bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-step phase shifting differential-recording digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Han Jun-He , Li Ruo-Ping , Liu Jun-Hui , Hai Fu-Sheng , Huang Ming-Ju 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe present two-step phase-shifting differential-recording digital holographic microscopy (TPD-DH in microscopy) for phase imaging of microscopic transparent elements. Two CCDs are employed to record two interferograms at two different defocusing distances. The interferograms on the two CCD cameras are shifted for a phase retarder 0 and π via an all-optics phase shifting unit. A novel algorithm is proposed to reconstruct both amplitude and phase distributions of the object wave from the recorded interferograms. This method has the same spectrum bandwidth and measurement accuracy with those of conventional four-step phase-shifting interferometry (FS-PSI), whereas it reduces the measurement time by half.
Characterization of Mechanically Matched Hydrogel Coatings to Improve the Biocompatibility of Neural Implants
Authors: Spencer Kevin C. , Sy Jay C. , Ramadi Khalil B. , Graybiel Ann M. , Langer Robert , Cima Michael J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGlial scar is a significant barrier to neural implant function. Micromotion between the implant and tissue is suspected to be a key driver of glial scar formation around neural implants. This study explores the ability of soft hydrogel coatings to modulate glial scar formation by reducing local strain. PEG hydrogels with controllable thickness and elastic moduli were formed on the surface of neural probes. These coatings significantly reduced the local strain resulting from micromotion around the implants. Coated implants were found to significantly reduce scarring in vivo, compared to hard implants of identical diameter. Increasing implant diameter was found to significantly increase scarring for glass implants, as well as increase local BBB permeability, increase macrophage activation, and decrease the local neural density. These results highlight the tradeoff in mechanical benefit with the size effects from increasing the overall diameter following the addition of a hydrogel coating. This study emphasizes the importance of both mechanical and geometric factors of neural implants on chronic timescales.
DLX3 interacts with GCM1 and inhibits its transactivation-stimulating activity in a homeodomain-dependent manner in human trophoblast-derived cells
Authors: Li Sha , Roberson Mark S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe placental transcription factors Distal-less 3 (DLX3) and Glial cell missing-1 (GCM1) have been shown to coordinate the specific regulation of PGF in human trophoblast cell lines. While both factors independently have a positive effect on PGF gene expression, when combined, DLX3 acts as an antagonist to GCM. Despite this understanding, potential mechanisms accounting for this regulatory interaction remain unexplored. We identify physical and functional interactions between specific domains of DLX3 and GCM1 in human trophoblast-derived cells by performing immunoprecipitation and mammalian one hybrid assays. Studies revealed that DLX3 binding reduced the transcriptional activity of GCM1, providing a mechanistic explanation of their functional antagonism in regulating PGF promoter activity. The DLX3 homeodomain (HD) was essential for DLX3-GCM1 interaction, and that the HD together with the DLX3 amino- or carboxyl-terminal domains was required for maximal inhibition of GCM1. Interestingly, a naturally occurring DLX3 mutant that disrupts the carboxyl-terminal domain leading to tricho-dento-osseous syndrome in humans displayed activities indistinguishable from wild type DLX3 in this system. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that DLX3 physically interacts with GCM1 and inhibits its transactivation activity, suggesting that DLX3 and GCM1 may form a complex to functionally regulate placental cell function through modulation of target gene expression.
Effects of treadmill running with different intensity on rat subchondral bone
Authors: Li Zhe , Liu Sheng-Yao , Xu Lei , Xu Shao-Yong , Ni Guo-Xin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSubchondral bone (SB) is recognized as a key factor in normal joint protection, not only does it provide a shock absorbing and supportive function for the cartilage, but it may also be important for cartilage metabolism. Mechanical loading is considered to be a critical regulator of skeletal homeostasis, including bone and cartilage. It is suggested that both cartilage and bone may respond to mechanical loading in an intensity-dependent manner. In this report, we have discovered that the subchondral plate became thicker with higher bone mineral density (BMD) and lower porosity, while trabecular bone became more plate-like and denser with higher BMD in high-intensity running (HIR) group. Further, HIR led to highly remodeled, less mineralized, and stiffer subchondral plate and trabecular bone. On the contrary, low-intensity running and moderate-intensity running failed to result in considerable changes in microstructure, composition and hardness. Our findings suggested that running affects SB in an intensity-dependent manner. In addition, HIR may induce change in organization and composition of SB, and consequently alter its mechanical properties. HIR-induced “brittle and stiff” SB may adversely affect the overlying articular cartilage.
A gas sensor array for the simultaneous detection of multiple VOCs
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Zhao Jianhong , Du Tengfei , Zhu Zhongqi , Zhang Jin , Liu Qingju 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAir quality around the globe is declining and public health is seriously threatened by indoor air pollution. Typically, indoor air pollutants are composed of a series of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are generally harmful to the human body, especially VOCs with low molecular weights (less than 100 Da). Moreover, in some situations, more than one type of VOC is present; thus, a device that can detect one or more VOCs simultaneously would be most beneficial. Here, we synthesized a sensor array with 4 units to detect 4 VOCs: acetone (unit 1), benzene (unit 2), methanol (unit 3) and formaldehyde (unit 4) simultaneously. All units were simultaneously exposed to 2.5 ppm of all four VOCs. The sensitivity of unit 1 was 14.67 for acetone and less than 2.54 for the other VOCs. The sensitivities of units 2, 3 and 4 to benzene, methanol and formaldehyde were 2 18.64, 20.98 and 17.26, respectively, and less than 4.01 for the other VOCs. These results indicated that the sensor array exhibited good selectivity and could be used for the real-time monitoring of indoor air quality. Thus, this device will be useful in situations requiring the simultaneous detection of multiple VOCs.
Favorable Response to Long-term Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy in HBeAg-positive Patients with High Serum Fucosyl-Agalactosyl IgG
Authors: Ho Cheng-Hsun , Tsai Hung-Wen , Lee Chen-Yeh , Huang Li-Juan , Chien Rong-Nan , Wu I-Chin , Chiu Yen-Cheng , Liu Wen-Chun , Cheng Pin-Nan , Chang Ting-Tsung , Chen Shu-Hui 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAberrant IgG glycosylation is a feature of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection but its effect on a long-term efficacy of antiviral therapy has never been addressed. After a screening of 1,085 patients, 132 eligible HBV e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 101 HBeAg-negative patients with anti-HBV nucleos(t)ide analogue monotherapy were enrolled with on-treatment follow-ups for at least one year. IgG1 N-glycome was profiled using mass spectrometry and evaluated for its relevance in treatment responses. The results indicated that a high level of serum fucosyl-agalactosyl IgG1 (IgG1-G0F) at baseline was associated with the severity of liver inflammation and damage but advanced treatment responses, including HBV DNA loss, HBeAg seroconversion, a reduced drug resistance rate, and a liver histological improvement at year 1, thereby improving the long-term treatment efficacy and the probability of treatment discontinuation in HBeAg-positive patients. Stepwise Cox regression analyses revealed that baseline IgG1-G0F >30% was an independent factor that links to virological response (HR 3.071, 95% CI 1.835–5.141, P < 0.001) or HBeAg seroconversion (HR 2.034, 95% CI 1.011–4.093, P = 0.046). Furthermore, a high IgG1-G0F level at the treatment endpoint was associated with an off-treatment sustained virological response. In conclusion, IgG1-G0F favors the medication outcome for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B.
Acquisition of virulence factors in livestock-associated MRSA: Lysogenic conversion of CC398 strains by virulence gene-containing phages
Authors: Kraushaar Britta , Hammerl Jens Andre , Kienöl Marina , Heinig Marie Luise , Sperling Nina , Dinh Thanh Mai , Reetz Jochen , Jäckel Claudia , Fetsch Alexandra , Hertwig Stefan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus MRSA strains belonging to the clonal complex 398 (CC398) are highly prevalent in livestock and companion animals but may also cause serious infections in humans. CC398 strains in livestock usually do not possess well-known virulence factors that can be frequently found in other MRSA sequence types (ST). Since many staphylococcal virulence genes are residing on the genomes of temperate phages, the question arises why livestock-associated (LA-) CC398 strains are only rarely infected by those phages. We isolated and characterized four temperate phages (P240, P282, P630 and P1105) containing genes of the immune evasion cluster (IEC) and/or for the Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL). Sequence analysis of the phage genomes showed that they are closely related to known phages and that the DNA region encoding lysis proteins, virulence factors and the integrase exhibits numerous DNA repeats which may facilitate genomic rearrangements. All phages lysed and lysogenized LA-CC398 strains. Integration of IEC phage P282 was detected at ten sites of the hosts’ chromosome. The prophages were stably inherited in LA-CC398 and enterotoxin A, staphylokinase and PVL toxin were produced. The data demonstrate that lysogenic conversion of LA-CC398 strains by virulence-associated phages may occur and that new pathotypes may emerge by this mechanism.
Hybrid Organic Tandem Solar Cell Comprising Small-Molecule Bottom and Polymer:Fullerene Top Subcells Fabricated by Thin-Film Transfer
Authors: Ka Yoonseok , Hwang Hyejin , Kim Changsoon 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMultilayer structures involving solution-deposited polymer films are difficult to fabricate, not allowing for unrestricted designs of polymer-based optoelectronic devices required for maximizing their performance. Here, we fabricate a hybrid organic tandem solar cell whose top and bottom subcells have polymer:fullerene and small molecules active layers, respectively, by a solvent-free process based on transferring the polymer:fullerene layer from an elastomeric stamp onto a vacuum-deposited bottom subcell. The interface between small-molecule and transferred polymer:fullerene layers is void-free at the nanoscale, allowing for efficient charge transport across the interface. Consequently, the transfer-fabricated tandem cell has an open-circuit voltage (VOC) almost identical to the sum of VOC values for the single-junction devices. The short-circuit current density (JSC) of the tandem cell is maximized by current matching achieved by varying the thickness of the small-molecule active layer in the bottom subcell, which is verified by numerical simulations. The optimized transfer-fabricated tandem cell, whose active layers are composed of poly[2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl[4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl]]:[6,6]-Phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester and Di-[4-(N,N-di-p-tolyl-amino)-phenyl]cyclohexane:C70, has VOC = 1.46 V, JSC = 8.48 mA/cm2, a fill factor of 0.51, leading to the power-conversion efficiency of 6.26%, the highest among small molecule–polymer:fullerene hybrid tandem solar cells demonstrated so far.
Prognostic value of hypoalbuminemia for adverse outcomes in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement surgery
Authors: Wei Xue-biao , Jiang Lei , Liu Yuan-hui , Feng Du , He Peng-cheng , Chen Ji-yan , Yu Dan-qing , Tan Ning 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHigh-risk patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) who were undergoing valve replacement surgery (VRS) were not identified entirely. This study included 1782 consecutive patients with RHD who were undergoing VRS to explore the relationship between hypoalbuminemia and adverse outcomes and to confirm whether hypoalbuminemia plays a role in risk evaluation. A total of 27.3% of the RHD patients had hypoalbuminemia. In-hospital deaths were significantly higher in the hypoalbuminemic group than in the non-hypoalbuminemic group (6.6% vs 3.1%, P = 0.001). Hypoalbuminemia was an independent predictor of in-hospital death (OR = 1.89, P = 0.014), even after adjusting for the Euro score. The addition of hypoalbuminemia to Euro score enhanced net reclassification improvement (0.346 for in-hospital death, P = 0.004; 0.306 for 1-year death, p = 0.005). A Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that the cumulative rate of 1-year mortality after the operation was higher in patients with a new Euro score ≥6. These findings indicated that hypoalbuminemia was an independent risk factor for in-hospital and 1-year mortality after VRS in patients with RHD, which might have additive prognostic value to Euro score.
Adamdec1, Ednrb and Ptgs1/Cox1, inflammation genes upregulated in the intestinal mucosa of obese rats, are downregulated by three probiotic strains
Authors: Plaza-Díaz Julio , Robles-Sánchez Cándido , Abadía-Molina Francisco , Morón-Calvente Virginia , Sáez-Lara María José , Ruiz-Bravo Alfonso , Jiménez-Valera María , Gil Ángel , Gómez-Llorente Carolina , Fontana Luis 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe have previously reported that administration of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-4034, Bifidobacterium breve CNCM I-4035 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036 to obese Zucker-Lepr
fa/fa
rats attenuates liver steatosis and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. The goal of the present work was to investigate the modulation of gene expression in intestinal mucosa samples of obese Zucker-Lepr
fa/fa
rats fed the probiotic strains using a DNA microarray and postgenomic techniques. We also measured secretory IgA content in the gut and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) in serum. Expression of three genes (Adamdec1, Ednrb and Ptgs1/Cox1) was up-regulated in the intestinal mucosa of the obese rats compared with that in the rats when they were still lean. Probiotic administration down-regulated expression of Adamdec1 and Ednrb at the mRNA and protein levels and that of Ptgs1/Cox1 at the mRNA level, and this effect was in part mediated by a decrease in both macrophage and dendritic cell populations. Probiotic treatment also increased secretory IgA content and diminished the LBP concentration. Based on results reported in this work and else where, we propose a possible mechanism of action for these bacterial strains.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection of human endometrial stromal cells induces defective decidualisation and chemokine release
Authors: Giakoumelou Sevi , Wheelhouse Nick , Brown Jeremy , Wade Jean , Simitsidellis Ioannis , Gibson Douglas , Saunders Philippa T. K. , Horner Patrick , Entrican Gary , Howie Sarah E. M. , Horne Andrew W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMiscarriage affects ~20% of pregnancies and maternal infections account for ~15% of early miscarriages. Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) has been associated with miscarriage but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Successful implantation requires endometrial stromal cell (ESC) decidualisation. Maintenance of pregnancy requires angiogenesis, establishment of the correct cellular milieu and trophoblast invasion, all of which involve the action of chemokines. Our objective was to determine whether Ct infection impacts upon ESC decidualisation and chemokine secretion. Human primary ESC were decidualised in-vitro, infected with Ct serovar E, and changes in expression of genes of interest were measured using RT-PCR, proteomic array and ELISA. We demonstrate for the first time that Ct can infect and proliferate in ESC. Expression of the decidualisation marker prolactin was decreased in Ct-infected ESC at both mRNA and protein levels. Ct infection altered the chemokine profile of decidualised ESC as shown by proteomic array. Chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL16, important for trophoblast invasion, were analysed further and expression was reduced in infected decidualised cells at mRNA and protein levels. Our data indicate that Ct infection of ESC impairs decidualisation and alters chemokine release. These findings at least partially explain how Ct infection could result in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Trends and Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Colorectal Cancer between 2004 and 2012- an Analysis using National Inpatient Database
Authors: Lee Meng-Tse Gabriel , Chiu Chong-Chi , Wang Chia-Chun , Chang Chia-Na , Lee Shih-Hao , Lee Matthew , Hsu Tzu-Chun , Lee Chien-Chang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLimited data are available for the epidemiology and outcome of colorectal cancer in relation to the three main surgical treatment modalities (open, laparoscopic and robotic). Using the US National Inpatient Sample database from 2004 to 2012, we identified 1,265,684 hospitalized colorectal cancer patients. Over the 9 year period, there was a 13.5% decrease in the number of hospital admissions and a 43.5% decrease in in-hospital mortality. Comparing the trend of surgical modalities, there was a 35.4% decrease in open surgeries, a 3.5 fold increase in laparoscopic surgeries, and a 41.3 fold increase in robotic surgeries. Nonetheless, in 2012, open surgery still remained the preferred surgical treatment modality (65.4%), followed by laparoscopic (31.2%) and robotic surgeries (3.4%). Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries were associated with lower in-hospital mortality, fewer complications, and shorter length of stays, which might be explained by the elective nature of surgery and earlier tumor grades. After excluding patients with advanced tumor grades, laparoscopic surgery was still associated with better outcomes and lower costs than open surgery. On the contrary, robotic surgery was associated with the highest costs, without substantial outcome benefits over laparoscopic surgery. More studies are required to clarify the cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery.
Structural determinants of Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein (NFAP) for folding, stability and antifungal activity
Authors: Galgóczy László , Borics Attila , Virágh Máté , Ficze Hargita , Váradi Györgyi , Kele Zoltán , Marx Florentine 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe recent global challenges to prevent and treat fungal infections strongly demand for the development of new antifungal strategies. The structurally very similar cysteine-rich antifungal proteins from ascomycetes provide a feasible basis for designing new antifungal molecules. The main structural elements responsible for folding, stability and antifungal activity are not fully understood, although this is an essential prerequisite for rational protein design. In this study, we used the Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein (NFAP) to investigate the role of the disulphide bridges, the hydrophobic core, and the N-terminal amino acids in the formation of a highly stable, folded, and antifungal active protein. NFAP and its mutants carrying cysteine deletion (NFAPΔC), hydrophobic core deletion (NFAPΔh), and N-terminal amino acids exchanges (NFAPΔN) were produced in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant NFAP showed the same features in structure, folding, stability and activity as the native protein. The data acquired with mass spectrometry, structural analyses and antifungal activity assays of NFAP and its mutants proved the importance of the disulphide bonding, the hydrophobic core and the correct N-terminus for folding, stability and full antifungal function. Our findings provide further support to the comprehensive understanding of the structure-function relationship in members of this protein group.
Complex hierarchical microstructures of Cambrian mollusk Pelagiella: insight into early biomineralization and evolution
Authors: Li Luoyang , Zhang Xingliang , Yun Hao , Li Guoxiang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractShell microstructure and mineralogy ofPelagiella madianensisZhou & Xiao, 1984, a globally distributed Cambrian micromollusk, are investigated based on abundant and extraordinarily well-preserved specimens from Xinji Formation, Longxian, Shaanxi, North China. Five types of aragonitic microstructures have been recognized. The lamello-fibrillar microstructure, previously known fromPelagiella, constructs the outermost shell layer, while the remaining four types are reported here for the first time in this genus. They include fibrous foliated, foliated aragonite, crossed foliated lamellar and isolated tablets. The animal constructs these five types of microstructures to build its shell in a complex hierarchical pattern with four orders: crystallite columns, laths, folia and lamellae. These findings demonstrate that the capability of building complex shell microstructures had already evolved by the Cambrian explosion. In addition, this work shows that early aragonitic shells were constructed with fibers, laths, folia and isolated tablets, indicating increased controls over biomineralization by the animal.
Functional roles of cadherin, aminopeptidase-N and alkaline phosphatase from Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in the action mechanism of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2Aa
Authors: Zhao Man , Yuan Xiangdong , Wei Jizhen , Zhang Wanna , Wang Bingjie , Myint Khaing Myint , Liang Gemei 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA pyramid strategy combining the Cry1A and Cry2A toxins in Bt crops has been widely used throughout the world to delay pest adaption to transgenic crops and broaden the insecticidal spectrum. Midgut membrane-bound cadherin (CAD), aminopeptidase-N (APN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are important for Cry1A toxicity in some lepidopteran larvae, but the proteins that bind Cry2A in the midgut of target insects and their role in the Cry2A mechanism of action are still unclear. In this study, we found that heterologously expressed CAD, APN4 and ALP2 peptides from the midgut of Helicoverpa armigera could bind to the Cry2Aa toxin with a high affinity. Additionally, the efficiency of Cry2Aa insecticidal activity against H. armigera larvae was obviously reduced after the genes encoding these proteins were silenced with specific siRNAs: CAD- and ALP2-silenced larvae showed significantly similar reductions in mortality due to the Cry2Aa toxin (41.67% and 43.06%, respectively), whereas a larger reduction in mortality was observed in APN4-silenced larvae (61.11%) than in controls. These results suggest that CAD, APN4 and ALP2 are involved in the mechanism of action of Cry2Aa in H. armigera and may play important functional roles in the toxicity of the Cry2Aa toxin.