bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient spectroscopic imaging by an optimized encoding of pretargeted resonances
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Shemesh Noam , Frydman Lucio
Published: February 2016

Purpose

A “relaxation‐enhanced” (RE) approach to acquire in vivo localized spectra with flat baselines and good sensitivity has been recently proposed. As RE MR spectroscopy (MRS) targets a subset of a priori known resonances, new possibilities arise to acquire spectroscopic imaging data in faster, more efficient manners. This is hereby illustrated by Spectroscopically Encoded Chemical Shift Imaging (SECSI).

Methods

SECSI delivers spectral/spatial correlations by collecting gradient echo trains whose timings are defined by the shifts of the resonances to be disentangled. Condition number considerations allow one to unravel these image contributions for various sites by a simple matrix inversion. The efficiency of the ensuing method is high enough to enable a sampling of additional spatial axes by means of their phase encoding in spin‐echo trains.

Results

The one‐dimensional (1D) spectral / 2D spatial SECSI acquisitions were implemented on phantom, ex vivo, and in vivo models. In all cases, quality site‐resolved images were obtained. The experimentally observed enhancements were consistent with theoretical signal‐to‐noise ratio derivations.

Conclusion

While still bound by MRSI's sensitivity limitations, a novel spectroscopic imaging protocol exploiting a priori information, selective excitations and multiple echo encodings, was proposed and demonstrated. The method is promising when dealing with high T2/
ratios, sparse data, or hyperpolarization studies. Magn Reson Med 77:511–519, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Respiratory complications following hydrocarbon aspiration in children
Authors: Makrygianni Evanthia A. , Palamidou Fani , Kaditis Athanasios G.
Published: February 2016

Accidental hydrocarbon ingestion may lead to aspiration and chemical pneumonitis in children. In this review article, the clinical course of hydrocarbon pneumonitis, chest radiographic abnormalities, complications, and treatment interventions are summarized. Most children remain asymptomatic and without complications following ingestion of a hydrocarbon. In approximately 15% of ingestions, aspiration pneumonitis occurs and evolves over the first 6–8 hr presenting with fever, tachypnea, hypoxemia, and tachycardia. A symptom zenith is reached within 48 hr followed by progressive improvement. Up to 5% of pneumonitis cases progress rapidly to acute respiratory failure. Chest radiographic abnormalities develop by 4–8 hr after ingestion, but they are not always predictive of clinical pneumonitis. Patients with history of hydrocarbon ingestion should be monitored for 6–8 hr in the emergency department and a chest radiogram should be obtained at the end of the observation period. Spontaneous or induced emesis and gastric lavage have been related to aspiration pneumonitis. Children who are symptomatic are admitted to the hospital for cardiorespiratory status monitoring and supportive care. Approximately 90% of hospitalized patients have a benign clinical course. Increased work of breathing with or without altered sensorium and seizures are indications for admission to the intensive care unit. Hypoxemia unresponsive to supplemental oxygen and/or severe central nervous system involvement require mechanical ventilation. Corticosteroids do not seem to offer any benefit and antibiotics are administered in cases of bacterial superinfection. Pneumatoceles may become evident after the first 6–10 days of symptoms on follow‐up chest radiograms and they resolve up to 6 months later. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:560–569. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identifying a maximum tolerated contour in two‐dimensional dose finding
Authors: Wages Nolan A.
Published: February 2016

The majority of phase I methods for multi‐agent trials have focused on identifying a single maximum tolerated dose combination (MTDC) among those being investigated. Some published methods in the area have been based on the notion that there is no unique MTDC and that the set of dose combinations with acceptable toxicity forms an equivalence contour in two dimensions. Therefore, it may be of interest to find multiple MTDCs for further testing for efficacy in a phase II setting. In this paper, we present a new dose‐finding method that extends the continual reassessment method to account for the location of multiple MTDCs. Operating characteristics are demonstrated through simulation studies and are compared with existing methodology. Some brief discussion of implementation and available software is also provided. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear stability of a thin film flow along permeable wall under alternating electric field
Authors: Zakaria Kadry , Alkharashi Sameh A.
Published: February 2016

This study considers the linear stability of two‐layer films of immiscible liquids confined between an upper impermeable solid plate and a lower porous rigid substrate. The fluids are subjected to a periodic electric field. Based on the von Kármán‐Pohlhausen method an integral boundary‐layer model for the film thickness, surface charge and the flow rate is derived. The dynamics of the liquid‐liquid interface is described for arbitrary amplitudes by evolution equations derived from the basic hydrodynamic equations using long wave approximation. The parameters governing the film flow system and the permeable substrate strongly effect the wave forms and their amplitudes and hence the stability of the fluid. Analytical and numerical simulations of this system of linear evolution equations are performed. The case of uniform electric field is considered as special case, it is found that, the permeability of the porous medium promotes the oscillatory behavior. While a stabilizing influence is observed for increasing of both the non‐dimensional conductivity and the electric conductivity ratio. When the case of alternating electric field is taken into account, the method of multiple scales is applied to obtain approximate solutions and analyze the stability picture. Stability behavior is noticed for the decreasing of the permeability parameter and the dielectric constant ratio of the fluids.
Cost‐Effective Surgical Management of Liver Disease Amidst a Financial Crisis
Authors: Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Gemenetzis Georgios , Danias Nikolaos , Kokoropoulos Panagiotis , Koukopoulou Ioanna , Bartsokas Christos , Kostopanagiotou Georgia , Smyrniotis Vassilios
Published: February 2016

Background

Intraoperative use of specialized equipment and disposables contributes to the increasing cost of modern liver surgery. As a response to the recent severe financial crisis in our country we have employed a highly standardized protocol of liver resection that minimizes intraoperative and postoperative costs. Our goal is to evaluate cost‐effectiveness of this protocol.

Study design

We evaluated retrospectively all patients who underwent open hepatic resections for 4 years. All resections were performed by the same surgical team under selective hepatic vascular exclusion, i.e., occlusion of the hepatoduodenal ligament and the major hepatic veins, occasionally combined with extrahepatic ligation of the ipsilateral portal vein. Sharp parenchymal transection was performed with a scalpel and hemostasis was achieved with sutures without the use of energy devices. In each case we performed a detailed analysis of costs and surgical outcomes.

Results

Our cohort included 146 patients (median age 63 years). 113 patients were operated for primary or metastatic malignancies and 33 for benign lesions. Operating time was 121 ± 21 min (mean ± SD), estimated blood loss was 310 ± 159 ml (mean ± SD), and hospital stay was 7 ± 5 days (mean ± SD). Six patients required admission in the ICU postoperatively. 90‐day mortality was 2.74 %, and 8.9 % of patients developed grade III/IV postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo classification). Total in‐hospital cost excluding physician fees was 6987.63 ± 3838.51 USD (mean ± SD).

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that, under pressing economic conditions, the proposed surgical protocol can significantly lessen the financial burden of liver surgery without compromising patient outcomes.
Invasive Infection and Outcomes in a Humanitarian Surgical Burn Program in Haiti
Authors: Murphy Richard A. , Nisenbaum Luba , Labar Amy S. , Sheridan Robert L. , Ronat Jean‐Baptiste , Dilworth Kelly , Pena Jade , Kilborn Erin , Teicher Carrie
Published: February 2016

Background

Compare to high‐income settings, survival in burn units in low‐income settings is lower with invasive infections one leading cause of death. Médecins Sans Frontières is involved in the treatment of large burns in adults and children in Haiti.

Methods

In 2014, we performed a review of 228 patients admitted consecutively with burn injury during a 6‐month period to determine patient outcomes and infectious complications. Microbiology was available through a linkage with a Haitian organization. Regression analysis was performed to determine covariates associated with bloodstream infection and mortality.

Results

102 (45 %) patients were male, the median age was 8 years (IQR, 2–28), and the majority of patients (60 %) were admitted to the unit within 6 h of injury. There were 20 patients (9 %) with culture‐proven bacteremia. Among organisms in blood, common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (42 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23 %), and Acinetobacter baumannii (15 %). Among patients with burns involving <40 % total body area, 4 (2 %) of 192 died and 20 (65 %) of 31 with ≥40 % body surface area involvement died. Factors associated with mortality included involvement of ≥40 % of body surface, depth, and flame as the mechanism. Multidrug‐resistant infections were common; 18 % of S. aureus isolates were methicillin resistant, and 83 % of P. aeruginosa isolates were imipenem resistant.

Conclusions

A low mortality rate was observed in a humanitarian burn surgery project in patients with burns involving <40 % of total body surface. Invasive infection was common and alarming rates of antibiotic resistance were observed, including infections not treatable with antibiotics available locally.
Reporting Heterogeneity and Health Disparities Across Gender and Education Levels: Evidence From Four Countries
Authors: Molina Teresa
Published: February 2016

I use anchoring vignettes from Indonesia, the United States, England, and China to study the extent to which differences in self-reported health across gender and education levels can be explained by the use of different response thresholds. To determine whether statistically significant differences between groups remain after adjusting thresholds, I calculate standard errors for the simulated probabilities, largely ignored in previous literature. Accounting for reporting heterogeneity reduces the gender gap in many health domains across the four countries, but to varying degrees. Health disparities across education levels persist and even widen after equalizing thresholds across the two groups.
Use of risk of malignancy index to indicate frozen section analysis in the surgical care of women with ovarian tumors
Authors: van den Akker Petronella A.J. , Zusterzeel Petra L.M. , Aalders Anette L. , Snijders Marc P.L.M. , Samlal Rahul A.K. , Vollebergh Jos H.A. , Kluivers Kirsten B. , Massuger Leon F.A.G.
Published: February 2016

Objective

To evaluate the importance of the risk of malignancy index (RMI) in the decision to perform frozen section analysis among women with ovarian tumors.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 11 centers in the Netherlands. Women who underwent surgical treatment of an ovarian mass with unknown histology between January 2005 and September 2009 were included. The RMI was calculated retrospectively. Frozen section analysis and RMI values were assessed for patients with benign, borderline, and malignant ovarian tumors on final histopathology.

Results

Overall, 670 women were included. Frozen sections were performed in 323 (48.2%) patients, of whom 206 (63.8%) were diagnosed with benign ovarian tumors, 55 (17.0%) with borderline tumors, and 62 (19.2%) with malignant tumors. Overall, 109 (16.3%) women had an RMI below 20, 106 (97.2%) of whom had benign histology results. Among 235 patients with an RMI over 100, 3 (1.3%) postmenopausal women had malignancies that were missed because frozen sections were not performed.

Conclusion

Women with an RMI below 20 have a low risk of malignancy and therefore do not require frozen section analysis. Postmenopausal women with an RMI greater than 100 should be referred to centers where frozen sections can be performed, and proper facilities and expertise are available to perform staging procedures if necessary.
Acute calcular cholangitis in a diverse multi-ethnic population
Authors: Allam H. , Al Dosouky M. , Abdelaziem S. , Hashish Mohamed S. , Farooq A. , El Nagar A.
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Of the common complications of gallstones, acute cholangitis (AC) is the most rapidly lethal entity, making accurate diagnosis and early treatment imperative. Studies that report on the risk factors for the development of AC secondary to bile duct stones are rare. The aim of the present study is to identify clinical, laboratory and radiological factors that can predict which patients may develop cholangitis.

Patients and methods:

The study is a retrospective case–control study based on patients admitted to Hamad General Hospital from June 2008 to November 2012 with a diagnosis of AC secondary to CBD stones. The control subjects were patients admitted during the same period with obstructive lithiasic jaundice, but not complicated by cholangitis. Countries of origin, age, sex, history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic liver disease, previous similar attack, previous cholecystectomy, previous bariatric surgery procedure, small bowel resection, significant weight loss and Crohn's disease were studied. Also, complete blood count (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), liver enzymes (ALT and AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, amylase creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were studied. Finally the diagnostic investigations and the surgical and endoscopic procedures have been reported. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

A total of 112 patients of 24 different nationalities (70 men and 42 women) were included in this study. Fifty-three patients (43.4%) presented with AC (cases group), and 59 (56.6%) were admitted for management of obstructive jaundice. Although Asians had a greater prevalence of cholangitis (57.4%) compared to Middle Easterners (35.7%) and Africans (33.3%), this was not statistically significant (P = 0.066). Laboratory tests significantly correlated to AC were leukocytosis (P < 0.001), elevated Bilirubin (P = 0.005), prolonged prothrombin time (P = 0.001), elevated INR (P = 0.001), elevated serum Creatinine (P = 0.001) and BUN (P = 0.001). In univariate analysis, the logistic regression model showed that dark urine, fever, elevated WBC and BUN were strongly associated with cholangitis.

Conclusions:

Typical clinical signs of acute cholangitis, history of chronic liver disease, together with certain biochemical criteria are strongly associated with occurrence of acute lithiasic cholangitis. Further study on a larger sample of patients is required to confirm these findings and as an attempt to create a reproducible and simple scoring system able to predict and consequently facilitate early intervention in such cases.

Highlights:
Phosphodiesterase inhibitor KMUP‐3 displays cardioprotection via protein kinase G and increases cardiac output via G‐protein‐coupled receptor agonist activity and Ca2+ sensitization
Authors: Liu Chung‐Pin , Yeh Jwu‐Lai , Liou Shu‐Fen , Wu Bin‐Nan , Chen Ing‐Jun
Published: February 2016

KMUP‐3 (7‐{2‐[4‐(4‐nitrobenzene) piperazinyl]ethyl}‐1, 3‐dimethylxanthine) displays cardioprotection and increases cardiac output, and is suggested to increase cardiac performance and improve myocardial infarction. To determine whether KMUP‐3 improves outcomes in hypoperfused myocardium by inducing Ca2+ sensitization to oppose protein kinase (PK)G‐mediated Ca2+ blockade, we measured left ventricular systolic blood pressure, maximal rates of pressure development, mean arterial pressure and heart rate in rats, and measured contractility and expression of PKs/RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK)II in beating guinea pig left atria. Hemodynamic changes induced by KMUP‐3 (0.5–3.0 mg/kg, intravenously) were inhibited by Y27632 [(R)‐(+)‐trans‐4‐1‐aminoethyl)‐N‐(4‐Pyridyl) cyclohexane carboxamide] and ketanserin (1 mg/kg, intravenously). In electrically stimulated left guinea pig atria, positive inotropy induced by KMUP‐3 (0.1–100μM) was inhibited by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) inhibitors N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) and 7‐nitroindazole, cyclic AMP antagonist SQ22536 [9‐(terahydro‐2‐furanyl)‐9H‐purin‐6‐amine], soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) antagonist ODQ (1H‐[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3‐a] quinoxalin‐1‐one), RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme, β‐blocker propranolol, 5‐hydroxytryptamine 2A antagonist ketanserin, ROCK inhibitor Y27632 and KMUP‐1 (7‐{2‐[4‐(2‐chlorobenzene) piperazinyl]ethyl}‐1, 3‐dimethylxanthine) at 10μM. Western blotting assays indicated that KMUP‐3 (0.1–10μM) increased PKA, RhoA/ROCKII, and PKC translocation and CIP‐17 (an endogenous 17‐kDa inhibitory protein) activation. In spontaneous right atria, KMUP‐3 induced negative chronotropy that was blunted by 7‐nitroindazole and atropine. In neonatal myocytes, L‐NAME inhibited KMUP‐3‐induced eNOS phosphorylation and RhoA/ROCK activation. In H9c2 cells, Y‐27632 (50μM) and PKG antagonist KT5823 [2,3,9,10,11,12‐hexahydro‐10R‐ methoxy‐2,9‐dimethyl‐1‐oxo‐9S,12R‐epoxy‐1H‐diindolo(1,2,3‐fg:3′,2′,1′‐kl) pyrrolo(3,4‐i)(1,6)benzodiazocine‐10‐carboxylic acid, methyl ester] (3μM) reversed KMUP‐3 (1–100μM)‐induced Ca2+‐entry blockade. GPCR agonist activity of KMUP‐3 appeared opposed to KMUP‐1, and increased cardiac output via Ca2+ sensitization, and displayed cardioprotection via cyclic GMP/PKG‐mediated myocardial preconditioning in animal studies.
Franciscus Sylvius on Clinical Teaching, Iatrochemistry and Brain Anatomy
Authors: Parent André
Published: February 2016

Born in Hanau, Germany, in 1614, Franciscus (Dele Boë) Sylvius received his medical doctor diploma from Basel University in 1637 and became Professor of Practical Medicine at Leiden University in 1658. One of the founders of medical biochemistry, Sylvius was also an outstanding anatomopathologist, with contributions ranging from the first description of the pulmonary tubercles to that of the lateral fissure of the brain. Thanks to Sylvius, a gifted teacher and one of the greatest physicians of his time, Leiden became a major European medical training center. He died in 1772 after having served asRector Magnificusat Leiden University.
A Peculiar Sample: A Reply to Steckel and Ziebarth
Authors: Pritchett Jonathan , Freudenberger Herman
Published: February 2016

Richard Steckel and Nicolas Ziebarth (2016) find that biases in height by age imposed by traders versus non-traders were negligible. Importantly, their method of identifying traders differs from that of Jonathan Pritchett and Herman Freudenberger (1992). Using a sample of inward coastwise manifests for the port of New Orleans, we show that Steckel and Ziebarth made errors classifying shippers, that they underestimate the relative number of slaves shipped by traders, and that their empirical estimates of selection bias are attenuated towards zero.
Microscopy and Microanalysis of Blood in a Snake Head Fish, Channa gachua Exposed to Environmental Pollution
Authors: Pala Eva M. , Dey Sudip
Published: February 2016

Conventional and highly sophisticated analytical methods (Cyria et al., 1989; Massar et al., 2012a) were used to analyze micro-structural and micro-analytical aspects of the blood of snake head fish, Channa gachua, exposed to municipal wastes and city garbage. Red (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts and hemhemoglobin content were found to be higher in pollution affected fish as compared with control. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the occurrence of abnormal erythrocytes such as crenated cells, echinocytes, lobopodial projections, membrane internalization, spherocytes, ruptured cells, contracted cells, depression, and uneven elongation of erythrocyte membranes in fish inhabiting the polluted sites. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the presence of silicon and lead in the RBCs of pollution affected fish. Significance of the study includes the highly sophisticated analytical approach, which revealed the aforementioned micro-structural abnormalities.
USGS Budget Plan to Advance Earth Observations, Hazards Measures
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2016

The request for across-the-board increases in fiscal year 2017 also seeks to improve water monitoring and terrain mapping, downsize infrastructure, and grow operations in support of scientific work.
p38 MAPK regulates the Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 in osteotropic prostate cancer cells
Authors: Browne A J , Göbel A , Thiele S , Hofbauer L C , Rauner M , Rachner T D
Published: February 2016

The Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) has been associated with the occurrence of bone metastases in osteotropic prostate cancer by inhibiting osteoblastogenesis. P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity is also dysregulated in advanced prostate cancer. However, the impact of p38 MAPK signaling on DKK-1 remains unknown. Inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling in osteolytic PC3 cells by small molecule inhibitors (doramapimod, LY2228820 and SB202190) suppressed DKK-1 expression, whereas activation of p38 MAPK by anisomycin increased DKK-1. Further dissection by targeting individual p38 MAPK isoforms with siRNA revealed a stronger role for MAPK11 than MAPK14 and MAPK12 in the regulation of DKK-1. Moreover, prostate cancer cells with a predominantly osteolytic phenotype produced sufficient amounts of DKK-1 to inhibit Wnt3a-induced osteoblastic differentiation in C2C12 cells. This inhibition was blocked directly by neutralizing DKK-1 using a specific antibody and also indirectly by blocking p38 MAPK. Furthermore, tissue expression in human prostate cancer revealed a correlation between p38 MAPK and DKK-1 expression with higher expression in tumor compared with normal tissues. These results reveal that p38 MAPK regulates DKK-1 in prostate cancer and may present a potential target in osteolytic prostate cancers.
1s-intraexcitonic dynamics in monolayer MoS2 probed by ultrafast mid-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Cha Soonyoung , Sung Ji Ho , Sim Sangwan , Park Jun , Heo Hoseok , Jo Moon-Ho , Choi Hyunyong
Published: February 2016

The 1s exciton—the ground state of a bound electron-hole pair—is central to understanding the photoresponse of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides. Above the 1s exciton, recent visible and near-infrared investigations have revealed that the excited excitons are much richer, exhibiting a series of Rydberg-like states. A natural question is then how the internal excitonic transitions are interrelated on photoexcitation. Accessing these intraexcitonic transitions, however, demands a fundamentally different experimental tool capable of probing optical transitions from 1s ‘bright’ to np ‘dark’ states. Here we employ ultrafast mid-infrared spectroscopy to explore the 1s intraexcitonic transitions in monolayer MoS2. We observed twofold 1s→3p intraexcitonic transitions within the A and B excitons and 1s→2p transition between the A and B excitons. Our results revealed that it takes about 0.7 ps for the 1s A exciton to reach quasi-equilibrium; a characteristic time that is associated with a rapid population transfer from the 1s B exciton, providing rich characteristics of many-body exciton dynamics in two-dimensional materials.
Erratum: Insights into the pan-microbiome: skin microbial communities of Chinese individuals differ from other racial groups
Authors: Leung Marcus H. Y. , Wilkins David , Lee Patrick K. H.
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 11845; published online: 16 July 2015; updated: 25 February 2016. The original version of this Article contained errors in the legend of Figure 2, where text was not matched to the correct subpanel. The legend now reads: Relative abundances of Staphylococcus andStreptococcal species.
Topological Properties of Atomic Lead Film with Honeycomb Structure
Authors: Lu Y. H. , Zhou D. , Wang T. , Yang Shengyuan A. , Jiang J. Z.
Published: February 2016

Large bandgap is desired for the fundamental research as well as applications of topological insulators. Based on first-principles calculations, here we predict a new family of two-dimensional (2D) topological insulators in functionalized atomic lead films Pb-X (X = H, F, Cl, Br, I and SiH3). All of them have large bandgaps with the largest one above 1 eV, far beyond the recorded gap values and large enough for practical applications even at room temperature. Besides chemical functionalization, external strain can also effectively tune the bandgap while keeping the topological phase. Thus, the topological properties of these materials are quite robust and as a result there exist 1D topological edge channels against backscattering. We further show that the 2D Pb structure can be encapsulated by SiO2 with very small lattice mismatch and still maintains its topological character. All these features make the 2D atomic Pb films a promising platform for fabricating novel topological electronic devices.
Erratum: Effects of Testosterone Administration on Strategic Gambling in Poker Play
Authors: van Honk Jack , Will Geert-Jan , Terburg David , Raub Werner , Eisenegger Christoph , Buskens Vincent
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 18096; published online: 04 January 2016; updated: 25 February 2016. The HTML version of this Article contains an error in the order of the Figures and their legends. Figures 3 and 4 were published as Figs 4 and 3 respectively. The PDF version of this Article contains an error in the order of the Figure legends.
Correction: Corrigendum: Controlled growth of CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires in arrays of open nanofluidic channels
Authors: Spina Massimo , Bonvin Eric , Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Náfrádi Bálint , Forró László , Horváth Endre
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 19834; published online: 25 January 2016; updated: 25 February 2016. Bálint Náfrádi was omitted from the author list in the original version of this Article. This has been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article. The Author Contributions section now reads:
Specific regulation of PRMT1 expression by PIAS1 and RKIP in BEAS-2B epithelia cells and HFL-1 fibroblasts in lung inflammation
Authors: Liu Li , Sun Qingzhu , Bao Rujuan , Roth Michael , Zhong Bo , Lan Xi , Tian Jia , He Qirui , Li Dongmin , Sun Jian , Yang Xudong , Lu Shemin
Published: February 2016

Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) catalyzes methylation of histones and other cellular proteins, and thus regulates gene transcription and protein activity. In antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation (AIPI) PRMT1 was up-regulated in the epithelium, while in chronic AIPI, increased PRMT1 shifted to fibroblasts. In this study we investigated the cell type specific regulatory mechanism of PRMT1. Epithelial cells and fibroblasts were stimulated with IL-4 or IL-1β. Gene and protein expression were determined by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting. Signaling pathway inhibitors, siRNAs and shRNA were used to determine the regulatory mechanism of PRMT1. The results showed that IL-4 up-regulated PRMT1 through STAT6 signaling in epithelial cells, while IL-1β regulated PRMT1 through NF-κB in fibroblasts. The NF-kB inhibitor protein RKIP was highly expressed in epithelial cells and blocked IL-1β induced PRMT1 up-regulation; while the STAT6 inhibitor protein PIAS1 was expressed in fibroblasts and suppressed IL-4 induced PRMT1 expression. Furthermore, IL-4 stimulated epithelial cells to release IL-1β which up-regulated PRMT1 expression in fibroblasts. In conclusion, the inhibitor proteins RKIP and PIAS1 regulated the cell type and signaling specific expression of PRMT1. Thus PRMT1 expression in structural lung cells in asthma can be considered as potential target for new therapeutic intervention.
Discovery of novel PDE9 inhibitors capable of inhibiting Aβ aggregation as potential candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Su Tao , Zhang Tianhua , Xie Shishun , Yan Jun , Wu Yinuo , Li Xingshu , Huang Ling , Luo Hai-Bin
Published: February 2016

Recently, phosphodiesterase-9 (PDE9) inhibitors and biometal-chelators have received much attention as potential therapeutics for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we designed, synthesized and evaluated a novel series of PDE9 inhibitors with the ability to chelate metal ions. The bioassay results showed that most of these molecules strongly inhibited PDE9 activity. Compound 16 showed an IC50 of 34 nM against PDE9 and more than 55-fold selectivity against other PDEs. In addition, this compound displayed remarkable metal-chelating capacity and a considerable ability to halt copper redox cycling. Notably, in comparison to the reference compound clioquinol, it inhibited metal-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation more effectively and promoted greater disassembly of the highly structured Aβ fibrils generated through Cu2+-induced Aβ aggregation. These activities of 16, together with its favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, suggest that 16 may be a promising compound for treatment of AD.
Dynamic coupling of plasmonic resonators
Authors: Lee Suyeon , Park Q-Han
Published: February 2016

We clarify the nature of dynamic coupling in plasmonic resonators and determine the dynamic coupling coefficient using a simple analytic model. We show that plasmonic resonators, such as subwavelength holes in a metal film which can be treated as bound charge oscillators, couple to each other through the retarded interaction of oscillating screened charges. Our dynamic coupling model offers, for the first time, a quantitative analytic description of the fundamental symmetric and anti-symmetric modes of coupled resonators which agrees with experimental results. Our model also reveals that plasmonic electromagnetically induced transparency arises in any coupled resonators of slightly unequal lengths, as confirmed by a rigorous numerical calculation and experiments.
Trend of cancer risk of Chinese inhabitants to dioxins due to changes in dietary patterns: 1980–2009
Authors: Huang Tao , Jiang Wanyanhan , Ling Zaili , Zhao Yuan , Gao Hong , Ma Jianmin
Published: February 2016

Food ingestion is a major route for human exposure and body burden to dioxins. We estimated the potential influence of changes in dietary patterns in Chinese population on human health risk to 2,3,7,8-TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) over the last three decades. We performed multiple modeling scenario investigations to discriminate the contribution of 2,3,7,8-TCDD emissions and changes in dietary patterns to the cancer risks (CR) to dioxins. Results showed that changes in dietary patterns, featured by decreasing consumption of total grain (including all unprocessed grains) and vegetables and increasing intake of animal-derived foodstuffs, caused increasing CR from 7.3 × 10−8in 1980 to 1.1 × 10−7in 2009. Varying dietary patterns contributed 17% to the CR of Chinese population in 2009 under the fixed emission in 1980. The CR to 2,3,7,8-TCDD in urban and eastern China residents was higher considerably than those who lived in rural area and western China, attributable to higher emissions, household income, and greater intake of animal-derived foodstuffs in urban and eastern China inhabitants. On the other hand, more rapid increasing trend of the CR was found in rural residents due to their more rapid increase in the consumption of fat-dominated foods as compared with urban residents.
Identifying protective Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine antigens recognized by both B and T cells in human adults and children
Authors: Mortensen Rasmus , Nissen Thomas Nørrelykke , Fredslund Sine , Rosenkrands Ida , Christensen Jan Pravsgaard , Andersen Peter , Dietrich Jes
Published: February 2016

No commercial vaccine exists against Group A streptococci (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes) and only little is known about anti-GAS protective immunity. In our effort to discover new protective vaccine candidates, we selected 21 antigens based on an in silico evaluation. These were all well-conserved among different GAS strains, upregulated in host-pathogen interaction studies and predicted to be extracellular or associated with the surface of the bacteria. The antigens were tested for both antibody recognition and T cell responses in human adults and children. The antigenicity of a selected group of antigens was further validated using a high-density peptide array technology that also identified the linear epitopes. Based on immunological recognition, four targets were selected and tested for protective capabilities in an experimental GAS infection model in mice. Shown for the first time, three of these targets (spy0469, spy1228 and spy1801) conferred significant protection whereas one (spy1643) did not.
Essential Roles of RNA-binding Protein HuR in Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β1
Authors: Ge Jingjing , Chang Na , Zhao Zhongxin , Tian Lei , Duan Xianghui , Yang Lin , Li Liying
Published: February 2016

RNA-binding protein HuR mediates transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced profibrogenic actions. Up-regulation of Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is involved in TGF-β1-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in liver fibrogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism of TGF-β1 regulates SphK1 remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the role of HuR in TGF-β1-induced SphK1 expression and identify a new molecular mechanism in liver fibrogenensis. In vivo, HuR expression was increased, translocated to cytoplasm and bound to SphK1 mRNA in carbon tetrachloride- and bile duct ligation-induced mouse fibrotic liver. HuR mRNA expression had a positive correlation with mRNA expressions of SphK1 and fibrotic markers, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen α1(I), respectively. In vitro, up-regulation of SphK1 and activation of HSCs stimulated by TGF-β1 depended on HuR cytoplasmic accumulation. The effects of TGF-β1 were diminished when HuR was silenced or HuR cytoplasmic translocation was blocked. Meanwhile, overexpression of HuR mimicked the effects of TGF-β1. Furthermore, TGF-β1 prolonged half-life of SphK1 mRNA by promoting its binding to HuR. Pharmacological or siRNA-induced SphK1 inhibition abrogated HuR-mediated HSC activation. In conclusion, our data suggested that HuR bound to SphK1 mRNA and played a crucial role in TGF-β1-induced HSC activation.
Differential expression of p38 MAPK α, β, γ, δ isoforms in nucleus pulposus modulates macrophage polarization in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Yang Chen , Cao Peng , Gao Yang , Wu Ming , Lin Yun , Tian Ye , Yuan Wen
Published: February 2016

P38MAPK mediates cytokine induced inflammation in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and involves in multiple cellular processes which are related to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression, activation and function of p38 MAPK isoforms (α,β, γ and δ) in degenerative NP and the effect of p38 activation in NP cells on macrophage polarization. P38 α, β and δ isoforms are preferential expressed, whereas the p38γ isoform is absent in human NP tissue. LV-sh-p38α, sh-p38β transfection in NP cells significantly decreased the ADAMTS-4,-5, MMP-13,CCL3 expression and restored collagen-II and aggrecan expression upon IL-1β stimulation. As compared with p38α and p38β, p38δ exhibited an opposite effect on ADAMTS-4,-5, MMP-13 and aggrecan expression in NP cells. Furthermore, the production of GM-CSF and IFNγ which were trigged by p38α or p38β in NP cells induced macrophage polarization into M1 phenotype. Our finding indicates that p38 MAPK α, β and δ isoform are predominantly expressed and activated in IDD. P38 positive NP cells modulate macrophage polarization through the production of GM-CSF and IFNγ. Hence, Our study suggests that selectively targeting p38 isoforms could ameliorate the inflammation in IDD and regard IDD progression.
Resveratrol ameliorates fibrosis and inflammation in a mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Kessoku Takaomi , Imajo Kento , Honda Yasushi , Kato Takayuki , Ogawa Yuji , Tomeno Wataru , Kato Shingo , Mawatari Hironori , Fujita Koji , Yoneda Masato , Nagashima Yoji , Saito Satoru , Wada Koichiro , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: February 2016

The natural polyphenol compound resveratrol (RSV) is considered to have a broad spectrum of beneficial biological activities upon human health. However, the exact effect of RSV on steatosis (a phenotype of non-alcoholic fatty liver [NAFL]) or fibrosis and inflammation (major phenotypes of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]) is not known. Our data showed that administration of RSV (2 or 20 mg/kg/day) did not suppress steatosis in a high-fat diet-induced model of NAFL in mice. In contrast, identical concentrations of RSV dramatically inhibited inflammation and fibrosis in a low-dose lipopolysaccharide-induced model of NASH. These data suggested that RSV administration-mediated improvement of inflammation and fibrosis was due to the inhibition of LPS reactivity controlled by CD14 expression in Kupffer cells. These findings suggest that RSV could be a candidate agent for the treatment of NASH.
Mimetic peptide and special antibody: promising agents for optimizing hapten-analyzing systems
Authors: Li Ping , Deng Shengliang
Published: February 2016

Immunoassays are simple, rapid, and cost-effective detection systems that are widely used for the detection of haptens in varied matrices.
The stability of biradicaloid versus closed-shell [E(μ-XR)]2 (E = P, As; X = N, P, As) rings. Does aromaticity play a role?
Authors: Grande-Aztatzi Rafael , Mercero Jose M. , Ugalde Jesus M.
Published: February 2016

High-level CASSCF calculations, supplemented with MCQDPT ab initio calculations, demonstrate that the [E(μ-XH)]2 (E = P, As; X = N, P, As) compounds possess one planar and one butterfly-like isomers.
Ultratrace analysis of krypton isotopes by resonant ionization spectroscopy-time of flight mass spectrometry (RIS-TOF)
Authors: Gilabert Eric , Lavielle Bernard , Thomas Bertrand , Topin Sylvain , Pointurier Fabien , Moulin Christophe
Published: February 2016

A new RIS-TOF instrument, called FAKIR (Facility for Analyzing Krypton Isotope Ratios), has been developed at CENBG in order to measure Kr isotope ratios with an extremely high sensitivity.
Identification of novel inhibitors of DDR1 against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by integrative transcriptome meta-analysis, computational and experimental screening
Authors: Chen Can , Deng Jingjing , Yu Xiaoping , Wu Fengbo , Men Ke , Yang Qian , Zhu Yanfeng , Liu Xiaogang , Jiang Qinglin
Published: February 2016

This study reveals DDR1 plays an important role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and identifies a DDR1 inhibitor for possible future therapy.
Cu–Ag/hydrotalcite catalysts for dehydrogenative cross-coupling of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols
Authors: Xu Jin , Yue Hongmei , Liu Sheng , Wang Hanfei , Du Yuqun , Xu Chunli , Dong Wensheng , Liu Chunling
Published: February 2016

The development of new and inexpensive heterogeneous catalysts for direct C–C cross-coupling of primary and secondary alcohols is a challenging goal and has great importance in academic and industrial sectors.
Assembly of inorganic [Mo2S2O2]2+ panels connected by selenite anions to nanoscale chalcogenide–polyoxometalate clusters
Authors: Zang Hong-Ying , Chen Jia-Jia , Long De-Liang , Cronin Leroy , Miras Haralampos N.
Published: February 2016

Supramolecular assembly of [Mo2S2O2]2+/SeO32− based building blocks, mediated by controlling the hetero-atom ratio, leads to the formation of clusters {(Mo2O2S2)x(OH)y(SeO3)z(H2O)w}n− exhibiting ring, “exo” and “endo” architectures with multiple binding sites and cation recognition functionality.
A laterally π-expanded fluorone dye as an efficient near infrared fluorophore
Authors: Sezukuri Kyohei , Suzuki Mitsuharu , Hayashi Hironobu , Kuzuhara Daiki , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: February 2016

FBX in DMSO displays remarkably red-shifted and sharp absorption and fluorescence bands at 817 nm and 853 nm, respectively.
POEGMA-based disulfide-containing fluorescent probes for imitating and tracing noninternalization-based intracellular drug delivery
Authors: Ling Yunyang , Ren Jing , Li Tao , Zhao Yibing , Wu Chuanliu
Published: February 2016

This study provides a proof-of-concept demonstration of exploiting bioreduction in the extracellular spaces for the intracellular delivery of hydrophobic drugs or probes.
Solution-state conformations of natural products from chiroptical spectroscopy: the case of isocorilagin
Authors: Sprenger R. F. , Thomasi S. S. , Ferreira A. G. , Cass Q. B. , Batista Junior J. M.
Published: February 2016

Conformational preferences of corilagin in DMSO and methanol solutions have been erroneously interpreted as the existence of its α-anomer, isocorilagin.
A one-pot, three-step process for the diastereoselective synthesis of aminobicyclo[4.3.0]nonanes using consecutive palladium(ii)- and ruthenium(ii)-catalysis
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed A. B. , Grafton Mark. W. , Wilson Claire , Sutherland Andrew
Published: February 2016

A one-pot multi-step process that uses both Pd(ii)- and Ru(ii)-catalysis has been developed for the diastereoselective synthesis of aminobicyclo[4.3.0]nonanes.
Poly(maleic anhydride) cross-linked polyimide aerogels: synthesis and properties
Authors: Guo Haiquan , Meador Mary Ann B. , S. McCorkle Linda , Scheiman Daniel A. , McCrone Jordan D. , Wilkewitz Brittany
Published: February 2016

A series of aerogels was fabricated by cross-linking amine end-capped polyimide oligomers with poly(maleic anhydride)s.
A catch–release catalysis system based on supramolecular host–guest interactions
Authors: Qi Miao , Chew Benny Kia Jia , Yee Kwai Ga , Zhang Zhong-Xing , Young David J. , Hor T. S. Andy
Published: February 2016

An adamantane adorned Pd(ii) catalyst interacts with β-cyclodextrin moieties on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles to give a catch–release catalysis system.
Analytical closed‐form expressions of DC current ripple for three‐level neutral point clamped inverters with space‐vector pulse‐width modulation
Authors: Kai Li , Mengshu Li , Zhengfeng Liang , Zhenghua Dong , Shaoju Tian
Published: February 2016

The current ripple of the DC bus is a key factor for the DC‐link capacitor parameter design of three‐level neutral point clamped (NPC) inverters. It directly affects the selection of capacitor type and material. In this study, an analytical closed‐form expression of DC current ripple for NPC inverters with space‐vector pulse‐width modulation (SVPWM) is proposed based on an analytical study of the calculation principle of capacitor current ripple and SVPWM algorithm. The closed‐form expression of DC‐link capacitor current ripple is given by modulation index M and power factor angle φ. The deviation of calculation and experience is within 5.7% in spite of neglecting the output current ripple. The analytical closed‐form expression provides a convenient way to design the DC‐link capacitor of a three‐level NPC inverter.
Dorsal Intramedullary Epidermoid Cyst: Report of Two Rare Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Baishya Basanta Kumar , Ali Asman , Hussain Zakir , Dutta Deep
Published: February 2016

Study Design A report on two rare cases of dorsal intramedullary spinal epidermoid cyst.

Objective Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical outcome of the two cases are discussed.

Case Description We report two cases of dorsal intramedullary epidermoid cyst, both presenting with descending spastic upper motor neuron type of paraparesis with pain and paresthesia of the lower limbs and early involvement of bladder and bowel. Magnetic resonance imaging was done to come to a diagnosis where the first case was having a dorsal intramedullary epidermoid cyst at D6–D7 and the second case has an epidermoid cyst at D5–D6 intravertebral level.

Results Near-total excision of the tumor was done in both the patients under microscope. Histopathologic examination confirmed the tumor as epidermoid. There was gradual neurologic improvement in both the cases on follow-up.

Conclusion Cases presenting with dorsal myelopathy without spinal dysraphism may be due to rare causes such as epidermoid cyst, and near-total excision of such cyst with microneurosurgical technique can give a good outcome.
Nongyrotropic electrons in guide field reconnection
Authors: Wendel D. E. , Hesse M. , Bessho N. , Adrian M. L. , Kuznetsova M.
Published: February 2016

We apply a scalar measure of nongyrotropy to the electron pressure tensor in a 2D particle-in-cell simulation of guide field reconnection and assess the corresponding electron distributions and the forces that account for the nongyrotropy. The scalar measure reveals that the nongyrotropy lies in bands that straddle the electron diffusion region and the separatrices, in the same regions where there are parallel electric fields. Analysis of electron distributions and fields shows that the nongyrotropy along the inflow and outflow separatrices emerges as a result of multiple populations of electrons influenced differently by large and small-scale parallel electric fields and by gradients in the electric field. The relevant parallel electric fields include large-scale potential ramps emanating from the x-line and sub-ion inertial scale bipolar electron holes. Gradients in the perpendicular electric field modify electrons differently depending on their phase, thus producing nongyrotropy. Magnetic flux violation occurs along portions of the separatrices that coincide with the parallel electric fields. An inductive electric field in the electron E × B drift frame thus develops, which has the effect of enhancing nongyrotropies already produced by other mechanisms and under certain conditions producing their own nongyrotropy. Particle tracing of electrons from nongyrotropic populations along the inflows and outflows shows that the striated structure of nongyrotropy corresponds to electrons arriving from different source regions. We also show that the relevant parallel electric fields receive important contributions not only from the nongyrotropic portion of the electron pressure tensor but from electron spatial and temporal inertial terms as well.
Implementation of a new iterative learning control algorithm on real data
Authors: Zamanian Hamed , Koohi Ardavan
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a newly presented approach is proposed for closed-loop automatic tuning of a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller based on iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm. A modified ILC scheme iteratively changes the control signal by adjusting it. Once a satisfactory performance is achieved, a linear compensator is identified in the ILC behavior using casual relationship between the closed loop signals. This compensator is approximated by a PD controller which is used to tune the original PID controller. Results of implementing this approach presented on the experimental data of Damavand tokamak and are consistent with simulation outcome.