bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial biofilms establish the role of matrix interactions in staphylococcal biofilm assembly and disassembly
Authors: Stewart Elizabeth J. , Ganesan Mahesh , Younger John G. , Solomon Michael J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe demonstrate that the microstructural and mechanical properties of bacterial biofilms can be created through colloidal self-assembly of cells and polymers and thereby link the complex material properties of biofilms to well understood colloidal and polymeric behaviors. This finding is applied to soften and disassemble staphylococcal biofilms through pH changes. Bacterial biofilms are viscoelastic, structured communities of cells encapsulated in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) comprised of polysaccharides, proteins and DNA. Although the identity and abundance of EPS macromolecules are known, how these matrix materials interact with themselves and bacterial cells to generate biofilm morphology and mechanics is not understood. Here, we find that the colloidal self-assembly of Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A cells and polysaccharides into viscoelastic biofilms is driven by thermodynamic phase instability of EPS. pH conditions that induce phase instability of chitosan produce artificial S. epidermidis biofilms whose mechanics match natural S. epidermidis biofilms. Furthermore, pH-induced solubilization of the matrix triggers disassembly in both artificial and natural S. epidermidis biofilms. This pH-induced disassembly occurs in biofilms formed by five additional staphylococcal strains, including three clinical isolates. Our findings suggest that colloidal self-assembly of cells and matrix polymers produces biofilm viscoelasticity and that biofilm control strategies can exploit this mechanism.
Sub-0.5 V Highly Stable Aqueous Salt Gated Metal Oxide Electronics
Authors: Park Sungjun , Lee SeYeong , Kim Chang-Hyun , Lee Ilseop , Lee Won-June , Kim Sohee , Lee Byung-Geun , Jang Jae-Hyung , Yoon Myung-Han 
Published: August 2015

AbstractRecently, growing interest in implantable bionics and biochemical sensors spurred the research for developing non-conventional electronics with excellent device characteristics at low operation voltages and prolonged device stability under physiological conditions. Herein, we report high-performance aqueous electrolyte-gated thin-film transistors using a sol-gel amorphous metal oxide semiconductor and aqueous electrolyte dielectrics based on small ionic salts. The proper selection of channel material (i.e., indium-gallium-zinc-oxide) and precautious passivation of non-channel areas enabled the development of simple but highly stable metal oxide transistors manifested by low operation voltages within 0.5 V, high transconductance of ~1.0 mS, large current on-off ratios over 107 and fast inverter responses up to several hundred hertz without device degradation even in physiologically-relevant ionic solutions. In conjunction with excellent transistor characteristics, investigation of the electrochemical nature of the metal oxide-electrolyte interface may contribute to the development of a viable bio-electronic platform directly interfacing with biological entities in vivo.
Feline lungworms unlock a novel mode of parasite transmission
Authors: Colella Vito , Giannelli Alessio , Brianti Emanuele , Ramos Rafael Antonio Nascimento , Cantacessi Cinzia , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Otranto Domenico 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSnail-borne lungworms exert an enormous toll on the health and welfare of animals and humans. Of these parasites, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior affect the respiratory tract of felids. These lungworms share both the ecological niche and the species of snail (Helix aspersa) acting as intermediate host. Recently, the ability of H. aspersa to shed infective third-stage larvae (L3s) of A. abstrusus and T. brevior in the environment has been demonstrated, matching previous knowledge of mode of transmission of zoonotic lungworms. Here, we evaluated, for the first time, the ability of A. abstrusus and T. brevior L3s to infect new, susceptible snail hosts following their release from experimentally infected molluscs and refer to this novel route of parasite transmission as intermediesis. The implications of snail-to-snail transmission in the epidemiology of snail-borne diseases are also discussed.
Wide mutation spectrum and frequent variant Ala27Thr of FBN1 identified in a large cohort of Chinese patients with sporadic TAAD
Authors: Guo Jun , Cai Lun , Jia Lixin , Li Xiaoyan , Xi Xin , Zheng Shuai , Liu Xuxia , Piao Chunmei , Liu Tingting , Sun Zhongsheng , Cai Tao , Du Jie 
Published: August 2015

AbstractGenetic etiology in majority of patients with sporadic thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissections (STAAD) remains unknown. Recent GWAS study suggested common variant(s) in FBN1 is associated with STAAD. The present study aims to test this hypothesis and to identify mutation spectrum by targeted exome sequencing of the FBN1 gene in 146 unrelated patients with STAAD. Totally, 15.75% of FBN1 variants in STAAD were identified, including 5 disruptive and 18 missense mutations. Most of the variants were novel. Genotype-phenotype correlation analysis suggested that the maximum aortic diameter in the disruptive mutation group was significantly larger than that in the non-Cys missense mutation group. Interestingly, the variant Ala27Thr at −1 position, which is predicted to change the cleavage site of the signal peptidase of fibrillin-1, was detected in two unrelated patients. Furthermore, genotyping analysis of this variant detected 10 heterozygous Ala27Thr from additional 666 unrelated patients (1.50%), versus 7 from 1500 controls (0.47%), indicating a significant association of this variant with STAAD. Collectively, the identification of the variant Ala27Thr may represent a relatively common genetic predisposition and a novel pathogenetic mechanism for STAAD. Also, expansion of the mutation spectrum in FBN1 will be helpful in genetic counselling for Chinese patients with STAAD.
Transmitting information of an object behind the obstacle to infinity
Authors: Xu Bai Bing , Jiang Wei Xiang , Meng Ling Ling , Cui Tie Jun 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe propose an illusion device that transforms a metallic cylinder into a Luneburg lens by using transformation optics. Such a transformed focusing lens guides electromagnetic waves to propagate around the central metallic cylinder smoothly and be focused on one spot and thus the information of an object behind the obstacle can be transmitted to infinity. In order to realize the required-anisotropic parameters with high permittivity and low permeability, we design embedded split-ring resonators (SRRs) to increase the permittivity of the traditional SRR structures. In experiments, we fabricate and measure the transformed lens and the tested results agree well with the numerical simulations and theoretical predictions. The proposed transformation lens can mimic some properties of Einstein gravitational lens because their wave propagation behaviors are very similar.
IL-33 released by alum is responsible for early cytokine production and has adjuvant properties
Authors: Rose II William A. , Okragly Angela J. , Patel Chetan N. , Benschop Robert J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractHuman vaccines have used aluminium-based adjuvants (alum) for >80 years despite incomplete understanding of how alum enhances the immune response. Alum can induce the release of endogenous danger signals via cellular necrosis which elicits inflammation-associated cytokines resulting in humoral immunity. IL-33 is proposed to be one such danger signal that is released from necrotic cells. Therefore, we investigated whether there is a role for IL-33 in the adjuvant activity of alum. We show that alum-induced cellular necrosis results in elevated levels of IL-33 following injection in vivo. Alum and IL-33 induce similar increases in IL-5, KC, MCP-1, MIP-1α and MIP-1β; many of which are dependent on IL-33 as shown in IL-33 knockout mice or by using an IL-33-neutralizing recombinant ST2 receptor. Furthermore, IL-33 itself functions as an adjuvant that, while only inducing a marginal primary response, facilitates a robust secondary response comparable to that observed with alum. However, IL-33 is not absolutely required for alum-induced antibody responses since alum mediates similar humoral responses in IL-33 knockout and wild-type mice. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanism of action behind alum-induced cytokine responses and show that IL-33 is sufficient to provide a robust secondary antibody response independently of alum.
Does metal pollution matter with C retention by rice soil?
Authors: Bian Rongjun , Cheng Kun , Zheng Jufeng , Liu Xiaoyu , Liu Yongzhuo , Li Zhipeng , Li Lianqing , Smith Pete , Pan Genxing , Crowley David , Zheng Jinwei , Zhang Xuhui , Zhang Liangyun , Hussain Qaiser 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSoil respiration, resulting in decomposition of soil organic carbon (SOC), emits CO2 to the atmosphere and increases under climate warming. However, the impact of heavy metal pollution on soil respiration in croplands is not well understood. Here we show significantly increased soil respiration and efflux of both CO2 and CH4 with a concomitant reduction in SOC storage from a metal polluted rice soil in China. This change is linked to a decline in soil aggregation, in microbial abundance and in fungal dominance. The carbon release is presumably driven by changes in carbon cycling occurring in the stressed soil microbial community with heavy metal pollution in the soil. The pollution-induced increase in soil respiration and loss of SOC storage will likely counteract efforts to increase SOC sequestration in rice paddies for climate change mitigation.
Predictive habitat suitability models to aid conservation of elasmobranch diversity in the central Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Lauria V. , Gristina M. , Attrill M. J. , Fiorentino F. , Garofalo G. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCommercial fisheries have dramatically impacted elasmobranch populations worldwide. With high capture and bycatch rates, the abundance of many species is rapidly declining and around a quarter of the world’s sharks and rays are threatened with extinction. At a regional scale this negative trend has also been evidenced in the central Mediterranean Sea, where bottom-trawl fisheries have affected the biomass of certain rays (e.g. Raja clavata) and sharks (e.g. Mustelus spp.). Detailed knowledge of elasmobranch habitat requirements is essential for biodiversity conservation and fisheries management, but this is often hampered by a poor understanding of their spatial ecology. Habitat suitability models were used to investigate the habitat preference of nine elasmobranch species and their overall diversity (number of species) in relation to five environmental predictors (i.e. depth, sea surface temperature, surface salinity, slope and rugosity) in the central Mediterranean Sea. Results showed that depth, seafloor morphology and sea surface temperature were the main drivers for elasmobranch habitat suitability. Predictive distribution maps revealed different species-specific patterns of suitable habitat while high assemblage diversity was predicted in deeper offshore waters (400–800 m depth). This study helps to identify priority conservation areas and diversity hot-spots for rare and endangered elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea.
Photonic ququart logic assisted by the cavity-QED system
Authors: Luo Ming-Xing , Deng Yun , Li Hui-Ran , Ma Song-Ya 
Published: August 2015

AbstractUniversal quantum logic gates are important elements for a quantum computer. In contrast to previous constructions of qubit systems, we investigate the possibility of ququart systems (four-dimensional states) dependent on two DOFs of photon systems. We propose some useful one-parameter four-dimensional quantum transformations for the construction of universal ququart logic gates. The interface between the spin of a photon and an electron spin confined in a quantum dot embedded in a microcavity is applied to build universal ququart logic gates on the photon system with two freedoms. Our elementary controlled-ququart gates cost no more than 8 CNOT gates in a qubit system, which is far less than the 104 CNOT gates required for a general four-qubit logic gate. The ququart logic is also used to generate useful hyperentanglements and hyperentanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting code, which may be available in modern physical technology.
Efficient entry of cell-penetrating peptide nona-arginine into adherent cells involves a transient increase in intracellular calcium
Authors: Melikov Kamran , Hara Ann , Yamoah Kwabena , Zaitseva Elena , Zaitsev Eugene , Chernomordik Leonid V. 
Published: August 2015

Understanding the mechanism of entry of cationic peptides such as nona-arginine (R9) into cells remains an important challenge to their use as efficient drug-delivery vehicles. At nanomolar to low micromolar R9 concentrations and at physiological temperature, peptide entry involves endocytosis. In contrast, at a concentration ≥10 μM, R9 induces a very effective non-endocytic entry pathway specific for cationic peptides. We found that a similar entry pathway is induced at 1–2 μM concentrations of R9 if peptide application is accompanied by a rapid temperature drop to 15°C. Both at physiological and at sub-physiological temperatures, this entry mechanism was inhibited by depletion of the intracellular ATP pool. Intriguingly, we found that R9 at 10–20 μM and 37°C induces repetitive spikes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This Ca2+ signalling correlated with the efficiency of the peptide entry. Pre-loading cells with the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA (1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) inhibited both Ca2+ spikes and peptide entry, suggesting that an increase in intracellular Ca2+ precedes and is required for peptide entry. One of the hallmarks of Ca2+ signalling is a transient cell-surface exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS), a lipid normally residing only in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Blocking the accessible PS with the PS-binding domain of lactadherin strongly inhibited non-endocytic R9 entry, suggesting the importance of PS externalization in this process. To conclude, we uncovered a novel mechanistic link between calcium signalling and entry of cationic peptides. This finding will enhance our understanding of the properties of plasma membrane and guide development of future drug-delivery vehicles.
Fault current limiter‐battery energy storage system for the doubly‐fed induction generator: analysis and experimental verification
Authors: Guo Wenyong , Xiao Liye , Dai Shaotao 
Published: August 2015

Weak low voltage ride‐through (LVRT) ability and unstable output power are two major problems faced by the doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG). To solve these two problems simultaneously, a commercially available fault current limiter‐battery energy storage system (FCL–BESS), which is suitable to be applied in a microgrid, is proposed in this study. During normal operation, the FCL–BESS stabilises the output power of DFIG by compensating the fluctuating component of DFIG output power with energy buffering capability provided by the battery energy storage system (BESS). On occurrence of a grid fault, the FCL–BESS enhances the LVRT ability of DFIG by inserting the fault current limiting inductor into the stator, which weakens the rotor back electromagnetic force voltage and limits the rotor overcurrent. The FCL–BESS also stabilises the DC‐link voltage by the BESS, which further strengthens the controllability of grid‐side converter and rotor‐side converter. Moreover, the FCL–BESS is able to help grid voltage recover fast and smoothly by providing power support to the grid. Experiments under different conditions have been carried out with a 2 kW prototype to evaluate the performance of the proposed FCL–BESS. Experimental results show that the FCL–BESS have much better performance than using single fault current limiter or BESS and can solve the two problems faced by the DFIG simultaneously and effectively.
Estimating and calibrating the response of multiple wideband digital radio frequency memories in a hardware‐in‐the‐loop system using shuffled frog leaping algorithm
Authors: Huang Hao , Pan Minghai , Gong Shufeng 
Published: August 2015

The frequency response of digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) kernel varies over frequency in its passband. This in turn causes distortion to the regenerated radar signal. For wide band DRFMs, this distortion can become more severe and is thus a problem to be solved. For a wide band DRFM kernel, the total magnitude variation in the passband can reach 8 dB. A novel method to estimate and compensate for the distortion is presented in this study. Data recorded during loop‐back testing is used to estimate the response of the DRFM kernel. A digital finite impulse response filter with complex coefficients is then designed and optimised to compensate for this distortion using the shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA), which is a specific implementation of the memetic algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared with inverse Fourier‐based techniques and genetic algorithm (GA), the SFLA shows an improvement of 0.5 dB in magnitude ripple and 5.7° in phase ripple. The SFLA technique produces usable solutions for length 17 filters, whereas the GA requires filter lengths of more than 30 to reach the same performance. The shorter filters reduce the delay through the DRFM kernel, which is an important design specification in such systems.
Characterisation of ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) film prepared by Langmuir‐Blodgett deposition
Authors: Kim Woo Young , Song Dong‐Seok , Jeon Gwang‐Jae , Kang In Ku , Shim Hyun Bin , Kim Do‐Kyung , Lee Hee Chul , Park Hongsik , Kang Shin‐Won , Bae Jin‐Hyuk 
Published: August 2015

Ferroelectric polymer is a flexible memory material that is insensitive to environmental variations and lends itself to research in emerging optoelectronic applications. Using Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) deposition technology, the thickness of a ferroelectric film can be controlled in the nanometre range, offering a pathway to molecular electronics. In this reported work, ultrathin ferroelectric polymer films were fabricated through LB deposition technology and characterised by observing the surface morphology, crystallinity and polarisation–voltage relationships. Unlike previously reported ferroelectric LB films, this work has shown a maximum remanent polarisation (PR) of 6 μC/cm2 at 35 nm, which is compatible with the thick film prepared by the spin‐coating method. In addition, the polarisation stability in terms of depolarisation was investigated, which showed that the engineering of the interface between the ferroelectric LB film and the substrate is an important, deterministic factor for reliable memory applications with high signal‐to‐noise ratios.
Preparation and characterisation of calcium citrate wires
Authors: Zhong Liangzhao , Li Junfeng , Gao Yang , Cao Wenqiang , Zhang Peicong , Lai Xuefei 
Published: August 2015

Long calcium citrate wires were successfully prepared using a convenient and effective soft chemical method that involved heating the sheet precursor at an appropriate temperature in a mixture of alcohol and water for a sufficient amount of time. The X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that the crystallinity degree increased with heating time. Moreover, the (200) crystal plane was the preferential growth face that was influenced by alcohol. Such influence was ascribed to alcohol being able to change the free energy and the supersaturation state of the solution. In addition, alcohol might adsorb onto the surface of the crystal and change the growth velocity of each crystal plane. The sheet precursor progressively turned into consecutive long wires by growing along the preferential growth orientation during the dissolution–reprecipitation process. The thickness of the wires was ∼8–30 nm. Long calcium citrate wires were produced to reinforce and strengthen biomaterials or for other purposes.
Training the inspiratory muscles improves running performance when carrying a 25 kg thoracic load in a backpack
Authors: Faghy Mark A. , Brown Peter I. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractLoad carriage (LC) exercise in physically demanding occupations is typically characterised by periods of low‐intensity steady‐state exercise and short duration, high‐intensity exercise while carrying an external mass in a backpack; this form of exercise is also known as LC exercise. This induces inspiratory muscle fatigue and reduces whole‐body performance. Accordingly we investigated the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT, 50% maximal inspiratory muscle pressure (PImax) twice daily for six week) upon running time‐trial performance with thoracic LC. Nineteen healthy males formed a pressure threshold IMT (n = 10) or placebo control group (PLA; n = 9) and performed 60 min LC exercise (6.5 km h–1) followed by a 2.4 km running time trial (LCTT) either side of a double‐blind six week intervention. Prior to the intervention, PImax was reduced relative to baseline, post‐LC and post‐LCTT in both groups (pooled data: 13 ± 7% and 16 ± 8%, respectively, p < .05) and similar changes were observed post‐PLA. Post‐IMT only, resting PImax increased +31% (p < .05) and relative to pre‐IMT was greater post‐LC (+19%) and post‐LCTT (+18%, p < .05), however, the relative reduction in PImax at each time point was unchanged (13 ± 11% and 17 ± 9%, respectively, p > .05). In IMT only, heart rate and perceptual responses were reduced post‐LC (p < .05). Time‐trial performance was unchanged post‐PLA and improved 8 ± 4% after IMT (p < .05). In summary, when wearing a 25 kg backpack, IMT attenuated the cardiovascular and perceptual responses to steady‐state exercise and improved high‐intensity time‐trial performance which we attribute in part to reduced relative work intensity of the inspiratory muscles due to improved inspiratory muscle strength. These findings have real‐world implications for occupational contexts.
cyNeo4j: connecting Neo4j and Cytoscape
Authors: Summer Georg , Kelder Thomas , Ono Keiichiro , Radonjic Marijana , Heymans Stephane , Demchak Barry 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Summary: We developed cyNeo4j, a Cytoscape App to link Cytoscape and Neo4j databases to utilize the performance and storage capacities Neo4j offers. We implemented a Neo4j NetworkAnalyzer, ForceAtlas2 layout and Cypher component to demonstrate the possibilities a distributed setup of Cytoscape and Neo4j have.
Availability and implementation: The app is available from the Cytoscape App Store at http://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/cyneo4j, the Neo4j plugins at www.github.com/gsummer/cyneo4j-parent and the community and commercial editions of Neo4j can be found at http://www.neo4j.com.
Contact: georg.summer@gmail.com