bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The distribution of the apparent diffusion coefficient as an indicator of the response to chemotherapeutics in ovarian tumour xenografts
Authors: Tourell Monique C. , Shokoohmand Ali , Landgraf Marietta , Holzapfel Nina P. , Poh Patrina S. P. , Loessner Daniela , Momot Konstantin I. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDiffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) was used to evaluate the effects of single-agent and combination treatment regimens in a spheroid-based animal model of ovarian cancer. Ovarian tumour xenografts grown in non-obese diabetic/severe-combined-immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice were treated with carboplatin or paclitaxel, or combination carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy regimens. After 4 weeks of treatment, tumours were extracted and underwent DW-MRI, mechanical testing, immunohistochemical and gene expression analyses. The distribution of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) exhibited an upward shift as a result of each treatment regimen. The 99-th percentile of the ADC distribution (“maximum ADC”) exhibited a strong correlation with the tumour size (r2 = 0.90) and with the inverse of the elastic modulus (r2 = 0.96). Single-agent paclitaxel (n = 5) and combination carboplatin/paclitaxel (n = 2) treatment regimens were more effective in inducing changes in regions of higher cell density than single-agent carboplatin (n = 3) or the no-treatment control (n = 5). The maximum ADC was a good indicator of treatment-induced cell death and changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Comparative analysis of the tumours’ ADC distribution, mechanical properties and ECM constituents provides insights into the molecular and cellular response of the ovarian tumour xenografts to chemotherapy. Increased sample sizes are recommended for future studies. We propose experimental approaches to evaluation of the timeline of the tumour’s response to treatment.
Image-based adaptive optics for in vivo imaging in the hippocampus
Authors: Champelovier D. , Teixeira J. , Conan J.-M. , Balla N. , Mugnier L. M. , Tressard T. , Reichinnek S. , Meimon S. , Cossart R. , Rigneault H. , Monneret S. , Malvache A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAdaptive optics is a promising technique for the improvement of microscopy in tissues. A large palette of indirect and direct wavefront sensing methods has been proposed for in vivo imaging in experimental animal models. Application of most of these methods to complex samples suffers from either intrinsic and/or practical difficulties. Here we show a theoretically optimized wavefront correction method for inhomogeneously labeled biological samples. We demonstrate its performance at a depth of 200 μm in brain tissue within a sparsely labeled region such as the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus, with cells expressing GCamP6. This method is designed to be sample-independent thanks to an automatic axial locking on objects of interest through the use of an image-based metric that we designed. Using this method, we show an increase of in vivo imaging quality in the hippocampus.
NMDA Receptor Expression in the Thalamus of the Stargazer Model of Absence Epilepsy
Authors: Barad Z. , Grattan D. R. , Leitch B. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn the stargazer mouse model of absence epilepsy, altered corticothalamic excitation of reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) neurons has been suggested to contribute to abnormal synchronicity in the corticothalamic-thalamocortical circuit, leading to spike-wave discharges, the hallmark of absence seizures. AMPA receptor expression and function are decreased in stargazer RTN, due to a mutation of AMPAR auxiliary subunit stargazin. It is unresolved and debated, however, if decreased excitation of RTN is compatible with epileptogenesis. We tested the hypothesis that relative NMDAR expression may be increased in RTN and/or thalamic synapses in stargazers using Western blot on dissected thalamic nuclei and biochemically isolated synapses, as well as immunogold cytochemistry in RTN. Expression of main NMDAR subunits was variable in stargazer RTN and relay thalamus; however, mean expression values were not statistically significantly different compared to controls. Furthermore, no systematic changes in synaptic NMDAR levels could be detected in stargazer thalamus. In contrast, AMPAR subunits were markedly decreased in both nucleus-specific and synaptic preparations. Thus, defective AMPAR trafficking in stargazer thalamus does not appear to lead to a ubiquitous compensatory increase in total and synaptic NMDAR expression, suggesting that elevated NMDAR function is not mediated by changes in protein expression in stargazer mice.
Image processing in digital pathology: an opportunity to solve inter-batch variability of immunohistochemical staining
Authors: Van Eycke Yves-Rémi , Allard Justine , Salmon Isabelle , Debeir Olivier , Decaestecker Christine 
Published: February 2017

AbstractImmunohistochemistry (IHC) is a widely used technique in pathology to evidence protein expression in tissue samples. However, this staining technique is known for presenting inter-batch variations. Whole slide imaging in digital pathology offers a possibility to overcome this problem by means of image normalisation techniques. In the present paper we propose a methodology to objectively evaluate the need of image normalisation and to identify the best way to perform it. This methodology uses tissue microarray (TMA) materials and statistical analyses to evidence the possible variations occurring at colour and intensity levels as well as to evaluate the efficiency of image normalisation methods in correcting them. We applied our methodology to test different methods of image normalisation based on blind colour deconvolution that we adapted for IHC staining. These tests were carried out for different IHC experiments on different tissue types and targeting different proteins with different subcellular localisations. Our methodology enabled us to establish and to validate inter-batch normalization transforms which correct the non-relevant IHC staining variations. The normalised image series were then processed to extract coherent quantitative features characterising the IHC staining patterns.
Elevated expression of placental growth factor is associated with airway-wall vascular remodelling and thickening in smokers with asthma
Authors: Wu Dong , Lai Tianwen , Yuan Yalian , Chen Min , Xia Jun , Li Wen , Pan Guihai , Yuan Binfan , Lv Quanchao , Li Yanyu , Li Dongmin , Wu Bin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe increased expression of placental growth factor (PlGF) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and allergy-related asthma suggests its role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In asthmatic smokers, airway remodelling is accompanied by an accelerated decline in lung function. However, whether PlGF contributes to the persistent airflow obstruction and vascular remodelling typically seen in asthmatic smokers is unknown. In this study we measured lung function, airway-wall thickening, and PlGF levels in serum and induced sputum in 74 asthmatic and 42 healthy smokers and never-smokers. Using human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMECs), we evaluated the in vitro effects of PlGF on each step of vascular remodelling, including proliferation, migration, stress-fibre expression, and tubule formation. Our data showed significantly higher serum and sputum PlGF levels in asthma patients, especially asthmatic smokers, than in healthy controls. Serum and sputum PlGF levels correlated negatively with post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the FEV1/forced vital capacity, but positively with airway-wall thickening. Stimulation of HLMECs with rhPlGF promoted all of the steps of airway-microvascular remodelling. These findings provide insights into the influence of cigarette smoking on the structural changes in the airways of asthmatics and the important pathogenic role played by PlGF.
Electrically tunable metasurface based on Mie-type dielectric resonators
Authors: Su Zhaoxian , Zhao Qian , Song Kun , Zhao Xiaopeng , Yin Jianbo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we have designed a metasurface based on electrically tunable Mie-type resonators and theoretically demonstrated its tunable response to electromagnetic waves with varying frequency. The metasurface consists of disk-like ferroelectric resonators arrayed on a metal film and the upper surface of resonators is covered by ion gel film which is transparent for incident electromagnetic wave. Using the metal film and ion gel film as electrodes, the permittivity of the resonators can be adjusted by an external electric field and, as a result, the reflection phase of the resonators can be dynamically adjusted in a relatively wide range. By programmable controlling the electric field strength applied on resonators of metasurface, a 2π phase ramp can be realized and, thereby, the arbitrary reflection behavior of incident waves with varied frequency is obtained. Because of the tunability, this metasurface can also be used to design adaptive metasurface lens and carpet cloak.
A Phylogenetic Perspective on Biogeographical Divergence of the Flora in Yunnan, Southwestern China
Authors: Liu Shuiyin , Zhu Hua , Yang Jie 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn recent years, an increasing number of studies incorporated biogeography with phylogenetic analyses to reveal the origin and evolutionary history of specific floras. In this study, we constructed the mega-phylogeny of the floras of three representative regions across Yunnan, southwestern China. We analyzed the phylogenetic structure and beta diversity based on the presence/absence of species (genus or family) data to investigate the phylogenetic patterns of regional floras. We found conspicuous divergence at the genus and species level in the pattern of phylogenetic structures, which most likely related to historical biogeography. The flora of southern Yunnan was shaped by the strike-slip extrusion of Indochina and the regional climatic stability, while the flora of northwestern Yunnan was shaped by the uplift of the Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau and the oscillations of the glacial-interglacial periods. The flora of central Yunnan had nearly equal proportions of the northern and southern floras that may be derived from a common Tertiary tropical or subtropical flora. Geological events fit well with the floristic and phylogenetic patterns across Yunnan. This study highlighted the importance of linking phylogenetic analyses to biogeographic interpretations to improve our understanding of the origin, evolution and divergence of regional floras.
First-Principles Correlated Approach to the Normal State of Strontium Ruthenate
Authors: Acharya S. , Laad M. S. , Dey Dibyendu , Maitra T. , Taraphder A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe interplay between multiple bands, sizable multi-band electronic correlations and strong spin-orbit coupling may conspire in selecting a rather unusual unconventional pairing symmetry in layered Sr2RuO4. This mandates a detailed revisit of the normal state and, in particular, the T-dependent incoherence-coherence crossover. Using a modern first-principles correlated view, we study this issue in the actual structure of Sr2RuO4 and present a unified and quantitative description of a range of unusual physical responses in the normal state. Armed with these, we propose that a new and important element, that of dominant multi-orbital charge fluctuations in a Hund’s metal, may be a primary pair glue for unconventional superconductivity. Thereby we establish a connection between the normal state responses and superconductivity in this system.
First evidence of denitrification vis-à-vis monsoon in the Arabian Sea since Late Miocene
Authors: Tripathi Shubham , Tiwari Manish , Lee Jongmin , Khim Boo-Keun ,   IODP Expedition 355 Scientists, Pandey Dhananjai K. , Clift Peter D. , Kulhanek Denise K. , Andò Sergio , Bendle James A.P. , Aharonovich Sophia , Griffith Elizabeth M. , Gurumurthy Gundiga P. , Hahn Annette , Iwai Masao , Kumar Anil , Kumar A. Ganesh , Liddy Hannah M. , Lu Huayu , Lyle Mitchell W. , Mishra Ravi , Radhakrishna Tallavajhala , Routledge Claire M. , Saraswat Rajeev , Saxena Rakesh , Scardia Giancarlo , Sharma Girish K. , Singh Arun D. , Steinke Stephan , Suzuki Kenta , Tauxe Lisa , Xu Zhaokai , Yu Zhaojie 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn the Arabian Sea, South Asian monsoon (SAM)-induced high surface water productivity coupled with poor ventilation of intermediate water results in strong denitrification within the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). Despite the significance of denitrification in the Arabian Sea, we have no long-term record of its evolution spanning the past several million years. Here, we present the first record of denitrification evolution since Late Miocene (~10.2 Ma) in the Eastern Arabian Sea, where the SAM generates moderate surface water productivity, based on the samples retrieved during the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 355. We find that (i) the SAM was persistently weaker from ~10.2 to 3.1 Ma; it did not intensify at ~8 Ma in contrast to a few previous studies, (ii) on tectonic timescale, both the SAM and the East Asian Monsoon (EAM) varied synchronously, (iii) the first evidence of denitrification and productivity/SAM intensification was at ~3.2–2.8 Ma that coincided with Mid-Pliocene Warm Period (MPWP), and (iv) the modern strength of the OMZ where denitrification is a permanent feature was attained at ~1.0 Ma.
The Correlation and Risk Factors between Carotid Intima-Media Thickening and Alcoholic Liver Disease Coupled with Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Bao-Ge Qu , Hui Wang , Yi-Guo Jia , Ji-Liang Su , Zhong-Dong Wang , Ya-Fei Wang , Xing-Hai Han , Yuan-Xun Liu , Jin-Dun Pan , Guang-Ying Ren 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the associations and differences in influencing factors between alcoholic liver disease (ALD) coupled with Helicobacter pylori infection and atherosclerosis and to determine whether there is a “double hit phenomenon” in atherosclerosis patients with ALD and H. pylori infections. Included cases (n = 160) were categorized into 4 groups: 41 cases of ALD coupled with H. pylori infections (group A), 35 cases of H. pylori infections without ALD (group B), 37 cases of ALD without H. pylori infections (group C), and 47 normal control cases (group D). CIMT was significantly greater in group A than in groups B and D (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively). The GLM univariate analysis found that CIMT was significantly greater in group A than in groups B, C and D (P = 0.018, P = 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively). We found that BMI and ALT, AST and ApoB levels were independent predictors of CIMT (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, P = 0.012 and P = 0.014, respectively). ALD coupled with H. pylori infection may result in significant CIMT thickening, but H. pylori infection without ALD and ALD without H. pylori infection does not, suggesting that a “double hit phenomenon” occurs. Additionally, BMI, and ALT, AST and ApoB levels were independent risk factors for increased CIMT.
Earth’s oldest ‘Bobbit worm’ – gigantism in a Devonian eunicidan polychaete
Authors: Eriksson Mats E. , Parry Luke A. , Rudkin David M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhilst the fossil record of polychaete worms extends to the early Cambrian, much data on this group derive from microfossils known as scolecodonts. These are sclerotized jaw elements, which generally range from 0.1–2 mm in size, and which, in contrast to the soft-body anatomy, have good preservation potential and a continuous fossil record. Here we describe a new eunicidan polychaete,Websteroprion armstrongigen. et sp. nov., based primarily on monospecific bedding plane assemblages from the Lower-Middle Devonian Kwataboahegan Formation of Ontario, Canada. The specimens are preserved mainly as three-dimensional moulds in the calcareous host rock, with only parts of the original sclerotized jaw walls occasionally present. This new taxon has a unique morphology and is characterized by an unexpected combination of features seen in several different Palaeozoic polychaete families.Websteroprion armstrongiwas a raptorial feeder and possessed the largest jaws recorded in polychaetes from the fossil record, with maxillae reaching over one centimetre in length. Total body length of the species is estimated to have reached over one metre, which is comparable to that of extant ‘giant eunicid’ species colloquially referred to as ‘Bobbit worms’. This demonstrates that polychaete gigantism was already a phenomenon in the Palaeozoic, some 400 million years ago.
General planar transverse domain walls realized by optimized transverse magnetic field pulses in magnetic biaxial nanowires
Authors: Li Mei , Wang Jianbo , Lu Jie 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe statics and field-driven dynamics of transverse domain walls (TDWs) in magnetic nanowires (NWs) have attracted continuous interests because of their theoretical significance and application potential in future magnetic logic and memory devices. Recent results demonstrate that uniform transverse magnetic fields (TMFs) can greatly enhance the wall velocity, meantime leave a twisting in the TDW azimuthal distribution. For application in high-density NW devices, it is preferable to erase the twisting so as to minimize magnetization frustrations. Here we report the realization of a completely planar TDW with arbitrary tilting attitude in a magnetic biaxial NW under a TMF pulse with fixed strength and well-designed orientation profile. We smooth any twisting in the TDW azimuthal plane thus completely decouple the polar and azimuthal degrees of freedom. The analytical differential equation describing the polar angle distribution is derived and the resulting solution is not the Walker-ansatz form. With this TMF pulse comoving, the field-driven dynamics of the planar TDW is investigated with the help of the asymptotic expansion method. It turns out the comoving TMF pulse increases the wall velocity under the same axial driving field. These results will help to design a series of modern magnetic devices based on planar TDWs.
Modeling contribution of shallow groundwater to evapotranspiration and yield of maize in an arid area
Authors: Gao Xiaoyu , Huo Zailin , Qu Zhongyi , Xu Xu , Huang Guanhua , Steenhuis Tammo S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCapillary rise from shallow groundwater can decrease the need for irrigation water. However, simple techniques do not exist to quantify the contribution of capillary flux to crop water use. In this study we develop the Agricultural Water Productivity Model for Shallow Groundwater (AWPM-SG) for calculating capillary fluxes from shallow groundwater using readily available data. The model combines an analytical solution of upward flux from groundwater with the EPIC crop growth model. AWPM-SG was calibrated and validated with 2-year lysimetric experiment with maize. Predicted soil moisture, groundwater depth and leaf area index agreed with the observations. To investigate the response of model, various scenarios were run in which the irrigation amount and groundwater depth were varied. Simulations shows that at groundwater depth of 1 m capillary upward supplied 41% of the evapotranspiration. This reduced to 6% at groundwater depth of 2 m. The yield per unit water consumed (water productivity) was nearly constant for 2.3 kg/m3. The yield per unit water applied (irrigation water productivity) increased with decreasing irrigation water because capillary rise made up in part for the lack of irrigation water. Consequently, using AWPM-SG in irrigation scheduling will be beneficial to save more water in areas with shallow groundwater.
Response of rhizosphere soil microbial to Deyeuxia angustifolia encroaching in two different vegetation communities in alpine tundra
Authors: Li Lin , Xing Ming , Lv Jiangwei , Wang Xiaolong , Chen Xia 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDeyeuxia angustifolia(Komarov) Y. L Chang is an herb species originating from the birch forests in the Changbai Mountain. Recently, this species has been found encroaching into large areas in the western slopes of the alpine tundra in the Changbai Mountain, threatening the tundra ecosystem. In this study, we systematically assessed the response of the rhizosphere soil microbial toD. angustifoliaencroaching in alpine tundra by conducting experiments for two vegetation types (shrubs and herbs) by real-time PCR and Illumina Miseq sequencing methods. The treatments consisted ofD. angustifoliasites (DA), native sites (NS, NH) and encroaching sites (ES, EH). Our results show that (1) Rhizosphere soil properties of the alpine tundra were significantly impacted byD. angustifoliaencroaching; microbial nutrient cycling and soil bacterial communities were shaped to be suitable forD. angustifoliagrowth; (2) The two vegetation community rhizosphere soils responded differently toD. angustifoliaencroaching; (3) By encroaching into both vegetation communities,D. angustifoliacould effectively replace the native species by establishing positive plant-soil feedback. The strong adaptation and assimilative capacity contributed toD. angustifoliaencroaching in the alpine tundra. Our research indicates thatD. angustifoliasignificantly impacts the rhizosphere soil microbial of the alpine tundra.
Clinical Investigation of the Posterior scleral contraction to Treat Macular Traction Maculopathy in Highly Myopic Eyes
Authors: Pan An-Peng , Wan Ting , Zhu Shuang-Qian , Dong Liang , Xue An-Quan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMyopic traction maculopathy (MTM) can cause vision disabilities in highly myopic eyes. This retrospective case series investigated the clinical outcomes of posterior scleral contraction (PSC) using genipin-cross-linked sclera as the material to treat MTM in highly myopic eyes. In total, 32 eyes from 29 highly myopic patients who underwent PSC for MTM were recruited. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and axial length were evaluated, macular reattachment and macular hole (MH) closure was assessed by optical coherence tomography, and complications were evaluated. At the final follow-up, the retina was completely reattached in 25 eyes (78.1%), essentially reattached in 4 eyes (12.5%), and partially reattached in 3 eyes (9.4%). The logMAR BCVA improved significantly from 1.18 ± 0.45 preoperatively to 0.87 ± 0.45 postoperatively (P < 0.001). The 32 eyes were further divided into the MH group (16 eyes) and the non-MH group (16 eyes) for comparison. The MH was closed in 9 eyes (56.3%). The retinal reattachment rate was 75.0% in the MH group and 81.25% in the non-MH group, and the logMAR BCVA improved significantly in both groups. The PSC using genipin-cross-linked sclera as the material can effectively treat MTM in highly myopic eyes, and significant visual improvement can be achieved with minimal complications.