bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis related to calcium-driven alternans in a model of human atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chang Kelly C. , Trayanova Natalia A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with progressive changes in the calcium handling system of atrial myocytes. Calcium cycling instability has been implicated as an underlying mechanism of electrical alternans observed in patients who experience AF. However, the extent to which calcium-induced alternation of electrical activity in the atria contributes to arrhythmogenesis is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of calcium-driven alternans (CDA) on arrhythmia susceptibility in a biophysically detailed, 3D computer model of the human atria representing electrical and structural remodeling secondary to chronic AF. We found that elevated propensity to CDA rendered the atria vulnerable to ectopy-induced arrhythmia. It also increased the complexity and persistence of arrhythmias induced by fast pacing, with unstable scroll waves meandering and frequently breaking up to produce multiple wavelets. Our results suggest that calcium-induced electrical instability may increase arrhythmia vulnerability and promote increasing disorganization of arrhythmias in the chronic AF-remodeled atria, thus playing an important role in the progression of the disease.
Understanding the Antifungal Mechanism of Ag@ZnO Core-shell Nanocomposites against Candida krusei
Authors: Das Bhaskar , Khan Md. Imran , Jayabalan R. , Behera Susanta K. , Yun Soon-Il , Tripathy Suraj K. , Mishra Amrita 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn the present paper, facile synthesis of Ag@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites is reported where zinc oxide is coated on biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized using Andrographis paniculata and Aloe vera leaf extract. Structural features of as synthesized nanocomposites are characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, and FTIR. Morphology of the above core-shell nanocomposites is investigated by electron microscopy. As synthesized nanocomposite material has shown antimicrobial activity against Candida krusei, which is an opportunistic pathogen known to cause candidemia. The possible mode of activity of the above material has been studied by in-vitro molecular techniques. Our investigations have shown that surface coating of biogenic silver nanoparticles by zinc oxide has increased its antimicrobial efficiency against Candida krusei, while decreasing its toxicity towards A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cell lines.
Constitutive cyclic GMP accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana compromises systemic acquired resistance induced by an avirulent pathogen by modulating local signals
Authors: Hussain Jamshaid , Chen Jian , Locato Vittoria , Sabetta Wilma , Behera Smrutisanjita , Cimini Sara , Griggio Francesca , Martínez-Jaime Silvia , Graf Alexander , Bouneb Mabrouk , Pachaiappan Raman , Fincato Paola , Blanco Emanuela , Costa Alex , De Gara Laura , Bellin Diana , de Pinto Maria Concetta , Vandelle Elodie 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe infection of Arabidopsis thaliana plants with avirulent pathogens causes the accumulation of cGMP with a biphasic profile downstream of nitric oxide signalling. However, plant enzymes that modulate cGMP levels have yet to be identified, so we generated transgenic A. thaliana plants expressing the rat soluble guanylate cyclase (GC) to increase genetically the level of cGMP and to study the function of cGMP in plant defence responses. Once confirmed that cGMP levels were higher in the GC transgenic lines than in wild-type controls, the GC transgenic plants were then challenged with bacterial pathogens and their defence responses were characterized. Although local resistance was similar in the GC transgenic and wild-type lines, differences in the redox state suggested potential cross-talk between cGMP and the glutathione redox system. Furthermore, large-scale transcriptomic and proteomic analysis highlighted the significant modulation of both gene expression and protein abundance at the infection site, inhibiting the establishment of systemic acquired resistance. Our data indicate that cGMP plays a key role in local responses controlling the induction of systemic acquired resistance in plants challenged with avirulent pathogens.
Measurement of in-plane elasticity of live cell layers using a pressure sensor embedded microfluidic device
Authors: Lin Chien-Han , Wang Chien-Kai , Chen Yu-An , Peng Chien-Chung , Liao Wei-Hao , Tung Yi-Chung 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn various physiological activities, cells experience stresses along their in-plane direction when facing substrate deformation. Capability of continuous monitoring elasticity of live cell layers during a period is highly desired to investigate cell property variation during various transformations under normal or disease states. This paper reports time-lapsed measurement of live cell layer in-plane elasticity using a pressure sensor embedded microfluidic device. The sensor converts pressure-induced deformation of a flexible membrane to electrical signals. When cells are cultured on top of the membrane, flexural rigidity of the composite membrane increases and further changes the output electrical signals. In the experiments, human embryonic lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells are cultured and analyzed to estimate the in-plane elasticity. In addition, the cells are treated with a growth factor to simulate lung fibrosis to study the effects of cell transformation on the elasticity variation. For comparison, elasticity measurement on the cells by atomic force microscopy (AFM) is also performed. The experimental results confirm highly anisotropic configuration and material properties of cells. Furthermore, the in-plane elasticity can be monitored during the cell transformation after the growth factor stimulation. Consequently, the developed microfluidic device provides a powerful tool to study physical properties of cells for fundamental biophysics and biomedical researches.
Effect of magnetron sputtering parameters and stress state of W film precursors on WSe2 layer texture by rapid selenization
Authors: Li Hongchao , Gao Di , Xie Senlin , Zou Jianpeng 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTungsten diselenide (WSe2) film was obtained by rapid selenization of magnetron sputtered tungsten (W) film. To prevent WSe2 film peeling off from the substrate during selenization, the W film was designed with a double-layer structure. The first layer was deposited at a high sputtering-gas pressure to form a loose structure, which can act as a buffer layer to release stresses caused by WSe2 growth. The second layer was deposited naturally on the first layer to react with selenium vapour in the next step. The effect of the W film deposition parameters(such as sputtering time, sputtering-gas pressure and substrate bias voltage)on the texture and surface morphology of the WSe2 film was studied. Shortening the sputtering time, increasing the sputtering-gas pressure or decreasing the substrate bias voltage can help synthesize WSe2 films with more platelets embedded vertically in the matrix. The stress state of the W film influences the WSe2 film texture. Based on the stress state of the W film, a model for growth of the WSe2 films with different textures was proposed. The insertion direction of the van der Waals gap is a key factor for the anisotropic formation of WSe2 film.
Association of EGFR Exon 19 Deletion and EGFR-TKI Treatment Duration with Frequency of T790M Mutation in EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Matsuo Norikazu , Azuma Koichi , Sakai Kazuko , Hattori Satoshi , Kawahara Akihiko , Ishii Hidenobu , Tokito Takaaki , Kinoshita Takashi , Yamada Kazuhiko , Nishio Kazuto , Hoshino Tomoaki 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe most common event responsible for resistance to first- and second-generation (1st and 2nd) epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is acquisition of T790M mutation. We examined whether T790M is related to clinicopathologic or prognostic factors in patients with relapse of EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after treatment with 1st or 2nd EGFR-TKIs. We retrospectively reviewed the T790M status and clinical characteristics of 73 patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC who had been treated with EGFR-TKIs and undergone rebiopsy at Kurume University Hospital between March 2005 and December 2015. T790M mutation was more frequent in patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation (63%, 26/41) than in those with L858R mutation (38%, 12/32) (p = 0.035). The median total duration of 1st or 2nd EGFR-TKI treatment was significantly longer in patients with T790M mutation than in those without (15.3 months vs 8.1 months, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the type of EGFR mutation and the total duration of EGFR-TKI treatment were significantly associated with T790M prevalence. Patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation who receive long-term EGFR-TKI therapy show a high prevalence of T790M mutation. The present data are potentially important for clinical decision-making in NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation.
Surface-Enhanced Impulsive Coherent Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Du Juan , Harra Juha , Virkki Matti , Mäkelä Jyrki M. , Leng Yuxin , Kauranen Martti , Kobayashi Takayoshi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSurface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has attracted a lot of attention in molecular sensing because of the remarkable ability of plasmonic metal nanostructures to enhance the weak Raman scattering process. On the other hand, coherent vibrational spectroscopy triggered by impulsive excitation using ultrafast laser pulses provides complete information about the temporal evolution of molecular vibrations, allowing dynamical processes in molecular systems to be followed in “real time”. Here, we combine these two concepts and demonstrate surface-enhanced impulsive vibrational spectroscopy. The vibrational modes of the ground and excited states of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)−1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV), spin-coated on a substrate covered with monodisperse silver nanoparticles, are impulsively excited with a sub-10 fs pump pulse and characterized with a delayed broad-band probe pulse. The maximum enhancement in the spectrally and temporally resolved vibrational signatures averaged over the whole sample is about 4.6, while the real-time information about the instantaneous vibrational amplitude together with the initial vibrational phase is preserved. The phase is essential to determine the vibrational contributions from the ground and excited states.
Multifunctional Optical Thin Films Fabricated by the Photopolymerization of Uniaxially Oriented Lyotropic Liquid Crystal Monomers for Electro-Optical Devices
Authors: Im Pureun , Choi Yu-Jin , Yoon Won-Jin , Kang Dong-Gue , Park Minwook , Kim Dae-Yoon , Lee Cheul-Ro , Yang Seungbin , Lee Ji-Hoon , Jeong Kwang-Un 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA multifunctional optical thin film (MOTF) is fabricated by coating the newly synthesized perylene-based reactive mesogen (PBRM) and stabilized by the subsequent photopolymerization. Based on the spectroscopic results combined with morphological observations, it is found that nematic liquid crystal (NLC) is aligned parallel to the molecular long axis of PBRM not only due to the long-range physical anchoring effect but also due to the short-range molecular physical interactions between alignment layer and NLC molecules. From the electro-optical properties of LC test cells fabricated with the PBRM MOTF, it is clearly demonstrated that the PBRM MOTF can work as the planar LC alignment layer as well as the in-cell coatable polarizer. The coatable PBRM MOTF from lyotropic chromonic reactive mesogens can pave a new way for the flexible optoelectronic devices.
Eliciting maize defense pathways aboveground attracts belowground biocontrol agents
Authors: Filgueiras Camila Cramer , Willett Denis S. , Pereira Ramom Vasconcelos , Moino Junior Alcides , Pareja Martin , Duncan Larry W. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPlant defense pathways mediate multitrophic interactions above and belowground. Understanding the effects of these pathways on pests and natural enemies above and belowground holds great potential for designing effective control strategies. Here we investigate the effects of aboveground stimulation of plant defense pathways on the interactions between corn, the aboveground herbivore adultDiabrotica speciosa, the belowground herbivore larvalD. speciosa, and the subterranean ento-mopathogenic nematode natural enemyHeterorhabditis amazonensis. We show that adultD. speciosarecruit to aboveground herbivory and methyl salicylate treatment, that larvalD. speciosaare relatively indiscriminate, and thatH. amazonensisen-tomopathogenic nematodes recruit to corn fed upon by adultD. speciosa. These results suggest that entomopathogenicnematodes belowground can be highly attuned to changes in the aboveground parts of plants and that biological control can be enhanced with induced plant defense in this and similar systems.
Fluorimetric Mercury Test Strips with Suppressed “Coffee Stains” by a Bio-inspired Fabrication Strategy
Authors: Qiao Yuchun , Shang Jizhen , Li Shuying , Feng Luping , Jiang Yao , Duan Zhiqiang , Lv Xiaoxia , Zhang Chunxian , Yao Tiantian , Dong Zhichao , Zhang Yu , Wang Hua 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA fluorimetric Hg2+ test strip has been developed using a lotus-inspired fabrication method for suppressing the “coffee stains” toward the uniform distribution of probe materials through creating a hydrophobic drying pattern for fast solvent evaporation. The test strips were first loaded with the model probes of fluorescent gold-silver nanoclusters and then dried in vacuum on the hydrophobic pattern. On the one hand, here, the hydrophobic constraining forces from the lotus surface-like pattern could control the exterior transport of dispersed nanoclusters on strips leading to the minimized “coffee stains”. On the other hand, the vacuum-aided fast solvent evaporation could boost the interior Marangoni flow of probe materials on strips to expect the further improved probe distribution on strips. High aqueous stability and enhanced fluorescence of probes on test strips were realized by the hydrophilic treatment with amine-derivatized silicane. A test strips-based fluorimetry has thereby been developed for probing Hg2+ ions in wastewater, showing the detection performances comparable to the classic instrumental analysis ones. Such a facile and efficient fabrication route for the bio-inspired suppression of “coffee stains” on test strips may expand the scope of applications of test strips-based “point-of-care” analysis methods or detection devices in the biomedical and environmental fields.
Disentangling gross N2O production and consumption in soil
Authors: Wen Yuan , Chen Zhe , Dannenmann Michael , Carminati Andrea , Willibald Georg , Kiese Ralf , Wolf Benjamin , Veldkamp Edzo , Butterbach-Bahl Klaus , Corre Marife D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe difficulty of measuring gross N2O production and consumption in soil impedes our ability to predict N2O dynamics across the soil-atmosphere interface. Our study aimed to disentangle these processes by comparing measurements from gas-flow soil core (GFSC) and 15N2O pool dilution (15N2OPD) methods. GFSC directly measures soil N2O and N2 fluxes, with their sum as the gross N2O production, whereas 15N2OPD involves addition of 15N2O into a chamber headspace and measuring its isotopic dilution over time. Measurements were conducted on intact soil cores from grassland, cropland, beech and pine forests. Across sites, gross N2O production and consumption measured by 15N2OPD were only 10% and 6%, respectively, of those measured by GFSC. However, 15N2OPD remains the only method that can be used under field conditions to measure atmospheric N2O uptake in soil. We propose to use different terminologies for the gross N2O fluxes that these two methods quantified. For 15N2OPD, we suggest using ‘gross N2O emission and uptake’, which encompass gas exchange within the 15N2O-labelled, soil air-filled pores. For GFSC, ‘gross N2O production and consumption’ can be used, which includes both N2O emitted into the soil air-filled pores and N2O directly consumed, forming N2, in soil anaerobic microsites.
Self-assembly of keratin peptides: Its implication on the performance of electrospun PVA nanofibers
Authors: Kadirvelu Kavitha , Fathima Nishter Nishad 
Published: November 2016

AbstractDrawing inspiration from the field of designer self-assembling materials, this work is aimed to focus on the self-assembling nature of extracted peptides. Hair keratin, a proteinacious reject in tanning industry has been chosen since they have been extracted and used for wide range of applications. Keratin source was subjected to five hydrolysis treatments (viz., sulphitolysis, β-mercaptoethanol, ionic liquid, thioglycolic acid and alkali) and assayed for functional groups. This was followed by the prediction of secondary structure using circular dichroism, determining the microstructural level to which the extracted peptide has self-assembled. Sulphitolysis and thioglycolic acid based hydrolysates exist in monomeric conformation, whereas β-mercaptoethanol based hydrolysate exhibited dimeric conformation. The subsequent part of the study is to incorporate these peptides into the nanofibers to study the structural implication of keratin peptides on its characteristics. Accordingly, the peptides were electrospun with PVA and subjected to morphological, mechanical, thermal and biological characterizations. Monomeric nanofiber mat has high tensile strength of around 5.5 MPa and offered lower mass transport resistance, whereas dimeric mat has high Tmof around 290 °C and was more biocompatible. These results help in understanding the extraction-structure-function aspect of the hydrolysates stressing the role of extraction methods on the choice of application.
Effects of NDRG1 family proteins on photoreceptor outer segment morphology in zebrafish
Authors: Takita Shimpei , Wada Yasutaka , Kawamura Satoru 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRods and cones are functionally and morphologically distinct. We previously identified N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1b (ndrg1b) in carp as a cone-specific gene. Here, we show that NDRG1b and its paralog, NDRG1a-1, contribute to photoreceptor outer segment (OS) formation in zebrafish. In adult zebrafish photoreceptors, NDRG1a-1 was localized in the entire cone plasma membranes, and also in rod plasma membranes except its OS. NDRG1b was expressed specifically in cones in the entire plasma membranes. In a developing retina, NDRG1a-1 was expressed in the photoreceptor layer, and NDRG1b in the photoreceptor layer plus inner nuclear layer. Based on our primary knockdown study suggesting that both proteins are involved in normal rod and cone OS development, NDRG1a-1 was overexpressed or NDRG1b was ectopically expressed in rods. These forced-expression studies in the transgenic fish confirmed the effect of these proteins on the OS morphology: rod OS morphology changed from cylindrical to tapered shape. These taper-shaped rod OSs were not stained with N,N’-didansyl cystine that effectively labels infolded membrane structure of cone OS. The result shows that rod OS membrane structure is preserved in these taper-shaped OSs and therefore, suggests that tapered OS morphology is not related to the infolded membrane structure in cone OS.
Dural arteriovenous fistula masquerading as pulsatile tinnitus: radiologic assessment and clinical implications
Authors: An Yong-Hwi , Han Sungjun , Lee Minhyung , Rhee Jihye , Kwon O-Ki , Hwang Gyojun , Jung Cheolkyu , Bae Yun Jung , An Gwang Seok , Lee Kyogu , Koo Ja-Won , Song Jae-Jin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPulsatile tinnitus (PT) is often an initial presenting symptom of dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), but it may be overlooked or diagnosed late if not suspected on initial diagnostic work-up. Here, we assess anatomical features, treatment outcomes, and clinical implications of patients with PT due to dAVF. Of 220 patients who were diagnosed with dAVF between 2003 and 2014, 30 (13.6%) presented with only PT as their initial symptom. The transverse-sigmoid sinus (70.0%) was the most common site, followed by the hypoglossal canal (10.0%) and the middle cranial fossa (6.7%) on radiologic evaluation. Regarding venous drainage patterns, sinus or meningeal venous drainage pattern was the most common type (73.3%), followed by sinus drainage with a cortical venous reflux (26.7%). PT disappeared completely in 21 (80.8%) of 26 patients who underwent therapeutic intervention with transarterial embolization of the fistula, improved markedly in 3 (11.5%), and remained the same in 2 (7.7%). In conclusion, considering that PT may be the only initial symptom in more than 10% of dAVF, not only otolaryngologists but also neurologists and neurosurgeons should meticulously evaluate patients with PT. In most cases, PT originating from dAVF can be cured with transarterial embolization regardless of location and venous drainage pattern.
A self-assembling nanomedicine of conjugated linoleic acid-paclitaxel conjugate (CLA-PTX) with higher drug loading and carrier-free characteristic
Authors: Zhong Ting , Yao Xin , Zhang Shuang , Guo Yang , Duan Xiao-Chuan , Ren Wei , Dan Huang  , Yin Yi-Fan , Zhang Xuan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to demonstrate the proof-of-principle for the hypothesis that conjugated linoleic acid-paclitaxel conjugate (CLA-PTX), a novel fatty acid modified anti-cancer drug conjugate, could self-assemble forming nanoparticles. The results indicated that a novel self-assembling nanomedicine, CLA-PTX@PEG NPs (about 105 nm), with Cremophor EL (CrEL)-free and organic solvent-free characteristics, was prepared by a simple precipitation method. Being the ratio of CLA-PTX:DSPE-PEG was only 1:0.1 (w/w), the higher drug loading CLA-PTX@PEG NPs (about 90%) possessed carrier-free characteristic. The stability results indicated that CLA-PTX@PEG NPs could be stored for at least 9 months. The safety of CLA-PTX@PEG NPs was demonstrated by the MTD results. The anti-tumor activity and cellular uptake were also confirmed in thein vitroexperiments. The lower crystallinity, polarity and solubility of CLA-PTX compared with that of paclitaxel (PTX) might be the possible reason for CLA-PTX self-assembling forming nanoparticles, indicating a relationship between PTX modification and nanoparticles self-assembly. Overall, the data presented here confirm that this drug self-delivery strategy based on self-assembly of a CLA-PTX conjugate may offer a new way to prepare nanomedicine products for cancer therapy involving the relationship between anticancer drug modification and self-assembly into nanoparticles.
Highly efficient dual-wavelength mid-infrared CW Laser in diode end-pumped Er:SrF2 single crystals
Authors: Ma Weiwei , Qian Xiaobo , Wang Jingya , Liu Jingjing , Fan Xiuwei , Liu Jie , Su Liangbi , Xu Jun 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe spectral properties and laser performance of Er:SrF2 single crystals were investigated and compared with Er:CaF2. Er:SrF2 crystals have larger absorption cross-sections at the pumping wavelength, larger mid-infrared stimulated emission cross-sections and much longer fluorescence lifetimes of the upper laser level (Er3+:4I11/2 level) than those of Er:CaF2 crystals. Dual-wavelength continuous-wave (CW) lasers around 2.8 μm were demonstrated in both 4at.% and 10at.% Er:SrF2 single crystals under 972 nm laser diode (LD) end pumping. The laser wavelengths are 2789.3 nm and 2791.8 nm in the former, and 2786.4 nm and 2790.7 nm in the latter, respectively. The best laser performance has been demonstrated in lightly doped 4at.% Er:SrF2 with a low threshold of 0.100 W, a high slope efficiency of 22.0%, an maximum output power of 0.483 W.