bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress Reactivity in Chronic Tinnitus
Authors: Betz Linda T. , Mühlberger Andreas , Langguth Berthold , Schecklmann Martin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTinnitus is primarily an auditory symptom. Yet not only patients and clinicians, but also current pathophysiological models relate the onset and maintenance of tinnitus to stress. Here physiological and psychological stress reactivity was investigated in 19 patients with subjective chronic tinnitus and 19 comparable healthy controls. All participants underwent five consecutive measurements in one session including three resting conditions and two stress tasks in between (mental arithmetic and concentration on tinnitus/ear noise). Stress reactivity was assessed by heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and subjective ratings for each of the five measurements. In patients with tinnitus, mean HR was overall decreased and blunted in response to acute stress induced by mental arithmetic compared to controls. HRV measures did not differ between both groups. Tinnitus sufferers indicated more subjective stress and increased awareness of tinnitus after the mental arithmetic task (during both resting and concentration on tinnitus measurements), but perceived similar levels of stress during mental arithmetic stress. In contrast to controls, HR and HRV were not correlated and also strain reports and physiological data were not associated in tinnitus. Our data show hints for a de-synchronization of physiological and psychological stress reactivity in chronic tinnitus.
Determination and controlling of grain structure of metals after laser incidence: Theoretical approach
Authors: Dezfoli Amir Reza Ansari , Hwang Weng-Sing , Huang Wei-Chin , Tsai Tsung-Wen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThere are serious questions about the grain structure of metals after laser melting and the ways that it can be controlled. In this regard, the current paper explains the grain structure of metals after laser melting using a new model based on combination of 3D finite element (FE) and cellular automaton (CA) models validated by experimental observation. Competitive grain growth, relation between heat flows and grain orientation and the effect of laser scanning speed on final micro structure are discussed with details. Grains structure after laser melting is founded to be columnar with a tilt angle toward the direction of the laser movement. Furthermore, this investigation shows that the grain orientation is a function of conduction heat flux at molten pool boundary. Moreover, using the secondary laser heat source (SLHS) as a new approach to control the grain structure during the laser melting is presented. The results proved that the grain structure can be controlled and improved significantly using SLHS. Using SLHS, the grain orientation and uniformity can be change easily. In fact, this method can help us to produce materials with different local mechanical properties during laser processing according to their application requirements.
An Oxidoreductase AioE is Responsible for Bacterial Arsenite Oxidation and Resistance
Authors: Wang Qian , Han Yushan , Shi Kaixiang , Fan Xia , Wang Lu , Li Mingshun , Wang Gejiao 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPreviously, we found that arsenite (AsIII) oxidation could improve the generation of ATP/NADH to support the growth of Agrobacterium tumefaciens GW4. In this study, we found that aioE is induced by AsIII and located in the arsenic island near the AsIII oxidase genes aioBA and co-transcripted with the arsenic resistant genes arsR1-arsC1-arsC2-acr3-1. AioE belongs to TrkA family corresponding the electron transport function with the generation of NADH and H+. An aioE in-frame deletion strain showed a null AsIII oxidation and a reduced AsIII resistance, while a cytC mutant only reduced AsIII oxidation efficiency. With AsIII, aioE was directly related to the increase of NADH, while cytC was essential for ATP generation. In addition, cyclic voltammetry analysis showed that the redox potential (ORP) of AioBA and AioE were +0.297 mV vs. NHE and +0.255 mV vs. NHE, respectively. The ORP gradient is AioBA > AioE > CytC (+0.217 ~ +0.251 mV vs. NHE), which infers that electron may transfer from AioBA to CytC via AioE. The results indicate that AioE may act as a novel AsIII oxidation electron transporter associated with NADH generation. Since AsIII oxidation contributes AsIII detoxification, the essential of AioE for AsIII resistance is also reasonable.
Vitamin D receptor gene FokI but not TaqI, ApaI, BsmI polymorphism is associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Cheng Wenli , Ma Yu , Zhu Jingqiang 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFour VD receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms (TaqI, ApaI, FokI and BsmI) have been reported to influence Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) risk. However, individual studies have produced inconsistent results. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of eleven case-control studies to better understand roles of the four polymorphisms in HT development. The results showed only FokI polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of HT (F vs f: OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.09–1.91, P = 0.010; FF vs Ff + ff: OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.09–2.70, P = 0.019). Subgroup analyses demonstrated the significant effect was only present in Asian population (F vs f: OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.07–1.95, P = 0.016; FF vs ff: OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.03–2.59, P = 0.036; FF + Ff vs ff: OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.00–1.80, P = 0.047; FF vs Ff + ff: OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.03–2.64, P = 0.039), but not in Caucasian. For TaqI, ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms, no significant association was found in any model comparison. Based on the current literature, it appears that only VDR FokI polymorphism is associated with HT risk in Asian population, but not in Caucasians; and the TaqI, ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms have not positive association neither in the overall population, nor when stratified by ethnicity. Further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnic population are needed to clarify the present findings.
Droplet-based microtumor model to assess cell-ECM interactions and drug resistance of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Jang Minjeong , Koh Ilkyoo , Lee Seok Jae , Cheong Jae-Ho , Kim Pilnam 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is a common aggressive malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality worldwide. GC is classified into intestinal and diffuse types according to the histo-morphological features. Because of distinctly different clinico-pathological features, new cancer therapy strategies and in vitro preclinical models for the two pathological variants of GC is necessary. Since extracellular matrix (ECM) influence the biological behavior of tumor cells, we hypothesized that GC might be more similarly modeled in 3D with matrix rather than in 2D. Herein, we developed a microfluidic-based a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro gastric cancer model, with subsequent drug resistance assay. AGS (intestinal type) and Hs746T (diffuse type) gastric cancer cell lines were encapsulated in collagen beads with high cellular viability. AGS exhibited an aggregation pattern with expansive growth, whereas Hs746T showed single-cell-level infiltration. Importantly, in microtumor models, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic genes were upregulated, whereas E-cadherin was downregulated. Expression of ß-catenin was decreased in drug-resistant cells, and chemosensitivity toward the anticancer drug (5-FU) was observed in microtumors. These results suggest that in vitro microtumor models may represent a biologically relevant platform for studying gastric cancer cell biology and tumorigenesis, and for accelerating the development of novel therapeutic targets.
A robust, highly stretchable supramolecular polymer conductive hydrogel with self-healability and thermo-processability
Authors: Wu Qian , Wei Junjie , Xu Bing , Liu Xinhua , Wang Hongbo , Wang Wei , Wang Qigang , Liu Wenguang 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDual amide hydrogen bond crosslinked and strengthened high strength supramolecular polymer conductive hydrogels were fabricated by simply in situ doping poly (N-acryloyl glycinamide-co-2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic) (PNAGA-PAMPS) hydrogels with PEDOT/PSS. The nonswellable conductive hydrogels in PBS demonstrated high mechanical performances—0.22–0.58 MPa tensile strength, 1.02–7.62 MPa compressive strength, and 817–1709% breaking strain. The doping of PEDOT/PSS could significantly improve the specific conductivities of the hydrogels. Cyclic heating and cooling could lead to reversible sol-gel transition and self-healability due to the dynamic breakup and reconstruction of hydrogen bonds. The mending hydrogels recovered not only the mechanical properties, but also conductivities very well. These supramolecular conductive hydrogels could be designed into arbitrary shapes with 3D printing technique, and further, printable electrode can be obtained by blending activated charcoal powder with PNAGA-PAMPS/PEDOT/PSS hydrogel under melting state. The fabricated supercapacitor via the conducting hydrogel electrodes possessed high capacitive performances. These cytocompatible conductive hydrogels have a great potential to be used as electro-active and electrical biomaterials.
Setting temporal baselines for biodiversity: the limits of available monitoring data for capturing the full impact of anthropogenic pressures
Authors: Mihoub Jean-Baptiste , Henle Klaus , Titeux Nicolas , Brotons Lluís , Brummitt Neil A. , Schmeller Dirk S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTemporal baselines are needed for biodiversity, in order for the change in biodiversity to be measured over time, the targets for biodiversity conservation to be defined and conservation progress to be evaluated. Limited biodiversity information is widely recognized as a major barrier for identifying temporal baselines, although a comprehensive quantitative assessment of this is lacking. Here, we report on the temporal baselines that could be drawn from biodiversity monitoring schemes in Europe and compare those with the rise of important anthropogenic pressures. Most biodiversity monitoring schemes were initiated late in the 20thcentury, well after anthropogenic pressures had already reached half of their current magnitude. Setting temporal baselines from biodiversity monitoring data would therefore underestimate the full range of impacts of major anthropogenic pressures. In addition, biases among taxa and organization levels provide a truncated picture of biodiversity over time. These limitations need to be explicitly acknowledged when designing management strategies and policies as they seriously constrain our ability to identify relevant conservation targets aimed at restoring or reversing biodiversity losses. We discuss the need for additional research efforts beyond standard biodiversity monitoring to reconstruct the impacts of major anthropogenic pressures and to identify meaningful temporal baselines for biodiversity.
An Ocular Protein Triad Can Classify Four Complex Retinal Diseases
Authors: Kuiper J. J. W. , Beretta L. , Nierkens S. , van Leeuwen R. , ten Dam-van Loon N. H. , Ossewaarde-van Norel J. , Bartels M. C. , de Groot-Mijnes J. D. F. , Schellekens P. , de Boer J. H. , Radstake T. R. D. J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRetinal diseases generally are vision-threatening conditions that warrant appropriate clinical decision-making which currently solely dependents upon extensive clinical screening by specialized ophthalmologists. In the era where molecular assessment has improved dramatically, we aimed at the identification of biomarkers in 175 ocular fluids to classify four archetypical ocular conditions affecting the retina (age-related macular degeneration, idiopathic non-infectious uveitis, primary vitreoretinal lymphoma, and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment) with one single test. Unsupervised clustering of ocular proteins revealed a classification strikingly similar to the clinical phenotypes of each disease group studied. We developed and independently validated a parsimonious model based merely on three proteins; interleukin (IL)-10, IL-21, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) that could correctly classify patients with an overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of respectively, 86.7%, 79.4% and 92.5%. Here, we provide proof-of-concept for molecular profiling as a diagnostic aid for ophthalmologists in the care for patients with retinal conditions.
Constructing Robust Cooperative Networks using a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Wang Shuai , Liu Jing 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe design and construction of network structures oriented towards different applications has attracted much attention recently. The existing studies indicated that structural heterogeneity plays different roles in promoting cooperation and robustness. Compared with rewiring a predefined network, it is more flexible and practical to construct new networks that satisfy the desired properties. Therefore, in this paper, we study a method for constructing robust cooperative networks where the only constraint is that the number of nodes and links is predefined. We model this network construction problem as a multi-objective optimization problem and propose a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, named MOEA-Netrc, to generate the desired networks from arbitrary initializations. The performance of MOEA-Netrc is validated on several synthetic and real-world networks. The results show that MOEA-Netrc can construct balanced candidates and is insensitive to the initializations. MOEA-Netrc can find the Pareto fronts for networks with different levels of cooperation and robustness. In addition, further investigation of the robustness of the constructed networks revealed the impact on other aspects of robustness during the construction process.
Quantum Interference and Selectivity through Biological Ion Channels
Authors: Salari Vahid , Naeij Hamidreza , Shafiee Afshin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe mechanism of selectivity in ion channels is still an open question in biology for more than half a century. Here, we suggest that quantum interference can be a solution to explain the selectivity mechanism in ion channels since interference happens between similar ions through the same size of ion channels. In this paper, we simulate two neighboring ion channels on a cell membrane with the famous double-slit experiment in physics to investigate whether there is any possibility of matter-wave interference of ions via movement through ion channels. Our obtained decoherence timescales indicate that the quantum states of ions can only survive for short times, i.e. ≈100 picoseconds in each channel and ≈17–53 picoseconds outside the channels, giving the result that the quantum interference of ions seems unlikely due to environmental decoherence. However, we discuss our results and raise few points, which increase the possibility of interference.
IL-32 promoter SNP rs4786370 predisposes to modified lipoprotein profiles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Damen Michelle S. M. A. , Agca Rabia , Holewijn Suzanne , de Graaf Jacqueline , Dos Santos Jéssica C. , van Riel Piet L. , Fransen Jaap , Coenen Marieke J. H. , Nurmohamed Mike T. , Netea Mihai G. , Dinarello Charles A. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Heinhuis Bas , Popa Calin D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Interleukin (IL)-32 has previously been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of RA and might be linked to the development of atherosclerosis. However, the exact mechanism linking IL-32 to CVD still needs to be elucidated. The influence of a functional genetic variant of IL-32 on lipid profiles and CVD risk was therefore studied in whole blood from individuals from the NBS cohort and RA patients from 2 independent cohorts. Lipid profiles were matched to the specific IL-32 genotypes. Allelic distribution was similar in all three groups. Interestingly, significantly higher levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) were observed in individuals from the NBS cohort and RA patients from the Nijmegen cohort homozygous for the C allele (p = 0.0141 and p = 0.0314 respectively). In contrast, the CC-genotype was associated with elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and total cholesterol (TC) in individuals at higher risk for CVD (plaque positive) (p = 0.0396; p = 0.0363 respectively). Our study shows a functional effect of a promoter single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IL32 on lipid profiles in RA patients and individuals, suggesting a possible protective role of this SNP against CVD.
Litchi seed extracts diminish prostate cancer progression
via induction of apoptosis and attenuation of EMT through Akt/GSK-3β
signaling
Authors: Guo Hongwei , Luo Hua , Yuan Hebao , Xia Yudui , Shu Pan , Huang Xin , Lu Yi , Liu Xia , Keller Evan T. , Sun Duxin , Deng Jiagang , Zhang Jian 
Published: January 2017

AbstractLitchi (Litchi chinensisSonnnerat,
Sapindaceae), known as Chinese Cherry, is a subtropical fruit tree
originating from southern China. Litchi seed extracts have diverse pharmacological
effects, including anticancer. However, its anticancer effects and mechanisms on
prostate cancer have not been determined. In this study, we used n-butyl alcohol
extract of Litchi seed (NLS) to treat prostate cancer PC3, DU145, RM1 and C4-2B
cells. NLS induced a significant decrease in cell viability and clonogenic growth in
a dose-dependent manner. NLS induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle G1/S phase arrest
by inactivating Akt signaling pathway, which were associated with activation of
mitochondrial caspase-dependent apoptotic cascades, up-regulation of
cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p21 and p27, and inhibition of correlated
cyclin/CDK network. In addition, NLS treatment significantly decreased cell
migration and invasion via phenotypic inversion of EMT, correlated with increased
expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin, and decreased expression of vimentin and
snail, which is partially attributed to inhibiting Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway.
Finally, PC3 xenograft nude mice treated with NLS in
vivo showed a significant decrease in tumor size without toxicity.
These findings suggest that NLS has potential for development into a safe and potent
alternative therapy for prostate cancer patients.
Baseline quasispecies selection and novel mutations contribute to emerging resistance-associated substitutions in hepatitis C virus after direct-acting antiviral treatment
Authors: Kai Yugo , Hikita Hayato , Morishita Naoki , Murai Kazuhiro , Nakabori Tasuku , Iio Sadaharu , Hagiwara Hideki , Imai Yasuharu , Tamura Shinji , Tsutsui Syusaku , Naito Masafumi , Nishiuchi Meiko , Kondo Yasuteru , Kato Takanobu , Suemizu Hiroshi , Yamada Ryoko , Oze Tsugiko , Yakushijin Takayuki , Hiramatsu Naoki , Sakamori Ryotaro , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractResistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) appear upon failure of treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, their origin has not been clarified in detail. Among 11 HCV genotype 1b patients who experienced virologic failure with asunaprevir (ASV)/daclatasvir (DCV), 10 had major NS5A L31M/V-Y93H variants after treatment. L31M/V-Y93H variants were detected as a minor clone before therapy in 6 patients and were the most closely related to the post-treatment variants by phylogenetic tree analysis in 4 patients. Next, to consider the involvement of a trace amount of pre-existing variants below the detection limit, we analysed human hepatocyte chimeric mice infected with DAA-naïve patient serum. L31V-Y93H variants emerged after treatment with ledipasvir (LDV)/GS-558093 (nucleotide NS5B inhibitor) and decreased under the detection limit, but these variants were dissimilar to the L31V-Y93H variants reappearing after ASV/DCV re-treatment. Finally, to develop an infection derived from a single HCV clone, we intrahepatically injected full-genome HCV RNA (engineered based on the wild-type genotype 1b sequence) into chimeric mice. A new Y93H mutation actually occurred in this model after LDV monotherapy failure. In conclusion, post-treatment RASs appear by 2 mechanisms: the selection of pre-existing substitutions among quasispecies and the generation of novel mutations during therapy.
Emergence of consensus as a modular-to-nested transition in communication dynamics
Authors: Borge-Holthoefer Javier , Baños Raquel A. , Gracia-Lázaro Carlos , Moreno Yamir 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOnline social networks have transformed the way in which humans communicate and interact, leading to a new information ecosystem where people send and receive information through multiple channels, including traditional communication media. Despite many attempts to characterize the structure and dynamics of these techno-social systems, little is known about fundamental aspects such as how collective attention arises and what determines the information life-cycle. Current approaches to these problems either focus on human temporal dynamics or on semiotic dynamics. In addition, as recently shown, information ecosystems are highly competitive, with humansandmemes striving for scarce resources –visibility and attention, respectively. Inspired by similar problems in ecology, here we develop a methodology that allows to cast all the previous aspects into a compact framework and to characterize, using microblogging data, information-driven systems as mutualistic networks. Our results show that collective attention around a topic is reached when the user-meme network self-adapts from a modular to a nested structure, which ultimately allows minimizing competition and attaining consensus. Beyond a sociological interpretation, we explore such resemblance to natural mutualistic communitiesviawell-known dynamics of ecological systems.
Basophil-derived IL-6 regulates TH17 cell differentiation and CD4 T cell immunity
Authors: Yuk Chae Min , Park Hyeung Ju , Kwon Bo-In , Lah Sang Joon , Chang Jun , Kim Ji-Young , Lee Kyung-Mi , Park Su-Hyung , Hong Seokchan , Lee Seung-Hyo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBasophils are rare, circulating granulocytes proposed to be involved in T helper (TH) type 2 immunity, mainly through secretion of interleukin (IL)-4. In addition to IL-4, basophils produce IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in response to immunoglobulin E (IgE) crosslinking. Differentiation of TH17 cells requires IL-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, but whether basophils play a significant role in TH17 induction is unknown. Here we show a role for basophils in TH17 cell development by usingin vitroT cell differentiation andin vivoTH17-mediated inflammation models. Bone marrow derived-basophils (BMBs) and splenic basophils produce significant amounts of IL-6 as well as IL-4 following stimulation with IgE crosslink or cholera toxin (CT). In addition, through IL-6 secretion, BMBs cooperate with dendritic cells to promote TH17 cell differentiation. In the TH17 lung inflammation model, basophils are recruited to the inflamed lungs following CT challenge, and TH17 responses are significantly reduced in the absence of basophils or IL-6. Furthermore, reconstitution with wild-type, but not IL-6-deficient, basophils restored CT-mediated lung inflammation. Lastly, basophil-deficient mice showed reduced phenotypes of TH17-dependent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Therefore, our results indicate that basophils are an important inducer of TH17 cell differentiation, which is dependent on IL-6 secretion.