bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhomogeneous strain-induced half-metallicity in bent zigzag graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Zhang Dong-Bo , Wei Su-Huai 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRealization of half-metallicity in low dimensional materials is a fundamental challenge for nano spintronics, which is a critical component for next-generation information technology. Using the method of generalized Bloch theorem, we show that an in-plane bending can induce inhomogeneous strains, which in turn lead to spin-splitting in zigzag graphene nanoribbons and results in the highly desired half-metallic state. Unlike the previously proposed scheme that requires unrealistically strong external electric fields, the obtained half-metallicity with sizeable half-metallic gap and high energetic stability of magnetic order of edge states requires only relatively low-level strain in the in-plane bending. Given the superior structural flexibility of graphene and the recent experimental advances in controllable synthesis of graphene nanoribbons, our design provides a hitherto most practical approach to the realization of half-metallicity in low dimensional systems. This work, thus paves a way towards the design of nanoscale spintronic devices through strain engineering.
The Gordon Research Seminar & Conference on Parkinson’s disease: state of the Science 200 years after James Parkinson’s essay on the Shaking Palsy
Authors: Greenamyre J. T. , De Miranda B. R. , Bucher M. L. , Singleton A. B. , Tansey M. G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe first-ever Gordon Research Seminar on Parkinson’s disease was held in conjunction with the second-ever Gordon Research Conference on Parkinson’s disease at the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River in Newry, Maine, from June 24–30. The Gordon Research Seminar brought together graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to network, learn first-hand about life with Parkinson’s disease, listen to and present Parkinson’s disease science, and hear about a variety of relevant career options. The Gordon Research Conference began as the Gordon Research Seminar concluded and was attended by a broad, international mix of junior and senior scientists from academia and industry. It was organized into eight outstanding scientific sessions in which cutting edge science, much of it unpublished, was presented. Among attendees, there was universal praise for the content and organization of the meeting, and for its open and welcoming ambiance.
Lead and Chromium Adsorption from Water using L-Cysteine Functionalized Magnetite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles
Authors: Bagbi Yana , Sarswat Ankur , Mohan Dinesh , Pandey Arvind , Solanki Pratima R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractL-Cysteine functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs) were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation using Fe2+ and Fe3+ as iron precursors, sodium hydroxide as a base and L-Cysteine as functionalized agent. The structural and morphological studies were carried out using X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectrophotometric techniques. The zeta potential of bare Fe3O4 and functionalized L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs were +28 mV and −30.2 mV (pH 7.0), respectively. The positive surface charge changes to negative imply the presence of L-Cyst monolayer at particle interface. Band gap energy of 2.12 eV [bare Fe3O4NPs] and 1.4 eV [L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs] were obtained. Lead and chromium removal were investigated at different initial pHs, contact time, temperatures and adsorbate-adsorbent concentrations. Maximum Cr6+ and Pb2+ removal occurred at pH 2.0 and 6.0, respectively. Sorption dynamics data were best described by pseudo-second order rate equation. Pb2+ and Cr6+ sorption equilibrium data were best fitted to Langmuir equation. Langmuir adsorption capacities of 18.8 mg/g (Pb2+) and 34.5 mg/g (Cr6+) at 45 °C were obtained. Regeneration of exhausted L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs and recovery of Pb2+/Cr6+ were demonstrated using 0.01 M HNO3 and NaOH. L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs stability and reusability were also demonstrated.
Analysis of inflammatory cytokine and TLR expression levels in Type 2 Diabetes with complications
Authors: Gupta Saket , Maratha Ashwini , Siednienko Jakub , Natarajan Anandan , Gajanayake Thusitha , Hoashi Shu , Miggin Sinéad 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe pathogenesis and complications of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are closely linked with defective glucose metabolism, obesity, cardiovascular disease and an inability to mount an effective immune response to certain pathogenic organisms. Perturbations in key innate immune receptors known as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TNFα and IL-1β have been linked with T2DM. Herein, we sought to establish whether patients with T2DM and underlying complications exhibit perturbations in cytokine and TLR expression. Serum cytokine and mRNA levels of cytokines/TLRs in monocytes (M) and neutrophils (N) were measured in a cohort of 112 diabetic patients: good glycaemic control without complications (GC), good glycaemic control with complications (GCC), poor glycaemic control without complications (PC) and poor glycaemic control with complications (PCC) and compared them with 34 non-diabetic volunteers (NGT). Serum cytokine levels were normal in all study participants. In the GC group, cytokine and TLR gene expression were enhanced compared to NGT. In contrast, suppressed cytokine and TLR gene expression were evident in PC, GCC & PCC groups when compared to the GC. In conclusion, whereas serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are unaltered in T2DM patients, differences in inflammatory gene profiles exist among the T2DM patient groups.
Quantifying the efficiency of Hydroxyapatite Mineralising Peptides
Authors: Plowright Robyn , Belton David J. , Kaplan David L. , Perry Carole C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe present a non-destructive analytical calibration tool to allow quantitative assessment of individual calcium phosphates such as hydroxyapatite (HAP) from mixtures including brushite. Many experimental approaches are used to evaluate the mineralising capabilities of biomolecules including peptides. However, it is difficult to quantitatively compare the efficacy of peptides in the promotion of mineralisation when inseparable mixtures of different minerals are produced. To address this challenge, a series of hydroxyapatite and brushite mixtures were produced as a percent/weight (0–100%) from pure components and multiple (N = 10) XRD patterns were collected for each mixture. A linear relationship between the ratio of selected peak heights and the molar ratio was found. Using this method, the mineralising capabilities of three known hydroxyapatite binding peptides, CaP(S) STLPIPHEFSRE, CaP(V) VTKHLNQISQSY and CaP(H) SVSVGMKPSPRP, was compared. All three directed mineralisation towards hydroxyapatite in a peptide concentration dependent manner. CaP(V) was most effective at inducing hydroxyapatite formation at higher reagent levels (Ca2+ = 200 mM), as also seen with peptide-silk chimeric materials, whereas CaP(S) was most effective when lower concentrations of calcium (20 mM) and phosphate were used. The approach can be extended to investigate HAP mineralisation in the presence of any number of mineralisation promoters or inhibitors.
The Mechanical Representation of Temporal Delays
Authors: Leib Raz , Karniel Amir , Mussa-Ivaldi Ferdinando A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWhen we knock on a door, we perceive the impact as a collection of simultaneous events, combining sound, sight, and tactile sensation. In reality, information from different modalities but from a single source is flowing inside the brain along different pathways, reaching processing centers at different times. Therefore, interpreting different sensory modalities which seem to occur simultaneously requires information processing that accounts for these different delays. As in a computer-based robotic system, does the brain use some explicit estimation of the time delay, to realign the sensory flows? Or does it compensate for temporal delays by representing them as changes in the body/environment mechanics? Using delayed-state or an approximation for delayed-state manipulations between visual and proprioceptive feedback during a tracking task, we show that tracking errors, grip forces, and learning curves are consistent with predictions of a representation that is based on approximation for delay, refuting an explicit delayed-state representation. Delayed-state representations are based on estimating the time elapsed between the movement commands and their observed consequences. In contrast, an approximation for delay representations result from estimating the instantaneous relation between the expected and observed motion variables, without explicit reference to time.
The anti-influenza M2e antibody response is promoted by XCR1 targeting in pig skin
Authors: Deloizy Charlotte , Fossum Even , Barnier-Quer Christophe , Urien Céline , Chrun Tiphany , Duval Audrey , Codjovi Maelle , Bouguyon Edwige , Maisonnasse Pauline , Hervé Pierre-Louis , Barc Céline , Boulesteix Olivier , Pezant Jérémy , Chevalier Christophe , Collin Nicolas , Dalod Marc , Bogen Bjarne , Bertho Nicolas , Schwartz-Cornil Isabelle 
Published: August 2017

AbstractXCR1 is selectively expressed on a conventional dendritic cell subset, the cDC1 subset, through phylogenetically distant species. The outcome of antigen-targeting to XCR1 may therefore be similar across species, permitting the translation of results from experimental models to human and veterinary applications. Here we evaluated in pigs the immunogenicity of bivalent protein structures made of XCL1 fused to the external portion of the influenza virus M2 proton pump, which is conserved through strains and a candidate for universal influenza vaccines. Pigs represent a relevant target of such universal vaccines as pigs can be infected by swine, human and avian strains. We found that cDC1 were the only cell type labeled by XCR1-targeted mCherry upon intradermal injection in pig skin. XCR1-targeted M2e induced higher IgG responses in seronegative and seropositive pigs as compared to non-targeted M2e. The IgG response was less significantly enhanced by CpG than by XCR1 targeting, and CpG did not further increase the response elicited by XCR1 targeting. Monophosphoryl lipid A with neutral liposomes did not have significant effect. Thus altogether M2e-targeting to XCR1 shows promises for a trans-species universal influenza vaccine strategy, possibly avoiding the use of classical adjuvants.
Dextran-Catechin inhibits angiogenesis by disrupting copper homeostasis in endothelial cells
Authors: Yee Eugene M. H. , Brandl Miriam B. , Pasquier Eddy , Cirillo Giuseppe , Kimpton Kathleen , Kavallaris Maria , Kumar Naresh , Vittorio Orazio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFormation of blood vessels, or angiogenesis, is crucial to cancer progression. Thus, inhibiting angiogenesis can limit the growth and spread of tumors. The natural polyphenol catechin has moderate anti-tumor activity and interacts with copper, which is essential for angiogenesis. Catechin is easily metabolized in the body and this limits its clinical application. We have recently shown that conjugation of catechin with dextran (Dextran-Catechin) improves its serum stability, and exhibits potent anti-tumor activity against neuroblastoma by targeting copper homeostasis. Herein, we investigated the antiangiogenic activity of Dextran-Catechin and its mechanism. We found that Dextran-Catechin displayed potent antiangiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated Dextran-Catechin generates reactive oxygen species which in turns disrupts copper homeostasis by depleting the copper importer CTR-1 and copper trafficking ATOX-1 protein. Mechanistically, we showed that disrupting copper homeostasis by knockdown of either CTR-1 or ATOX-1 protein can inhibit angiogenesis in endothelial cells. This data strongly suggests the Dextran-Catechin potent antiangiogenic activity is mediated by disrupting copper homeostasis. Thus, compounds such as Dextran-Catechin that affects both tumor growth and angiogenesis could lead the way for development of new drugs against high copper levels tumors.
The interplay of social group biases in social threat learning
Authors: Golkar Armita , Olsson Andreas 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLearning from other individuals (e.g. social learning) is subjected to biases affecting whom to learn from. Consistent with research in animals, showing similarity-based learning biases and a general tendency to display pro-social responses to in-group individuals, we recently demonstrated that social learning of both fear and safety was enhanced when information was transmitted between same-race individuals. Here, we addressed how two different social group categories jointly affect the transmission of fears by investigating the interplay between racial and supporter group membership. We demonstrate that supporter group membership differentially influenced learning from a racial in-group vs. racial out-group individual. Thus, conditioned skin conductance responses in the same-race condition were significantly higher when fear was transmitted by an in-group (same team) vs. an out-group (rival team) individual, and were related to supporter team identification. However, supporter group membership did not influence learning from a racial out-group demonstrator, suggesting that the presence of an alternative alliance does not necessary reduce the influence of racial biases on social fear learning.
Chemical diplomacy in male tilapia: urinary signal increases sex hormone and decreases aggression
Authors: Saraiva João L. , Keller-Costa Tina , Hubbard Peter C. , Rato Ana , Canário Adelino V. M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAndrogens, namely 11-ketotestosterone (11KT), have a central role in male fish reproductive physiology and are thought to be involved in both aggression and social signalling. Aggressive encounters occur frequently in social species, and fights may cause energy depletion, injury and loss of social status. Signalling for social dominance and fighting ability in an agonistic context can minimize these costs. Here, we test the hypothesis of a ‘chemical diplomacy’ mechanism through urinary signals that avoids aggression and evokes an androgen response in receiver males of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). We show a decoupling between aggression and the androgen response; males fighting their mirror image experience an unresolved interaction and a severe drop in urinary 11KT. However, if concurrently exposed to dominant male urine, aggression drops but urinary 11KT levels remain high. Furthermore, 11KT increases in males exposed to dominant male urine in the absence of a visual stimulus. The use of a urinary signal to lower aggression may be an adaptive mechanism to resolve disputes and avoid the costs of fighting. As dominance is linked to nest building and mating with females, the 11KT response of subordinate males suggests chemical eavesdropping, possibly in preparation for parasitic fertilizations.
Interrelationship of rotavirus infection and Creatine Kinase-MB isoenzyme levels in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Guangzhou, China, 2012–2015
Authors: Zheng Jianbin , Zheng Haiqing , Gupta Ramit Kumar , Li Huixian , Shi Hui , Pan Liyan , Gong Sitang , Liang Huiying 
Published: August 2017

AbstractElevated levels of Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) Isoenzyme are a common phenomenon among rotavirus (RV) diarrhea. However, few studies have addressed this issue using large sample size. In current study, 1,118 children (age <5 years) hospitalized with diarrhea in Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center from 2012 to 2015 were finally included. Changing pattern of CK-MB and its relationship with RV-infection were analyzed and characterized. Multivariate linear regression models showed that RV-positive cases had a 28% rise in CK-MB compared to RV-negative cases (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.41, P < 0.01) after controlling for age, gender, season of admission, and weight. The pattern of change showed that CK-MB level of RV-positive group started to rise immediately at the 1st day of diarrhea, reached the peak on days 2 to 4, declined during 4–9 days, and then reached a relatively stable level when compared to the RV-negative group. Mediation analyses showed that indirect effect of RV infection on the increase of CK-MB via Vesikari score was significant (β = 8.01, P < 0.01), but direct effect was not (β = 9.96, P = 0.12). Thus, elevated CK-MB value is a common finding in RV-infection and completely mediated by the severity of diarrhea. CK-MB monitoring may help to identify children with more severe viral infection.
Oral health-related quality of life in patients with stroke: a randomized clinical trial of oral hygiene care during outpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Dai Ruoxi , Lam Otto L. T. , Lo Edward C. M. , Li Leonard S. W. , McGrath Colman 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral hygiene care in improving oral health- and health-related quality of life (OHRQoL and HRQoL) among patients receiving outpatient stroke rehabilitation. Subjects were randomized to: (1) a conventional oral hygiene care programme (COHCP) comprising a manual toothbrush, and oral hygiene instruction, or (2) an advanced oral hygiene care programme (AOHCP) comprising a powered toothbrush, 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse, and oral hygiene instruction. The interventional period lasted for 3 months, followed by a 3-month observational period. HRQoL was assessed by SF-12, and OHRQoL was assessed by Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and Oral Health Transitional Scale (OHTS). Participants in AOHCP group had significantly better OHRQoL at the end of clinical trial as assessed by OHTS (p < 0.01), and at the end of observational study as assessed by GOHAI (p < 0.05) than those in the COHCP. Participants in the AOHCP group had significantly better HRQoL as assessed by physical component summary score (PCS) the end of both 3 and 6 months (both p < 0.05). This study provided the evidence that the AOHCP was more effective than the COHCP within stroke rehabilitation in improving subjective health.
Fear of predation alters clone-specific performance in phloem-feeding prey
Authors: Khudr Mouhammad Shadi , Buzhdygan Oksana Y. , Petermann Jana S. , Wurst Susanne 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFear of predation has been shown to affect prey fitness and behaviour, however, to date little is known about the underlying genetics of responses to predator-associated risk. In an effort to fill this gap we exposed four naïve clones of green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), maintained on the model cropBrassica oleracea, to different types of cues from aphid lion (Chrysoperla carnea). The respective predation risks, we termedFear Factors, were either lethal (consumption by predator), or non-lethal (non-consumptive predator-associated cues: plant-tethered predator cadavers and homogenised shoot-sprayed or soil-infused blends of predator remains). Our results show that the non-lethal risk cues differentially impeded prey reproductive success that varied by clone, suggesting genotype-specific response to fear of predation. Furthermore, whether plants were perceived as being safe or risky influenced prey responses as avoidance behaviour in prey depended on clone type. Our findings highlight that intra-specific genetic variation underlies prey responses to consumptive and non-consumptive effects of predation. This allows selection to act on anti-predator responses to fear of predation that may ramify and influence higher trophic levels in model agroecosystems.
The roles of barriers, refugia, and chromosomal clines underlying diversification in Atlantic Forest social wasps
Authors: Menezes Rodolpho S. T. , Brady Seán G. , Carvalho Antônio F. , Del Lama Marco A. , Costa Marco A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPhylogeographic studies have sought to explain the genetic imprints of historical climatic changes and geographic barriers within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (AF) biota, and consequently two processes of diversification (refugia and barriers) have been proposed. Additionally, there is evidence that eustatic changes influenced the biogeographic history of the AF. Here we evaluate these contrasting diversification processes using two AF social wasp species – the mid-montane Synoeca cyanea and the lowland Synoeca aff. septentrionalis. We analyzed several sources of data including multilocus DNA sequence, climatic niche models and chromosomal features. We find support for idiosyncratic phylogeographic patterns between these wasps, involving different levels of population structure and genetic diversity, contrary suitable climatic conditions during the last glaciation, and contrasting historical movements along the AF. Our data indicate that neotectonics and refugia played distinct roles in shaping the genetic structure of these wasps. However, we argue that eustatic changes influenced the demographic expansion but not population structure in AF biota. Notably, these wasps exhibited chromosomal clines, involving chromosome number and decreasing of GC content, latitudinally oriented along the AF. Together, these results reinforce the need to consider individual organismal histories and indicate that barriers and refugia are significant factors in understanding AF evolution.
Anthocyanin concentration depends on the counterbalance between its synthesis and degradation in plum fruit at high temperature
Authors: Niu Junping , Zhang Guojing , Zhang Wenting , Goltsev Vasilij , Sun Shan , Wang Jinzheng , Li Pengmin , Ma Fengwang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAnthocyanin synthesis and degradation processes were analyzed at transcript, enzyme, and metabolite levels to clarify the effects of high temperature on the concentration of anthocyanin in plum fruit (Prunus salicina Lindl.). The transcript levels of PsPAL, PsCHS, and PsDFR decreased while those of PsANS and PsUFGT were similar at 35 °C compared with 20 °C. The activities of the enzymes encoded by these genes were all increased in fruits at 35 °C. The concentrations of anthocyanins were higher at 35 °C on day 5 but then decreased to lower values on day 9 compared with that at 20 °C. Furthermore, high temperature (35 °C) increased the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the activity of class III peroxidase in the fruit. The concentration of procatechuic acid, a product of the reaction between anthocyanin and hydrogen peroxide, hardly changed at 20 °C but was significantly increased at 35 °C on day 9, indicating that anthocyanin was degraded by hydrogen peroxide, which was catalyzed by class III peroxidase. Based on mathematical modeling, it was estimated that more than 60–70% was enzymatically degraded on day 9 when the temperature increased from 20 °C to 35 °C. We conclude that at the high temperature, the anthocyanin content in plum fruit depend on the counterbalance between its synthesis and degradation.