bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epitaxial growth of Cu(001) thin films onto Si(001) using a single-step HiPIMS process
Authors: Cemin Felipe , Lundin Daniel , Furgeaud Clarisse , Michel Anny , Amiard Guillaume , Minea Tiberiu , Abadias Gregory 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe report on a new route to grow epitaxial copper (Cu) ultra-thin films (up to 150 nm thick) at ambient temperature on Si(001) wafers covered with native oxide without any prior chemical etching or plasma cleaning of the substrate. It consists of a single-step deposition process using high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) and substrate biasing. For a direct current (DC) substrate bias voltage of −130 V, Cu/Si heteroepitaxial growth is achieved by HiPIMS following the Cu(001) [100]//Si(001) [110] orientation, while under the same average deposition conditions, but using conventional DC magnetron sputtering, polycrystalline Cu films with [111] preferred orientation are deposited. In addition, the intrinsic stress has been measuredin situduring growth by real-time monitoring of the wafer curvature. For this particular HiPIMS case, the stress is slightly compressive (−0.1 GPa), but almost fully relaxes after growth is terminated. As a result of epitaxy, the Cu surface morphology exhibits a regular pattern consisting of square-shaped mounds with a lateral size of typically 150 nm. For all samples, X-ray diffraction pole figures and scanning/transmission electron microscopy reveal the formation of extensive twinning of the Cu {111} planes.
Honokiol inhibits ultraviolet radiation-induced immunosuppression through inhibition of ultraviolet-induced inflammation and DNA hypermethylation in mouse skin
Authors: Prasad Ram , Singh Tripti , Katiyar Santosh K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractUltraviolet (UV) radiation exposure induces immunosuppression, which contributes to the development of cutaneous malignancies. We investigated the effects of honokiol, a phytochemical found in plants of the genusMagnolia, on UVB-induced immunosuppression using contact hypersensitivity (CHS) as a model in C3H/HeN mice. Topical application of honokiol (0.5 and 1.0 mg/cm2skin area) had a significant preventive effect on UVB-induced suppression of the CHS response. The inflammatory mediators, COX-2 and PGE2, played a key role in this effect, as indicated by honokiol inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and PGE2production in the UVB-exposed skin. Honokiol application also inhibited UVB-induced DNA hypermethylation and its elevation of the levels of TET enzyme, which is responsible for DNA demethylation in UVB-exposed skin. This was consistent with the restoration of the CHS response in mice treated with the DNA demethylating agent, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, after UVB exposure. There was no significant difference in the levels of inhibition of UVB-induced immunosuppression amongst mice that were treated topically with available anti-cancer drugs (imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil). This study is the first to show that honokiol has the ability to inhibit UVB-induced immunosuppression in preclinical model and, thus, has potential for use as a chemopreventive strategy for UVB radiation-induced malignancies.
The formation mechanism of tear strips on stretched Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy sheets
Authors: Zong Yingying , Shao Bin , Xu Wenchen , Guo Bin , Shan Debin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper reports the presence of tear strips on the surface of a Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy sheet stretched at 960 °C. The test piece reveals a “bamboo”-shaped pattern on its surface, which severely affects the quality of the alloy. Microstructure analysis indicates that the formation mechanism of the tear strip is related to both the rich α2 phase layer and the interfacial B2 phase dynamic recrystallization layer between the α2 phase layer and the substrate metal.
Rare Polyene-polyol Macrolides from Mangrove-derived Streptomyces sp. ZQ4BG
Authors: Wang Wenling , Song Tengfei , Chai Weiyun , Chen Lu , Chen Lei , Lian Xiao-Yuan , Zhang Zhizhen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBioactive natural products from mangrove-derived actinomycetes are important sources for discovery of drug lead compounds. In this study, an extract prepared from culture of an actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ZQ4BG isolated from mangrove soils was found to have activity in inhibiting proliferation of glioma cells. Large culture of this mangrove actinomycete in Gause’s liquid medium resulted in isolation of seven novel polyene-polyol macrolides, named as flavofungins III–IX (3–9), together with known flavofungins I (1) and II (2) and spectinabilin (10). Structures of these isolated compounds were elucidated by extensive NMR analyses and HRESIMS data. The stereochemical assignments were achieved by a combination of NOE information, universal NMR database, and chemical reactions including preparation of acetonide derivatives and Mosher esters. Flavofungins IV–VIII (4–8) are rare 32-membered polyene-polyol macrolides with a tetrahydrofuran ring, while flavofungin IX (9) represents the first example of this type of macrolide with a unique oxepane ring. Flavofungins I (1) and II (2) and spectinabilin (10) showed anti-glioma and antifungal activities.
Matrix elasticity-modified scaffold loaded with SDF-1α improves the in situ regeneration of segmental bone defect in rabbit radius
Authors: Chen Guobao , Lv Yonggang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe effectiveness of stem-cell based therapy has been hampered by the limited availability of stem cell sources, immune rejection, and difficulties in clinical adoption and regulatory approval. These obstacles can be partially circumvented by using in situ tissue engineering that recruits the endogenous stem/progenitor cells and provides cues to direct stem cell phenotype. Here, decellularized bone scaffold is mechanically modified by coating of collagen (Col)/hydroxyapatite (HA) mixture with optimal ratio and loaded with chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), in which endogenous stem cell recruitment can be improved by chemokine and stem cell fate can be regulated by matrix elasticity of the scaffold. This study shows that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) osteogenesis in vitro was enhanced by matrix elasticity and SDF-1α, and endogenous MSCs recruitment in subcutaneous implantation of rat was increased by the release of SDF-1α from the scaffold, and bone regeneration in rabbit large bone defect model was significantly improved by matrix elasticity and SDF-1α. In short, this study provides a new insight for developing novel engineered cell-free bone substitutes by mechanical modification for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of novel Hedgehog Inhibitors for treating Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Chaudhary Amit Kumar , Dong Yuxiang , Zhong Haizhen A. , Mondal Goutam , Lin Feng , Kumar Virender , Mahato Ram I. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHedgehog (Hh) pathway is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance resulting in tumor progression. GDC-0449, an inhibitor of Hh pathway component smoothened (Smo) has shown promise in the treatment of various cancers including pancreatic cancer. However, the emergence of resistance during GDC-0449 treatment with numerous side effects limits its use. Therefore, here we report the design, synthesis and evaluation of novel GDC-0449 analogs using N-[3-(2-pyridinyl) phenyl] benzamide scaffold. Cell-based screening followed by molecular simulation revealed 2-chloro-N1-[4-chloro-3-(2-pyridinyl)phenyl]-N4,N4-bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide (MDB5) as most potent analog, binding with an extra interactions in seven-transmembrane (7-TM) domain of Smo due to an additional 2-pyridylmethyl group than GDC-0449. Moreover, MDB5 was more efficient in inhibiting Hh pathway components as measured by Gli-1 and Shh at transcriptional and translational levels. Additionally, a significant reduction of ALDH1, CD44 and Oct-3/4, key markers of pancreatic CSC was observed when MIA PaCa-2 cells were treated with MDB5 compared to GDC-0449. In a pancreatic tumor mouse model, MDB5 containing nanoparticles treated group showed significant inhibition of tumor growth without loss in body weight. These evidence highlight the enhanced Hh pathway inhibition and anticancer properties of MDB5 leaving a platform for mono and/or combination therapy.
Transcriptome analysis of dominant-negative Brd4 mutants identifies Brd4-specific target genes of small molecule inhibitor JQ1
Authors: Decker Tim-Michael , Kluge Michael , Krebs Stefan , Shah Nilay , Blum Helmut , Friedel Caroline C. , Eick Dirk 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe bromodomain protein Brd4 is an epigenetic reader and plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of leukemia. Brd4 binds to acetylated histone tails and activates transcription by recruiting the positive elongation factor P-TEFb. Small molecule inhibitor JQ1 competitively binds the bromodomains of Brd4 and displaces the protein from acetylated histones. However, it remains unclear whether genes targeted by JQ1 are mainly regulated by Brd4 or by other bromodomain proteins such as Brd2 and Brd3. Here, we describe anti-proliferative dominant-negative Brd4 mutants that compete with the function of distinct Brd4 domains. We used these Brd4 mutants to compare the Brd4-specific transcriptome with the transcriptome of JQ1-treated cells. We found that most JQ1-regulated genes are also regulated by dominant-negative Brd4 mutants, including the mutant that competes with the P-TEFb recruitment function of Brd4. Importantly, JQ1 and dominant-negative Brd4 mutants regulated the same set of target genes of c-Myc, a key regulator of the JQ1 response in leukemia cells. Our results suggest that Brd4 mediates most of the anti-cancer effects of JQ1 and that the major function of Brd4 in this process is the recruitment of P-TEFb. In summary, our studies define the molecular targets of JQ1 in more detail.
Efficacy and safety of thiazolidinediones in diabetes patients with renal impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Wen , Zhou Xu , Kwong Joey S. W. , Li Ling , Li Youping , Sun Xin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TZDs in treatment of diabetes mellitus patients with renal impairment. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case-control studies that investigated the effects of TZDs in patients with diabetes and renal impairment were eligible. Outcomes included glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, serum lipids, and patient-important outcomes (i.e. hypoglycemia, weight, edema, cardiovascular events and mortality). 19 RCTs and 3 cohort studies involving 21,803 patients with diabetes and renal impairment were included. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that TZDs could significantly reduce HbA1c (MD −0.64, 95%CI −0.93 to −0.35), FPG (MD −26.27, 95%CI −44.90 to −7.64) and increase HDL levels (MD 3.70, 95%CI 1.10, 6.29). TZDs could increase weight (MD 3.23, 95% CI 2.29 to 4.16) and risk of edema (RR 2.96, 95% CI 1.22 to 7.20). Their effects on risk of hypoglycemia (RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.65 to 3.29), heart failure (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.66), angina (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.23 to 8.95) and all-cause mortality (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.08 to 2.01) are uncertain. Results from cohort studies were similar to RCTs.
Dephasing rates for weak localization and universal conductance fluctuations in two dimensional Si:P and Ge:P δ-layers
Authors: Shamim Saquib , Mahapatra S. , Scappucci G. , Klesse W. M. , Simmons M. Y. , Ghosh Arindam 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe report quantum transport measurements on two dimensional (2D) Si:P and Ge:P δ-layers and compare the inelastic scattering rates relevant for weak localization (WL) and universal conductance fluctuations (UCF) for devices of various doping densities (0.3–2.5 × 1018 m−2) at low temperatures (0.3–4.2 K). The phase breaking rate extracted experimentally from measurements of WL correction to conductivity and UCF agree well with each other within the entire temperature range. This establishes that WL and UCF, being the outcome of quantum interference phenomena, are governed by the same dephasing rate.
Die prognostische Validität des FCE-Verfahrens ELA in beruflich orientierten medizinischen Rehabilitationsmaßnahmen
Authors: Bühne David , Alles Torsten , Hetzel Christian , Froböse Ingo 
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung
Ziel war die Ermittlung der prognostischen Güte des Verfahrens „ELA – Einschätzung körperlicher Leistungsfähigkeiten bei arbeitsbezogenen Aktivitäten“ hinsichtlich einer nachhaltigen beruflichen Wiedereingliederung.
An der multizentrisch prospektiven Kohortenstudie beteiligten sich 4 Einrichtungen der ambulanten medizinischen Rehabilitation und 198 Probanden. Zielgrößen waren Erwerbstätigkeit nach 3 Monaten mit einem niedrigen Niveau an Arbeitsunfähigkeitstagen (AU-Tagen) (1) bzw. mit einer subjektiv mindestens mittelmäßigen Fähigkeit zur Bewältigung der körperlichen Arbeitsanforderungen (2). Basierend auf den zu Reha-Beginn und Reha-Ende erhobenen ELA-Ergebnissen sowie Patientenangaben zu Reha-Beginn wurden Regressionsmodelle berechnet.
Die Bedeutung der ELA-Ergebnisse zeigte sich zu Reha-Ende sowohl nach Kontrolle der Assessoren (Odds Ratio – OR=17,2 [95% Konfidenzintervall – CI: 6,2–57,8] bzw. OR 12,8 [95% CI: 5,1–32,1]) also auch zusätzlicher Adjustierung für objektive Patientenangaben (OR 14,6 [95% CI: 4,8–44,9] bzw. OR 10,1 [95% CI: 3,5–29,4]). Ein zusätzlicher Informationsgewinn der ELA-Ergebnisse zu Reha-Beginn gegenüber Referenzmodellen, in denen auch subjektive Patientenangaben berücksichtigt wurden, zeigte sich nur hinsichtlich Zielgröße 1 (OR 2,6 [95% CI: 1,1–6,0]).
ELA ermöglicht eine valide und über objektive Patientenangaben hinausgehende Prognose der nachhaltigen beruflichen Wiedereingliederung. Das Vorliegen eines Mehrgewinns gegenüber auf subjektiven und objektiven Patientenangaben basierenden Prognosemodellen konnte nicht eindeutig bestätigt werden.
Gastroesophageal reflux after peroral endoscopic myotomy: a multicenter case–control study
Authors: Kumbhari Vivek , Familiari Pietro , Bjerregaard Niels , Pioche Mathieu , Jones Edward , Ko Weon , Hayee Bu , Cali Anna , Ngamruengphong Saowanee , Mion Francois , Hernaez Ruben , Roman Sabine , Tieu Alan , El Zein Mohamad , Ajayi Tokunbo , Haji Amyn , Cho Joo , Hazey Jeffrey , Perry Kyle , Ponchon Thierry , Kunda Rastislav , Costamagna Guido , Khashab Mouen 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims The variables associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are largely unknown. This study aimed to: 1) identify the prevalence of reflux esophagitis and asymptomatic GER in patients who underwent POEM, and 2) evaluate patient and intraprocedural variables associated with post-POEM GER.
Patients and methods All patients who underwent POEM and subsequent objective testing for GER (pH study with or without upper gastrointestinal [GI] endoscopy) at seven tertiary academic centers (one Asian, two US, four European) were included. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) DeMeester score ≥ 14.72 (cases) and 2) DeMeester score of < 14.72 (controls). Asymptomatic GER was defined as a patient with a DeMeester score ≥ 14.72 who was not consuming proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
Results A total of 282 patients (female 48.2 %, Caucasian 84.8 %; mean body mass index 24.1 kg/m2) were included. Clinical success was achieved in 94.3 % of patients. GER evaluation was completed after a median follow-up of 12 months (interquartile range 10 – 24 months). A DeMeester score of ≥ 14.72 was seen in 57.8 % of patients. Multivariable analysis revealed female sex to be the only independent association (odds ratio 1.69, 95 % confidence interval 1.04 – 2.74) with post-POEM GER. No intraprocedural variables were associated with GER. Upper GI endoscopy was available in 233 patients, 54 (23.2 %) of whom were noted to have reflux esophagitis (majority Los Angeles Grade A or B). GER was asymptomatic in 60.1 %.
Conclusion Post-POEM GER was seen in the majority of patients. No intraprocedural variables were identified to allow for potential alteration in procedural technique.
MicroRNA-524-5p Functions as a Tumor Suppressor in a Human Pituitary Tumor-Derived Cell Line
Authors: Zhen Wang , Qiu Du , Zhiyong Chen , Xin Wang , Mengyao Jian , Dimin Zhu , Chonghui Hu , Haijun Wang , Yonghong Zhu 
Published: May 2017

AbstractClinical nonfunctional pituitary adenomas (NFAs) account for about 40% of pituitary adenomas with almost no clinically relevant hormonal symptoms. Increasing evidence shows that many microRNAs are involved in the development and progression of pituitary adenomas. MicroRNA-524-5p (miR-524-5p) has been reported to cause characteristic alterations in various tumors. However, the functional importance of miR-524-5p in NFAs remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of overexpressing miR-524-5p on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity of pituitary-derived folliculostellate (PDFS) cells using lentiviral transfection. Interestingly, the results showed that overexpressing miR-524-5p downregulated pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) binding factor (PBF) expression at both mRNA and protein levels and significantly attenuated cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, and invasion in vitro. Moreover, enhancing miR-524-5p blocked tumor growth in a nude mouse xenograft model in vivo. These findings suggest that miR-524-5p appears to play a critical role in the regulation of biological properties of PDFS cells, and may represent a potential therapeutic target for NFAs.
3D Volumetric Measurements of GH Secreting Adenomas Correlate with Baseline Pituitary Function, Initial Surgery Success Rate, and Disease Control
Authors: Tirosh Amit , Papadakis Georgios , Chittiboina Prashant , Lyssikatos Charalampos , Belyavskaya Elena , Keil Meg , Lodish Maya , Stratakis Constantine 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThere is scarce data on the clinical utility of volume measurement for growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas. The current study objective was to assess the association between pituitary adenoma volumes and baseline endocrine evaluation, initial surgical success rate, and disease control among patients with acromegaly. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a clinical research center including patients with acromegaly due to GH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Baseline hormonal evaluation and adenoma characteristics according to MRI were collected. Volumetric measurements of pituitary adenomas were performed using a semi-automated lesion segmentation and tumor-volume assessment tools. Rates of post-operative medical treatment, radiation therapy, and re-operation were gathered from the patients’ medical records. Twenty seven patients (11 females) were included, median age 21.0 years (interquartile range 29 years, range 3–61 years). Patients harboring adenomas with a volume <2 000 mm3 had higher chance to achieve disease remission [94.1% (n=16) vs. 50.0% (n=4), p<0.05]. Adenoma volumes positively correlated with baseline plasma GH levels before and after oral glucose administration, and with plasma IGF-I and PRL levels. Adenoma volume had negative correlation with morning plasma cortisol levels. Finally, patients harboring larger adenomas required 2nd surgery and/or medical treatment more often compared with subjects with smaller adenomas. Accurate 3D volume measurement of GH-secreting pituitary adenomas may be used for the prediction of initial surgery success and for disease control rates among patients with a GH-secreting pituitary adenomas and performs better than standard size assessments.
Prediction of Permeation and Cellular Transport of Silybum marianum Extract Formulated in a Nanoemulsion by Using PAMPA and Caco-2 Cell Models
Authors: Piazzini Vieri , Rosseti Chiara , Bigagli Elisabetta , Luceri Cristina , Bilia Anna , Bergonzi Maria 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe present study explores the potential of nanoemulsion, a lipid drug delivery system, to improve solubility and oral absorption of Silybum marianum extract. The optimized formulation contained 40 mg/mL of commercial extract (4 % w/w) and it was composed of 2.5 g labrasol (20 %) as the oil phase, 1.5 g cremophor EL as the surfactant, and 1 g labrafil as the cosurfactant (mixture surfactant/cosurfactant, 20 %).The system was characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and HPLC-DAD analyses in order to evaluate size, homogeneity, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency. Physical and chemical stabilities were assessed during 40 days at 4 °C and 3 months at 25 °C. Stability in simulated gastric fluid followed by simulated intestinal conditions was also considered.
In vitro permeation studies were performed to determine the suitability of the prepared nanoemulsion for oral delivery. Different models such as the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay and Caco-2 cell lines were applied.The nanoemulsion showed a good solubilizing effect of the extract, with a pronounced action also on its permeability, in respect to a saturated aqueous solution. The Caco-2 test confirmed the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay results and they revealed the suitability of the prepared nanoemulsion for oral delivery.
‘Cyber hate’ vs. ‘cyber deliberation’
Authors: Dorostkar Niku , Preisinger Alexander 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOur contribution deals with an Austrian case study on racist discourse strategies in the forums of the Austrian online newspaper derStandard.at. First, we will consider forums as a communicative form characterised by specific linguistic features as well as its technical and functional design. Furthermore, we will present an analysis of the reader’s postings from a critical-discursive perspective following the discourse-historical approach, where the readers’ comments on articles on migration and language are investigated against the background of online-specific communication. Another subject of discussion will be areas of conflict between freedom of expression, deliberation and the ‘censorship’ of the forums by the editorial staff with the help of semi-automated tools for filtering out explicit racist postings. Finally, we discuss chances and risks of the investigated forums regarding discursive and social practices within democratically constituted societies and address the question which actions can be taken to improve the quality of such forums.
Characterization and gene cloning of l-xylulose reductase involved in l-arabinose catabolism from the pentose-fermenting fungus Rhizomucor pusillus
Authors: Yamasaki-Yashiki Shino , Komeda Hidenobu , Hoshino Kazuhiro , Asano Yasuhisa 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
l-Xylulose reductase (LXR) catalyzes the reduction of l-xylulose to xylitol in the fungal l-arabinose catabolic pathway. LXR (RpLXR) was purified from the pentose-fermenting zygomycetous fungus Rhizomucor pusillus NBRC 4578. The native RpLXR is a homotetramer composed of 29 kDa subunits and preferred NADPH as a coenzyme. The Km values were 8.71 mM for l-xylulose and 3.89 mM for dihydroxyacetone. The lxr3 (Rplxr3) gene encoding RpLXR consists of 792 bp and encodes a putative 263 amino acid protein (Mr = 28,341). The amino acid sequence of RpLXR showed high similarity to 3-oxoacyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase. The Rplxr3 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant RpLXR exhibited properties similar to those of native RpLXR. Transcription of the Rplxr3 gene in R. pusillus NBRC 4578 was induced in the presence of l-arabinose and inhibited in the presence of d-glucose, d-xylose, and d-mannitol, indicating that RpLXR is involved in the l-arabinose catabolic pathway.