bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced serum levels of syndecan‐1 in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shegefti Mohammad Sohrabi , Malekzadeh Mahyar , Malek‐Hosseini Zahra , Khademi Bijan , Ghaderi Abbas , Doroudchi Mehrnoosh 
Published: December 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate soluble syndecan‐1 (Sdc‐1) in the sera of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its correlation with the histopathological criteria of tumors.Study DesignIn a case‐control study using a convenient method of sampling, 18 female and 25 male patients with confirmed diagnosis of tongue SCC, and 19 healthy females and 27 males were studied.MethodsSoluble Sdc‐1 was measured in the sera of 43 patients with tongue SCC and was compared with that of healthy age‐/sex‐matched controls using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical and pathological data, along with the demographic characteristics of the patients, were recorded at the time of sampling.ResultsThe levels of soluble Sdc‐1 were decreased in the sera of patients compared to controls (91.17 ± 88.60 vs. 158.17 ± 103.47 ng/mL, P = .002). Although patients who smoke tended to have higher grades (P = .043), there was no significant difference in the level of syndecan‐1 between smokers and non‐smokers. A significant difference between syndecan‐1 in the sera of patients with tumors of different stages was observed (Kruskal‐Wallis test P=0.039); however, scarcity of patients in stages I and III decreased the power of the comparison.ConclusionsSdc‐1 levels in the sera of patients do not correlate with the tumor progression in the tongue SCC. This is in contrast with the reported inverse correlation between the expression level of membranous Sdc‐1 and the histological grade and size of head and neck tumors. Therefore, Sdc‐1 shedding may not be a major mechanism in the progressive loss of its expression regarding tongue tumor.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 126:E191–E195, 2016
Localized one‐dimensional single voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy without J coupling modulations
Authors: Lin Yanqin , Lin Liangjie , Wei Zhiliang , Zhong Jianhui , Chen Zhong 
Published: December 2015

PurposeTo acquire single voxel localized one‐dimensional 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) without J coupling modulations, free from amplitude and phase distortions.MethodsA pulse sequence, named PRESSIR, is developed for volume localized MRS without J modulations at arbitrary echo time (TE). The J coupling evolution is suppressed by the J‐refocused module that uses a 90° pulse at the midpoint of a double spin echo.ResultsThe localization performance of the PRESSIR sequence was tested with a two‐compartment phantom. The proposed sequence shows similar voxel localization accuracy as PRESS. Both PRESSIR and PRESS sequences were performed on MRS brain phantom and pig brain tissue. PRESS spectra suffer from amplitude and phase distortions due to J modulations, especially under moderate and long TEs, while PRESSIR spectra are almost free from distortions.ConclusionThe PRESSIR sequence proposed herein enables the acquisition of single voxel in‐phase MRS within a single scan. It allows an enhanced signal intensity of J coupling metabolites and reducing undesired broad resonances with short T2s while suppressing J modulations. Moreover, it provides an approach for direct measurement of nonoverlapping J coupling peaks and of transverse relaxation times T2s. Magn Reson Med 76:1661–1667, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Kinetics of miniemulsion polymerizations of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and/or methyl methacrylate
Authors: Pham Quoc‐Thai , Lin Chun‐Ta , Chen Chia‐Hung , Chern Chorng‐Shyan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTwo types of reactive acrylic microgel particles of methyl methacrylate (MMA)/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) (66.4/33.6 and 0/100 (mol/mol)) were prepared by miniemulsion polymerization with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator in the temperature range 60–80 °C. Ostwald ripening occurred during the very early stage of polymerization. In addition to the predominant droplet nucleation, homogeneous nucleation was also observed. The polymerization rate for MMA/EGDMA miniemulsion was higher than that for EGDMA miniemulsion. By contrast, comparable apparent limiting conversions were observed for the polymerizations of MMA/EGDMA and EGDMA. The mole fractions of MMA and EGDMA units incorporated into the copolymer product were estimated to be 0.62 and 0.38, respectively, for the polymerization of MMA/EGDMA at 70 °C. The mole fraction of the EGDMA unit containing one CC within the MMA/EGDMA microgel particle product was estimated to be 0.23, which was comparable to that (0.22) of the EGDMA unit containing one CC within the EGDMA microgel particle product. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Structure and crystallization behaviour of syndiotactic polystyrene/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites
Authors: Nagendra Baku , Das Amit , Leuteritz Andreas , Gowd E Bhoje 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSyndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) based polymer nanocomposites have been prepared using surfactant‐free layered double hydroxides (SF‐LDHs) by a modified solvent mixing method with different loadings of 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 wt%. The nanocomposite preparation process involves a wash treatment of as‐prepared SF‐LDHs in an appropriate organic solvent followed by gel formation in a non‐polar solvent. The gel was directly used to make highly dispersed polymer nanocomposites. The influence of highly dispersed SF‐LDH platelets on the crystallization, polymorphism, thermal stability and flame retardancy of sPS was examined. It was shown that SF‐LDHs significantly enhance the crystallization rate of sPS and favour the formation of the thermodynamically stable β form along with the α form of sPS. Moreover, highly dispersed SF‐LDHs decrease the heat release rate and total heat release of sPS indicating the enhancement of flame‐retardant properties of sPS. In this way, it was found that the dispersed SF‐LDH platelets act as a multifunctional nanofiller for sPS. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
lncRNAs regulate the innate immune response to viral infection
Authors: Ouyang Jing , Hu Jiayue , Chen Ji‐Long 
Published: December 2015

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are extensively expressed in mammalian cells and play a crucial role as RNA regulators in various cellular processes. Increasing data reveal that they function in innate antiviral immunity through complex mechanisms. Thousands of lncRNAs are regulated by RNA virus or DNA virus infection. The significant differential expression of lncRNAs is induced by virus or host antiviral signaling mediated by interferons (IFNs) and tumor necrosis factor‐α. In turn, these lncRNAs modulate the host immune response including the pathogen recognition receptor (PRR)‐related signaling, the translocation and activation of transcription factors, the production of IFNs and cytokines, the IFN‐activated JAK‐STAT signaling and the transcription of antiviral IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs). Using gain‐ or loss‐of‐function analysis, the effect of lncRNAs on viral replication has been investigated to elucidate the essential role of lncRNA in the host–virus interaction. lncRNAs have shown specifically elevated or decreased levels in patients with viral diseases, suggesting the possibility of clinical application as biomarkers. Here we review the current advances of viral infection‐associated host lncRNAs, their functional significance in different aspects of antiviral immune response, the specific mechanisms and unsolved issues. We also summarize the regulation of lncRNAs by viruses, PRR agonists and cytokines. In addition, virus‐encoded lncRNAs and their functional involvement in host–virus interaction are addressed. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:129–143. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1321This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Inequitable Access to Timely Cleft Palate Surgery in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Carlson Lucas C. , Hatcher Kristin W. , Tomberg Lindsay , Kabetu Charles , Ayala Ruben , Vander Burg Richard 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundDelayed cleft palate repair has significant implications for physical, mental, and social well‐being and has been suggested to lead to an increased risk of infant and under‐five mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).MethodsUsing medical records from Operation Smile international programs taking place in eleven different LMICs between March and May 2014, we performed a logistic regression assessing the relationship between delayed surgery access, defined as primary palatoplasty presentation after 24 months of age, and GDP per capita across 11 countries.ResultsMedian age of presentation ranged from 13 to 24 months in upper‐middle‐income countries, 17 to 35 months in lower‐middle‐income countries, and 14 to 66 months in low‐income countries. Our analysis demonstrated a 14 % increase in the odds of late surgery [OR = 0.88 (P < 0.001)] for every 1000 USD decrease of GDP per capita. In low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries, this relationship was even stronger, with an OR of 0.59 (P < 0.001), indicating a 70 % increase in the odds of late surgery for every 1000 USD decrease in GDP per capita.ConclusionsThere is a strong negative correlation between national income status and delayed access to primary cleft palate surgery, indicating a high degree of inequity in access to surgery, particularly in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries. As the importance of surgery in global health is increasingly recognized, an equity perspective must be included in the global dialog to ensure that the world’s poor have fair and equitable access to essential surgical care.
Differential diagnostic dilemma between pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Gul Enes Elvin , Nikus Kjell C. , Erdogan Halil I. , Ozdemir Kurtulus 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAcute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequent life‐threatening condition in emergency departments. Careful diagnosis is important, and different diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), biochemical markers, echocardiogram, and computed tomography are required. Although ECG is a cheap and rapid diagnostic test for pulmonary embolism, it has some limitations in the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and acute PE. Herein, we report ECG results of a patient diagnosed with acute PE mimicking acute coronary syndrome.
SCFβ-TRCP promotes cell growth by targeting PR-Set7/Set8 for degradation
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Dai Xiangpeng , Zhong Jiateng , Inuzuka Hiroyuki , Wan Lixin , Li Xiaoning , Wang Lixia , Ye Xiantao , Sun Liankun , Gao Daming , Zou Lee , Wei Wenyi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe Set8/PR-Set7/KMT5a methyltransferase plays critical roles in governing transcriptional regulation, cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis. Although CRL4Cdt2 was reported to regulate Set8 stability, deleting the PIP motif only led to partial resistance to ultraviolet-induced degradation of Set8, indicating the existence of additional E3 ligase(s) controlling Set8 stability. Furthermore, it remains largely undefined how DNA damage-induced kinase cascades trigger the timely destruction of Set8 to govern tumorigenesis. Here, we report that SCFβ-TRCP earmarks Set8 for ubiquitination and degradation in a casein kinase I-dependent manner, which is activated by DNA-damaging agents. Biologically, both CRL4Cdt2 and SCFβ-TRCP-mediated pathways contribute to ultraviolet-induced Set8 degradation to control cell cycle progression, governing the onset of DNA damage-induced checkpoints. Therefore, like many critical cell cycle regulators including p21 and Cdt1, we uncover a tight regulatory network to accurately control Set8 abundance. Our studies further suggest that aberrancies in this delicate degradation pathway might contribute to aberrant elevation of Set8 in human tumours.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of β-Zn4Sb3 based nanocomposites through combined effects of density of states resonance and carrier energy filtering
Authors: Zou Tianhua , Qin Xiaoying , Zhang Yongsheng , Li Xiaoguang , Zeng Zhi , Li Di , Zhang Jian , Xin Hongxing , Xie Wenjie , Weidenkaff Anke 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIt is a major challenge to elevate the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT of materials through enhancing their power factor (PF) and reducing the thermal conductivity at the same time. Experience has shown that engineering of the electronic density of states (eDOS) and the energy filtering mechanism (EFM) are two different effective approaches to improve the PF. However, the successful combination of these two methods is elusive. Here we show that the PF of β-Zn4Sb3 can greatly benefit from both effects. Simultaneous resonant distortion in eDOS via Pb-doping and energy filtering via introduction of interface potentials result in a ~40% increase of PF and an approximately twofold reduction of the lattice thermal conductivity due to interface scattering. Accordingly, the ZT of β-Pb0.02Zn3.98Sb3 with 3 vol.% of Cu3SbSe4 nanoinclusions reaches a value of 1.4 at 648 K. The combination of eDOS engineering and EFM would potentially facilitate the development of high-performance thermoelectric materials.
6-Amidopyrene as a label-assisted laser desorption/ionization (LA-LDI) enhancing tag: development of photoaffinity pyrene derivative
Authors: Yoneda Kozo , Hu Yaping , Kita Masaki , Kigoshi Hideo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPyrene-conjugated compounds are detected by label-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LA-LDI MS) without matrixes. We found that 6-amidopyrene derivatives were highly detectable by the LDI MS instrument equipped with a 355 nm laser. In a certain case of a 6-amidopyrene derivative, a molecular ion peak [M]+• and a characteristic fragment ion peak [M–42]+• were detected in an amount of only 10 fmol. The latter peak, corresponding to the 6-aminopyrene fragment, might be generated in situ by the removal of ketene (CH2=C=O) from the parent molecule. A photoaffinity amidopyrene derivative of an antitumor macrolide aplyronine A (ApA–PaP) was synthesized, which showed potent cytotoxicity and actin-depolymerizing activity. In an LDI MS analysis of the MeOH- and water-adducts of ApA–PaP, oxime N–O bonds as well as amidopyrene N-acetyl moieties were preferentially cleaved and their internal structures were confirmed by MS/MS analysis. Amidopyrene moiety might enhance fragmentation and stabilize the cleaved fragments by intramolecular or intermolecular weak interactions including hydrogen bonding. Our chemical probe methods might contribute to a detailed analysis of binding modes between various ligands and target biomacromolecules that include multiple and weak interactions.
Black Phosphorus Transistors with Near Band Edge Contact Schottky Barrier
Authors: Ling Zhi-Peng , Sakar Soumya , Mathew Sinu , Zhu Jun-Tao , Gopinadhan K. , Venkatesan T. , Ang Kah-Wee 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBlack phosphorus (BP) is a new class of 2D material which holds promise for next generation transistor applications owing to its intrinsically superior carrier mobility properties. Among other issues, achieving good ohmic contacts with low source-drain parasitic resistance in BP field-effect transistors (FET) remains a challenge. For the first time, we report a new contact technology that employs the use of high work function nickel (Ni) and thermal anneal to produce a metal alloy that effectively reduces the contact Schottky barrier height (ΦB) in a BP FET. When annealed at 300 °C, the Ni electrode was found to react with the underlying BP crystal and resulted in the formation of nickel-phosphide (Ni2P) alloy. This serves to de-pin the metal Fermi level close to the valence band edge and realizes a record low hole ΦB of merely ~12 meV. The ΦB at the valence band has also been shown to be thickness-dependent, wherein increasing BP multi-layers results in a smaller ΦB due to bandgap energy shrinkage. The integration of hafnium-dioxide high-k gate dielectric additionally enables a significantly improved subthreshold swing (SS ~ 200 mV/dec), surpassing previously reported BP FETs with conventional SiO2 gate dielectric (SS > 1 V/dec).
Comprehensive study of liposome-assisted synthesis of membrane proteins using a reconstituted cell-free translation system
Authors: Niwa Tatsuya , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Uemura Eri , Nakamura Shugo , Akiyama Minato , Ando Mitsuru , Sawada Shinichi , Mukai Sada-atu , Ueda Takuya , Taguchi Hideki , Akiyoshi Kazunari 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMembrane proteins play pivotal roles in cellular processes and are key targets for drug discovery. However, the reliable synthesis and folding of membrane proteins are significant problems that need to be addressed owing to their extremely high hydrophobic properties, which promote irreversible aggregation in hydrophilic conditions. Previous reports have suggested that protein aggregation could be prevented by including exogenous liposomes in cell-free translation processes. Systematic studies that identify which membrane proteins can be rescued from irreversible aggregation during translation by liposomes would be valuable in terms of understanding the effects of liposomes and developing applications for membrane protein engineering in the context of pharmaceutical science and nanodevice development. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive study to evaluate the effects of liposomes on 85 aggregation-prone membrane proteins fromEscherichia coliby using a reconstituted, chemically defined cell-free translation system. Statistical analyses revealed that the presence of liposomes increased the solubility of >90% of the studied membrane proteins and ultimately improved the yields of the synthesized proteins. Bioinformatics analyses revealed significant correlations between the liposome effect and the physicochemical properties of the membrane proteins.
Quasi-planktonic behavior of foraging top marine predators
Authors: Della Penna Alice , De Monte Silvia , Kestenare Elodie , Guinet Christophe , d’Ovidio Francesco 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMonitoring marine top predators is fundamental for assessing the health and functioning of open ocean ecosystems. Although recently tracking observations have substantially increased, factors determining the horizontal exploration of the ocean by marine predators are still largely unknown, especially at the scale of behavioral switches (1–100 km, days-weeks). It is commonly assumed that the influence of water movement can be neglected for animals capable of swimming faster than the current. Here, we challenge this assumption by combining the use of biologging (GPS and accelerometry), satellite altimetry andin-situoceanographic data (ADCP and drifting buoys) to investigate the effect of the mesoscale ocean dynamics on a marine predator, the southern elephant seal. A Lagrangian approach reveals that trajectories of elephant seals are characterized by quasi-planktonic bouts where the animals are horizontally drifting. These bouts correspond to periods of increased foraging effort, indicating that in the quasi-planktonic conditions energy is allocated to diving and chasing, rather than in horizontal search of favourable grounds. These results suggest that mesoscale features like eddies and fronts may act as a focal points for trophic interactions not only by bottom-up modulation of nutrient injection, but also by directly entraining horizontal displacements of the upper trophic levels.
Sedimentary archaeal amoA gene abundance reflects historic nutrient level and salinity fluctuations in Qinghai Lake, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang Jian , Jiang Hongchen , Dong Hailiang , Hou Weiguo , Li Gaoyuan , Wu Geng 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntegration of DNA derived from ancient phototrophs with their characteristic lipid biomarkers has been successfully employed to reconstruct paleoenvironmental conditions. However, it is poorly known that whether the DNA and lipids of microbial functional aerobes (such as ammonia-oxidizing archaea: AOA) can be used for reconstructing past environmental conditions. Here we identify and quantify the AOA amoA genes (encoding the alpha subunit of ammonia monooxygenases) preserved in a 5.8-m sediment core (spanning the last 18,500 years) from Qinghai Lake. Parallel analyses revealed that low amoA gene abundance corresponded to high total organic carbon (TOC) and salinity, while high amoA gene abundance corresponded to low TOC and salinity. In the Qinghai Lake region, TOC can serve as an indicator of paleo-productivity and paleo-precipitation, which is related to historic nutrient input and salinity. So our data suggest that temporal variation of AOA amoA gene abundance preserved in Qinghai Lake sediment may reflect the variations of nutrient level and salinity throughout the late Pleistocene and Holocene in the Qinghai Lake region.
Interfacial valence electron localization and the corrosion resistance of Al-SiC nanocomposite
Authors: Mosleh-Shirazi Sareh , Hua Guomin , Akhlaghi Farshad , Yan Xianguo , Li Dongyang 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMicrostructural inhomogeneity generally deteriorates the corrosion resistance of materials due to the galvanic effect and interfacial issues. However, the situation may change for nanostructured materials. This article reports our studies on the corrosion behavior of SiC nanoparticle-reinforced Al6061 matrix composite. It was observed that the corrosion resistance of Al6061 increased when SiC nanoparticles were added. Overall electron work function (EWF) of the Al-SiC nanocomposite increased, along with an increase in the corrosion potential. The electron localization function of the Al-SiC nanocomposite was calculated and the results revealed that valence electrons were localized in the region of SiC-Al interface, resulting in an increase in the overall work function and thus building a higher barrier to hinder electrons in the nano-composite to participate in corrosion reactions.
The TLR2 is activated by sporozoites and suppresses intrahepatic rodent malaria parasite development
Authors: Zheng Hong , Tan Zhangping , Zhou TaoLi , Zhu Feng , Ding Yan , Liu Taiping , Wu Yuzhang , Xu Wenyue 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTLRs (Toll-like receptors) play an important role in the initiation of innate immune responses against invading microorganisms. Although several TLRs have been reported to be involved in the innate immune response against the blood-stage of malaria parasites, the role of TLRs in the development of the pre-erythrocytic stage is still largely unknown. Here, we found that sporozoite and its lysate could significantly activate the TLR2 and induce macrophages to release proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α, in a TLR2-dependent manner. Further studies showed that sporozoite and its lysate could be recognized by either TLR2 homodimers or TLR2/1 and TLR2/6 heterodimers, implicating the complexity of TLR2 agonist in sporozoite. Interestingly, the TLR2 signaling can significantly suppress the development of the pre-erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium yoelii, as both liver parasite load and subsequent parasitemia were significantly elevated in both TLR2- and MyD88-deficient mice. Additionally, the observed higher level of parasite burden in TLR2−/− mice was found to be closely associated with a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines in the liver. Therefore, we provide the first evidence that sporozoites can activate the TLR2 signaling, which in turn significantly inhibits the intrahepatic parasites. This may provide us with novel clues to design preventive anti-malaria therapies.