bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nemopilema nomurai jellyfish venom exerts an anti-metastatic effect by inhibiting Smad- and NF-κB-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition in HepG2 cells
Authors: Lee Hyunkyoung , Pyo Min Jung , Bae Seong Kyeong , Heo Yunwi , Choudhary Indu , Hwang Duhyeon , Yang Hyeryeon , Kim Je-hein , Chae Jinho , Han Chang Hoon , Kang Changkeun , Yum Seungshic , Kim Euikyung 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key initial step in metastasis for malignant cancer cells to obtain invasive and motile properties. Inhibiting EMT has become a new strategy for cancer therapy. In our previous in vivo study, Nemopilema nomurai jellyfish venom (NnV) -treated HepG2 xenograft mice group showed that E-cadherin expression was strongly detected compared with non-treated groups. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether NnV could inhibit the invasive and migratory abilities of HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and to examine its effect on EMT. Our results revealed that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 induced cell morphological changes and downregulated E-cadherin and β-catenin expression, but upregulated N-cadherin and vimentin expression through the Smad and NF-κB pathways in HepG2 cells. Treatment of TGF-β1-stimulated HepG2 cells with NnV reversed the EMT-related marker expression, thereby inhibiting cell migration and invasion. NnV also significantly suppressed the activation of p-Smad3, Smad4, and p-NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicated that NnV can significantly suppress cell migration and invasion by inhibiting EMT in HepG2 cells, and therefore might be a promising target for hepatocellular carcinoma therapeutics.
Three-dimensional (3D) tetra-culture brain on chip platform for organophosphate toxicity screening
Authors: Koo Youngmi , Hawkins Brian T. , Yun Yeoheung 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOrganophosphate-based compounds (OPs) represent a significant threat to warfighters (nerve agents) and civilian populations (pesticides). There is a pressing need to develop in vitro brain models that correlate to the in vivo brain to rapidly study OPs for neurotoxicity. Here we report on a microfluidic-based three-dimensional, four-cell tissue construct consisting of 1) a blood-brain barrier that has dynamic flow and membrane-free culture of the endothelial layer, and 2) an extracellular matrix (ECM)-embedded tissue construct with neuroblastoma, microglia, and astrocytes. We demonstrated this platform’s utility by measuring OP effects on barrier integrity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, viability and residual OP concentration with four model OPs. The results show that the OPs penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB) and rapidly inhibit AChE activity, and that in vitro toxicity was correlated with available in vivo data. This paper demonstrates the potential utility of a membrane-free tetra-cultured brain on chip that can be scaled to high throughput as a cost-effective alternative method to animal testing.
Galectin-3 Plays an Important Role in Preterm Birth Caused by Dental Infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Miyauchi Mutsumi , Ao Min , Furusho Hisako , Chea Chanbora , Nagasaki Atsuhiro , Sakamoto Shinnichi , Ando Toshinori , Inubushi Toshihiro , Kozai Katsuyuki , Takata Takashi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDental infection is risk for preterm birth (PTB) through unclear mechanisms. We established a dental infection-induced PTB mouse model, in whichPorphyromonas gingivalis(P.g.) induced PTB by 2 days. We analysed pathogenic factors contributing to PTB and their effects on trophoblastsin vitro. TNF-α, IL-8, and COX-2 were upregulated inP.g.-infected placenta. Galectin-3 (Gal-3), an immune regulator, was significantly upregulated in placenta, amniotic fluid, and serum.In vitro,P.g.-lipopolysaccharide (P.g.-LPS) increased TNF-α and Gal-3 in trophoblasts via NF-κB/MAPK signalling. Gal-3 inhibition significantly downregulatedP.g.-LPS-induced TNF-α production. TNF-α upregulated Gal-3. Gal-3 also increased cytokines and Gal-3 through NF-κB/MAPK signalling. Moreover, Gal-3 suppressed CD-66a expression at the maternal-foetal interface. Co-stimulation with Gal-3 andP.g.-LPS upregulated cytokine levels, while Gal-3 plusAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.)-orEscherichia coli (E. coli)-LPS treatment downregulated them, indicating the critical role of Gal-3 especially inP.g. dental infection-induced PTB.P.g.-dental infection induced PTB, which was associated with Gal-3-dependent cytokine production. New therapies and/or diagnostic systems targeting Gal-3 may reduce PTB.
Dynamically tunable band stop filter enabled by the metal-graphene metamaterials
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhong Renbin , Lian Zhen , Bu Chen , Liu Shenggang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDynamically tunable band stop filter based on metal-graphene metamaterials is proposed and numerically investigated at mid-infrared frequencies. The proposed filter is constructed by unit cells with simple gold strips on the stack of monolayer graphene and the substrate of BaF2. A stable modulation depth up to −23.26 dB can be achieved. Due to the cooperative effect of the “bright-bright” elements, the amount of the gold strips in each unit cell determines the number of the stop-bands, providing a simple and flexible approach to develop multispectral devices. Further investigations illustrate that the location of the stop bands not only can be adjusted by varying the length of gold strips, but also can be dynamically controlled by tuning the Fermi energy level of graphene, and deep modulation is acquired through designing the carrier mobility. With the sensitivity as high as 2393 nm/RIU of the resonances to the varieties of surrounding medium, the structure is also enabled to be an index based sensor. The results will benefit the on plane or integrated micro-structure research with simple structure and flexible tunability, and can be applied in multi-band stop filters, sensors and other graphene-based multispectral devices.
Induction of differentiation of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells to functional hepatocytes using an organoid culture system
Authors: Saito Yoshimasa , Nakaoka Toshiaki , Muramatsu Toshihide , Ojima Hidenori , Sukeda Aoi , Sugiyama Yuko , Uchida Ryoei , Furukawa Ryo , Kitahara Aya , Sato Toshiro , Kanai Yae , Saito Hidetsugu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. It is thought to originate from cholangiocytes, which are the component cells of intrahepatic bile ducts. However, as patients with viral hepatitis often develop IHCC, it has been suggested that transformed hepatocytes may play a role in IHCC development. To investigate whether IHCC cells can be converted to functional hepatocytes, we established organoids derived from human IHCC and cultured them under conditions suitable for hepatocyte differentiation. IHCC organoids after hepatocyte differentiation acquired functions of mature hepatocytes such as albumin secretion, bile acid production and increased CYP3A4 activity. Studies using a mouse model of IHCC indicate that Wnt3a derived from macrophages recruited upon inflammation in the liver may promote the malignant transformation of hepatocytes to IHCC cells. The results of the present study support the recently proposed hypothesis that IHCC cells are derived from hepatocytes.
Plastic roles of phenylalanine and tyrosine residues of TLS/FUS in complex formation with the G-quadruplexes of telomeric DNA and TERRA
Authors: Kondo Keiko , Mashima Tsukasa , Oyoshi Takanori , Yagi Ryota , Kurokawa Riki , Kobayashi Naohiro , Nagata Takashi , Katahira Masato 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe length of a telomere is regulated via elongation and shortening processes. Telomeric DNA and telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), which both contain G-rich repeated sequences, form G-quadruplex structures. Previously, translocated in liposarcoma (TLS) protein, also known as fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein, was found to form a ternary complex with the G-quadruplex structures of telomeric DNA and TERRA. We then showed that the third RGG motif of TLS, the RGG3 domain, is responsible for the complex formation. However, the structural basis for their binding remains obscure. Here, NMR-based binding assaying revealed the interactions in the binary and ternary complexes of RGG3 with telomeric DNA or/and TERRA. In the ternary complex, tyrosine bound exclusively to TERRA, while phenylalanine bound exclusively to telomeric DNA. Thus, tyrosine and phenylalanine each play a central role in the recognition of TERRA and telomeric DNA, respectively. Surprisingly in the binary complexes, RGG3 used both tyrosine and phenylalanine residues to bind to either TERRA or telomeric DNA. We propose that the plastic roles of tyrosine and phenylalanine are important for RGG3 to efficiently form the ternary complex, and thereby regulate the telomere shortening.
Quantification of glioblastoma mass effect by lateral ventricle displacement
Authors: Steed Tyler C. , Treiber Jeffrey M. , Brandel Michael G. , Patel Kunal S. , Dale Anders M. , Carter Bob S. , Chen Clark C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMass effect has demonstrated prognostic significance for glioblastoma, but is poorly quantified. Here we define and characterize a novel neuroimaging parameter, lateral ventricle displacement (LVd), which quantifies mass effect in glioblastoma patients. LVd is defined as the magnitude of displacement from the center of mass of the lateral ventricle volume in glioblastoma patients relative to that a normal reference brain. Pre-operative MR images from 214 glioblastoma patients from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) were segmented using iterative probabilistic voxel labeling (IPVL). LVd, contrast enhancing volumes (CEV) and FLAIR hyper-intensity volumes (FHV) were determined. Associations with patient survival and tumor genomics were investigated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Glioblastoma patients had significantly higher LVd relative to patients without brain tumors. The variance of LVd was not explained by tumor volume, as defined by CEV or FLAIR. LVd was robustly associated with glioblastoma survival in Cox models which accounted for both age and Karnofsky’s Performance Scale (KPS) (p = 0.006). Glioblastomas with higher LVd demonstrated increased expression of genes associated with tumor proliferation and decreased expression of genes associated with tumor invasion. Our results suggest LVd is a quantitative measure of glioblastoma mass effect and a prognostic imaging biomarker.
Unary Non-Structural Fertilizer Response Model for Rice Crops and Its Field Experimental Verification
Authors: Zhang Mingqing , Li Juan , Chen Fang , Kong Qingbo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe quadratic polynomial fertilizer response model (QPFM) is the primary method for implementing quantitative fertilization in crop production, but the success rate of this model’s recommended fertilization rates in China is low because the model contains a high setting bias. This paper discusses a new modelling method for expanding the applicability of QPFM. The results of field experiments with 8 levels of N, P, or K fertilization showed that the dynamic trend between rice yield increases and fertilizer application rate exhibited a typical exponential relationship. Therefore, we propose a unary non-structural fertilizer response model (NSFM). The responses of 18 rice field experiments to N, P, or K fertilization indicated that the new models could significantly predict rice yields, while two experimental fitting results using the unary QPFM did not pass statistical significance tests. The residual standard deviations of 13 new models were significantly lower than that of the unary QPFM. The linear correlation coefficient of the recommended application rates between the new model and the unary QPFM reached a significant level. Theoretical analysis showed that the unary QPFM was a simplified version of the new model, and it had a higher fitting precision and better applicability.
Tuning of heat and charge transport by Majorana fermions
Authors: Ricco L. S. , Dessotti F. A. , Shelykh I. A. , Figueira M. S. , Seridonio A. C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe investigate theoretically thermal and electrical conductances for the system consisting of a quantum dot (QD) connected both to a pair of Majorana fermions residing at the edges of a Kitaev wire and two metallic leads. We demonstrate that both quantities reveal pronounced resonances, whose positions can be controlled by tuning of an asymmetry of the couplings of the QD and a pair of MFs. Similar behavior is revealed for the thermopower, Wiedemann-Franz law and dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit. The considered geometry can thus be used as a tuner of heat and charge transport assisted by MFs.
Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of the interface between an implanted demineralised dentin matrix and the surrounding newly formed bone
Authors: Tanoue Ryuichiro , Ohta Keisuke , Miyazono Yoshihiro , Iwanaga Joe , Koba Akihiro , Natori Toru , Iwamoto Osamu , Nakamura Kei-ichiro , Kusukawa Jingo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPrevious investigators have reported that transplanted demineralised dentin matrix (DDM) influences bone formation in vivo. However, the specific mechanism of how dentinal tubules contribute to bone formation has not been determined with regard to DDM transplantation therapy. In this study, we ultrastructurally investigated how DDM contacted the surrounding newly formed bone using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) three-dimensional reconstruction method that is based on focused ion beam slicing and SEM (FIB/SEM). A pulverised and processed DDM derived from human teeth was implanted into rat calvarial bone defects, and a series of X-ray computed tomographic images were obtained over 12 weeks. Implants with surrounding new bone were removed and histologically examined using FIB/SEM. After obtaining objective block-face images, the target boundary face was reconstructed three-dimensionally. The osteocytes of the new bone tissue surrounding the DDM formed a network connected by their cellular processes and formed bone tissue. It is also interesting that the cellular processes of the osteocytes extended into the dentinal tubules, and that bone tissue with canaliculi had formed and filled the DDM surface.
Pollen-mediated gene flow from transgenic cotton is constrained by physical isolation measures
Authors: Yan Shuo , Zhu Weilong , Zhang Boyu , Zhang Xinmi , Zhu Jialin , Shi Jizhe , Wu Pengxiang , Wu Fengming , Li Xiangrui , Zhang Qingwen , Liu Xiaoxia 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe public concern about pollen-mediated gene flow (PGF) from genetically modified (GM) crops to non-GM crops heats up in recent years over China. In the current study, we conducted greenhouse and field experiments to measure PGF with various physical isolation measures, including 90, 80, 60 and 40 holes/cm2 separation nets and Sorghum bicolor, Zea mays and Lycopersicon esculentum separation crops between GM cotton and non-GM line (Shiyuan321) by seed DNA test during 2013 to 2015, and pollen grain dyeing was also conducted to assess the pollen flow in greenhouse during 2013. Our results revealed that (1) PGF varied depending on the physical isolation measures. PGF was the lowest with 90 holes/cm2 separation net and S. bicolor separation crop, and the highest with 40 holes/cm2 separation net and no isolation measure. (2) Similar to PGF results, 90 holes/cm2 separation net and S. bicolor separation crop could minimize the pollen dispersal. (3) PGF declined exponentially with increasing distance between GM cotton and Shiyuan321. Because of the production mode of farm household (limited cultivated area) in China, our study is particularly important, which is not only benefit for constraining PGF, but also has potential application value in practical production and the scientific researches.
Gridded global datasets for Gross Domestic Product and Human Development Index over 1990–2015
Authors: Kummu Matti , Taka Maija , Guillaume Joseph H. A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAn increasing amount of high-resolution global spatial data are available, and used for various assessments. However, key economic and human development indicators are still mainly provided only at national level, and downscaled by users for gridded spatial analyses. Instead, it would be beneficial to adopt data for sub-national administrative units where available, supplemented by national data where necessary. To this end, we present gap-filled multiannual datasets in gridded form for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Human Development Index (HDI). To provide a consistent product over time and space, the sub-national data were only used indirectly, scaling the reported national value and thus, remaining representative of the official statistics. This resulted in annual gridded datasets for GDP per capita (PPP), total GDP (PPP), and HDI, for the whole world at 5 arc-min resolution for the 25-year period of 1990–2015. Additionally, total GDP (PPP) is provided with 30 arc-sec resolution for three time steps (1990, 2000, 2015).
Near‐binary multisine design with arbitrary sparse spectrum for fast BIS measurement
Authors: Zhang Fu , Teng Zhaosheng , Yang Yuxiang , Li Jianmin , Zhong Haowen , Sang Jiangyan 
Published: February 2018

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measurement is widely used in various biological medical applications. Broadband excitation signals with sparse spectra can be beneficial to increasing the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and decreasing the time of BIS measurements. This study introduces a rapid synthesis method to generate near‐binary multisines (NBMs) with arbitrary sparse spectra that have the advantage of lower crest factor and less aliasing compared with the traditional multisines or binary signals. One of the NBM examples, abbreviated as Quasi‐Log‐Flat‐19, which contains 19 quasi‐logarithmical and flat desired components from 1 kHz to 1 MHz is used as the voltage source or the current source for BIS measurements (only 1 ms required). The results show that the impedance SNR by using Quasi‐Log‐Flat‐19 (68.9 dB in average from the voltage source and 63.5 dB in average from the current source) is always higher in comparison of the corresponding optimised multisine with the same desired spectrum (65.1 dB in average from the voltage source and 58.5 dB in average from the current source). It can be concluded that NBMs can be used as good alternatives to traditional optimised multisines with sparse spectrum distribution in fast BIS measurement.
Improved efficiency of a fan drive system without using an encoder or current sensors
Authors: Liu Tian‐Hua , Huang Jyun‐Jie 
Published: February 2018

This study proposes a closed‐loop fan drive system without using an encoder or current sensors. The cost and size of the fan drive system, therefore, are significantly reduced. By using low‐resolution three‐phase Hall‐effect position sensors, three‐phase sinusoidal pulse‐width modulation voltages are generated to control a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that a fan is connected to. Two methods, including the back‐EMF estimation method and the impedance‐phase estimation method, are proposed to determine the input voltage amplitude and phase of the PMSM. A digital signal processor, TMS 320F28335, is used to execute the control algorithms. The proposed impedance‐phase estimation method is 25% more efficient than the back‐EMF estimation method at low‐speed operating range – below 1000 r/min. A detailed sensitivity analysis of the motor parameter variations is discussed. The implemented drive circuit, which is very compact, can be attached at the back of the PMSM and fan. Several experimental results are provided.
Decoupled TAB converter with energy storage system for HVDC power system of more electric aircraft
Authors: Liu Ran , Xu Lie , Kang Yuanli , Hui Yannian , Li Yongdong 
Published: February 2018

It is an important trend to develop the more electric aircraft (MEA) ±270 V high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) power system because of its better reliability, power quality and power density. However, there also exists the low‐voltage 28 V DC system in HVDC power system, for the aviation battery and some equipment still rely on it. In traditional MEA power systems, battery is only used as a backup power supply, hardly participating in the adjustment of the power system. On the other hand, the function of turbine engine is unidirectional. Hence, it's necessary to add an energy storage port. In this research, the authors put forward the problems of power coupling and strong non‐linearity in traditional three‐port triple active bridge (TAB) converters, and propose a decoupled TAB topology, which has the feature of decoupled power flow. The topology is compatible with ±270 V DC, 28 V DC and energy storage system with high‐power density and efficiency. In addition, the authors unify the efficiency optimisation problem of dual active bridge topology mathematically and provide an optimal parameter design approach for inductance and turns ratio. Simulation results show the power flow control strategy is appropriate for the topology.
Synthesis and characterisation of fluorescent and biocompatible hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with cerium doping
Authors: Huang Wenjie , Mao Zhou , Chen Li , Chi Yuling , Jiang Hao , Zimba Bhahat Lawlley , Xiong Guoxi , Wu Qingzhi 
Published: February 2018

In this work, the fluorescent hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA NPs) were synthesised by doping cerium (Ce) ions into the crystal structure of HA at different concentrations. The fluorescent property of the Ce‐doped HA NPs was determined by the content of Ce doping. The results show that HA NPs with the Ce‐doping content of 5% displayed the highest fluorescent emission peak near 380 nm at the excitation wavelength of 300 nm. The CCK‐8 assay showed that no significant cytotoxicity was observed when the L929 cells were incubated with the fluorescent HA NPs with the Ce‐doping content of 5% for 12 h at the dose lower than 0.1 mg/ml. Therefore, the fluorescent HA NPs could be used as a fluorescent probing for cellular imaging and antioxidant agent against oxidative stress‐induced cell damages.