bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulating memristive performance of hexagonal WO3 nanowire by water-oxidized hydrogen ion implantation
Authors: Zhou Yong , Peng Yuehua , Yin Yanling , Zhou Fang , Liu Chang , Ling Jing , Lei Le , Zhou Weichang , Tang Dongsheng 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn a two-terminal Au/hexagonal WO3 nanowire/Au device, ions drifting or carriers self-trapping under external electrical field will modulate the Schottky barriers between the nanowire and electrodes, and then result in memristive effect. When there are water molecules adsorbed on the surface of WO3 nanowire, hydrogen ions will generate near the positively-charged electrode and transport in the condensed water film, which will enhance the memristive performance characterized by analogic resistive switching remarkably. When the bias voltage is swept repeatedly under high relative humidity level, hydrogen ions will accumulate on the surface and then implant into the lattice of the WO3 nanowire, which leads to a transition from semiconducting WO3 nanowire to metallic HxWO3 nanowire. This insulator-metal transition can be realized more easily after enough electron-hole pairs being excited by laser illumination. The concentration of hydrogen ions in HxWO3 nanowire will decrease when the device is exposed to oxygen atmosphere or the bias voltage is swept in atmosphere with low relative humidity. By modulating the concentration of hydrogen ions, conductive hydrogen tungsten bronze filament might form or rupture near electrodes when the polarity of applied voltage changes, which will endow the device with memristive performance characterized by digital resistive switching.
The efficacy and safety of liraglutide added to metformin in patients with diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gu Jianqiu , Meng Xin , Guo Yan , Wang Lei , Zheng Hongzhi , Liu Yixuan , Wu Bingshu , Wang Difei 
Published: September 2016

AbstractLiraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has showed favorable effects in the glycaemic control and weight reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of liraglutide added to metformin with other treatments in patients with T2DM. A systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane library databases were performed. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with T2DM who received the combination treatment of liraglutide and metformin. Pooled estimates were performed using a fixed-effects model or random-effects model. A total of nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Compared with control (placebo, sitagliptin, glimepiride, dulaglutide, insulin glargine, and NPH), liraglutide in combination with metformin resulted in significant reductions in HbA1c, bodyweight, FPG, and PPG, and similar reductions in SBP, and DBP. Moreover, liraglutide combined with metformin did not increase the risk of hypoglycemia, but induced a higher incidence of gastrointestinal disorders. In conclusion, this meta-analysis confirmed the use of liraglutide as add-on to metformin appeared to be effective and safe for patients with T2DM. However, considering the potential limitations in this study, more large-scale, well-conducted RCTs are needed to identify our findings.
A Molecularly Complete Planar Bacterial Outer Membrane Platform
Authors: Hsia Chih-Yun , Chen Linxiao , Singh Rohit R. , DeLisa Matthew P. , Daniel Susan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe bacterial outer membrane (OM) is a barrier containing membrane proteins and liposaccharides that fulfill crucial functions for Gram-negative bacteria. With the advent of drug-resistant bacteria, it is necessary to understand the functional role of this membrane and its constituents to enable novel drug designs. Here we report a simple method to form an OM-like supported bilayer (OM-SB), which incorporates native lipids and membrane proteins of gram-negative bacteria from outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). We characterize the formation of OM-SBs using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) and fluorescence microscopy. We show that the orientation of proteins in the OM-SB matches the native bacterial membrane, preserving the characteristic asymmetry of these membranes. As a demonstration of the utility of the OM-SB platform, we quantitatively measure antibiotic interactions between OM-SBs and polymyxin B, a cationic peptide used to treat Gram-negative infections. This data enriches understanding of the antibacterial mechanism of polymyxin B, including disruption kinetics and changes in membrane mechanical properties. Combining OM-SBs with microfluidics will enable higher throughput screening of antibiotics. With a broader view, we envision that a molecularly complete membrane-scaffold could be useful for cell-free applications employing engineered membrane proteins in bacterial membranes for myriad technological purposes.
Identification of SET Domain-Containing Proteins in Gossypium raimondii and Their Response to High Temperature Stress
Authors: Huang Yong , Mo Yijia , Chen Pengyun , Yuan Xiaoling , Meng Funing , Zhu Shengwei , Liu Zhi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSET (Su(var), E(z), and Trithorax) domain-containing proteins play an important role in plant development and stress responses through modifying lysine methylation status of histone. Gossypium raimondii may be the putative contributor of the D-subgenome of economical crops allotetraploid G. hirsutum and G. barbadense and therefore can potentially provide resistance genes. In this study, we identified 52 SET domain-containing genes from G. raimondii genome. Based on conserved sequences, these genes are grouped into seven classes and are predicted to catalyze the methylation of different substrates: GrKMT1 for H3K9me, GrKMT2 and GrKMT7 for H3K4me, GrKMT3 for H3K36me, GrKMT6 for H3K27me, but GrRBCMT and GrS-ET for nonhistones substrate-specific methylation. Seven pairs of GrKMT and GrRBCMT homologous genes are found to be duplicated, possibly one originating from tandem duplication and five from a large scale or whole genome duplication event. The gene structure, domain organization and expression patterns analyses suggest that these genes’ functions are diversified. A few of GrKMTs and GrRBCMTs, especially for GrKMT1A;1a, GrKMT3;3 and GrKMT6B;1 were affected by high temperature (HT) stress, demonstrating dramatically changed expression patterns. The characterization of SET domain-containing genes in G. raimondii provides useful clues for further revealing epigenetic regulation under HT and function diversification during evolution.
TAK1 inhibitor NG25 enhances doxorubicin-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Huiyuan , Shi Minghao , Yu Yang , Wang Hao , Cao Wen-Ming , Zhao Yanling , Zhang Hong 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDoxorubicin (Dox, Adriamycin) has been widely used in breast cancer treatment. But its severe cardio-toxic side effects limited the clinical use. Dox treatment can induce DNA damage and other accompanying effects in cancer cells, and subsequently activates nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway which has a strong pro-survival role in different types of malignancy. We hypothesize that blocking NF-κB pathway may sensitize breast cancer cells to Dox chemotherapy. TGFβ-activated kinase-1 (TAK1) is a key intracellular molecule participating in genotoxic stresses-induced NF-κB activation. Targeting TAK1 as a strategy to enhance cancer treatment efficacy has been studied in several malignancies. We showed that NG25, a synthesized TAK1 inhibitor, greatly enhanced Dox treatment efficacy in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. In this pre-clinical study, we found that NG25 partially blocked Dox-induced p38 phosphorylation and IκBα degradation and enhanced Dox-induced cytotoxic effects and apoptosis in all breast cancer cell lines tested. Taken together, we provided clear evidence that NG25 sensitizes the breast cancer cells to Dox treatment in vitro. This combination may be an effective and feasible therapeutic option maximizing Dox efficacy and meanwhile minimizing Dox side effects in treating breast cancer.
Across intra-mammalian stages of the liver f luke Fasciola hepatica: a proteomic study
Authors: Di Maggio Lucía Sánchez , Tirloni Lucas , Pinto Antonio F. M. , Diedrich Jolene K. , Yates III John R. , Benavides Uruguaysito , Carmona Carlos , da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Berasain Patricia 
Published: September 2016

AbstractFasciola hepatica is the agent of fasciolosis, a foodborne zoonosis that affects livestock production and human health. Although flukicidal drugs are available, re-infection and expanding resistance to triclabendazole demand new control strategies. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex interaction with the mammalian host could provide relevant clues, aiding the search for novel targets in diagnosis and control of fasciolosis. Parasite survival in the mammalian host is mediated by parasite compounds released during infection, known as excretory/secretory (E/S) products. E/S products are thought to protect parasites from host responses, allowing them to survive for a long period in the vertebrate host. This work provides in-depth proteomic analysis of F. hepatica intra-mammalian stages, and represents the largest number of proteins identified to date for this species. Functional classification revealed the presence of proteins involved in different biological processes, many of which represent original findings for this organism and are important for parasite survival within the host. These results could lead to a better comprehension of host-parasite relationships, and contribute to the development of drugs or vaccines against this parasite.
Experimental Infection of Calves with Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak strain
Authors: Hamm K. , Barth S. A. , Stalb S. , Geue L. , Liebler-Tenorio E. , Teifke J. P. , Lange E. , Tauscher K. , Kotterba G. , Bielaszewska M. , Karch H. , Menge C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn 2011, a severe outbreak of hemolytic-uremic syndrome was caused by an unusual, highly virulent enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O104:H4 strain, which possessed EHEC virulence traits in the genetic background of human-adapted enteroaggregative E. coli. To determine magnitude of fecal shedding and site of colonization of EHEC O104:H4 in a livestock host, 30 (ten/strain) weaned calves were inoculated with 1010 CFU of EHEC O104:H4, EHEC O157:H7 (positive control) or E. coli strain 123 (negative control) and necropsied (4 or 28 d.p.i.). E. coli O157:H7 was recovered until 28 d.p.i. and O104:H4 until 24 d.p.i. At 4 d.p.i., EHEC O104:H4 was isolated from intestinal content and detected associated with the intestinal mucosa. These results are the first evidence that cattle, the most important EHEC reservoir, can also carry unusual EHEC strains at least transiently, questioning our current understanding of the molecular basis of host adaptation of this important E. coli pathovar.
Early outcomes after small incision lenticule extraction and photorefractive keratectomy for correction of high myopia
Authors: Chan Tommy C. Y. , Yu Marco C. Y. , Ng Alex , Wang Zheng , Cheng George P. M. , Jhanji Vishal 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe prospectively compared visual and refractive outcomes in patients with high myopia and myopic astigmatism after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and photorefractive keratetctomy (PRK) with mitomycin C. Sixty-six eyes of 33 patients (mean age, 29.7 ± 5.6 years) were included (SMILE: 34 eyes, PRK 32 eyes). Preoperatively, no significant difference was noted in manifest spherical equivalent (p = 0.326), manifest sphere (p = 0.277), and manifest cylinder (p = 0.625) between both groups. At 1 month, there were significant differences in logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity, efficacy index and manifest refraction spherical equivalent between SMILE and PRK (p ≤ 0.029). At 6 months, the logMAR corrected distance visual acuity (p = 0.594), logMAR uncorrected visual acuity (p = 0.452), efficacy index (p = 0.215) and safety index was (p = 0.537) was comparable between SMILE and PRK. Significant differences were observed in postoperative manifest spherical equivalent (p = 0.044) and manifest cylinder (p = 0.014) between both groups. At the end of 6 months, 100% of the eyes in SMILE group and 69% of the eyes in PRK group were within ±0.50 D of the attempted cylindrical correction. The postoperative difference vector, magnitude of error and absolute angle of error were significantly smaller after SMILE compared to PRK (p ≤ 0.040) implying a trend towards overcorrection of cylindrical correction following PRK.
Manipulating and assembling metallic beads with Optoelectronic Tweezers
Authors: Zhang Shuailong , Juvert Joan , Cooper Jonathan M. , Neale Steven L. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractOptoelectronic tweezers (OET) or light-patterned dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been developed as a micromanipulation technology for controlling micro- and nano-particles with applications such as cell sorting and studying cell communications. Additionally, the capability of moving small objects accurately and assembling them into arbitrary 2D patterns also makes OET an attractive technology for microfabrication applications. In this work, we demonstrated the use of OET to manipulate conductive silver-coated Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres (50 μm diameter) into tailored patterns. It was found that the microspheres could be moved at a max velocity of 3200 μm/s, corresponding to 4.2 nano-newton (10−9 N) DEP force, and also could be positioned with high accuracy via this DEP force. The underlying mechanism for this strong DEP force is shown by our simulations to be caused by a significant increase of the electric field close to the particles, due to the interaction between the field and the silver shells coating the microspheres. The associated increase in electrical gradient causes DEP forces that are much stronger than any previously reported for an OET device, which facilitates manipulation of the metallic microspheres efficiently without compromise in positioning accuracy and is important for applications on electronic component assembling and circuit construction.
Low‐noise inducing Rx for human body communication
Authors: Oh K.‐I. , Kang T.W. , Kim S.E. , Park H.‐I. , Lim I.G. , Kang S.W. 
Published: September 2016

A low‐noise inducing receiver (Rx) for human body communication is proposed. By minimising switching noise from the digital circuit of the Rx and coupling of the signal to the Rx ground, stable and reliable communication was accomplished even when the transmitter (Tx) and the Rx were attached to the human body. A prototype Tx and Rx were implemented with a PCB size of 5 × 6 cm. They were tested with this low‐noise inducing Rx design and accomplished a data rate of 1 Mbits/s without any cyclic redundancy check (CRC) error.
Portal Vein Thrombosis in a Preterm Newborn with Mutation of the MTHFR and PAI-1 Genes and Sepsis by Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Giuffrè Mario , Verso Clelia , Serra Gregorio , Moceri Giovanni , Cimador Marcello , Corsello Giovanni 
Published: September 2016

Objective This report discusses the role of both congenital and acquired risk factors in the pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis (PVT).
Study Design We describe the clinical management and treatment of PVT in a preterm newborn with a homozygous mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) genes and sepsis by Candida parapsilosis.
Results Although literature data suggest a minor role of genetic factors in thrombophilia in the case of only one mutation, we hypothesize that combined thrombophilic genetic defects may have a cumulative effect and significantly increase the thrombotic risk.
Conclusion It could be appropriate to include more detailed analyses of procoagulant and fibrinolytic factors in the diagnostic workup of neonatal thrombosis, also through the investigation of genetic polymorphisms. The anticoagulant therapy and the removal of concurrent risk factors remain basic steps for the adequate management and prevention of complications.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Monitoring, Superior Vena Cava Flow, and Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 2 years in a Cohort of Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Authors: Cerbo Rosa , Orcesi Simona , Scudeller Luigia , Borellini Martina , Croci Carolina , Ravelli Claudia , Masa Giulia , Paolillo Piermichele , Manzoni Paolo , Balottin Umberto , Stronati Mauro 
Published: September 2016

Objective We aimed at assessing the association between superior vena cava flow (SVCf), regional (cerebral) tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2), and cerebral fractional oxygen extraction (CFOE) during the first 48 hours of life and 2-years neurodevelopmental outcome of very low-birth-weight infants (VLBW).
Methods We prospectively studied 60 VLBW infants admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit; rSO2 was continuously monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy during the first 48 hours of life, SVCf was measured at 4 to 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours, and CFOE was calculated. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at 24 months corrected age.
Results The mean gestational age at birth was 27.9 weeks (standard deviation: 2.4); 8 infants died in the first 3 months of life, 6 were lost to follow-up, 46 survived and were followed up. At 24 months, 6 (13%) and 7 (15.2%) infants developed minor and major sequelae, respectively. Infants who died had higher CFOE (p < 0.001) and lower SVCf (p < 0.001) than infants surviving with sequelae. In turn, these had higher SVCf between 24 and 48 hours than those without sequelae (p < 0.001).
Conclusion SVCf, rSO2, and CFOE patterns in the first days of life suggest cerebral hyperperfusion, related to loss of autoregulation and/or use of inotropic drugs, as a potential mechanism of cerebral injury.
In B cells, phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase–α synthesizes PI(4,5)P2to impact mTORC2 and Akt signaling
Authors: Bulley Simon J. , Droubi Alaa , Clarke Jonathan H. , Anderson Karen E. , Stephens Len R. , Hawkins Phillip T. , Irvine Robin F. 
Published: September 2016

SignificanceInvestigating enzyme function by genetic knockout is often complicated by indirect and compensatory changes, whereas supraphysiological levels of protein can compromise overexpression. These pitfalls have made it difficult to understand the functions of the enigmatic phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinases (PI5P4Ks); we are not even sure what lipid phosphorylation they catalyze in vivo. Here, we have used the unique genetic power of DT40 cells to genomically delete PI5P4Kα or remove the endogenous protein acutely (within 60 min). We used similar approaches to manipulate the endogenous catalytic activity of the enzyme. From this approach, we have gained unique and unexpected insights into the physiological role of PI5P4Kα and the ways in which it interacts with the Akt signaling pathway.
Pathological Ace2-to-Ace enzyme switch in the stressed heart is transcriptionally controlled by the endothelial Brg1–FoxM1 complex
Authors: Yang Jin , Feng Xuhui , Zhou Qiong , Cheng Wei , Shang Ching , Han Pei , Lin Chiou-Hong , Chen Huei-Sheng Vincent , Quertermous Thomas , Chang Ching-Pin 
Published: September 2016

SignificanceAngiotensin-converting enzymes Ace and Ace2 counteract each other to control the metabolism of angiotensin peptides and heart function. When the heart is pathologically stressed, Ace is up-regulated whereas Ace2 is down-regulated, leading to a pathological Ace2-to-Ace switch and increased production of angiotensin II, which promotes hypertrophy and fibrosis. The mechanism of Ace2-to-Ace switch is unknown. In this study, we discovered that the Ace/Ace2 switch occurs at the transcription level and defined a chromatin-based endothelial mechanism that triggers Ace/Ace2 transcription switch and heart failure. Human tissue studies suggest that this mechanism is evolutionarily conserved. Our studies reveal a pharmacological method to simultaneously inhibit pathogenic Ace and activate cardioprotective Ace2. This finding provides new insights and methods for heart failure therapy.
Ammonium and nitrite oxidation at nanomolar oxygen concentrations in oxygen minimum zone waters
Authors: Bristow Laura A. , Dalsgaard Tage , Tiano Laura , Mills Daniel B. , Bertagnolli Anthony D. , Wright Jody J. , Hallam Steven J. , Ulloa Osvaldo , Canfield Donald E. , Revsbech Niels Peter , Thamdrup Bo 
Published: September 2016

Significance
As an essential nutrient, nitrogen plays a critical role in regulating oceanic primary productivity. Nitrogen is cycled between bioavailable and nonavailable forms through a network of aerobic and anaerobic microbial processes. Expanding oxygen minimum zones are hot spots for such transformations. Using a highly sensitive oxygen-sensing technique, we demonstrate that two key aerobic processes, ammonium oxidation and nitrite oxidation, persist even at low oxygen levels of 5–30 nM (∼0.01% air saturation). Activity at these low oxygen concentrations allows ammonium and nitrite oxidation to persist at oxic/anoxic boundaries and within anoxic waters if oxygen intrudes at sufficient frequency. In such environments, ammonium and nitrite oxidizers compete with anaerobic organisms for ammonium and nitrite, and thus act to control nitrogen loss.
Infiltrating monocytes promote brain inflammation and exacerbate neuronal damage after status epilepticus
Authors: Varvel Nicholas H. , Neher Jonas J. , Bosch Andrea , Wang Wenyi , Ransohoff Richard M. , Miller Richard J. , Dingledine Raymond 
Published: September 2016

SignificanceStatus epilepticus is a frequent neurological emergency. These unabated seizures reduce quality of life, promote the development of epilepsy, and can cause death. Activation of microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells, is an invariable feature of seizure activity. However, the involvement of blood-borne immune cells in the brain’s inflammatory reaction after seizures remains unresolved. Here we identify a blood cell not normally encountered in the healthy brain, called a monocyte, which invades brain tissue after seizures and contributes to inflammation. Blocking brain entry of the blood monocytes was beneficial, reducing neuronal damage and accelerating weight regain. Treatment strategies aimed at inhibiting peripheral immune cells from entering the brain after seizures could be beneficial.
Configuration of the thermal landscape determines thermoregulatory performance of ectotherms
Authors: Sears Michael W. , Angilletta Michael J. , Schuler Matthew S. , Borchert Jason , Dilliplane Katherine F. , Stegman Monica , Rusch Travis W. , Mitchell William A. 
Published: September 2016

SignificanceEnvironmental temperatures drive major ecological processes, largely because the physiology of any organism depends on its temperature. For this reason, many animals behave in ways that prevent their body temperatures from fluctuating, even as climate changes dramatically. Using a combination of computer simulations and controlled experiments, we show that thermoregulation depends not only on the mean and variance of operative environmental temperatures but also on the spatial arrangement of these temperatures. Our results have further implications for ecological models that rely on estimates of activity to predict the responses to climatic change.