bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theranostic Nanoseeds for Efficacious Internal Radiation Therapy of Unresectable Solid Tumors
Authors: Moeendarbari Sina , Tekade Rakesh , Mulgaonkar Aditi , Christensen Preston , Ramezani Saleh , Hassan Gedaa , Jiang Ruiqian , Öz Orhan K. , Hao Yaowu , Sun Xiankai 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMalignant tumors are considered “unresectable” if they are adhere to vital structures or the surgery would cause irreversible damages to the patients. Though a variety of cytotoxic drugs and radiation therapies are currently available in clinical practice to treat such tumor masses, these therapeutic modalities are always associated with substantial side effects. Here, we report an injectable nanoparticle-based internal radiation source that potentially offers more efficacious treatment of unresectable solid tumors without significant adverse side effects. Using a highly efficient incorporation procedure, palladium-103, a brachytherapy radioisotope in clinical practice, was coated to monodispersed hollow gold nanoparticles with a diameter about 120 nm, to form 103Pd@Au nanoseeds. The therapeutic efficacy of 103Pd@Au nanoseeds were assessed when intratumorally injected into a prostate cancer xenograft model. Five weeks after a single-dose treatment, a significant tumor burden reduction (>80%) was observed without noticeable side effects on the liver, spleen and other organs. Impressively, >95% nanoseeds were retained inside the tumors as monitored by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) with the gamma emissions of 103Pd. These findings show that this nanoseed-based brachytherapy has the potential to provide a theranostic solution to unresectable solid tumors.
Impairing autophagy in retinal pigment epithelium leads to inflammasome activation and enhanced macrophage-mediated angiogenesis
Authors: Liu Jian , Copland David A. , Theodoropoulou Sofia , Chiu Hsi An Amy , Barba Miriam Durazo , Mak Ka Wang , Mack Matthias , Nicholson Lindsay B. , Dick Andrew D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAge-related decreases in autophagy contribute to the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We have now studied the interaction between autophagy impaired in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the responses of macrophages. We find that dying RPE cells can activate the macrophage inflammasome and promote angiogenesis. In vitro, inhibiting rotenone-induced autophagy in RPE cells elicits caspase-3 mediated cell death. Co-culture of damaged RPE with macrophages leads to the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and nitrite oxide. Exogenous IL-6 protects the dysfunctional RPE but IL-1β causes enhanced cell death. Furthermore, IL-1β toxicity is more pronounced in dysfunctional RPE cells showing reduced IRAK3 gene expression. Co-culture of macrophages with damaged RPE also elicits elevated levels of pro-angiogenic proteins that promote ex vivo choroidal vessel sprouting. In vivo, impaired autophagy in the eye promotes photoreceptor and RPE degeneration and recruitment of inflammasome-activated macrophages. The degenerative tissue environment drives an enhanced pro-angiogenic response, demonstrated by increased size of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions. The contribution of macrophages was confirmed by depletion of CCR2+ monocytes, which attenuates CNV in the presence of RPE degeneration. Our results suggest that the interplay between perturbed RPE homeostasis and activated macrophages influences key features of AMD development.
Immunization with a 22-kDa outer membrane protein elicits protective immunity to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Yao Yufeng , Wang Shijie , Xia Ye , Yang Xu , Long Qiong , Sun Wenjia , Liu Cunbao , Li Yang , Chu Xiaojie , Bai Hongmei , Yao Yueting , Ma Yanbing 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA. baumannii infections are becoming more and more serious health issues with rapid emerging of multidrug and extremely drug resistant strains, and therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of nonantibiotic-based intervention strategies. This study aimed at identifying whether an outer membrane protein with molecular weight of about 22 kDa (Omp22) holds the potentials to be an efficient vaccine candidate and combat A. baumannii infection. Omp22 which has a molecule length of 217 amino acids kept more than 95% conservation in totally 851 reported A. baumannii strains. Recombinant Omp22 efficiently elicited high titers of specific IgG in mice. Both active and passive immunizations of Omp22 increased the survival rates of mice, suppressed the bacterial burdens in the organs and peripheral blood, and reduced the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Opsonophagocytosis assays showed in vitro that Omp22 antiserum had highly efficient bactericidal activities on clonally distinct clinical A. baumannii isolates, which were partly complements-dependent and opsonophagocytic killing effects. Additionally, administration with as high as 500 μg of Omp22 didn’t cause obvious pathological changes in mice. In conclusion, Omp22 is a novel conserved and probably safe antigen for developing effective vaccines or antisera to control A. baumannii infections.
EEG frequency tagging to explore the cortical activity related to the tactile exploration of natural textures
Authors: Moungou Athanasia , Thonnard Jean-Louis , Mouraux André 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWhen sliding our fingertip against a textured surface, complex vibrations are produced in the skin. It is increasingly recognised that the neural transduction and processing of these vibrations plays an important role in the dynamic tactile perception of textures. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel means to tag the cortical activity related to the processing of these vibrations, by periodically modulating the amplitude of texture exploration-induced vibrations such as to record a steady-state evoked potential (SS-EP). The EEG was recorded while the right index fingertip was scanned against four different textures using a constant exploration velocity. Amplitude modulation of the elicited vibrations was achieved by periodically modulating the force applied against the finger. Frequency analysis of the recorded EEG signals showed that modulation of the vibrations induced by the fingertip-texture interactions elicited an SS-EP at the frequency of modulation (3 Hz) as well as its second harmonic (6 Hz), maximal over parietal regions contralateral to the stimulated side. Textures generating stronger vibrations also generated SS-EPs of greater magnitude. Our results suggest that frequency tagging using SS-EPs can be used to isolate and explore the brain activity related to the tactile exploration of natural textures.
Co-delivery of VEGF and bFGF via a PLGA nanoparticle-modified BAM for effective contracture inhibition of regenerated bladder tissue in rabbits
Authors: Jiang Xincheng , Lin Houwei , Jiang Dapeng , Xu Guofeng , Fang Xiaoliang , He Lei , Xu Maosheng , Tang Bingqiang , Wang Zhiyong , Cui Daxiang , Chen Fang , Geng Hongquan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGraft contracture is a common problem associated with the regeneration processes of tissue-engineered bladders. Currently, most strategies used for incorporating bioactive molecules into biomaterial designs do not work during all phases of tissue regeneration. In this study, we used a growth factor-PLGA nanoparticle thermo-sensitive gel system (i.e., BAM with incorporated VEGF and bFGF-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and mixed with a hydrophilic gel) to promote bladder tissue regeneration in a rabbit model. At 4 and 12 weeks after surgery, contracture rate assessment and histological examination were conducted to evaluate bladder tissue regeneration. The results indicated that the functional composite scaffold continuously and effectively released VEGF and bFGF and promoted bladder reconstruction with a significant decrease in graft contracture. In addition, the number and arrangement of regenerated urothelial cells and smooth muscle cells as well as microvascular density and maturity were improved in the VEGF/bFGF nanoparticle group compared with the single factor VEGF or bFGF nanoparticle group and BAM alone. The nanoparticle thermo-sensitive gel system, which exhibited favourable performance, may effectively inhibit graft contracture and promote bladder tissue regeneration in rabbits.
Citrus bergamia Juice Extract Attenuates β-Amyloid-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Activation of THP-1 Cells Through MAPK and AP-1 Pathways
Authors: Currò Monica , Risitano Roberto , Ferlazzo Nadia , Cirmi Santa , Gangemi Chiara , Caccamo Daniela , Ientile Riccardo , Navarra Michele 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFlavonoids have been shown to be effective in protecting against age-related cognitive and motor decline in both in vitro and in vivo models. Recently, a flavonoid-rich extract of Citrus bergamia juice (BJe) has been shown to display anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties against LPS-induced activation of human THP-1 monocytes. In the light of these observations, we wondered whether BJe may be beneficial against neuroinflammatory processes, such as those observed in Alzheimer’s disease. To this aim we used THP-1 monocytes to investigate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial potential of BJe against amyloid-beta1–42 (Aβ1−42) -mediated inflammation. Exposure of THP-1 cells to Aβ1−42 significantly induced the expression and secretion of IL-6 and IL-1β in THP-1 cells and increased the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 as well as p46 and p54 members of JNK family. Moreover, Aβ1−42 raises AP-1 DNA binding activity in THP-1-treated cells. Interestingly, all these effects were reduced in the presence of BJe. Our data indicate that BJe may effectively counteract the pro-inflammatory activation of monocytes/microglial cells exposed to amyloid fibrils, suggesting a promising role as a natural drug against neuroinflammatory processes.
Tuned by metals: the TET peptidase activity is controlled by 3 metal binding sites
Authors: Colombo Matteo , Girard Eric , Franzetti Bruno 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTET aminopeptidases are dodecameric particles shared in the three life domains involved in various biological processes, from carbon source provider in archaea to eye-pressure regulation in humans. Each subunit contains a dinuclear metal site (M1 and M2) responsible for the enzyme catalytic activity. However, the role of each metal ion is still uncharacterized. Noteworthy, while mesophilic TETs are activated by Mn2+, hyperthermophilic TETs prefers Co2+. Here, by means of anomalous x-ray crystallography and enzyme kinetics measurements of the TET3 aminopeptidase from the hyperthermophilic organism Pyrococcus furiosus (PfTET3), we show that M2 hosts the catalytic activity of the enzyme, while M1 stabilizes the TET3 quaternary structure and controls the active site flexibility in a temperature dependent manner. A new third metal site (M3) was found in the substrate binding pocket, modulating the PfTET3 substrate preferences. These data show that TET activity is tuned by the molecular interplay among three metal sites.
On the use of structured light in nonlinear optics studies of the symmetry group of a crystal
Authors: Jáuregui Rocio , Torres Juan P. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe put forward a technique that allows to extract information about the symmetry group to which certain nonlinear crystals belong using a single illuminating beam. It provides such information by considering the outcome of a nonlinear optics process characterized by the electric nonlinear susceptibility tensor, whose structure is dictated by such symmetry group. As an example, we consider the process of spontaneous parametric down-conversion, when it is pumped with a special type of Bessel beam. The observation of the spatial angular dependence of the lower-frequency generated light provides direct information about the symmetry group of the crystal. We should stress that the choice of the appropriate illumination is of paramount importance for unveiling the sought-after information.
Effective filtering solution with low cost small size for common‐mode reduction in dc–dc converters
Authors: Laour M. , Tahmi R. 
Published: February 2016

An effective solution is introduced aimed to reduce the size and cost of electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters in dc–dc converters. This method is based on the insertion of small ground inductor (grounded through RF inductor). This technique is suitable for unshielded cables. The RF inductor prevent the return current of the common‐mode (CM) noise at high frequencies, it is inserted between the earth ground (ground reference plane) and the chassis ground of the converter, therefore it isolate the converter chassis from power line ground at high frequencies. As well, maintaining the electrical safety grounding at the power frequency with very low impedance to ground. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated by combining measurements and simulations for the fast testing. The level of CM current is compared versus a specific standard. This allows showing that the EMI emission levels can be reduced by as much as 30 dB.
Reflection mode mm‐wave on‐chip notch filters using coupled hairpin resonators
Authors: Gaskell A.A. , Stander T. 
Published: February 2016

An on‐chip implementation of a W‐band filter with dual notches at 82 and 95 GHz is presented. Reflection mode filtering methods are implemented with dual hairpin resonator networks, using the inherent parasitic losses in the resonators to create matched loads at the stopband frequencies of interest while reflecting passband power. Notches of 6 and 10.6 dB stopband insertion loss, and 3.7 and 5.6% relative bandwidths, respectively, were achieved. This represents the first implementation of reflection mode filtering in the W‐band on‐chip.
Printed eight‐element MIMO system for compact and thin 5G mobile handest
Authors: Qin Zhongjie , Geyi Wen , Zhang Ming , Wang Jun 
Published: February 2016

A new printed MIMO system with eight elements for a 5G mobile terminal is investigated. The MIMO system consists of printed planar inverted‐F antenna elements operating at GSM1900 (1880–1920 MHz), LTE2300 (2300–2400 MHz) and LTE2500 (2540–2620 MHz). The antenna elements have a compact size of 14 mm × 15 mm and are deployed on the non‐metalised part of a PCB with dimensions 136 mm × 68.8 mm × 1 mm. By only utilising radiation pattern diversity, good isolations and envelope correlation coefficients for both MIMO systems are achieved. The mean effective gains of the antenna elements are also presented.
Short waveguide load for millimetre‐wave applications
Authors: Komarov V.V. , Meschanov V.P. , Popova N.F. 
Published: February 2016

A compact millimetre‐wave waveguide load with wedge‐shaped dielectric inserts is considered. Its reflectivity is studied numerically and experimentally. Chosen absorber shape and sizes provide good matching over a wide‐frequency range 37.5–53.57 GHz. Simulations are carried out for two options of waveguide sizes.
The Serotonin Transporter Promotes a Pathological Estrogen Metabolic Pathway in Pulmonary Hypertension via Cytochrome P450 1B1
Authors: Johansen Anne Katrine Z. , Dean Afshan , Morecroft Ian , Hood Katie , Nilsen Margaret , Loughlin Lynn , Anagnostopoulou Aikaterini , Touyz Rhian M. , White Kevin , MacLean Margaret R. 
Published: February 2016

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating vasculopathy that predominates in women and has been associated with dysregulated estrogen and serotonin signaling. Overexpression of the serotonin transporter (SERT+) in mice results in an estrogen‐dependent development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Estrogen metabolism by cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) contributes to the pathogenesis of PAH, and serotonin can increase CYP1B1 expression in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs). We hypothesized that an increase in intracellular serotonin via increased SERT expression may dysregulate estrogen metabolism via CYP1B1 to facilitate PAH. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found elevated lung CYP1B1 protein expression in female SERT+ mice accompanied by PH, which was attenuated by the CYP1B1 inhibitor 2,3′,4,5′‐tetramethoxystilbene (TMS). Lungs from female SERT+ mice demonstrated an increase in oxidative stress that was marked by the expression of 8‐hydroxyguanosine; however, this was unaffected by CYP1B1 inhibition. SERT expression was increased in monocrotaline‐induced PH in female rats; however, TMS did not reverse PH in monocrotaline‐treated rats but prolonged survival. Stimulation of hPASMCs with the CYP1B1 metabolite 16α‐hydroxyestrone increased cellular proliferation, which was attenuated by an inhibitor (MPP) of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and a specific ERα antibody. Thus, increased intracellular serotonin caused by increased SERT expression may contribute to PAH pathobiology by dysregulation of estrogen metabolic pathways via increased CYP1B1 activity. This promotes PASMC proliferation by the formation of pathogenic metabolites of estrogen that mediate their effects via ERα. Our studies indicate that targeting this pathway in PAH may provide a promising antiproliferative therapeutic strategy.
Uncovering homo-and hetero-interactions on the cell membrane using single particle tracking approaches
Authors: Torreno-Pina Juan A , Manzo Carlo , Garcia-Parajo Maria F 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells is responsible for a myriad of functions that regulate cell physiology and plays a crucial role in a multitude of processes that include adhesion, migration, signaling recognition and cell–cell communication. This is accomplished by specific interactions between different membrane components such as lipids and proteins on the lipid bilayer but also through interactions with the underlying cortical actin cytoskeleton on the intracellular side and the glycocalyx matrix in close proximity to the extracellular side. Advanced biophysical techniques, including single particle tracking (SPT) have revealed that the lateral diffusion of molecular components on the plasma membrane represents a landmark manifestation of such interactions. Indeed, by studying changes in the diffusivity of individual membrane molecules, including sub-diffusion, confined diffusion and/or transient arrest of molecules in membrane compartments, it has been possible to gain insight on the nature of molecular interactions and to infer on its functional role for cell response. In this review, we will revise some exciting results where SPT has been crucial to reveal homo- and hetero-interactions on the cell membrane.
Second harmonic generation and two-photon luminescence from colloidal gold nanoparticles
Authors: Yashunin D A , Korytin A I , Smirnov A I , Stepanov A N 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Second harmonic generation and two-photon luminescence from colloidal gold nanoparticles in the 980–1300 nm wavelength range of exciting femtosecond radiation were investigated experimentally. The measured polarization and spectral characteristics of the second harmonic and two-photon luminescence demonstrate that the observed nonlinear optical signal is determined by the dimers constituting several percent of the total nanoparticle number.
Fast tomographic measurements of temperature in an air plasma cutting torch
Authors: Hlína J , Šonský J , Gruber J , Cressault Y 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Temperatures in an air plasma jet were measured using a tomographic experimental arrangement providing time-resolved scans of plasma optical radiation in the spectral band 559–601 nm from two directions. The acquired data and subsequent processing yielded time-resolved temperature distributions in measurement planes perpendicular to the plasma jet axis with a temporal resolution of 1 μs. The measurement system and evaluation methods afforded detailed information about the influence of high-frequency ripple modulation of the arc current on plasma temperature.
Dominant particles and reactions in a two-temperature chemical kinetic model of a decaying SF6 arc
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Gao Qingqing , Fu Yuwei , Yang Aijun , Rong Mingzhe , Wu Yi , Niu Chunping , Murphy Anthony B 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This paper is devoted to the computation of the non-equilibrium composition of an SF6 plasma, and determination of the dominant particles and reactions, at conditions relevant to high-voltage circuit breakers after current zero (temperatures from 12 000 K to 1000 K and a pressure of 4 atm). The non-equilibrium composition is characterized by departures from both thermal and chemical equilibrium. In thermal non-equilibrium process, the electron temperature (T
e) is not equal to the heavy-particle temperature (T
h), while for chemical non-equilibrium, a chemical kinetic model is adopted. In order to evaluate the reasonableness and reliability of the non-equilibrium composition, calculation methods for equilibrium composition based on Gibbs free energy minimization and kinetic composition in a one-temperature kinetic model are first considered. Based on the one-temperature kinetic model, a two-temperature kinetic model with the ratio T
e/T
h varying as a function of the logarithm of electron density ratio (n
e/

) was established. In this model, T* is introduced to allow a smooth transition between T
h and T
e and to determine the temperatures for the rate constants. The initial composition in the kinetic models is obtained from the asymptotic composition as infinite time is approached at 12 000 K. The molar fractions of neutral particles and ions in the two-temperature kinetic model are consistent with the equilibrium composition and the composition obtained from the one-temperature kinetic model above 10 000 K, while significant differences appear below 10 000 K. Based on the dependence of the particle distributions on temperature in the two-temperature kinetic model, three temperature ranges, and the dominant particles and reactions in the respective ranges, are determined. The full model is then simplified into three models and the accuracy of the simplified models is assessed. The simplified models reduce the number of species and reactions by a factor of about 2, while providing results that agree closely with the full model. Thus, the physicochemical processes of SF6 arc can be characterized by relatively few species and reactions in each temperature range. It is noted that the simplified models can also be applied to a wide range of pressures, 1–16 atm, conditions which cover most circuit breaker applications. The simplified species and reactions will allow the computing time of multi-dimensional models, taking into account departures from both thermal and chemical equilibrium, to be decreased dramatically while capturing the main physicochemical processes in SF6 arcs.
Enhanced Second Harmonic Generation in AU/AI2O3/AU absorber
Authors: Huang Fenglun , Bai Songang , Li Qiang , Qu Yurui , Min Qiu 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
A kind of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) metamaterial absorber for generating second harmonic signal is investigated. The absorbers exhibit high absorption efficiency at the dip and notably enhance the generated second harmonic signal by a factor of over 30, in contrast to an Au/alumina double-layer without Au disk on the top. This study demonstrates the potential of metamaterial absorber for nonlinear photonics.