julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Function Follows Form: Correlation between the Growth and Local Emission of Perovskite Structures and the Performance of Solar Cells
2017-05-16

Understanding the relationship between the growth and local emission of hybrid perovskite structures and the performance of the devices based on them demands attention. This study investigates the local structural and emission features of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 , CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 , and CH(NH 2 ) 2 PbBr 3 perovskite films deposited under different yet optimized conditions using X‐ray scattering and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, respectively. X‐ray scattering shows that a CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film involving spin coating of CH 3 NH 3 I instead of dipping is composed of perovskite structures exhibiting a preferred orientation with [202] direction perpendicular to the surface plane. The device based on the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film composed of oriented crystals yields a relatively higher photovoltage. In the case of CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 , while the crystallinity decreases when the HBr solution is used in a single‐step method, the photovoltage enhancement from 1.1 to 1.46 V seems largely stemming from the morphological improvements, i.e., a better connection between the crystallites due to a higher nucleation density. Furthermore, a high photovoltage of 1.47 V obtained from CH(NH 2 ) 2 PbBr 3 devices could be attributed to the formation of perovskite films displaying uniform cathodoluminescence emission. The comparative analysis of the local structural, morphological, and emission characteristics of the different perovskite films supports the higher photovoltage yielded by the relatively better performing devices.
TetR‐dependent gene regulation in intracellular Listeria monocytogenes demonstrates the spatiotemporal surface distribution of ActA
2017-05-16

Summary To enable specific and tightly controlled gene expression both in vitro and during the intracellular lifecycle of the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes , a TetR‐dependent genetic induction system was developed. Highest concentration of cytoplasmic TetR and best repression of tetO ‐controlled genes was obtained by tetR expression from the synthetic promoter Pt 17 . Anhydrotetracycline (ATc) as inducer permitted concentration‐dependent, fine‐tuned expression of genes under control of the tetO operator and a suitable promoter. The actin‐polymerizing ActA protein represents a major virulence factor of L. monocytogenes , required for actin‐based motility and cell‐to‐cell spread in infected host cells. To be able to observe its spatial and temporal distribution on intracellular L. monocytogenes cells, conditional mutants featuring actA placed under TetR control were used to infect PtK2 epithelial cells. Following induction at different time intervals, the subsequent recruitment of actin by L. monocytogenes could be monitored. We found that cells displayed functional ActA after approximately 15 min, while formation of polarized actin tail was complete after 90–120 min. At this point, intracellular motility of the induced mutants was indistinguishable from wild‐type bacteria. Interestingly, de novo ActA synthesis in intracellular Listeria also demonstrated the temporal, asymmetric redistribution of the membrane‐anchored proteins from the lateral walls toward the cell poles.
Scandium‐Mediated Formation of a Bis(tetrahydropentalene)
2017-05-16

Abstract The reactivity of Li[Sc(COT′′) 2 ] ( 1 ; COT′′=1,4‐bis(trimethylsilyl)cyclooctatetraenyl) towards CoCl 2 is considerably different from that of related lanthanide triple‐decker sandwich complexes. In addition to the expected triple‐decker complex Sc 2 (COT′′) 3 ( 2 ), the complex Sc 2 {μ‐BTHP}(COT′′) 2 ( 3 ) is formed, which comprises the novel BTHP 2− ligand (BTHP 2− =bis(3,5‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,3a,6,6a‐tetrahydropentalene‐1‐yl)diide or bis(2,7‐bis(trimethylsilyl)bicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐2,7‐dien‐4‐yl)diide, C 16 H 10 (SiMe 3 ) 4 2− ). The formation of 3 is likely facilitated by the fact that scandium prefers η 8 ,η 3 coordination rather than highly symmetric η 8 ,η 8 coordination, and the η 3 ‐coordinated COT′′ ligand in 1 is activated owing to a loss of aromaticity. Acid hydrolysis of 3 leads to air‐stable H 2 BTHP ( 4 ).
Direct detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum by polymerase chain reaction followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry from human blood
2017-05-16

Bacterial pathogens not detectable via commercial blood culture assays represent an important challenge for infectious disease physicians, in particular if clinical symptoms of the illness are non-specific. In this report, Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected directly in a peripheral blood sample from a febrile patient reporting a tick bite. This was done using a commercial system based on PCR followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The diagnosis of a human granulocytic anaplasmosis infection was established using this diagnostic methodology for the first time. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a neglected zoonotic disease in Europe. Its seroprevalence is similar in North America and Europe, but in contrast to the USA, it is rarely diagnosed in the old world. PCR followed by ESI-MS is a novel, complex, but highly promising diagnostic methodology for the rapid assessment of rare or exotic pathogens, including intracellular bacteria.
Development of an optical biosensor for the detection of antibiotics in the environment
2017-05-16

Pharmacologically active substances like antibiotics, hormones, x-ray contrast media, antirheumatic drugs or beta blockers are increasingly accumulating in the environment. These pharmacologically active substances can be found in surface waters as well as in food products. In the case of surface waters, the contamination with pharmacologically active substances is primary caused by incorrect disposal of drugs and by human and animal feaces. This is due to the fact that, drugs are only removed incompletely during the wastewater treatment. Furthermore, food of animal origin like milk, cheese, eggs or meat are potentially frequently concerned. The use of animal drugs in animal husbandry and food industry is permitted legal and a standard practice. However, it is possible that after drug application to animals drug residues or decomposition products remain in the animal carcasses. In this work we will present the first steps of the development of an optical biosensor sensitive for the antibiotic penicillin G. This biosensor is principle of the label-free and time resolved method Reflectometric Interference Spectroscopy (RIfS). The method uses interference of white light at thin layers to observe molecular interactions. The required surface modifications for the sensor were developed and optimized. Moreover, common commercial antibodies were chosen and concentration dependent measurements in buffer were performed.
Preparation of Mach-Zehnder interferometric photonic biosensors by inkjet printing technology
2017-05-16

Inkjet printing is a versatile method to apply surface modification procedures in a spatially controlled, cost-effective and mass-fabrication compatible manner. Utilizing this technology, we investigate two different approaches for functionalizing label-free optical waveguide based biosensors: a) surface modification with amine-based functional polymers (biotin-modified polyethylenimine (PEI-B)) employing active ester chemistry and b) modification with dextran based hydrogel thin films employing photoactive benzophenone crosslinker moieties. Whereas the modification with PEI-B ensures high receptor density at the surface, the hydrogel films can serve both as a voluminous matrix binding matrix and as a semipermeable separation layer between the sensor surface and the sample. We use the two surface modification strategies both individually and in combination for binding studies towards the detection of the protein inflammation biomarker, C-reactive protein (CRP). For the specific detection of CRP, we compare two kinds of capture molecules, namely biotinylated antibodies and biotinylated CRP-specific DNA based aptamers. Both kinds of capture molecules were immobilized on the PEI-B by means of streptavidin-biotin affinity binding. As transducer, we use an integrated four-channel silicon nitride (Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>) waveguide based Mach-Zehnder interferometric (MZI) photonic sensing platform operating at a wavelength of 850nm (TM-mode).
Analysis of nanoparticles with an optical sensor based on carbon nanotubes
2017-05-16

Nanomaterials play an important role in science and in every day products. This is due to their varied and specific properties, whereby especially engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have shown various beneficial properties for a wide range of application in consumables (e.g. cosmetics, drinks, food and food packaging). Silver nanoparticles for instance are hidden in meat packaging materials or in deodorants. Reasons for this can be found in the antibacterial effect of silver, which leads to high applicability in consumer products. However, ENPs are under permanent discussion due to their unforeseen hazards and an unknown disposition in living organisms and the environment. So far, there is a lack of methods, which allows for the fast and effective characterization and quantification of such nanoparticles in complex matrices (e.g. creams, fruit juice), since matrix components can impede a specific detection of the analyte. It was the objective of project INSTANT to address this topic and compose a method to detect nanoparticles as a first step. Therefore, the development of a sensor system with an upstream sample preparation for the characterization and quantification of specific nanoparticles in complex matrices using a label free optical sensor array in combination with novel recognition elements was developed. The promising optical technology iRIfS (imaging reflectometric interference sensor) was used for this purpose. As a recognition element, functionalized carbon nanotubes can be effectively used. Owing to their excellent electronical, mechanical and chemical properties, CNTs have already been used for extracting ENPs from complex matrices as sorbent material by filtration. After successful immobilization of CNTs on microscope glass slides e.g. the detection of stabilized silver nanoparticles extracted by a sample preparation unit using the iRIfS technology was performed.
Decoding material-specific memory reprocessing during sleep in humans
2017-05-17

Abstract Neuronal learning activity is reactivated during sleep but the dynamics of this reactivation in humans are still poorly understood. Here we use multivariate pattern classification to decode electrical brain activity during sleep and determine what type of images participants had viewed in a preceding learning session. We find significant patterns of learning-related processing during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep, which are generalizable across subjects. This processing occurs in a cyclic fashion during time windows congruous to critical periods of synaptic plasticity. Its spatial distribution over the scalp and relevant frequencies differ between NREM and REM sleep. Moreover, only the strength of reprocessing in slow-wave sleep influenced later memory performance, speaking for at least two distinct underlying mechanisms between these states. We thus show that memory reprocessing occurs in both NREM and REM sleep in humans and that it pertains to different aspects of the consolidation process.
Pancreatic fat content by magnetic resonance imaging in subjects with prediabetes, diabetes, and controls from a general population without cardiovascular disease
2017-05-17

While pancreatic fat content differs significantly between subjects with prediabetes, diabetes and controls, this association may be confounded by age, gender, and the amount of VAT in this cross-sectional study.
Novelty seeking and reward dependence‐related large‐scale brain networks functional connectivity variation during salience expectancy
2017-05-17

Abstract A salience network (SN) anchored in the anterior insula (AI) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) plays a key role in switching between brain networks during salience detection and attention regulation. Previous fMRI studies have associated expectancy behaviors and SN activation with novelty seeking (NS) and reward dependence (RD) personality traits. To address the question of how functional connectivity (FC) in the SN is modulated by internal (expectancy‐related) salience assignment and different personality traits, 68 healthy participants performed a salience expectancy task using functional magnetic resonance imaging, and psychophysiological interaction analysis (PPI) was conducted to determine salience‐related connectivity changes during these anticipation periods. Correlation was then evaluated between PPI and personality traits, assessed using the temperament and character inventory of 32 male participants. During high salience expectancy, SN‐seed regions showed reduced FC to visual areas and parts of the default mode network, but increased FC to the central executive network. With increasing NS, participants showed significantly increasing disconnection between right AI and middle cingulate cortex when expecting high‐salience pictures as compared to low‐salience pictures, while increased RD also predicted decreased right dACC and caudate FC for high salience expectancy. Our findings suggest a direct link between personality traits and internal salience processing mediated by differential network integration of the SN. SN activity and coordination may therefore be moderated by novelty seeking and reward dependency personality traits, which are associated with risk of addiction. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4064–4077, 2017 . © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geographical distribution of complement receptor type 1 variants and their associated disease risk
2017-05-17

The African populations included in this study might have a selective advantage conferred to immune genes involved in pathogen recognition and signaling, possibly contributing to disease susceptibility or resistance.
Synonymy of the water mite families Malgasacaridae and Zelandothyadidae (Acari: Hydrachnidia) reveals an interesting disjunct distribution in the Southern Hemisphere
2017-05-17

A new species of Zelandothyas, Z. balloti, is described from South Island, New Zealand. The deutonymph and larva of Zelandothyas diamphida Cook, 1983 are described for the first time. The deutonymph of Malgasacarus rarus Tuzovskij et al., 2008 is redescribed. The family Malgasacaridae Tuzovskij, Gerecke and Goldschmidt, 2008 is synonymized with Zelandothyadidae Cook, 1983 and Malgasacarus Tuzovskij et al., 2008 is transferred to the subfamily Zelandothyadinae. Thus redefined, the family Zelandothyadidae shows an interesting disjunction in the southern hemisphere. Here, it is considered a family incertae sedis, provisionally comprising the monophyletic Zelandothyadinae and the enigmatic Australiothyadinae Cook, 1986. Zelandothyadidae are unusual in combining character states previously considered diagnostic for either Eylaoidea or Hydryphantoidea.
Prothymosin Alpha: An Alarmin and More...
2017-05-18

We, therefore, suggest that proTα, and likely proTα(100-109), act as alarmins, being important immune mediators as well as biomarkers, and could eventually become targets for new therapeutic/diagnostic approaches in immune-related diseases like cancer, inflammation, and sepsis.
Effective Interactions and Colloidal Stability of Bovine γ-Globulin in Solution
2017-05-18

Interactions and phase behavior of γ-globulins are of fundamental interest in biophysical and pharmaceutical research, as these are among the most abundant proteins in blood plasma. In this work, we report the characterization of the oligomeric state of bovine γ-globulin, the effective protein-protein interactions, and the colloidal stability in aqueous solution as a function of protein concentration and ionic strength. Classical biochemical techniques, such as size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and gel electrophoresis, together with small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), were employed for this study. The results show that bovine γ-globulin solutions are dominated by monomer and idiotype anti-idiotype dimer. Despite the flexibility and highly nonspherical shape of the protein, a simple model with a disk-type form factor and a structure factor of a square-well potential provide a satisfying description of the scattering data. The overall interactions are attractive and the strength decreases with increasing protein concentration, or adding buffer or salts. For higher protein volume fraction (>7%), the model would imply a strong particle-particle correlation which does not appear in the experimental data. This mismatch is most likely due to the smearing effect of the conformation change of proteins in solution. The stability of γ-globulin solutions is highly sensitive to protein concentration, ionic strength, and the type of added salts, such as NaCl, Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>, and NaSCN. For solutions below 50 mg/mL and at low ionic strengths (<0.1 M), protein aggregation is most likely due to subpopulations of IgG molecules with attractive patches of complementary surface charge. This effect is reduced for higher protein concentration due to self-buffering effects. For high ionic strength (>1 M), typical salting-in (with NaSCN) and salting-out effects (with NaCl and Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>) are observed. Results are further discussed in comparison with current studies in the literature on monoclonal antibodies.
Predictors of health-related quality of life in children with chronic heart disease
2017-05-18

Abstract Objective Chronic paediatric heart disease is often associated with residual symptoms, persisting functional restrictions, and late sequelae for psychosocial development. It is, therefore, increasingly important to evaluate the health-related quality of life of children and adolescents with chronic heart disease. The aim of this study was to determine medical and socio-demographic variables affecting health-related quality of life in school-aged children and adolescents with chronic heart disease. Patients and methods The Pediatric Cardiac Quality of Life Inventory was administered to 375 children and adolescents and 386 parental caregivers. Medical information was obtained from the charts. The socio-demographic information was provided by the patients and caregivers. Results Greater disease severity, low school attendance, current cardiac medication, current parental employment, uncertain or limited prognosis, history of connection to a heart–lung machine, number of nights spent in a hospital, and need for treatment in a paediatric aftercare clinic independently contributed to lower health-related quality of life (self-report: R 2 =0.41; proxy-report: R 2 =0.46). High correlations between self-reports and parent-proxy reports indicated concordance regarding the evaluation of a child’s health-related quality of life. Conclusions Beyond medical treatment, integration into school is important to increase health-related quality of life in children and adolescents surviving with chronic heart disease. Regular screening of health-related quality of life is recommended to identify patients with special needs.
The Impact of Iceberg Orders in Limit Order Books
2017-05-18

We examine the impact of iceberg orders on the price and order flow dynamics in limit order books. Iceberg orders allow traders to simultaneously hide a large portion of their order size and signal their interest in trading to the market. We show that when market participants detect iceberg orders they tend to strongly respond by submitting matching market orders consistent with iceberg orders facilitating the search for latent liquidity. The greater the fraction of an iceberg order that is executed, the smaller is its price impact consistent with liquidity rather than informed trading. The presence of iceberg orders is associated with increased trading consistent with a positive liquidity externality, but the reduced order book transparency associated with iceberg orders also creates an adverse selection cost for limit orders that may partly offset any gains.
Xenobiotic CAR Activators Induce Dlk1-Dio3 Locus Noncoding RNA Expression in Mouse Liver
2017-05-18

Derisking xenobiotic-induced nongenotoxic carcinogenesis (NGC) represents a significant challenge during the safety assessment of chemicals and therapeutic drugs. The identification of robust mechanism-based NGC biomarkers has the potential to enhance cancer hazard identification. We previously demonstrated Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) and WNT signaling-dependent up-regulation of the pluripotency associated Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted gene cluster noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the liver of mice treated with tumor-promoting doses of phenobarbital (PB). Here, we have compared phenotypic, transcriptional ,and proteomic data from wild-type, CAR/PXR double knock-out and CAR/PXR double humanized mice treated with either PB or chlordane, and show that hepatic Dlk1-Dio3 locus long ncRNAs are upregulated in a CAR/PXR-dependent manner by two structurally distinct CAR activators. We further explored the specificity of Dlk1-Dio3 locus ncRNAs as hepatic NGC biomarkers in mice treated with additional compounds working through distinct NGC modes of action. We propose that up-regulation of Dlk1-Dio3 cluster ncRNAs can serve as an early biomarker for CAR activator-induced nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogenesis and thus may contribute to mechanism-based assessments of carcinogenicity risk for chemicals and novel therapeutics.
All fingers are not the same: Handling variable-length sequences in a discriminative setting using conformal multi-instance kernels
2017-05-18

Abstract Most string kernels for comparison of genomic sequences are generally tied to using (absolute) positional information of the features in the individual sequences. This poses limitations when comparing variable-length sequences using such string kernels. For example, profiling chromatin interactions by 3C-based experiments results in variable-length genomic sequences (restriction fragments). Here, exact position-wise occurrence of signals in sequences may not be as important as in the scenario of analysis of the promoter sequences, that typically have a transcription start site as reference. Existing position-aware string kernels have been shown to be useful for the latter scenario. In this work, we propose a novel approach for sequence comparison that enables larger positional freedom than most of the existing approaches, can identify a possibly dispersed set of features in comparing variable-length sequences, and can handle both the aforementioned scenarios. Our approach, CoMIK , identifies not just the features useful towards classification but also their locations in the variable-length sequences, as evidenced by the results of three binary classification experiments, aided by recently introduced visualization techniques. Furthermore, we show that we are able to efficiently retrieve and interpret the weight vector for the complex setting of multiple multi-instance kernels.