bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GP.01 Quantification of computational geometric congruence in surface-based registration for spinal intra-operative three-dimensional navigation
Authors: Guha D , Jakubovic R , Yang VX
Published: June 2017

Background: Computer-assisted navigation (CAN) may guide spinal instrumentation, and requires alignment of patient anatomy to imaging. Iterative-Closest-Point algorithms register anatomical and imaging datasets, which may fail in the presence of significant geometric congruence leading to inaccurate navigation. We computationally quantify geometric congruence in posterior spinal exposures, and identify predictors of potential navigation inaccuracy. Methods: Midline posterior exposures were performed from C1-S1 in four human cadavers. An optically-based CAN generated surface maps of the posterior elements at each level. Maps were reconstructed to include bilateral hemilamina, or unilateral hemilamina with/without the base of the spinous process. Maps were fitted to symmetrical geometries (cylindrical/spherical/planar) using computational modelling, and the degree of model fit quantified. Results: Increased cylindrical/spherical/planar symmetry was seen in the subaxial cervical spine relative to the high-cervical and thoracolumbar spine (p<0.001). Inclusion of the base of the spinous process decreased symmetry independent of spinal level (p<0.001). Registration with bilateral vs. unilateral hemilamina did not significantly reduce geometric symmetry. Conclusions: Geometric congruence is most evident at C1 and the subaxial cervical spine, warranting greater vigilance in navigation accuracy verification. At all levels, inclusion of the base of the spinous process in unilateral registration decreases the likelihood of geometric symmetry and navigation error.
A.01 The relationship between fatigue and health-related quality of life in a clinical trial population of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Wei Y , El-Aloul B , Nguyen C , Zapata-Aldana E , Campbell C
Published: June 2017

Background: Fatigue was recently reported to be the largest contributor to poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in paediatric Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Additional studies are necessary to confirm the generalizability of this finding. Our objective was to explore the longitudinal relationship between fatigue and HRQOL in an additional cohort of DMD patients. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial (NCT00592553), which enrolled patients with nonsense mutation DMD, aged 5–20 years, from 37 sites in 11 countries (N=174). Fatigue and HRQOL were assessed using the PedsQLTM Multidimensional Fatigue Scale and Generic Core Scales, respectively, by patient- and parent-report at baseline and over 48 weeks. Results: Patients reported greater fatigue than healthy controls from published data. There was no significant difference between patient- and parent-reported fatigue. Fatigue was significantly correlated with worse HRQOL at baseline, by patient-report (r=0.70, P<0.001) and parent-report (r=0.70, P<0.001); and at 48 weeks, by patient-report (r=0.79, P<0.001) and parent-report (r=0.74, P<0.001). Change in fatigue was significantly correlated with change in HRQOL over 48 weeks, by patient-report (r=0.64, P<0.001) and parent-report (r=0.67, P<0.001). Conclusions: Fatigue is a major contributor to HRQOL in DMD. The strong association between fatigue and HRQOL corroborates previous studies, and suggests that reducing fatigue may improve HRQOL.
C.01 Cystic Vestibular Schwannomas respond best to radiosurgery
Authors: Bowden GN , Cavaleri J , Monaco E , Niranjan A , Flickinger J , Lunsford L
Published: June 2017

Background: Vestibular Schwannomas (VS) have a well- documented response to Gamma Knife® Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). However, there is limited data available regarding the volumetric response of cystic tumors. This report correlates the radiographic appearance of VS before radiosurgery with the delayed volumetric response. Methods: This study reviewed 219 VS patients between 2003 and 2013. Patients were treatment naïve and had a significant extracanalicular tumor volume. MRI at SRS identified; 42 contrast enhancing macrocystic tumors, 45 contrast enhancing microcystic tumors, and 132 homogeneously enhancing tumors with no intra-tumoral cyst formation. The median follow-up was 49.1 months. The median tumor volume was 2.6cm3 (0.70-16.1cm3) and the median dose was 12.5Gy (11-13Gy). Results: The actuarial tumor control rate was 99.4% at 2-years and 96.4% at 5-years. A volumetric reduction of >20% occurred in 85.4% of macrocystic tumors, 76.1% of microcystic tumors and 62.8% of homogeneously enhancing VS. The median volume decrease per year for macrocystic, microcystic and homogenous tumors was 17.2%, 7.5% and 7.9% per year respectively (p<0.001). Serviceable hearing was maintained in 61.5% of patients that had Gardner-Robertson grade I-II hearing. Conclusions: SRS provided VS tumor control in >95% of patients, regardless of radiographic characteristics. Tumor volume regression was most evident in patients with cystic tumors.
C.07 Trigeminal neuralgia due to dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar artery compression: a 20 year experience
Authors: Honey CM , Kaufmann AM
Published: June 2017

Background: Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is rarely caused by a dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar artery (eVB) compression of the trigeminal nerve. These patients present a surgical challenge and are often not considered for microvascular decompression (MVD) due to assumed risk. We present our experience demonstrating the technique and outcomes of MVD in these patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who were surgically treated by the senior author between 1997 and 2016 with an admitting diagnosis of TN was performed. Patients with pre-operative neuroimaging demonstrating eVB compression of their trigeminal nerve root were included. Results: During the 20-year review, 552 patients underwent microvascular decompression for TN and 13 (2.4%) had dolichoectactic vertebrobasilar compressions (10 male, 3 female). The average hospital length of stay was 2.8 days (Range 2-7) with no major complications. At final follow-up (>2 years): 7 had no pain with no medications (78%), 2 had persistent pain (22%) – one of which underwent a successful glycerol rhizotomy at 8 months, 2 were lost to follow-up, and 2 had surgery within 2 years. Conclusions: Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia caused by a dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar artery can be performed with a high rate of safety and success in the setting of a high case volume centre.
P.008 Anterior skull base surgery future: intraoperative flash visual evoked potentials a novel technique to lessen intraoperative optic nerves and chiasmal injury
Authors: Alkherayf F , Houlden D , Turgeon C , Agbi C , Lamothe A , Kilty S
Published: June 2017

Background: Optic nerve/chiasmal injury is a devastating outcome that may happen during endoscopic surgery. Additionally, one of the goals of endoscopic skull-base surgery is visual improvement, currently there is limited ability of intraoperative visual pathway monitoring. We examine a novel technique using continuous flash visual evoked potentials (FVEPs). Methods: Eyes were stimulated by light stimulators (3 LEDs on each side, 640 nm peak wavelength, 10 ms pulse width, 3000 mCd of luminous intensity). Uniform illumination was placed over eyelids. Recording electrodes were placed at Oz-Fz. The filter cuts were ≤5 Hz and 100 Hz with amplifier gain 20,000 or 50,000. EEG was recorded. Recordings were correlated to pre and post operative VFs and acuity. Droop in the FVEP was examined in relation to intraoprative events. Results: Thirty patients had FVEPs in addition to other neurophysiologic monitoring. Patients demographic data, co-morbidities, diagnosis, surgical approach, length of surgery, MAP, and blood loss during surgery were recorded. All patients’ visual acuity and field deficits were evaluated by neuro-opthalmologist before their surgery and within 30 days after surgery. Conclusions: FVEP is reproducible throughout surgery and can predict the post surgical outcome. Additionally, we found that FVEP is transiently affected by different stages of surgery. Also boluses of propofol and electrocautery can artificially affect FVEP.
P.009 Cervicomedullary decompression through expanded endoscopic endonasal approach: our clinical experience
Authors: Alkherayf F , Agbi C , kilty S , Lamothe A
Published: June 2017

Background: patients with ventral cervical-medullary compression require anterior decompression of the cervicomedullary junction. Odontoid resection can be accomplished through expanded endoscopic approach especially in cases of irreducible basilar invagination in which the pathology is situated well above the palatine line. Methods: We are presenting our experience at the Ottawa Hospital (TOH) over the last seven years in patients who underwent expanded endoscopic endonasal decompression of their cervicomedullary junction. 16 patients underwent such procedure, those patients with preoperative cervical instability underwent posterior fusion for stabilization at the same surgical setting. Follow up ranged from 9 months to 5 years. Results: All patients had severe symptoms of myelopathy and some lower cranial nerves dysfunction. All patients were extubated after recovery from anesthesia and allowed oral intake next day. patients demonstrated improvement in their symptoms and none of them required tracheostomy. 12.5% experienced transient velopharyngeal insufficiency. one patient had CSF leak which was successfully treated with lumbar drain and one patient developed infection from the posterior cervical fusion and required debridement. All patients were eventually discharged home. Postoperative imaging demonstrated excellent decompression of the anterior cervicomedullary junction pathology. Conclusions: The expanded endoscopic endonasal approach for odontoidectomy should be considered as a minimally invasive approach for anterior decompression in selected cases
P.012 Treatment and long-term follow-up of primary CNS classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Szelemej PA , Bigder M , Krcek J
Published: June 2017

Background: Unlike non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, central nervous system involvement with classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma is exceedingly rare, thus information regarding treatment and prognostication of the disease is lacking. Methods: This case report was prepared using hospital charts, and PubMed for the literature search. Our case was compared and contrasted against similar cases in the literature. Results: We present the case of a 47 year old female who presented with a left parietal dural-based lesion which proved to be Stage IE primary CNS classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After surgery and whole brain radiation therapy, the patient has remained in complete remission over nine years. Conclusions: Despite the dearth of information available regarding CNS Hodgkin’s lymphoma, our case is consistent with the findings in the literature that long-term survival is possible in patients achieving a complete response to treatment, especially in those patients who present with sole CNS involvement. To our knowledge, this represents the longest reported survival in the literature and contributes to our understanding of prognosis in patients with CNS Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
How Variations in Earth’s Orbit Triggered the Ice Ages
Authors: Strelich Lily
Published: June 2017

Researchers pinpoint how Milankovitch cycles have driven ice growth and influenced the timing of glacial periods.
Universal switching of plasmonic signals using optical resonator modes
Authors: McPolin Cillian PT , Olivier Nicolas , Bouillard Jean-Sebastien , O'Connor Daniel , Krasavin Alexey V , Dickson Wayne , Wurtz Gregory A , Zayats Anatoly V
Published: June 2017

We propose and investigate, both experimentally and theoretically, a novel mechanism for switching and modulating plasmonic signals based on a Fano interference process, which arises from the coupling between a narrow-band optical Fabry–Pérot cavity and a surface plasmon polariton (SPP) source. The SPP wave emitted from the cavity is actively modulated in the vicinity of the cavity resonances by altering the cavity Q-factor and/or resonant frequencies. We experimentally demonstrate dynamic SPP modulation both by mechanical control of the cavity length and all-optically by harnessing the ultrafast nonlinearity of the Au mirrors that form the cavity. An electro-optical modulation scheme is also proposed and numerically illustrated. Dynamic operation of the switch via mechanical means yields a modulation in the SPP coupling efficiency of ~80%, while the all-optical control provides an ultrafast modulation with an efficiency of 30% at a rate of ~0.6 THz. The experimental observations are supported by both analytical and numerical calculations of the mechanical, all-optical and electro-optical modulation methods.
Biomimetic heterogenous elastic tissue development
Authors: Tsai Kai Jen , Dixon Simon , Hale Luke Richard , Darbyshire Arnold , Martin Daniel , de Mel Achala
Published: June 2017

There is an unmet need for artificial tissue to address current limitations with donor organs and problems with donor site morbidity. Despite the success with sophisticated tissue engineering endeavours, which employ cells as building blocks, they are limited to dedicated labs suitable for cell culture, with associated high costs and long tissue maturation times before available for clinical use. Direct 3D printing presents rapid, bespoke, acellular solutions for skull and bone repair or replacement, and can potentially address the need for elastic tissue, which is a major constituent of smooth muscle, cartilage, ligaments and connective tissue that support organs. Thermoplastic polyurethanes are one of the most versatile elastomeric polymers. Their segmented block copolymeric nature, comprising of hard and soft segments allows for an almost limitless potential to control physical properties and mechanical behaviour. Here we show direct 3D printing of biocompatible thermoplastic polyurethanes with Fused Deposition Modelling, with a view to presenting cell independent in-situ tissue substitutes. This method can expeditiously and economically produce heterogenous, biomimetic elastic tissue substitutes with controlled porosity to potentially facilitate vascularisation. The flexibility of this application is shown here with tubular constructs as exemplars. We demonstrate how these 3D printed constructs can be post-processed to incorporate bioactive molecules. This efficacious strategy, when combined with the privileges of digital healthcare, can be used to produce bespoke elastic tissue substitutes in-situ, independent of extensive cell culture and may be developed as a point-of-care therapy approach.
Electro-Forming and Electro-Breaking of Nanoscale Ag Filaments for Conductive-Bridging Random-Access Memory Cell using Ag-Doped Polymer-Electrolyte between Pt Electrodes
Authors: Song Myung-Jin , Kwon Ki-Hyun , Park Jea-Gun
Published: June 2017

Ag-doped polymer (polyethylene oxide: PEO) conductive-bridging-random-access-memory (CBRAM) cell using inert Pt electrodes is a potential electro-forming free CBRAM cells in which electro-forming and electro-breaking of nanoscale (16~22-nm in diameter) conical or cylindrical Ag filaments occurs after a set or reset bias is applied. The dependency of the morphologies of the Ag filaments in the PEO polymer electrolyte indicates that the electro-formed Ag filaments bridging the Pt cathode and anode are generated by Ag+ ions drifting in the PEO polymer electrolyte toward the Pt anode and that Ag dendrites grow via a reduction process from the Pt anode, whereas electro-breaking of Ag filaments occurs through the oxidation of Ag atoms in the secondary dendrites and the drift of Ag+ ions toward the Pt cathode. The Ag doping concentration in the PEO polymer electrolyte determines the bipolar switching characteristics; i.e., the set voltage slightly decreases, while the reset voltage and memory margin greatly increases with the Ag doping concentration.
High-dose maternal folic acid supplementation before conception impairs reversal learning in offspring mice
Authors: Henzel Kristin S. , Ryan Devon P. , Schröder Susanne , Weiergräber Marco , Ehninger Dan
Published: June 2017

Maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation prior to and during gestation is recommended for the prevention of neural tube closure defects in the developing embryo. Prior studies, however, suggested that excessive FA supplementation during gestation can be associated with toxic effects on the developing organism. Here, we address whether maternal dietary folic acid supplementation at 40 mg/kg chow (FD), restricted to a period prior to conception, affects neurobehavioural development in the offspring generation. Detailed behavioural analyses showed reversal learning impairments in the Morris water maze in offspring derived from dams exposed to FD prior to conceiving. Furthermore, offspring of FD dams showed minor and transient gene expression differences relative to controls. Our data suggest that temporary exposure of female germ cells to FD is sufficient to cause impaired cognitive flexibility in the subsequent generation.
Robust tribo-mechanical and hot corrosion resistance of ultra-refractory Ta-Hf-C ternary alloy films
Authors: Yate Luis , Coy L. Emerson , Aperador Willian
Published: June 2017

In this work we report the hot corrosion properties of binary and ternary films of the Ta-Hf-C system in V2O5-Na2SO4 (50%wt.-50%wt.) molten salts at 700 °C deposited on AISI D3 steel substrates. Additionally, the mechanical and nanowear properties of the films were studied. The results show that the ternary alloys consist of solid solutions of the TaC and HfC binary carbides. The ternary alloy films have higher hardness and elastic recoveries, reaching 26.2 GPa and 87%, respectively, and lower nanowear when compared to the binary films. The corrosion rates of the ternary alloys have a superior behavior compared to the binary films, with corrosion rates as low as 0.058 μm/year. The combination and tunability of high hardness, elastic recovery, low nanowear and an excellent resistance to high temperature corrosion demonstrates the potential of the ternary Ta-Hf-C alloy films for applications in extreme conditions.
RF1 attenuation enables efficient non-natural amino acid incorporation for production of homogeneous antibody drug conjugates
Authors: Yin Gang , Stephenson Heather T. , Yang Junhao , Li Xiaofan , Armstrong Stephanie M. , Heibeck Tyler H. , Tran Cuong , Masikat Mary Rose , Zhou Sihong , Stafford Ryan L. , Yam Alice Y. , Lee John , Steiner Alexander R. , Gill Avinash , Penta Kalyani , Pollitt Sonia , Baliga Ramesh , Murray Christopher J. , Thanos Christopher D. , McEvoy Leslie M. , Sato Aaron K. , Hallam Trevor J.
Published: June 2017

Amber codon suppression for the insertion of non-natural amino acids (nnAAs) is limited by competition with release factor 1 (RF1). Here we describe the genome engineering of a RF1 mutant strain that enhances suppression efficiency during cell-free protein synthesis, without significantly impacting cell growth during biomass production. Specifically, an out membrane protease (OmpT) cleavage site was engineered into the switch loop of RF1, which enables its conditional inactivation during cell lysis. This facilitates extract production without additional processing steps, resulting in a scaleable extract production process. The RF1 mutant extract allows nnAA incorporation at previously intractable sites of an IgG1 and at multiple sites in the same polypeptide chain. Conjugation of cytotoxic agents to these nnAAs, yields homogeneous antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) that can be optimized for conjugation site, drug to antibody ratio (DAR) and linker-warheads designed for efficient tumor killing. This platform provides the means to generate therapeutic ADCs inaccessible by other methods that are efficient in their cytotoxin delivery to tumor with reduced dose-limiting toxicities and thus have the potential for better clinical impact.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 weakens chemotaxis of human blood neutrophils in microfluidic devices
Authors: Yang Ke , Peretz-Soroka Hagit , Wu Jiandong , Zhu Ling , Cui Xueling , Zhang Michael , Rigatto Claudio , Liu Yong , Lin Francis
Published: June 2017

Neutrophil trafficking in tissues critically regulates the body’s immune response. Neutrophil migration can either play a protective role in host defense or cause health problems. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a known biomarker for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and was recently shown to impair neutrophil arrest on endothelium and transendothelial migration. In the present study, we further examined the effect of FGF23 on human blood neutrophil chemotaxis using two new microfluidic devices. Our results showed that chemotaxis of FGF23 pre-treated neutrophils to a fMLP gradient, in the presence or absence of a uniform FGF23 background, is quantitatively lower compared to the control cells. This effect is accompanied with a stronger drifting of FGF23 pre-treated cells along the flow. However, without the FGF23 pre-treatment, the FGF23 background only reduces chemotaxis of transmigrated cells through the thin barrier channel to the fMLP gradient. The effect of FGF23 on neutrophil migration and the correlation between multiple cell migration parameters are further revealed by chemotactic entropy and principle component analysis. Collectively, these results revealed the effect of FGF23 on weakening neutrophil chemotaxis, which shed light on FGF23 mediated neutrophil migration with direct disease relevance such as CKD.
Oscillatory bursting of gel fuel droplets in a reacting environment
Authors: Miglani Ankur , Nandagopalan Purushothaman , John Jerin , Baek Seung Wook
Published: June 2017

Understanding the combustion behavior of gel fuel droplets is pivotal for enhancing burn rates, lowering ignition delay and improving the operational performance of next-generation propulsion systems. Vapor jetting in burning gel fuel droplets is a crucial process that enables an effective transport (convectively) of unreacted fuel from the droplet domain to the flame zone and accelerates the gas-phase mixing process. Here, first we show that the combusting ethanol gel droplets (organic gellant laden) exhibit a new oscillatory jetting mode due to aperiodic bursting of the droplet shell. Second, we show how the initial gellant loading rate (GLR) leads to a distinct shell formation which self-tunes temporally to burst the droplet at different frequencies. Particularly, a weak-flexible shell is formed at low GLR that undergoes successive rupture cascades occurring in same region of the droplet. This region weakens due to repeated ruptures and causes droplet bursting at progressively higher frequencies. Contrarily, high GLRs facilitate a strong-rigid shell formation where consecutive cascades occur at scattered locations across the droplet surface. This leads to droplet bursting at random frequencies. This method of modulating jetting frequency would enable an effective control of droplet trajectory and local fuel-oxidizer ratio in any gel-spray based energy formulation.
Flower induction, microscope-aided cross-pollination, and seed production in the duckweed Lemna gibba with discovery of a male-sterile clone
Authors: Fu Lili , Huang Meng , Han Bingying , Sun Xuepiao , Sree K. Sowjanya , Appenroth Klaus-J. , Zhang Jiaming
Published: June 2017

Duckweed species have a great potential to develop into fast-growing crops for water remediation and bioenergy production. Seed production and utilization of hybrid vigour are essential steps in this process. However, even in the extensively-studied duckweed species, Lemna gibba, flower primordia were often aborted prior to maturation. Salicylic acid (SA) and agar solidification of the medium promoted flower maturation and resulted in high flowering rates in L. gibba 7741 and 5504. Artificial cross-pollination between individuals of L. gibba 7741 yielded seeds at high frequencies unlike that in L. gibba 5504. In contrast to clone 7741, the anthers of 5504 did not dehisce upon maturation, its artificially released pollen grains had pineapple-like exine with tilted spines. These pollens were not stained by 2,5-diphenylmonotetrazoliumbromide (MTT) and failed to germinate. Therefore, clone 5504 is male sterile and has potential application with respect to hybrid vigour. Moreover, pollination of flowers of 5504 with 7741 pollen grains resulted in intraspecific hybrid seeds, which was confirmed by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. These hybrid seeds germinated at a high frequency, forming new clones.
Land use alters arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities and their potential role in carbon sequestration on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu Meng , Li Xiaoliang , Cai Xiaobu , Li Xiaolin , Christie Peter , Zhang Junling
Published: June 2017

Loss of belowground biodiversity by land-use change can have a great impact on ecosystem functions, yet appropriate investigations remain rare in high-elevation Tibetan ecosystems. We compared arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities in arable soils with those in native forest and grassland in southeast Tibet and investigated their potential contribution to carbon sequestration. The AM fungi were abundant and diverse. AM fungal diversity was significantly higher in grassland than in forest or arable land. Significant differences in AM fungal community composition were found among different land use types. The relative abundance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in forest and grassland were positively related to glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), soil organic carbon, macroaggregates, and the unprotected and physically protected carbon, while the AM fungal community in arable soils was dominated by a few OTUs which were positively linked to soil pH. Changes in GRSP content were closely related to water-stable macroaggregates and carbon storage in grassland and forest soils but not in arable soil. Given the inevitable trend toward agricultural management this study emphasizes the need to implement effective agricultural practices that can enhance AM fungal activity to maintain soil quality and carbon sequestration for the sustainable development of this fragile ecosystem.
Smart Microparticles with a pH-responsive Macropore for Targeted Oral Drug Delivery
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Montemagno Carlo , Choi Hyo-Jick
Published: June 2017

The development of a smart microencapsulation system programmed to actively respond to environmental pH change has long been recognized a key technology in pharmaceutical and food sciences. To this end, we developed hollow microparticles (MPs) with self-controlled macropores that respond to environmental pH change, using an Oil-in-Water emulsion technique, for oral drug delivery. We observed that freeze-drying of MPs induced closure of macropores. The closing/opening behavior of macropores was confirmed by exposing MPs encapsulating different ingredients (sulforhodamine b, fluorescent nanoparticles, and lactase) to simulated gastrointestinal (GI) fluids. MPs maintained their intact, closed pore structure in gastric pH, and subsequent exposure to intestinal pH resulted in pore opening and ingredients release. Further, MPs displayed higher protection (>15 times) than commercial lactase formulation, indicating the protective ability of the system against harsh GI conditions. This study showed development of a hybrid MP system combining the advantages of solid particles and hollow capsules, exhibiting easy solvent-free loading mechanism and smart protection/release of encapsulates through controllable macropores. Ultimately, our MPs system strives to usher a new research area in smart drug delivery systems and advance the current oral drug delivery technology by solving major challenges in targeted delivery of pH-sensitive therapeutics.
Association of increased Treg and Th17 with pathogenesis of moyamoya disease
Authors: Weng Leihua , Cao Xiang , Han Lijuan , Zhao Haoran , Qiu Shuwei , Yan Yaping , Wang Xiaoying , Chen Xiangyan , Zheng Weihong , Xu Xin , Gao Yuanyuan , Chen Yan , Li Jie , Yang Yongbo , Xu Yun
Published: June 2017

Immuno-inflammation has been shown to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease (MMD). However, how did circulating Treg/Th17 cells involve in MMD patients remains unclear. 26 MMD, 21 atherothrombotic stroke, and 32 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. MMD patients have a significantly higher percentage of circulating Treg and Th17 cells as well as their dominantly secreting cytokines than other groups (P < 0.0001), whereas no difference was found in the ratio of Treg/Th17 between patients in MMD and atherothrombotic stroke group or control subjects (P = 0.244). However, the increased Treg in MMD patients which were enriched with FrIII Treg cells had deficient suppressive functions (P = 0.0017) compared to healthy volunteers. There was a positive correlation between Treg or TGF-β and MMD Suzuki’s stage. And the level of circulating Treg was as an independent factor associated with MMD stage. Besides, TGF-β was also correlated with the increased expression of VEGF in MMD patients. Our findings indicated an important involvement of circulating Treg in the pathogenic development of MMD and TGF-β in Treg induced VEGF.
Extrasynaptic NMDA receptor dependent long-term potentiation of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Yang Qian , Zhu Geng , Liu Dandan , Ju Jue-Gang , Liao Zhen-Hua , Xiao Yi-Xin , Zhang Yue , Chao Naijian , Wang JieJie , Li Weidong , Luo Jian-Hong , Li Sheng-Tian
Published: June 2017

In the adult mouse hippocampus, NMDA receptors (NMDARs) of CA1 neurons play an important role in the synaptic plasticity. The location of NMDARs can determine their roles in the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). However, the extrasynaptic NMDARs (ES-NMDARs) dependent LTP haven’t been reported. Here, through the use of a 5-Hz stimulation and MK-801 (an irreversible antagonist of NMDARs) in the CA1 neurons of adult mice hippocampal slices, synaptic NMDARs were selectively inhibited and NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents were not recovered. We found that a robust LTP was induced by 3-train 100-Hz stimulation when the synaptic NMDARs and extrasynaptic NR2B containing NMDARs were blocked, but not in the any of the following conditions: blocking of all NMDARs (synaptic and extrasynaptic), blocking of the synaptic NMDARs, and blocking of the synaptic NMDARs and extrasynaptic NR2A-containing NMDARs. The results indicate that this LTP is ES-NMDARs dependent, and NR2B-containing ES-NMDARs modulates the threshold of LTP induction.
Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI in Renal Tumors: Common Subtype Differentiation using Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Wang Hai-yi , Su Zi-hua , Xu Xiao , Huang Ning , Sun Zhi-peng , Wang Ying-wei , Li Lu , Guo Ai-tao , Chen Xin , Ma Xin , Ma Lin , Ye Hui-yi
Published: June 2017

Preoperative renal tumor subtype differentiation is important for radiology and urology in clinical practice. Pharmacokinetic data (Ktrans & Ve, etc.) derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) have been used to investigate tumor vessel permeability. In this prospective study on DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic studies, we enrolled patients with five common renal tumor subtypes: clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC; n = 65), papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC; n = 12), chromophobic renal cell carcinoma (cRCC; n = 9), uroepithelial carcinoma (UEC; n = 14), and fat-poor angiomyolipoma (fpAML; n = 10). The results show that Ktrans of ccRCC, pRCC, cRCC, UEC and fpAML (0.459 ± 0.190 min−1, 0.206 ± 0.127 min−1, 0.311 ± 0.111 min−1, 0.235 ± 0.116 min−1, 0.511 ± 0.159 min−1, respectively) were different, but Ve was not. Ktrans could distinguish ccRCC from non-ccRCC (pRCC & cRCC) with a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 71.4%, respectively, as well as to differentiate fpAML from non-ccRCC with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 76.2%, respectively. Our findings suggest that DCE-MRI pharmacokinetics are promising for differential diagnosis of renal tumors, especially for RCC subtype characterization and differentiation between fpAML and non-ccRCC, which may facilitate the treatment of renal tumors.
Enhancing Optical Forces in InP-Based Waveguides
Authors: Aryaee Panah Mohammad Esmail , Semenova Elizaveta S. , Lavrinenko Andrei V.
Published: June 2017

Cantilever sensors are among the most important microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which are usually actuated by electrostatic forces or piezoelectric elements. Although well-developed microfabrication technology has made silicon the prevailing material for MEMS, unique properties of other materials are overlooked in this context. Here we investigate optically induced forces exerted upon a semi-insulating InP waveguide suspended above a highly doped InP:Si substrate, in three different regimes: the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ), with excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and phonons excitation. An order of magnitude amplification of the force is observed when light is coupled to SPPs, and three orders of magnitude amplification is achieved in the phonon excitation regime. In the ENZ regime, the force is found to be repulsive and higher than that in a waveguide suspended above a dielectric substrate. Low losses in InP:Si result in a big propagation length. The induced deflection can be detected by measuring the phase change of the light when passing through the waveguide, which enables all-optical functioning, and paves the way towards integration and miniaturization of micro-cantilevers. In addition, tunability of the ENZ and the SPP excitation wavelength ranges, via adjusting the carrier concentration, provides an extra degree of freedom for designing MEMS devices.
Stable synthesis of few-layered boron nitride nanotubes by anodic arc discharge
Authors: Yeh Yao-Wen , Raitses Yevgeny , Koel Bruce E. , Yao Nan
Published: June 2017

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were successfully synthesized by a dc arc discharge using a boron-rich anode as synthesis feedstock in a nitrogen gas environment at near atmospheric pressure. The synthesis was achieved independent of the cathode material suggesting that under such conditions the arc operates in so-called anodic mode with the anode material being consumed by evaporation due to the arc heating. To sustain the arc current by thermionic electron emission, the cathode has to be at sufficiently high temperature, which for a typical arc current density of ~100 A/cm2, is above the boron melting point (2350 K). With both electrodes made from the same boron-rich alloy, we found that the arc operation unstable due to frequent sticking between two molten electrodes and formation of molten droplets. Stable and reliable arc operation and arc synthesis were achieved with the boron-rich anode and the cathode made from a refractory metal which has a melting temperature above the melting point of boron. Ex-situ characterization of synthesized BNNTs with electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed that independent of the cathode material, the tubes are primarily single and double walled. The results also show evidence of root-growth of BNNTs produced in the arc discharge.
Zebrafish as an animal model in epilepsy studies with multichannel EEG recordings
Authors: Cho Sung-Joon , Byun Donghak , Nam Tai-Seung , Choi Seok-Yong , Lee Byung-Geun , Kim Myeong-Kyu , Kim Sohee
Published: June 2017

Despite recent interest in using zebrafish in human disease studies, sparked by their economics, fecundity, easy handling, and homologies to humans, the electrophysiological tools or methods for zebrafish are still inaccessible. Although zebrafish exhibit more significant larval–adult duality than any other animal, most electrophysiological studies using zebrafish are biased by using larvae these days. The results of larval studies not only differ from those conducted with adults but also are unable to delicately manage electroencephalographic montages due to their small size. Hence, we enabled non-invasive long-term multichannel electroencephalographic recording on adult zebrafish using custom-designed electrodes and perfusion system. First, we exploited demonstration of long-term recording on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure models, and the results were quantified. Second, we studied skin–electrode impedance, which is crucial to the quality of signals. Then, seizure propagations and gender differences in adult zebrafish were exhibited for the first time. Our results provide a new pathway for future neuroscience research using zebrafish by overcoming the challenges for aquatic organisms such as precision, serviceability, and continuous water seepage.
Synthesis of zwitterionic palladium complexes and their application as catalysts in cross-coupling reactions of aryl, heteroaryl and benzyl bromides with organoboron reagents in neat water
Authors: Ramakrishna V. , Dastagiri Reddy N.
Published: June 2017

Imidazolium substituted quinoxaline based zwitterionic Pd(ii) complexes were synthesized and found to be excellent catalysts for carrying out Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions in neat water.
What shapes eukaryotic transcriptional bursting?
Authors: Nicolas Damien , Phillips Nick E. , Naef Felix
Published: June 2017

In this review, we recapitulate how certain molecular aspects of transcription influence transcriptional bursting.
Phragmalin-type limonoids from the roots of Trichilia sinensis
Authors: Liu Shou-Bai , Chen Hui-Qin , Guo Zhi-Kai , Dong Wen-Hua , Wang Jun , Mei Wen-Li , Dai Hao-Fu
Published: June 2017

Twelve new limonoids were isolated from Trichilia sinensis. Some compounds exhibited cytotoxicity and acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting activity.
Revisiting the polytopal rearrangements in penta-coordinate d7-metallocomplexes: modified Berry pseudorotation, octahedral switch, and butterfly isomerization
Authors: Asatryan Rubik , Ruckenstein Eli , Hachmann Johannes
Published: June 2017

New rearrangement mechanism prototypes are introduced to account for the non-ideal coordination and fluxional behavior of five-coordinate metalo-complexes.
Probing the shape-specific electrochemical properties of cobalt oxide nanostructures for their application as selective and sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensors
Authors: Mondal Shrabani , Madhuri Rashmi , Sharma Prashant K.
Published: June 2017

Shape-specific electrochemical properties of cobalt oxide nanostructures along with selective and sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensing.
Understanding the molecular gelation processes of heteroatomic conjugated polymers for stable blue polymer light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lin Jin-Yi , Liu Bin , Yu Meng-Na , Ou Chang-Jin , Lei Zhen-Feng , Liu Feng , Wang Xu-Hua , Xie Ling-Hai , Zhu Wen-Sai , Ling Hai-Feng , Zhang Xin-Wen , Stavrinou Paul N. , Wang Jian-Pu , Bradley Donal D. C. , Huang Wei
Published: June 2017

Designing optoelectronic properties using heteroatomic conjugated polymers (HCPs).
Combined influence of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and dual cathode buffer layers for highly efficient rrP3HT:PCBM-based bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Singh Ashish , Dey Anamika , Das Dipjyoti , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: June 2017

The combined influence of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and dual cathode buffer layers resulted in high-performance rrP3HT:PCBM based BHJ solar cells (PCE ∼5.65%).
Optical properties and Raman-active phonon modes of two-dimensional honeycomb Zintl phases
Authors: Arguilla M. Q. , Cultrara N. D. , Scudder M. R. , Jiang S. , Ross R. D. , Goldberger J. E.
Published: June 2017

We study how structure and stacking sequence influences the Raman spectra and band gaps in layered intermetallic Zintl phases comprised from honeycomb sheets of group 13, 14, and 15 elements.
The comparison of the performance of four whole genome amplification kits on ion proton platform in copy number variation detection
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Liang Bo , Xu Xiaoyan , Zhou Feifei , Kong Lingyin , Shen Jingjing , Xia Yingying , Xuan Liming , Mao Yan , Xue Yongfeng , Liu Caixia , Tan Jichun
Published: June 2017

With the development and clinical application of genomics, more and more concern is focused on single-cell sequencing. In the process of single-cell sequencing, whole genome amplification is a key step to enrich sample DNA. Previous studies have compared the performance of different whole genome amplification (WGA) strategies on Illumina sequencing platforms, but there is no related research aimed at Ion Proton platform, which is also a popular next-generation sequencing platform. Here by amplifying cells from six cell lines with different karyotypes, we estimated the data features of four common commercial WGA kits (PicoPLEX WGA Kit, GenomePlex Single Cell Whole Genome Amplification Kit, MALBAC Single Cell Whole Genome Amplification Kit, and REPLI-g Single Cell Kit), including median absolute pairwise difference, uniformity, reproducibility, and fidelity, and examined their performance of copy number variation detection. The results showed that both MALBAC and PicoPLEX could yield high-quality data and had high reproducibility and fidelity; and as for uniformity, PicoPLEX was slightly superior to MALBAC.
ABCB1 gene polymorphism associated with clinical factors can predict drug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Pontual Yasmin , Pacheco Vanessa S.S. , Monteiro Sérgio P. , Quintana Marcel S.B. , Costa Marli J.M. , Rolla Valeria C. , de Castro Liane
Published: June 2017

Polymorphism in the ABCB1 gene encoding P-glycoprotein, a transmembrane drug efflux pump, contributes to drug resistance and has been widely studied. However, their association with rifampicin and ethambutol resistance in tuberculosis (TB) patients is still unclear. Genotype/allele/haplotype frequencies in c.1236C > T (rs1128503), c.2677G > T/A (rs2032582), and c.3435C > T (rs1045642) were obtained from 218 patients. Of these, 80 patients with rifampicin and/or ethambutol resistance were selected as the case group and 138 patients were selected for the control group through the results of their culture and drug-sensitive tests. Patients aged <18 years and HIV-positive serologic tests were excluded. ABCB1 polymorphisms were determined using a PCR direct-sequencing approach, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). A nomogram was constructed to simulate a combined prediction of the probability of anti-TB drug resistance, with factors including genotype c.1236C > T (rs1128503) (P=0.02), clinical form (P=0.03), previous treatment (P=0.01), and skin color (P=0.03), contributing up to 90% chance of developing anti-TB drug resistance. Considering genotype analyses, CT (rs1128503) demonstrated an increased chance of anti-TB drug resistance (odds ratio (OR): 2.34, P=0.02), while the analyses for ethambutol resistance revealed an association with a rare A allele (rs2032582) (OR: 12.91, P=0.01), the haplotype TTC (OR: 5.83, P=0.05), and any haplotype containing the rare A allele (OR: 7.17, P=0.04). ABCB1 gene polymorphisms in association with others risk factors contribute to anti-TB drug resistance, mainly ethambutol. The use of the nomogram described in the present study could contribute to clinical decision-making prior to starting TB treatment.
Exploring the potential of microwave diagnostics in SEP forecasting: The occurrence of SEP events
Authors: Zucca Pietro , Núñez Marlon , Klein Karl-Ludwig
Published: June 2017

Solar energetic particles (SEPs), especially protons and heavy ions, may be a space-weather hazard when they impact spacecraft and the terrestrial atmosphere. Forecasting schemes have been developed, which use earlier signatures of particle acceleration to predict the arrival of solar protons and ions in the space environment of the Earth. The UMASEP (University of MAlaga Solar particle Event Predictor) scheme forecasts the occurrence and the importance of an SEP event based on combined observations of soft X-rays, their time derivative and protons above 10 MeV at geosynchronous orbit. We explore the possibility to replace the derivative of the soft X-ray time history with the microwave time history in the UMASEP scheme. To this end we construct a continuous time series of observations for a 13-month period from December 2011 to December 2012 at two microwave frequencies, 4.995 and 8.8 GHz, using data from the four Radio Solar Telescope Network (RSTN) patrol stations of the US Air Force, and feed this time series to the UMASEP prediction scheme. During the selected period the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) detected nine SEP events related to activity in the western solar hemisphere. We show that the SEP forecasting using microwaves has the same probability of detection as the method using soft X-rays, but no false alarm in the considered period, and a slightly increased warning time. A detailed analysis of the missed events is presented. We conclude that microwave patrol observations improve SEP forecasting schemes that employ soft X-rays. High-quality microwave data available in real time appear as a significant addition to our ability to predict SEP occurrence.
Detections of Screw Penetration during Volar Plating for Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Cha Soo , Shin Hyun
Published: June 2017

Background We evaluated the detection for screw penetration on the dorsal cortex of the radius in serial oblique, dorsal tangential, and radial groove radiographic views in volar plating fixation.

Materials and Methods Eight screw positions were set in each of the four cadaveric radii. Screw 1 was placed in the styloid subregion, whereas screws 2 and 3 were placed just proximal to the styloid and were defined for the radial region of the radius. Screws 4 (distal to the extensor pollicis longus [EPL] groove), 5 (the distal half of the groove), and 6 (the proximal half of the groove) were placed in the central region of the radius. Screws 7 (just medial to the groove) and 8 (sigmoid notch subregion) were positioned in the ulnar region of the radius. The screws were overlengthened by 1 and 2 mm and were evaluated in three radiographic views.

Results Penetrations in the radial region were fully visible in supinated oblique views with 1- and 2-mm overlengthened screws. The penetration of screw 4 was clearly observable over a considerable range of views. However, the 1-mm penetration of screw 5 was not detectable at any angle of projection. Detection of the ulnar region screw was the most difficult among the three regions with oblique views. In the dorsal tangential view, the 1-mm penetration of screw 4 was not observed in any of the four radii, but the penetration of screw 5 was detectable in all the radii. The screws 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 were readily detectable. The screw 4 was barely seen in the radial groove view, while the screws 5 and 6 were readily detectable.

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance Appropriate combinations of these well-known radiological views are essential for the overall detection of penetrated screws during plating in distal radius fractures.