic interneurons, but also from multiple glutamatergic cell types, including mature dentate granule cells, area CA1-3 pyramidal cells and mossy cells. Consistently, patch-clamp recordings from retrovirally labeled new granule cells at 7–8 days post retroviral injection (dpi) show that these cells respond to NMDA application with tonic currents, and that both electrical and optogenetic stimulation can evoke NMDA-mediated synaptic responses. Furthermore, new dentate granule cell number, morphology and excitatory synaptic inputs at 7 dpi are modified by voluntary wheel running. Overall, glutamatergic and GABAergic innervation of newly born neurons in the adult hippocampus develops concurrently, and excitatory input is reorganized by exercise.
Next generation highly resistant mirrors featuring all-silica layers
Authors: Tolenis Tomas , Grinevičiūtė Lina , Smalakys Linas , Ščiuka Mindaugas , Drazdys Ramutis , Mažulė Lina , Buzelis Rytis , Melninkaitis Andrius 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA principal possibility to overcome fundamental (intrinsic) limit of pure optical materials laser light resistance is investigated by designing artificial materials with desired optical properties. We explore the suitability of high band-gap ultra-low refractive index material (n less than 1.38 at 550 nm) in the context of highly reflective coatings with enhanced optical resistance. The new generation all-silica (porous/nonporous) SiO2 thin film mirror with 99% reflectivity was prepared by glancing angle deposition (GLAD). Its damage performance was directly compared with state of the art hafnia/silica coating produced by Ion-Beam-Sputtering. Laser-Induced Damage Thresholds (LIDT) of both coatings were measured in nanosecond regime at 355 nm wavelength. Novel approach indicates the potential for coating to withstand laser fluence of at least 65 J/cm2 without reaching intrinsic threshold value. Reported concept can be expanded to virtually any design thus opening a new way of next generation thin film production well suited for high power laser applications.