bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual functionalized brain-targeting nanoinhibitors restrain temozolomide-resistant glioma via attenuating EGFR and MET signaling pathways
Authors: Meng Xiangqi , Zhao Yu , Han Bo , Zha Caijun , Zhang Yangong , Li Ziwei , Wu Pengfei , Qi Tengfei , Jiang Chuanlu , Liu Yang , Cai Jinquan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractActivation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) protein is frequently observed in malignant progression of gliomas. In this study, the crosstalk activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) signaling pathways is demonstrated to contribute to temozolomide (TMZ) resistance, resulting in an unfavorable prognosis for patients with glioblastoma. To simultaneously mitigate EGFR and MET activation, a dual functionalized brain-targeting nanoinhibitor, BIP-MPC-NP, is developed by conjugating Inherbin3 and cMBP on the surface of NHS-PEG8-Mal modified MPC-nanoparticles. In the presence of BIP-MPC-NP, DNA damage repair is attenuated and TMZ sensitivity is enhanced via the down-regulation of E2F1 mediated by TTP in TMZ resistant glioma. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows a significant repression in tumor growth and a prolonged survival of mice after injection of the BIP-MPC-NP and TMZ. These results demonstrate the promise of this nanoinhibitor as a feasible strategy overcoming TMZ resistance in glioma.
Probing the physical limits of reliable DNA data retrieval
Authors: Organick Lee , Chen Yuan-Jyue , Dumas Ang Siena , Lopez Randolph , Liu Xiaomeng , Strauss Karin , Ceze Luis 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSynthetic DNA is gaining momentum as a potential storage medium for archival data storage. In this process, digital information is translated into sequences of nucleotides and the resulting synthetic DNA strands are then stored for later retrieval. Here, we demonstrate reliable file recovery with PCR-based random access when as few as ten copies per sequence are stored, on average. This results in density of about 17 exabytes/gram, nearly two orders of magnitude greater than prior work has shown. We successfully retrieve the same data in a complex pool of over 1010 unique sequences per microliter with no evidence that we have begun to approach complexity limits. Finally, we also investigate the effects of file size and sequencing coverage on successful file retrieval and look for systematic DNA strand drop out. These findings substantiate the robustness and high data density of the process examined here.
A Novel Biodegradable Tubular Stent Prevents Pancreaticojejunal Anastomotic Stricture
Authors: Bakheet Nader , Park Jung-Hoon , Shin Sang Hyun , Hong Sarang , Park Yejong , Shim In Kyong , Hwang Changmo , Jeon Jae Yong , Lopera Jorge E. , Song Ho-Young , Kim Song Cheol 
Published: January 2020

AbstractStricture of pancreatic-enteric anastomoses is a major late complication of a pancreaticoduodenectomy for the treatment of a periampullary tumor and can lead to exocrine and endocrine insufficiency such as malnutrition and diabetes mellitus. We investigated the safety and efficacy of a biodegradable tubular stent (BTS) for preventing a pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomotic stricture in both a rat and porcine model. The BTS was manufactured using a terpolymer comprising poly p-dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate, and glycolide. A cohort of 42 rats was randomized into 7 groups of 6 animals each after BTS placement into the duodenum for the biodegradation assay. A total of 12 pigs were randomized equally into a control and BTS placement group. The effectiveness of the BTS was assessed by comparing radiologic images with histologic results. Surgical procedures and/or BTS placements were technically successful in all animals. The median mass losses of the removed BTS samples from the rat duodenum were 2.1, 6.8, 11.2, 19.4, 26.1, and 56.8% at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively. The BTS had completely degraded at 12 weeks in the rats. In the porcine PJ model, the mean luminal diameter and area of the pancreatic duct in the control group was significantly larger than in the BTS group (all p < 0.05). BTS placement thus appears to be safe and effective procedure for the prevention of PJ anastomotic stricture. These devices have the potential to be used as a temporary stent placement to treat pancreatic-enteric anastomoses, but further investigations are required for optimization in human.
An Ultrasonically Powered Implantable Microprobe for Electrolytic Ablation
Authors: Kim A. , Lee S. K. , Parupudi T. , Rahimi R. , Song S. H. , Park M. C. , Islam S. , Zhou J. , Majumdar A. K. , Park J. S. , Yoo J. M. , Ziaie B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractElectrolytic ablation (EA) is a promising nonthermal tumor ablation technique that destroys malignant cells through induction of a locoregional pH change. EA is typically performed by inserting needle electrodes inside the tumor followed by application of direct current (DC), thus inducing electrolysis and creating localized pH changes around the electrodes. In this paper, we report an ultrasonically powered implantable EA microprobe that may increase the clinical relevance of EA by allowing wireless control over device operation (capability to remotely turn the device on and off) and providing flexibility in treatment options (easier to administer fractionated doses over a longer period). The wireless EA microprobe consists of a millimeter-sized piezoelectric ultrasonic receiver, a rectifier circuit, and a pair of platinum electrodes (overall size is 9 × 3 × 2 mm3). Once implanted through a minimally invasive procedure, the microprobe can stay within a solid tumor and be repeatedly used as needed. Ultrasonic power allows for efficient power delivery to mm-scale devices implanted deep within soft tissues of the body. The microprobe is capable of producing a direct current of 90 µA at a voltage of 5 V across the electrodes under low-intensity ultrasound (~200 mW/cm2). The DC power creates acidic (pH < 2) and alkaline (pH > 12.9) regions around the anode and the cathode, respectively. The pH change, measured using tissue-mimicking agarose gel, extends to 0.8 cm3 in volume within an hour at an expansion rate of 0.5 mm3/min. The microprobe-mediated EA ablative capability is demonstrated in vitro in cancer cells and ex vivo in mouse liver.
Design and characterization of an acoustic composite lens with high-intensity and directionally controllable focusing
Authors: Sun Hongyu , Wang Shen , Huang Songling , Peng Lisha , Wang Qing , Zhao Wei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAcoustic orientation and bunching methods, which include the radiation surface expansion, ultrasonic demodulation, multiunit coherence, phased arrays and acoustic lenses, can be used to manipulate and focus sound waves. Recently, focusing systems composed of acoustic lenses have been found to offer high controllability and focusing intensity. In this paper, a newly designed composite acoustic lens that can achieve wave convergence is proposed by assembling a lattice array of concave hexagonal (CH)-shaped rods. In comparison with the latest published work, the new CH structure improves upon the focusing capability of traditional acoustic lenses while retaining their advantages in terms of 3-D underwater focusing. Simulated and experimental results show that a lens with the CH structure has good focusing intensity and can focus acoustic waves over a wide range of incidence angles without losing its functionality. With its good focusing capabilities, this new composite lens may open the door to a broad range of applications, including high-precision nondestructive testing (NDT), high-efficiency medical treatment and multidirectional underwater focusing.
Depicting corrosion-born defects in pipelines with combined neutron/γ ray backscatter: a biomimetic approach
Authors: Licata M. , Aspinall M. D. , Bandala M. , Cave F. D. , Conway S. , Gerta D. , Parker H. M. O. , Roberts N. J. , Taylor G. C. , Joyce M. J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe identification of corrosion, cracks and defects in pipelines used for transporting oil and gas can reduce the possibility of leaks, and consequently, it can limit the extent of an environmental disaster, public hazard and the associated financial impact of such events. Typically, corrosion in oil pipelines is measured with non-destructive ultrasonic or electromagnetic techniques, on the basis that corrosion and defects are often manifest as a change of thickness in the steel from which pipelines are made. However, such approaches are not practical for underground pipelines and their deployment can be complicated for the case of pipelines covered by insulation. In this paper, we present an innovative, non-destructive testing technique, which exploits the backscatter of a combination of fast-neutron and γ radiation from steel samples of a variety of thicknesses consistent with changes that might arise due to corrosion of a pipe wall. Our research demonstrates the potential to measure and characterise different steel thicknesses by detecting both the elastic, fast-neutron backscatter and the Compton-scattered γ radiations, simultaneously. Further, we demonstrate that the presence of insulation yields a consistent and separable influence on the experimental, wall-thickness measurements. The data from experimental measurements are supported by a comprehensive Monte Carlo computer simulation study.
Evaluation of the population structure and phylogeography of the Japanese Genji firefly, Luciola cruciata, at the nuclear DNA level using RAD-Seq analysis
Authors: Kato Dai-ichiro , Suzuki Hirobumi , Tsuruta Atsuhiro , Maeda Juri , Hayashi Yoshinobu , Arima Kazunari , Ito Yuji , Nagano Yukio 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe Genji firefly, Luciola cruciata, is widely distributed throughout the major Japanese islands (Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu) and distinguished into two ecological types on the basis of the flash interval of the mate-seeking males (4-sec slow-flash or 2-sec fast-flash intervals). The boundary of the ecological types corresponds to the Fossa Magna, a great rupture zone that separates eastern and western Japan. Although the degree of genetic differentiation of the two types has been evaluated using allozyme and mitochondrial DNA sequence data, it has not been evaluated using genome-wide data. Based on the genome-wide data obtained using single-end restriction-site-associated DNA (RAD-Seq), principal component, gene-level phylogenetic tree, admixture, and Wright’s fixation index analyses, we identified three phylogenetic groups in L. cruciata: East-Honshu, West-Honshu, and Kyushu. This grouping corresponds to the ecological types: East-Honshu to the slow-flash type and West-Honshu and Kyushu to the fast-flash type. Although introgression was exceptionally observed around adjacent or artificially transplanted areas, gene flow among the groups was almost absent in the natural populations. The phylogenetic tree under the coalescent model also evaluated differentiation among the East-Honshu, West-Honshu and Kyushu groups. Furthermore, because the distribution patterns of the three groups are consistent with the geological history of Japanese islands, a vicariant speciation scenario of L. cruciata is concluded. In addition, we identified genetic markers that can be used to distinguish the three genetic groups for genetic management of firefly transplantation in nature conservation and regeneration.
Assessing Variability of Infiltration Characteristics and Reliability of Infiltration Models in a Tropical Sub-humid Region of India
Authors: Mahapatra Smaranika , Jha Madan K. , Biswal Sabinaya , Senapati Debasis 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInfiltration process, which plays a paramount role in irrigation and drainage systems design, groundwater recharge and contamination evaluation, flood and drought management etc. is often controlled by several factors, among which land use/land cover (LULC) and soil physical properties are the prime factors. These factors lead to significant spatial variability of infiltration process, which poses a serious challenge for hydrologists and water managers. However, studies analyzing spatial variability and influence of both LULC and soil physical properties are scarce. To this end, grid-based infiltration experiments were carried out in a tropical sub-humid region of India to investigate spatial variability of infiltration characteristics, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) as well as to evaluate reliability of seven infiltration models in predicting infiltration behaviour and estimating Ksat. Additionally, uncertainty analysis was performed to quantify uncertainties associated with estimated Ksat for different LULC and soils. Results indicated that quasi-steady infiltration rate over the study area vary considerably with a majority of the area falling under ‘low’ and ‘medium’ infiltration categories. The infiltration process is greatly influenced by macro-pores and relatively low-permeable layers present at varying depths, typical features of lateritic vadose zones in tropical sub-humid regions, rather than its sole dependence on texture and LULC. Further, the Brutsaert model estimates Ksat with the highest accuracy and least uncertainty followed by Swartzendruber and Horton models. Except the Brutsaert model, other models are sensitive to a particular LULC. Overall, it is inferred that the Brutsaert and Swartzendruber models are robust and more reliable in predicting infiltration behavior and Ksat for the area. Findings of this study including quantification of spatial variability of important soil properties are useful for understanding detailed hydrological processes in the region and thereby, ensuring better planning and management of recurring floods and drought problems of the region.
Retinal Capillary Plexus Pattern and Density from Fovea to Periphery Measured in Healthy Eyes with Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Lavia Carlo , Mecê Pedro , Nassisi Marco , Bonnin Sophie , Marie-Louise Jennifer , Couturier Aude , Erginay Ali , Tadayoni Ramin , Gaudric Alain 
Published: January 2020

AbstractOptical coherence tomography angiography is evolving towards wider fields of view. As single widefield acquisitions have a lower resolution, preventing an accurate segmentation of vascular plexuses in the periphery, we examined the retinal vascularisation from the macula to the periphery in all retinal quadrants, using 3 × 3-mm volume scans, to obtain montages with sufficient image resolution up to 11 mm from the foveal centre. Images were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed, using C- and B-scan approaches to calculate the capillary density (CD) and the interplexus distance (IPD). Three vascular plexuses (i.e., superficial vascular plexus: SVP, intermediate capillary plexus: ICP, and deep capillary plexus: DCP) were observed up to the mid-periphery in all sectors. The CD of the SVP decreased from about 5 mm of eccentricity, along with ganglion cell density decrease. The CD of the ICP progressively decreased from the fovea towards the periphery, along with the retinal thinning and then vanished from 8 to 9 mm of eccentricity, becoming undetectable beyond. This ICP disappearance resulted in an increased IPD between the SVP and the DCP in an area known to be frequently affected by capillary drop-out in diabetic retinopathy. The DCP only showed a slightly decreased CD towards the retinal periphery.
Reversed Doppler effect based on hybridized acoustic Mie resonances
Authors: Liu Chen , Long Houyou , Zhou Chen , Cheng Ying , Liu Xiaojun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe realization of reversed Doppler effects in double-negative acoustic metamaterials remains challenging. This paper demonstrates the reversed Doppler effect associated with sound wave propagation in negative group velocity in hybridized metamaterial (HM) system using a simple Mie-resonator configuration. Double-negative acoustic parameters act simultaneously on the effective dynamic bulk modulus and mass density within overlapped frequency region of multiple Mie resonances. Notably, while ordinary media exhibits higher received frequency during the approach and lower during the recession, we observe that in HM the detected signals show redshift compared to the emitted frequency when approaching to the source while depict blue shift when receding from the source. On this basis, the HM exhibits negative phase velocity with reversed wavefronts and negative refraction effect for certain frequency range. Focusing of sound waves emitted from a point source is further realized with a flat lens composed by such a HM slab.
Associations between adipose tissue volume and small molecules in plasma and urine among asymptomatic subjects from the general population
Authors: Otto Lerina , Budde Kathrin , Kastenmüller Gabi , Kaul Anne , Völker Uwe , Völzke Henry , Adamski Jerzy , Kühn Jens P. , Krumsiek Jan , Artati Anna , Nauck Matthias , Friedrich Nele , Pietzner Maik 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObesity is one of the major risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A disproportional accumulation of fat at visceral (VAT) compared to subcutaneous sites (SAT) has been suspected as a key detrimental event. We used non-targeted metabolomics profiling to reveal metabolic pathways associated with higher VAT or SAT amount among subjects free of metabolic diseases to identify possible contributing metabolic pathways. The study population comprised 491 subjects [mean (standard deviation): age 44.6 yrs (13.0), body mass index 25.4 kg/m² (3.6), 60.1% females] without diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, the metabolic syndrome or impaired renal function. We associated MRI-derived fat amounts with mass spectrometry-derived metabolites in plasma and urine using linear regression models adjusting for major confounders. We tested for sex-specific effects using interactions terms and performed sensitivity analyses for the influence of insulin resistance on the results. VAT and SAT were significantly associated with 155 (101 urine) and 49 (29 urine) metabolites, respectively, of which 45 (27 urine) were common to both. Major metabolic pathways were branched-chain amino acid metabolism (partially independent of insulin resistance), surrogate markers of oxidative stress and gut microbial diversity, and cortisol metabolism. We observed a novel positive association between VAT and plasma levels of the potential pharmacological agent piperine. Sex-specific effects were only a few, e.g. the female-specific association between VAT and O-methylascorbate. In brief, higher VAT was associated with an unfavorable metabolite profile in a sample of healthy, mostly non-obese individuals from the general population and only few sex-specific associations became apparent.
Raman Spectroscopy Study on Chemical Transformations of Propane at High Temperatures and High Pressures
Authors: Kudryavtsev Daniil A. , Fedotenko Timofey М. , Koemets Egor G. , Khandarkhaeva Saiana E. , Kutcherov Vladimir G. , Dubrovinsky Leonid S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study is devoted to the detailed in situ Raman spectroscopy investigation of propane C3H8 in laser-heated diamond anvil cells in the range of pressures from 3 to 22 GPa and temperatures from 900 to 3000 K. We show that propane, while being exposed to particular thermobaric conditions, could react, leading to the formation of hydrocarbons, both saturated and unsaturated as well as soot. Our results suggest that propane could be a precursor of heavy hydrocarbons and will produce more than just sooty material when subjected to extreme conditions. These results could clarify the issue of the presence of heavy hydrocarbons in the Earth’s upper mantle.
Spatial induction of genes encoding secreted proteins in micro-colonies of Aspergillus niger
Authors: Tegelaar Martin , Aerts David , Teertstra Wieke R. , Wösten Han A. B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAspergillus niger is used by the industry to produce enzymes and metabolites such as citric acid. In liquid cultures, it can grow as a dispersed mycelium or as micro-colonies with a width in the micrometer to millimeter range. Here, it was assessed whether expression of genes encoding secreted enzymes depends on mycelium morphology. To this end, expression of the reporter gene gfp from the promoters of the glucoamylase gene glaA, the feruloyl esterase gene faeA and the α-glucuronidase gene aguA was causally related to micro-colony size within a liquid shaken culture. Data could be fitted by hyperbolic functions, implying that the genes encoding these secreted proteins are expressed in a shell at the periphery of the micro-colony. The presence of such a shell was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Modelling predicted that the width of these zones was 13 to 156 µm depending on growth medium and micro-colony diameter. Together, data indicate that the highest productive micro-colonies are those colonies that have a radius ≤ the width of the peripheral expression zone.
Association of the genetic ancestry with resistant hypertension in the ReHOT (Resistant Hypertension Optimal Treatment) randomized study
Authors: Bueno Carolina Tosin , Pereira Alexandre Costa , Santos Hadassa Campos , Gómez Luz Marina Gómez , Horimoto Andrea Roseli Vançan Russo , Krieger Eduardo Moacyr , Krieger Jose Eduardo , Santos Paulo Caleb Junior Lima 
Published: January 2020

AbstractResistant hypertension (RH) is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications, including, if tolerated, a diuretic in adequate doses. It has been widely known that race is associated with blood pressure control. However, intense debate persists as to whether this is solely explained by unadjusted socioeconomical variables or genetic variation. In this scenario, the main aim was to evaluate the association between genetic ancestry and resistant hypertension in a large sample from a multicenter trial of stage II hypertension, the ReHOT study. Samples from 1,358 patients were analyzed, of which 167 were defined as resistant hypertensive. Genetic ancestry was defined using a panel of 192 polymorphic markers. The genetic ancestry was similar in resistant (52.0% European, 36.7% African and 11.3% Amerindian) and nonresistant hypertensive patients (54.0% European, 34.4% African and 11.6% Amerindian) (p > 0.05). However, we observed a statistically suggestive association of African ancestry with resistant hypertension in brown patient group. In conclusion, increased African genetic ancestry was not associated with RH in Brazilian patients from a prospective randomized hypertension clinical trial.