bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Well‐Defined Poly(Ortho Ester Amides) for Potential Drug Carriers: Probing the Effect of Extra‐ and Intracellular Drug Release on Chemotherapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Yan Guoqing , Wang Jun , Qin Jiejie , Hu Liefeng , Zhang Panpan , Wang Xin , Tang Rupei 
Published: March 2017

To compare the chemotherapeutic efficacy determined by extra‐ and intracellular drug release strategies, poly(ortho ester amide)‐based drug carriers (POEAd‐C) with well‐defined main‐chain lengths, are successfully constructed by a facile method. POEAd‐C3‐doxorubicin (DOX) can be rapidly dissolved to release drug at tumoral extracellular pH (6.5–7.2), while POEAd‐C6‐DOX can rapidly release drug following gradual swelling at intracellular pH (5.0–6.0). In vitro cytotoxicity shows that POEAd‐C3‐DOX exhibits more toxic effect on tumor cells than POEAd‐C6‐DOX at extracellular pH, but POEAd‐C6‐DOX has stronger tumor penetration and inhibition in vitro and in vivo tumor models. So, POEAd‐C6‐DOX with the intracellular drug release strategy has stronger overall chemotherapeutic efficacy than POEAd‐C3‐DOX with extracellular drug release strategy. It is envisioned that these poly(ortho ester amides) can have great potential as drug carriers for efficient chemotherapy with further optimization.
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Long‐term effects of systemic gene therapy in a canine model of myotubular myopathy
Authors: Elverman Matthew , Goddard Melissa A. , Mack David , Snyder Jessica M. , Lawlor Michael W. , Meng Hui , Beggs Alan H. , Buj‐Bello Ana , Poulard Karine , Marsh Anthony P. , Grange Robert W. , Kelly Valerie E. , Childers Martin K. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionX‐linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM), a devastating pediatric disease caused by the absence of the protein myotubularin, results from mutations in the MTM1 gene. While there is no cure for XLMTM, we previously reported effects of MTM1 gene therapy using adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector on muscle weakness and pathology in MTM1‐mutant dogs. Here, we followed 2 AAV‐infused dogs over 4 years.MethodsWe evaluated gait, strength, respiration, neurological function, muscle pathology, AAV vector copy number (VCN), and transgene expression.ResultsFour years following AAV‐mediated gene therapy, gait, respiratory performance, neurological function and pathology in AAV‐infused XLMTM dogs remained comparable to their healthy littermate controls despite a decline in VCN and muscle strength.ConclusionsAAV‐mediated gene transfer of MTM1 in young XLMTM dogs results in long‐term expression of myotubularin transgene with normal muscular performance and neurological function in the absence of muscle pathology. These findings support a clinical trial in patients. Muscle Nerve 56: 943–953, 2017
Polyphenylene sulfide‐based adsorption resins: synthesis, characterization and adsorption performance for Hg(II) and As(V)
Authors: Shao Gonglei , Yao Huajie , Liu Ao , Zhang Zhonglu , Huang Jiajia , Yuan Siguo 
Published: March 2017

A series of novel adsorption resins were synthesized via the chloromethylation of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin and subsequent functional group conversion reaction. Their chemical structure, thermal stability, and morphology were systematically characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive spectrometer, respectively. The experimental results showed that the thioureido, mercapto, aminopyridine, and quaternary ammonium groups had been respectively introduced into PPS matrix, the functional group content of PPS‐based mercapto resin (HS‐PPS), aminopyridine resin (AP‐PPS), and quaternary ammonium resin (QA‐PPS) were about 2.20, 1.71, and 2.61 mmol g−1, respectively. The adsorptive performance for Hg (II) and As (V) were studied by batch adsorptive method; the adsorption capacities of the HS‐PPS and AP‐PPS resin for Hg (II) were 210.65 and 169.06 mg g−1. The adsorption capacity of the QA‐PPS resin was 88 mg g−1 for As (V). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring executive function in Indian mothers and their 4‐year‐old daughters
Authors: von Suchodoletz Antje , Slot Pauline L. , Shroff Delshad M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractExecutive function (EF), including cognitive flexibility, attention shifting, and inhibitory control, has been linked to a range of outcomes across the lifespan, such as school readiness and academic functioning, job performance, health, and social‐emotional well‐being. Yet, research investigating links between parent EF and child EF is still limited. This is partly due to challenges in measuring the same EF abilities in parents and their children. The current study investigated the applicability of a computer‐based battery of various EF tasks for use with both mothers and children. The battery included the following EF tasks: Dimensional Change Card Sort, Hearts and Flowers, and Fish Flanker. Participants were 80 Indian mothers and their 4‐year‐old daughters. EF was measured with regard to accuracy scores, response time, and inverse efficiency (IE) scores of the most complex blocks of each task. Scoring patterns indicated that children's task performance appeared to be determined by their ability to recognize the cue indicating which task to perform at any given trial and to inhibit an incorrect response. In contrast, mothers’ performance appeared to be determined by response time, that is, their ability to be quick in giving the correct response. However, for both children and mothers, IE scores best captured individual differences in EF performance between participants. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analyses found that, for both children and mothers, all EF measures loaded on a latent factor, suggesting that the measures shared common variance in EF. There appeared to be no significant association between mothers’ and children's EF scores, controlling for several background variables. Directions for further research include examining the applicability of the EF task battery to reliably describe developmental trajectories of EF abilities over time, and further examining variability in the parent–child EF association across the lifespan.
Studying transcription initiation by RNA polymerase with diffusion‐based single‐molecule fluorescence
Authors: Alhadid Yazan , Chung SangYoon , Lerner Eitan , Taatjes Dylan J. , Borukhov Sergei , Weiss Shimon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOver the past decade, fluorescence‐based single‐molecule studies significantly contributed to characterizing the mechanism of RNA polymerase at different steps in transcription, especially in transcription initiation. Transcription by bacterial DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase is a multistep process that uses genomic DNA to synthesize complementary RNA molecules. Transcription initiation is a highly regulated step in E. coli, but it has been challenging to study its mechanism because of its stochasticity and complexity. In this review, we describe how single‐molecule approaches have contributed to our understanding of transcription and have uncovered mechanistic details that were not observed in conventional assays because of ensemble averaging.
Consensus of second‐order discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with relative‐state‐dependent noises
Authors: Wang Bo , Tian Yu‐Ping 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThis paper studies the consensus problem of second‐order discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with relative‐state‐dependent noises. Directed switching topologies are considered. Firstly, for a kind of switching topology with each digraph containing a spanning tree, we give a weak consensus result on the basis of the mode‐dependent average dwell time method. Then, if all digraphs in a switching topology are strongly connected and the corresponding Laplacian matrices have a common left eigenvector for zero eigenvalue, we prove that the mean square and almost sure consensus can always be guaranteed for an arbitrary switching sequence with some constant distributed control gains, and we also give the statistic properties of the final consensus points. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of our results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Panel Gene Testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer on Patients
Authors: Lumish Heidi S. , Steinfeld Hallie , Koval Carrie , Russo Donna , Levinson Elana , Wynn Julia , Duong James , Chung Wendy K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRecent advances in next generation sequencing have enabled panel gene testing, or simultaneous testing for mutations in multiple genes for a clinical condition. With more extensive and widespread genetic testing, there will be increased detection of genes with moderate penetrance without established clinical guidelines and of variants of uncertain significance (VUS), or genetic variants unknown to either be disease‐causing or benign. This study surveyed 232 patients who underwent genetic counseling for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer to examine the impact of panel gene testing on psychological outcomes, patient understanding, and utilization of genetic information. The survey used standardized instruments including the Impact of Event Scale (IES), Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA), Satisfaction with Decision Instrument (SWD), Ambiguity Tolerance Scale (AT‐20), genetics knowledge, and utilization of genetic test results. Study results suggested that unaffected individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer who received positive results were most significantly impacted by intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and distress. However, scores were also modestly elevated among unaffected patients with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer who received VUS, highlighting the impact of ambiguous results that are frequent among patients undergoing genetic testing with large panels of genes. Potential risk factors for increased genetic testing‐specific distress in this study included younger age, black or African American race, Hispanic origin, lower education level, and lower genetic knowledge and highlight the need for developing strategies to provide effective counseling and education to these communities, particularly when genetic testing utilizes gene panels that more commonly return VUS. More detailed pre‐test education and counseling may help patients appreciate the probability of various types of test results and how results would be used clinically, and allow them to make more informed decisions about the type of genetic testing to select.
Adenosine‐guided radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Letsas Konstantinos P. , Georgopoulos Stamatis , Efremidis Michael , Liu Tong , Bazoukis George , Vlachos Konstantinos , Karamichalakis Nikolaos , Lioni Louiza , Sideris Antonios , Ehrlich Joachim R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe prognostic significance of adenosine‐mediated dormant pulmonary vein conduction, and whether such dormant conduction should be eliminated, remains controversial. We sought to perform a meta‐analysis of data from eligible studies to delineate the prognostic impact of adenosine‐guided radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed using online databases in order to identify relevant studies from January 2004 to September 2016. Ten studies [six observational and four randomized control trials (RCTs)] were included in the analysis.ResultsFive studies (two observational and three RCTs) compared the efficacy of adenosine‐mediated elimination of dormant conduction versus no adenosine test. Overall, the adenosine‐guided ablation strategy displayed better long‐term outcomes as compared with no adenosine testing (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.14, p=0.02; Heterogeneity: I2=42%, p: 0.14). The meta‐analysis of only RCTs failed to show any differences between the two strategies (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.96–1.11, p=0.37; Heterogeneity: I2 0%, p: 0.41). Eight studies (five observational and three RCTs) addressed the efficacy of adenosine‐induced dormant conduction and additional ablation versus no dormant conduction during adenosine challenge. Overall, a trend towards a better outcome in those without dormant conduction during drug challenge was noted (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.77–1.03, p=0.11; Heterogeneity: I2 65% p: 0.006). The pooled analysis of RCTs failed to show any differences between the two arms (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.62–1.30, p= 0.57; Heterogeneity: I2 88%, p: 0.0002).ConclusionsAdenosine‐guided radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation does not provide additional benefit in terms of freedom of arrhythmia recurrence.
Deformation Analysis of the Tapered Inflatable Beam
Authors: Chen Z. , Zhao H. T. , Chen J. , Zhang Z. T. , Duan D. P. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn the theory research and engineering practice, more basic inflatable models are essential for the mechanical property analysis of inflatable structures. Firstly, this paper presents a model of the tapered inflatable cantilever beam based on Timoshenko's theory and analyzes its deformation under a concentrated force. Moreover, the following forces resulting from internal pressure and taper ratio are introduced into the equilibrium equations of the deformed configuration. Thus, the model is optimized compared to the existing one for a straight beam. To verify the effectiveness and the superiority of the established model, the theoretical method based on the model and FEM method are compared by adopting an example about the tapered beams. Finally, the theoretical method is applied in analyzing the influence of geometry and estimating a valid range of taper ratio. By the criterion of the same amount material area, the optimum taper ratio is obtained.
Erdős–Ko–Rado for Random Hypergraphs: Asymptotics and Stability
Authors: GAUY MARCELO M. , HÀN HIÊP , OLIVEIRA IGOR C. 
Published: March 2017

We investigate the asymptotic version of the Erdős–Ko–Rado theorem for the random k-uniform hypergraph $\mathcal{H}$k(n, p). For 2⩽k(n) ⩽ n/2, let $N=\binom{n}k$ and $D=\binom{n-k}k$. We show that with probability tending to 1 as n → ∞, the largest intersecting subhypergraph of $\mathcal{H}$ has size
$$(1+o(1))p\ffrac kn N$$
for any
$$p\gg \ffrac nk\ln^2\biggl(\ffrac nk\biggr)D^{-1}.$$
This lower bound on p is asymptotically best possible for k = Θ(n). For this range of k and p, we are able to show stability as well.A different behaviour occurs when k = o(n). In this case, the lower bound on p is almost optimal. Further, for the small interval D−1 ≪ p ⩽ (n/k)1−ϵD−1, the largest intersecting subhypergraph of $\mathcal{H}$k(n, p) has size Θ(ln(pD)ND−1), provided that $k \gg \sqrt{n \ln n}$.Together with previous work of Balogh, Bohman and Mubayi, these results settle the asymptotic size of the largest intersecting family in $\mathcal{H}$k, for essentially all values of p and k.
The population genetic structure of Corythucha ciliata (Say) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) provides insights into its distribution and invasiveness
Authors: Yang Wen-Yan , Tang Xiao-Tian , Ju Rui-Ting , Zhang Yong , Du Yu-Zhou 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCorythucha ciliata(Say), an invasive pest originating from North America, causes severe damage on sycamore trees. However, little is known about the population genetics and evolutionary forces underlying the invasiveness of this important pest. In the present study, we use three mitochondrial genes (COI,ND1andND5) and nine microsatellite markers to investigate the population genetics ofC. ciliataand retrace its spread through China. The results suggest a low level of genetic diversity in Chinese and European populations ofC. ciliata. Our results indicate that populations ofC. ciliatahave obvious genetic structure, and genetic differentiation is not caused by geographic isolation. In median-joining networks, we observed a higher frequency of shared haplotypes in groups 1 and 3. Based on gene flow and approximate Bayesian computation analyses, we discovered thatC. ciliatafirst invaded the east coast of China and subsequently moved inland. Demographic analysis suggested that populations ofC. ciliatain China may have undergone a recent bottleneck effect. Finally, our results suggest that population structure, high gene flow and environmental conditions have favored the broad invasiveness of this important pest.
Role of Cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A in Hyperoxic Lung Injury: Analysis of the Transcriptome and Proteome
Authors: Lingappan Krithika , Maity Suman , Jiang Weiwu , Wang Lihua , Couroucli Xanthi , Veith Alex , Zhou Guodong , Coarfa Cristian , Moorthy Bhagavatula 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHyperoxia contributes to lung injury in experimental animals and diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome in humans. Cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A enzymes are protective against hyperoxic lung injury (HLI). The molecular pathways and differences in gene expression that modulate these protective effects remain largely unknown. Our objective was to characterize genotype specific differences in the transcriptome and proteome of acute hyperoxic lung injury using the omics platforms: microarray and Reverse Phase Proteomic Array. Wild type (WT), Cyp1a1−/− and Cyp1a2−/− (8–10 wk, C57BL/6J background) mice were exposed to hyperoxia (FiO2 > 0.95) for 48 hours. Comparison of transcriptome changes in hyperoxia-exposed animals (WT versus knock-out) identified 171 genes unique to Cyp1a1−/− and 119 unique to Cyp1a2−/− mice. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed pathways including apoptosis, DNA repair and early estrogen response that were differentially regulated between WT, Cyp1a1−/− and Cyp1a2−/− mice. Candidate genes from these pathways were validated at the mRNA and protein level. Quantification of oxidative DNA adducts with 32P-postlabeling also revealed genotype specific differences. These findings provide novel insights into mechanisms behind the differences in susceptibility of Cyp1a1−/− and Cyp1a2−/− mice to HLI and suggest novel pathways that need to be investigated as possible therapeutic targets for acute lung injury.
A longitudinal study of the effect of short-term meditation training on functional network organization of the aging brain
Authors: Cotier Francesca A. , Zhang Ruibin , Lee Tatia M. C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe beneficial effects of meditation on preserving age-related changes in cognitive functioning are well established. Yet, the neural underpinnings of these positive effects have not been fully unveiled. This study employed a prospective longitudinal design, and graph-based analysis, to study how an eight-week meditation training vs. relaxation training shaped network configuration at global, intermediate, and local levels using graph theory in the elderly. At the intermediate level, meditation training lead to decreased intra-connectivity in the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SAN) and somatomotor network (SMN) modules post training. Also, there was decreased connectivity strength between the DMN and other modules. At a local level, meditation training lowered nodal strength in the left posterior cingulate gryus, bilateral paracentral lobule, and middle cingulate gyrus. According to previous literature, the direction of these changes is consistent with a movement towards a more self-detached viewpoint, as well as more efficient processing. Furthermore, our findings highlight the importance of considering brain network changes across organizational levels, as well as the pace at which these changes may occur. Overall, this study provides further support for short-term meditation as a potentially beneficial method of mental training for the elderly that warrants further investigation.
A Bayesian Perspective on Accumulation in the Magnitude System
Authors: Martin Benoît , Wiener Martin , van Wassenhove Virginie 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSeveral theoretical and empirical work posit the existence of a common magnitude system in the brain. Such a proposal implies that manipulating stimuli in one magnitude dimension (e.g. duration in time) should interfere with the subjective estimation of another magnitude dimension (e.g. size in space). Here, we asked whether a generalized Bayesian magnitude estimation system would sample sensory evidence using a common, amodal prior. Two psychophysical experiments separately tested participants on their perception of duration, surface, and numerosity when the non-target magnitude dimensions and the rate of sensory evidence accumulation were manipulated. First, we found that duration estimation was resilient to changes in surface and numerosity, whereas lengthening (shortening) the duration yielded under- (over-) estimations of surface and numerosity. Second, the perception of surface and numerosity were affected by changes in the rate of sensory evidence accumulation, whereas duration was not. Our results suggest that a generalized magnitude system based on Bayesian computations would minimally necessitate multiple priors.
A safety study of high concentration and high frequency intravitreal injection of conbercept in rabbits
Authors: Wang Jiaming , Lei Chunyan , Tao Lifei , Wu Quan , Ke Xiao , Qiu Yiguo , Lei Bo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe novel anti-VEGF drug conbercept has been used in the treatment of several retinal neovascular diseases. Owning to the alteration of the structure, the newest drug is capable of combining more molecular targets and present higher affinity to the angiogenesis promoting factors. However, it is unknown whether it will cause any unwanted effects like other anti-VEGF agents. We studied the short-term safety of high concentration and high frequency intravitreal injection of conbercept in rabbits. Intraocular pressure, fundus-photography, ERGs were applied. Retinal morphology, the amount of apoptotic cells and protein levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the aqueous humor were determined. Retinal proteomics was detected using tandem mass tags (TMTs) quantitative mass spectrometry. The difference of IOP, ERGs, protein levels of inflammatory factors among rabbits received conbercept and PBS was not significant (P > 0.05). Fundus photographs and retinal morphology of animals in the conbercept-injected groups mimic those observed in the PBS-injected groups. No TUNEL-positive cell was seen in the retinal ganglion cell layer in the conbercept-injected groups. Proteomics did not show significant changes of inflammation or apoptosis associated proteins in the conbercept-injected eyes. We conclude that intravitreal injection of high concentration and high frequency conbercept is well tolerated at least in a short-term in rabbits.
Chemically different non-thermal plasmas target distinct cell death pathways
Authors: Lunov Oleg , Zablotskii Vitalii , Churpita Olexander , Lunova Mariia , Jirsa Milan , Dejneka Alexandr , Kubinová Šárka 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA rigorous biochemical analysis of interactions between non-thermal plasmas (NTPs) and living cells has become an important research topic, due to recent developments in biomedical applications of non-thermal plasmas. Here, we decouple distinct cell death pathways targeted by chemically different NTPs. We show that helium NTP cells treatment, results in necrosome formation and necroptosis execution, whereas air NTP leads to mTOR activation and autophagy inhibition, that induces mTOR-related necrosis. On the contrary, ozone (abundant component of air NTP) treatment alone, exhibited the highest levels of reactive oxygen species production leading to CypD-related necrosis via the mitochondrial permeability transition. Our findings offer a novel insight into plasma-induced cellular responses, and reveal distinct cell death pathways triggered by NTPs.