bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Nanoarchitectures For Enhanced Drug Eluting Stents
Authors: Saleh Yomna E. , Gepreel Mohamed A. , Allam Nageh K. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDifferent strategies have been investigated to allow for optimum duration and conditions for endothelium healing through the enhancement of coronary stents. In this study, a nanoarchitectured system is proposed as a surface modification for drug eluting stents. Highly oriented nanotubes were vertically grown on the surface of a new Ni-free biocompatible Ti-based alloy, as a potential material for self-expandable stents. The fabricated nanotubes were self-grown from the potential stent substrate, which are also proposed to enhance endothelial proliferation while acting as drug reservoir to hinder Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMC) proliferation. Two morphologies were synthesized to investigate the effect of structure homogeneity on the intended application. The material was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nanoindentation technique was used to study the mechanical properties of the fabricated material. Cytotoxicity and proliferation studies were performed and compared for the two fabricated nanoarchitectures, versus smooth untextured samples, using in-vitro cultured endothelial cells. Finally, the drug loading capacity was experimentally studied and further supported by computational modeling of the release profile.
Mechanical Transgressive Segregation and the Rapid Origin of Trophic Novelty
Authors: Holzman Roi , Hulsey C. Darrin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHybrid phenotypes are often intermediate between those of parental species. However, hybridization can generate novel phenotypes when traits are complex. For instance, even when the morphologies of individual musculo-skeletal components do not segregate outside the parental range in hybrid offspring, complex functional systems can exhibit emergent phenotypes whose mechanics exceed the parental values. To determine if transgression in mechanics could facilitate divergence during an adaptive radiation, we examined three functional systems in the trophic apparatus of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes. We conducted a simulation study of hybridization between species pairs whose morphology for three functional systems was empirically measured, to determine how the evolutionary divergence of parental species influences the frequency that hybridization could produce mechanics that transgress the parental range. Our simulations suggest that the complex mechanical systems of the cichlid trophic apparatus commonly exhibit greater transgression between more recently diverged cichlid species. Because (1) all three mechanical systems produce hybrids with transgressive mechanics in Lake Malawi cichlids, (2) hybridization is common, and (3) single hybrid crosses often recapitulate a substantial diversity of mechanics, we conclude that mechanical transgressive segregation could play an important role in the rapid accumulation of phenotypic variation in adaptive radiations.
Lethal/sublethal responses of Daphnia magna to acute norfloxacin contamination and changes in phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions induced by this antibiotic
Authors: Pan Ying , Yan Shi-wei , Li Ruo-zhu , Hu Yi-wen , Chang Xue-xiu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAlthough the well-known antibiotic norfloxacin (NOR) is recognized as an important environmental pollutant, little is known about its impacts on ecological processes, particularly on species interactions. In this paper, we quantified Daphnia magna (Crustacea, Cladocera) responses in mortality rate at lethal NOR concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L−1), and in heartbeat rate, swimming behavior and feeding rate (on the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa) at sublethal NOR concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg L−1) to determine the effects of this antibiotic in plankton systems. In 96-h-long lethal experiment, mortality rates of D. magna increased significantly with increasing NOR concentration and exposure time. In sublethal experiments, heartbeat rate decreased, while time ratio of vertical to horizontal swimming (TVH) and the duration of quiescence increased in D. magna individuals exposed to increasing NOR concentrations after 4 and 12 h of exposure. These collectively led to decreases in both average swimming ability and feeding rate, consistent with the positive relationship between average swimming ability and feeding rate. Overall, results indicate that, by affecting zooplankton heartbeat rate and behavior, NOR decreased feeding efficiency of D. magna even at low doses, therefore, it might seriously compromise ecosystem health and function.
NF-κB activation is critical for bacterial lipoprotein tolerance-enhanced bactericidal activity in macrophages during microbial infection
Authors: Liu Jinghua , Xiang Jing , Li Xue , Blankson Siobhan , Zhao Shuqi , Cai Junwei , Jiang Yong , Redmond H. Paul , Wang Jiang Huai 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTolerance to bacterial components represents an essential regulatory mechanism during bacterial infection. Bacterial lipoprotein (BLP)-induced tolerance confers protection against microbial sepsis by attenuating inflammatory responses and augmenting antimicrobial activity in innate phagocytes. It has been well-documented that BLP tolerance-attenuated proinflammatory cytokine production is associated with suppressed TLR2 signalling pathway; however, the underlying mechanism(s) involved in BLP tolerance-enhanced antimicrobial activity is unclear. Here we report that BLP-tolerised macrophages exhibited accelerated phagosome maturation and enhanced bactericidal activity upon bacterial infection, with upregulated expression of membrane-trafficking regulators and lysosomal enzymes. Notably, bacterial challenge resulted in a strong activation of NF-κB pathway in BLP-tolerised macrophages. Importantly, activation of NF-κB pathway is critical for BLP tolerance-enhanced antimicrobial activity, as deactivation of NF-κB in BLP-tolerised macrophages impaired phagosome maturation and intracellular killing of the ingested bacteria. Finally, activation of NF-κB pathway in BLP-tolerised macrophages was dependent on NOD1 and NOD2 signalling, as knocking-down NOD1 and NOD2 substantially inhibited bacteria-induced activation of NF-κB and overexpression of Rab10 and Acp5, two membrane-trafficking regulators and lysosomal enzymes contributed to BLP tolerance-enhanced bactericidal activity. These results indicate that activation of NF-κB pathway is essential for BLP tolerance-augmented antimicrobial activity in innate phagocytes and depends primarily on both NOD1 and NOD2.
Local anesthesia for transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Mingchao , Wang Zhengyun , Li Hao , Yang Jun , Rao Ke , Wang Tao , Wang Shaogang , Liu Jihong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of local anesthesia in alleviating pain during prostate biopsy. We searched relevant articles in PubMed and Embase. The included studies should be randomized controlled trials (RCT) using local anesthesia to alleviate pain during biopsy, which was recorded by a pain scale. Analgesic efficacy of different local anesthesia techniques were analyzed, including intrarectal local anesthesia (IRLA), periprostatic nerve block (PNB), pelvic plexus block (PPB) and intraprostatic local anesthesia (IPLA). We included 46 RCTs. PNB significantly reduced pain score compared with placebo (−1.27 [95% confidence interval [95% CI] −1.72, −0.82]) or no injection (−1.01 [95% CI −1.2, −0.82]). IRLA with prilocaine-lidocaine cream could also reduced pain (−0.45 [95% CI −0.76, −0.15]), while the IRLA with lidocaine gel was not effective (−0.1 [95% CI −0.24, 0.04]). PNB lateral to the neurovascular bundle had better analgesic effect than at prostate apex (P = 0.02). Combination use of PPB and IRLA considerably alleviated pain of patients compared with the combination of PNB and IRLA (−1.32 [95% CI −1.59, −1.06]). In conclusion, local anesthesia could alleviate patients’ pain during the prostate biopsy. PNB was not so effective as PPB.
Molecular dynamics studies unravel role of conserved residues responsible for movement of ions into active site of DHBPS
Authors: Shinde Ranajit Nivrutti , Karthikeyan Subramanian , Singh Balvinder 
Published: January 2017

Abstract3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate synthase (DHBPS) catalyzes the conversion of D-ribulose 5-phosphate (Ru5P) to L-3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate in the presence of Mg2+. Although crystal structures of DHBPS in complex with Ru5P and non-catalytic metal ions have been reported, structure with Ru5P along with Mg2+ is still elusive. Therefore, mechanistic role played by Mg2+ in the structure of DHBPS is poorly understood. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations of DHBPS-Ru5P complex along with Mg2+ have shown entry of Mg2+ from bulk solvent into active site. Presence of Mg2+ in active site has constrained conformations of Ru5P and has reduced flexibility of loop-2. Formation of hydrogen bonds among Thr-108 and residues - Gly-109, Val-110, Ser-111, and Asp-114 are found to be critical for entry of Mg2+ into active site. Subsequent in silico mutations of residues, Thr-108 and Asp-114 have substantiated the importance of these interactions. Loop-4 of one monomer is being proposed to act as a “lid” covering the active site of other monomer. Further, the conserved nature of residues taking part in the transfer of Mg2+ suggests the same mechanism being present in DHBPS of other microorganisms. Thus, this study provides insights into the functioning of DHBPS that can be used for the designing of inhibitors.
Flood dynamics in urbanised landscapes: 100 years of climate and humans’ interaction
Authors: Sofia G. , Roder G. , Dalla Fontana G. , Tarolli P. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRaising interest in the interaction between humans and climate drivers to understand the past and current development of floods in urbanised landscapes is of great importance. This study presents a regional screening of land-use, rainfall regime and flood dynamics in north-eastern Italy, covering the timeframe 1900–2010. This analysis suggests that, statistically, both climate and land-use have been contributing to a significant increase of the contribution of short duration floods to the increase in the number of flooded locations. The analysis also suggests that interaction arises, determining land-use dynamics to couple with climatic changes influencing the flood aggressiveness simultaneously. Given that it is not possible to control the climatic trend, an effective disaster management clearly needs an integrated approach to land planning and supervision. This research shows that land management and planning should include the investigation of the location of the past and future social and economic drivers for development, as well as past and current climatic trends.
Sustained kidney biochemical derangement in treated experimental diabetes: a clue to metabolic memory
Authors: de Oliveira Antonio Anax F. , de Oliveira Tiago F. , Bobadilla Larissa L. , Garcia Camila C. M. , Berra Carolina Maria , de Souza-Pinto Nadja C. , Medeiros Marisa H. G. , Di Mascio Paolo , Zatz Roberto , de M. Loureiro Ana Paula 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe occurrence of biochemical alterations that last for a long period of time in diabetic individuals even after adequate handling of glycemia is an intriguing phenomenon named metabolic memory. In this study, we show that a kidney pathway is gradually altered during the course of diabetes and remains persistently changed after late glycemic control in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This pathway comprises an early decline of uric acid clearance and pAMPK expression followed by fumarate accumulation, increased TGF-β expression, reduced PGC-1α expression, and downregulation of methylation and hydroxymethylation of mitochondrial DNA. The sustained decrease of uric acid clearance in treated diabetes may support the prolonged kidney biochemical alterations observed after tight glycemic control, and this regulation is likely mediated by the sustained decrease of AMPK activity and the induction of inflammation. This manuscript proposes the first consideration of the possible role of hyperuricemia and the underlying biochemical changes as part of metabolic memory in diabetic nephropathy development after glycemic control.
Differential cytotoxic effects of graphene and graphene oxide on skin keratinocytes
Authors: Pelin Marco , Fusco Laura , León Verónica , Martín Cristina , Criado Alejandro , Sosa Silvio , Vázquez Ester , Tubaro Aurelia , Prato Maurizio 
Published: January 2017

AbstractImpressive properties make graphene-based materials (GBMs) promising tools for nanoelectronics and biomedicine. However, safety concerns need to be cleared before mass production of GBMs starts. As skin, together with lungs, displays the highest exposure to GBMs, it is of fundamental importance to understand what happens when GBMs get in contact with skin cells. The present study was carried out on HaCaT keratinocytes, an in vitro model of skin toxicity, on which the effects of four GBMs were evaluated: a few layer graphene, prepared by ball-milling treatment (FLG), and three samples of graphene oxide (GOs, a research-grade GO1, and two commercial GOs, GO2 and GO3). Even though no significant effects were observed after 24 h, after 72 h the less oxidized compound (FLG) was the less cytotoxic, inducing mitochondrial and plasma-membrane damages with EC50s of 62.8 μg/mL (WST-8 assay) and 45.5 μg/mL (propidium iodide uptake), respectively. By contrast, the largest and most oxidized compound, GO3, was the most cytotoxic, inducing mitochondrial and plasma-membrane damages with EC50s of 5.4 and 2.9 μg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that only high concentrations and long exposure times to FLG and GOs could impair mitochondrial activity associated with plasma membrane damage, suggesting low cytotoxic effects at the skin level.
SNP rs11185644 of RXRA gene is identified for dose-response variability to vitamin D3 supplementation: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Mingzhi , Zhao Lan-Juan , Zhou Yu , Badr Rhamee , Watson Patrice , Ye An , Zhou Boting , Zhang Jigang , Deng Hong-Wen , Recker Robert R. , Lappe Joan M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe level of serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] has high heritability, suggesting that genes may contribute to variations in serum 25(OH)D level and vitamin D dose-response. As vitamin D deficiency has been linked to numerous diseases, understanding how genetic variation contributes to vitamin D dose-response is important for personalized vitamin D treatment and cost-effective disease prevention. To identify genetic variants responsible for vitamin D status and dose-response, we performed two vitamin D3 and calcium clinical supplementation trials in 2,207 postmenopausal Caucasian women. We examined the association of 291 SNPs with baseline serum 25(OH)D levels and 25(OH)D dose-response. Five SNPs, rs10500804 (P = 4.93 × 10−7), rs2060793 (P = 6.63 × 10−7), rs10741657 (P = 1.49 × 10−6), rs10766197 (P = 1.05 × 10−5) and rs11023380 (P = 7.67 × 10−5) in the CYP2R1 gene, as well as 6 SNPs, rs4588 (P = 7.86 × 10−7), rs2298850 (P = 1.94 × 10−6), rs1155563 (P = 6.39 × 10−6), rs705119 (P = 2.80 × 10−5), rs705120 (P = 1.08 × 10−4) and rs222040 (P = 1.59 × 10−4) in the GC gene were associated with baseline serum 25(OH)D levels. SNP rs11185644 near the RXRA was significantly associated with 25(OH)D dose-response (P = 1.01 × 10−4). Our data suggest that polymorphisms in the CYP2R1 and GC gene may contribute to variation in baseline serum 25(OH)D concentration, and that polymorphism rs11185644 may contribute to variation in 25(OH)D dose-response in healthy postmenopausal Caucasian women.
Steady-state and dynamic network modes for perceptual expectation
Authors: Choi Uk-Su , Sung Yul-Wan , Ogawa Seiji 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPerceptual expectation can attenuate repetition suppression, the stimulus-induced neuronal response generated by repeated stimulation, suggesting that repetition suppression is a top-down modulatory phenomenon. However, it is still unclear which high-level brain areas are involved and how they interact with low-level brain areas. Further, the temporal range over which perceptual expectation can effectively attenuate repetition suppression effects remains unclear. To elucidate the details of this top-down modulatory process, we used two short and long inter-stimulus intervals for a perceptual expectation paradigm of paired stimulation. We found that top-down modulation enhanced the response to the unexpected stimulus when repetition suppression was weak and that the effect disappeared at 1,000 ms prior to stimulus exposure. The high-level areas involved in this process included the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG_L) and left parietal lobule (IPL_L). We also found two systems providing modulatory input to the right fusiform face area (FFA_R): one from IFG_L and the other from IPL_L. Most importantly, we identified two states of networks through which perceptual expectation modulates sensory responses: one is a dynamic state and the other is a steady state. Our results provide the first functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) evidence of temporally nested networks in brain processing.
Micro-Structured Two-Component 3D Metamaterials with Negative Thermal-Expansion Coefficient from Positive Constituents
Authors: Qu Jingyuan , Kadic Muamer , Naber Andreas , Wegener Martin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractControlling the thermal expansion of materials is of great technological importance. Uncontrolled thermal expansion can lead to failure or irreversible destruction of structures and devices. In ordinary crystals, thermal expansion is governed by the asymmetry of the microscopic binding potential, which cannot be adjusted easily. In artificial crystals called metamaterials, thermal expansion can be controlled by structure. Here, following previous theoretical work, we fabricate three-dimensional (3D) two-component polymer micro-lattices by using gray-tone laser lithography. We perform cross-correlation analysis of optical microscopy images taken at different sample temperatures. The derived displacement-vector field reveals that the thermal expansion and resulting bending of the bi-material beams leads to a rotation of the 3D chiral crosses arranged onto a 3D checkerboard pattern within one metamaterial unit cell. These rotations can compensate the expansion of the all positive constituents, leading to an effectively near-zero thermal length-expansion coefficient, or over-compensate the expansion, leading to an effectively negative thermal length-expansion coefficient. This evidences a striking level of thermal-expansion control.
Low‐cost fabrication of polymer substrate‐based piezoelectric microgenerator with PPE, IDE and ME
Authors: Balpande S.S. , Bhaiyya M.L. , Pande R.S. 
Published: January 2017

Piezoelectric microgenerator is an incredible method which makes a self‐powered wireless sensor node. It is a process of converting ambient energy into electrical energy. Flexible microgenerator goes well with many natural curved, rough and arbitrary surfaces such as human bodies, organisms, clothes and structure surfaces. Zinc oxide and polymer have been used as piezoelectric material and substrate, respectively, for biocompatible device. The harmonic analysis was carried out using finite element method (FEM) tool to examine the effect of the electrodes on the output voltage. Microgenerators with different electrodes were fabricated and examined their performance. Traditional parallel plate metal electrodes (PPEs) are prone to cracks and internal defects on bending or stretching, thus mesh electrodes (MEs) has been proposed. Copper MEs based microgenerator has performed at par. Open‐circuit electric potential of 2.8 VPEAK, 435 mVRMS for ME against electric potential of 2.3 VPEAK, 430 mVRMS and 0.9 V, 340 VPEAK, 40 mVRMS for interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) and PPE, respectively, were recorded. Design, fabrication, electrical characterisation and comparative evaluation of microgenerator with three different electrodes are presented.
Predicting Full Enteral Feeding in the Postoperative Period in Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Triana Miryam , Madero Rosario , Abrams Steven , Martinez Leopoldo , Amesty Maria , Pipaón Miguel , Zozaya Carlos 
Published: January 2017

Introduction The objective of the study is to examine the factors associated with time to achieve full enteral feeding after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Materials and Methods Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were retrospectively assessed, and uni- and multivariate Cox regression were performed to examine factors predictive of achieving full enteral feeding that was defined as time to achieve120 mL/kg/d after surgical repair.
Results Of 78 infants, 66 underwent intervention before hospital discharge. All infants who survived had reached full enteral feeding at the time of hospital discharge by a median of 22 days (range: 2–119 days) after surgery and 10 days (range: 1–91) after initiation of postoperative enteral feedings. Independent risk factors associated with a longer time to reach full enteral feeding achievement included gastroesophageal reflux and days of antibiotics in the postoperative period. Daily stool passage preoperatively predicted earlier enteral tolerance.
Conclusion Infants who survive congenital diaphragmatic hernia generally are able to achieve full enteral feedings after surgical repair. A longer time to full feeding is needed in the most severe cases, but some specific characteristics can be used to help identify patients at higher risk. Although some of these characteristics are unavoidable, others including rational antibiotic usage and active gastroesophageal reflux prevention and treatment are feasible and may improve enteral tolerance.
Revealing nonclassicality beyond Gaussian states via a single marginal distribution
Authors: Park Jiyong , Lu Yao , Lee Jaehak , Shen Yangchao , Zhang Kuan , Zhang Shuaining , Zubairy Muhammad Suhail , Kim Kihwan , Nha Hyunchul 
Published: January 2017

Significance
Quantum states possess nonclassical properties inaccessible from classical physics, providing a profound basis of quantum physics and a crucial resource for quantum information technology. We propose a general framework to manifest nonclassicality via single marginal distributions, unlike quantum-state tomography using many marginal distributions, applicable to a broad range of quantum systems. Our approach provides a fundamentally unique insight showing how partial information on a quantum state can be sufficient to confirm nonclassicality and a practical efficiency, yielding conclusive evidence of nonclassicality by directly analyzing experimental data without numerical optimization. Remarkably, our method works regardless of measurement axis for all non-Gaussian states of finite dimension. We also experimentally demonstrate our framework, using motional states of a trapped ion.