bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmentally controlled magnetic nano-tweezer for living cells and extracellular matrices
Authors: Aermes Christian , Hayn Alexander , Fischer Tony , Mierke Claudia Tanja 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe magnetic tweezer technique has become a versatile tool for unfolding or folding of individual molecules, mainly DNA. In addition to single molecule analysis, the magnetic tweezer can be used to analyze the mechanical properties of cells and extracellular matrices. We have established a magnetic tweezer that is capable of measuring the linear and non-linear viscoelastic behavior of a wide range of soft matter in precisely controlled environmental conditions, such as temperature, CO2and humidity. The magnetic tweezer presented in this study is suitable to detect specific differences in the mechanical properties of different cell lines, such as human breast cancer cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts, as well as collagen matrices of distinct concentrations in the presence and absence of fibronectin crosslinks. The precise calibration and control mechanism employed in the presented magnetic tweezer setup provides the ability to apply physiological force up to 5 nN on 4.5 µm superparamagnetic beads coated with fibronectin and coupled to the cells or collagen matrices. These measurements reveal specific local linear and non-linear viscoelastic behavior of the investigated samples. The viscoelastic response of cells and collagen matrices to the force application is best described by a weak power law behavior. Our results demonstrate that the stress stiffening response and the fluidization of cells is cell type specific and varies largely between differently invasive and aggressive cancer cells. Finally, we showed that the viscoelastic behavior of collagen matrices with and without fibronectin crosslinks measured by the magnetic tweezer can be related to the microstructure of these matrices.
A comparative analysis of artificial neural networks and wavelet hybrid approaches to long-term toxic heavy metal prediction
Authors: Li Peifeng , Hua Pei , Gui Dongwei , Niu Jie , Pei Peng , Zhang Jin , Krebs Peter 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe occurrence of toxic metals in the aquatic environment is as caused by a variety of contaminations which makes difficulty in the concentration prediction. In this study, conventional methods of back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and nonlinear autoregressive network with exogenous inputs (NARX) were applied as benchmark models. Explanatory variables of Fe, pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature, river flow, nitrate nitrogen, and dissolved oxygen were used as different input combinations to forecast the long-term concentrations of As, Pb, and Zn. The wavelet transformation was applied to decompose the time series data, and then was integrated with conventional methods (as WNN and WNARX). The modelling performances of the hybrid models of WNN and WNARX were compared with the conventional models. All the given models were trained, validated, and tested by an 18-year data set and demonstrated based on the simulation results of a 2-year data set. Results revealed that the given models showed general good performances for the long-term prediction of the toxic metals of As, Pb, and Zn. The wavelet transform could enhance the long-term concentration predictions. However, it is not necessarily useful for each metal prediction. Therefore, different models with different inputs should be used for different metals predictions to achieve the best predictions.
Inverse gas chromatography in the examination of adhesion between tooth hard tissues and restorative dental materials
Authors: Buchwald Zuzanna , Czarnecka Beata , Voelkel Adam 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe adhesion is a crucial issue in the bonding of dental restorative materials to tooth hard tissues. A strong and durable bond between artificial and natural materials is responsible for the success of the restoration in the oral cavity; therefore it has to be thoroughly examined before new restorative material is introduced to the market and used clinically. Among all methods used to examine bonding strength, most of them require a large number of healthy teeth to be conducted. In this paper, the bond strength between tooth hard tissues (dentin and enamel) and an exemplary restorative composite was examined with the non-conventional method, i.e. inverse gas chromatography. Dentin and enamel from bovine teeth were separated and subjected to the standard preparation procedure using the 3-component etch-and-rinse commercial bonding system. Tissues, as well as commercial restorative composite, were examined using inverse gas chromatography. The work of adhesion between dentin/enamel and composite was calculated. Obtained results were compared with the values of shear bond strength of six configurations, i.e. etched dentin/enamel-composite, primed dentin/enamel-composite, and bonded dentin/enamel-composite. All obtained results proved that there is a correlation between the values describing bond strength obtained from inverse gas chromatography and direct mechanical tests (shear bond strength tests). It proves that inverse gas chromatography is a powerful perspective tool for the examination of bond strength between tooth hard tissues and potential dental materials without using a large number of health tooth tissues.
Development of an intravital imaging system for the synovial tissue reveals the dynamics of CTLA-4 Ig in vivo
Authors: Hasegawa Tetsuo , Kikuta Junichi , Sudo Takao , Yamashita Erika , Seno Shigeto , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Ishii Masaru 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThere have been many attempts to visualize the inflamed joints using multiphoton microscopy. However, due to the hypervascular and multilayered structure of the inflamed synovium, intravital imaging of the deep synovial tissue has been difficult. Here, we established original intravital imaging systems to visualize synovial tissue and pathological osteoclasts at the pannus–bone interface using multiphoton microscopy. Combined with fluorescence-labeling of CTLA-4 Ig, a biological agent used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, we identified that CTLA-4 Ig was distributed predominantly within the inflamed synovium and bound to CX3CR1+macrophages and CD140a+fibroblasts 6 h after injection, but not to mature osteoclasts. Intravital imaging of blood and lymphatic vessels in the inflamed synovium further showed that extravasated CTLA-4 Ig was immediately drained through lymphatic vessels under acute arthritic conditions, but the drainage activity was retarded under chronic conditions. These results indicate that this intravital synovial imaging system can serve as a platform for exploring the dynamics of immune cells, osteoclasts, and biological agents within the synovial microenvironment in vivo.
Expanding cancer predisposition genes with ultra-rare cancer-exclusive human variations
Authors: Rasnic Roni , Linial Nathan , Linial Michal 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIt is estimated that up to 10% of cancer incidents are attributed to inherited genetic alterations. Despite extensive research, there are still gaps in our understanding of genetic predisposition to cancer. It was theorized that ultra-rare variants partially account for the missing heritable component. We harness the UK BioBank dataset of ~ 500,000 individuals, 14% of which were diagnosed with cancer, to detect ultra-rare, possibly high-penetrance cancer predisposition variants. We report on 115 cancer-exclusive ultra-rare variations and nominate 26 variants with additional independent evidence as cancer predisposition variants. We conclude that population cohorts are valuable source for expanding the collection of novel cancer predisposition genes.
Cross-talk between airway and gut microbiome links to IgE responses to house dust mites in childhood airway allergies
Authors: Chiu Chih-Yung , Chan Yi-Ling , Tsai Ming-Han , Wang Chia-Jung , Chiang Meng-Han , Chiu Chun-Che , Su Shih-Chi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA connection between airway and gut microbiota related to allergen exposure in childhood allergies was not well addressed. We aimed to identify the microbiota alterations in the airway and gut related to mite-specific IgE responses in young children with airway allergies. This study enrolled 60 children, including 38 mite-sensitized children (20 rhinitis and 18 asthma), and 22 non-mite-sensitized healthy controls. Microbiome composition analysis of the throat swab and stool samples was performed using bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. An integrative analysis of the airway and stool microbial profiling associated with IgE reactions in childhood allergic rhinitis and asthma was examined. The Chao1 and Shannon indices in the airway were significantly lower than those in the stool. Additionally, an inverse association of the airway microbial diversity with house dust mite (HDM) sensitization and allergic airway diseases was noted. Fecal IgE levels were positively correlated with the serum Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus- and Dermatophagoides farinae-specific IgE levels. Airway Leptotrichia spp. related to asthma were strongly correlated with fecal Dorea and Ruminococcus spp., which were inversely associated with fecal IgE levels and risk of allergic rhinitis. Moreover, four airway genera, Campylobacter, Selenomonas, Tannerella, and Atopobium, were negatively correlated with both serum mite-specific and fecal IgE levels. Among them, the airway Selenomonas and Atopobium spp. were positively correlated with stool Blautia and Dorea spp. related to asthma and allergic rhinitis, respectively. In conclusion, airway microbial dysbiosis in response to HDM and its cross-talk with the gut microbial community is related to allergic airway diseases in early childhood.
Effects of stellate ganglion block on postoperative trigeminal neuropathy after dental surgery: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Sago Teppei , Takahashi Osamu , Ogawa Mika , Kawabata Kazune , Matsukawa Ibuki , Shiiba Shunji 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on postoperative trigeminal neuropathy (TNP) after dental surgery. This was a retrospective study based on the medical records of all patients with postoperative TNP at Kyushu Dental University Hospital from 2014 to 2019. Patients were divided into the SGB group (received SGB) and non-SGB group (did not receive SGB). We evaluated the severity of TNP at 3 months after surgery and the incidence rate of abnormal sensations. Abnormal sensations were counted using patients’ reports of uncomfortable symptoms during the treatment, including dysaesthesia, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. A propensity score (PS) matching analysis was performed to evaluate these data. After PS matching, amongst others, the force equivalent values of the Semmes–Weinstein test at 3-months post-treatment were significantly lower in the SGB group than in the non-SGB group (2.00 ± 0.44 vs 2.30 ± 0.48; p < 0.05). In addition, after PS matching, the incidence rate of abnormal sensations during the treatment was significantly lower in the SGB group than in the non-SGB group (10 cases [4.7%] vs 22 cases [10.3%]; p < 0.05). Collectively, the findings support that SGB may improve the recovery from postoperative TNP and reduce the incidence rate of abnormal sensations after dental surgery.
Detecting shielded explosives by coupling prompt gamma neutron activation analysis and deep neural networks
Authors: Hossny K. , Hossny Ahmad Hany , Magdi S. , Soliman Abdelfattah Y. , Hossny Mohammed 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPrompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis is a nuclear-based technique that can be used in explosives detection. It relies on bombarding unknown samples with neutrons emitted from a neutron source. These neutrons interact with the sample nuclei emitting the gamma spectrum with peaks at specific energies, which are considered a fingerprint for the sample composition. Analyzing these peaks heights will give information about the unknown sample material composition. Shielding the sample from gamma rays or neutrons will affect the gamma spectrum obtained to be analyzed, providing a false indication about the sample constituents, especially when the shield is unknown. Here we show how using deep neural networks can solve the shielding drawback associated with the prompt gamma neutron activation analysis technique in explosives detection. We found that the introduced end-to-end framework was capable of differentiating between explosive and non-explosive hydrocarbons with accuracy of 95% for the previously included explosives in the model development data set. It was also, capable of generalizing with accuracy 80% over the explosives which were not included in the model development data set. Our results show that coupling prompt gamma neutron activation analysis with deep neural networks has a good potential for high accuracy explosives detection regardless of the shield presence.
Minimal unlinking pathways as geodesics in knot polynomial space
Authors: Liu Xin , Ricca Renzo L. , Li Xin-Fei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPhysical knots observed in various contexts – from DNA biology to vortex dynamics and condensed matter physics – are found to undergo topological simplification through iterated recombination of knot strands following a common, qualitative pattern that bears remarkable similarities across fields. Here, by interpreting evolutionary processes as geodesic flows in a suitably defined knot polynomial space, we show that a new measure of topological complexity allows accurate quantification of the probability of decay pathways by selecting the optimal unlinking pathways. We also show that these optimal pathways are captured by a logarithmic best-fit curve related to the distribution of minimum energy states of tight knots. This preliminary approach shows great potential for establishing new relations between topological simplification pathways and energy cascade processes in nature.
X-ray pair distribution function analysis and electrical and electrochemical properties of cerium doped Li5La3Nb2O12 garnet solid-state electrolyte
Authors: Dong Bo , Stockham Mark P. , Chater Philip A. , Slater Peter R. 
Published: August 2020

Ce doping in Li5La3Nb2O12 leads to a large increase in conductivity and a reduction in the interfacial resistance in contact with Li metal.
Elemental and molecular imaging of human full thickness skin after exposure to heavy metals
Authors: Chavatte Laurent , Juan Milène , Mounicou Sandra , Leblanc Noblesse Emmanuelle , Pays Karl , Nizard Carine , Bulteau Anne-Laure 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Compelling evidence suggests that heavy metals have potentially harmful effects on the skin. However, knowledge about cellular signaling events and toxicity subsequent to human skin cell exposure to metals is still poorly documented. The aim of this study was to focus on the interaction between four different heavy metals (lead, nickel, cadmium, and mercury) at doses mimicking chronic low-levels of environmental exposure and the effect on skin to get better insight into metal–cell interactions. We provide evidence that the two metals (lead and nickel) can permeate the skin and accumulate at high concentrations in the dermis. The skin barrier was disrupted after metal exposure and this was accompanied by apoptosis, DNA damage and lipid oxidation. Skin antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and methionine sulfoxide reductase are also heavy metal targets. Taken together, our findings provide insight into potential mechanisms of metal-induced oxidative stress production and the cellular consequences of these events.
Tanshinone IIA induces ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells through p53-mediated SLC7A11 down-regulation
Authors: Guan Zhenhua , Chen Jing , Li Xueliang , Dong Na 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Gastric cancer represents a malignant type of cancer worldwide. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), a pharmacologically active component isolated from the rhizome of the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), has been reported to possess an anti-cancer effect in gastric cancer. However, its mechanisms are still not fully understood. In the present study, we found that Tan IIA induced ferroptosis in BGC-823 and NCI-H87 gastric cancer cells. Tan IIA increased lipid peroxidation and up-regulated Ptgs2 and Chac1 expression, two markers of ferroptosis. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, inhibited Tan IIA caused-lipid peroxidation and Ptgs2 and Chac1 expression. In addition, Tan IIA also up-regulated p53 expression and down-regulated xCT expression. Tan IIA caused decreased intracellular glutathione (GSH) level and cysteine level and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. p53 knockdown attenuated Tan IIA-induced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Tan IIA also induced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in BGC-823 xenograft model, and the anti-cancer effect of Tan IIA was attenuated by Fer-1 in vivo. Therefore, Tan IIA could suppress the proliferation of gastric cancer via inducing p53 upregulation-mediated ferroptosis. Our study have identified a novel mechanism of Tan IIA against gastric cancer, and might provide a critical insight into the application of Tan IIA in gastric cancer intervention.
Clinical Characteristics Associated With Stuttering Persistence: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Singer Cara M. , Hessling Alison , Kelly Ellen M. , Singer Lisa , Jones Robin M. 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this meta-analytic study was to identify clinical characteristics, defined as child factors that can be assessed by a speech-language pathologist as part of a routine speech-language evaluation that may differentiate children who persist in stuttering from children who eventually recover from stuttering. Clinical characteristics explored included sex, age at onset, family history of stuttering, stuttering frequency and severity, speech-language skills, and temperament.MethodStudies were identified through electronic databases, journals, and reference lists of relevant reports (e.g., research articles). Eligible studies followed young children who stutter (i.e., under 6 years old) for at least 24 months, assessed a potential clinical marker at study entry, and determined talker group classification (i.e., persistent or recovered) at study completion. Sex and family history differences were estimated using risk ratios; all other differences were estimated using Hedges'sg. Heterogeneity and methodological differences among studies were evaluated.ResultsEleven studies (41 reports) met eligibility criteria. Persistent children were older at stuttering onset and exhibited higher frequencies of stuttering-like disfluencies, lower speech sound accuracy, and lower expressive and receptive language skills than recovered children. Males and children with a family history of stuttering were also more likely to persist.ConclusionsClinical characteristics were identified that are associated with increased risk for stuttering persistence. Future studies have the potential to translate these clinical characteristics into prognostic markers for stuttering persistence risk.
Magnesium and silicon in interstellar dust: X-ray overview
Authors: Rogantini D. , Costantini E. , Zeegers S. T. , Mehdipour M. , Psaradaki I. , Raassen A. J. J. , de Vries C. P. , Waters L. B. F. M. 
Published: August 2020

Context.The dense Galactic environment is a large reservoir of interstellar dust. Therefore, this region represents a perfect laboratory to study the properties of cosmic dust grains. X-rays are the most direct way to detect the interaction of light with dust present in these dense environments.Aims.The interaction between the radiation and the interstellar matter imprints specific absorption features on the X-ray spectrum. We study them with the aim of defining the chemical composition, the crystallinity, and structure of the dust grains that populate the inner regions of the Galaxy.Methods.We investigated the magnesium and the silicon K-edges detected in theChandra/HETG spectra of eight bright X-ray binaries, distributed in the neighbourhood of the Galactic centre. We modelled the two spectral features using accurate extinction cross-sections of silicates, which we measured at the synchrotron facility Soleil, France.Results.Near the Galactic centre, magnesium and silicon show abundances similar to the solar ones and they are highly depleted from the gas phase (δMg> 0.90 andδSi> 0.96). We find that amorphous olivine with a composition of MgFeSiO4is the most representative compound along all lines of sight according to our fits. The contribution of Mg-rich silicates and quartz is low (less than 10%). On average we observe a percentage of crystalline dust equal to 11%. For the extragalactic source LMC X-1, we find a preference for forsterite, a magnesium-rich olivine. Along this line of sight we also observe an under-abundance of siliconASi∕ALMC= 0.5 ± 0.2.
Langzeitevaluation nach autologer Fetttransplantation zur Brustvergrößerung
Authors: Ueberreiter Charlotte Sophie , Ueberreiter Klaus , Mohrmann Chris , Herm Juliane , Herold Christian 
Published: August 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die Transplantation autologen Fettgewebes ist eine vermehrt angewandte, jedoch nicht standardisierte Prozedur in der plastischen und rekonstruktiven Chirurgie. Bisher gab es lediglich Untersuchungen zu kurzfristigen Ergebnissen über den Volumenerhalt nach einer Fettgewebstransplantation. In dieser Arbeit werden die Ergebnisse einer Langzeitstudie über Fettgewebstransplantationen zur Brustvergrößerung vorgestellt.
Patienten/Material und Methoden Bei 14 Patientinnen wurde präoperativ sowie 5–9 Jahre (Median 6 Jahre) nach der Transplantation autologen Fettgewebes in die Brust nach dem BEAULI-Protokoll ein MRT angefertigt. Die Volumendifferenz wurde mit der Software OsiriX miteinander verglichen. Da zusätzlich die Auswirkung von Gewichtsschwankungen ermittelt werden sollten, wurden die Patientinnen in zwei Gruppen eingeteilt. In Gruppe 1 wurden Patientinnen mit einer Gewichtszunahme von < 1 kg/m2, in Gruppe 2 Patientinnen mit einer Gewichtszunahme von > 1 kg/m2 eingeschlossen. Die mediane BMI-Zunahme lag bei 1,6 kg/m2 (Minimal 0 – maximal 3,9). Eine der Patientinnen hatte nach vorübergehender Gewichtszunahme während der Transplantationen wieder ihr Ausgangsgewicht erreicht.
Ergebnisse Die Patientinnen erhielten je nach gewünschtem Endergebnis zwischen einem und 4 Eingriffe, in welchen ein mittleres Volumen von 176 ml Fettgewebe pro Brust pro Eingriff transplantiert wurde. In der ersten Gruppe konnte ein medianer Volumenerhalt des transplantierten Fettgewebes von 74 % (IQA 58 % – 92 %) errechnet werden. In der zweiten Gruppe wurde sogar eine Volumenzunahme von im Median 135 % (IQA 105 % – 318 %) beobachtet.
Schlussfolgerung In der vorliegenden Studie zeigen sich stabile Langzeitergebnisse bei der Einheilungsrate vom transplantierten Fettgewebe. Es konnte eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen Gewichtszunahme und Volumenerhalt des transplantierten Gewebes gezeigt werden. Damit ist auch die teilweise überproportional hohe Volumenzunahme bei einigen Patientinnen zu erklären. Die Transplantation autologen Fettgewebes ergibt die Möglichkeit einer sicheren und effizienten Methode zur Brustvergrößerung. Für eine genauere Aussage sind jedoch weiterführende Studien mit größeren Fallzahlen notwendig.