bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small-window parametric imaging based on information entropy for ultrasound tissue characterization
Authors: Tsui Po-Hsiang , Chen Chin-Kuo , Kuo Wen-Hung , Chang King-Jen , Fang Jui , Ma Hsiang-Yang , Chou Dean 
Published: January 2017

AbstractConstructing ultrasound statistical parametric images by using a sliding window is a widely adopted strategy for characterizing tissues. Deficiency in spatial resolution, the appearance of boundary artifacts, and the prerequisite data distribution limit the practicability of statistical parametric imaging. In this study, small-window entropy parametric imaging was proposed to overcome the above problems. Simulations and measurements of phantoms were executed to acquire backscattered radiofrequency (RF) signals, which were processed to explore the feasibility of small-window entropy imaging in detecting scatterer properties. To validate the ability of entropy imaging in tissue characterization, measurements of benign and malignant breast tumors were conducted (n = 63) to compare performances of conventional statistical parametric (based on Nakagami distribution) and entropy imaging by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The simulation and phantom results revealed that entropy images constructed using a small sliding window (side length = 1 pulse length) adequately describe changes in scatterer properties. The area under the ROC for using small-window entropy imaging to classify tumors was 0.89, which was higher than 0.79 obtained using statistical parametric imaging. In particular, boundary artifacts were largely suppressed in the proposed imaging technique. Entropy enables using a small window for implementing ultrasound parametric imaging.
Formation of diverse polycyclic spirooxindoles via three-component reaction of isoquinolinium salts, isatins and malononitrile
Authors: Sun Jing , Shen Guo-liang , Huang Ying , Yan Chao-Guo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe triethylamine promoted three-component reaction of N-(4-nitrobenzyl), N-ethoxycarbonylmethylisoquinolinium bromide, isatins and malononitrile in ethanol afforded spiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines] in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The similar reaction of N-cyanomethylisoquinolinium chloride mainly gave complex indolo[2″,3″:2′,3′]pyrrolo[3′,4′:4,5]pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives. However, the three-component reaction of N-cyanomethylisoquinolinium chloride, isatins and ethyl cyanoacetate mainly resulted in functionalized spiro[indoline-3,8′-pyrido[2′,3′:4,5]pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines].
In vivo detection of cucurbit[6]uril, a hyperpolarized xenon contrast agent for a xenon magnetic resonance imaging biosensor
Authors: Hane Francis T. , Li Tao , Smylie Peter , Pellizzari Raiili M. , Plata Jennifer A. , DeBoef Brenton , Albert Mitchell S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Hyperpolarized gas Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (HyperCEST) Magnetic Resonance (MR) technique has the potential to increase the sensitivity of a hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI contrast agent. Signal enhancement is accomplished by selectively depolarizing the xenon within a cage molecule which, upon exchange, reduces the signal in the dissolved phase pool. Herein we demonstrate the in vivo detection of the cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) contrast agent within the vasculature of a living rat. Our work may be used as a stepping stone towards using the HyperCEST technique as a molecular imaging modality.
Isl2b regulates anterior second heart field development in zebrafish
Authors: Witzel Hagen R. , Cheedipudi Sirisha , Gao Rui , Stainier Didier Y. R. , Dobreva Gergana D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAfter initial formation, the heart tube grows by addition of second heart field progenitor cells to its poles. The transcription factor Isl1 is expressed in the entire second heart field in mouse, and Isl1-deficient mouse embryos show defects in arterial and venous pole development. The expression of Isl1 is conserved in zebrafish cardiac progenitors; however, Isl1 is required for cardiomyocyte differentiation only at the venous pole. Here we show that Isl1 homologues are expressed in specific patterns in the developing zebrafish heart and play distinct roles during cardiac morphogenesis. In zebrafish, isl2a mutants show defects in cardiac looping, whereas isl2b is required for arterial pole development. Moreover, Isl2b controls the expression of key cardiac transcription factors including mef2ca, mef2cb, hand2 and tbx20. The specific roles of individual Islet family members in the development of distinct regions of the zebrafish heart renders this system particularly well-suited for dissecting Islet-dependent gene regulatory networks controlling the behavior and function of second heart field progenitors in distinct steps of cardiac development.
Retooling Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis Algorithm to Enhance Non-Invasive High Resolution Laser Speckle Functional Imaging of Cutaneous Microcirculation
Authors: Gnyawali Surya C. , Blum Kevin , Pal Durba , Ghatak Subhadip , Khanna Savita , Roy Sashwati , Sen Chandan K. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCutaneous microvasculopathy complicates wound healing. Functional assessment of gated individual dermal microvessels is therefore of outstanding interest. Functional performance of laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) systems is compromised by motion artefacts. To address such weakness, post-processing of stacked images is reported. We report the first post-processing of binary raw data from a high-resolution LSCI camera. Sharp images of low-flowing microvessels were enabled by introducing inverse variance in conjunction with speckle contrast in Matlab-based program code. Extended moving window averaging enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. Functional quantitative study of blood flow kinetics was performed on single gated microvessels using a free hand tool. Based on detection of flow in low-flow microvessels, a new sharp contrast image was derived. Thus, this work presents the first distinct image with quantitative microperfusion data from gated human foot microvasculature. This versatile platform is applicable to study a wide range of tissue systems including fine vascular network in murine brain without craniotomy as well as that in the murine dorsal skin. Importantly, the algorithm reported herein is hardware agnostic and is capable of post-processing binary raw data from any camera source to improve the sensitivity of functional flow data above and beyond standard limits of the optical system.
Complete-genome sequencing elucidates outbreak dynamics of CA-MRSA USA300 (ST8-spa t008) in an academic hospital of Paramaribo, Republic of Suriname
Authors: Sabat Artur J. , Hermelijn Sandra M. , Akkerboom Viktoria , Juliana Amadu , Degener John E. , Grundmann Hajo , Friedrich Alexander W. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe report the investigation of an outbreak situation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that occurred at the Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) in the Republic of Suriname from April to May 2013. We performed whole genome sequencing with complete gap closure for chromosomes and plasmids on all isolates. The outbreak involved 12 patients and 1 healthcare worker/nurse at the AZP. In total 24 isolates were investigated. spa typing, genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, ad hoc whole genome multilocus sequence typing (wgMLST), stable core genome MLST (cgMLST) and in silico PFGE were used to determine phylogenetic relatedness and to identify transmission. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) showed that all isolates were members of genomic variants of the North American USA300 clone. However, WGS revealed a heterogeneous population structure of USA300 circulating at the AZP. We observed up to 8 SNPs or up to 5 alleles of difference by wgMLST when the isolates were recovered from different body sites of the same patient or if direct transmission between patients was most likely. This work describes the usefulness of complete genome sequencing of bacterial chromosomes and plasmids providing an unprecedented level of detail during outbreak investigations not being visible by using conventional typing methods.
Secreted miR-27a Induced by Cyclic Stretch Modulates the Proliferation of Endothelial Cells in Hypertension via GRK6
Authors: Wang Lu , Bao Han , Wang Kai-Xuan , Zhang Ping , Yao Qing-Ping , Chen Xiao-Hu , Huang Kai , Qi Ying-Xin , Jiang Zong-Lai 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAbnormal proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs) is important in vascular remodeling during hypertension, but the mechanisms are still unclear. In hypertensive rats caused by abdominal aortic coarctation, the expression of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) in ECs at common carotid artery was repressedin vivo, and EC proliferation was increased. 15% cyclic stretchin vitro, which mimics the pathologically increased stretch in hypertension, repressed EC GRK6 expression via paracrine control by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, VSMC-derived microparticles (VSMC-MPs) were detected in the conditioned medium from VSMCs and in artery. VSMC-MPs from cells exposed to 15% cyclic stretch decreased GRK6 expression and increased EC proliferation. miR-27a was detected in VSMC-MPs and was upregulated by 15% cyclic stretch. miR-27a was transferred from VSMCs to ECs via VSMC-MPs and directly targeted on GRK6. Finally, a multi-point injection of antagomiR-27a around carotid artery decreased miR-27a expressionin vivo, induced GRK6 expression, and reversed the abnormal EC proliferation. Pathologically elevated cyclic stretch increased the secretion of miR-27a, which was transferred from VSMCs to ECs via the VSMC-MPs, subsequently targeted GRK6, and induced EC proliferation. Locally decreasing miR-27a could be a novel therapeutic approach to attenuate the abnormal EC proliferation in hypertension.
Assembly of flexible CoMoO4@NiMoO4·xH2O and Fe2O3 electrodes for solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Leipeng , Liu Xusong , Zhang Xiang , Tian Yanlong , Liu Xiaoxu , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this work, CoMoO4@NiMoO4·xH2O core-shell heterostructure electrode is directly grown on carbon fabric (CF) via a feasible hydrothermal procedure with CoMoO4 nanowires (NWs) as the core and NiMoO4 nanosheets (NSs) as the shell. This core-shell heterostructure could provide fast ion and electron transfer, a large number of active sites, and good strain accommodation. As a result, the CoMoO4@NiMoO4·xH2O electrode yields high-capacitance performance with a high specific capacitance of 1582 F g−1, good cycling stability with the capacitance retention of 97.1% after 3000 cycles and good rate capability. The electrode also shows excellent mechanical flexibility. Also, a flexible Fe2O3 nanorods/CF electrode with enhanced electrochemical performance was prepared. A solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor device is successfully fabricated by using flexible CoMoO4@NiMoO4·xH2O as the positive electrode and Fe2O3 as the negative electrode. The asymmetric supercapacitor with a maximum voltage of 1.6 V demonstrates high specific energy (41.8 Wh kg−1 at 700 W kg−1), high power density (12000 W kg−1 at 26.7 Wh kg−1), and excellent cycle ability with the capacitance retention of 89.3% after 5000 cycles (at the current density of 3A g−1).
Long-term exposure to 835 MHz RF-EMF induces hyperactivity, autophagy and demyelination in the cortical neurons of mice
Authors: Kim Ju Hwan , Yu Da-Hyeon , Huh Yang Hoon , Lee Eun Ho , Kim Hyung-Gun , Kim Hak Rim 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRadiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) is used globally in conjunction with mobile communications. There are public concerns of the perceived deleterious biological consequences of RF-EMF exposure. This study assessed neuronal effects of RF-EMF on the cerebral cortex of the mouse brain as a proxy for cranial exposure during mobile phone use. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 835 MHz RF-EMF at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4.0 W/kg for 5 hours/day during 12 weeks. The aim was to examine activation of autophagy pathway in the cerebral cortex, a brain region that is located relatively externally. Induction of autophagy genes and production of proteins including LC3B-II and Beclin1 were increased and accumulation of autolysosome was observed in neuronal cell bodies. However, proapoptotic factor Bax was down-regulted in the cerebral cortex. Importantly, we found that RF-EMF exposure led to myelin sheath damage and mice displayed hyperactivity-like behaviour. The data suggest that autophagy may act as a protective pathway for the neuronal cell bodies in the cerebral cortex during radiofrequency exposure. The observations that neuronal cell bodies remained structurally stable but demyelination was induced in cortical neurons following prolonged RF-EMF suggests a potential cause of neurological or neurobehavioural disorders.
M-OTDR sensing system based on 3D encoded microstructures
Authors: Sun Qizhen , Ai Fan , Liu Deming , Cheng Jianwei , Luo Hongbo , Peng Kuan , Luo Yiyang , Yan Zhijun , Shum Perry Ping 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this work, a quasi-distributed sensing scheme named as microstructured OTDR (M-OTDR) by introducing ultra-weak microstructures along the fiber is proposed. Owing to its relative higher reflectivity compared with the backscattered coefficient in fiber and three dimensional (3D) i.e. wavelength/frequency/time encoded property, the M-OTDR system exhibits the superiorities of high signal to noise ratio (SNR), high spatial resolution of millimeter level and high multiplexing capacity up to several ten thousands theoretically. A proof-of-concept system consisting of 64 sensing units is constructed to demonstrate the feasibility and sensing performance. With the help of the demodulation method based on 3D analysis and spectrum reconstruction of the signal light, quasi-distributed temperature sensing with a spatial resolution of 20 cm as well as a measurement resolution of 0.1 °C is realized.
Ameliorative effects of Compound K and ginsenoside Rh1 on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats
Authors: Chen Xu-Jia , Liu Wen-Jing , Wen Meng-Liang , Liang Hong , Wu Shao-Mei , Zhu Yun-Zhen , Zhao Jiang-Yuan , Dong Xiang-Qian , Li Ming-Gang , Bian Li , Zou Cheng-Gang , Ma Lan-Qing 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease, which has no standard treatment available. Panax notoginseng saponines (PNS) have recently been reported to protect liver against hepatocyte injury induced by ethanol or high fat diet (HFD) in rats. Compound K and ginsenoside Rh1 are the main metabolites of PNS. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CK and Rh1 on NAFLD. Rats fed HFD showed significant elevations in liver function markers, lipids, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance. Treatment with CK or Rh1 either alone or in combination dramatically ameliorated the liver function impairment induced by HFD. Histologically, CK and Rh1 significantly reversed HFD-induced hepatocyte injury and liver fibrosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment with CK or Rh1 alone or in combination markedly induced cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation and activation in HSC-T6 cells. Additionally, CK and Rh1, either alone or in combination, also repressed the expression of fibrotic factors TIMP-1, PC-I, and PC-III. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CK and Rh1 have positive effects on NAFLD via the anti-fibrotic and hepatoprotective activity.
Application of 3D and 2D quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) to differentiate between benign and malignant breast masses
Authors: Tian Jie , Liu Qianqi , Wang Xi , Xing Ping , Yang Zhuowen , Wu Changjun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAs breast cancer tissues are stiffer than normal tissues, shear wave elastography (SWE) can locally quantify tissue stiffness and provide histological information. Moreover, tissue stiffness can be observed on three-dimensional (3D) colour-coded elasticity maps. Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic performances of quantitative features in differentiating breast masses by two-dimensional (2D) and 3D SWE. Two hundred ten consecutive women with 210 breast masses were examined with B-mode ultrasound (US) and SWE. Quantitative features of 3D and 2D SWE were assessed, including elastic modulus standard deviation (ESDE) measured on SWE mode images and ESDU measured on B-mode images, as well as maximum elasticity (Emax). Adding quantitative features to B-mode US improved the diagnostic performance (p < 0.05) and reduced false-positive biopsies (p < 0.0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 3D SWE was similar to that of 2D SWE for ESDE (p = 0.026) and ESDU (p = 0.159) but inferior to that of 2D SWE for Emax (p = 0.002). Compared with ESDU, ESDE showed a higher AUC on 2D (p = 0.0038) and 3D SWE (p = 0.0057). Our study indicates that quantitative features of 3D and 2D SWE can significantly improve the diagnostic performance of B-mode US, especially 3D SWE ESDE, which shows considerable clinical value.
Terahertz frequency generation with monolithically integrated dual wavelength distributed Bragg reflector semiconductor laser diode
Authors: Gwaro Jared O. , Brenner Carsten , Sumpf Bernd , Klehr Andreas , Fricke Jörg , Hofmann Martin R. 
Published: January 2017

Optoelectronic terahertz (THz) generation techniques have helped to narrow the THz gap and have opened up a wealth of new applications for THz technology. However, the development of THz systems into mass market is a major technical challenge, which is attributed to high cost of THz hardware components including sources and detectors. Here, the authors report THz generation from a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) semiconductor laser diode together with fibre coupled photoconducting antennas. Two fibre coupled ion‐implanted gallium arsenide photoconducting antennas were employed to generate and detect THz radiation. Two DBR lasers connected with a Y‐shaped waveguide structure were monolithically integrated and used to simultaneously emit two wavelengths in the range of 785 nm. These lasers were employed as pumping source for the photomixers. An optical beat frequency of 286 GHz of the dual wavelengths was obtained from optical characterisation. A corresponding THz frequency was confirmed via photomixing in a homodyne set up. By variation of the operation parameters of the laser, the difference frequency was tuned in the range between 286 GHz to 320 GHz. In summary, they report the implementation of a compact and cost effective fiber coupled Terahertz source based on a monolithically integrated dual wavelength DBR semiconductor laser diode.
Efficacy
and safety of novel digital single-operator peroral cholangioscopy-guided laser
lithotripsy for complicated biliary stones
Authors: Wong John , Tang Raymond , Teoh Anthony , Sung Joseph , Lau James 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background/study aims Laser lithotripsy can effectively fragment
complicated biliary stones, but current cholangioscopes are limited by
fragility, restricted mobility or moderate visual resolution. The efficacy and
safety of a new digital single-operator peroral cholangioscope to guide laser
lithotripsy were evaluated.
Patients and methods In this prospective single-center series, consecutive
patients with complicated biliary stones, defined as impacted stones > 1.5 cm
in size and wider than the more distal common bile duct, or stones that failed
extraction by basket mechanical lithotripsy, underwent ERCP and SpyGlass DS
peroral cholangioscope (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, United States)-guided
laser lithotripsy. Stone clearance rate and incidence of adverse events were
determined.
Results Seventeen patients (10 men, 7 women; median age 76 years) with a
median biliary stone size of 2 cm underwent predominantly holmium:yttrium
aluminum garnet laser lithotripsy, achieving a 94 % stone clearance rate over 1
median procedure. Lithotripsy was performed in 8 of 17 patients due to an
impacted biliary stone. The remaining patients underwent lithotripsy due to
prior failure of the basket mechanical lithotripter to capture or crush their
stones. Post lithotripsy, 2 patients developed cholangitis and 1 patient with
underlying COPD developed respiratory distress, all resolved with conservative
management. There were no hemobilia, perforations, pancreatitis nor any deaths.
Conclusion SpyGlass DS peroral cholangioscopy-guided laser lithotripsy is
an efficient and safe modality for management of complicated biliary
stones.
Structure and activation of C1, the complex initiating the classical pathway of the complement cascade
Authors: Mortensen Simon A. , Sander Bjoern , Jensen Rasmus K. , Pedersen Jan Skov , Golas Monika M. , Jensenius Jens C. , Hansen Annette G. , Thiel Steffen , Andersen Gregers R. 
Published: January 2017

SignificanceThe complement system is an essential arm within the innate immune defense. Complement contributes to elimination of objects presenting danger signals such as pathogens, dying host cells, and abnormal molecular structures and is capable of inducing an inflammatory response stimulating further immune responses. The C1 complex is a giant proteolytic enzyme, which plays a leading role, because it is the first component in a proteolytic cascade initiated when complement is activated. On the basis of structural characterization of the C1 complex with X-rays and electron microscopy, we suggest that the first proteolytic reaction in the cascade, activation of the C1 complex itself, involves neighboring C1 complexes located near each other rather than a reaction within individual C1 complexes.
Genetics and insect pest management in agriculture.
Authors: Haymer D. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Genetics has long played a role in the history of insect pest management, and changes in the genetic methods used reflect changes that have occurred in the field itself over time. Beginning from simple collections of mutations and the development of chromosome linkage maps, many of the early applications of genetic technology were focused on the development of new strains for the sterile insect technique as a form of biological control. Since that time, and as the field of genetics underwent a true merger with molecular biology, the focus shifted almost entirely to methods using molecular technology. These methods had the advantage of being more broadly applicable to control of a wide range of pest species, and this did much to move the field away from the frustrations often associated with attempts to transfer genetic tools developed in
Drosophila
directly to these species. The latest applications of molecular genetic technologies in the area of genetically based control methods now also include cutting-edge systems for genome editing and the use of RNA inhibition for selectively knocking out the expression of individual genes. Finally, as the field of genetics has shifted its focus from the analysis of individual genes to that of entire genomes, new and exciting prospects are opening up for improvements in use of genetic technology for the management of insect pests.