bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential stimulation of the retina with subretinally injected exogenous neurotransmitter: A biomimetic alternative to electrical stimulation
Authors: Rountree Corey M. , Inayat Samsoon , Troy John B. , Saggere Laxman 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSubretinal stimulation of the retina with neurotransmitters, the normal means of conveying visual information, is a potentially better alternative to electrical stimulation widely used in current retinal prostheses for treating blindness from photoreceptor degenerative diseases. Yet, no subretinal electrical or chemical stimulation study has stimulated the OFF and ON pathways differentially through inner retinal activation. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of differentially stimulating retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) through the inner nuclear layer of the retina with glutamate, a primary neurotransmitter chemical, in a biomimetic way. We show that controlled pulsatile delivery of glutamate into the subsurface of explanted wild-type rat retinas elicits highly localized simultaneous inhibitory and excitatory spike rate responses in OFF and ON RGCs. We also present the spatiotemporal characteristics of RGC responses to subretinally injected glutamate and the therapeutic stimulation parameters. Our findings could pave the way for future development of a neurotransmitter-based subretinal prosthesis offering more naturalistic vision and better visual acuity than electrical prostheses.
Tunable electron heating induced giant magnetoresistance in the high mobility GaAs/AlGaAs 2D electron system
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Samaraweera R. L. , Reichl C. , Wegscheider W. , Mani R. G. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractElectron-heating induced by a tunable, supplementary dc-current (Idc) helps to vary the observed magnetoresistance in the high mobility GaAs/AlGaAs 2D electron system. The magnetoresistance at B = 0.3 T is shown to progressively change from positive to negative with increasing Idc, yielding negative giant-magnetoresistance at the lowest temperature and highest Idc. A two-term Drude model successfully fits the data at all Idc and T. The results indicate that carrier heating modifies a conductivity correction σ1, which undergoes sign reversal from positive to negative with increasing Idc, and this is responsible for the observed crossover from positive- to negative- magnetoresistance, respectively, at the highest B.
High-performance SERS substrate based on hybrid structure of graphene oxide/AgNPs/Cu film@pyramid Si
Authors: Li Zhe , Xu Shi Cai , Zhang Chao , Liu Xiao Yun , Gao Sai Sai , Hu Li Tao , Guo Jia , Ma Yong , Jiang Shou Zhen , Si Hai Peng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe present a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles/copper film covered silicon pyramid arrays (GO/AgNPs/PCu@Si) by a low-cost and simple method. The GO/AgNPs/PCu@Si substrate presents high sensitivity, good homogeneity and well stability with R6G molecules as a probe. The detected concentration of Rhodamine 6 G (R6G) is as low as 10−15 M. These sensitive SERS behaviors are also confirmed in theory via a commercial COMSOL software, the electric field enhancement is not only formed between the AgNPs, but also formed between the AgNPs and Cu film. And the GO/AgNPs/PCu@Si substrates also present good property on practical application for the detection of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV). This work may offer a novel and practical method to facilitate the SERS applications in areas of medicine, food safety and biotechnology.
Spotted phenotypes in horses lost attractiveness in the Middle Ages
Authors: Wutke Saskia , Benecke Norbert , Sandoval-Castellanos Edson , Döhle Hans-Jürgen , Friederich Susanne , Gonzalez Javier , Hallsson Jón Hallsteinn , Hofreiter Michael , Lõugas Lembi , Magnell Ola , Morales-Muniz Arturo , Orlando Ludovic , Pálsdóttir Albína Hulda , Reissmann Monika , Ruttkay Matej , Trinks Alexandra , Ludwig Arne 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHorses have been valued for their diversity of coat colour since prehistoric times; this is especially the case since their domestication in the Caspian steppe in ~3,500 BC. Although we can assume that human preferences were not constant, we have only anecdotal information about how domestic horses were influenced by humans. Our results from genotype analyses show a significant increase in spotted coats in early domestic horses (Copper Age to Iron Age). In contrast, medieval horses carried significantly fewer alleles for these phenotypes, whereas solid phenotypes (i.e., chestnut) became dominant. This shift may have been supported because of (i) pleiotropic disadvantages, (ii) a reduced need to separate domestic horses from their wild counterparts, (iii) a lower religious prestige, or (iv) novel developments in weaponry. These scenarios may have acted alone or in combination. However, the dominance of chestnut is a remarkable feature of the medieval horse population.
Structure and dynamics of a constitutively active neurotensin receptor
Authors: Krumm Brian E. , Lee Sangbae , Bhattacharya Supriyo , Botos Istvan , White Courtney F. , Du Haijuan , Vaidehi Nagarajan , Grisshammer Reinhard 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMany G protein-coupled receptors show constitutive activity, resulting in the production of a second messenger in the absence of an agonist; and naturally occurring constitutively active mutations in receptors have been implicated in diseases. To gain insight into mechanistic aspects of constitutive activity, we report here the 3.3 Å crystal structure of a constitutively active, agonist-bound neurotensin receptor (NTSR1) and molecular dynamics simulations of agonist-occupied and ligand-free receptor. Comparison with the structure of a NTSR1 variant that has little constitutive activity reveals uncoupling of the ligand-binding domain from conserved connector residues, that effect conformational changes during GPCR activation. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations show strong contacts between connector residue side chains and increased flexibility at the intracellular receptor face as features that coincide with robust signalling in cells. The loss of correlation between the binding pocket and conserved connector residues, combined with altered receptor dynamics, possibly explains the reduced neurotensin efficacy in the constitutively active NTSR1 and a facilitated initial engagement with G protein in the absence of agonist.
Excitatory Post-Synaptic Potential Mimicked in Indium-Zinc-Oxide Synaptic Transistors Gated by Methyl Cellulose Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Guo Liqiang , Wen Juan , Ding Jianning , Wan Changjin , Cheng Guanggui 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) of biological synapses is mimicked in indium-zinc-oxide synaptic transistors gated by methyl cellulose solid electrolyte. These synaptic transistors show excellent electrical performance at an operating voltage of 0.8 V, Ion/off ratio of 2.5 × 106, and mobility of 38.4 cm2/Vs. After this device is connected to a resistance of 4 MΩ in series, it exhibits excellent characteristics as an inverter. A threshold potential of 0.3 V is achieved by changing the gate pulse amplitude, width, or number, which is analogous to biological EPSP.
Baseline neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is associated with baseline and subsequent presence of brain metastases in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Koh Young Wha , Choi Jin-Hyuk , Ahn Mi Sun , Choi Yong Won , Lee Hyun Woo 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe examined the predictive value of neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) by examining their association with the baseline presence and subsequent development of brain metastases in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We examined the predictive value of NLR for brain metastasis in 260 stage IV NSCLC. Logistic regression models and competing risk analysis were used to determine the association of NLR with baseline and subsequent presence of brain metastases. Multivariate analysis reveals that patients with high NLR (≥4.95) had significantly more brain metastases at diagnosis than those with low NLR (Odds Ratio = 2.59, P = 0.01). In patients who had no baseline brain metastasis, competing risks analysis revealed that patients with high NLR showed higher cumulative incidence of subsequent brain metastases, compared to those with low NLR (P = 0.017). A high NLR was associated with the baseline presence or the subsequent development of brain metastases, particularly in the group with adenocarcinoma (P = 0.013 and P = 0.044, respectively). Furthermore, an increase in NLR during treatment was associated with subsequent brain metastases (P = 0.004). The NLR is an independent predictive factor for the baseline presence of brain metastases and subsequent brain metastases in stage IV NSCLC.
All-Silicon Ultra-Broadband Infrared Light Absorbers
Authors: Gorgulu Kazim , Gok Abdullah , Yilmaz Mehmet , Topalli Kagan , Bıyıklı Necmi , Okyay Ali K. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAbsorbing infrared radiation efficiently is important for critical applications such as thermal imaging and infrared spectroscopy. Common infrared absorbing materials are not standard in Si VLSI technology. We demonstrate ultra-broadband mid-infrared absorbers based purely on silicon. Broadband absorption is achieved by the combined effects of free carrier absorption, and vibrational and plasmonic absorption resonances. The absorbers, consisting of periodically arranged silicon gratings, can be fabricated using standard optical lithography and deep reactive ion etching techniques, allowing for cost-effective and wafer-scale fabrication of micro-structures. Absorption wavebands in excess of 15 micrometers (5–20 μm) are demonstrated with more than 90% average absorptivity. The structures also exhibit broadband absorption performance even at large angles of incidence (θ = 50°), and independent of polarization.
NADPH oxidase 4 deficiency increases tubular cell death during acute ischemic reperfusion injury
Authors: Nlandu-Khodo Stellor , Dissard Romain , Hasler Udo , Schäfer Matthias , Pircher Haymo , Jansen-Durr Pidder , Krause Karl Heinz , Martin Pierre-Yves , de Seigneux Sophie 
Published: December 2016

AbstractNADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) is highly expressed in kidney proximal tubular cells. NOX4 constitutively produces hydrogen peroxide, which may regulate important pro-survival pathways. Renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a classical model mimicking human ischemic acute tubular necrosis. We hypothesized that NOX4 plays a protective role in kidney IRI. In wild type (WT) animals subjected to IRI, NOX4 protein expression increased after 24 hours. NOX4 KO (knock-out) and WT littermates mice were subjected to IRI. NOX4 KO mice displayed decreased renal function and more severe tubular apoptosis, decreased Bcl-2 expression and higher histologic damage scores compared to WT. Activation of NRF2 was decreased in NOX4 KO mice in response to IRI. This was related to decreased KEAP1 oxidation leading to decreased NRF2 stabilization. This resulted in decreased glutathione levels. In vitro silencing of NOX4 in cells showed an enhanced propensity to apoptosis, with reduced expression of NRF2, glutathione content and Bcl-2 expression, similar to cells derived from NOX4 KO mice. Overexpression of a constitutively active form of NRF2 (caNRF2) in NOX4 depleted cells rescued most of this phenotype in cultured cells, implying that NRF2 regulation by ROS issued from NOX4 may play an important role in its anti-apoptotic property.
New principle for measuring arterial blood oxygenation, enabling motion-robust remote monitoring
Authors: van Gastel Mark , Stuijk Sander , de Haan Gerard 
Published: December 2016

AbstractFinger-oximeters are ubiquitously used for patient monitoring in hospitals worldwide. Recently, remote measurement of arterial blood oxygenation (SpO2) with a camera has been demonstrated. Both contact and remote measurements, however, require the subject to remain static for accurate SpO2 values. This is due to the use of the common ratio-of-ratios measurement principle that measures the relative pulsatility at different wavelengths. Since the amplitudes are small, they are easily corrupted by motion-induced variations. We introduce a new principle that allows accurate remote measurements even during significant subject motion. We demonstrate the main advantage of the principle, i.e. that the optimal signature remains the same even when the SNR of the PPG signal drops significantly due to motion or limited measurement area. The evaluation uses recordings with breath-holding events, which induce hypoxemia in healthy moving subjects. The events lead to clinically relevant SpO2 levels in the range 80–100%. The new principle is shown to greatly outperform current remote ratio-of-ratios based methods. The mean-absolute SpO2-error (MAE) is about 2 percentage-points during head movements, where the benchmark method shows a MAE of 24 percentage-points. Consequently, we claim ours to be the first method to reliably measure SpO2 remotely during significant subject motion.
Deep sub-wavelength nanofocusing of UV-visible light by hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Kim Minkyung , So Sunae , Yao Kan , Liu Yongmin , Rho Junsuk 
Published: December 2016

AbstractConfining light into a sub-wavelength area has been challenging due to the natural phenomenon of diffraction. In this paper, we report deep sub-wavelength focusing via dispersion engineering based on hyperbolic metamaterials. Hyperbolic metamaterials, which can be realized by alternating layers of metal and dielectric, are materials showing opposite signs of effective permittivity along the radial and the tangential direction. They can be designed to exhibit a nearly-flat open isofrequency curve originated from the large-negative permittivity in the radial direction and small-positive one in the tangential direction. Thanks to the ultraflat dispersion relation and curved geometry of the multilayer stack, hyperlens can magnify or demagnify an incident beam without diffraction depending on the incident direction. We numerically show that hyperlens-based nanofocusing device can compress a Gaussian beam down to tens-of-nanometers of spot size in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible frequency range. We also report four types of hyperlenses using different material combinations to span the entire range of visible frequencies. The nanofocusing device based on the hyperlens, unlike conventional lithography, works under ordinary light source without complex optics system, giving rise to practical applications including truly nanoscale lithography and deep sub-wavelength scale confinement.
Transcriptomic characterization and curation of candidate neuropeptides regulating reproduction in the eyestalk ganglia of the Australian crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Viet , Cummins Scott F. , Elizur Abigail , Ventura Tomer 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe Australian redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) has recently received attention as an emerging candidate for sustainable aquaculture production in Australia and worldwide. More importantly, C. quadricarinatus serves as a good model organism for the commercially important group of decapod crustaceans as it is distributed worldwide, easy to maintain in the laboratory and its reproductive cycle has been well documented. In order to better understand the key reproduction and development regulating mechanisms in decapod crustaceans, the molecular toolkit available for model organisms such as C. quadricarinatus must be expanded. However, there has been no study undertaken to establish the C. quadricarinatus neuropeptidome. Here we report a comprehensive study of the neuropeptide genes expressed in the eyestalk in the Australian crayfish C. quadricarinatus. We characterised 53 putative neuropeptide-encoding transcripts based on key features of neuropeptides as characterised in other species. Of those, 14 neuropeptides implicated in reproduction regulation were chosen for assessment of their tissue distribution using RT-PCR. Further insights are discussed in relation to current knowledge of neuropeptides in other species and potential follow up studies. Overall, the resulting data lays the foundation for future gene-based neuroendocrinology studies in C. quadricarinatus.
Size Specific Transfection to Mammalian Cells by Micropillar Array Electroporation
Authors: Zu Yingbo , Huang Shuyan , Lu Yang , Liu Xuan , Wang Shengnian 
Published: December 2016

AbstractElectroporation serves as a promising non-viral gene delivery approach, while its current configuration carries several drawbacks associated with high-voltage electrical pulses and heterogeneous treatment on individual cells. Here we developed a new micropillar array electroporation (MAE) platform to advance the electroporation-based delivery of DNA and RNA probes into mammalian cells. By introducing well-patterned micropillar array texture on the electrode surface, the number of pillars each cell faces varies with its plasma membrane surface area, despite their large population and random locations. In this way, cell size specific electroporation is conveniently carried out, contributing to a 2.5~3 fold increase on plasmid DNA transfection and an additional 10–55% transgene knockdown with siRNA probes, respectively. The delivery efficiency varies with the number and size of micropillars as well as their pattern density. As MAE works like many single cell electroporation are carried out in parallel, the electrophysiology response of individual cells is representative, which has potentials to facilitate the tedious, cell-specific protocol screening process in current bulk electroporation (i.e., electroporation to a large population of cells). Its success might promote the wide adoption of electroporation as a safe and effective non-viral gene delivery approach needed in many biological research and clinical treatments.
Relationship between Salivary Oxytocin Levels and Generosity in Preschoolers
Authors: Fujii Takayuki , Schug Joanna , Nishina Kuniyuki , Takahashi Taiki , Okada Hiroyuki , Takagishi Haruto 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis study examined the association between salivary oxytocin (sOT) levels and generosity in preschoolers. Fifty preschoolers played two dictator games (DG) by deciding how to allocate 10 chocolates between themselves and another child, who was either from the same class as the participant (ingroup member), or an unknown child from another class (outgroup member). sOT levels were assessed in saliva collected from the children immediately prior to the DG tasks. While sOT levels were negatively associated with allocations made to both ingroup and outgroup members by boys, among girl sOT levels were positively related to allocations made to ingroup members, and unrelated to allocations made to outgroup members. These results suggest sex differences in the association between salivary oxytocin and generosity.
The efficacy of Mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of Chinese Takayasu’s arteritis
Authors: Li Jing , Yang Yunjiao , Zhao Jiuliang , Li Mengtao , Tian Xinping , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTo investigate the therapeutic effect of mycophenolate mofetil(MMF) on Chinese Takayasu’s arteritis(TAK) patients. Thirty consecutive TAK outpatients were prospectively enrolled during 2013 to 2015. MMF combined with glucocorticoid was the primary treatment regimen. If clinical stable disease could not be reached, another traditional immunosuppressive agent could be added. All patients were evaluated and followed up every 3 months and vascular image studies by Doppler ultrasonography were repeated every 6 months. The effectiveness of MMF was defined as:(1) ESR < 20 mm/hr;(2) CRP < 10 mg/L or hs-CRP<3 mg/L;(3) stable or improved in vascular image studies;(4) clinical assessment is stable, improved or in remission;(5) the dosage of glucocorticoid could be tapered to less than 15 mg/day. ESR < 40 mm/hr, CRP < 20 mg/L or hs-CRP < 6 mg/L, but meet the other three criteria is defined as partial effectiveness. MMF alone combined with corticosteroid was effective in 12(40.0%) patients. When MMF combined with methotrexate less than 15 mg/week, the effective rate was 30.0%(9/30), including partial effective in 3 patients. When MMF combined with azathioprine 100–150 mg/day, the effective rate was 10.0%(3/30), including partial effective in 1 patient. Four patients withdrew due to side effects. Two patients failed to show response. The overall effective rate of therapy including MMF in treating TAK is 80%.
Enhancing steel properties through in situ formation of ultrahard ceramic surface
Authors: Pahlevani Farshid , Kumar Rahul , Gorjizadeh Narjes , Hossain Rumana , Cholake Sagar T , Privat Karen , Sahajwalla Veena 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAbrasion and corrosion resistant steel has attracted considerable interest for industrial application as a means of minimising the costs associated with product/component failures and/or short replacement cycles. These classes of steels contain alloying elements that increase their resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Their benefits, however, currently come at a potentially prohibitive cost; such high performance steel products are both more technically challenging and more expensive to produce. Although these methods have proven effective in improving the performance of more expensive, high-grade steel components, they are not economically viable for relatively low cost steel products. New options are needed. In this study, a complex industrial waste stream has been transformed in situ via precisely controlled high temperature reactions to produce an ultrahard ceramic surface on steel. This innovative ultrahard ceramic surface increases both the hardness and compressive strength of the steel. Furthermore, by modifying the composition of the waste input and the processing parameters, the ceramic surface can be effectively customised to match the intended application of the steel. This economical new approach marries industry demands for more cost-effective, durable steel products with global imperatives to address resource depletion and environmental degradation through the recovery of resources from waste.
Progressive Muscle Cell Delivery as a Solution for Volumetric Muscle Defect Repair
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Ko In Kap , Atala Anthony , Yoo James J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractReconstructing functional volumetric tissuein vivofollowing implantation remains a critical challenge facing cell-based approaches. Several pre-vascularization approaches have been developed to increase cell viability following implantation. Structural and functional restoration was achieved in a preclinical rodent tissue defect; however, the approach used in this model fails to repair larger (>mm) defects as observed in a clinical setting. We propose an effective cell delivery system utilizing appropriate vascularization at the site of cell implantation that results in volumetric and functional tissue reconstruction. Our method of multiple cell injections in a progressive manner yielded improved cell survival and formed volumetric muscle tissues in an ectopic muscle site. In addition, this strategy supported the reconstruction of functional skeletal muscle tissue in a rodent volumetric muscle loss injury model. Results from our study suggest that our method may be used to repair volumetric tissue defects by overcoming diffusion limitations and facilitating adequate vascularization.