bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gyrotropic Zener tunneling and nonlinear IV curves in the zero-energy Landau level of graphene in a strong magnetic field
Authors: Laitinen Antti , Kumar Manohar , Hakonen Pertti , Sonin Edouard 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe have investigated tunneling current through a suspended graphene Corbino disk in high magnetic fields at the Dirac point, i.e. at filling factor ν = 0. At the onset of the dielectric breakdown the current through the disk grows exponentially before ohmic behaviour, but in a manner distinct from thermal activation. We find that Zener tunneling between Landau sublevels dominates, facilitated by tilting of the source-drain bias potential. According to our analytic modelling, the Zener tunneling is strongly affected by the gyrotropic force (Lorentz force) due to the high magnetic field.
Decoding hind limb kinematics from neuronal activity of the dorsal horn neurons using multiple level learning algorithm
Authors: Yeganegi Hamed , Fathi Yaser , Erfanian Abbas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDecoding continuous hind limb joint angles from sensory recordings of neural system provides a feedback for closed-loop control of hind limb movement using functional electrical stimulation. So far, many attempts have been done to extract sensory information from dorsal root ganglia and sensory nerves. In this work, we examine decoding joint angles trajectories from the single-electrode extracellular recording of dorsal horn gray matter of the spinal cord during passive limb movement in anesthetized cats. In this study, a processing framework based on ensemble learning approach is propose to combine firing rate (FR) and interspike interval (ISI) information of the neuronal activity. For this purpose, a stacked generalization approach based on recurrent neural network is proposed to enhance decoding accuracy of the movement kinematics. The results show that the high precision neural decoding of limb movement can be achieved even with a single electrode implanted in the spinal cord gray matter.
Paper-based inkjet bioprinting to detect fluorescence resonance energy transfer for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Samson Annie Agnes Suganya , Lee Jungmi , Song Joon Myong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFor the first time, a paper-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) determination with cyclic AMP (cAMP)-specific phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) inhibitory assay using an inkjet-printing technique is proposed. Non-fabricated parchment paper is found to constitute a unique substrate to measure fluorescent energy transfer, due to its insignificant self-absorption, and enables efficient sample interaction. Here, we report the responsive FRET signals generated on paper, upon sequentially printing reaction components on parchment paper using a conventional inkjet printer equipped with four cartridges. After printing, the energy emitted by Eu chelate was transferred by FRET to ULight molecule on paper, detected at 665 nm. In the absence of free cAMP, a maximum FRET signal was achieved on paper, while a decrease in FRET signals was recorded when free cAMP produced by PDE4B inhibitors compete with Eu-cAMP, binding with ULight-mAb. The IM50 value was determined as 2.46 × 10−13 mole for roliparm and 1.86 × 10−13 mole for roflumilast, to effectively inhibit PDE4B activity. Inkjet printing-based FRET signal determination utilizes components that are less than the femtomole range, which was four-orders less than the standard assay method. The methodology reported here constitutes an innovative approach towards the determination of FRET signals generated on paper.
Predicting Fibrosis Progression in Renal Transplant Recipients Using Laser-Based Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging
Authors: Varma Vishal K. , Kajdacsy-Balla Andre , Akkina Sanjeev , Setty Suman , Walsh Michael J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRenal transplants have not seen a significant improvement in their 10-year graft life. Chronic damage accumulation often leads to interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and thus graft function loss over time. For this reason, IF/TA has been the chief suspect for a potential prognostic marker for long term outcomes. In this study, we have used infrared spectroscopic (IR) imaging to interrogate the biochemistry of regions of fibrosis from renal transplant biopsies to identify a biochemical signature that can predict rapid progression of fibrosis. IR imaging represents an approach that permits label-free biochemical imaging of human tissues towards identifying novel biomarkers for disease diagnosis or prognosis. Two cohorts were identified as progressors (n = 5, > 50% fibrosis increase between time points) and non-progressors (n = 5, < 5% increase between time points). Each patient had an early time point and late time point biopsy. Collagen associated carbohydrate moieties (ν(C–O), 1035 cm−1 and ν(C–O–C),1079 cm−1) spectral ratios demonstrated good separation between the two cohorts (p = 0.001). This was true for late and early time point biopsies suggesting the regions of fibrosis are biochemically altered in cases undergoing progressive fibrosis. Thus, IR imaging can potentially predict rapid progression of fibrosis using histologically normal early time point biopsies.
Towards Electrotuneable Nanoplasmonic Fabry–Perot Interferometer
Authors: Weir Hayley , Edel Joshua B. , Kornyshev Alexei A. , Sikdar Debabrata 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDirected voltage-controlled assembly and disassembly of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) at electrified solid–electrolyte interfaces (SEI) offer novel opportunities for the creation of tuneable optical devices. We apply this concept to propose a fast electrotuneable, NP-based Fabry–Perot (FP) interferometer, comprising two parallel transparent electrodes in aqueous electrolyte, which form the polarizable SEI for directed assembly–disassembly of negatively charged NPs. An FP cavity between two reflective NP-monolayers assembled at such interfaces can be formed or deconstructed under positive or negative polarization of the electrodes, respectively. The inter-NP spacing may be tuned via applied potential. Since the intensity, wavelength, and linewidth of the reflectivity peak depend on the NP packing density, the transmission spectrum of the system can thus be varied. A detailed theoretical model of the system’s optical response is presented, which shows excellent agreement with full-wave simulations. The tuning of the peak transmission wavelength and linewidth is investigated in detail. Design guidelines for such NP-based FP systems are established, where transmission characteristics can be electrotuned in-situ, without mechanically altering the cavity length.
Impact of wave whitecapping on land falling tropical cyclones
Authors: Bruneau Nicolas , Toumi Ralf , Wang Shuai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPredicting tropical cyclone structure and evolution remains challenging. Particularly, the surface wave interactions with the continental shelf and their impact on tropical cyclones have received very little attention. Through a series of state-of-the-art high-resolution, fully-coupled ocean-wave and atmosphere-ocean-wave experiments, we show here, for the first time, that in presence of continental shelf waves can cause substantial cooling of the sea surface. Through whitecapping there is a transfer of momentum from the surface which drives deeper vertical mixing. It is the waves and not just the wind which become the major driver of stratified coastal ocean ahead-of-cyclone cooling. In the fully-coupled atmosphere-ocean-wave model a negative feedback is found. The maximum wind speed is weaker and the damaging footprint area of hurricane-force winds is reduced by up to 50% due to the strong wave induced ocean cooling ahead. Including wave-ocean coupling is important to improve land falling tropical cyclone intensity predictions for the highly populated and vulnerable coasts.
Autapses promote synchronization in neuronal networks
Authors: Fan Huawei , Wang Yafeng , Wang Hengtong , Lai Ying-Cheng , Wang Xingang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNeurological disorders such as epileptic seizures are believed to be caused by neuronal synchrony. However, to ascertain the causal role of neuronal synchronization in such diseases through the traditional approach of electrophysiological data analysis remains a controversial, challenging, and outstanding problem. We offer an alternative principle to assess the physiological role of neuronal synchrony based on identifying structural anomalies in the underlying network and studying their impacts on the collective dynamics. In particular, we focus on autapses - time delayed self-feedback links that exist on a small fraction of neurons in the network, and investigate their impacts on network synchronization through a detailed stability analysis. Our main finding is that the proper placement of a small number of autapses in the network can promote synchronization significantly, providing the computational and theoretical bases for hypothesizing a high degree of synchrony in real neuronal networks with autapses. Our result that autapses, the shortest possible links in any network, can effectively modulate the collective dynamics provides also a viable strategy for optimal control of complex network dynamics at minimal cost.
19F-perfluorocarbon-labeled human peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be detected in vivo using clinical MRI parameters in a therapeutic cell setting
Authors: Fink Corby , Gaudet Jeffrey M. , Fox Matthew S. , Bhatt Shashank , Viswanathan Sowmya , Smith Michael , Chin Joseph , Foster Paula J. , Dekaban Gregory A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA 19Fluorine (19F) perfluorocarbon cell labeling agent, when employed with an appropriate cellular MRI protocol, allows for in vivo cell tracking. 19F cellular MRI can be used to non-invasively assess the location and persistence of cell-based cancer vaccines and other cell-based therapies. This study was designed to determine the feasibility of labeling and tracking peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), a heterogeneous cell population. Under GMP-compliant conditions human PBMC were labeled with a 19F-based MRI cell-labeling agent in a manner safe for autologous re-injection. Greater than 99% of PBMC labeled with the 19F cell-labeling agent without affecting functionality or affecting viability. The 19F-labeled PBMC were detected in vivo in a mouse model at the injection site and in a draining lymph node. A clinical cellular MR protocol was optimized for the detection of PBMC injected both at the surface of a porcine shank and at a depth of 1.2 cm, equivalent to depth of a human lymph node, using a dual 1H/19F dual switchable surface radio frequency coil. This study demonstrates it is feasible to label and track 19F-labeled PBMC using clinical MRI protocols. Thus, 19F cellular MRI represents a non-invasive imaging technique suitable to assess the effectiveness of cell-based cancer vaccines.
Three-Dimensional Physical Model-Assisted Planning and Navigation for Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in Patients with Endophytic Renal Tumors
Authors: Fan Gang , Li Jun , Li Mingfeng , Ye Mingji , Pei Xiaming , Li Feiping , Zhu Shuai , Weiqin Han , Zhou Xiao , Xie Yu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractResection of completely endophytic renal tumors is a huge challenge for surgeons due to a lack of definite visual clues, especially in the laparoscopic approach. Three-dimensional (3D) kidney models, which can illustrate the clear relationship between renal masses and surrounding health tissues, were considered as reliable tools for understanding renal tumor characteristics in previous studies. We hypothesized that 3D kidney models can be used not only for planning but also for navigating laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in patients with completely endophytic renal tumors. In this study, we successfully constructed five cases of 3D kidney models for assisted planning and navigation for LPN in endophytic renal tumors. The renal masses and surrounding normal parenchyma of the patient-specific 3D models were dyed by different colorants for clear illustration. All patients experienced acceptable perioperative outcomes, and no patient suffered serious relative complications. The 3D kidney models were considered as a reliable tool based on clinical outcome and postoperative questionnaire results. This study is the first report of 3D kidney models for patients with completely endophytic tumors. 3D kidney models can aid surgeons in understanding the characteristics of renal tumors and potentially support assisted planning and performance of LPN in endophytic tumor cases.
Partially oxidized polyvinyl alcohol conduitfor peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Stocco Elena , Barbon Silvia , Lora Lucia , Grandi Francesca , Sartore Leonardo , Tiengo Cesare , Petrelli Lucia , Dalzoppo Daniele , Parnigotto Pier Paolo , Macchi Veronica , De Caro Raffaele , Porzionato Andrea , Grandi Claudio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves injuries with wide substance-loss is still a challenge. Many studies focused on the development of artificial nerve conduits made of synthetic or biological materials but the ideal device has not yet been identified. Here, we manufactured a conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration using a novel biodegradable hydrogel we patented that is oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OxPVA). Thus, its characteristics were compared with neat polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and silk-fibroin (SF) conduits, through in vitro and in vivo analysis. Unlike SF, OxPVA and neat PVA scaffolds did not support SH-SY5Y adhesion and proliferation in vitro. After implantation in rat model of sciatic nerve transection, the three conduits sustained the regeneration of the injured nerve filling a gap of 5 mm in 12 weeks. Implanted animals showed a good gait recovery. Morphometric data related to the central portion of the explanted conduit interestingly highlighted a significantly better outcome for OxPVA scaffolds compared to PVA conduits in terms of axon density, also with respect to the autograft group. This study suggests the potential of our novel biomaterial for the development of conduits for clinical use in case of peripheral nerve lesions with substance loss.
Closed-loop control of zebrafish behaviour in three dimensions using a robotic stimulus
Authors: Kim Changsu , Ruberto Tommaso , Phamduy Paul , Porfiri Maurizio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRobotics is continuously being integrated in animal behaviour studies to create customizable, controllable, and repeatable stimuli. However, few systems have capitalized on recent breakthroughs in computer vision and real-time control to enable a two-way interaction between the animal and the robot. Here, we present a “closed-loop control” system to investigate the behaviour of zebrafish, a popular animal model in preclinical studies. The system allows for actuating a biologically-inspired 3D-printed replica in a 3D workspace, in response to the behaviour of a zebrafish. We demonstrate the role of closed-loop control in modulating the response of zebrafish, across a range of behavioural and information-theoretic measures. Our results suggest that closed-loop control could enhance the degree of biomimicry of the replica, by increasing the attraction of live subjects and their interaction with the stimulus. Interactive experiments hold promise to advance our understanding of zebrafish, offering new means for high throughput behavioural phenotyping.
Low density neutrophils (LDN) in postoperative abdominal cavity assist the peritoneal recurrence through the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)
Authors: Kanamaru Rihito , Ohzawa Hideyuki , Miyato Hideyo , Matsumoto Shiro , Haruta Hidenori , Kurashina Kentaro , Saito Shin , Hosoya Yoshinori , Yamaguchi Hironori , Yamashita Hiroharu , Seto Yasuyuki , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Sata Naohiro , Kitayama Joji 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMany types of immune cells appear in peritoneal cavity after abdominal surgery. In patients who underwent laparotomy due to gastric cancer, peritoneal lavages were obtained before and after surgical procedure. Cells were recovered from intermediate layer after Ficoll-Hypaque centrifugation and analyzed for phenotypes and functions, especially focused on low density neutrophils (LDN). The number of CD66b (+) LDN with mature phenotype was markedly elevated in postoperative as compared with preoperative lavages. Short term culture of the purified LDN produced many threadlike structures positive for SYTOX, nucleic acid staining, as well as histone and myeloperoxidase, suggesting the NETs formation. Human gastric cancer cells, MKN45, OCUM-1 and NUGC-4, were selectively attached on the NETs, which was totally abolished by the pretreatment of DNAse I. Intraperitoneal (IP) co-transfer of the LDN with MKN45 in nude mice strongly augments the metastasis formation on peritoneum, which was strongly suppressed by the following IP administration of DNAse I. Many NETs-like structures were detected on the surface of human omental tissue resected by gastrectomy. NETs on peritoneal surface can assist the clustering and growth of free tumor cells disseminated in abdomen. Disruption of the NETs by DNAse might be useful to prevent the peritoneal recurrence after abdominal surgery.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing resolves self-antigen expression during mTEC development
Authors: Miragaia Ricardo J. , Zhang Xiuwei , Gomes Tomás , Svensson Valentine , Ilicic Tomislav , Henriksson Johan , Kar Gozde , Lönnberg Tapio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe crucial capability of T cells for discrimination between self and non-self peptides is based on negative selection of developing thymocytes by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). The mTECs purge autoreactive T cells by expression of cell-type specific genes referred to as tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs). Although the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) protein is known to promote the expression of a subset of TRAs, its mechanism of action is still not fully understood. The expression of TRAs that are not under the control of AIRE also needs further characterization. Furthermore, expression patterns of TRA genes have been suggested to change over the course of mTEC development. Herein we have used single-cell RNA-sequencing to resolve patterns of TRA expression during mTEC development. Our data indicated that mTEC development consists of three distinct stages, correlating with previously described jTEC, mTEChi and mTEClo phenotypes. For each subpopulation, we have identified marker genes useful in future studies. Aire-induced TRAs were switched on during jTEC-mTEC transition and were expressed in genomic clusters, while otherwise the subsets expressed largely overlapping sets of TRAs. Moreover, population-level analysis of TRA expression frequencies suggested that such differences might not be necessary to achieve efficient thymocyte selection.
A De Novo FOXP1 Truncating Mutation in a Patient Originally Diagnosed as C Syndrome
Authors: Urreizti Roser , Damanti Sarah , Esteve Carla , Franco-Valls Héctor , Castilla-Vallmanya Laura , Tonda Raul , Cormand Bru , Vilageliu Lluïsa , Opitz John M. , Neri Giovanni , Grinberg Daniel , Balcells Susana 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDe novo FOXP1 mutations have been associated with intellectual disability (ID), motor delay, autistic features and a wide spectrum of speech difficulties. C syndrome (Opitz C trigonocephaly syndrome) is a rare and genetically heterogeneous condition, characterized by trigonocephaly, craniofacial anomalies and ID. Several different chromosome deletions and and point mutations in distinct genes have been associated with the disease in patients originally diagnosed as Opitz C. By whole exome sequencing we identified a de novo splicing mutation in FOXP1 in a patient, initially diagnosed as C syndrome, who suffers from syndromic intellectual disability with trigonocephaly. The mutation (c.1428 + 1 G > A) promotes the skipping of exon 16, a frameshift and a premature STOP codon (p.Ala450GLyfs*13), as assessed by a minigene strategy. The patient reported here shares speech difficulties, intellectual disability and autistic features with other FOXP1 syndrome patients, and thus the diagnosis for this patient should be changed. Finally, since trigonocephaly has not been previously reported in FOXP1 syndrome, it remains to be proved whether it may be associated with the FOXP1 mutation.
Visual field loss and vision-related quality of life in the Italian Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Study
Authors: Rulli Eliana , Quaranta Luciano , Riva Ivano , Poli Davide , Hollander Lital , Galli Fabio , Katsanos Andreas , Oddone Francesco , Torri Valter , Weinreb Robert N. ,   Italian Study Group on QoL in Glaucoma, Varano L. , Carchedi T. , Talarico S. , Frezzotti P. , Parravano F. , Motolese I. , Bagaglia S. A. , Rossi G. C. M. , Lateri S. , Bossolesi L. , Carmassi L. , Rolle T. , Piccini R. , Ratiglia R. , Rossi A. , Gandolfi S. , Tagliavini V. , Ungaro N. , Fossarello M. , Cucca A. , Zucca I. , Uva M. , Bonacci E. , Cardarella G. , Tognetto D. , Vattovani O. , Vallon P. , Iannacone F. , Fontana L. , Marchi S. , Manni G. L. , Jannetta D. , Roberti G. , Rossetti L. , Maggiolo E. , Oneta O. , Sborgia C. , Cantatore F. , Mastropasqua L. , Agnifili L. , Campos E. , Gizzi C. , Giannaccare G. , Pucci V. , Cassamali M. , Costagliola C. , Traverso C. , Scotto R. , Musolino M. , Landi L. , Bagnis A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between visual field (VF) loss, vision-related quality of life (QoL) and glaucoma-related symptoms in a large cohort of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. POAG patients with or without VF defects or “glaucoma suspect” patients were considered eligible. QoL was assessed using the validated versions of the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and glaucoma-related symptoms were assessed using the Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS). Patients were classified as having VF damage in one eye (VFD-1), both eyes (VFD-2), or neither eye (VFD-0). 3227 patients were enrolled and 2940 were eligible for the analysis. 13.4% of patients were classified in the VFD-0, 23.7% in the VFD-1, and 62.9% in the VFD-2 group. GSS visual symptoms domain (Func-4) and GSS non-visual symptoms domain (Symp-6) scores were similar for the VFD-0 and VFD-1 groups (p = 0.133 and p = 0.834 for Func-4 and Symp-6, respectively). VFD-0 group had higher scores than VFD-2 both in Func-4 (p < 0.001) and Symp-6 domains (p = 0.035). Regarding the NEI-VFQ-25, our data demonstrated that bilateral VF defects are associated with vision-related QoL deterioration, irrespective of visual acuity.