bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of pertussis-like toxin from Salmonella spp. that catalyzes ADP-ribosylation of G proteins
Authors: Tamamura Yukino , Tanaka Kiyoshi , Uchida Ikuo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSalmonellaTyphimurium definitive phage type (DT) 104 produces a pertussis-like toxin (ArtAB-DT104), which catalyzes ADP-ribosylation of pertussis toxin sensitive G proteins. However, the prevalence of ArtAB and its toxicity have not been established. We report here that, in addition to DT104,S. Worthington, andS.bongori, produce ArtAB homologs, designated ArtAB-SW and ArtAB-Sb, respectively. We purified and characterized these ArtAB toxins, which comprise a 27-kDa A subunit (ArtA) and 13.8-kDa pentameric B subunits (ArtB). While the sequence of the A subunit, which is ADP-ribosyltransferase, is similar to the A subunit sequences of other ArtABs, the B subunit of ArtAB-Sb is divergent compared to the B subunit sequences of other ArtABs. Intraperitoneal injection of purified ArtABs was fatal in mice; the 50% lethal doses of ArtAB-DT104 and ArtAB-SW were lower than that of ArtAB-Sb, suggesting that ArtB plays an influential role in the toxicity of ArtABs. ArtABs catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of G proteins in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage-like cells, and increased intracellular cyclic AMP levels. ArtAB-DT104 and ArtAB-SW, but not ArtAB-Sb, stimulated insulin secretion in mice; however, unlike Ptx, ArtABs did not induce leukocytosis. This disparity in biological activity may be explained by differences in ADP-ribosylation of target G proteins.
Microwave-activated Ni/carbon catalysts for highly selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to cyclohexylamine
Authors: Lu Xinhuan , He Jie , Jing Run , Tao Peipei , Nie Renfeng , Zhou Dan , Xia Qinghua 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBiocarbon supported Ni catalysts have been prepared by facile impregnation of Ni species by microwave-heating and used for selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to cyclohexylamine. These catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, N2 sorption measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature programmed reduction of H2 and H2 temperature-programmed desorption. The morphology and particle size of catalysts were imaged by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. For the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to cyclohexylamine, 10%Ni/CSC-II(b) exhibits the best catalytic activity to achieve 100 mol% conversion of nitrobenzene and 96.7% selectivity of cyclohexylamine under reaction conditions of 2.0 MPa H2 and 200 °C, ascribed to high dispersion of Ni species and formation of nanosized Ni particles on the support aided by microwave-heating. Thus-prepared Ni/CSC catalyst is greatly activated, in which the addition of precious metal like Rh is totally avoided.
Using remote sensing environmental data to forecast malaria incidence at a rural district hospital in Western Kenya
Authors: Sewe Maquins Odhiambo , Tozan Yesim , Ahlm Clas , Rocklöv Joacim 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMalaria surveillance data provide opportunity to develop forecasting models. Seasonal variability in environmental factors correlate with malaria transmission, thus the identification of transmission patterns is useful in developing prediction models. However, with changing seasonal transmission patterns, either due to interventions or shifting weather seasons, traditional modelling approaches may not yield adequate predictive skill. Two statistical models,a general additive model (GAM) and GAMBOOST model with boosted regression were contrasted by assessing their predictive accuracy in forecasting malaria admissions at lead times of one to three months. Monthly admission data for children under five years with confirmed malaria at the Siaya district hospital in Western Kenya for the period 2003 to 2013 were used together with satellite derived data on rainfall, average temperature and evapotranspiration(ET). There was a total of 8,476 confirmed malaria admissions. The peak of malaria season changed and malaria admissions reduced overtime. The GAMBOOST model at 1-month lead time had the highest predictive skill during both the training and test periods and thus can be utilized in a malaria early warning system.
Simple, rapid and efficient transformation of genotype Nisqually-1: a basic tool for the first sequenced model tree
Authors: Li Shujuan , Zhen Cheng , Xu Wenjing , Wang Chong , Cheng Yuxiang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGenotype Nisqually-1 is the first model woody plant with an available well-annotated genome. Nevertheless, a simple and rapid transformation of Nisqually-1 remains to be established. Here, we developed a novel shoot regeneration method for Nisqually-1 using leaf petiole and stem segment explants. Numerous shoots formed in the incision of explants within two weeks. The optimized shoot regeneration medium (SRM) contained 0.03 mg l−1 6-benzylaminopurine, 0.02 mg l−1 indole-3-butyric acid and 0.0008 mg l−1 thidiazuron. Based on this, Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of stem explants was examined using the vector pBI121 that contains the β-glucuronidase (GUS) as a reporter gene. Consequently, factors affecting transformation frequency of GUS-positive shoots were optimized as follows: Agrobacteria cell suspension with an OD600 of 0.4, 20 min infection time, 2 days of co-cultivation duration and the addition of 80 µM acetosyringone into Agrobacteria infective suspension and co-cultivation SRM. Using this optimized method, transgenic plantlets of Nisqually-1 – with an average transformation frequency of 26.7% – were obtained with 2 months. Southern blot and GUS activity staining confirmed the integration of the foreign GUS gene into Nisqually-1. This novel transformation system for Nisqually-1 was rapid, efficient, and simple to operate and will improve more genetic applications in this model tree.
Uncovering and Predicting the Dynamic Process of Collective Attention with Survival Theory
Authors: Bao Peng , Zhang Xiaoxia 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe subject of collective attention is in the center of this era of information explosion. It is thus of great interest to understand the fundamental mechanism underlying attention in large populations within a complex evolving system. Moreover, an ability to predict the dynamic process of collective attention for individual items has important implications in an array of areas. In this report, we propose a generative probabilistic model using a self-excited Hawkes process with survival theory to model and predict the process through which individual items gain their attentions. This model explicitly captures three key ingredients: the intrinsic attractiveness of an item, characterizing its inherent competitiveness against other items; a reinforcement mechanism based on sum of each previous attention triggers; and a power-law temporal relaxation function, corresponding to the aging in the ability to attract new attentions. Experiments on two population-scale datasets demonstrate that this model consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
Comparison of non-invasive biomarkers faecal BAFF, calprotectin and FOBT in discriminating IBS from IBD and evaluation of intestinal inflammation
Authors: Fu Yu , Wang Lingli , Xie Cheng , Zou Kaifang , Tu Lei , Yan Wei , Hou Xiaohua 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFaecal calprotectin and faecal occult blood test (FOBT) were widely used in the diagnosis and assessment of intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recently we identified an excellent new biomarker B cell-activating factor (BAFF) for IBD. Here in this study we compared the efficacy of faecal BAFF, calprotectin and FOBT to find the “best non-invasive marker”. Results showed that for discriminating IBD from IBS, BAFF ≥227.3 pg/ml yield 84% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value (PPV) and 64% negative predictive value (NPV) while calprotectin ≥50 µg/g yield 76% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 97% PPV and 53% NPV. FOBT yield 65% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 97% PPV and 43% NPV. Combining BAFF with calprotectin tests yield 94% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 98% PPV, 81% NPV. Faecal BAFF level showed the stronger correlation with endoscopic inflammatory score as compared to calprotectin not only in UC (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.69, p < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.58, p < 0.0001), but also in CD (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.52, p = 0.0003). Our results indicating that faecal BAFF is a promising non-invasive biomarker in IBD differential diagnosis and monitoring of intestinal inflammation.
RNAi Screen and Proteomics Reveal NXF1 as a Novel Regulator of IRF5 Signaling
Authors: Fu Bishi , Zhao Mengmeng , Wang Lingyan , Patil Girish , Smith Jennifer A. , Juncadella Ignacio J. , Zuvela-Jelaska Ljiljana , Dorf Martin E. , Li Shitao 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInterferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a key transcription factor of innate immunity, which plays an important role in host restriction to viral infection and inflammation. Genome-wide association studies have implied the association of IRF5 with several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. However, the regulation of IRF5-mediated immunity is not well understood. To uncover new regulators in IRF5 pathway, we used two “omics” approaches: affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry and a high throughput RNAi screen. Proteomics identified 16 new IRF5 interactors while RNAi-mediated knockdown found 43 regulators of the TLR7-dependent IRF5 signaling pathway. NXF1 was identified in both screens. Stimulation with TLR7 ligand enhances formation of IRF5-NXF1 protein complexes. Gain or loss-of-function experiments revealed NXF1 selectively regulates TLR7-driven IRF5 transcriptional activity, suggesting a new role for NXF1 in the IRF5 signaling pathway.
Smooth anti-reflective three-dimensional textures for liquid phase crystallized silicon thin-film solar cells on glass
Authors: Eisenhauer David , Köppel Grit , Jäger Klaus , Chen Duote , Shargaieva Oleksandra , Sonntag Paul , Amkreutz Daniel , Rech Bernd , Becker Christiane 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRecently, liquid phase crystallization of thin silicon films has emerged as a candidate for thin-film photovoltaics. On 10 μm thin absorbers, wafer-equivalent morphologies and open-circuit voltages were reached, leading to 13.2% record efficiency. However, short-circuit current densities are still limited, mainly due to optical losses at the glass-silicon interface. While nano-structures at this interface have been shown to efficiently reduce reflection, up to now these textures caused a deterioration of electronic silicon material quality. Therefore, optical gains were mitigated due to recombination losses. Here, the SMooth Anti-Reflective Three-dimensional (SMART) texture is introduced to overcome this trade-off. By smoothing nanoimprinted SiO
x
nano-pillar arrays with spin-coated TiO
x
layers, light in-coupling into laser-crystallized silicon solar cells is significantly improved as successfully demonstrated in three-dimensional simulations and in experiment. At the same time, electronic silicon material quality is equivalent to that of planar references, allowing to reach V
oc
values above 630 mV. Furthermore, the short-circuit current density could be increased from 21.0 mA cm−2 for planar reference cells to 24.5 mA cm−2 on SMART textures, a relative increase of 18%. External quantum efficiency measurements yield an increase for wavelengths up to 700 nm compared to a state-of-the-art solar cell with 11.9% efficiency, corresponding to a j
sc, EQE
gain of 2.8 mA cm−2.
Neck circumference associated with arterial blood pressures and hypertension: A cross-sectional community-based study in northern Han Chinese
Authors: Fan Shujun , Yang Boyi , Zhi Xueyuan , He Jing , Ma Ping , Yu Luyang , Zheng Quanmei , Sun Guifan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAlthough several studies have investigated the associations of neck circumference (NC) with arterial blood pressures (BPs) and hypertension, no such studies have been conducted among Northern Chinese population. Between April and June 2015, a total of 2631 subjects aged ≥35 years old were recruited from Northeastern China. NC and arterial BPs were measured by trained personnel. Generalized linear and logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the associations of NC with arterial BPs and hypertension risk. The optimal cut-off points of NC for predicting hypertension were assessed by the receiver operating characteristic analysis. We found that NC was significantly associated with arterial BPs and hypertension risk in the Northeastern Chinese adults, even after adjusting for many covariates including body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio. The optimal cut-off values for NC to predict hypertension differed with sex, age, and body mass index. Our study suggests that NC may play an independent role in predicting hypertension beyond the classical anthropometric indices, and that it could be used as a valuable anthropometric measurement for routine assessment in primary care clinics and future epidemiological studies.
Discovery of a polystyrene binding peptide isolated from phage display library and its application in peptide immobilization
Authors: Qiang Xu , Sun Keyong , Xing Lijun , Xu Yifeng , Wang Hong , Zhou Zhengpin , Zhang Juan , Zhang Fang , Caliskan Bilgen , Wang Min , Qiu Zheng 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPhage peptide display is a powerful technique for discovery of various target-specific ligands. However, target-unrelated peptides can often be obtained and cause ambiguous results. Peptide PB-TUP has been isolated repeatedly in our laboratory on different targets and we conducted a research on PB-TUP phage to investigate their binding properties and rate of propagation. ELISA and phage recovery assay demonstrated that PB-TUP phage had a significant superior affinity to polystyrene solid surface compared with control phage clones. In this study, some incidental bindings are excluded like blocking agents and non-specific binding of secondary antibodies. Propagation rate assays of the selected phage clones showed that the growth rate of PB-TUP phage was not superior to the control phages. Furthermore, the binding of PB-TUB to polystyrene was concentration dependent and varied with solution pH. Molecular modeling revealed that stable structures of α-helix and β-turn may contribute to the binding of PB-TUP to polystyrene plate. The PB-TUP sequence was fused to the N-terminus of peptide P2 and the fusion peptide significantly increased the binding affinity to polystyrene. The fusion peptide also enhanced the cell adhesion ability of peptide P2 with human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). The addition of the polystyrene binding peptide provided a convenient method for peptide immobilization.
Nanoscale spheroidized cementite induced ultrahigh strength-ductility combination in innovatively processed ultrafine-grained low alloy medium-carbon steel
Authors: Jia N. , Shen Y. F. , Liang J. W. , Feng X. W. , Wang H. B. , Misra R. D. K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe describe here innovative processing of low alloy medium-carbon steel with a duplex microstructure composed of nanoscale spheroidized cementite (Fe3C) in an ultrafine-grained (UFG) ferritic steel. After multi-pass rolling and intermittent annealing at 550 °C for 300 s, the obtained UFG-1 steel showed an average ferrite grain size of ~430 nm, containing nanoscale spheroidized cementite (Fe3C) particles with an average size of ~70 nm. On annealing at 600 °C for 300 s, the average size of ferritic grains was increased to ~680 nm and the average size of spheroidized Fe3C particles increased to ~90 nm, referred as UFG-2 steel. Tensile tests indicated that UFG-1 steel had high yield strength (σy) of 1260 MPa, and ultimate tensile strength (σUTS) of 1400 MPa. These values are higher than that of UFG-2 steel (σy = 1080 MPa and σUTS = 1200 MPa), suggesting that the strengthening contribution is a cumulative effect of decrease in ferrite grain size and nanoscale cementite. The incoherent interfaces between nanosized particles and the matrix acted as a strong barrier to dislocation motion. The study underscores that nanosized precipitates not only provide strength but also contribute to ductility, which is very encouraging for improving the ductility of medium-carbon steels.
Genetic insights into juvenile idiopathic arthritis derived from deep whole genome sequencing
Authors: Wong Laiping , Jiang Kaiyu , Chen Yanmin , Jarvis James N. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDeep whole genome sequencing (WGS) allows for the comprehensive study of genetic landscapes at finer resolution than array based methods. We conducted deep WGS on children with the polyarticular form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), using 2 independent cohorts to ascertain the sequencing fidelity. Genome wide SNP density analysis identified 18 SNP hotspots with comparison to the 1000 Genome Projects (1KGP) data. A subset of the genes adjacent to SNP hotspots showed statistically significant enrichment in immunological processes. Genes adjacent to indel hotspots were functionally related to G-protein coupled signaling pathways. Further analyses elucidated significantly more JIA SNPs with regulatory potential compared to 1KGP data. Furthermore, SNPs located within linkage disequibilium (LD) blocks containing previously identified JIA-associated SNPs demonstrated higher regulation potential compared to SNPs outside LD blocks. We also demonstrated enrichment of novel JIA variants in histone modification peaks and DNase hypersensitivity sites in B cells. This study greatly expands the number of genetic variants that may contribute to JIA and give us some clues into what may trigger this disease. To date, this study is the first deep WGS effort on children with JIA and provides useful genetic resources for research communities particularly in understanding JIA etiology.
Compact superconducting lowpass filter with wide stopband
Authors: Jiang Ying , Wei Bin , Heng Yong , Guo Xubo , Cao Bisong , Jiang Linan 
Published: May 2017

A compact superconducting lowpass filter (LPF) composed of a pair of symmetrical parallel coupled lines, a cross‐shaped patch and a modified E‐type feeding structure is proposed. The filter is successfully designed and fabricated on MgO substrate with a compact size of 10.0 × 15.0 mm. Measured results match well with simulation results. The LPF has a 3 dB cut‐off frequency of 2.18 GHz, relative stopband bandwidth of 160%, and 0.06 dB insertion loss in the passband. For attenuation level of −18.5 dB, stopband bandwidth is from 3.16 to 19.25 GHz.
Outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery of brain metastases from neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Prayongrat Anussara , Tao Randa , Allen Pamela K , Guha Nandita , Rao Ganesh , Zhao Zhongxiang , Li Jing , Brown Paul D , McGovern Susan L 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an established treatment for brain metastases, yet little is known about SRS for neuroendocrine tumors given their unique natural history.ObjectiveTo determine outcomes and toxicity from SRS in patients with brain metastases arising from neuroendocrine tumors.MethodsThirty-three patients with brain metastases from neuroendocrine tumors who underwent SRS were retrospectively reviewed. Median age was 61 years and median Karnofsky performance status was 80. Primary sites were lung (87.9%), cervix (6.1%), esophagus (3%), and prostate (3%). Ten patients (30.3%) received upfront SRS, 7 of whom had neuroendocrine tumors other than small cell lung carcinoma. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were performed to determine prognostic factors for survival.ResultsWith median follow-up after SRS of 5.3 months, local and distant brain recurrence developed in 5 patients (16.7%) and 20 patients (66.7%), respectively. Median overall survival (OS) after SRS was 6.9 months. Patients with progressive disease per Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology-Brain Metastases (RANO-BM) criteria at 4 to 6 weeks after SRS had shorter median time to developing recurrence at a distant site in the brain and shorter OS than patients without progressive disease: 1.4 months and 3.3 months vs 11.4 months and 12 months, respectively (both P < .001). Toxicity was more likely in lesions of small cell histology than in lesions of other neuroendocrine tumor histology, 15.7% vs 3.3% (P = .021). No cases of grade 3 to 5 necrosis occurred.ConclusionsSRS is an effective treatment option for patients with brain metastases from neuroendocrine tumors with excellent local control despite slightly higher toxicity rates than expected. Progressive disease at 4 to 6 weeks after SRS portends a poor prognosis.
Fat Grafting after Invasive Breast Cancer: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Petit Jean Yves , Maisonneuve Patrick , Rotmensz Nicole , Bertolini Francesco , Rietjens Mario 
Published: May 2017

Background:
Fat grafting has been widely indicated for postmastectomy and postlumpectomy breast reconstruction. The literature emphasizes the clinical efficacy of fat grafting, but experimental studies raise important questions about the recurrence risk because of the stimulation of remaining cancer cells by progenitor or adult adipocytes. Because breast conservative treatment provides a higher risk of residual cancer cells in the breast tissue compared with mastectomy, the authors set up a matched case-control study of fat grafting versus no fat grafting after breast conservative treatment.

Methods:
The authors collected data from 322 consecutive patients operated on for a primary invasive breast cancer who subsequently underwent fat grafting for breast reshaping from 2006 to 2013. All patients were free of recurrence before fat grafting. For each patient, the authors selected one patient with similar characteristics who did not undergo fat grafting.

Results:
After a mean follow-up of 4.6 years (range, 0.1 to 10.2 years) after fat grafting, or a corresponding time for controls, the authors observed no difference in the incidence of local events (fat grafting, n = 14; controls, n = 16; p = 0.49), axillary nodes metastasis (fat grafting, n = 3; controls, n = 6; p = 0.23), distant metastases (fat grafting, n = 14; controls, n = 15; p = 0.67), or contralateral breast cancer (fat grafting, n = 4; controls, n = 4; p = 0.51).

Conclusion:
Fat grafting seems to be a safe procedure after breast conservative treatment for breast cancer patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, III.