bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase Conjugated and Transparent Wavelength Conversions of Nyquist 16-QAM Signals Employing a Single-Layer Graphene Coated Fiber Device
Authors: Hu Xiao , Zeng Mengqi , Long Yun , Liu Jun , Zhu Yixiao , Zou Kaiheng , Zhang Fan , Fu Lei , Wang Jian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe fabricate a nonlinear optical device based on a fiber pigtail cross-section coated with a single-layer graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Using the fabricated graphene-assisted nonlinear optical device and employing Nyquist 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) signal, we experimentally demonstrate phase conjugated wavelength conversion by degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) and transparent wavelength conversion by non-degenerate FWM in graphene. We study the conversion efficiency as functions of the pump power and pump wavelength and evaluate the bit-error rate (BER) performance. We also compare the time-varying symbol sequence for graphene-assisted phase conjugated and transparent wavelength conversions of Nyquist 16-QAM signal.
Pharmacoproteomic analysis reveals that metapristone (RU486 metabolite) intervenes E-cadherin and vimentin to realize cancer metastasis chemoprevention
Authors: Yu Suhong , Yan Cuicui , Yang Xingtian , He Sudang , Liu Jian , Qin Chongtao , Huang Chuanzhong , Lu Yusheng , Tian Zhongping , Jia Lee 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMetapristone is the most predominant biological active metabolite of mifepristone and being developed as a novel cancer metastasis chemopreventive agent by us. Despite its prominent metastasis chemopreventive effect, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Our study, for the first time, demonstrated that metapristone had the ability to prevent breast cancer cells from migration, invasion and interfere with their adhesion to endothelial cells. To explore the underlying mechanism of metapristone, we employed the iTRAQ technique to assess the effect of metapristone on MDA-MB-231 cells. In total, 5,145 proteins were identified, of which, 311 proteins showed significant differences in metapristone-treated cells compared to the control group (P-value < 0.05). Bioinformatic analysis showed many differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) functionally associated with post-translational modification, chaperones, translation, transcription, replication, signal transduction, etc. Importantly, many of the DEPs, such as E-cadherin, vimentin, TGF-β receptor I/II, smad2/3, β-catenin, caveolin and dystroglycan were associated with TGF-β and Wnt signaling pathways, which were also linked to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Further validation of the epithelial marker “E-caderin” and mesenchymal marker “vimetin” were carried out using immunoblot and immunofluorescence. These results have revealed a novel mechanism that metapristone-mediated metastasis chemoprevention is through intervening the EMT-related signaling pathways.
Association between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Appendicitis: A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Kao Li-Ting , Tsai Ming-Chieh , Lin Herng-Ching , Lee Cha-Ze 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAppendicitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are both prevalent diseases and might share similar pathological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between GERD and appendicitis using a large population-based dataset. This study used administrative claims data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005. We identified 7113 patients with appendicitis as cases, and 28452 matched patients without appendicitis as controls. This study revealed that GERD was found in 359 (5.05%) cases and 728 (2.56%) controls (p < 0.001). Conditional logistic regression shows that the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of GERD for cases was 2.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08~2.33) compared to controls. The adjusted ORs of prior GERD for patients aged 18~39, 40~59, and ≥60 years with appendicitis were 1.96 (95% CI: 1.56~2.47), 2.36 (95% CI: 1.94~2.88), and 1.71 (95% CI: 1.31~2.22) than controls, respectively. We concluded that patients with appendicitis had higher odds of prior GERD than those without appendicitis regardless of age group.
Facile construction of a highly sensitive DNA biosensor by in-situ assembly of electro-active tags on hairpin-structured probe fragment
Authors: Wang Qingxiang , Gao Feng , Ni Jiancong , Liao Xiaolei , Zhang Xuan , Lin Zhenyu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAn ultrasensitive DNA biosensor has been developed through in-situ labeling of electroactive melamine-Cu2+ complex (Mel-Cu2+) on the end of hairpin-like probe using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the signal amplification platform. The 3′-thiolated hairpin-like probe was first immobilized to the gold electrode surface by the Au-S bond. The AuNPs were then tethered on the free 5′-end of the immobilized probe via the special affinity between Au and the modified -NH2. Followed by, the Mel and Cu2+ were assembled on the AuNPs surface through Au-N bond and Cu2+-N bond, respectively. Due to the surface area and electrocatalytic effects of the AuNPs, the loading amount and electron transfer kinetic of the Mel-Cu2+ were enhanced greatly, resulting in significantly enhanced electrochemical response of the developed biosensor. Compared with the synthesis process of conventional electroactive probe DNA accomplished by homogeneous method, the method presented in this work is more reagent- and time-saving. The proposed biosensor showed high selectivity, wide linear range and low detection limit. This novel strategy could also be extended to the other bioanalysis platforms such as immunosensors and aptasensors.
Innate myeloid cell TNFR1 mediates first line defence against primary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
Authors: Segueni Noria , Benmerzoug Sulayman , Rose Stéphanie , Gauthier Amandine , Bourigault Marie-Laure , Reverchon Flora , Philippeau Amandine , Erard François , Le Bert Marc , Bouscayrol Hélène , Wachter Thierry , Garcia Irène , Kollias George , Jacobs Muazzam , Ryffel Bernhard , Quesniaux Valerie F.J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTNF is crucial for controlling Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and understanding how will help immunomodulating the host response. Here we assessed the contribution of TNFR1 pathway from innate myeloid versus T cells. We first established the prominent role of TNFR1 in haematopoietic cells for controlling M. tuberculosis in TNFR1 KO chimera mice. Further, absence of TNFR1 specifically on myeloid cells (M-TNFR1 KO) recapitulated the uncontrolled M. tuberculosis infection seen in fully TNFR1 deficient mice, with increased bacterial burden, exacerbated lung inflammation, and rapid death. Pulmonary IL-12p40 over-expression was attributed to a prominent CD11b+ Gr1high cell population in infected M-TNFR1 KO mice. By contrast, absence of TNFR1 on T-cells did not compromise the control of M. tuberculosis infection over 6-months. Thus, the protective TNF/TNFR1 pathway essential for controlling primary M. tuberculosis infection depends on innate macrophage and neutrophil myeloid cells, while TNFR1 pathway in T cells is dispensable.
Organization and characteristics of the major histocompatibility complex class II region in the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)
Authors: Ruan Rui , Ruan Jue , Wan Xiao-Ling , Zheng Yang , Chen Min-Min , Zheng Jin-Song , Wang Ding 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLittle is known about the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in the genome of Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) (YFP) or other cetaceans. In this study, a high-quality YFP bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was constructed. We then determined the organization and characterization of YFP MHC class II region by screening the BAC library, followed by sequencing and assembly of positive BAC clones. The YFP MHC class II region consists of two segregated contigs (218,725 bp and 328,435 bp respectively) that include only eight expressed MHC class II genes, three pseudo MHC genes and twelve non-MHC genes. The YFP has fewer MHC class II genes than ruminants, showing locus reduction in DRB, DQA, DQB and loss of DY. In addition, phylogenic and evolutionary analyses indicated that the DRB, DQA and DQB genes might have undergone birth-and-death evolution, whereas the DQB gene might have evolved under positive selection in cetaceans. These findings provide an essential foundation for future work, such as estimating MHC genetic variation in the YFP or other cetaceans. This work is the first report on the MHC class II region in cetaceans and offers valuable information for understanding the evolution of MHC genome in cetaceans.
Untargeted plasma and tissue metabolomics in rats with chronic kidney disease given AST-120
Authors: Velenosi Thomas J. , Hennop Anzel , Feere David A. , Tieu Alvin , Kucey Andrew S. , Kyriacou Polydoros , McCuaig Laura E. , Nevison Stephanie E. , Kerr Michael A. , Urquhart Bradley L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) results in the accumulation of metabolic waste products that are normally cleared by the kidney, known as uremia. Many of these waste products are from bacteria metabolites in the gut. Accumulation of uremic toxins in plasma and tissue, as well as the gut-plasma-tissue metabolic axis are important for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of comorbidities in CKD. In this study, an untargeted metabolomics approach was used to determine uremic toxin accumulation in plasma, liver, heart and kidney tissue in rats with adenine-induced CKD. Rats with CKD were also given AST-120, a spherical carbon adsorbent, to assess metabolic changes in plasma and tissues with the removal of gut-derived uremic toxins. AST-120 decreased >55% of metabolites that were increased in plasma, liver and heart tissue of rats with CKD. CKD was primarily defined by 8 gut-derived uremic toxins, which were significantly increased in plasma and all tissues. These metabolites were derived from aromatic amino acids and soy protein including: indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, hippuric acid, phenyl sulfate, pyrocatechol sulfate, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, p-cresol glucuronide and equol 7-glucuronide. Our results highlight the importance of diet and gut-derived metabolites in the accumulation of uremic toxins and define the gut-plasma-tissue metabolic axis in CKD.
Small Molecule Inhibited Parathyroid Hormone Mediated cAMP Response by N–Terminal Peptide Binding
Authors: Kumar Amit , Baumann Monika , Balbach Jochen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLigand binding to certain classes of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) stimulates the rapid synthesis of cAMP through G protein. Human parathyroid hormone (PTH), a member of class B GPCRs, binds to its receptor via its N–terminal domain, thereby activating the pathway to this secondary messenger inside cells. Presently, GPCRs are the target of many pharmaceuticals however, these drugs target only a small fraction of structurally known GPCRs (about 10%). Coordination complexes are gaining interest due to their wide applications in the medicinal field. In the present studies we explored the potential of a coordination complex of Zn(II) and anthracenyl–terpyridine as a modulator of the parathyroid hormone response. Preferential interactions at the N–terminal domain of the peptide hormone were manifested by suppressed cAMP generation inside the cells. These observations contribute a regulatory component to the current GPCR–cAMP paradigm, where not the receptor itself, but the activating hormone is a target. To our knowledge, this is the first report about a coordination complex modulating GPCR activity at the level of deactivating its agonist. Developing such molecules might help in the control of pathogenic PTH function such as hyperparathyroidism, where control of excess hormonal activity is essentially required.
Towards an understanding of tensile deformation in Ti-based bulk metallic glass matrix composites with BCC dendrites
Authors: Kolodziejska Joanna A , Kozachkov Henry , Kranjc Kelly , Hunter Allen , Marquis Emmanuelle , Johnson William L , Flores Katharine M , Hofmann Douglas C 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe microstructure and tension ductility of a series of Ti-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite (BMGMC) is investigated by changing content of the β stabilizing element vanadium while holding the volume fraction of dendritic phase constant. The ability to change only one variable in these novel composites has previously been difficult, leading to uninvestigated areas regarding how composition affects properties. It is shown that the tension ductility can range from near zero percent to over ten percent simply by changing the amount of vanadium in the dendritic phase. This approach may prove useful for the future development of these alloys, which have largely been developed experimentally using trial and error.
Polymorphisms in the 5′ upstream regulatory region of p21WAF1/CIP1 and susceptibility to oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Wenjun , Li Yong , Ning Tao , Cai Hong , Chen Zhiqiang , Dong Ying , Ke Yang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study aims to scan the 5′-upstream regulatory region of the p21 gene to identify all putative functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to evaluate the contribution of p21 variants to oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the Chinese Han population. Common SNPs were identified, and both locus-based and haplotype-based association tests were used to evaluate the potential risk of these p21 gene polymorphisms for ESCC. Immunohistochemistry assay was further performed to detect the P21 protein expression in ESCC specimens. Twenty three SNPs were identified and seven Tagging SNPs were chosen to represent all 23 SNPs. Univariate analysis indicated that the rs3829963 C and the rs2395655 G alleles increased susceptibility to ESCC (OR = 1.606 and OR = 1.572, respectively). The rs3829963 C and rs2395655 G alleles, combined with cigarette smoking, could further increase the risk for ESCC (OR = 2.657 and OR = 2.828, respectively). Additionally, the rs2395655 G allele appeared to elevate the positive rate of P21 expression in ESCC tissues, as compared to the A allele. This report demonstrates for the first time that rs3829963 and rs2395655, in the promoter of the p21 gene are potentially functional, modulating susceptibility to ESCC among the high-risk cigarette-smoking Chinese population.
Shock Wave Response of Iron-based In Situ Metallic Glass Matrix Composites
Authors: Khanolkar Gauri R. , Rauls Michael B. , Kelly James P. , Graeve Olivia A. , Hodge Andrea M. , Eliasson Veronica 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe response of amorphous steels to shock wave compression has been explored for the first time. Further, the effect of partial devitrification on the shock response of bulk metallic glasses is examined by conducting experiments on two iron-based in situ metallic glass matrix composites, containing varying amounts of crystalline precipitates, both with initial composition Fe49.7Cr17.7Mn1.9Mo7.4W1.6B15.2C3.8Si2.4. The samples, designated SAM2X5-600 and SAM2X5-630, are X-ray amorphous and partially crystalline, respectively, due to differences in sintering parameters during sample preparation. Shock response is determined by making velocity measurements using interferometry techniques at the rear free surface of the samples, which have been subjected to impact from a high-velocity projectile launched from a powder gun. Experiments have yielded results indicating a Hugoniot Elastic Limit (HEL) to be 8.58 ± 0.53 GPa for SAM2X5-600 and 11.76 ± 1.26 GPa for SAM2X5-630. The latter HEL result is higher than elastic limits for any BMG reported in the literature thus far. SAM2X5-600 catastrophically loses post-yield strength whereas SAM2X5-630, while showing some strain-softening, retains strength beyond the HEL. The presence of crystallinity within the amorphous matrix is thus seen to significantly aid in strengthening the material as well as preserving material strength beyond yielding.
Autonomy dimensions and care seeking for delivery in Zambia; the prevailing importance of cluster-level measurement
Authors: Gabrysch Sabine , McMahon Shannon A. , Siling Katja , Kenward Michael G. , Campbell Oona M. R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIt is widely held that decisions whether or when to attend health facilities for childbirth are not only influenced by risk awareness and household wealth, but also by factors such as autonomy or a woman’s ability to act upon her own preferences. How autonomy should be constructed and measured – namely, as an individual or cluster-level variable – has been less examined. We drew on household survey data from Zambia to study the effect of several autonomy dimensions (financial, relationship, freedom of movement, health care seeking and violence) on place of delivery for 3200 births across 203 rural clusters (villages). In multilevel logistic regression, two autonomy dimensions (relationship and health care seeking) were strongly associated with facility delivery when measured at the cluster level (OR 1.27 and 1.57, respectively), though not at the individual level. This suggests that power relations and gender norms at the community level may override an individual woman’s autonomy and cluster-level measurement may prove critical to understanding the interplay between autonomy and care seeking in this and similar contexts.
Tumor-induced remote ECM network orientation steers angiogenesis
Authors: Balcioglu Hayri E. , van de Water Bob , Danen Erik H. J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTumor angiogenesis promotes tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we use automated sequential microprinting of tumor and endothelial cells in extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds to study its mechanical aspects. Quantitative reflection microscopy shows that tumor spheroids induce radial orientation of the surrounding collagen fiber network up to a distance of five times their radius. Across a panel of ~20 different human tumor cell lines, remote collagen orientation is correlated with local tumor cell migration behavior. Tumor induced collagen orientation requires contractility but is remarkably resistant to depletion of collagen-binding integrins. Microvascular endothelial cells undergo directional migration towards tumor spheroids once they are within the tumor-oriented collagen fiber network. Laser ablation experiments indicate that an intact physical connection of the oriented network with the tumor spheroid is required for mechanical sensing by the endothelial cells. Together our findings indicate that, in conjunction with described activities of soluble angiogenic factors, remote physical manipulation of the ECM network by the tumor can help to steer angiogenesis.
Transcriptional regulation of miR-15b by c-Rel and CREB in Japanese encephalitis virus infection
Authors: Zhu Bibo , Ye Jing , Ashraf Usama , Li Yunchuan , Chen Huanchun , Song Yunfeng , Cao Shengbo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been well known to play diverse roles in viral infection at the level of posttranscriptional repression. However, much less is understood about the mechanism by which miRNAs are regulated during viral infection. It is likely that both host and virus contain factors to modulate miRNA expression. Here we report the up-regulation of microRNA-15b (miR-15b)in vitroupon infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Analysis of miR-15b precursor, pri-miR-15b and pre-miR-15b, suggest that the regulation occurs transcriptionally. Further, we identified the transcriptional regulatory region of miR-15b that contains consensus binding motif for NF-κB subunit c-Rel and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), which are known as transcription factor to regulate gene expression. By promoter fusion and mutational analyses, we demonstrated that c-Rel and CREB bind directly to the promoter elements of miR-15b, which are responsible for miR-15b transcription in response to JEV infection. Finally, we showed that pharmacological inhibition of ERK and NF-κB signaling pathway blocked induction of miR-15b in JEV infection, suggesting important roles of ERK and NF-κB pathway in the regulation of miR-15b gene. Therefore, our observations indicate that induced expression of miR-15b is modulated by c-Rel and CREB in response to JEV infection.
Population-based assessment of visual impairment among ethnic Dai adults in a rural community in China
Authors: Yang Wen-Yan , Li Jun , Zhao Chun-Hua , Qian Deng-Juan , Niu Zhiqiang , Shen Wei , Yuan Yuansheng , Zhong Hua , Pan Chen-Wei 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDai ethnicity is one of the major Chinese ethnic minorities with a population of about 1.2 million. We aimed to determine the prevalence and potential causes of visual impairment (VI) among ethnic Dai adults aged 50 years or older in a rural community in China. A population-based survey including 2163 ethnic Dai people (80.5%) was undertaken using a random cluster sampling strategy. The detailed eye examination was performed after pupil dilation by trained study ophthalmologists and optometrists. Presenting visual acuity (PVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study logMAR chart and VI was defined as a VA of less than 20/63 in the better-seeing eye. The overall prevalence of presenting blindness and low vision was 3.0% (95% CI, 2.3–3.7) and 13.3% (95% CI, 11.9–14.8), respectively. The prevalence estimates were reduced to 2.1% (95% CI, 1.5–2.8) and 6.7% (95% CI, 5.7–7.8) when BCVA was considered. Men were more likely to be affected by low vision but less likely to be blind compared with women. Cataract accounted for 62.7% of presenting low vision and 68.8% of presenting blindness, respectively. In conclusion, VI was a significant health concern in Dai Chinese in China.
MiR-708 promotes steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head, suppresses osteogenic differentiation by targeting SMAD3
Authors: Hao Cheng , Yang Shuhua , Xu Weihua , Shen Jacson K. , Ye Shunan , Liu Xianzhe , Dong Zhe , Xiao Baojun , Feng Yong 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSteroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) is a serious complication of glucocorticoid (GC) use. We investigated the differential expression of miRs in the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of patients with ONFH, and aimed to explain the relationship between GC use and the development of MSC dysfunction in ONFH. Cells were collected from bone marrow of patients with ONFH. Samples were assigned to either GCs Group or Control Group at 1:1 matched with control. We then used miRNA microarray analysis and real-time PCR to identify the differentially expressed miRs. We also induced normal MSCs with GCs to verify the differential expression above. Subsequently, we selected some of the miRs for further studies, including miRNA target and pathway prediction, and functional analysis. We discovered that miR-708 was upregulated in ONFH patients and GC-treated MSCs. SMAD3 was identified as a direct target gene of miR-708, and functional analysis demonstrated that miR-708 could markedly suppress osteogenic differentiation and adipogenesis differentiation of MSCs. Inhibition of miR-708 rescued the suppressive effect of GC on osteonecrosis. Therefore, we determined that GC use resulted in overexpression of miR-708 in MSCs, and thus, targeting miR-708 may serve as a novel therapeutic biomarker for the prevention and treatment of ONFH.