bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the influence of interface charging dynamics and stressing conditions in strained silicon devices
Authors: Olivares Irene , Angelova Todora , Sanchis Pablo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe performance of strained silicon devices based on the deposition of a top silicon nitride layer with high stress have been thoroughly analyzed by means of simulations and experimental results. Results clearly indicate that the electro-optic static response is basically governed by carrier effects. A first evidence is the appearance of a variable optical absorption with the applied voltage that should not occur in case of having a purely electro-optic Pockels effect. However, hysteresis and saturation effects are also observed. We demonstrate that such effects are mainly due to the carrier trapping dynamics at the interface between the silicon and the silicon nitride and their influence on the silicon nitride charge. This theory is further confirmed by analyzing identical devices but with the silicon nitride cladding layer optimized to have intrinsic stresses of opposite sign and magnitude. The latter is achieved by a post annealing process which produces a defect healing and consequently a reduction of the silicon nitride charge. Raman measurements are also carried out to confirm the obtained results.
Deoxyarbutin displays antitumour activity against melanoma in vitro and in vivo through a p38-mediated mitochondria associated apoptotic pathway
Authors: Ma Limei , Xu Yao , Wei Zeliang , Xin Guang , Xing Zhihua , Niu Hai , Huang Wen 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDeoxyarbutin (DeoxyArbutin, dA), a natural compound widely used in skin lighting, displayed selectively cytotoxicity in vitro. In the study, we found that dA significantly inhibited viability/proliferation of B16F10 melanoma cells, induced tumour cell arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, dA triggered its pro-apoptosis through damaging the mitochondrial function (membrane potential loss, ATP depletion and ROS overload generation etc.) and activating caspase-9, PARP, caspase-3 and the phosphorylation of p38. Treatment with p38 agonist confirmed the involvement of p38 pathway triggered by dA in B16F10 cells. The in vivo finding also revealed that administration of dA significantly decreased the tumour volume and tumour metastasis in B16F10 xenograft model by inhibiting tumour proliferation and inducing tumour apoptosis. Importantly, the results indicated that dA was specific against tumour cell lines and had no observed systemic toxicity in vivo. Taken together, our study demonstrated that dA could combate tumour in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of tumour via a p38-mediated mitochondria associated apoptotic pathway.
An analysis of signal processing algorithm performance for cortical intrinsic optical signal imaging and strategies for algorithm selection
Authors: Turley J. A. , Zalewska K. , Nilsson M. , Walker F. R. , Johnson S. J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntrinsic Optical Signal (IOS) imaging has been used extensively to examine activity-related changes within the cerebral cortex. A significant technical challenge with IOS imaging is the presence of large noise, artefact components and periodic interference. Signal processing is therefore important in obtaining quality IOS imaging results. Several signal processing techniques have been deployed, however, the performance of these approaches for IOS imaging has never been directly compared. The current study aims to compare signal processing techniques that can be used when quantifying stimuli-response IOS imaging data. Data were gathered from the somatosensory cortex of mice following piezoelectric stimulation of the hindlimb. The effectiveness of each technique to remove noise and extract the IOS signal was compared for both spatial and temporal responses. Careful analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each method were carried out to inform the choice of signal processing for IOS imaging. We conclude that spatial Gaussian filtering is the most effective choices for improving the spatial IOS response, whilst temporal low pass and bandpass filtering produce the best results for producing temporal responses when periodic stimuli are an option. Global signal regression and truncated difference also work well and do not require periodic stimuli.
Sexual and Vertical Transmission of Zika Virus in anti-interferon receptor-treated Rag1-deficient mice
Authors: Winkler Clayton W. , Woods Tyson A. , Rosenke Rebecca , Scott Dana P. , Best Sonja M. , Peterson Karin E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAlthough Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, human-to-human transmission has also been observed from males-to-females as well as mother-to-offspring. In the current study, we studied both sexual transmission (STx) and vertical transmission (VTx) of ZIKV using anti-IFNAR1-treatment of Rag1−/− (AIR) mice. These mice have suppressed type I IFN responses and lack adaptive immune responses, leading to a prolonged infection prior to clinical disease. STx of ZIKV from infected AIR males to naive Ifnar1−/− females was observed with greater than 50% incidence, with infection observed in the vaginal tract at early time points. In the case of a resulting pregnancy, virus was also found in the uterus and placental tissue. In additional studies, VTx of virus was observed in AIR female mice. Specifically, peripheral ZIKV infection of pregnant AIR females resulted in detectable virus in brain and/or lymph nodes of fetuses and/or pups. VTx of ZIKV was stochastic, in that not all fetuses/pups within the same dam had detectable virus and infection was not associated with breakdown of maternal/fetal placental barrier. This provides a new model to study the barriers to STx and VTx of ZIKV and the immune responses essential to preventing transmission.
Dynamics of the Global Wheat Trade Network and Resilience to Shocks
Authors: Fair Kathyrn R. , Bauch Chris T. , Anand Madhur 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAgri-food trade networks are increasingly vital to human well-being in a globalising world. Models can help us gain insights into trade network dynamics and predict how they might respond to future disturbances such as extreme weather events. Here we develop a preferential attachment (PA) network model of the global wheat trade network. We find that the PA model can replicate the time evolution of crucial wheat trade network metrics from 1986 to 2011. We use the calibrated PA model to predict the response of wheat trade network metrics to shocks of differing length and severity, including both attacks (outward edge removal on high degree nodes) and errors (outward edge removal on randomly selected nodes). We predict that the network will become less vulnerable to attacks but will continue to exhibit low resilience until 2050. Even short-term shocks strongly increase link diversity and cause long-term structural changes that influence the network’s response to subsequent shocks. Attacks have a greater impact than errors. However, with repeated attacks, each attack has a lesser impact than the previous attack. We conclude that dynamic models of multi-annual, commodity-specific networks should be further developed to gain insight into possible futures of global agri-food trade networks.
Occurrence and expression of novel methyl-coenzyme M reductase gene (mcrA) variants in hot spring sediments
Authors: McKay Luke J. , Hatzenpichler Roland , Inskeep William P. , Fields Matthew W. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRecent discoveries have shown that the marker gene for anaerobic methane cycling (mcrA) is more widespread in the Archaea than previously thought. However, it remains unclear whether novel mcrA genes associated with the Bathyarchaeota and Verstraetearchaeota are distributed across diverse environments. We examined two geochemically divergent but putatively methanogenic regions of Yellowstone National Park to investigate whether deeply-rooted archaea possess and express novel mcrA genes in situ. Small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene analyses indicated that Bathyarchaeota were predominant in seven of ten sediment layers, while the Verstraetearchaeota and Euryarchaeota occurred in lower relative abundance. Targeted amplification of novel mcrA genes suggested that diverse taxa contribute to alkane cycling in geothermal environments. Two deeply-branching mcrA clades related to Bathyarchaeota were identified, while highly abundant verstraetearchaeotal mcrA sequences were also recovered. In addition, detection of SSU rRNA and mcrA transcripts from one hot spring suggested that predominant Bathyarchaeota were also active, and that methane cycling genes are expressed by the Euryarchaeota, Verstraetearchaeota, and an unknown lineage basal to the Bathyarchaeota. These findings greatly expand the diversity of the key marker gene for anaerobic alkane cycling and outline the need for greater understanding of the functional capacity and phylogenetic affiliation of novel mcrA variants.
A selective electrochemical sensor for caffeic acid and photocatalyst for metronidazole drug pollutant - A dual role by rod-like SrV2O6
Authors: Karthik R. , Kumar J. Vinoth , Chen Shen-Ming , Kumar P. Senthil , Selvam V. , Muthuraj V. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn the present study, well-defined one-dimensional (1D) rod-like strontium vanadate (SrV2O6) was prepared by simple hydrothermal method without using any other surfactants/templates. The successful formation of rod-like SrV2O6was confirmed by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Interestingly, for the first time the dual role of as-prepared rod-like SrV2O6were employed as an electrochemical sensor for the detection of caffeic acid (CA) as well as visible light active photocatalyst for the degradation of metronidazole (MNZ) antibiotic drug. As an electrochemical sensor, the SrV2O6modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) demonstrated a superior electrocatalytic activity for the detection of CA by chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry (CVs). In addition, the electrochemical sensor exhibited a good current response for CA with excellent selectivity, wide linear response range, lower detection limit and sensitivity of 0.01–207 µM, 4 nM and 2.064 μA μM−1cm−2, respectively. On the other hand, as-synthesized rod-like SrV2O6showed highly efficient and versatile photocatalytic performances for the degradation of MNZ, which degrades above 98% of MNZ solution under visible light irradiation within 60 min. The obtained results evidenced that the improvement of rod-like SrV2O6might be a resourceful electrocatalyst and photocatalyst material in the probable applications of environmental and biomedical applications.
Measurement of the emission spectrum of a semiconductor laser using laser-feedback interferometry
Authors: Keeley James , Freeman Joshua , Bertling Karl , Lim Yah Leng , Mohandas Reshma A. , Taimre Thomas , Li Lianhe H. , Indjin Dragan , Rakić Aleksandar D. , Linfield Edmund H. , Davies A. Giles , Dean Paul 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe effects of optical feedback (OF) in lasers have been observed since the early days of laser development. While OF can result in undesirable and unpredictable operation in laser systems, it can also cause measurable perturbations to the operating parameters, which can be harnessed for metrological purposes. In this work we exploit this ‘self-mixing’ effect to infer the emission spectrum of a semiconductor laser using a laser-feedback interferometer, in which the terminal voltage of the laser is used to coherently sample the reinjected field. We demonstrate this approach using a terahertz frequency quantum cascade laser operating in both single- and multiple-longitudinal mode regimes, and are able to resolve spectral features not reliably resolved using traditional Fourier transform spectroscopy. We also investigate quantitatively the frequency perturbation of individual laser modes under OF, and find excellent agreement with predictions of the excess phase equation central to the theory of lasers under OF.
A genome-wide association study identified a novel genetic loci STON1-GTF2A1L/LHCGR/FSHR for bilaterality of neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Kawashima-Kumagai Kyoko , Yamashiro Kenji , Yoshikawa Munemitsu , Miyake Masahiro , Ming Gemmy Cheung Chui , Fan Qiao , Koh Jia Yu , Saito Masaaki , Sugahara-Kuroda Masako , Oishi Maho , Akagi-Kurashige Yumiko , Nakata Isao , Nakanishi Hideo , Gotoh Norimoto , Oishi Akio , Tamura Hiroshi , Ooto Sotaro , Tsujikawa Akitaka , Kurimoto Yasuo , Sekiryu Tetsuju , Matsuda Fumihiko , Khor Chiea-Chuen , Cheng Ching-Yu , Wong Tien Yin , Yoshimura Nagahisa 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes much more handicaps for patients than unilateral neovascular AMD. Although several AMD-susceptibility genes have been evaluated for their associations to bilaterality, genome-wide association study (GWAS) on bilaterality has been rarely reported. In the present study, we performed GWAS using neovascular AMD cases in East Asian. The discovery stage compared 581,252 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between 803 unilateral and 321 bilateral Japanese cases but no SNP showed genome-wide significance, while SNPs at six regions showedP-value < 1.0 × 10−5,STON1-GTF2A1L/LHCGR/FSHR, PLXNA1, CTNNA3,ARMS2/HTRA1,LHFP, andFLJ38725. The first replication study for these six regions comparing 36 bilateral and 132 unilateral Japanese cases confirmed significant associations of rs4482537 (STON1-GTF2A1L/LHCGR/FSHR), rs2284665 (ARMS2/HTRA1), and rs8002574 (LHFP) to bilaterality. In the second replication study comparing 24 bilateral and 78 unilateral cases from Singapore, rs4482537 (STON1-GTF2A1L/LHCGR/FSHR) only showed significant association. Meta-analysis of discovery and replication studies confirmed genome-wide level significant association (P = 2.61 × 10−9) of rs4482537 (STON1-GTF2A1L/LHCGR/FSHR) and strong associations (P = 5.76 × 10−7and 9.73 × 10−7, respectively) of rs2284665 (ARMS2/HTRA1) and rs8002574 (LHFP). Our GWAS for neovascular AMD bilaterality found new genetic lociSTON1-GTF2A1L/LHCGR/FSHRand confirmed the previously reported association ofARMS2/HTRA1.
Efficient functional neutralization of lethal peptide toxins in vivo by oligonucleotides
Authors: El-Aziz Tarek Mohamed Abd , Ravelet Corinne , Molgo Jordi , Fiore Emmanuelle , Pale Simon , Amar Muriel , Al-Khoury Sawsan , Dejeu Jérôme , Fadl Mahmoud , Ronjat Michel , Taiwe Germain Sotoing , Servent Denis , Peyrin Eric , De Waard Michel 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMedical means to save the life of human patients affected by drug abuse, envenomation or critical poisoning are currently limited. While the compounds at risks are most often well identified, particularly for bioterrorism, chemical intervention to counteract the toxic effects of the ingested/injected compound(s) is restricted to the use of antibodies. Herein, we illustrate that DNA aptamers, targeted to block the pharmacophore of a poisonous compound, represent a fast-acting and reliable method of neutralization in vivo that possesses efficient and long-lasting life-saving properties. For this proof of concept, we used one putative bioweapon, αC-conotoxin PrXA, a marine snail ultrafast-killing paralytic toxin, to identify peptide-binding DNA aptamers. We illustrate that they can efficiently neutralize the toxin-induced (i) displacement of [125I]-α-bungarotoxin binding onto nicotinic receptors, (ii) inhibition of diaphragm muscle contraction, and (iii) lethality in mice. Our results demonstrate the preclinical value of DNA aptamers as fast-acting, safe and cheap antidotes to lethal toxins at risk of misuse in bioterrorism and offer hope for an alternative method than donor sera to treat cases of envenomation.
Voxel-based analysis unveils regional dose differences associated with radiation-induced morbidity in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Monti Serena , Palma Giuseppe , D’Avino Vittoria , Gerardi Marianna , Marvaso Giulia , Ciardo Delia , Pacelli Roberto , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara A. , Alterio Daniela , Cella Laura 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe risk of radiation-induced toxicity in patients treated for head and neck (HN) cancer with radiation therapy (RT) is traditionally estimated by condensing the 3D dose distribution into a monodimensional cumulative dose-volume histogram which disregards information on dose localization. We hypothesized that a voxel-based approach would identify correlations between radiation-induced morbidity and local dose release, thus providing a new insight into spatial signature of radiation sensitivity in composite regions like the HN district. This methodology was applied to a cohort of HN cancer patients treated with RT at risk of radiation-induced acute dysphagia (RIAD). We implemented an inter-patient elastic image registration framework that proved robust enough to match even the most elusive HN structures and to provide accurate dose warping. A voxel-based statistical analysis was then performed to test regional dosimetric differences between patients with and without RIAD. We identified a significantly higher dose delivered to RIAD patients in two voxel clusters in correspondence of the cricopharyngeus muscle and cervical esophagus. Our study goes beyond the well-established organ-based philosophy exploring the relationship between radiation-induced morbidity and local dose differences in the HN region. This approach is generally applicable to different HN toxicity endpoints and is not specific to RIAD.
Femur First navigation can reduce impingement severity compared to traditional free hand total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Palit Arnab , Williams Mark A. , Turley Glen A. , Renkawitz Tobias , Weber Markus 
Published: July 2017

AbstractImpingement is a major source of dislocation and aseptic loosening in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We compared impingement free range of motion (ROM) using a novel computer navigated femur first approach to conventional THA. In addition, impingement between genders was also explored. In a retrospective analysis of 121 THA patients, subject-specific post-operative ROM was simulated using post-operative 3D-CT data, and compared with the benchmark ROM, essential for activities of daily living. Three parameters were defined to express both implant-to-implant (ITI) and bone-to-bone (BTB) impingement - coverage percentage, third angle, and impingement severity. Although coverage percentage was similar between the navigated and conventional group for both ITI (p = 0.69) and BTB (p = 0.82) impingement, third angle was significantly reduced in the navigation group for both ITI (p = 0.02) and BTB (p = 0.05) impingement. Impingement severity for both ITI (p = 0.01) and BTB (p = 0.05) was significantly decreased in the navigation group compared to the conventional. Impingement severity in men was considerably higher compared to women for both ITI (p = 0.002) and BTB (p = 0.02). Navigation guided femur first THA is able to improve alignment of ROM axis, and consequently, to reduce impingement in THA. Men seem to be more prone to impingement than women.
Modulation of activation and inactivation by Ca2+ and 2-APB in the pore of an archetypal TRPM channel from Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Kühn Frank J. P. , Mathis Winking , Cornelia Kühn , Hoffmann Daniel C. , Lückhoff Andreas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe archetypal TRPM2-like channel of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is gated by ADPR like its human orthologue but additionally exhibits properties of other vertebrate TRPM channels. Thus it can help towards an understanding of gating and regulation of the whole subfamily. To elucidate further the role of Ca2+ as a co-factor of ADPR, we exploited 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB), previously shown to exert either inhibitory or stimulatory effects on diverse TRPM channels, or both in a concentration-dependent manner. 2-APB in high concentrations (1 mM) induced large, non-inactivating currents through nvTRPM2. In lower concentrations (≤0.5 mM), it prevented the fast current inactivation typical for nvTRPM2 stimulated with ADPR. Both these effects were rapidly reversed after wash-out of 2-APB, in contrast to a considerable lag time of their onset. A detailed analysis of nvTRPM2 mutants with modified selectivity filter or reduced ADP-ribose sensitivity revealed that the actions of 2-APB depend on its access to the pore which is enhanced by channel opening. Moreover, access of Ca2+ to the pore is decisive which again depends on the open state of the channel. We conclude that separate regulatory processes by Ca2+ on the pore can be discriminated with the aid of 2-APB.
High resolution 3-Dimensional imaging of the human cardiac conduction system from microanatomy to mathematical modeling
Authors: Stephenson Robert S. , Atkinson Andrew , Kottas Petros , Perde Filip , Jafarzadeh Fatemeh , Bateman Mike , Iaizzo Paul A. , Zhao Jichao , Zhang Henggui , Anderson Robert H. , Jarvis Jonathan C. , Dobrzynski Halina 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances are accompanied by structural remodelling of the specialised cardiomyocytes known collectively as the cardiac conduction system. Here, using contrast enhanced micro-computed tomography, we present, in attitudinally appropriate fashion, the first 3-dimensional representations of the cardiac conduction system within the intact human heart. We show that cardiomyocyte orientation can be extracted from these datasets at spatial resolutions approaching the single cell. These data show that commonly accepted anatomical representations are oversimplified. We have incorporated the high-resolution anatomical data into mathematical simulations of cardiac electrical depolarisation. The data presented should have multidisciplinary impact. Since the rate of depolarisation is dictated by cardiac microstructure, and the precise orientation of the cardiomyocytes, our data should improve the fidelity of mathematical models. By showing the precise 3-dimensional relationships between the cardiac conduction system and surrounding structures, we provide new insights relevant to valvar replacement surgery and ablation therapies. We also offer a practical method for investigation of remodelling in disease, and thus, virtual pathology and archiving. Such data presented as 3D images or 3D printed models, will inform discussions between medical teams and their patients, and aid the education of medical and surgical trainees.
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) pH-sensitive Sensing Membrane in Electrolyte-Insulator-Semiconductor Structures with CF4 Plasma Treatment
Authors: Kao Chyuan-Haur , Chang Chia Lung , Su Wei Ming , Chen Yu Tzu , Lu Chien Cheng , Lee Yu Shan , Hong Chen Hao , Lin Chan-Yu , Chen Hsiang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMagnesium oxide (MgO) sensing membranes in pH-sensitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structures were fabricated on silicon substrate. To optimize the sensing capability of the membrane, CF4 plasma was incorporated to improve the material quality of MgO films. Multiple material analyses including FESEM, XRD, AFM, and SIMS indicate that plasma treatment might enhance the crystallization and increase the grain size. Therefore, the sensing behaviors in terms of sensitivity, linearity, hysteresis effects, and drift rates might be improved. MgO-based EIS membranes with CF4 plasma treatment show promise for future industrial biosensing applications.