bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active directional switching of surface plasmon polaritons using a phase transition material
Authors: Kim Sun-Je , Yun Hansik , Park Kyungsoo , Hong Jongwoo , Yun Jeong-Geun , Lee Kyookeun , Kim Joonsoo , Jeong Sun Jae , Mun Sang-Eun , Sung Jangwoon , Lee Yong Wook , Lee Byoungho 
Published: March 2017

AbstractActive switching of near-field directivity, which is an essential functionality for compact integrated photonics and small optoelectronic elements, has been challenging due to small modulation depth and complicated fabrication methods for devices including active optical materials. Here, we theoretically and experimentally realize a nanoscale active directional switching of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) using a phase transition material for the first time. The SPP switching device with noticeable distinction is demonstrated based on the phase transition of vanadium dioxide (VO2) at the telecom wavelength. As the insulator-to-metal phase transition (IMT) of VO2 induces the large change of VO2 permittivity at telecom wavelengths, the plasmonic response of a nanoantenna made of VO2 can be largely tuned by external thermal stimuli. The VO2-insulator-metal (VIM) nanoantenna and its periodic array, the VIM metagrating, are suggested as optical switches. The directional power distinction ratio is designed to change from 8.13:1 to 1:10.56 by the IMT and it is experimentally verified that the ratio changes from 3.725:1 to 1:3.132 as the VIM metagratings are heated up to 90 °C. With an electro-thermally controllable configuration and an optimized resonant design, we expect potential applications of the active switching mechanism for integrable active plasmonic elements and reconfigurable imaging.
Dietary restriction protects against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular tumorigenesis by restoring the disturbed gene expression profile
Authors: Duan Ting , Sun Wenjie , Zhang Mohan , Ge Juan , He Yansu , Zhang Jun , Zheng Yifan , Yang Wei , Shen Han-ming , Yang Jun , Zhu Xinqiang , Yu Peilin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and prevalent malignancies, worse still, there are very limited therapeutic measures with poor clinical outcomes. Dietary restriction (DR) has been known to inhibit spontaneous and induced tumors in several species, but the mechanisms are little known. In the current study, by using a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mice model, we found that DR significantly reduced the hepatic tumor number and size, delayed tumor development, suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Further transcriptome sequencing of liver tissues from the DEN and the DEN accompanied with DR (DEN+DR) mice showed that DEN induced profound changes in the gene expression profile, especially in cancer-related pathways while DR treatment reversed most of the disturbed gene expression induced by DEN. Finally, transcription factor enrichment analysis uncovered the transcription factor specificity protein 1 (SP1) probably functioned as the main regulator of gene changes, orchestrating the protective effects of DR on DEN induced HCC. Taken together, by the first comprehensive transcriptome analysis, we elucidate that DR protects aginst DEN-induced HCC by restoring the disturbed gene expression profile, which holds the promise to provide effective molecular targets for cancer therapies.
Identification of stable housekeeping genes in response to ionizing radiation in cancer research
Authors: Iyer Gopal , Wang Albert R. , Brennan Sean R. , Bourgeois Shay , Armstrong Eric , Shah Pari , Harari Paul M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHousekeeping genes (HKGs) are essential for basic maintenance of a variety of cellular processes. They ideally maintain uniform expression independent of experimental conditions. However, the effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on HKG expression is unclear. Statistical algorithms, geNorm and Normfinder were used for estimating the stability of HKGs as raw quantification cycle (Cq) values were not a reliable factor for normalization. Head and neck, non-small lung and pancreas cells were exposed to 2, 4 and 6 Gy IR doses and expression of fourteen HKGs was measured at 5 min to 48 h post-irradiation within a given tissue. Paired and single cell line analyses under these experimental conditions identified TATA-Box Binding Protein (TBP) and Importin 8 (IPO8) to be stable in non-small cell lung cancer. In addition to these two genes, Ubiquitin C (UBC) in head and neck cancer and Transferrin receptor (TFRC) and β-Glucuronidase (GUSB) in pancreatic cancer were identified to be stable as well. In summary we present a resource for top ranked five stable HKGs and their transcriptional behavior in commonly used cancer model cell lines and suggest the use of multiple HKGs under radiation treatment conditions is a reliable metric for quantifying gene expression.
High glucose levels boost the aggressiveness of highly metastatic cholangiocarcinoma cells via O-GlcNAcylation
Authors: Phoomak Chatchai , Vaeteewoottacharn Kulthida , Silsirivanit Atit , Saengboonmee Charupong , Seubwai Wunchana , Sawanyawisuth Kanlayanee , Wongkham Chaisiri , Wongkham Sopit 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIncreased glucose utilization is a feature of cancer cells to support cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. An association between diabetes mellitus and cancer progression was previously demonstrated in cancers including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This study was aimed to determine the effects of high glucose on protein O-GlcNAcylation and metastatic potentials of CCA cells. Two pairs each of the parental low metastatic and highly metastatic CCA sublines were cultured in normal (5.6 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose media. The migration and invasion abilities were determined and underlying mechanisms were explored. Results revealed that high glucose promoted migration and invasion of CCA cells that were more pronounced in the highly metastatic sublines. Concomitantly, high glucose increased global O-GlcNAcylated proteins, the expressions of vimentin, hexokinase, glucosamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) and O-GlcNAc transferase of CCA cells. The glucose level that promoted migration/invasion was shown to be potentiated by the induction of GFAT, O-GlcNAcylation and an increase of O-GlcNAcylated vimentin and vimentin expression. Treatment with a GFAT inhibitor reduced global O-GlcNAcylated proteins, vimentin expression, and alleviated cell migration. Altogether, these results suggested the role of high glucose enhanced CCA metastasis via modulation of O-GlcNAcylation, through the expressions of GFAT and vimentin.
The RNAi pathway plays a small part in Wolbachia-mediated blocking of dengue virus in mosquito cells
Authors: Terradas Gerard , Joubert D. Albert , McGraw Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWolbachia pipientis is an insect endosymbiont known to limit the replication of viruses including dengue and Zika in their primary mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. Wolbachia is being released into mosquito populations globally in a bid to control the diseases caused by these viruses. It is theorized that Wolbachia’s priming of the insect immune system may confer protection against subsequent viral infection. Other hypotheses posit a role for competition between Wolbachia and viruses for host cellular resources. Using an A. aegypti cell line infected with Wolbachia, we tested the effects of targeting siRNAs against the major innate immune pathways on dengue virus loads. We show that while Wolbachia infection induces genes in the Toll, JAK/STAT and RNAi pathways, only reduced expression of RNAi leads to a rebound of dengue virus loads in Wolbachia-infected cells. The magnitude of the effect explained less than 10% of the total DENV load, demonstrating that blocking must be dependent on other factors in addition to the expression of RNAi. The findings bode well for the long-term stability of blocking given that immunity gene expression would likely be highly plastic and susceptible to rapid evolution.
Dynamics of miRNA transcriptome during gonadal development of zebrafish
Authors: Presslauer Christopher , Tilahun Bizuayehu Teshome , Kopp Martina , Fernandes Jorge M. O. , Babiak Igor 
Published: March 2017

AbstractStudies in non-teleost vertebrates have found microRNAs (miRNAs) to be essential for proper gonadal development. However, comparatively little is known about their role during gonadal development in teleost fishes. So far in zebrafish, a model teleost, transcript profiling throughout gonadal development has not been established because of a tiny size of an organ in juvenile stages and its poor distinguishability from surrounding tissues. We performed small RNA sequencing on isolated gonads of See-Thru-Gonad line, from the undifferentiated state at 3 weeks post fertilization (wpf) to fully mature adults at 24 wpf. We identified 520 gonadal mature miRNAs; 111 of them had significant changes in abundance over time, while 50 miRNAs were either testis- or ovary-enriched significantly in at least one developmental stage. We characterized patterns of miRNA abundance over time including isomiR variants. We identified putative germline versus gonadal somatic miRNAs through differential small RNA sequencing of isolated gametes versus the whole gonads. This report is the most comprehensive analysis of the miRNA repertoire in zebrafish gonads during the sexual development to date and provides an important database from which functional studies can be performed.
Racial and Ethnic Variation in the Association of Social Integration with Mortality: Ten-year Prospective Population-based US Study
Authors: Barger Steven D. , Uchino Bert N. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSubstantial data link social relationships with mortality but few studies have examined whether these associations are consistent across racial and ethnic groups. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the presence and form of the social relationship/mortality association in a representative sample of US Black (n = 4,201), non-Hispanic White (n = 20,217) and Hispanic (n = 5,097) groups. In models adjusted for age, sex, chronic disease, socioeconomic status and smoking social integration was inversely related to ten-year survival in all groups. However, among Whites the association was linear and graded whereas among Blacks the association was linear but was statistically significant only for the highest level of social integration (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval = 0.47–0.94). A threshold pattern was observed among Hispanics, in that lower mortality risk was found for all social integration categories above the lowest level (HRs from 0.58 to 0.52, P’s < 0.01) and each of the higher social integration categories were in turn equivalent. Received social support was unrelated to mortality across all groups. Higher social integration is associated with a survival advantage for Blacks and Whites. For Hispanics, moderate and high levels of social integration were equally protective.
A Novel Ideal Radionuclide Imaging System for Non-invasively Cell Monitoring built on Baculovirus Backbone by Introducing Sleeping Beauty Transposon
Authors: Lv Jing , Pan Yu , Ju Huijun , Zhou Jinxin , Cheng Dengfeng , Shi Hongcheng , Zhang Yifan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSleeping Beauty (SB) transposon is an attractive tool in stable transgene integration both in vitro and in vivo; and we introduced SB transposon into recombinant sodium-iodide symporter baculovirus system (Bac-NIS system) to facilitate long-term expression of recombinant sodium-iodide symporter. In our study, two hybrid baculovirus systems (Bac-eGFP-SB-NeoR and Bac-NIS-SB-NeoR) were successfully constructed and used to infect U87 glioma cells. After G418 selection screening, the Bac-eGFP-SB-NeoR-U87 cells remained eGFP positive, at the 18th and 196th day post transfection (96.03 ± 0.21% and 97.43 ± 0.81%), while eGFP positive population declined significantly at 18 days in cells transfected with unmodified baculovirus construct. NIS gene expression by Bac-NIS-SB-NeoR-U87 cells was also maintained for 28 weeks as determined by radioiodine uptake assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western Blot (WB) assay. When transplanted in mice, Bac-NIS-SB-NeoR-U87 cells also expressed NIS gene stably as monitored by SPECT imaging for 43 days until the tumor-bearing mice were sacrificed. Herein, we showed that incorporation of SB in Bac-NIS system (hybrid Bac-NIS-SB-NeoR) can achieve a long-term transgene expression and can improve radionuclide imaging in cell tracking and monitoring in vivo.
Finite-size effects on bacterial population expansion under controlled flow conditions
Authors: Tesser Francesca , Zeegers Jos C. H. , Clercx Herman J. H. , Brunsveld Luc , Toschi Federico 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe expansion of biological species in natural environments is usually described as the combined effect of individual spatial dispersal and growth. In the case of aquatic ecosystems flow transport can also be extremely relevant as an extra, advection induced, dispersal factor. We designed and assembled a dedicated microfluidic device to control and quantify the expansion of populations of E. coli bacteria under both co-flowing and counter-flowing conditions, measuring the front speed at varying intensity of the imposed flow. At variance with respect to the case of classic advective-reactive-diffusive chemical fronts, we measure that almost irrespective of the counter-flow velocity, the front speed remains finite at a constant positive value. A simple model incorporating growth, dispersion and drift on finite-size hard beads allows to explain this finding as due to a finite volume effect of the bacteria. This indicates that models based on the Fisher-Kolmogorov-Petrovsky-Piscounov equation (FKPP) that ignore the finite size of organisms may be inaccurate to describe the physics of spatial growth dynamics of bacteria.
Multi-gigahertz, femtosecond Airy beam optical parametric oscillator pumped at 78 MHz
Authors: Aadhi A. , Sharma Varun , Chaitanya N. Apurv , Samanta G. K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe report a high power ultrafast Airy beam source producing femtosecond pulses at multi-gigahertz (GHz) repetition rate (RR). Based on intra-cavity cubic phase modulation of an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) designed in high harmonic cavity configuration synchronous to a femtosecond Yb-fiber laser operating at 78 MHz, we have produced ultrafast 2D Airy beam at multi-GHz repetition rate through the fractional increment in the cavity length. While small (<1 mm) crystals are used in femtosecond OPOs to take the advantage of broad phase-matching bandwidth, here, we have exploited the extended phase-matching bandwidth of a 50-mm long Magnesium-oxide doped periodically poled LiNbO3 (MgO:PPLN) crystal for efficient generation of ultrafast Airy beam and broadband mid-IR radiation. Pumping the MgO:PPLN crystal of grating period, Λ = 30 μm and crystal temperature, T = 100 °C using a 5-W femtosecond laser centred at 1064 nm, we have produced Airy beam radiation of 684 mW in ~639 fs (transform limited) pulses at 1525 nm at a RR of ~2.5 GHz. Additionally, the source produces broadband idler radiation with maximum power of 510 mW and 94 nm bandwidth at 3548 nm in Gaussian beam profile. Using an indirect method (change in cavity length) we estimate maximum RR of the Airy beam source to be ~100 GHz.
Response inhibition in Attention deficit disorder and neurofibromatosis type 1 – clinically similar, neurophysiologically different
Authors: Bluschke Annet , von der Hagen Maja , Papenhagen Katharina , Roessner Veit , Beste Christian 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThere are large overlaps in cognitive deficits occurring in attention deficit disorder (ADD) and neurodevelopmental disorders like neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This overlap is mostly based on clinical measures and not on in-depth analyses of neuronal mechanisms. However, the consideration of such neuronal underpinnings is crucial when aiming to integrate measures that can lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Inhibitory control deficits, for example, are a hallmark in ADD, but it is unclear how far there are similar deficits in NF1. We thus compared adolescent ADD and NF1 patients to healthy controls in a Go/Nogo task using behavioural and neurophysiological measures. Clinical measures of ADD-symptoms were not different between ADD and NF1. Only patients with ADD showed increased Nogo errors and reductions in components reflecting response inhibition (i.e. Nogo-P3). Early perceptual processes (P1) were changed in ADD and NF1. Clinically, patients with ADD and NF1 thus show strong similarities. This is not the case in regard to underlying cognitive control processes. This shows that in-depth analyses of neurophysiological processes are needed to determine whether the overlap between ADD and NF1 is as strong as assumed and to develop appropriate treatment strategies.
A biomimetic gelatin-based platform elicits a pro-differentiation effect on podocytes through mechanotransduction
Authors: Hu Mufeng , Azeloglu Evren U. , Ron Amit , Tran-Ba Khanh-Hoa , Calizo Rhodora C. , Tavassoly Iman , Bhattacharya Smiti , Jayaraman Gomathi , Chen Yibang , Rabinovich Vera , Iyengar Ravi , Hone James C. , He John C. , Kaufman Laura J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUsing a gelatin microbial transglutaminase (gelatin-mTG) cell culture platform tuned to exhibit stiffness spanning that of healthy and diseased glomeruli, we demonstrate that kidney podocytes show marked stiffness sensitivity. Podocyte-specific markers that are critical in the formation of the renal filtration barrier are found to be regulated in association with stiffness-mediated cellular behaviors. While podocytes typically de-differentiate in culture and show diminished physiological function in nephropathies characterized by altered tissue stiffness, we show that gelatin-mTG substrates with Young’s modulus near that of healthy glomeruli elicit a pro-differentiation and maturation response in podocytes better than substrates either softer or stiffer. The pro-differentiation phenotype is characterized by upregulation of gene and protein expression associated with podocyte function, which is observed for podocytes cultured on gelatin-mTG gels of physiological stiffness independent of extracellular matrix coating type and density. Signaling pathways involved in stiffness-mediated podocyte behaviors are identified, revealing the interdependence of podocyte mechanotransduction and maintenance of their physiological function. This study also highlights the utility of the gelatin-mTG platform as anin vitrosystem with tunable stiffness over a range relevant for recapitulating mechanical properties of soft tissues, suggesting its potential impact on a wide range of research in cellular biophysics.
Use of Models of Finite Elements in the Biomechanics of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Oppermann Marcelo , Brasil Lourdes Mattos , Silva Alex Sandro Araújo , Cardoso Leandro Xavier 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe same correspondence between general mechanics and civil engineering is true for biomechanics and surgical implants. Currently, numerous mechanical processes are required until a prosthesis is offered to its target audience. These processes typically require human or animal vertebrae, as well as all the complexity involving such tissues, for example, an ethics committee, the availability of materials, etc. Thus, finite element models (FEMs) have become a great option to carry out biomechanical tests independently from anatomical specimens, and, at the same time, to obtain mathematical data to assist in the general physical understanding. The present review discusses the mechanical principles involved in bioengineering, clarifies the steps for the development of FEMs, and shows application scenarios for these models. To the knowledge of the authors, the present paper is the first review study in Portuguese aimed to health care professionals in a language accessible to them.
Risk Assessment Scores for Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolic Disease
Authors: Angelini Dana , Khorana Alok 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCurrent guidelines recommend that patients with cancer be assessed for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk at the time of chemotherapy initiation and periodically thereafter. Rates of VTE vary substantially among cancer patients. Multiple clinical factors contribute to VTE risk, including the primary site of cancer, extent of disease, interventions including major surgery, hospitalization, and systemic therapy. However, risk of VTE cannot reliably be predicted based on a single risk factor or biomarker. Within the last decade, risk assessment scores have been developed in cancer patients to more reliably predict thromboembolic events. This review provides an overview of evidence supporting the use of such tools for both primary and recurrent cancer-associated VTE. Potential applications of risk assessment tools as well as current knowledge gaps are outlined.
Grisel Syndrome: Case Report
Authors: Roncaglio Bruno , Debom Tadeu Gervazoni , Brazolino Marcus Alexandre Novo , Maia Thiago Cardoso , Batista Filho José Lucas , Cardoso Igor Machado , Jacob Junior Charbel 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe report a case of a rare disease, Grisel syndrome, which manifests as a kind of rotational fixation of the atlas on the axis, resulting from an infectious process of the upper airways. In the present report, we discuss etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome after intervention.
First clinical experiences with a novel endoscopic over-the-scope clip system
Authors: Dinelli Marco , Omazzi Barbara , Andreozzi Paolo , Zucchini Nicola , Redaelli Alessandro , Manes Gianpiero 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe describe our experience with a new over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system (Padlock Clip™) in the treatment of 14 patients. Eight of the 14 patients were treated for closure of gastrointestinal fistulas (n = 4), iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations (n = 2), or hemostasis of post-polypectomy bleeding (n = 2). The site of clipping was the lower gastrointestinal tract in five patients and the upper gastrointestinal tract in three patients. The clip was successfully delivered in seven out of the eight patients and clinical success was achieved in all patients. Endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) was performed to treat six patients: four with recurrent adenoma (n = 4), one with ulcerated nodules at ileorectal anastomosis, and one with a neuro-endocrine tumor of the rectum. A complete intestinal wall resection was achieved in three of the six patients (50 %) and an R0 resection in five of the six patients (83.3 %). No complications related to the procedure and no recurrence at endoscopic follow-up were observed in any patient. The novel Padlock Clip seems to be an effective and safe tool to treat gastrointestinal fistulas, perforations or post-polypectomy bleeding, and to perform EFTR.