bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A microscale optical implant for continuous in vivo monitoring of intraocular pressure
Authors: Lee Jeong Oen , Park Haeri , Du Juan , Balakrishna Ashwin , Chen Oliver , Sretavan David , Choo Hyuck 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntraocular pressure (IOP) is a key clinical parameter in glaucoma management. However, despite the potential utility of daily measurements of IOP in the context of disease management, the necessary tools are currently lacking, and IOP is typically measured only a few times a year. Here we report on a microscale implantable sensor that could provide convenient, accurate, on-demand IOP monitoring in the home environment. When excited by broadband near-infrared (NIR) light from a tungsten bulb, the sensor’s optical cavity reflects a pressure-dependent resonance signature that can be converted to IOP. NIR light is minimally absorbed by tissue and is not perceived visually. The sensor’s nanodot-enhanced cavity allows for a 3–5 cm readout distance with an average accuracy of 0.29 mm Hg over the range of 0–40 mm Hg. Sensors were mounted onto intraocular lenses or silicone haptics and secured inside the anterior chamber in New Zealand white rabbits. Implanted sensors provided continuous in vivo tracking of short-term transient IOP elevations and provided continuous measurements of IOP for up to 4.5 months.
Chopper-modulated gas chromatography electroantennography enabled using high-temperature MEMS flow control device
Authors: Zhou Ming-Da , Akbar Muhammad , Myrick Andrew J. , Xia Yiqiu , Khan Waleed J. , Gao Xiang , Baker Thomas C. , Zheng Si-Yang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe report the design, fabrication and characterization of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) flow control device for gas chromatography (GC) with the capability of sustaining high-temperature environments. We further demonstrate the use of this new device in a novel MEMS chopper-modulated gas chromatography-electroantennography (MEMS-GC-EAG) system to identify specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at extremely low concentrations. The device integrates four pneumatically actuated microvalves constructed via thermocompression bonding of the polyimide membrane between two glass substrates with microstructures. The overall size of the device is 32 mm×32 mm, and it is packaged in a 50 mm×50 mm aluminum housing that provides access to the fluidic connections and allows thermal control. The characterization reveals that each microvalve in the flow control chip provides an ON to OFF ratio as high as 1000:1. The device can operate reliably for more than 1 million switching cycles at a working temperature of 300 °C. Using the MEMS-GC-EAG system, we demonstrate the successful detection of cis-11-hexadecenal with a concentration as low as 1 pg at a demodulation frequency of 2 Hz by using an antenna harvested from the male Helicoverpa Virescens moth. In addition, 1 μg of a green leafy volatile (GLV) is barely detected using the conventional GC-EAG, while MEMS-GC-EAG can readily detect the same amount of GLV, with an improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ~22 times. We expect that the flow control device presented in this report will allow researchers to explore new applications and make new discoveries in entomology and other fields that require high-temperature flow control at the microscale.
Pre-critical fluctuations and what they disclose about heterogeneous crystal nucleation
Authors: Fitzner Martin , Sosso Gabriele C. , Pietrucci Fabio , Pipolo Silvio , Michaelides Angelos 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHeterogeneous crystal nucleation is ubiquitous in nature and at the heart of many industrial applications. At the molecular scale, however, major gaps in understanding this phenomenon persist. Here we investigate through molecular dynamics simulations how the formation of precritical crystalline clusters is connected to the kinetics of nucleation. Considering heterogeneous water freezing as a prototypical scenario of practical relevance, we find that precritical fluctuations connote which crystalline polymorph will form. The emergence of metastable phases can thus be promoted by templating crystal faces characteristic of specific polymorphs. As a consequence, heterogeneous classical nucleation theory cannot describe our simulation results, because the different substrates lead to the formation of different ice polytypes. We discuss how the issue of polymorphism needs to be incorporated into analysis and comparison of heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation. Our results will help to interpret and analyze the growing number of experiments and simulations dealing with crystal polymorph selection.
Extracellular ATP elicits DORN1-mediated RBOHD phosphorylation to regulate stomatal aperture
Authors: Chen Dongqin , Cao Yangrong , Li Hong , Kim Daewon , Ahsan Nagib , Thelen Jay , Stacey Gary 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn addition to acting as a cellular energy source, ATP can also act as a damage-associated molecular pattern in both animals and plants. Stomata are leaf pores that control gas exchange and, therefore, impact critical functions such as photosynthesis, drought tolerance, and also are the preferred entry point for pathogens. Here we show the addition of ATP leads to the rapid closure of leaf stomata and enhanced resistance to the bacterial pathogen Psuedomonas syringae. This response is mediated by ATP recognition by the receptor DORN1, followed by direct phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase RBOHD, resulting in elevated production of reactive oxygen species and stomatal closure. Mutation of DORN1 phosphorylation sites on RBOHD eliminates the ability of ATP to induce stomatal closure. The data implicate purinergic signaling via DORN1 in the control of stomatal aperture with important implications for the control of plant photosynthesis, water homeostasis, pathogen resistance, and ultimately yield.
TNFα blockade overcomes resistance to anti-PD-1 in experimental melanoma
Authors: Bertrand Florie , Montfort Anne , Marcheteau Elie , Imbert Caroline , Gilhodes Julia , Filleron Thomas , Rochaix Philippe , Andrieu-Abadie Nathalie , Levade Thierry , Meyer Nicolas , Colacios Céline , Ségui Bruno 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAntibodies against programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) have considerably changed the treatment for melanoma. However, many patients do not display therapeutic response or eventually relapse. Moreover, patients treated with anti-PD-1 develop immune-related adverse events that can be cured with anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) antibodies. Whether anti-TNF antibodies affect the anti-cancer immune response remains unknown. Our recent work has highlighted that TNFR1-dependent TNF signalling impairs the accumulation of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (CD8+ TILs) in mouse melanoma. Herein, our results indicate that TNF or TNFR1 blockade synergizes with anti-PD-1 on anti-cancer immune responses towards solid cancers. Mechanistically, TNF blockade prevents anti-PD-1-induced TIL cell death as well as PD-L1 and TIM-3 expression. TNF expression positively correlates with expression of PD-L1 and TIM-3 in human melanoma specimens. This study provides a strong rationale to develop a combination therapy based on the use of anti-PD-1 and anti-TNF in cancer patients.
VGLUT1 functions as a glutamate/proton exchanger with chloride channel activity in hippocampal glutamatergic synapses
Authors: Martineau Magalie , Guzman Raul E. , Fahlke Christoph , Klingauf Jürgen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGlutamate is the major excitatory transmitter in the vertebrate nervous system. To maintain synaptic efficacy, recycling synaptic vesicles (SV) are refilled with glutamate by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). The dynamics and mechanism of glutamate uptake in intact neurons are still largely unknown. Here, we show by live-cell imaging with pH- and chloride-sensitive fluorescent probes in cultured hippocampal neurons of wild-type and VGLUT1-deficient mice that in SVs VGLUT functions as a glutamate/proton exchanger associated with a channel-like chloride conductance. After endocytosis most internalized Cl− is substituted by glutamate in an electrically, and presumably osmotically, neutral manner, and this process is driven by both the Cl− gradient itself and the proton motive force provided by the vacuolar H+-ATPase. Our results shed light on the transport mechanism of VGLUT under physiological conditions and provide a framework for how modulation of glutamate transport via Cl− and pH can change synaptic strength.
Near-field spectroscopic investigation of dual-band heavy fermion metamaterials
Authors: Gilbert Corder Stephanie N. , Chen Xinzhong , Zhang Shaoqing , Hu Fengrui , Zhang Jiawei , Luan Yilong , Logan Jack A. , Ciavatti Thomas , Bechtel Hans A. , Martin Michael C. , Aronson Meigan , Suzuki Hiroyuki S. , Kimura Shin-ichi , Iizuka Takuya , Fei Zhe , Imura Keiichiro , Sato Noriaki K. , Tao Tiger H. , Liu Mengkun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBroadband tunability is a central theme in contemporary nanophotonics and metamaterials research. Combining metamaterials with phase change media offers a promising approach to achieve such tunability, which requires a comprehensive investigation of the electromagnetic responses of novel materials at subwavelength scales. In this work, we demonstrate an innovative way to tailor band-selective electromagnetic responses at the surface of a heavy fermion compound, samarium sulfide (SmS). By utilizing the intrinsic, pressure sensitive, and multi-band electron responses of SmS, we create a proof-of-principle heavy fermion metamaterial, which is fabricated and characterized using scanning near-field microscopes with <50 nm spatial resolution. The optical responses at the infrared and visible frequency ranges can be selectively and separately tuned via modifying the occupation of the 4f and 5d band electrons. The unique pressure, doping, and temperature tunability demonstrated represents a paradigm shift for nanoscale metamaterial and metasurface design.
Structure of a Wbl protein and implications for NO sensing by M. tuberculosis
Authors: Kudhair Bassam K. , Hounslow Andrea M. , Rolfe Matthew D. , Crack Jason C. , Hunt Debbie M. , Buxton Roger S. , Smith Laura J. , Le Brun Nick E. , Williamson Michael P. , Green Jeffrey 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis causes pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and claims ~1.8 million human lives per annum. Host nitric oxide (NO) is important in controlling TB infection. M. tuberculosis WhiB1 is a NO-responsive Wbl protein (actinobacterial iron–sulfur proteins first identified in the 1970s). Until now, the structure of a Wbl protein has not been available. Here a NMR structural model of WhiB1 reveals that Wbl proteins are four-helix bundles with a core of three α-helices held together by a [4Fe-4S] cluster. The iron–sulfur cluster is required for formation of a complex with the major sigma factor (σA) and reaction with NO disassembles this complex. The WhiB1 structure suggests that loss of the iron–sulfur cluster (by nitrosylation) permits positively charged residues in the C-terminal helix to engage in DNA binding, triggering a major reprogramming of gene expression that includes components of the virulence-critical ESX-1 secretion system.
Type-II Dirac semimetal stabilized by electron-phonon coupling
Authors: Möller Mirko M. , Sawatzky George A. , Franz Marcel , Berciu Mona 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThere is major interest, in condensed matter physics, in understanding the role of topology: remarkable progress has been made in classifying topological properties of non-interacting electrons, and on understanding the interplay between topology and electron–electron interactions. We extend such studies to interactions with the lattice, and predict non-trivial topological effects in infinitely long-lived polaron bands. Specifically, for a two-dimensional many-band model with realistic electron–phonon coupling, we verify that sharp level crossings are possible for polaron eigenstates, and prove that they are responsible for a novel type of sharp transition in the ground state of the polaron that can occur at a fixed momentum. Furthermore, they result in the appearance of Dirac cones stabilized by electron–phonon coupling. Thus, electron–phonon coupling opens an avenue to create and control Dirac and Weyl semimetals.
Antimicrobial peptide capsids of de novo design
Authors: De Santis Emiliana , Alkassem Hasan , Lamarre Baptiste , Faruqui Nilofar , Bella Angelo , Noble James E. , Micale Nicola , Ray Santanu , Burns Jonathan R. , Yon Alexander R. , Hoogenboom Bart W. , Ryadnov Maxim G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses the need for antimicrobial discovery. With traditional search paradigms being exhausted, approaches that are altogether different from antibiotics may offer promising and creative solutions. Here, we introduce a de novo peptide topology that—by emulating the virus architecture—assembles into discrete antimicrobial capsids. Using the combination of high-resolution and real-time imaging, we demonstrate that these artificial capsids assemble as 20-nm hollow shells that attack bacterial membranes and upon landing on phospholipid bilayers instantaneously (seconds) convert into rapidly expanding pores causing membrane lysis (minutes). The designed capsids show broad antimicrobial activities, thus executing one primary function—they destroy bacteria on contact.
Anomalous Decay of Nanomechanical Modes Going Through Nonlinear Resonance
Authors: Shoshani O. , Shaw S. W. , Dykman M. I. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBecause of the small size of nanomechanical systems, their vibrations become nonlinear already for small amplitudes. Many nontrivial aspects of the vibration dynamics arise from the coexistence of several nonlinearly coupled modes. We show that such coupling can lead to anomalous decay of the modes where they go through nonlinear resonance, so that their amplitude-dependent frequencies become commensurate. We demonstrate the possibility of a strongly nonmonotonic dependence of the decay rate on the amplitude if one of the modes serves as a thermal reservoir for another mode. Where the decay of both modes is slow compared to the rate of resonant energy exchange, the decay is accompanied by amplitude oscillations. Depending on the initial conditions, with increasing time it can display an extremely sharp or a comparatively smooth crossover between different regimes. The results provide insight into recent experimental results by several groups and suggest new ways of characterizing and controlling nanomechanical systems.
Proximity of signallers can maintain sexual signal variation under stabilizing selection
Authors: van Wijk Michiel , Heath Jeremy , Lievers Rik , Schal Coby , Groot Astrid T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHow sexual communication systems can evolve under stabilizing selection is still a paradox in evolutionary biology. In moths, females emit a species-specific sex pheromone, consisting of a blend of biochemically related components, to which males are attracted. Although males appear to exert strong stabilizing selection on female pheromone, these blends seem to have evolved rapidly, as evidenced by ~120,000 moth species. Here we propose and test a “proximity model” wherein two females that vary in their relative attractiveness to males, can both benefit from calling in close proximity to each other. In a field study, we show that (1) artificially selected unattractive females can achieve mating rates comparable to attractive females if they signal in close proximity to attractive females, and (2) attractive females benefit from higher mating rates when signalling in close proximity to unattractive females. We propose that frequency-dependent behavioural and spatial interactions can sustain signal variation within populations even when these signals are under stabilizing selection.
New Seeding Approach Reduces Costs and Time to Outplant Sexually Propagated Corals for Reef Restoration
Authors: Chamberland Valérie F. , Petersen Dirk , Guest James R. , Petersen Udo , Brittsan Mike , Vermeij Mark J. A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe use of sexually propagated corals is gaining popularity as an approach for reef restoration. However, manually attaching substrates with recently settled corals to the reef using binding materials is both time-consuming and expensive, limiting the use of this technique to small spatial scales. We present a novel approach whereby young corals are ‘seeded’ on the reef without the need for manual attachment to the benthos. We tested two tetrapod-shaped concrete substrates (7.9 and 9.8 cm in diameter) on which coral larvae were settled. The tetrapods were efficiently deployed by wedging them in reef crevices, in 1.5 to 7% of the time required for traditional outplanting techniques. Seeding tetrapods was most effective in reefs with moderately to highly complex topographies, where they rapidly became lodged in crevices or cemented to the benthos by encrusting organisms. After one year, average recruit survival was 9.6% and 67% of tetrapods still harboured at least one coral colony, and overall, this approach resulted in a 5 to 18 fold reduction in outplanting costs compared to common outplanting methods. This seeding approach represents a substantial reduction in costs and time required to introduce sexually propagated corals to reefs, and could possibly enable larger scale reef restoration.
Flat lens effect on seismic waves propagation in the subsoil
Authors: Brûlé Stéphane , Javelaud Emmanuel H. , Enoch Stefan , Guenneau Sébastien 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe show that seismic energy simulated by an artificial source that mainly propagates Rayleigh surface waves, is focused in structured soil made of a grid of holes distributed in the ground. We carry out large-scale field tests with a structured soil made of a grid consisting of cylindrical and vertical holes in the ground and a low frequency artificial source (<10 Hz). This allows the identification of a distribution of energy inside the grid, which can be interpreted as the consequence of a dynamic anisotropy akin to an effective negative refraction index. Such a flat lens reminiscent of what Veselago and Pendry envisioned for light opens avenues in seismic metamaterials to counteract partially or totally the most devastating components of seismic signals.
Elimination of Antibiotic Resistant Surgical Implant Biofilms Using an Engineered Cationic Amphipathic Peptide WLBU2
Authors: Mandell Jonathan B. , Deslouches Berthony , Montelaro Ronald C. , Shanks Robert M. Q. , Doi Yohei , Urish Kenneth L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAntibiotics are unable to remove biofilms from surgical implants. This high antibiotic tolerance is related to bacterial persisters, a sub-population of bacteria phenotypically tolerant to antibiotics secondary to a reduced metabolic state. WLBU2 is an engineered cationic amphipathic peptide designed to maximize antimicrobial activity with minimal mammalian cell toxicity. The objective of this study was to test the ability of WLBU2 to remove Staphylococcus aureus surgical implant biofilms. WLBU2 effectively treated S. aureus biofilms formed by a variety of clinical MSSA and MRSA strains and created culture-negative implants in the in vitro biofilm model. Blocking bacterial metabolism by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation did not affect WLBU2 killing compared to decreased killing by cefazolin. In the surgical implant infection animal model, WLBU2 decreased biofilm mass as compared to control, untreated samples. WLBU2 could rapidly eliminate implants in vitro and had sufficient efficacy in vivo with minimal systemic toxicity.
Motion and Interaction of Magnetic Dislocations in Alternating Magnetic Field
Authors: Pamyatnykh L. A. , Filippov B. N. , Agafonov L. Y. , Lysov M. S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe behavior of magnetic dislocations (MDs) in an alternating harmonic magnetic field in iron garnets has been experimentally investigated. The results are presented for single-crystal plates in which the drift of domain walls is observed in fields of sound frequencies. It is found that MDs in a stripe domain structure are able to move not only along but also across domain walls. A pairwise interaction between magnetic dislocations when they approach each other to distances on the order of the sizes of the cores of MDs is revealed. The processes of the annihilation, mutual passing of magnetic dislocations through each other and overtaking are found. The features of the dynamic behavior of MDs are explained using a mechanism based on the presence of vertical Bloch lines in a structure of domain walls. MDs are formed at nucleation centers, and their nucleation field is lower than the drift-starting field, which corresponds to previously proposed dislocational mechanism of the drift. The dependencies of quantitative parameters of the drift and MDs on amplitude and frequency of the pumping field are determined. The behavior of MDs should be considered when analyzing the mechanisms for magnetization and temperature-dependent phase transitions in magnetic layers.
Urinary potassium is a potential biomarker of disease activity in Ulcerative colitis and displays in vitro immunotolerant role
Authors: Goyal Sandeep , Rampal Ritika , Kedia Saurabh , Mahajan Sandeep , Bopanna Sawan , Yadav Devesh P. , Jain Saransh , Singh Amit Kumar , Wari Md. Nahidul , Makharia Govind , Awasthi Amit , Ahuja Vineet 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe evaluated the in-vitro effect of potassium on CD4+ T cells and the role of urinary potassium as a potential biomarker of disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). This prospective observational cohort study included healthy controls (n = 18) and UC patients [n = 30, median age: 40 (IQR: 28–46) years, 17 males)] with active disease(assessed by Mayo score) from September 2015–May 2016. Twenty-four hours urinary potassium along with fecal calprotectin (FCP) were estimated in UC patients (at baseline and follow-up after 3–6 months) and controls. In healthy volunteers, we also assessed the effect of potassium on CD4+ T cells differentiated in the presence of Th17 polarizing condition. UC patients had significantly higher FCP (368.2 ± 443.04 vs 12.44 ± 27.51, p < 0.001) and significantly lower urinary potassium (26.6 ± 16.9 vs 46.89 ± 35.91, p = 0.01) levels than controls. At follow-up, a significant increase in urinary potassium among patients who had clinical response [n = 22, 21.4 (14.4–39.7) to 36.5 (20.5–61.6), p = 0.04] and remission [n = 12, 18.7 (9.1–34.3) to 36.5 (23.4–70.5), p = 0.05] was accompanied with a parallel decline in FCP. On in-vitro analysis, potassium under Th17 polarizing conditions significantly inhibited IL-17 and interferon-$$\gamma $$

γ

expression while favoring the induction of FoxP3+ T cells. Therefore, urinary potassium levels are inversely associated with disease activity in UC with in-vitro data supporting an immune-tolerant role of potassium.