bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexible and compact hybrid metasurfaces for enhanced ultra high field in vivo magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Schmidt Rita , Slobozhanyuk Alexey , Belov Pavel , Webb Andrew 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDevelopments in metamaterials and related structures such as metasurfaces have opened up new possibilities in designing materials and devices with unique properties. Here we report a new hybrid metasurface structure, comprising a two-dimensional metamaterial surface and a very high permittivity dielectric substrate, that has been designed to enhance the local performance of an ultra-high field MRI scanner. This new flexible and compact resonant structure is the first metasurface which can be integrated with multi-element close-fitting receive coil arrays that are used for all clinical MRI scans. We demonstrate the utility of the metasurface acquiring in-vivo human brain images and proton MR spectra with enhanced local sensitivity on a commercial 7 Tesla system.
Progranulin deficiency causes the retinal ganglion cell loss during development
Authors: Kuse Yoshiki , Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Mizoguchi Takahiro , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Hara Hideaki 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAstrocytes are glial cells that support and protect neurons in the central nervous systems including the retina. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are in contact with the astrocytes and our earlier findings showed the reduction of the number of cells in the ganglion cell layer in adult progranulin deficient mice. In the present study, we focused on the time of activation of the astrocytes and the alterations in the number of RGCs in the retina and optic nerve in progranulin deficient mice. Our findings showed that the number of Brn3a-positive cells was reduced and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was increased in progranulin deficient mice. The progranulin deficient mice had a high expression of GFAP on postnatal day 9 (P9) but not on postnatal day 1. These mice also had a decrease in the number of the Brn3a-positive cells on P9. Taken together, these findings indicate that the absence of progranulin can affect the survival of RGCs subsequent the activation of astrocytes during retinal development.
Transcriptome and metabolite analysis identifies nitrogen utilization genes in tea plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Li Wei , Xiang Fen , Zhong Micai , Zhou Lingyun , Liu Hongyan , Li Saijun , Wang Xuewen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractApplied nitrogen (N) fertilizer significantly increases the leaf yield. However, most N is not utilized by the plant, negatively impacting the environment. To date, little is known regarding N utilization genes and mechanisms in the leaf production. To understand this, we investigated transcriptomes using RNA-seq and amino acid levels with N treatment in tea (Camellia sinensis), the most popular beverage crop. We identified 196 and 29 common differentially expressed genes in roots and leaves, respectively, in response to ammonium in two tea varieties. Among those genes, AMT, NRT and AQP for N uptake and GOGAT and GS for N assimilation were the key genes, validated by RT-qPCR, which expressed in a network manner with tissue specificity. Importantly, only AQP and three novel DEGs associated with stress, manganese binding, and gibberellin-regulated transcription factor were common in N responses across all tissues and varieties. A hypothesized gene regulatory network for N was proposed. A strong statistical correlation between key genes’ expression and amino acid content was revealed. The key genes and regulatory network improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of N usage and offer gene targets for plant improvement.
Fabrication and Wettability Study of WO3 Coated Photocatalytic Membrane for Oil-Water Separation: A Comparative Study with ZnO Coated Membrane
Authors: Gondal Mohammed A. , Sadullah Muhammad S. , Qahtan Talal F. , Dastageer Mohamed A. , Baig Umair , McKinley Gareth H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSuperhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic surfaces were fabricated by facile spray coating of nanostructured WO3 on stainless steel meshes and compared its performance in oil–water separation with ZnO coated meshes. The gravity driven oil-water separation system was designed using these surfaces as the separation media and it was noticed that WO3 coated stainless steel mesh showed high separation efficiency (99%), with pore size as high as 150 µm, whereas ZnO coated surfaces failed in the process of oil-water separation when the pore exceeded 50 µm size. Since, nanostructured WO3 is a well known catalyst, the simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants present in the separated water from the oil water separation process were tested using WO3 coated surfaces under UV radiation and the efficiency of this degradation was found to be quite significant. These results assure that with little improvisation on the oil water separation system, these surfaces can be made multifunctional to work simultaneously for oil-water separation and demineralization of organic pollutants from the separated water. Fabrication of the separating surface, their morphological characteristics, wettability, oil water separation efficiency and photo-catalytic degradation efficiency are enunciated.
Allelic imbalance of somatic mutations in cancer genomes and transcriptomes
Authors: Rhee Je-Keun , Lee Sejoon , Park Woong-Yang , Kim Young-Ho , Kim Tae-Min 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSomatic mutations in cancer genomes often show allelic imbalance (AI) of mutation abundance between the genome and transcriptome, but there is not yet a systematic understanding of AI. In this study, we performed large-scale DNA and RNA AI analyses of >100,000 somatic mutations in >2,000 cancer specimens across five tumor types using the exome and transcriptome sequencing data of the Cancer Genome Atlas consortium. First, AI analysis of nonsense mutations and frameshift indels revealed that nonsense-mediated decay is typical in cancer genomes, and we identified the relationship between the extent of AI and the location of mutations in addition to the well-recognized 50-nt rules. Second, the AI with splice site mutations may reflect the extent of intron retention and is frequently observed in known tumor suppressor genes. For missense mutations, we observed that mutations frequently subject to AI are enriched to genes related to cancer, especially those of apoptosis and the extracellular matrix, and C:G > A:T transversions. Our results suggest that mutations in known cancer-related genes and their transcripts are subjected to different levels of transcriptional or posttranscriptional regulation compared to wildtype alleles and may add an additional regulatory layer to the functions of cancer-relevant genes.
Co-delivery of paclitaxel and tetrandrine via iRGD peptide conjugated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles overcome multidrug resistance in cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Jinming , Wang Lu , Fai Chan Hon , Xie Wei , Chen Sheng , He Chengwei , Wang Yitao , Chen Meiwan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOne of the promising strategies to overcome tumor multidrug resistance (MDR) is to deliver anticancer drug along with P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor simultaneously. To enhance the cancer cellular internalization and implement the controlled drug release, herein an iRGD peptide-modified lipid-polymer hybrid nanosystem (LPN) was fabricated to coload paclitaxel (PTX) and tetrandrine (TET) at a precise combination ratio. In this co-delivery system, PTX was covalently conjugated to poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymeric core by redox-sensitive disulfide bond, while TET was physically capsulated spontaneously for the aim to suppress P-gp in advance by the earlier released TET in cancer cells. As a result, the PTX+TET/iRGD LPNs with a core-shell structure possessed high drug loading efficiency, stability and redox-sensitive drug release profiles. Owing to the enhanced cellular uptake and P-gp suppression mediated by TET, significantly more PTX accumulated in A2780/PTX cells treated with PTX+TET/iRGD LPNs than either free drugs or non-iRGD modified LPNs. As expected, PTX+TET/iRGD LPNs presented the highest cytotoxicity against A2780/PTX cells and effectively promoted ROS production, enhanced apoptosis and cell cycle arrests particularly. Taken together, the co-delivery system demonstrated great promise as potential treatment for MDR-related tumors based on the synergistic effects of P-gp inhibition, enhanced endocytosis and intracellular sequentially drug release.
Pressure-induced iso-structural phase transition and metallization in WSe2
Authors: Wang Xuefei , Chen Xuliang , Zhou Yonghui , Park Changyong , An Chao , Zhou Ying , Zhang Ranran , Gu Chuanchuan , Yang Wenge , Yang Zhaorong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe present in situ high-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy study, and electrical transport measurement of single crystal WSe2 in diamond anvil cells with pressures up to 54.0–62.8 GPa. The XRD and Raman results show that the phase undergoes a pressure-induced iso-structural transition via layer sliding, beginning at 28.5 GPa and not being completed up to around 60 GPa. The Raman data also reveals a dominant role of the in-plane strain over the out-of plane compression in helping achieve the transition. Consistently, the electrical transport experiments down to 1.8 K reveals a pressure-induced metallization for WSe2 through a broad pressure range of 28.2–61.7 GPa, where a mixed semiconducting and metallic feature is observed due to the coexisting low- and high-pressure structures.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of epoxy composites with core‐shell SiC@SiO2 nanowires
Authors: Shen Dianyu , Wang Mengjie , Wu Yuming , Liu Zhiduo , Cao Yong , Wang Ting , Wu Xinfeng , Shi Qingtang , Chee Kuan W.A. , Dai Wen , Bai Hua , Dai Dan , Lyu Jilei , Jiang Nan , Lin Cheng‐Te , Yu Jinhong 
Published: May 2017

Electronic packaging materials and thermal interface materials (TIMs) are widely used in thermal management. In this study, the epoxy composites with core‐shell structure SiC@SiO2 nanowires (SiC@SiO2 NWs) as fillers could effectively enhance the thermal conductivity of epoxy composites. The unique structure of fillers results in a high thermal conductivity of epoxy composites, which is attributed to good interfacial compatibility epoxy matrix and bridging connections of SiC@SiO2 NWs. From neat epoxy to 2.5 wt% loading of SiC@SiO2 NWs, the thermal conductivity is significantly increased from 0.218 to 0.391 W m−1 K−1, increased by 79.4%. In addition, the composite with 2.5 wt% filler possess lower coefficient of thermal expansion and better thermal stability than that of neat epoxy. All these outstanding properties imply that epoxy/SiC@SiO2 NWs composites could be the ideal candidate for TIM.
Donor-Site Morbidity of Free Muscle and Perforator Flaps: Comparison of the Gracilis Muscle Flap and the Anterolateral Thigh Flap
Authors: Rassner M. , Kiefer J. , Bannasch H. , Stark G. , Eisenhardt S. , Fricke Alba 
Published: May 2017

Background Both the gracilis muscle flap and the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap have been described as successful reconstructive options for defect coverage after trauma or tumor resection. In general, free perforator flaps are considered to generate less donor-site morbidity than muscle flaps. Here, we put this hypothesis to the test.
Methods In this study, 193 patients who had undergone free flap reconstruction with either free gracilis muscle flaps (n = 131) or ALT flaps (n = 62) were included. Subjective patient satisfaction with the aesthetic and functional outcome of the donor sites was assessed using a self-report questionnaire as well as the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).
Results Comparing the donor-site morbidity of free ALT and gracilis flaps, the LEFS revealed no significant differences in functional impairment (p = 0.6447) of the lower extremity. The donor-site scar was significantly longer after ALT flap harvest (mean: 21.16 cm) than after gracilis muscle flap harvest (mean: 14.17 cm; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, donor-site numbness was significantly greater in the ALT group than in the gracilis group (p = 0.0068).
Conclusion No significant differences in functional impairment of the lower extremity were reported after gracilis muscle and ALT flap harvest. Regarding scar length and level of numbness of the donor site, the gracilis muscle flap was shown to be superior to the ALT flap.
Development and Evaluation of a Simulation Model for Microvascular Anastomosis Training
Authors: Wiersch John , Adams Andrew , Al Fayyadh Mohammed , Weber Robert , Wang Howard , Willis Ross 
Published: May 2017

Background Many plastic surgery training programs have implemented microvascular preparatory courses. However, these courses vary in length across institutions, lack formal assessment, and trainees receive certificates of completion rather than competency. In addition, many institutions use animate tissues as practice models which may not be readily available, require special treatment or storage, and lack consistency across vessel segments. In this study, we developed a proficiency-based training microvascular anastomosis curriculum using a synthetic model. In addition, we developed and validated a scoring rubric and patency testing apparatus.
Methods Proficiency benchmarks were developed by evaluating four plastic surgeons performing interrupted end-to-end anastomoses on synthetic vessels mounted superficially and at depth. Using a pretest–posttest design, seven plastic surgery residents from two institutions were asked to train to proficiency on the superficial exercise. Skills transfer was evaluated using a vessel mounted at depth. Each anastomosis was scored on 11 metrics of mechanics, completion time, stenosis, and leakage.
Results Experts outperformed residents prior to engaging in the training curriculum, confirming construct validity. Residents' skills significantly improved on 10 of 14 metrics after training, confirming curriculum effectiveness. Only one resident was able to achieve all proficiency benchmarks on two consecutive training trials. Skills learned on the superficially mounted vessel moderately transferred to the vessel mounted at depth as evidenced by significant pre- to posttest learning gains for 4 of the 14 metrics.
Conclusion The proficiency goals may have been overly stringent; however, residents improved microvascular anastomosis skills on the majority of metrics by engaging in simulation-based training using a readily available synthetic model.
Evaluating Surgical Delay Using Infrared Thermography in an Island Pedicled Perforator Flap Rat Model
Authors: Li Xiucun , Chen Miao , Maharjan Suraj , Cui Jianli , Lu Laijin , Gong Xu 
Published: May 2017

Background The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of infrared (IR) thermography in visualizing the dilation of the choke vessels in a delayed pedicled perforator flap rat model.
Methods A three-territory island flap was designed and harvested on one side of the rat dorsum. The flap was divided into five regions. In the normal group (n = 8), IR thermal imaging was correlated with the postmortem arteriography for the location of angiosomes, linking patterns, perforator diameter, and temperature on each region. The delay group (n = 35) was divided into seven groups according to various delay periods. At different time intervals, the delay group was compared with the normal group according to link pattern and temperature on each region.
Results IR thermal imaging showed that a white hotspot existed on the surface of each angiosome; the true anastomotic vessels manifested a continuous white band linking the white hotspots on angiosomes, whereas the choke vessels presented a red zone in between adjacent hotspots. After delay, the dilation of the choke vessels manifested itself as the replacement of the red zone between adjacent hotspots by the white band on IR thermography. In addition, the delayed flap presented a phenomenon of rise and fall in temperature over time.
Conclusion IR thermography can accurately visualize the process of the dilation of choke vessels after a surgical delay. The chronological change in the IR thermal imaging combined with the temperature change in the delayed flap might be useful to determine the optimal delay period.
Accuracy of diagnosing invasive colorectal cancer using computer-aided endocytoscopy
Authors: Takeda Kenichi , Kudo Shin-ei , Mori Yuichi , Misawa Masashi , Kudo Toyoki , Wakamura Kunihiko , Katagiri Atsushi , Baba Toshiyuki , Hidaka Eiji , Ishida Fumio , Inoue Haruhiro , Oda Masahiro , Mori Kensaku 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims Invasive cancer carries the risk of metastasis, and therefore, the ability to distinguish between invasive cancerous lesions and less-aggressive lesions is important. We evaluated a computer-aided diagnosis system that uses ultra-high (approximately × 400) magnification endocytoscopy (EC-CAD).
Patients and methods We generated an image database from a consecutive series of 5843 endocytoscopy images of 375 lesions. For construction of a diagnostic algorithm, 5543 endocytoscopy images from 238 lesions were randomly extracted from the database for machine learning. We applied the obtained algorithm to 200 endocytoscopy images and calculated test characteristics for the diagnosis of invasive cancer. We defined a high-confidence diagnosis as having a ≥ 90 % probability of being correct.
Results Of the 200 test images, 188 (94.0 %) were assessable with the EC-CAD system. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 89.4 %, 98.9 %, 94.1 %, 98.8 %, and 90.1 %, respectively. High-confidence diagnosis had a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 98.1 %, 100 %, 99.3 %, 100 %, and 98.8 %, respectively.
Conclusion: EC-CAD may be a useful tool in diagnosing invasive colorectal cancer.
Endocytoscopy can be used to assess histological healing in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Nakazato Yoshihiro , Naganuma Makoto , Sugimoto Shinya , Bessho Rieko , Arai Mari , Kiyohara Hiroki , Ono Keiko , Nanki Kosaku , Mutaguchi Makoto , Mizuno Shinta , Kobayashi Taku , Hosoe Naoki , Shimoda Masayuki , Abe Takayuki , Inoue Nagamu , Ogata Haruhiko , Iwao Yasushi , Kanai Takanori 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background and study aim Endocytoscopy (ECS) is used in the in vivo microscopic inspection of microstructural mucosal features and enables endoscopists to assess the histological severity of ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to assess histological healing in UC patients by using ECS.
Patients and methods A total of 64 patients in clinical and endoscopic remission who underwent ECS were selected. The correlation between the ECS score and Geboes score at the rectum was evaluated in patients with a Mayo endoscopic score (MES) of 0. The diagnostic accuracy of the ECS score for histological remission (Geboes score ≤ 2) was also assessed.
Results The ECS score ranged from 0 to 5 in patients with endoscopic remission on conventional white-light images (MES of 0). The agreement between histological remission regarding the ECS score and the Geboes score had a κ value of 0.72, and the ECS score showed high accuracy for histological remission, with a sensitivity of 0.77, a specificity of 0.97, and a diagnostic accuracy of 0.86.
Conclusion ECS can be used to assess histological healing in patients with UC without the need for biopsy specimens.
Diterpene Lipo-Alkaloids with Selective Activities on Cardiac K+ Channels
Authors: Kiss Tivadar , Borcsa Botond , Orvos Péter , Tálosi László , Hohmann Judit , Csupor Dezső 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Aconitum diterpene alkaloids are known for their remarkable toxicity, which is due to their effect on ion channels. Activation of voltage-gated Na+ channels is the major cause of their cardiotoxicity, however, influence on K+ channels may also play a role in the overall effect.Here we report the synthesis of a series of lipo-alkaloids, including four new compounds, based on the 14-benzoylaconine structure, which is the core of a vast number of diterpene alkaloids naturally occurring in Aconitum species. The activities of these compounds were measured in vitro on K+ ion channels using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Structure-activity analysis was carried out based on the data of 51 compounds (32 genuine diterpene alkaloids, 5 fatty acids, and 14 lipo-alkaloids). Depending on their substitution, these compounds exert different activities on GIRK (G protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium channel) and hERG (human ether-à-go-go-related gene) channels. Fatty acids and diterpene alkaloids show lower activity on the GIRK channel than lipo-alkaloids. Lipo-alkaloids also have less pronounced hERG inhibitory activity compared to the cardiotoxic aconitine. Considering the GIRK/hERG selectivity as an indicator of perspective therapeutic applicability, lipo-alkaloids are significantly more selective than the genuine diterpene alkaloids. 14-Benzoyl-8-O-eicosa-8Z,11Z,14Z-trienoate and 14-benzoyl-8-O-eicosa-11Z,14Z,17Z-trienoate are strong and selective inhibitors of GIRK channels, thus, they are promising subjects for further studies to develop diterpene alkaloid-based antiarrhythmic pharmacons.
Electric Fish Handling Gloves Provide Effective Immobilization and Do Not Impede Reflex Recovery of Adult Largemouth Bass
Authors: Ward Taylor D. , Brownscombe Jacob W. , Gutowsky Lee F. G. , Ballagh Robert , Sakich Nicholas , McLean Derek , Quesnel Geneviѐve , Gambhir Sahil , O'Connor Constance M. , Cooke Steven J. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Electric fish handling gloves (FHGs) have been developed to immobilize fish during handling, with the potential benefit of reducing the time needed for sedation and recovery of fish relative to chemical anaesthetics. We examined the secondary stress responses (i.e., hematocrit, blood glucose, lactate, and pH) and reflex responses of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides that were immobilized in water using electric FHGs for multiple durations (0, 30, and 120 s) relative to fish that were handled using only bare hands in water. We also evaluated the efficacy of the immobilization by quantifying the number of volitional movements that were observed during handling. Our findings suggested that when FHGs were used, fish tended to remain still (i.e., to show full reflex impairment) during handling relative to controls. Fish that were held with FHGs showed negligible reflex impairment immediately after the electricity was terminated. After a 30-min posttreatment retention period, blood chemistry and ventilation rates were similar between fish held with FHGs and those held with bare hands. This study supports the notion that electric FHGs are a safe and effective tool for practitioners who need to temporarily immobilize fish for handling, enumeration, or performing various scientific procedures.
Received November 15, 2016; accepted February 26, 2017 Published online May 4, 2017