bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homogeneity and High Concordance of ALK Translocation in Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma and Paired Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Ma Wei , Guo Lei , Shan Ling , Liu Xiuyun , Lyu Ning , Ying Jianming 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTranslocation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene is an important determinator for the response to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The existence of genetic heterogeneity will affect the results of molecular testing, especially in biopsy samples from primary or metastatic sites of patients with advanced stage NSCLC. We intended to explore the heterogeneity of ALK gene translocation in excision specimens and to examine the existence of discordance of ALK status between primary tumours and corresponding lymph node metastases. A total of 106 ALK positive lung adenocarcinoma cases were collected for assessment of intratumour heterogeneity of ALK gene translocation, which were stained by the fully automated Ventana ALK D5F3 immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. In addition, the ALK gene translocations were evaluated in a series of 53 primary tumours and their paired lymph node metastases using ALK D5F3 IHC staining. The concordance rate between primary tumours and paired metastatic lymph nodes was 100%. ALK status was homogeneous in lung adenocarcinoma samples and was generally stable during metastasis. Therefore, ALK gene translocation can be measured reliably in material from either primary or metastatic tumours in lung adenocarcinoma patients.
Antennal transcriptome and expression analyses of olfactory genes in the sweetpotato weevil Cylas formicarius
Authors: Bin Shu-Ying , Qu Meng-Qiu , Pu Xin-Hua , Wu Zhong-Zhen , Lin Jin-Tian 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius), is a serious pest of sweetpotato. Olfaction-based approaches, such as use of synthetic sex pheromones to monitor populations and the bait-and-kill method to eliminate males, have been applied successfully for population management of C. formicarius. However, the molecular basis of olfaction in C. formicarius remains unknown. In this study, we produced antennal transcriptomes from males and females of C. formicarius using high-throughput sequencing to identify gene families associated with odorant detection. A total of 54 odorant receptors (ORs), 11 gustatory receptors (GRs), 15 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 3 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), 33 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), and 12 chemosensory proteins (CSPs) were identified. Tissue-specific expression patterns revealed that all 54 ORs and 11 antennal IRs, one SNMP, and three OBPs were primarily expressed in antennae, suggesting their putative roles in olfaction. Sex-specific expression patterns of these antenna-predominant genes suggest that they have potential functions in sexual behaviors. This study provides a framework for understanding olfaction in coleopterans as well as future strategies for controlling the sweetpotato weevil pest.
Insight into shark magnetic field perception from empirical observations
Authors: Anderson James M. , Clegg Tamrynn M. , Véras Luisa V. M. V. Q. , Holland Kim N. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractElasmobranch fishes are among a broad range of taxa believed to gain positional information and navigate using the earth’s magnetic field, yet in sharks, much remains uncertain regarding the sensory receptors and pathways involved, or the exact nature of perceived stimuli. Captive sandbar sharks, Carcharhinus plumbeus were conditioned to respond to presentation of a magnetic stimulus by seeking out a target in anticipation of reward (food). Sharks in the study demonstrated strong responses to magnetic stimuli, making significantly more approaches to the target (p = < 0.01) during stimulus activation (S+) than before or after activation (S−). Sharks exposed to reversible magnetosensory impairment were less capable of discriminating changes to the local magnetic field, with no difference seen in approaches to the target under the S+ and S− conditions (p = 0.375). We provide quantified detection and discrimination thresholds of magnetic stimuli presented, and quantify associated transient electrical artefacts. We show that the likelihood of such artefacts serving as the stimulus for observed behavioural responses was low. These impairment experiments support hypotheses that magnetic field perception in sharks is not solely performed via the electrosensory system, and that putative magnetoreceptor structures may be located in the naso-olfactory capsules of sharks.
Impaired fibrinolysis and lower levels of plasma α2-macroglobulin are associated with an increased risk of severe asthma exacerbations
Authors: Bazan-Socha Stanislawa , Mastalerz Lucyna , Cybulska Agnieszka , Zareba Lech , Kremers Romy , Zabczyk Michal , Pulka Grazyna , Iwaniec Teresa , Bazan Jan G. , Hemker Coenraad , Undas Anetta 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRecently we have reported that asthma is associated with enhanced plasma thrombin formation, impaired fibrinolysis and platelet activation. In the present study we investigated whether described prothrombotic blood alterations might predispose to thromboembolic events or asthma exacerbations. In 164 adult asthmatics we assessed clinical events during 3-year follow-up and analyzed their associations with measured at baseline prothrombotic blood parameters. Data were obtained from 157 (95.7%) of the asthma patients. We documented 198 severe asthma exacerbations (64/year), which occurred in 53 subjects (34%). These patients were older (p = 0.004), had worse asthma control (p = 0.02) and lower spirometry values (p = 0.01), at baseline. Interestingly, this subgroup had longer clot lysis time (CLT), as well as lower α2-macroglobulin (p = 0.038 and p = 0.04, respectively, after adjustment for potential confounders). Increased CLT and lower α2-macroglobulin were demonstrated as independent predictors of asthma exacerbation in multiple regression model. Moreover, we documented two episodes of deep vein thrombosis (1.3%), and eight acute coronary syndromes (5.1%). Patients who experienced thromboembolic events (n = 10, 6.4%, 2.1%/year) had lower α2-macroglobulin (p = 0.04), without differences in efficiency of fibrinolysis and thrombin generation. Impaired fibrinolysis and lower levels of α2-macroglobulin might predispose to a higher rate of asthma exacerbations, suggesting new links between disturbed hemostasis and asthma.
Voluntary liquorice ingestion increases blood pressure via increased volume load, elevated peripheral arterial resistance, and decreased aortic compliance
Authors: Hautaniemi Elina J. , Tahvanainen Anna M. , Koskela Jenni K. , Tikkakoski Antti J. , Kähönen Mika , Uitto Marko , Sipilä Kalle , Niemelä Onni , Mustonen Jukka , Pörsti Ilkka H. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe investigated the haemodynamic effects of two-week liquorice exposure (glycyrrhizin dose 290–370 mg/day) in 22 healthy volunteers during orthostatic challenge. Haemodynamics were recorded during passive 10-minute head-up tilt using radial pulse wave analysis, whole-body impedance cardiography, and spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Thirty age-matched healthy subjects served as controls. Liquorice ingestion elevated radial systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic (p = 0.018) blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance (p = 0.037). During orthostatic challenge, heart rate increased less after the liquorice versus control diet (p = 0.003) and low frequency power of heart rate variability decreased within the liquorice group (p = 0.034). Liquorice intake increased central pulse pressure (p < 0.001) and augmentation index (p = 0.002) supine and upright, but in the upright position the elevation of augmentation index was accentuated (p = 0.007). Liquorice diet also increased extracellular fluid volume (p = 0.024) and aortic to popliteal pulse wave velocity (p = 0.027), and aortic characteristic impedance in the upright position (p = 0.002). To conclude, in addition to increased extracellular fluid volume and large arterial stiffness, two weeks of liquorice ingestion elevated systemic vascular resistance and augmentation index. Measurements performed at rest may underestimate the haemodynamic effects of liquorice ingestion, as enhanced central wave reflection and reduced chronotropic response were especially observed in the upright position.
Urban PM2.5 exacerbates allergic inflammation in the murine lung via a TLR2/TLR4/MyD88-signaling pathway
Authors: He Miao , Ichinose Takamichi , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Arashidani Keiichi , Yoshida Seiichi , Takano Hirohisa , Sun Guifan , Shibamoto Takayuki 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNevertheless its mechanism has not been well explained yet, PM2.5 is recognized to exacerbate asthma. In the present study, the roles of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4 and MyD88, in exacerbation of allergen-induced lung eosinophilia caused by urban PM2.5 was investigated. TLR2-, TLR4-, MyD88-deficient and WT BALB/c mice were intratracheally challenged with PM2.5 +/− ovalbumin (OVA) four times at 2-week intervals. PM2.5 increased neutrophil numbers and KC in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and caused slight peribronchiolar inflammation in WT mice. However, these changes were attenuated, but not completely suppressed in gene-deficient mice, especially in MyD88−/− mice. In WT mice, PM2.5 + OVA exacerbated OVA-related lung eosinophilia. This exacerbation includes increase of IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin and MCP-3; infiltration of eosinophils into the airway submucosa; proliferation of goblet cells in the airway epithelium; and the production of antigen-specific IgE and IgG1 in serum. All these effects were stronger in TLR2−/− mice than in TLR4−/− mice. In MyD88−/− mice, this pro-inflammatory mediator-inducing ability was considerably weak and lung pathology was negligible. These results suggest that urban PM2.5 may exacerbate allergic inflammation in the murine lung via a TLR2/TLR4/MyD88-signaling pathway. PM2.5-bound trace microbial elements, such as lipopolysaccharide may be a strong candidate for exacerbation of murine lung eosinophilia.
Temperature-Controlled Direct Imprinting of Ag Ionic Ink: Flexible Metal Grid Transparent Conductors with Enhanced Electromechanical Durability
Authors: Oh Yong Suk , Choi Hyesun , Lee Jaeho , Lee Hyunwoo , Choi Dong Yun , Lee Sung-Uk , Yun Kyeong-Soo , Yoo Seunghyup , Kim Taek-Soo , Park Inkyu , Sung Hyung Jin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNext-generation transparent conductors (TCs) require excellent electromechanical durability under mechanical deformations as well as high electrical conductivity and transparency. Here we introduce a method for the fabrication of highly conductive, low-porosity, flexible metal grid TCs via temperature-controlled direct imprinting (TCDI) of Ag ionic ink. The TCDI technique based on two-step heating is capable of not only stably capturing the Ag ionic ink, but also reducing the porosity of thermally decomposed Ag nanoparticle structures by eliminating large amounts of organic complexes. The porosity reduction of metal grid TCs on a glass substrate leads to a significant decrease of the sheet resistance from 21.5 to 5.5 Ω sq−1 with an optical transmittance of 91% at λ = 550 nm. The low-porosity metal grid TCs are effectively embedded to uniform, thin and transparent polymer films with negligible resistance changes from the glass substrate having strong interfacial fracture energy (~8.2 J m−2). Finally, as the porosity decreases, the flexible metal grid TCs show a significantly enhanced electromechanical durability under bending stresses. Organic light‐emitting diodes based on the flexible metal grid TCs as anode electrodes are demonstrated.
Formaldehyde Hemiacetal Sampling, Recovery, and Quantification from Electronic Cigarette Aerosols
Authors: Salamanca James C. , Munhenzva Ian , Escobedo Jorge O. , Jensen R. Paul , Shaw Angela , Campbell Robert , Luo Wentai , Peyton David H. , Strongin Robert M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe electronic cigarette solvents propylene glycol and glycerol are known to produce toxic byproducts such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein. However, the aerosol toxin yield depends upon a variety of chemical and physical variables. The formaldehyde hemiacetals derived from these solvents were reported as major electronic cigarette aerosol components by us in 2015. In the study described herein, the formaldehyde hemiacetals were found at higher levels than those of free formaldehyde via an orthogonal sample collection protocol. In addition, the common aldehyde collection methods for electronic cigarettes, such as impingers and sorbent tubes containing DNPH, significantly underestimate the levels of formaldehyde. The reason for this is that formaldehyde hemiacetals follow other reaction pathways, such as the formation of a less reactive full cyclic acetal catalyzed by the acidity of the DNPH solution and the silica. We found that formaldehyde hemiacetals are a considerable fraction of the total formaldehyde produced in electronic cigarette that cannot be determined accurately by DNPH derivatization methods. Although the health effects of the hemiacetals are not yet known, they warrant further investigation.
Melt fluxing to elevate the forming ability of Al-based bulk metallic glasses
Authors: Yang B. J. , Lu W. Y. , Zhang J. L. , Wang J. Q. , Ma E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSalt-fluxing treatment is an effective technique to improve the glass-forming ability (GFA) of bulk metallic glass (BMG)-forming melts, as demonstrated before in Pd- and Fe-based systems. However, it has been challenging to develop similar fluxing protocol for more reactive melts, such as Al-rich BMG-forming systems. Here we design new fluxing agents, from a thermodynamics perspective that takes into account combined effects of physical absorption and chemical absorption (reaction) between the fluxing agents and oxide inclusions. MgCl2-CaCl2 composite salts were selected, and their fluxing effects were systematically studied on an Al86Ni6.75Co2.25Y3.25La1.75 alloy, the best BMG-forming composition reported thus far for Al-rich alloy systems. The oxygen content was found to continuously decrease in the master alloy with increasing cycles of salt-fluxing treatment, with chlorate products on the surface suggesting concurrent physical absorption and chemical reaction. The fluxing treatment developed has enabled a record critical size (diameter) of 2.5 mm for Al-based BMGs. Our finding is thus an advance in developing highly desirable Al-based BMGs, and also provides guidance for designing processing protocol to produce larger-sized BMGs in other reactive systems.
Enhancing elevated temperature strength of copper containing aluminium alloys by forming L12 Al3Zr precipitates and nucleating θ″ precipitates on them
Authors: Kumar Makineni Surendra , Sugathan Sandeep , Meher Subhashish , Banerjee Rajarshi , Bhattacharya Saswata , Kumar Subodh , Chattopadhyay Kamanio 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStrengthening by precipitation of second phase is the guiding principle for the development of a host of high strength structural alloys, in particular, aluminium alloys for transportation sector. Higher efficiency and lower emission demands use of alloys at higher operating temperatures (200 °C–250 °C) and stresses, especially in applications for engine parts. Unfortunately, most of the precipitation hardened aluminium alloys that are currently available can withstand maximum temperatures ranging from 150–200 °C. This limit is set by the onset of the rapid coarsening of the precipitates and consequent loss of mechanical properties. In this communication, we present a new approach in designing an Al-based alloy through solid state precipitation route that provides a synergistic coupling of two different types of precipitates that has enabled us to develop coarsening resistant high-temperature alloys that are stable in the temperature range of 250–300 °C with strength in excess of 260 MPa at 250 °C.
New Insight into the Concept of Carbonization Degree in Synthesis of Carbon Dots to Achieve Facile Smartphone Based Sensing Platform
Authors: Bagheri Zeinab , Ehtesabi Hamide , Rahmandoust Moones , Ahadian Mohammad Mahdi , Hallaji Zahra , Eskandari Farzaneh , Jokar Effat 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDirect pyrolysis of citric acid (CA) has been proved to be a facile bottom–up technique for making pristine carbon dots (CD) with homogenous size distribution. However, limited reports are available on systematic optimization of carbonization degree. In this investigation, pyrolysis temperatures between 160 °C and 220 °C were studied, based on CA thermal decomposition path, using various heating durations. The effect of the formation of more carbonized carbon particles (MCCPs), as the major byproduct of this method, on photoluminescence properties of CDs was also considered. The NaOH amount that neutralizes the solution and the effect of dilution on the emission intensity, were introduced as simple and accessible factors for monitoring carbonization degree, and an estimate of MCCP/CD ratio, respectively. The results show that the CDs fabricated at 160 °C, 50 minutes attain almost twice higher quantum yield (QY) of 29% than highest QY reported based on pyrolysis of CA. The so–prepared CDs can be employed as excellent candidates for turn–off sensing. As a proof of concept, detection limit of 50 nM for Hg2+ was achieved using a facile and inexpensive smartphone set–up that is able to quantify and compare fluorescent intensity in several samples simultaneously.
Metabolomics differences between silkworms (Bombyx mori) reared on fresh mulberry (Morus) leaves or artificial diets
Authors: Dong Hui-Ling , Zhang Sheng-Xiang , Tao Hui , Chen Zhuo-Hua , Li Xue , Qiu Jian-Feng , Cui Wen-Zhao , Sima Yang-Hu , Cui Wei-Zheng , Xu Shi-Qing 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSilkworms (Bombyx mori) reared on artificial diets have great potential applications in sericulture. However, the mechanisms underlying the enhancement of metabolic utilization by altering silkworm nutrition are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the poor development and low silk protein synthesis efficiency of silkworms fed artificial diets. After multi-generational selection of the ingestive behavior of silkworms to artificial diets, we obtained two strains, one of which developed well and another in which almost all its larvae starved to death on the artificial diets. Subsequently, we analyzed the metabolomics of larval hemolymph by gas chromatography/liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the results showed that vitamins were in critically short supply, whereas the nitrogen metabolic end product of urea and uric acid were enriched substantially, in the hemolymph of the silkworms reared on the artificial diets. Meanwhile, amino acid metabolic disorders, as well as downregulation of carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism, co-occurred. Furthermore, 10 male-dominant metabolites and 27 diet-related metabolites that differed between male and female silkworms were identified. These findings provide important insights into the regulation of silkworm metabolism and silk protein synthesis when silkworms adapt to an artificial diet.
Complementary ACSL isoforms contribute to a non-Warburg advantageous energetic status characterizing invasive colon cancer cells
Authors: Sánchez-Martínez Ruth , Cruz-Gil Silvia , García-Álvarez María Soledad , Reglero Guillermo , Ramírez de Molina Ana 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMetabolic reprogramming is one of cancer hallmarks. Here, we focus on functional differences and individual contribution of acyl coA synthetases (ACSL) isoforms to the previously described ACSL/stearoyl-CoA desaturase (ACSL1/ACSL4/SCD) metabolic network causing invasion and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). ACSL4 fuels proliferation and migration accompanied by a more glycolytic phenotype. Conversely, ACSL1 stimulates invasion displaying a lower basal respiratory rate. Acylcarnitines elevation, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) lower levels, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) upregulation characterize the individual overexpression of ACSL1, ACSL4 and SCD, respectively. However, the three enzymes simultaneous overexpression results in upregulated phospholipids and urea cycle derived metabolites. Thus, the metabolic effects caused by the network are far from being caused by the individual contributions of each enzyme. Furthermore, ACSL/SCD network produces more energetically efficient cells with lower basal respiration levels and upregulated creatine pathway. These features characterize other invasive CRC cells, thus, ACSL/SCD network exemplifies specific metabolic adaptations for invasive cancer cells.
Persistence of a stage-structured food-web
Authors: Mougi Akihiko 
Published: September 2017

AbstractContrary to a theoretical prediction, natural communities comprise many interacting species, thereby developing complex ecosystems. Earlier theoretical studies assumed that each component species within an ecological network has a simple life history, despite the fact that the interaction partners of many species, such as their predators and resources, change during the developmental stages. This poses an open question on the effect of life history complexity on the dynamics of communities. Here using a food web model, I showed that species with a stage-structured life cycle greatly changes the relationship between community complexity and persistence. Without stage-structured species, an increase in species diversity and interaction links decreases the community persistence, whereas in the presence of stage-structured species, community complexity can increase the community persistence. Therefore, life history complexity may be a key element of biodiversity that is self-maintaining.
A Novel Role For Nanog As An Early Cancer Risk Marker In Patients With Laryngeal Precancerous Lesions
Authors: Rodrigo Juan P. , Villaronga M. Ángeles , Menéndez Sofía T. , Hermida-Prado Francisco , Quer Miquel , Vilaseca Isabel , Allonca Eva , Pedregal Mallo Daniel , Astudillo Aurora , García-Pedrero Juana M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNANOG is a master regulator of embryonic stem cell pluripotency, found to be frequently aberrantly expressed in a variety of cancers, including laryngeal carcinomas. This study investigates for the first time the role of NANOG expression in early stages of laryngeal tumourigenesis and its potential utility as cancer risk marker. NANOG protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using two large independent cohorts of patients with laryngeal precancerous lesions, and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and laryngeal cancer risk. NANOG expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 49 (60%) of 82 laryngeal dysplasias, whereas expression was negligible in patient-matched normal epithelia. Strong NANOG expression was found in 22 (27%) lesions and was established as cut-off point, showing the most robust association with laryngeal cancer risk (P = 0.003) superior to the histological classification (P = 0.320) the current gold standard in the clinical practice. Similar trends were obtained using a multicenter validation cohort of 86 patients with laryngeal dysplasia. Our findings uncover a novel role for NANOG expression in laryngeal tumourigenesis, and its unprecedented application as biomarker for cancer risk assessment.