bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-indicator-based Multidimensional Sensing: Detection and Identification of Heavy Metal Ions and Understanding the Foundations from Experiment to Simulation
Authors: Leng Yumin , Qian Sihua , Wang Yuhui , Lu Cheng , Ji Xiaoxu , Lu Zhiwen , Lin Hengwei 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMultidimensional sensing offers advantages in accuracy, diversity and capability for the simultaneous detection and discrimination of multiple analytes, however, the previous reports usually require complicated synthesis/fabrication process and/or need a variety of techniques (or instruments) to acquire signals. Therefore, to take full advantages of this concept, simple designs are highly desirable. Herein, a novel concept is conceived to construct multidimensional sensing platforms based on a single indicator that has capability of showing diverse color/fluorescence responses with the addition of different analytes. Through extracting hidden information from these responses, such as red, green and blue (RGB) alterations, a triple-channel-based multidimensional sensing platform could consequently be fabricated and the RGB alterations are further applicable to standard statistical methods. As a proof-of-concept study, a triple-channel sensing platform is fabricated solely using dithizone with assistance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for hyperchromicity and sensitization, which demonstrates superior capabilities in detection and identification of ten common heavy metal ions at their standard concentrations of wastewater-discharge of China. Moreover, this sensing platform exhibits promising applications in semi-quantitative and even quantitative analysis individuals of these heavy metal ions with high sensitivity as well. Finally, density functional theory calculations are performed to reveal the foundations for this analysis.
Frequency Up-Conversion Photon-Type Terahertz Imager
Authors: Fu Z. L. , Gu L. L. , Guo X. G. , Tan Z. Y. , Wan W. J. , Zhou T. , Shao D. X. , Zhang R. , Cao J. C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTerahertz imaging has many important potential applications. Due to the failure of Si readout integrated circuits (ROICs) and the thermal mismatch between the photo-detector arrays and the ROICs at temperatures below 40 K, there are big technical challenges to construct terahertz photo-type focal plane arrays. In this work, we report pixel-less photo-type terahertz imagers based on the frequency up-conversion technique. The devices are composed of terahertz quantum-well photo-detectors (QWPs) and near-infrared (NIR) light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are grown in sequence on the same substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. In such an integrated QWP-LED device, photocurrent in the QWP drives the LED to emit NIR light. By optimizing the structural parameters of the QWP-LED, the QWP part and the LED part both work well. The maximum values of the internal and external energy up-conversion efficiencies are around 20% and 0.5%. A laser spot of a homemade terahertz quantum cascade laser is imaged by the QWP-LED together with a commercial Si camera. The pixel-less imaging results show that the image blurring induced by the transverse spreading of photocurrent is negligible. The demonstrated pixel-less imaging opens a new way to realize high performance terahertz imaging devices.
The Capacity Gain of Orbital Angular Momentum Based Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output System
Authors: Zhang Zhuofan , Zheng Shilie , Chen Yiling , Jin Xiaofeng , Chi Hao , Zhang Xianmin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWireless communication using electromagnetic wave carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) has attracted increasing interest in recent years and its potential to increase channel capacity has been explored widely. In this paper, we compare the technique of using uniform linear array consist of circular traveling-wave OAM antennas for multiplexing with the conventional multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) communication method and numerical results show that the OAM based MIMO system can increase channel capacity while communication distance is long enough. An equivalent model is proposed to illustrate that the OAM multiplexing system is equivalent to a conventional MIMO system with a larger element spacing, which means OAM waves could decrease the spatial correlation of MIMO channel. In addition, the effects of some system parameters, such as OAM state interval and element spacing, on the capacity advantage of OAM based MIMO are also investigated. Our results reveal that OAM waves are complementary with MIMO method. OAM waves multiplexing is suitable for long-distance line-of-sight (LoS) communications or communications in open area where the multi-path effect is weak and can be used in massive MIMO systems as well.
Mechanistic and quantitative insight into cell surface targeted molecular imaging agent design
Authors: Zhang Liang , Bhatnagar Sumit , Deschenes Emily , Thurber Greg M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMolecular imaging agent design involves simultaneously optimizing multiple probe properties. While several desired characteristics are straightforward, including high affinity and low non-specific background signal, in practice there are quantitative trade-offs between these properties. These include plasma clearance, where fast clearance lowers background signal but can reduce target uptake and binding, where high affinity compounds sometimes suffer from lower stability or increased non-specific interactions. Further complicating probe development, many of the optimal parameters vary depending on both target tissue and imaging agent properties, making empirical approaches or previous experience difficult to translate. Here, we focus on low molecular weight compounds targeting extracellular receptors, which have some of the highest contrast values for imaging agents. We use a mechanistic approach to provide a quantitative framework for weighing trade-offs between molecules. Our results show that specific target uptake is well-described by quantitative simulations for a variety of targeting agents, whereas non-specific background signal is more difficult to predict. Two in vitro experimental methods for estimating background signal in vivo are compared – non-specific cellular uptake and plasma protein binding. Together, these data provide a quantitative method to guide probe design and focus animal work for more cost-effective and time-efficient development of molecular imaging agents.
Controlling Kondo-like Scattering at the SrTiO3-based Interfaces
Authors: Han K. , Palina N. , Zeng S. W. , Huang Z. , Li C. J. , Zhou W. X. , Wan D.-Y. , Zhang L. C. , Chi X. , Guo R. , Chen J. S. , Venkatesan T. , Rusydi A. , Ariando  
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe observation of magnetic interaction at the interface between nonmagnetic oxides has attracted much attention in recent years. In this report, we show that the Kondo-like scattering at the SrTiO3-based conducting interface is enhanced by increasing the lattice mismatch and growth oxygen pressure PO2. For the 26-unit-cell LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) interface with lattice mismatch being 3.0%, the Kondo-like scattering is observed when PO2 is beyond 1 mTorr. By contrast, when the lattice mismatch is reduced to 1.0% at the (La0.3Sr0.7)(Al0.65Ta0.35)O3/SrTiO3 (LSAT/STO) interface, the metallic state is always preserved up to PO2 of 100 mTorr. The data from Hall measurement and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy reveal that the larger amount of localized Ti3+ ions are formed at the LAO/STO interface compared to LSAT/STO. Those localized Ti3+ ions with unpaired electrons can be spin-polarized to scatter mobile electrons, responsible for the Kondo-like scattering observed at the LAO/STO interface.
Plant phenological synchrony increases under rapid within-spring warming
Authors: Wang Cong , Tang Yanhong , Chen Jin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPhenological synchrony influences many ecological processes. Recent climate change has altered the synchrony of phenology, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here using in situ phenological records from Europe, we found that the standard deviation (SD, as a measure of synchrony) of first leafing day (FLD) and the SD of first flowering day (FFD) among local plants were significantly smaller in the years and/or in the regions with a more rapid within-spring warming speed (WWS, the linear slope of the daily mean temperature against the days during spring, in oC/day) with correlation coefficients of −0.75 and −0.48 for FLD and −0.55 and −0.23 for FFD. We further found that the SDs of temperature sensitivity of local plants were smaller under the rapid WWS conditions with correlation coefficients of −0.46 and −0.33 for FLD and FFD respectively. This study provides the first evidence that the within-season rate of change of the temperature but not the magnitude determines plant phenological synchrony. It implies that temporally, the asymmetric seasonal climatic warming may decrease the synchrony via increasing WWS, especially in arctic regions; spatially, plants in coastal and low latitude areas with low WWS would have more diverse spring phenological traits.
Characteristics, Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in Cirrhosis Associated to Hepatitis B.
Authors: Li Hai , Chen Liu-Ying , Zhang Nan-nan , Li Shu-Ting , Zeng Bo , Pavesi Marco , Amorós Àlex , Mookerjee Rajeshwar P , Xia Qian , Xue Feng , Ma Xiong , Hua Jing , Sheng Li , Qiu De-kai , Xie Qing , Foster Graham R , Dusheiko Geoffrey , Moreau Richard , Gines Pere , Arroyo Vicente , Jalan Rajiv 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe diagnostic and prognostic criteria of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) were developed in patients with no Hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis (CANONIC study). The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the diagnostic (CLIF-C organ failure score; CLIF-C OFs) criteria can be used to classify patients; and the prognostic score (CLIF-C ACLF score) could be used to provide prognostic information in HBV cirrhotic patients with ACLF. 890 HBV associated cirrhotic patients with acute decompensation (AD) were enrolled. Using the CLIF-C OFs, 33.7% (300 patients) were diagnosed as ACLF. ACLF was more common in the younger patients and in those with no previous history of decompensation. The most common organ failures were ‘hepatic’ and ‘coagulation’. As in the CANONIC study, 90-day mortality was extremely low in the non-ACLF patients compared with ACLF patients (4.6% vs 50%, p < 0.0001). ACLF grade and white cell count, were independent predictors of mortality. CLIF-C ACLFs accurately predicted short-term mortality, significantly better than the MELDs and a disease specific score generated for the HBV patients. Current study indicates that ACLF is a clinically and pathophysiology distinct even in HBV patients. Consequently, diagnostic criteria, prognostic scores and probably the management of ACLF should base on similar principles.
Cryo-Imaging of Hydrogels Supermolecular Structure
Authors: Marmorat Clement , Arinstein Arkadii , Koifman Naama , Talmon Yeshayahu , Zussman Eyal , Rafailovich Miriam 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGelatin, derived from collagen, has both the mechanical properties required for tissue growth, as well the functional domains required for cell binding. In its natural state, gelatin derives its properties from a network of structured, intertwined, triple helical chains, which is stabilized by hydrogen bonds at temperatures below 37 °C. The mechanical properties of such a structure can be further controlled by additional enzymatic cross-linking. But, in contrast to simple polymer systems, the response to an imposed deformation is here determined by two competing factors: the establishment of the cross-linked mesh vs. the self-assembly of the fibrils into larger and stronger hierarchical structures. Therefore, properties deduced from the response to measurements such as rheology or swelling, are a combination of these two very different factors, hence a modeling is impossible unless more precise knowledge regarding the internal structure is available. The cryogenic-temperature scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) was adopted to image the fully hydrated gelatin network in which distinct chain folding was observed at low densities, while cross-linked networks were observed at higher densities. Based on these images, a theoretical model which results in good agreement between the mesh sizes of both networks and their mechanical properties was developed.
Improved Superconducting properties in the Mg11B2 low activation superconductor prepared by low-temperature sintering
Authors: Cheng Fang , Liu Yongchang , Ma Zongqing , Shahriar Al Hossain M. , Somer M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMg11B2 has a great application prospect in the superconducting coils for fusion reactor as the “low activation superconductors”. The un-doped Mg11B2 and Cu-doped Mg11B2 bulks using 11B as a boron precursor were fabricated by low-temperature sintering in present work. It was found that the prepared Mg11B2 low activation superconductors exhibit better Jc performance than all of other Mg11B2 samples reported in previous studies. As for Cu doped Mg11B2, minor Cu addition can obviously improve the Mg11B2 grain crystallization and reduce the amount of MgO impurity. Hence, improved grain connectivity and higher Jc at low fields is obtained in Cu doped Mg11B2 samples. For un-doped samples, refined grains and more MgO impurity with proper size brought about more flux pinning centers, resulting in better Jc performance at high fields.
The calcium pump plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase 2 (PMCA2) regulates breast cancer cell proliferation and sensitivity to doxorubicin
Authors: Peters Amelia A. , Milevskiy Michael J. G. , Lee Wei C. , Curry Merril C. , Smart Chanel E. , Saunus Jodi M. , Reid Lynne , da Silva Leonard , Marcial Daneth L. , Dray Eloise , Brown Melissa A. , Lakhani Sunil R. , Roberts-Thomson Sarah J. , Monteith Gregory R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRegulation of Ca2+ transport is vital in physiological processes, including lactation, proliferation and apoptosis. The plasmalemmal Ca2+ pump isoform 2 (PMCA2) a calcium ion efflux pump, was the first protein identified to be crucial in the transport of Ca2+ ions into milk during lactation in mice. In these studies we show that PMCA2 is also expressed in human epithelia undergoing lactational remodeling and also report strong PMCA2 staining on apical membranes of luminal epithelia in approximately 9% of human breast cancers we assessed. Membrane protein expression was not significantly associated with grade or hormone receptor status. However, PMCA2 mRNA levels were enriched in Basal breast cancers where it was positively correlated with survival. Silencing of PMCA2 reduced MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell proliferation, whereas silencing of the related isoforms PMCA1 and PMCA4 had no effect. PMCA2 silencing also sensitized MDA-MB-231 cells to the cytotoxic agent doxorubicin. Targeting PMCA2 alone or in combination with cytotoxic therapy may be worthy of investigation as a therapeutic strategy in breast cancer. PMCA2 mRNA levels are also a potential tool in identifying poor responders to therapy in women with Basal breast cancer.
Identifying novel genes and chemicals related to nasopharyngeal cancer in a heterogeneous network
Authors: Li Zhandong , An Lifeng , Li Hao , Wang ShaoPeng , Zhou You , Yuan Fei , Li Lin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNasopharyngeal cancer or nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cancer originating in the nasopharynx. The factors that induce nasopharyngeal cancer are still not clear. Additional information about the chemicals or genes related to nasopharyngeal cancer will promote a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this cancer and the factors that induce it. Thus, a computational method NPC-RGCP was proposed in this study to identify the possible relevant chemicals and genes based on the presently known chemicals and genes related to nasopharyngeal cancer. To extensively utilize the functional associations between proteins and chemicals, a heterogeneous network was constructed based on interactions of proteins and chemicals. The NPC-RGCP included two stages: the searching stage and the screening stage. The former stage is for finding new possible genes and chemicals in the heterogeneous network, while the latter stage is for screening and removing false discoveries and selecting the core genes and chemicals. As a result, five putative genes, CXCR3, IRF1, CDK1, GSTP1 and CDH2 and seven putative chemicals, iron, propionic acid, dimethyl sulfoxide, isopropanol, erythrose 4-phosphate, β-D-Fructose 6-phosphate and flavin adenine dinucleotide, were identified by NPC-RGCP. Extensive analyses provided confirmation that the putative genes and chemicals have significant associations with nasopharyngeal cancer.
Silencing of sterol glycosyltransferases modulates the withanolide biosynthesis and leads to compromised basal immunity of Withania somnifera
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Tiwari Manish , Singh Surendra Pratap , Singh Surendra , Trivedi Prabodh Kumar , Misra Pratibha 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSterol glycosyltransferases (SGTs) catalyse transfer of glycon moiety to sterols and their related compounds to produce diverse glyco-conjugates or steryl glycosides with different biological and pharmacological activities. Functional studies of SGTs from Withania somnifera indicated their role in abiotic stresses but details about role under biotic stress are still unknown. Here, we have elucidated the function of SGTs by silencing SGTL1, SGTL2 and SGTL4 in Withania somnifera. Down-regulation of SGTs by artificial miRNAs led to the enhanced accumulation of withanolide A, withaferin A, sitosterol, stigmasterol and decreased content of withanoside V in Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) lines. This was further correlated with increased expression of WsHMGR, WsDXR, WsFPPS, WsCYP710A1, WsSTE1 and WsDWF5 genes, involved in withanolide biosynthesis. These variations of withanolide concentrations in silenced lines resulted in pathogen susceptibility as compared to control plants. The infection of Alternaria alternata causes increased salicylic acid, callose deposition, superoxide dismutase and H2O2 in aMIR-VIGS lines. The expression of biotic stress related genes, namely, WsPR1, WsDFS, WsSPI and WsPR10 were also enhanced in aMIR-VIGS lines in time dependent manner. Taken together, our observations revealed that a positive feedback regulation of withanolide biosynthesis occurred by silencing of SGTLs which resulted in reduced biotic tolerance.
Tinospora cordifolia ameliorates anxiety-like behavior and improves cognitive functions in acute sleep deprived rats
Authors: Mishra Rachana , Manchanda Shaffi , Gupta Muskan , Kaur Taranjeet , Saini Vedangana , Sharma Anuradha , Kaur Gurcharan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSleep deprivation (SD) leads to the spectrum of mood disorders like anxiety, cognitive dysfunctions and motor coordination impairment in many individuals. However, there is no effective pharmacological remedy to negate the effects of SD. The current study examined whether 50% ethanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia (TCE) can attenuate these negative effects of SD. Three groups of adult Wistar female rats - (1) vehicle treated-sleep undisturbed (VUD), (2) vehicle treated-sleep deprived (VSD) and (3) TCE treated-sleep deprived (TSD) animals were tested behaviorally for cognitive functions, anxiety and motor coordination. TSD animals showed improved behavioral response in EPM and NOR tests for anxiety and cognitive functions, respectively as compared to VSD animals. TCE pretreatment modulated the stress induced-expression of plasticity markers PSA-NCAM, NCAM and GAP-43 along with proteins involved in the maintenance of LTP i.e., CamKII-α and calcineurin (CaN) in hippocampus and PC regions of the brain. Interestingly, contrary to VSD animals, TSD animals showed downregulated expression of inflammatory markers such as CD11b/c, MHC-1 and cytokines along with inhibition of apoptotic markers. This data suggests that TCE alone or in combination with other memory enhancing agents may help in managing sleep deprivation associated stress and improving cognitive functions.
Frequency-selective propagation of localized spoof surface plasmons in a graded plasmonic resonator chain
Authors: Gao Zhen , Gao Fei , Shastri Kunal Krishnaraj , Zhang Baile 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLocalized spoof surface plasmon polaritons (spoof-SPPs) in a graded spoof-plasmonic resonator chain with linearly increasing spacing are experimentally investigated at microwave frequencies. Transmission measurements and direct near-field mappings on this graded chain show that the propagation of localized spoof-SPPs can be cutoff at different positions along the graded chain under different frequencies due to the graded coupling between adjacent resonators. This mechanism can be used to guide localized spoof-SPPs in the graded chain to specific positions depending on the frequency and thereby implement a device that can work as a selective switch in integrated plasmonic circuits.
The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Rib Fractures
Authors: Candan Huseyin , Yılmaz Rahsan , Eser Irfan , Aydoğmus Umit , Gunay Samil 
Published: May 2016

Background Rib fracture is the most common result of thoracic traumas. Intrapulmonary shunt, alveolar capillary membrane damage, intra-alveolar hemorrhage, and hypoxia may develop following rib fractures. Therefore, prompt treatment is important. The aim of this experimental study was to analyze the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on rib fractures to secure a speedier and more efficient treatment method.
Materials and Methods The study involved 18 New Zealand white rabbits, randomly divided into three groups as Group 1, the sham group with no surgical intervention; Group 2, the control group in which simple rib fractures were applied and no treatment; and Group 3, in which rib fractures were applied and then PRP treatment was administered.
Results The mean recovery plate thickness measurements were found to be statistically significantly higher in the PRP group compared with the other groups (p < 0.005). A thicker fibrotic cell proliferation and the formation of many capillaries were observed around the growth plate in the PRP group compared with the other groups. These structures were lesser in the control group compared with the PRP group and at the lowest level in the sham group. Larger and distinct callus formation was observed and a new intramedullary field in the PRP group.
Conclusions PRP is a reliable and effective autologous product with minimal side effects, which can be considered as an alternative treatment in patients with rib fractures and used easily in pseudoarthrosis, surgical fracture, or flail chest.
Efficient analysis of mouse genome sequences reveal many nonsense variants
Authors: Steeland Sophie , Timmermans Steven , Van Ryckeghem Sara , Hulpiau Paco , Saeys Yvan , Van Montagu Marc , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E. , Libert Claude 
Published: May 2016

SignificanceMouse genome sequences have been generated of tens of inbred strains. We here describe a user-friendly bioinformatics tool for revealing the sequence variations in protein-coding genes in one or more inbred strains and predicting which proteins are significantly different compared with those of the reference genome of C57BL/6J inbred mice. The analysis of truncated proteins in the strain SPRET/Ei, as an example, results in a user-friendly PDF file. This information is essential for interpreting biological data obtained using a given inbred strain, and confirms that inbred lines are a rich source of variant alleles of protein-coding genes, including knockout alleles.