bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal management of micro-scale inorganic light-emittng diodes on an orthotropic substrate for biointegrated applications
Authors: Li Yuhang , Chen Jin , Xing Yufeng , Song Jizhou 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe orthotropic material with the in-plane thermal conductivity much larger than the off-plane one can control the heat flow direction. This feature provides unique benefits in thermal management of micro-scale inorganic light-emitting diodes (μ-ILEDs) device for biointegrated applications by helping the heat dissipation from μ-ILEDs along the in-plane directions to lower the μ-ILED temperature and prevent the heat dissipation to the tissue along the off-plane direction to ensure a low tissue temperature. Three-dimensional analytical models, accounting for the coupling between the Fourier heat conduction in the μ-ILED device and the Pennes bioheat transfer in the human skin, are established to investigate the thermal behaviors of μ-ILEDs on an orthotropic substrate integrated with the human skin. Both the operations of μ-ILEDs in a constant mode and pulsed mode are studied. The maximum temperature increases of μ-ILED and in the tissue are derived and their dependences on various parameters such as the thermal conductivities of the orthotropic substrate, substrate thickness, and loading parameters (e.g., duty cycle, pulse period) are investigated. These results pave the theoretical foundation for the thermal management of μ-ILED devices for biointegrated applications.
Underestimated Male Prevalence of Primary Biliary Cholangitis in China: Results of a 16-yr cohort study involving 769 patients
Authors: Fan Xiaoli , Wang Tingting , Shen Yi , Xi Xiaotan , Yang Li 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFor primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a sex ratio was reported to be significantly lower than previously cited in the West; we sought to evaluate sex ratio and long-term outcomes in PBC by studying a PBC cohort at a high-volume hospital from January 2001 to July 2016. A retrospective analysis including 769 PBC patients was conducted. The gender ratio was 6.1:1. Of the patients, 30.6% had one or more extrahepatic autoimmune (EHA) conditions. The proportion of patients with decompensated PBC at diagnosis increased from 25.0% in period 1 to 47.0% in period 4 (p < 0.05). Of the 420 patients without complications on presentation, the Kaplan-Meier estimate revealed distinct outcomes between non-cirrhotic PBC and cirrhotic PBC, with estimated mean survival times of 145.1 months and 104.5 months, respectively (p < 0.001). According to a subgroup analysis, gender and anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) status did not affect long-term prognosis, whereas patients with EHA conditions showed better prognoses. This study reveals evolving trends in male prevalence similar to their Western counterparts. Cirrhotic PBC patients were distinct from those with non-cirrhotic PBC at diagnosis based on difference in long-term outcome.
Involvement of Monocyte Subsets in the Immunopathology of Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: van Sleen Yannick , Wang Qi , van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Westra Johanna , Abdulahad Wayel H. , Heeringa Peter , Boots Annemieke M. H. , Brouwer Elisabeth 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMonocytes/macrophages are critical in systemic and local inflammation in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and possibly in clinically overlapping polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Therefore, we aimed to understand the contribution of monocyte subsets and the CX3CR1-CX3CL1 and CCR2-CCL2 migratory pathways, to the pathology of GCA. Peripheral blood monocytes were enumerated in samples from newly-diagnosed, untreated GCA and PMR patients and after prednisone-induced remission. The distribution of classical (CD14brightCD16neg) and the more pro-inflammatory, intermediate (CD14brightCD16+) and non-classical (CD14dimCD16+) monocyte subsets was analysed by flow cytometry. The phenotype of macrophages in temporal artery biopsies (TABs) from GCA patients was studied by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. A clear monocytosis was seen in newly diagnosed GCA and PMR patients caused by elevated numbers of classical monocytes. Prednisone treatment suppressed numbers of non-classical monocytes. Both chemokine CX3CL1 and CCL2 were highly expressed in the TAB. Most macrophages in the TAB of GCA patients expressed non-classical monocyte markers CD16 and CX3CR1 whereas co-localisation of CD16 with classical monocyte marker CCR2 was infrequent. In conclusion, we report an altered distribution of monocyte subsets in both GCA and PMR patients. The majority of macrophages in TABs of GCA patients were CD68 + CD16 + CX3CR1 + CCR2− and thereby resembled the phenotype of non-classical monocytes.
Trimethylamine N-oxide abolishes the chaperone activity of α-casein: an intrinsically disordered protein
Authors: Bhat Mohd Younus , Singh Laishram Rajendrakumar , Dar Tanveer Ali 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOsmolytes (small molecules that help in circumventing stresses) are known to promote protein folding and prevent aggregation in the case of globular proteins. However, the effect of such osmolytes on the structure and function of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) has not been clearly understood. Here we have investigated the effect of methylamine osmolytes on α-casein (an IDP present in mammalian milk) and discovered that TMAO (Trimethylamine-N-oxide) but not other methylamines renders α-casein functionless. We observed that the loss of chaperone activity of α-casein in presence of TMAO was due to the induction of an unstable aggregation-prone intermediate. The results indicate that different osmolytes may have different structural and functional consequences on IDPs, and therefore might have clinical implications for a large number of human diseases (e.g., amyloidosis, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration) where IDPs are involved.
DNA methylation signatures of chronic alcohol dependence in purified CD3+ T-cells of patients undergoing alcohol treatment
Authors: Brückmann Christof , Islam Sumaiya A. , MacIsaac Julia L. , Morin Alexander M. , Karle Kathrin N. , Di Santo Adriana , Wüst Richard , Lang Immanuel , Batra Anil , Kobor Michael S. , Nieratschker Vanessa 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSeveral studies have shown an association of alcohol dependence with DNA methylation (DNAm), suggesting that environmentally-induced changes on epigenomic variation may play an important role in alcohol dependence. In the present study, we analysed genome-wide DNAm profiles of purified CD3+ T-cells from pre- and post-treatment alcohol dependent patients, as well as closely matched healthy controls. We identified 59 differentially methylated CpG sites comparing patients prior to treatment with healthy controls and were able to confirm 8 of those sites in additional analyses for differentially methylated regions. Comparing patients before and after a 3-week alcohol treatment program we revealed another unique set of 48 differentially methylated CpG sites. Additionally, we found that the mean global DNAm was significantly lower in patients prior to treatment compared to controls, but reverted back to levels similar to controls after treatment. We validated top-ranked hits derived from the epigenome-wide analysis by pyrosequencing and further replicated two of them in an independent cohort and confirmed differential DNAm of HECW2 and SRPK3 in whole blood. This study is the first to show widespread DNAm variation in a disease-relevant blood cell type and implicates HECW2 and SRPK3 DNAm as promising blood-based candidates to follow up in future studies.
A single amino acid substitution confers B-cell clonogenic activity to the HIV-1 matrix protein p17
Authors: Giagulli Cinzia , D’Ursi Pasqualina , He Wangxiao , Zorzan Simone , Caccuri Francesca , Varney Kristen , Orro Alessandro , Marsico Stefania , Otjacques Benoît , Laudanna Carlo , Milanesi Luciano , Dolcetti Riccardo , Fiorentini Simona , Lu Wuyuan , Caruso Arnaldo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRecent data highlight the presence, in HIV-1-seropositive patients with lymphoma, of p17 variants (vp17s) endowed with B-cell clonogenicity, suggesting a role of vp17s in lymphomagenesis. We investigated the mechanisms responsible for the functional disparity on B cells between a wild-type p17 (refp17) and a vp17 named S75X. Here, we show that a single Arginine (R) to Glycine (G) mutation at position 76 in the refp17 backbone (p17R76G), as in the S75X variant, isper sesufficient to confer a B-cell clonogenic potential to the viral protein and modulate, through activation of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, different molecules involved in apoptosis inhibition (CASP-9, CASP-7, DFF-45, NPM, YWHAZ, Src, PAX2, MAPK8), cell cycle promotion and cancer progression (CDK1, CDK2, CDK8, CHEK1, CHEK2, GSK-3 beta, NPM, PAK1, PP2C-alpha). Moreover, the only R to G mutation at position 76 was found to strongly impact on protein folding and oligomerization by altering the hydrogen bond network. This generates a conformational shift in the p17 R76G mutant which enables a functional epitope(s), masked in refp17, to elicit B-cell growth-promoting signals after its interaction with a still unknown receptor(s). Our findings offer new opportunities to understand the molecular mechanisms accounting for the B-cell growth-promoting activity of vp17s.
Possibly scalable solar hydrogen generation with quasi-artificial leaf approach
Authors: Patra Kshirodra Kumar , Bhuskute Bela D. , Gopinath Chinnakonda S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAny solar energy harvesting technology must provide a net positive energy balance, and artificial leaf concept provided a platform for solar water splitting (SWS) towards that. However, device stability, high photocurrent generation, and scalability are the major challenges. A wireless device based on quasi-artificial leaf concept (QuAL), comprising Au on porous TiO2 electrode sensitized by PbS and CdS quantum dots (QD), was demonstrated to show sustainable solar hydrogen (490 ± 25 µmol/h (corresponds to 12 ml H2 h−1) from ~2 mg of photoanode material coated over 1 cm2 area with aqueous hole (S2−/SO32−) scavenger. A linear extrapolation of the above results could lead to hydrogen production of 6 L/h.g over an area of ~23 × 23 cm2. Under one sun conditions, 4.3 mA/cm2 photocurrent generation, 5.6% power conversion efficiency, and spontaneous H2 generation were observed at no applied potential (see S1). A direct coupling of all components within themselves enhances the light absorption in the entire visible and NIR region and charge utilization. Thin film approach, as in DSSC, combined with porous titania enables networking of all the components of the device, and efficiently converts solar to chemical energy in a sustainable manner.
One-step purification and immobilization of extracellularly expressed sortase A by magnetic particles to develop a robust and recyclable biocatalyst
Authors: Zhao Xinrui , Hong Haofei , Cheng Xiaozhong , Liu Shaozhong , Deng Tao , Guo Zhongwu , Wu Zhimeng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSortase A (SrtA) is a transpeptidase widely used to site-specifically modify peptides and proteins and shows promise for industrial applications. In this study, a novel strategy was developed for constructing immobilized-SrtA as a robust and recyclable enzyme via direct immobilization of extracellularly expressed SrtA in the fermentation supernatant using magnetic particles. Efficient extracellular SrtA expression was achieved in Escherichia coli through molecular engineering, including manipulation of the protein transport pathway, codon optimization, and co-expression of molecular chaperones to promote expressed SrtA secretion into the medium at high levels. Subsequently, a simple one-step protocol was established for the purification and immobilization of SrtA containing a His-tag from the fermentation supernatant onto a nickel-modified magnetic particle. The immobilized SrtA was proved to retain full enzymatic activity for peptide-to-peptide ligation and protein modification, and was successfully reused for five cycles without obvious activity loss.
Multi-year predictability of climate, drought, and wildfire in southwestern North America
Authors: Chikamoto Yoshimitsu , Timmermann Axel , Widlansky Matthew J. , Balmaseda Magdalena A. , Stott Lowell 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPast severe droughts over North America have led to massive water shortages and increases in wildfire frequency. Triggering sources for multi-year droughts in this region include randomly occurring atmospheric blocking patterns, ocean impacts on atmospheric circulation, and climate’s response to anthropogenic radiative forcings. A combination of these sources translates into a difficulty to predict the onset and length of such droughts on multi-year timescales. Here we present results from a new multi-year dynamical prediction system that exhibits a high degree of skill in forecasting wildfire probabilities and drought for 10–23 and 10–45 months lead time, which extends far beyond the current seasonal prediction activities for southwestern North America. Using a state-of-the-art earth system model along with 3-dimensional ocean data assimilation and by prescribing the external radiative forcings, this system simulates the observed low-frequency variability of precipitation, soil water, and wildfire probabilities in close agreement with observational records and reanalysis data. The underlying source of multi-year predictability can be traced back to variations of the Atlantic/Pacific sea surface temperature gradient, external radiative forcings, and the low-pass filtering characteristics of soils.
Efficacy and Safety of Very Early Mobilization in Patients with Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Tao , Yu Xinyuan , Ou Shu , Liu Xi , Yuan Jinxian , Chen Yangmei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWhether very early mobilization (VEM) improves outcomes in stroke patients and reduces immobilization-related complications (IRCs) is currently unknown. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VEM in acute stroke patients following admission. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the efficacy or safety of VEM in patients with acute stroke. VEM was defined as out of bed activity commencing within 24 or 48 hours after the onset of stroke. A total of 9 RCTs with 2,803 participants were included. Upon analysis, VEM was not associated with favorable functional outcomes (modified Ranking Scale: 0–2) at 3 months [relative risk (RR): 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–1.06]; VEM did not reduce the risk of IRCs during follow up. With respect to safety outcomes, VEM was not associated with a higher risk of death (RR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.52–2.09) and did not increase the risk of neurological deterioration or incidence of falls with injury. In conclusion, pooled data from RCTs concluded that VEM is not associated with beneficial effects when carried out in patients 24 or 48 hours after the onset of a stroke.
Early functional network alterations in asymptomatic elders at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Nakamura Akinori , Cuesta Pablo , Kato Takashi , Arahata Yutaka , Iwata Kaori , Yamagishi Misako , Kuratsubo Izumi , Kato Kimiko , Bundo Masahiko , Diers Kersten , Fernández Alberto , Maestú Fernando , Ito Kengo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAmyloid-β (Aβ) deposition is known to starts decades before the onset of clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, the detailed pathophysiological processes underlying this preclinical period are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate functional network alterations in cognitively intact elderly individuals at risk for AD, and assessed the association between these network alterations and changes in Aβ deposition, glucose metabolism, and brain structure. Forty-five cognitively normal elderly subjects, who were classified into Aβ-positive (CN+) and Aβ-negative (CN−) groups using 11C-Pittsburgh compound B PET, underwent resting state magnetoencephalography measurements, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET (FDG-PET) and structural MRI. Results demonstrated that in the CN+ group, functional connectivity (FC) within the precuneus was significantly decreased, whereas it was significantly enhanced between the precuneus and the bilateral inferior parietal lobules in the low-frequency bands (theta and delta). These changes were suggested to be associated with local cerebral Aβ deposition. Most of Aβ+ individuals in this study did not show any metabolic or anatomical changes, and there were no significant correlations between FC values and FDG-PET or MRI volumetry data. These results demonstrate that functional network alterations, which occur in association with Aβ deposition, are detectable using magnetoencephalography before metabolic and anatomical changes are seen.
Non-ionising UV light increases the optical density of hygroscopic self assembled DNA crystal films
Authors: Gasperini Alexandria E. , Sanchez Susy , Doiron Amber L. , Lyles Mark , German Guy K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe report on ultraviolet (UV) light induced increases in the UV optical density of thin and optically transparent crystalline DNA films formed through self assembly. The films are comprised of closely packed, multi-faceted and sub micron sized crystals. UV-Vis spectrophotometry reveals that DNA films with surface densities up to 0.031 mg/mm2 can reduce the transmittance of incident UVC and UVB light by up to 90%, and UVA transmittance by up to 20%. Subsequent and independent film irradiation with either UVA or UVB dosages upwards of 80 J/cm2 both reduce UV transmittance, with reductions scaling monotonically with UV dosage. To date the induction of a hyperchromic effect has been demonstrated using heat, pH, high salt mediums, and high energy ionising radiation. Both hyperchromicity and increased light scattering could account for the increased film optical density after UV irradiation. Additional characterisation of the films reveal they are highly absorbent and hygroscopic. When coated on human skin, they are capable of slowing water evaporation and keeping the tissue hydrated for extended periods of time.
Overcoming blood brain barrier with a dual purpose Temozolomide loaded Lactoferrin nanoparticles for combating glioma (SERP-17-12433)
Authors: Kumari Sonali , Ahsan Saad M. , Kumar Jerald M. , Kondapi Anand K. , Rao Nalam M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTargeted delivery of drugs to the brain is challenging due to the restricted permeability across the blood brain barrier (BBB). Gliomas are devastating cancers and their positive treatment outcome using Temozolomide (TMZ) is limited due to its short plasma half-life, systemic toxicity and limited access through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles made of Lactoferrin (Lf) protein, have been shown to enhance the pharmacological properties of drugs. Here, we report the specific ability of Lf nanoparticles to cross BBB and target over-expressed Lf receptors on glioma for enhanced TMZ delivery. TMZ-loaded Lf nanoparticles (TMZ-LfNPs) were prepared by our previously reported sol-oil method. While the Lf protein in the NP matrix aids in transcytosis across the BBB and preferential tumor cell uptake, the pH responsiveness leads to TMZ release exclusively in the tumor microenvironment. Delivery through LfNPs results in an enhanced and sustained intracellular concentration of TMZ in GL261 cells in vitro along with improving its in vivo pharmacokinetics and brain accumulation. TMZ-LfNPs treatment results in a significant reduction of tumor volume, higher tumor cell apoptosis and improved median survival in glioma bearing mice. These results demonstrate that LfNPs present an efficient TMZ delivery platform for an effective treatment of gliomas.
Protected surface state in stepped Fe (0 18 1)
Authors: Izquierdo Manuel , Torelli Piero , Fujii Jun , Panaccione Giancarlo , Vobornik Ivana , Rossi Giorgio , Sirotti Fausto 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCarbon (C) surface segregation from bulk stabilizes the Fe(0 18 1) vicinal surface by forming a c(3$$\sqrt{2}$$

2

× $$\sqrt{2}$$

2

reconstruction with C zig-zag chains oriented at 45° with respect to the iron surface steps. The iron surface electronic states as measured by high resolution ARPES at normal emission with polarized synchrotron radiation split in two peaks that follow distinct energy dispersion curves. One peak follows the dispersion of the carbon superstructure and is photoexcited only when the polarization vector is parallel to the steps, the second peak disperses similarly to the pristine Fe(0 0 1) surface. Such surface electronic structure is robust as it persists even after coating with an Ag overlayer. The robustness of this surface electronic structure and its similarity with that of the clean Fe(0 0 1) surface make this system of interest for magnetic and spintronic properties such as magneto tunnel junctions based on Fe/MgO interface.
Expression profile of intestinal stem cell markers in colitis-associated carcinogenesis
Authors: Kim Hye Sung , Lee Cheol , Kim Woo Ho , Maeng Young Hee , Jang Bo Gun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe intestinal epithelium has two distinct two stem cell populations, namely, crypt base columnar (CBC) cells and +4 cells. Several specific markers have been identified for each stem cell population. In this study, we examined the expression profiles of these markers in colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) to investigate whether they can be used as biomarkers for the early detection of dysplasia. The expression of intestinal stem cell (ISC) markers was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction during CAC that was induced by azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate treatment. CBC stem cell markers increased continuously with tumor development, whereas a +4 cell expression profile was not present. CBC stem cell population was suppressed in the acute colitis and then expanded to repopulate the crypts during the regeneration period. Notably, RNA in situ hybridization revealed that all dysplasia and cancer samples showed increased expression of CBC stem cell markers in more than one-third of the tumor height, whereas regenerative glands had CBC stem cell markers confined to the lower one-third of the crypt. These results suggest that CBC stem cell markers could be a useful tool for the early detection of colitis-induced tumors.
Differential Signalling and Kinetics of Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Release Revealed by Quantitative Live Imaging
Authors: van der Linden Maarten , Westerlaken Geertje H. A. , van der Vlist Michiel , van Montfrans Joris , Meyaard Linde 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA wide variety of microbial and inflammatory factors induce DNA release from neutrophils as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Consensus on the kinetics and mechanism of NET release has been hindered by the lack of distinctive methods to specifically quantify NET release in time. Here, we validate and refine a semi-automatic live imaging approach for quantification of NET release. Importantly, our approach is able to correct for neutrophil input and distinguishes NET release from neutrophil death by other means, aspects that are lacking in many NET quantification methods. Real time visualization shows that opsonizedS. aureusrapidly induces cell death by toxins, while actual NET formation occurs after 90 minutes, similar to the kinetics of NET release by immune complexes and PMA. Inhibition of SYK, PI3K and mTORC2 attenuates NET release upon challenge with physiological stimuli but not with PMA. In contrast, neutrophils from chronic granulomatous disease patients show decreased NET release only in response to PMA. With this refined method, we conclude that NET release in primary human neutrophils is dependent on the SYK-PI3K-mTORC2 pathway and that PMA stimulation should be regarded as mechanistically distinct from NET formation induced by natural triggers.