bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A minimal length rigid helical peptide motif allows rational design of modular surfactants
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Varenik Maxim , Bloch Daniel Nir , Atsmon-Raz Yoav , Jacoby Guy , Adler-Abramovich Lihi , Shimon Linda J.W. , Beck Roy , Miller Yifat , Regev Oren , Gazit Ehud 
Published: January 2017

AbstractExtensive work has been invested in the design of bio-inspired peptide emulsifiers. Yet, none of the formulated surfactants were based on the utilization of the robust conformation and self-assembly tendencies presented by the hydrophobins, which exhibited highest surface activity among all known proteins. Here we show that a minimalist design scheme could be employed to fabricate rigid helical peptides to mimic the rigid conformation and the helical amphipathic organization. These designer building blocks, containing natural non-coded α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), form superhelical assemblies as confirmed by crystallography and microscopy. The peptide sequence is amenable to structural modularity and provides the highest stable emulsions reported so far for peptide and protein emulsifiers. Moreover, we establish the ability of short peptides to perform the dual functions of emulsifiers and thickeners, a feature that typically requires synergistic effects of surfactants and polysaccharides. This work provides a different paradigm for the molecular engineering of bioemulsifiers.
Very Early Colorectal Anastomotic Leakage within 5 Post-operative Days: a More Severe Subtype Needs Relaparatomy
Authors: Li Yi-Wei , Lian Peng , Huang Ben , Zheng Hong-Tu , Wang Ming-He , Gu Wei-Lie , Li Xin-Xiang , Xu Ye , Cai San-Jun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEarly anastomotic leakage (AL), usually defined as leakage within 30 post-operative days, represents a severe entity. However, mounting evidence has indicated that majorities of leakage occur within one week after surgery, making late AL rarity. Here we analyzed 101 consecutive colorectal AL, all of which occurred within 30 post-operative days, during Jan 2013 and Dec 2015 in cancer hospital of Fudan University. AL occurring within 5 post-operative days was defined as very early AL (vE-AL). We evaluated risk factors of vE-AL compared with non-vEAL and correlated with post-leakage peritonitis and need of relaparatomy. We found that AL occurred at median time of 7 days after surgery. 23 cases were vE-AL. Reconstruction of post-peritoneum for mid-low rectal carcinoma significantly reduced incidence of vE-AL compared with non-vE-AL (p = 0.042). Patients with vE-AL was associated with presence of peritonitis (p = 0.031), the latter significantly correlated with increased re-operation rate (p = 6.8E-13). Besides, patients with vE-AL trended to correlate with increased re-operation rate after leakage (p = 0.088). In concludsion, vE-AL occurring within 5 post-operative days represents a severe subtype associated with general peritonitis and need of relaparatomy.
A Case-control Study on Risk Factors for Severe Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Authors: Zhang Dingmei , Li Ruolin , Zhang Wangjian , Li Guowei , Ma Zhanzhong , Chen Xiashi , Du Zhicheng , Li Zhiyuan , Guo Pi , Lin Zhuochen , Lu Jiahai , Hao Yuantao 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to identify potential risk factors for severe hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). In this case-control study, 459 severe HFMD patients and 246 mild HFMD patients from Guangdong province and Henan province, China were included. Data comprising demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory findings and other factors were collected. Univariate analysis revealed 30 factors associated with severe cases. Further multivariate analysis indicated four independent risk factors: fatigue (p < 0.01, odd ratio [OR] = 204.7), the use of glucocorticoids (p = 0.03, OR = 10.44), the use of dehydrant drugs (p < 0.01, OR = 73.7) and maculopapular rash (p < 0.01, OR = 84.4); and one independent protective factor: herpes or ulcers in mouth (p = 0.01, OR = 0.02). However, more systematic research and validation are needed to understand the underlying risk factors for severe HFMD.
Germanium Sub-Microspheres Synthesized by Picosecond Pulsed Laser Melting in Liquids: Educt Size Effects
Authors: Zhang Dongshi , Lau Marcus , Lu Suwei , Barcikowski Stephan , Gökce Bilal 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPulsed laser melting in liquid (PLML) has emerged as a facile approach to synthesize submicron spheres (SMSs) for various applications. Typically lasers with long pulse durations in the nanosecond regime are used. However, recent findings show that during melting the energy absorbed by the particle will be dissipated promptly after laser-matter interaction following the temperature decrease within tens of nanoseconds and hence limiting the efficiency of longer pulse widths. Here, the feasibility to utilize a picosecond laser to synthesize Ge SMSs (200~1000 nm in diameter) is demonstrated by irradiating polydisperse Ge powders in water and isopropanol. Through analyzing the educt size dependent SMSs formation mechanism, we find that Ge powders (200~1000 nm) are directly transformed into SMSs during PLML via reshaping, while comparatively larger powders (1000~2000 nm) are split into daughter SMSs via liquid droplet bisection. Furthermore, the contribution of powders larger than 2000 nm and smaller than 200 nm to form SMSs is discussed. This work shows that compared to nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers are also suitable to produce SMSs if the pulse duration is longer than the material electron-phonon coupling period to allow thermal relaxation.
Comparative proteomic analysis of liver antioxidant mechanisms in Megalobrama amblycephala stimulated with dietary emodin
Authors: Song Changyou , Liu Bo , Xie Jun , Ge Xianping , Zhao Zhenxin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Huimin , Ren Mingchun , Zhou Qunlan , Miao Linghong , Xu Pao , Lin Yan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOxidative stress is a toxicological endpoint that correlates with the nutrition status of fish through cellular damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. In order to understand the antioxidant mechanism induced by dietary emodin in Megalobrama amblycephala liver, a comparative proteomic analysis was performed to investigate the proteome alteration under emodin administration. 27 altered protein spots were separated under 30 mg kg−1 emodin stimulation based on 2-DE, and were all successfully identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF, representing 17 unique proteins. These proteins were functionally classified into antioxidant, metabolism, cytoskeleton, chaperone, signal transduction and cofactor groups. Network interaction and Gene Ontology annotation indicated 10 unique proteins were closely related to antioxidation and directly regulated by each other. Compared with the control group, administration of 30 mg kg−1 emodin significantly increased the antioxidant-related mRNA expressions of GPx1, GSTm and HSP70, but decreased the mRNA expressions of GAPDH and Sord, which was consistent with the protein expression. Nevertheless, Pgk1 and Aldh8a1 were up- and down-regulated, and ALDOB was down- and up-regulated at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. These results revealed that the altered proteins enhanced antioxidation via complex regulatory mechanisms, and 30 mg kg−1 emodin was a suitable immunostimulant for M. amblycephala.
Rattlesnakes are extremely fast and variable when striking at kangaroo rats in nature: Three-dimensional high-speed kinematics at night
Authors: Higham Timothy E. , Clark Rulon W. , Collins Clint E. , Whitford Malachi D. , Freymiller Grace A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPredation plays a central role in the lives of most organisms. Predators must find and subdue prey to survive and reproduce, whereas prey must avoid predators to do the same. The resultant antagonistic coevolution often leads to extreme adaptations in both parties. Few examples capture the imagination like a rapid strike from a venomous snake. However, almost nothing is known about strike performance of viperid snakes under natural conditions. We obtained high-speed (500 fps) three-dimensional video in the field (at night using infrared lights) of Mohave rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus) attempting to capture Merriam’s kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami). Strikes occurred from a range of distances (4.6 to 20.6 cm), and rattlesnake performance was highly variable. Missed capture attempts resulted from both rapid escape maneuvers and poor strike accuracy. Maximum velocity and acceleration of some rattlesnake strikes fell within the range of reported laboratory values, but some far exceeded most observations. Thus, quantifying rapid predator-prey interactions in the wild will propel our understanding of animal performance.
Polarization Enhanced Charge Transfer: Dual-Band GaN-Based Plasmonic Photodetector
Authors: Jia Ran , Zhao Dongfang , Gao Naikun , Liu Duo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHere, we report a dual-band plasmonic photodetector based on Ga-polar gallium nitride (GaN) for highly sensitive detection of UV and green light. We discover that decoration of Au nanoparticles (NPs) drastically increases the photoelectric responsivities by more than 50 times in comparition to the blank GaN photodetector. The observed behaviors are attributed to polarization enhanced charge transfer of optically excited hot electrons from Au NPs to GaN driven by the strong spontaneous polarization field of Ga-polar GaN. Moreover, defect ionization promoted by localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) is also discussed. This novel type of photodetector may shed light on the design and fabrication of photoelectric devices based on polar semiconductors and microstructural defects.
Combining Chemical Profiling and Network Analysis to Investigate the Pharmacology of Complex Prescriptions in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Suo Tongchuan , Liu Jinping , Chen Xi , Yu Hua , Wang Tenglong , Li Congcong , Wang Yuefei , Wang Chunhua , Li Zheng 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe present a paradigm, combining chemical profiling, absorbed components detection in plasma and network analysis, for investigating the pharmacology of combination drugs and complex formulae. On the one hand, the composition of the formula is investigated comprehensively via mass spectrometry analysis, followed by pharmacological studies of the fractions as well as the plasma concentration testing for the ingredients. On the other hand, both the candidate target proteins and the effective ingredients of the formula are predicted via analyzing the corresponding networks. The most probable active compounds can then be identified by combining the experimental results with the network analysis. In order to illustrate the performance of the paradigm, we apply it to the Danggui-Jianzhong formula (DJF) from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and predict 4 probably active ingredients, 3 of which are verified experimentally to display anti-platelet activity, i.e., (Z)-Ligustilide, Licochalcone A and Pentagalloylglucose. Moreover, the 3-compound formulae composed of these 3 chemicals show better anti-platelet activity than DJF. In addition, the paradigm predicts the association between these 3 compounds and COX-1, and our experimental validation further shows that such association comes from the inhibitory effects of the compounds on the activity of COX-1.
Ciproxifan, a histamine H3 receptor antagonist, reversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase A and B
Authors: Hagenow S. , Stasiak A. , Ramsay R. R. , Stark H. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCiproxifan is a well-investigated histamine H3 receptor (H3R) inverse agonist/antagonist, showing an exclusively high species-specific affinity at rodent compared to human H3R. It is well studied as reference compound for H3R in rodent models for neurological diseases connected with neurotransmitter dysregulation, e.g. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or Alzheimer’s disease. In a screening for potential monoamine oxidase A and B inhibition ciproxifan showed efficacy on both enzyme isoforms. Further characterization of ciproxifan revealed IC50 values in a micromolar concentration range for human and rat monoamine oxidases with slight preference for monoamine oxidase B in both species. The inhibition by ciproxifan was reversible for both human isoforms. Regarding inhibitory potency of ciproxifan on rat brain MAO, these findings should be considered, when using high doses in rat models for neurological diseases. As the H3R and monoamine oxidases are all capable of affecting neurotransmitter modulation in brain, we consider dual targeting ligands as interesting approach for treatment of neurological disorders. Since ciproxifan shows only moderate activity at human targets, further investigations in animals are not of primary interest. On the other hand, it may serve as starting point for the development of dual targeting ligands.
Observation of spin-polarized photoconductivity in (Ga,Mn)As/GaAs heterojunction without magnetic field
Authors: Wu Qing , Liu Yu , Wang Hailong , Li Yuan , Huang Wei , Zhao Jianhua , Chen Yonghai 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn the absent of magnetic field, we have observed the anisotropic spin polarization degree of photoconduction (SPD-PC) in (Ga,Mn)As/GaAs heterojunction. We think three kinds of mechanisms contribute to the magnetic related signal, (i) (Ga,Mn)As self-producing due to the valence band polarization, (ii) unequal intensity of left and right circularly polarized light reaching to GaAs layer to excite unequal spin polarized carriers in GaAs layer, and (iii) (Ga,Mn)As as the spin filter layer for spin transport from GaAs to (Ga,Mn)As. Different from the previous experiments, the influence coming from the Zeeman splitting induced by an external magnetic field can be avoided here. While temperature dependence experiment indicates that the SPD-PC is mixed with the magnetic uncorrelated signals, which may come from current induced spin polarization.
A ‘Landscape physiology’ approach for assessing bee health highlights the benefits of floral landscape enrichment and semi-natural habitats
Authors: Alaux Cédric , Allier Fabrice , Decourtye Axel , Odoux Jean-François , Tamic Thierry , Chabirand Mélanie , Delestra Estelle , Decugis Florent , Le Conte Yves , Henry Mickaël 
Published: January 2017

AbstractUnderstanding how anthropogenic landscape alteration affects populations of ecologically- and economically-important insect pollinators has never been more pressing. In this context, the assessment of landscape quality typically relies on spatial distribution studies, but, whether habitat-restoration techniques actually improve the health of targeted pollinator populations remains obscure. This gap could be filled by a comprehensive understanding of how gradients of landscape quality influence pollinator physiology. We therefore used this approach for honey bees (Apis mellifera) to test whether landscape patterns can shape bee health. We focused on the pre-wintering period since abnormally high winter colony losses have often been observed. By exposing colonies to different landscapes, enriched in melliferous catch crops and surrounded by semi-natural habitats, we found that bee physiology (i.e. fat body mass and level of vitellogenin) was significantly improved by the presence of flowering catch crops. Catch crop presence was associated with a significant increase in pollen diet diversity. The influence of semi-natural habitats on bee health was even stronger. Vitellogenin level was in turn significantly linked to higher overwintering survival. Therefore, our experimental study, combining landscape ecology and bee physiology, offers an exciting proof-of-concept for directly identifying stressful or suitable landscapes and promoting efficient pollinator conservation.
High response speed microfluidic ice valves with enhanced thermal conductivity and a movable refrigeration source
Authors: Si Chaorun , Hu Songtao , Cao Xiaobao , Wu Weichao 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDue to their ease of fabrication, facile use and low cost, ice valves have great potential for use in microfluidic platforms. For this to be possible, a rapid response speed is key and hence there is still much scope for improvement in current ice valve technology. Therefore, in this study, an ice valve with enhanced thermal conductivity and a movable refrigeration source has been developed. An embedded aluminium cylinder is used to dramatically enhance the heat conduction performance of the microfluidic platform and a movable thermoelectric unit eliminates the thermal inertia, resulting in a faster cooling process. The proposed ice valve achieves very short closing times (0.37 s at 10 μL/min) and also operates at high flow rates (1150 μL/min). Furthermore, the response time of the valve decreased by a factor of 8 when compared to current state of the art technology.
Diamond formation in the deep lower mantle: a high-pressure reaction of MgCO3 and SiO2
Authors: Maeda Fumiya , Ohtani Eiji , Kamada Seiji , Sakamaki Tatsuya , Hirao Naohisa , Ohishi Yasuo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDiamond is an evidence for carbon existing in the deep Earth. Some diamonds are considered to have originated at various depth ranges from the mantle transition zone to the lower mantle. These diamonds are expected to carry significant information about the deep Earth. Here, we determined the phase relations in the MgCO3-SiO2 system up to 152 GPa and 3,100 K using a double sided laser-heated diamond anvil cell combined with in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. MgCO3 transforms from magnesite to the high-pressure polymorph of MgCO3, phase II, above 80 GPa. A reaction between MgCO3 phase II and SiO2 (CaCl2-type SiO2 or seifertite) to form diamond and MgSiO3 (bridgmanite or post-perovsktite) was identified in the deep lower mantle conditions. These observations suggested that the reaction of the MgCO3 phase II with SiO2 causes formation of super-deep diamond in cold slabs descending into the deep lower mantle.
Effect of crystal plane orientation on tribochemical removal of monocrystalline silicon
Authors: Xiao Chen , Guo Jian , Zhang Peng , Chen Cheng , Chen Lei , Qian Linmao 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe effect of crystal plane orientation on tribochemical removal of monocrystalline silicon was investigated using an atomic force microscope. Experimental results indicated that the tribochemical removal of silicon by SiO2 microsphere presented strong crystallography-induced anisotropy. Further analysis suggested that such anisotropic tribochemical removal of silicon was not dependent on the crystallography-dependent surface mechanical properties (i.e., hardness and elastic modulus), but was mainly attributed to various atomic planar density and interplanar spacing in different crystal planes. Phenomenological results speculated that higher density of silicon atom could promote the formation of Si-O-Si bonds between the SiO2 microsphere and silicon substrate, resulting in more severe tribochemical material removal. Larger interplanar spacing with smaller energy barrier facilitated the rupture of the Si-Si network with the help of mechanical shearing stress, which caused more serious wear of the silicon surface. The results may help understand the material removal mechanism of silicon and provide useful knowledge for chemical mechanical polishing.
Proteoliposomal formulations of an HIV-1 gp41-based miniprotein elicit a lipid-dependent immunodominant response overlapping the 2F5 binding motif
Authors: Molinos-Albert Luis M. , Bilbao Eneritz , Agulló Luis , Marfil Silvia , García Elisabet , Rodríguez de la Concepción Maria Luisa , Izquierdo-Useros Nuria , Vilaplana Cristina , Nieto-Garai Jon A. , Contreras F.-Xabier , Floor Martin , Cardona Pere J. , Martinez-Picado Javier , Clotet Bonaventura , Villà-Freixa Jordi , Lorizate Maier , Carrillo Jorge , Blanco Julià 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe HIV-1 gp41 Membrane Proximal External Region (MPER) is recognized by broadly neutralizing antibodies and represents a promising vaccine target. However, MPER immunogenicity and antibody activity are influenced by membrane lipids. To evaluate lipid modulation of MPER immunogenicity, we generated a 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC)-based proteoliposome collection containing combinations of phosphatidylserine (PS), GM3 ganglioside, cholesterol (CHOL), sphingomyelin (SM) and the TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA). A recombinant gp41-derived miniprotein (gp41-MinTT) exposing the MPER and a tetanus toxoid (TT) peptide that favors MHC-II presentation, was successfully incorporated into lipid mixtures (>85%). Immunization of mice with soluble gp41-MinTT exclusively induced responses against the TT peptide, while POPC proteoliposomes generated potent anti-gp41 IgG responses using lower protein doses. The combined addition of PS and GM3 or CHOL/SM to POPC liposomes greatly increased gp41 immunogenicity, which was further enhanced by the addition of MPLA. Responses generated by all proteoliposomes targeted the N-terminal moiety of MPER overlapping the 2F5 neutralizing epitope. Our data show that lipids impact both, the epitope targeted and the magnitude of the response to membrane-dependent antigens, helping to improve MPER-based lipid carriers. Moreover, the identification of immunodominant epitopes allows for the redesign of immunogens targeting MPER neutralizing determinants.
Can zinc aluminate-titania composite be an alternative for alumina as microelectronic substrate?
Authors: Roshni Satheesh Babu , Sebastian Mailadil Thomas , Surendran Kuzhichalil Peethambharan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAlumina, thanks to its superior thermal and dielectric properties, has been the leading substrate over several decades, for power and microelectronics circuits. However, alumina lacks thermal stability since its temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) is far from zero (−60 ppmK−1). The present paper explores the potentiality of a ceramic composite 0.83ZnAl2O4-0.17TiO2 (in moles, abbreviated as ZAT) substrates for electronic applications over other commercially-used alumina-based substrates and synthesized using a non-aqueous tape casting method. The present substrate has τf of + 3.9 ppmK−1 and is a valuable addition to the group of thermo-stable substrates. The ZAT substrate shows a high thermal conductivity of 31.3 Wm−1K−1 (thermal conductivity of alumina is about 24.5 Wm−1K−1), along with promising mechanical, electrical and microwave dielectric properties comparable to that of alumina-based commercial substrates. Furthermore, the newly-developed substrate material shows exceptionally good thermal stability of dielectric constant, which cannot be met with any of the alumina-based HTCC substrates.