bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In-line balanced detection stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Crisafi Francesco , Kumar Vikas , Scopigno Tullio , Marangoni Marco , Cerullo Giulio , Polli Dario 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe introduce a novel configuration for stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, called In-line Balanced Detection (IBD), which employs a birefringent plate to generate a time-delayed polarization-multiplexed collinear replica of the probe, acting as a reference. Probe and reference cross the sample at the same position, thus maintaining their balance during image acquisition. IBD can be implemented in any conventional SRS setup, by adding a few simple elements, bringing its sensitivity close to the shot-noise limit even with a noisy laser. We tested IBD with a fiber-format laser system and observed signal-to-noise ratio improvement by up to 30 dB.
Intermittent muscle activity in the feedback loop of postural control system during natural quiet standing
Authors: Tanabe Hiroko , Fujii Keisuke , Kouzaki Motoki 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe origin of continual body oscillation during quiet standing is a neural-muscular-skeletal closed feedback loop system that includes insufficient joint stiffness and a time delay. Thus, muscle activity and joint oscillations are nonlinear during quiet standing, making it difficult to demonstrate the muscular-skeletal relationship experimentally. Here we experimentally revealed this relationship using intermittent control theory, in which non-actuation works to stabilize the skeletal system towards equilibrium. We found that leg muscles were activated/inactivated when the state point was located in the opposite/same direction as the direction of anatomical action, which was associated with joint torque actuating the body towards equilibrium. The derivative values of stability index defined in the phase space approximately 200 ms before muscle inactivation were also larger than those before activation for some muscles. These results indicate that bipedal standing might be achieved by monitoring the rate of change of stability/instability components and generating joint torque to stabilize the body. In conclusion, muscles are likely to activate in an event-driven manner during quiet standing and a possible metric for on/off switching is SI dot, and our methodology of EMG processing could allows us to extract such event-driven intermittent muscle activities.
All-optical tunable buffering with coupled ultra-high Q whispering gallery mode microcavities
Authors: Yoshiki Wataru , Honda Yoshihiro , Tetsumoto Tomohiro , Furusawa Kentaro , Sekine Norihiko , Tanabe Takasumi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAll-optical tunable buffering was recently achieved on a chip by using dynamically tuned coupled mode induced transparency, which is an optical analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency. However, the small Q s of about 105 used in those systems were limiting the maximum buffering time to a few hundred ps. Although employing an ultra-high Q whispering gallery mode (WGM) microcavity can significantly improve the maximum buffering time, the dynamic tuning of the WGM has remained challenging because thermo-optic and pressure tunings, which are widely used for WGM microcavities, have a very slow response. Here we demonstrate all-optical tunable buffering utilizing coupled ultra-high Q WGM cavities and the Kerr effect. The Kerr effect can change the refractive index instantaneously, and this allowed us to tune the WGM cavity very quickly. In addition, from among the various WGM cavities we employed a silica toroid microcavity for our experiments because it has an ultra-high Q factor (>2 × 107) and a small mode volume, and can be fabricated on a chip. Use of the Kerr effect and the silica toroid microcavity enabled us to observe an on-chip all-optical tunable buffering operation and achieve a maximum buffering time of 20 ns.
The utility of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and fluid sequestration as an early predictor of severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Han Chaoqun , Zeng Jun , Lin Rong , Liu Jun , Qian Wei , Ding Zhen , Hou Xiaohua 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIt is important to identify the patients with high-risk progression to develop severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The study was to assess whether neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and fluid sequestration (FS) could represent useful markers for predicting the severity. A total of 1639 patients who underwent clinical diagnosis of AP was performed. Various serologic and clinical parameters on admission were investigated. Chronologic change in NLR and FS were analyzed, and theirs utility for predicting severity of AP was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Correlation analysis was assessed by Spearman’s rank test. NLR and FS levels were both increased significantly in SAP and positively correlated with Ranson score and hospital stays. The ROC curve analyses showed the optimal cut-off values of NLR for admission with day0, day1, day2 were 9.64, 6.66 and 6.50, giving sensitivity of 77–82%. The optimal cut-off values of FS for admission with day1, day2, day3 were 1375 ml, 2345 ml and 3424 ml, giving sensitivity of 62–75%. Moreover, measurement of NLR and FS together exhibited a similar area under curve (AUC) and sensitivity for SAP prediction compared with the those of Ranson score. Increase of NLR and FS are correlated with severity and can be suggested as a predictive factor in an early stage of AP.
O-GlcNAcylation Reduces Ischemia-Reperfusion–Induced Brain Injury
Authors: Gu Jin-hua , Shi Jianhua , Dai Chun-ling , Ge Jian-bin , Zhao Yang , Chen Yanxing , Yu Qian , Qin Zheng-hong , Iqbal Khalid , Liu Fei , Gong Cheng-Xin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractO-GlcNAcylation is a common posttranslational modification of nucleocytoplasmic proteins with β-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and regulates numerous biological processes. By using mouse models of cerebral ischemia induced by permanent and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), we observed an initial elevation (~1.7-fold, 1–4 hours after ischemia) and then decline of O-GlcNAcylation during cerebral ischemia. We found that moderate increase (<3-fold) of brain O-GlcNAcylation by pharmacological means ameliorated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and the consequent motor and neurological deficits. Interference of the transient elevation of O-GlcNAcylation pharmacologically or genetically aggravates the ischemia-induced brain damage, motor deficits and mortality. The alteration of O-GlcNAcylation was also seen in the ischemic areas of postmortem human brains. This study reveals an important regulation of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by O-GlcNAcylation and also provides a possible therapeutic strategy, i.e., by increasing O-GlcNAcylation, to reduce the cerebral damage and improve the clinical outcome of ischemic stroke.
Combining Positive Matrix Factorization and Radiocarbon Measurements for Source Apportionment of PM2.5 from a National Background Site in North China
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Zong Zheng , Tian Chongguo , Chen Yingjun , Luo Chunling , Li Jun , Zhang Gan , Luo Yongming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTo explore the utility of combining positive matrix factorization (PMF) with radiocarbon (14C) measurements for source apportionment, we applied PM2.5 data collected for 14 months at a national background station in North China to PMF models. The solutions were compared to 14C results of four seasonally averaged samples and three outlier samples. Comparing the most readily interpretable PMF solutions and 14C results revealed that PMF modeling was well able to capture the source patterns of PM2.5 with two and three irrelevant source classifications for the seasonal and outlier samples. The contribution of sources that could not be classified as either fossil or non-fossil sources in the PMF solution, and the errors between the modeled and measured concentrations weakened the effectiveness of the comparison. Based on these two factors, we developed an index for selecting the most suitable 14C measurement samples for combining with the PMF model. Then we examined the potential for coupling PMF modeling and 14C data with a constrained PMF run using the 14C data as a priori information. The restricted run could provide a more reliable solution; however, the PMF model must provide a flexible dialog to input the priori restrictions for executing the constraint simulation.
A new mass spectrometry-based method for the quantification of histones in plasma from septic shock patients
Authors: García-Giménez J. L. , Romá-Mateo C. , Carbonell N. , Palacios L. , Peiró-Chova L. , García-López E. , García-Simón M. , Lahuerta R. , Gimenez-Garzó C. , Berenguer-Pascual E. , Mora M. I. , Valero M. L. , Alpízar A. , Corrales F. J. , Blanquer J. , Pallardó F. V. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop a novel method to detect circulating histones H3 and H2B in plasma based on multiple reaction monitoring targeted mass spectrometry and a multiple reaction monitoring approach (MRM-MS) for its clinical application in critical bacteriaemic septic shock patients. Plasma samples from 17 septic shock patients with confirmed bacteraemia and 10 healthy controls were analysed by an MRM-MS method, which specifically detects presence of histones H3 and H2B. By an internal standard, it was possible to quantify the concentration of circulating histones in plasma, which were significantly higher in patients, and thus confirmed their potential as biomarkers for diagnosing septic shock. After comparing surviving patients and non-survivors, a correlation was found between higher levels of circulating histones and unfavourable outcome. Indeed, histone H3 proved a more efficient and sensitive biomarker for septic shock prognosis. In conclusion, these findings suggest the accuracy of the MRM-MS technique and stable isotope labelled peptides to detect and quantify circulating plasma histones H2B and H3. This method may be used for early septic shock diagnoses and for the prognosis of fatal outcomes.
Gas6 derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes migration of Axl-expressing lung cancer cells during chemotherapy
Authors: Kanzaki Ryu , Naito Hisamichi , Kise Kazuyoshi , Takara Kazuhiro , Eino Daisuke , Minami Masato , Shintani Yasushi , Funaki Soichiro , Kawamura Tomohiro , Kimura Toru , Okumura Meinoshin , Takakura Nobuyuki 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlterations to the tumor stromal microenvironment induced by chemotherapy could influence the behavior of cancer cells. In the tumor stromal microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role. Because the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl and its ligand Gas6 could be involved in promoting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we investigated the role of Gas6 secreted by CAFs during chemotherapy in NSCLC. In a murine model, we found that Gas6 expression by CAFs was upregulated following cisplatin treatment. Gas6 expression might be influenced by intratumoral hypoperfusion during chemotherapy, and it increased after serum starvation in a human lung CAF line, LCAFhTERT. Gas6 is associated with LCAFhTERT cell growth. Recombinant Gas6 promoted H1299 migration, and conditioned medium (CM) from LCAFhTERT cells activated Axl in H1299 cells and promoted migration. Silencing Gas6 in LCAFhTERT reduced the Axl activation and H1299 cell migration induced by CM from LCAFhTERT. In clinical samples, stromal Gas6 expression increased after chemotherapy. Five-year disease-free survival rates for patients with tumor Axl- and stromal Gas6-positive tumors (n = 37) was significantly worse than for the double negative group (n = 12) (21.9% vs 51.3%, p = 0.04). Based on these findings, it is presumed that Gas6 derived from CAFs promotes migration of Axl-expressing lung cancer cells during chemotherapy and is involved in poor clinical outcome.
Thiamine antagonists trigger p53-dependent apoptosis in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Chornyy Sergiy , Parkhomenko Yulia , Chorna Nataliya 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAccumulating evidences suggest that p53 is a key coordinator of cellular events triggered by oxidative stress often associated with the impairment in thiamine metabolism and its functions. However, there are limited data regarding the pursuant feedback between p53 transactivation and thiamine homeostasis. Impairment in thiamine metabolism can be induced experimentally via interference with the thiamine uptake and/or inhibition of the thiamin pyrophosphate–dependent enzymes using thiamine antagonists - amprolium (AM), oxythiamine (OT) or pyrithiamine (PT). We found that exposure of neuronally differentiated SH-SY5Y cells to AM, OT and PT triggered upregulation of p53 gene expression, post-translational modification of p53 via phosphorylation and activation of p53 DNA-binding activity. Phosphorylation of p53 at Ser20 was equally efficient in upregulation of thiamine transporter 1 (THTR1) by all antagonists. However, induction of the expressions of the pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 component subunit beta (PDHB) and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) required dual phosphorylation of p53 at Ser9 and Ser20, seen in cells treated with PT and OT. Moreover, pretreatment of the cells with a decoy oligonucleotide carrying wild-type p53-response element markedly attenuated OT-induced THTR1, PDHB and OGDH gene expression suggesting an important role of p53 in transactivation of these genes. Finally, analysis of gene and metabolic networks showed that OT triggers cell apoptosis through the p53-dependent intrinsic pathway.
Accelerated Healing of Diabetic Wounds Treated with L-Glutamic acid Loaded Hydrogels Through Enhanced Collagen Deposition and Angiogenesis: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Thangavel Ponrasu , Ramachandran Balaji , Chakraborty Sudip , Kannan Ramya , Lonchin Suguna , Muthuvijayan Vignesh 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe have developed L-glutamic acid (LG) loaded chitosan (CS) hydrogels to treat diabetic wounds. Although literature reports wound healing effects of poly(glutamic acid)-based materials, there are no studies on the potential of L-glutamic acid in treating diabetic wounds. As LG is a direct precursor for proline synthesis, which is crucial for collagen synthesis, we have prepared CS + LG hydrogels to accelerate diabetic wound healing. Physiochemical properties of the CS + LG hydrogels showed good swelling, thermal stability, smooth surface morphology, and controlled biodegradation. The addition of LG to CS hydrogels did not alter their biocompatibility significantly. CS + LG hydrogel treatment showed rapid wound contraction compared to control and chitosan hydrogel. Period of epithelialization is significantly reduced in CS + LG hydrogel treated wounds (16 days) compared to CS hydrogel (20 days), and control (26 days). Collagen synthesis and crosslinking are also significantly improved in CS + LG hydrogel treated diabetic rats. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry results revealed that the CS + LG hydrogel dressing accelerated vascularization and macrophage recruitment to enhance diabetic wound healing. These results demonstrate that incorporation of LG can improve collagen deposition, and vascularization, and aid in faster tissue regeneration. Therefore, CS + LG hydrogels could be an effective wound dressing used to treat diabetic wounds.
Hyper-O-GlcNAcylation induces cisplatin resistance via regulation of p53 and c-Myc in human lung carcinoma
Authors: Luanpitpong Sudjit , Angsutararux Paweorn , Samart Parinya , Chanthra Nawin , Chanvorachote Pithi , Issaragrisil Surapol 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAberrant metabolism in hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) has been observed in several cancers, affecting cellular signaling and tumor progression. However, the role of O-GlcNAcylation, a post-translational modification through HBP flux, in apoptosis remains unclear. Here, we found that hyper-O-GlcNAcylation in lung carcinoma cells by O-GlcNAcase inhibition renders the cells to apoptosis resistance to cisplatin (CDDP). Profiling of various key regulatory proteins revealed an implication of either p53 or c-Myc in the apoptosis regulation by O-GlcNAcylation, independent of p53 status. Using co-immunoprecipitation and correlation analyses, we found that O-GlcNAcylation of p53 under certain cellular contexts, i.e. high p53 activation, promotes its ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation, resulting in a gain of oncogenic and anti-apoptotic functions. By contrast, O-GlcNAcylation of c-Myc inhibits its ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Gene manipulation studies revealed that O-GlcNAcylation of p53/c-Myc is in part a regulator of CDDP-induced apoptosis. Accordingly, we classified CDDP resistance by hyper-O-GlcNAcylation in lung carcinoma cells as either p53 or c-Myc dependence based on their molecular targets. Together, our findings provide novel mechanisms for the regulation of lung cancer cell apoptosis that could be important in understanding clinical drug resistance and suggest O-GlcNAcylation as a potential target for cancer therapy.
Recovery of woody plant species richness in secondary forests in China: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Liu Xuehua , Skidmore Andrew , Garcia Claude 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThere is considerable uncertainty concerning changes in plant diversity of Chinese secondary forests, particularly with respect to diversity recovery following anthropogenic disturbance. Here we present a meta-analysis of the recovery of woody plant species richness in secondary forests in China, with nearby primary forests as a reference. A total of 125 pairs of secondary-primary forest data reported in 55 publications were identified across China. We analyzed the data by region and logging history to examine their influences on secondary forest recovery. Our results indicated that the woody plant richness of secondary forests in China was close to fully recovered when compared to the primary forest, with the recovery ratio being 85–103%. Higher recovery ratios were observed in central, northeast and southwest China, with lower recovery ratios seen in east, south and northwest China, and the recovery in central China significantly reached the primary forests (reference) level. Concerning logging histories, the recovery ratios showed two peak values, with one at 21–40 years after clear cutting and the other at 61–80 years. We reveal the fundamental recovery patterns of woody plant species richness in secondary forests in China. These patterns provide information for the sustainable management of secondary forest resources.
Persistence within dendritic cells marks an antifungal evasion and dissemination strategy of Aspergillus terreus
Authors: Hsieh Shih-Hung , Kurzai Oliver , Brock Matthias 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAspergillus terreus is an airborne human fungal pathogen causing life-threatening invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. In contrast to Aspergillus fumigatus, A. terreus infections are associated with high dissemination rates and poor response to antifungal treatment. Here, we compared the interaction of conidia from both fungal species with MUTZ-3-derived dendritic cells (DCs). After phagocytosis, A. fumigatus conidia rapidly escaped from DCs, whereas A. terreus conidia remained persisting with long-term survival. Escape from DCs was independent from DHN-melanin, as A. terreus conidia expressing wA showed no increased intracellular germination. Within DCs A. terreus conidia were protected from antifungals, whereas A. fumigatus conidia were efficiently cleared. Furthermore, while A. fumigatus conidia triggered expression of DC activation markers such as CD80, CD83, CD54, MHCII and CCR7, persistent A. terreus conidia were significantly less immunogenic. Moreover, DCs confronted with A. terreus conidia neither produced pro-inflammatory nor T-cell stimulating cytokines. However, TNF-α addition resulted in activation of DCs and provoked the expression of migration markers without inactivating intracellular A. terreus conidia. Therefore, persistence within DCs and possibly within other immune cells might contribute to the low response of A. terreus infections to antifungal treatment and could be responsible for its high dissemination rates.
Sponge bioerosion on changing reefs: ocean warming poses physiological constraints to the success of a photosymbiotic excavating sponge
Authors: Achlatis Michelle , van der Zande Rene M. , Schönberg Christine H. L. , Fang James K. H. , Hoegh-Guldberg Ove , Dove Sophie 
Published: August 2017

AbstractExcavating sponges are prominent bioeroders on coral reefs that in comparison to other benthic organisms may suffer less or may even benefit from warmer, more acidic and more eutrophic waters. Here, the photosymbiotic excavating sponge Cliona orientalis from the Great Barrier Reef was subjected to a prolonged simulation of both global and local environmental change: future seawater temperature, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (as for 2100 summer conditions under “business-as-usual” emissions), and diet supplementation with particulate organics. The individual and combined effects of the three factors on the bioerosion rates, metabolic oxygen and carbon flux, biomass change and survival of the sponge were monitored over the height of summer. Diet supplementation accelerated bioerosion rates. Acidification alone did not have a strong effect on total bioerosion or survival rates, yet it co-occurred with reduced heterotrophy. Warming above 30 °C (+2.7 °C above the local maximum monthly mean) caused extensive bleaching, lower bioerosion, and prevailing mortality, overriding the other factors and suggesting a strong metabolic dependence of the sponge on its resident symbionts. The growth, bioerosion capacity and likelihood of survival of C. orientalis and similar photosymbiotic excavating sponges could be substantially reduced rather than increased on end-of-the-century reefs under “business-as-usual” emission profiles.
Supercurrent switch in π topological junctions based upon a narrow quantum spin Hall insulator
Authors: Yu Qingyun , Tao Ze , Song Juntao , Tao Y. C. , Wang Jun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe narrow quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulator is characterized by interedge coupling, which could feature exotic transport phenomena, and thus serves as the key element for topological superconducting electronic devices. Herein, we theoretically explore possible Josephson π states in a QSH insulator strip touching on two s-wave superconductors in the presence of the interedge coupling. It is shown that the interedge coupling could give rise to a 0 − π transition modulated by the gate voltage, originating from an additional π phase difference caused by the interedge backscattering. The 0 − π transition in turn can manifest the helical spin texture of the edge states. A considerable residual value of the supercurrent at the 0 − π transition point is always exhibited, suggesting a very efficient performance of the device as a supercurrent switch. Moreover, the region of coexisting 0 and π states is found fairly large, which can be used to improve accuracy in the design of a π superconducting quantum interference device.