bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High diversity and unique composition of gut microbiomes in pygmy (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf (K. sima) sperm whales
Authors: Erwin Patrick M. , Rhodes Ryan G. , Kiser Kevin B. , Keenan-Bateman Tiffany F. , McLellan William A. , Pabst D. Ann 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMammals host diverse bacterial and archaeal symbiont communities (i.e. microbiomes) that play important roles in digestive and immune system functioning, yet cetacean microbiomes remain largely unexplored, in part due to sample collection difficulties. Here, fecal samples from stranded pygmy (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf (K.sima) sperm whales were used to characterize the gut microbiomes of two closely-related species with similar diets. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed diverse microbial communities in kogiid whales dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Core symbiont taxa were affiliated with phylogenetic lineages capable of fermentative metabolism and sulfate respiration, indicating potential symbiont contributions to energy acquisition during prey digestion. The diversity and phylum-level composition of kogiid microbiomes differed from those previously reported in toothed whales, which exhibited low diversity communities dominated by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Community structure analyses revealed distinct gut microbiomes inK.brevicepsandK.sima, driven by differential relative abundances of shared taxa, and unique microbiomes in kogiid hosts compared to other toothed and baleen whales, driven by differences in symbiont membership. These results provide insight into the diversity, composition and structure of kogiid gut microbiomes and indicate that host identity plays an important role in structuring cetacean microbiomes, even at fine-scale taxonomic levels.
TIA1 is a gender-specific disease modifier of a mild mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Howell Matthew D. , Ottesen Eric W. , Singh Natalia N. , Anderson Rachel L. , Seo Joonbae , Sivanesan Senthilkumar , Whitley Elizabeth M. , Singh Ravindra N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by deletions or mutations of Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. The nearly identical SMN2 cannot compensate for SMN1 loss due to exon 7 skipping. The allele C (C+/+) mouse recapitulates a mild SMA-like phenotype and offers an ideal system to monitor the role of disease-modifying factors over a long time. T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen 1 (TIA1) regulates SMN exon 7 splicing. TIA1 is reported to be downregulated in obese patients, although it is not known if the effect is gender-specific. We show that female Tia1-knockout (Tia1−/−) mice gain significant body weight (BW) during early postnatal development. We next examined the effect of Tia1 deletion in novel C+/+/Tia1−/− mice. Underscoring the opposing effects of Tia1 deletion and low SMN level on BW gain, both C+/+ and C+/+/Tia1−/− females showed similar BW gain trajectory at all time points during our study. We observed early tail necrosis in C+/+/Tia1−/− females but not in males. We show enhanced impairment of male reproductive organ development and exacerbation of the C+/+/Tia1−/− testis transcriptome. Our findings implicate a protein factor as a gender-specific modifier of a mild mouse model of SMA.
Construction and evaluation of two computational models for predicting the incidence of influenza in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
Authors: He Fei , Hu Zhi-jian , Zhang Wen-chang , Cai Lin , Cai Guo-xi , Aoyagi Kiyoshi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIt remains challenging to forecast local, seasonal outbreaks of influenza. The goal of this study was to construct a computational model for predicting influenza incidence. We built two computational models including an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and a hybrid model integrating ARDL with a Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN), to assess meteorological factors associated with temporal trends in influenza incidence. The modelling and forecasting performance of these two models were compared using observations collected between 2006 and 2015 in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. In both the training and forecasting stages, the hybrid model showed lower error rates, including a lower residual mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) than the ARDL model. The lag of log-incidence, weekly average barometric pressure, and weekly average of air temperature were 4, 1, and 3, respectively in the ARDL model. The ARDL-GRNN hybrid model can serve as a tool to better understand the characteristics of influenza epidemic, and facilitate their prevention and control.
RTS,S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine Efficacy is Not Modified by Seasonal Precipitation: Results from a Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trial in Malawi
Authors: Han Larry , Hudgens Michael G. , Emch Michael E. , Juliano Jonathan J. , Keeler Corinna , Martinson Francis , Kamthunzi Portia , Tegha Gerald , Lievens Marc , Hoffman Irving F. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe World Health Organization has selected Malawi as one of three sites to pilot the roll-out of RTS,S/AS01 in phase 4 trials. As policy discussions for the expanded use of RTS,S/AS01 continue, it will be critical to determine the performance of the vaccine according to seasonal patterns of malaria transmission in regions of Africa. Given waning vaccine efficacy over time, this secondary analysis demonstrates that administering the vaccine to children in the months prior to malaria season could maximize impact of the vaccine. We followed children (5–17 months) and infants (6–12 weeks) assigned to one of three groups: (1) vaccine with four doses; (2) vaccine with three doses; (3) control. The primary endpoint was defined as episodes of clinical malaria. During the 4-years of follow-up, 658 of 1544 (42.6%) children and infants had at least one episode of clinical malaria. With each 1-inch increase in rainfall per month there was an associated increase in the rate of malaria by 12.6% (95% CI 9.6%, 15.6%, P < 0.0001) among children and 15.9% (95% CI 12.8%, 18.9%, P < 0.0001) among infants. There was no evidence of effect modification of vaccine efficacy by precipitation (89% power).
MiR-23-TrxR1 as a novel molecular axis in skeletal muscle differentiation
Authors: Mercatelli Neri , Fittipaldi Simona , De Paola Elisa , Dimauro Ivan , Paronetto Maria Paola , Jackson Malcolm J. , Caporossi Daniela 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) is a selenocysteine-containing protein involved in cellular redox homeostasis which is downregulated in skeletal muscle differentiation. Here we show that TrxR1 decrease occurring during myogenesis is functionally involved in the coordination of this cellular process. Indeed, TrxR1 depletion reduces myoblasts growth by inducing an early myogenesis -related gene expression pattern which includes myogenin and Myf5 up-regulation and Cyclin D1 decrease. On the contrary, the overexpression of TrxR1 during differentiation delays myogenic process, by negatively affecting the expression of Myogenin and MyHC. Moreover, we found that miR-23a and miR-23b - whose expression was increased in the early stage of C2C12 differentiation - are involved in the regulation of TrxR1 expression through their direct binding to the 3′ UTR of TrxR1 mRNA. Interestingly, the forced inhibition of miR-23a and miR-23b during C2C12 differentiation partially rescues TrxR1 levels and delays the expression of myogenic markers, suggesting the involvement of miR-23 in myogenesis via TrxR1 repression. Taken together, our results depict for the first time a novel molecular axis, which functionally acts in skeletal muscle differentiation through the modulation of TrxR1 by miR-23.
Graphene Oxide Foam Supported Titanium(IV): Recoverable Heterogeneous Catalyst for Efficient, Selective Oxidation of Arylalkyl Sulfides to Sulfoxides Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Wang Qinghe , Ma Wenxi , Tong Qiaolin , Du Guijie , Wang Jian , Zhang Meng , Jiang Hailun , Yang Huali , Liu Yongxiang , Cheng Maosheng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAn efficient and environmentally friendly method was designed for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with a recyclable, carbon-skeleton-based heterogeneous catalyst developed by titanium sulfate [Ti(SO4)2] mineralization on the surface of graphene oxide foam [Ti(SO4)2@GOF] by using 30 wt% H2O2 as oxidant. Several different substituted sulfides were examined to explore the scope of substrates of the selective oxidation. The excellent reusability and durability of Ti(SO4)2@GOF was demonstrated by recycling experiments and the catalyst was further applied in the preparation of pantoprazole sodium in a one-pot process.
Shape-dependent cellular toxicity on renal epithelial cells and stone risk of calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals
Authors: Sun Xin-Yuan , Ouyang Jian-Ming , Yu Kai 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRenal epithelial cell injury causes crystal retention and leads to renal stone formation. However, the effects of crystal shape on cell injury and stone risk remain unclear. This study compared the cytotoxicity degrees of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals having different shapes toward human kidney proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells to reveal the effect of crystal shape on cell injury and to elucidate the pathological mechanism of calcium oxalate kidney stones. The effects of exposure to cross-shaped (COD-CS), flower-like (COD-FL), bipyramid (COD-BD), and elongated–bipyramid (COD-EBD) COD crystals on HK-2 cells were investigated by examining the cell viability, cell membrane integrity, cell morphology change, intracellular reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and apoptotic and/or necrotic rate. Crystals with large (100) faces (COD-EBD) and sharp edges (COD-CS) showed higher toxicity than COD-BD and COD-FL, respectively. COD crystal exposure caused cell membrane rupture, upregulated intracellular reactive oxygen, and decreased Δψm. This series of phenomena ultimately led to a high apoptotic rate and a low necrotic rate. Crystals with large active faces have a large contact area with epithelial cell surface, and crystals with sharp edges can easily scratch epithelial cells; these factors could promote crystal adhesion and aggregation, thus increasing stone risk.
Mucosal vaccination with pili from Group A Streptococcus expressed on Lactococcus lactis generates protective immune responses
Authors: Loh Jacelyn M. S. , Lorenz Natalie , Tsai Catherine J.-Y. , Khemlani Adrina Hema J. , Proft Thomas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe human pathogen Group A Streptococcus (GAS) produces pili that are involved in adhesion and colonisation of the host. These surface-exposed pili are immunogenic and therefore represent an attractive target for vaccine development. The pilus is encoded in the genomic region known as the fibronectin-collagen-T-antigen (FCT)-region, of which at least nine different types have been identified. In this study we investigate expressing two of the most common FCT-types (FCT-3 and FCT-4) in the food-grade bacteria Lactococcus lactis for use as a mucosal vaccine. We show that mucosally delivered L. lactis expressing GAS pili generates specific antibody responses in rabbits. Rabbit anti-pilus antibodies were shown to have both a neutralising effect on bacterial adhesion, and immunised rabbit antiserum was able to facilitate immune-mediated killing of bacteria via opsonophagocytosis. Furthermore, intranasal immunisation of mice improved clearance rates of GAS after nasopharyngeal challenge. These results demonstrate the potential for a novel, pilus-based vaccine to protect against GAS infections.
RAGE inhibition reduces acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Blondonnet Raiko , Audard Jules , Belville Corinne , Clairefond Gael , Lutz Jean , Bouvier Damien , Roszyk Laurence , Gross Christelle , Lavergne Marilyne , Fournet Marianne , Blanchon Loic , Vachias Caroline , Damon-Soubeyrand Christelle , Sapin Vincent , Constantin Jean-Michel , Jabaudon Matthieu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is involved in inflammatory response during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Growing body of evidence support strategies of RAGE inhibition in experimental lung injury, but its modalities and effects remain underinvestigated. Anesthetised C57BL/6JRj mice were divided in four groups; three of them underwent orotracheal instillation of acid and were treated with anti-RAGE monoclonal antibody (mAb) or recombinant soluble RAGE (sRAGE), acting as a decoy receptor. The fourth group served as a control. Lung injury was assessed by the analysis of blood gases, alveolar permeability, histology, AFC, and cytokines. Lung expression and distribution epithelial channels ENaC, Na,K-ATPase, and aquaporin (AQP)−5 were assessed. Treatment with either anti-RAGE mAb or sRAGE improved lung injury, arterial oxygenation and decreased alveolar inflammation in acid-injured animals. Anti-RAGE therapies were associated with restored AFC and increased lung expression of AQP-5 in alveolar cell. Blocking RAGE had potential therapeutic effects in a translational mouse model of ARDS, possibly through a decrease in alveolar type 1 epithelial cell injury as shown by restored AFC and lung AQP-5 expression. Further mechanistic studies are warranted to describe intracellular pathways that may control such effects of RAGE on lung epithelial injury and repair.
Circulating Tumour Cell Release after Cement Augmentation of Vertebral Metastases
Authors: Mohme Malte , Riethdorf Sabine , Dreimann Marc , Werner Stefan , Maire Cecile L. , Joosse Simon A. , Bludau Frederic , Mueller Volkmar , Neves Rui P. L. , Stoecklein Nikolas H. , Lamszus Katrin , Westphal Manfred , Pantel Klaus , Wikman Harriet , Eicker Sven O. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCement augmentation via percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for treatment of spinal metastasis is a well-established treatment option. We assessed whether elevated intrametastatic pressure during cement augmentation results in an increased dissemination of tumour cells into the vascular circulation. We prospectively collected blood from patients with osteolytic spinal column metastases and analysed the prevalence of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) at three time-points: preoperatively, 20 minutes after cement augmentation, and 3–5 days postoperatively. Enrolling 21 patients, including 13 breast- (61.9%), 5 lung- (23.8%), and one (4.8%) colorectal-, renal-, and prostate-carcinoma patient each, we demonstrate a significant 1.8-fold increase of EpCAM+/K+ CTCs in samples taken 20 minutes post-cement augmentation (P < 0.0001). Despite increased mechanical CTC dissemination due to cement augmentation, follow-up blood draws demonstrated that no long-term increase of CTCs was present. Array-CGH analysis revealed a specific profile of the CTC collected 20 minutes after cement augmentation. This is the first study to report that peripheral CTCs are temporarily increased due to vertebral cement augmentation procedures. Our findings provide a rationale for the development of new prophylactic strategies to reduce the increased release of CTC after cement augmentation of osteolytic spinal metastases.
Localized states and quantum effect of photo-generated carriers in photovoltaic system
Authors: Huang Wei-Qi , Liu Shi-Rong , Huang Zhong-Mei , Wu Xue-Ke , Qin Chao-Jian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe have fabricated the multiple nanolayers impuritied on silicon pillars for Si solar cells to pick up photons in ultraviolet and infrared region of solar spectra, in which the localized states originated from nanosilicon doped with oxygen are built to avoid Auger recombination, and some interesting quantum phenomena in the localized states have been observed. The quantum effect of photo-generated carriers has been observed in I-V curve measurement on the photovoltaic sample prepared in oxygen by using nanosecond pulsed laser. More interesting, the twin states of quantum vibration are measured in the localized states originated from the impuritied nanosilicon, which provides a stable reservoir for electrons in the photovaltaic system. It should be noted that the amplitude change of the quantum vibration occurs under magnetic field with 0.33T on the sample prepared in oxygen, owing to the electron spin in the localized states. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra measured from 300 nm to 1700 nm exhibit the localized states in various regions in the photovoltaic system, in which the electrons can stand in the localized states with longer lifetime to be uneasy into Auger recombination.
Strong coupling and vortexes assisted slow light in plasmonic chain-SOI waveguide systems
Authors: Magno Giovanni , Fevrier Mickael , Gogol Philippe , Aassime Abdelhanin , Bondi Alexandre , Mégy Robert , Dagens Béatrice 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA strong coupling regime is demonstrated at near infrared between metallic nanoparticle chains (MNP), supporting localized surface plasmons (LSP), and dielectric waveguides (DWGs) having different core materials. MNP chains are deposited on the top of these waveguides in such a way that the two guiding structures are in direct contact with each other. The strong coupling regime implies (i) a strong interpenetration of the bare modes forming two distinct supermodes and (ii) a large power overlap up to the impossibility to distinguish the power quota inside each bare structure. Additionally, since the system involves LSPs, (i) such a strong coupling occurs on a broad band and (ii) the peculiar vortex-like propagation mechanism of the optical power, supported by the MNP chain, leads to a regime where the light is slowed down over a wide wavelength range. Finally, the strong coupling allows the formation of guided supermodes in regions where the bare modes cannot be both guided at the same time. In other words, very high k modes can then be propagated in a dielectric photonic circuit thanks to hybridisation, leading to extremely concentrated propagating wave. Experimental work gives indirect proof of strong coupling regime whatever the waveguide core indexes.
A Sustainable Nanocomposite Au(Salen)@CC for Catalytic Degradation of Eosin Y and Chromotrope 2R Dyes
Authors: Mayani Vishal J. , Mayani Suranjana V. , Kim Sang Wook 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUp to now, a very few catalysts have been developed approaching the heterogeneous catalytic degradation of Eosin Y and Chromotrope 2R dyes (Acid Red 29). The present study provides a complete perspective of recyclable nanocomposite Au(Salen)@CC for catalytic degradation of hazardous water pollutant dyes viz., Eosin Y & Chromotrope 2R using mild reaction conditions. New gold Salen complex doped carbon nanocomposite Au(Salen)@CC was developed by easy methodology using nano carbon cage (CC) prepared from low-priced Pyrolysis fuel oil (PFO) residue based Pitch. The UV-Vis adsorption spectroscopy results of Eosin Y and Chromotrope 2R dyes indicated complete degradation into acidic compounds which can be further mineralized to CO2 and H2O under mild reaction conditions. The heterogeneous catalyst recycled and reused successfully for four repeated experiments without loss in its adequate performance. This new sustainable and eco-friendly catalyst delivered significant degradation activity compared to existing reports and it can be further utilized for new multifunctional applications such as, radiopharmaceutical activities, heterogeneous catalysis and chiral resolution.
High power and low critical current density spin transfer torque nano-oscillators using MgO barriers with intermediate thickness
Authors: Costa J. D. , Serrano-Guisan S. , Lacoste B. , Jenkins A. S. , Böhnert T. , Tarequzzaman M. , Borme J. , Deepak F. L. , Paz E. , Ventura J. , Ferreira R. , Freitas P. P. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractReported steady-state microwave emission in magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)-based spin transfer torque nano-oscillators (STNOs) relies mostly on very thin insulating barriers [resulting in a resistance × area product (R × A) of ~1 Ωμm2] that can sustain large current densities and thus trigger large orbit magnetic dynamics. Apart from the low R × A requirement, the role of the tunnel barrier in the dynamics has so far been largely overlooked, in comparison to the magnetic configuration of STNOs. In this report, STNOs with an in-plane magnetized homogeneous free layer configuration are used to probe the role of the tunnel barrier in the dynamics. In this type of STNOs, the RF modes are in the GHz region with integrated matched output powers (P
out
) in the range of 1–40 nW. Here, P
o
u
t
values up to 200 nW are reported using thicker insulating barriers for junctions with R × A values ranging from 7.5 to 12.5 Ωμm2, without compromising the ability to trigger self-sustained oscillations and without any noticeable degradation of the signal linewidth (Γ). Furthermore, a decrease of two orders of magnitude in the critical current density for spin transfer torque induced dynamics (J
STT
) was observed, without any further change in the magnetic configuration.
In silico model of the human ClC-Kb chloride channel: pore mapping, biostructural pathology and drug screening
Authors: Louet Maxime , Bitam Sara , Bakouh Naziha , Bignon Yohan , Planelles Gabrielle , Lagorce David , Miteva Maria A. , Eladari Dominique , Teulon Jacques , Villoutreix Bruno O. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe human ClC-Kb channel plays a key role in exporting chloride ions from the cytosol and is known to be involved in Bartter syndrome type 3 when its permeation capacity is decreased. The ClC-Kb channel has been recently proposed as a potential therapeutic target to treat hypertension. In order to gain new insights into the sequence-structure-function relationships of this channel, to investigate possible impacts of amino-acid substitutions, and to design novel inhibitors, we first built a structural model of the human ClC-Kb channel using comparative modeling strategies. We combined in silico and in vitro techniques to analyze amino acids involved in the chloride ion pathway as well as to rationalize the possible role of several clinically observed mutations leading to the Bartter syndrome type 3. Virtual screening and drug repositioning computations were then carried out. We identified six novel molecules, including 2 approved drugs, diflusinal and loperamide, with Kd values in the low micromolar range, that block the human ClC-Kb channel and that could be used as starting point to design novel chemical probes for this potential therapeutic target.
Design of microstrip wide stopband lowpass filter with lumped equivalent circuit
Authors: Sheikhi A. , Alipour A. , Hemesi H. 
Published: July 2017

A microstrip lowpass filter using stepped impedance resonator hexangular unit is presented. The proposed lowpass filter (LPF) has some appropriate features such as compact size, low insertion loss and wide stopband. The LPF has cut‐off frequency at 2.8 GHz and stopband bandwidth from 3.15 up to 25.5 GHz with attenuation level better than −20 dB. Also, it has in‐band insertion loss <0.1 dB and return loss better than 16.5 dB. Simulated and measured results are presented and relatively good agreement between them has been obtained.
Endovascular Stent Grafting in Posttraumatic Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysms: Case Report
Authors: Pisharody Sadananda , Kannath Santhosh , Rajan Jayadevan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractInfrapopliteal pseudoaneurysms are rare and usually occur secondary to trauma. Though there are no consensus regarding the management of the same, endovascular treatment has become an alternate option to open surgical management. In this report, we describe two cases of posttraumatic infrapopliteal pseudoaneurysms involving crural arteries. Both the cases were managed successfully with endovascular stent graft placement with complete exclusion of pseudoaneurysm. Our results show that endovascular stent grafting is a good alternative to open repair in infrapopliteal pseudoaneurysms, although long-term efficacy of this approach needs to be established.