bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subwavelength Fabry-Perot resonator: a pair of quantum dots incorporated with gold nanorod
Authors: Liaw Jiunn-Woei , Huang Chun-Hui , Chen Bae-Renn , Kuo Mao-Kuen 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The two apexes of an elongated gold nanorod (GNR) irradiated by a plane wave are shown to be the hotspots at the longitudinal plasmon modes. This phenomenon implies that a pair of quantum dots (QDs) located at these apexes might be excited simultaneously if the excitation band of QDs coincides with one of these modes. Consequently, a coherent emission of the two emitters could happen subsequently. In the following coherent emission, these two-level emitters are simulated as two oscillating dipoles (bi-dipole) with some possible phase differences. Our results show that the maximum radiative and nonradiative powers of the bi-dipole occur at the longitudinal plasmon dipole, quadrupole, sextupole, and octupole modes of GNR. Moreover, the strongest emissions are induced by the in-phase bi-dipole coupled to the odd modes and the 180° out-of-phase one to the even modes, respectively. The excitation and emission behaviors of a pair of QDs incorporated with GNR demonstrate the possibility of using this structure as a subwavelength resonator of Fabry-Perot type. In addition, the correlation between these modes of the GNR and the dispersion relation of gold nanowire is also discussed.
Evidence for gill slits and a pharynx in Cambrian vetulicolians: implications for the early evolution of deuterostomes
Authors: Ou Qiang , Morris Simon Conway , Han Jian , Zhang Zhifei , Liu Jianni , Chen Ailin , Zhang Xingliang , Shu Degan 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Vetulicolians are a group of Cambrian metazoans whose distinctive bodyplan continues to present a major phylogenetic challenge. Thus, we see vetulicolians assigned to groups as disparate as deuterostomes and ecdysozoans. This divergence of opinions revolves around a strikingly arthropod-like body, but one that also bears complex lateral structures on its anterior section interpreted as pharyngeal openings. Establishing the homology of these structures is central to resolving where vetulicolians sit in metazoan phylogeny.

Results
New material from the Chengjiang Lagerstätte helps to resolve this issue. Here, we demonstrate that these controversial structures comprise grooves with a series of openings. The latter are oval in shape and associated with a complex anatomy consistent with control of their opening and closure. Remains of what we interpret to be a musculature, combined with the capacity for the grooves to contract, indicate vetulicolians possessed a pumping mechanism that could process considerable volumes of seawater. Our observations suggest that food captured in the anterior cavity was transported to dorsal and ventral gutters, which then channeled material to the intestine. This arrangement appears to find no counterpart in any known fossil or extant arthropod (or any other ecdysozoan). Anterior lateral perforations, however, are diagnostic of deuterostomes.

Conclusions
If the evidence is against vetulicolians belonging to one or other group of ecdysozoan, then two phylogenetic options seem to remain. The first is that such features as vetulicolians possess are indicative of either a position among the bilaterians or deuterostomes but apart from the observation that they themselves form a distinctive and recognizable clade current evidence can permit no greater precision as to their phylogenetic placement. We argue that this is too pessimistic a view, and conclude that evidence points towards vetulicolians being members of the stem-group deuterostomes; a group best known as the chordates (amphioxus, tunicates, vertebrates), but also including the ambulacrarians (echinoderms, hemichordates), and xenoturbellids. If the latter, first they demonstrate that these members of the stem group show few similarities to the descendant crown group representatives. Second, of the key innovations that underpinned deuterostome success, the earliest and arguably most seminal was the evolution of openings that define the pharyngeal gill slits of hemichordates (and some extinct echinoderms) and chordates.
An adjuvanted respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein induces protection in aged BALB/c mice
Authors: Cherukuri Anu , Stokes Kate L , Patton Kathryn , Kuo Howard , Sakamoto Kaori , Lambert Stacie , Stillman Elizabeth , Moore Martin L , Lee Sujin 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes significant disease in the elderly, in part, because immunosenescence impairs protective immune responses to infection in this population. Despite previous and current efforts, there is no RSV vaccine currently licensed in infants or elderly adults. Adjuvanted RSV subunit vaccines have the potential to boost waning immune responses and reduce the burden of RSV disease in the elderly population.

Results
We used an aged BALB/c mouse model to evaluate immune responses to RSV Fusion (F) protein in the absence and presence of an alum adjuvant. We demonstrate that aged BALB/c mice immunized with alum-adjuvanted RSV F protein had significantly reduced lung viral titers at day 4 following challenge with wild-type (wt) RSV. Serum neutralizing antibody titers measured on day 27 correlated with protection in both young and aged vaccinated mice, although the magnitude of antibody titers was lower in aged mice. Unlike young mice, in aged mice, alum-adjuvanted RSV F did not induce lung TH2-type cytokines or eosinophil infiltration compared to non-adjuvanted F protein following wt RSV challenge.

Conclusion
Our studies demonstrate that neutralizing anti-RSV antibody titers correlate with protection in both young and aged BALB/c mice vaccinated with RSV F protein vaccines. The F + alum formulation mediated greater protection compared to the non-adjuvanted F protein in both young and aged mice. However, while alum can boost F-specific antibody responses in aged mice, it does not completely overcome the reduced ability of a senescent immune system to respond to the RSV F antigen. Thus, our data suggest that a stronger adjuvant may be required for the prevention of RSV disease in immunosenescent populations, to achieve the appropriate balance of protective neutralizing antibodies and effective TH1-type cytokine response along with minimal lung immunopathology.
Early insulin resistance in severe trauma without head injury as outcome predictor? A prospective, monocentric pilot study
Authors: Bonizzoli Manuela , Zagli Giovanni , Lazzeri Chiara , Degl’Innocenti Sara , Gensini Gianfranco , Peris Adriano 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Hyperglycemia following major trauma is a well know phenomenon related to stress-induced systemic reaction. Reports on glucose level management in patients with head trauma have been published, but the development of insulin resistance in trauma patients without head injury has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the prognostic role of acute insulin-resistance, assessed by the HOMA model, in patients with severe trauma without head injury.

Methods
All patients consecutively admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral center (Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence, IT) for major trauma without head injury (Jan-Dec 2010) were enrolled. Patients with a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus requiring insulin therapy or metabolism alteration were excluded from the analysis. Patients were divided into “insulin resistant” and “non-insulin resistant” based on the Homeostasis Model Assessment index (HOMA IR). Results are expressed as medians.

Results
Out of 175 trauma patients admitted to the ICU during the study period, a total of 54 patients without head trauma were considered for the study, 37 of whom met the inclusion criteria. In total, 23 patients (62.2%) resulted insulin resistant, whereas 14 patients (37.8%) were non-insulin resistant. Groups were comparable in demographic, clinical/laboratory characteristics, and severity of injury. Insulin resistant patients had a significantly higher BMI (P=0.0416), C-reactive protein (P=0.0265), and leukocytes count (0.0301), compared to non-insulin resistant patients. Also ICU length of stay was longer in insulin resistant patients (P=0.0381).

Conclusions
Our data suggest that admission insulin resistance might be used as an early outcome predictor.
A WUSCHEL-related homeobox 3B gene, depilous (dep), confers glabrousness of rice leaves and glumes
Authors: Angeles-Shim Rosalyn B , Asano Kenji , Takashi Tomonori , Shim Junghyun , Kuroha Takeshi , Ayano Madoka , Ashikari Motoyuki 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Glabrousness is an important agricultural trait for the practical breeding of rice. In this study, depilous (dep), the gene responsible for glabrous leaves and glumes of rice was identified by map-based cloning.

Results
The dep gene encodes a WUSCHEL-related homeobox 3B that was fine-mapped to a 22-kb region on the short arm of chromosome 5 using progenies derived from crosses between Koshihikari (pubescent) and GLSL15, an Oryza glaberrima chromosome segment substitution line (glabrous). Complementation tests confirmed the conditioning of the glabrous phenotype by the dep gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that dep groups with the WOX3 family of plant-specific homeobox transcription factors that are involved in regulating lateral organ development. Localization of dep in the nucleus indicates the function of the gene as a transcription factor. Spatial expression of the gene was observed in the base of young shoots, the leaf sheath, midrib, young roots and nodal structures.

Conclusion
The identification and cloning of dep will not only provide basis for future research on the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying trichome formation in rice but will also aid in breeding programs for the development of glabrous varieties.
Aberrant cytokine pattern of the nasal mucosa in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Wohlers Janet , Breucker Katrin , Podschun Rainer , Hedderich Jürgen , Lamprecht Peter , Ambrosch Petra , Laudien Martin 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
In granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a complex autoimmune small-vessel vasculitis frequently associated with chronic necrotizing inflammation of the nasal mucosa, elevated nasal Staphylococcus (S.) aureus carrier rates are a risk factor for relapse. As cytokines are primarily involved in the regulation of defense against potentially pathogenic microorganisms, the aim of this study was to compare healthy individuals and GPA patients with respect to their baseline cytokine expression of nasal epithelial cells (NEC), which form the first barrier against such triggers. The ability of S. aureus to influence the nasal microenvironment's cytokine secretion was assessed by exemplary stimulation experiments.

Methods
Baseline expression of 19 cytokines of primary NEC of GPA patients and normal controls (NC) was quantified by a multiplex cytokine assay. Stimulation experiments were performed with supernatants of S. aureus and expression of interleukin-8 was determined by ELISA.

Results
In GPA, an altered pattern of baseline cytokine expression with significantly up-regulated G-CSF and reduced interleukin (IL)-8 concentrations was observed. Both NEC of GPA patients and NC responded to stimulation with S. aureus, but GPA patients displayed a significantly lower IL-8 secretion and a diminished dynamic range of response towards the stimulus.

Conclusions
The data presented underline the hypothesis of a disturbed epithelial nasal barrier function in GPA. The dysregulated baseline expression of G-CSF and IL-8 and the reduced response to microbial stimulation may facilitate changes in the composition of the nasal flora and favour an imbalanced inflammatory response, which might be relevant for the disease course.
Does a reduced glucose intake prevent hyperglycemia in children early after cardiac surgery? a randomized controlled crossover study
Authors: de Betue Carlijn TI , Verbruggen Sascha CAT , Schierbeek Henk , Chacko Shaji K , Bogers Ad JJC , van Goudoever Johannes B , Joosten Koen FM 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Hyperglycemia in children after cardiac surgery can be treated with intensive insulin therapy, but hypoglycemia is a potential serious side effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of reducing glucose intake below standard intakes to prevent hyperglycemia, on blood glucose concentrations, glucose kinetics and protein catabolism in children after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods
Subjects received a 4-hour low glucose (LG; 2.5 mg/kg per minute) and a 4-hour standard glucose (SG; 5.0 mg/kg per minute) infusion in a randomized blinded crossover setting. Simultaneously, an 8-hour stable isotope tracer protocol was conducted to determine glucose and leucine kinetics. Data are presented as mean ± SD or median (IQR); comparison was made by paired samples t test.

Results
Eleven subjects (age 5.1 (20.2) months) were studied 9.5 ± 1.9 hours post-cardiac surgery. Blood glucose concentrations were lower during LG than SG (LG 7.3 ± 0.7 vs. SG 9.3 ± 1.8 mmol/L; P < 0.01), although the glycemic target (4.0-6.0 mmol/L) was not achieved. No hypoglycemic events occurred. Endogenous glucose production was higher during LG than SG (LG 2.9 ± 0.8 vs. SG 1.5 ± 1.1 mg/kg per minute; P = 0.02), due to increased glycogenolysis (LG 1.0 ± 0.6 vs. SG 0.0 ± 1.0 mg/kg per minute; P < 0.05). Leucine balance, indicating protein balance, was negative but not affected by glucose intake (LG -54.8 ± 14.6 vs. SG -58.8 ± 16.7 μmol/kg per hour; P = 0.57).

Conclusions
Currently recommended glucose intakes aggravated hyperglycemia in children early after cardiac surgery with CPB. Reduced glucose intake decreased blood glucose concentrations without causing hypoglycemia or affecting protein catabolism, but increased glycogenolysis.

Trial registration
Dutch trial register NTR2079.
Effects of respiratory mechanics on the capnogram phases: importance of dynamic compliance of the respiratory system
Authors: Babik Barna , Csorba Zsófia , Czövek Dorottya , Mayr Patrick N , Bogáts Gábor , Peták Ferenc 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The slope of phase III of the capnogram (SIII) relates to progressive emptying of the alveoli, a ventilation/perfusion mismatch, and ventilation inhomogeneity. SIII depends not only on the airway geometry, but also on the dynamic respiratory compliance (Crs); this latter effect has not been evaluated. Accordingly, we established the value of SIII for monitoring airway resistance during mechanical ventilation.

Methods
Sidestream capnography was performed during mechanical ventilation in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery (n = 144). The airway resistance (Raw), total respiratory resistance and Crs displayed by the ventilator, the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) and SIII were measured in time domain (ST-III) and in a smaller cohort (n = 68) by volumetry (SV-III) with and without normalization to the average CO2 phase III concentration. Measurements were performed at positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels of 3, 6 and 9 cmH2O in patients with healthy lungs (Group HL), and in patients with respiratory symptoms involving low (Group LC), medium (Group MC) or high Crs (Group HC).

Results
ST-III and SV-III exhibited similar PEEP dependencies and distribution between the protocol groups formed on the basis of Crs. A wide interindividual scatter was observed in the overall Raw-ST-III relationship, which was primarily affected by Crs. Decreases in Raw with increasing PEEP were reflected in sharp falls in SIII in Group HC, and in moderate decreases in SIII in Group MC, whereas ST-III was insensitive to changes in airway caliber in Groups LC and HL.

Conclusions
SIII assessed in the time domain and by volumetry provide meaningful information about alterations in airway caliber, but only within an individual patient. Although ST-III may be of value for bedside monitoring of the airway properties, its sensitivity depends on Crs. Thus, assessment of the capnogram shape should always be coupled with Crs when the airway resistance or oxygenation are evaluated.
Phase I Study of Folate Conjugate EC145 (Vintafolide) in Patients With Refractory Solid Tumors
Authors: LoRusso Patricia M. , Edelman Martin J. , Bever Susan L. , Forman Karen M. , Pilat MaryJo , Quinn Mary F. , Li Jing , Heath Elisabeth I. , Malburg Lisa M. , Klein Patrick J. , Leamon Christopher P. , Messmann Richard A. , Sausville Edward A. 
Published: October 2012

Purpose EC145 (vintafolide), a conjugate of folic acid and the vinca alkaloid desacetylvinblastine hydrazide (DAVLBH), is a ligand for the folate receptor (FR), with activity against FR-positive tumor xenografts in vivo. This phase I study determined the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of EC145 administered as a bolus intravenous injection or 1-hour infusion in patients with refractory solid tumors. Patients and Methods EC145 was administered as a bolus injection or 1-hour infusion on days 1, 3, and 5 and days 15, 17, and 19 of each 28-day cycle with dose escalation in cohorts of three to six patients until the MTD was identified. Plasma pharmacokinetics were determined on days 1 and 3 of the first cycle. Results The MTD of EC145 was 2.5 mg when administered as either a bolus injection or 1-hour infusion. Constipation was the dose-limiting toxicity with both routes. Constipation, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting were the most commonly reported adverse events. One partial response to therapy was observed in a patient with metastatic ovarian cancer. Conclusion EC145 administered by bolus injection or as a 1-hour infusion at a dose of 2.5 mg on days 1, 3, and 5 and days 15, 17, and 19 of a 28-day cycle has an acceptable safety profile in patients with advanced cancer. On the basis of these findings, phase II studies of EC145 have been initiated in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer and non–small-cell lung cancer.
Orphan Nuclear Receptor NR4A1 Is a Negative Regulator of DHT-Induced Rat Preantral Follicular Growth
Authors: Xue Kai , Liu Jia-yin , Murphy Bruce D. , Tsang Benjamin K. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member1 (NR4A1), an orphan nuclear receptor, is involved in the transcriptional regulation of thecal cell androgen biosynthesis and paracrine factor insulin-like 3 (INSL3) expression. Androgens are known to play an important regulatory role in ovarian follicle growth. Using a chronically androgenized rat model, a preantral follicle culture model and virus-mediated gene delivery, we examined the role and regulation of NR4A1 in the androgenic control of preantral follicular growth. In the present study, Ki67 staining was increased in preantral follicles on ovarian sections from 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated rats. Preantral follicles from DHT-treated rats cultured for 4 d exhibited increased growth and up-regulation of mRNA abundance of G1/S-specific cyclin-D2 (Ccnd2) and FSH receptor (Fshr). Similarly, DHT (1 μm) increased preantral follicular growth and Ccnd2 and Fshr mRNA abundance in vitro. The NR4A1 expression was high in theca cells and was down-regulated by DHT in vivo and in vitro. Forced expression of NR4A1 augmented preantral follicular growth, androstenedione production, and Insl3 expression in vitro. Inhibiting the action of androgen (with androgen receptor antagonist flutamide) or INSL3 (with INSL3 receptor antagonist INSL3 B-chain) reduced NR4A1-induced preantral follicular growth. Furthermore, NR4A1 overexpression enhanced DHT-induced preantral follicular growth, a response attenuated by inhibiting INSL3. In conclusion, DHT promotes preantral follicular growth and attenuates thecal NR4A1 expression in vivo and in vitro. Our findings are consistent with the notion that NR4A1 serves as an important point of negative feedback to minimize the excessive preantral follicle growth in hyperandrogenism.
Estrogen Receptors β1 and β2 Have Opposing Roles in Regulating Proliferation and Bone Metastasis Genes in the Prostate Cancer Cell Line PC3
Authors: Dey Prasenjit , Jonsson Philip , Hartman Johan , Williams Cecilia , Ström Anders , Gustafsson Jan-Åke 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The estrogen receptor (ER)β1 is successively lost during cancer progression, whereas its splice variant, ERβ2, is expressed in advanced prostate cancer. The latter form of cancer often metastasizes to bone, and we wanted to investigate whether the loss of ERβ1 and/or the expression of ERβ2 affect such signaling pathways in prostate cancer. Using PC3 and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cell lines that stably express ERβ1 or ERβ2, we found that the ERβ variants differentially regulate genes known to affect tumor behavior. We found that ERβ1 repressed the expression of the bone metastasis regulator Runx2 in PC3 cells. By contrast, RUNX2 expression was up-regulated at the mRNA level by ERβ2 in PC3 cells, whereas Slug was up-regulated by ERβ2 in both PC3 and 22Rv1 cells. In addition, the expression of Twist1, a factor whose expression strongly correlates with high Gleason grade prostate carcinoma, was increased by ERβ2. In agreement with the increased Twist1 expression, we found increased expression of Dickkopf homolog 1; Dickkopf homolog 1 is a factor that has been shown to increase the RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio and enhance osteoclastogenesis, indicating that the expression of ERβ2 can cause osteolytic cancer. Furthermore, we found that only ERβ1 inhibited proliferation, whereas ERβ2 increased proliferation. The expression of the proliferation markers Cyclin E, c-Myc, and p45Skp2 was differentially affected by ERβ1 and ERβ2 expression. In addition, nuclear β-catenin protein and its mRNA levels were reduced by ERβ1 expression. In conclusion, we found that ERβ1 inhibited proliferation and factors known to be involved in bone metastasis, whereas ERβ2 increased proliferation and up-regulated factors involved in bone metastasis. Thus, in prostate cancer cells, ERβ2 has oncogenic abilities that are in strong contrast to the tumor-suppressing effects of ERβ1.
An Evaluation Testbed for Wind Turbine Blade Tip Designs — Winglet Results
Authors: Gertz Drew , Johnson David A. , Swytink-Binnema Nigel 
Published: October 2012

A 3.3 m diameter variable speed wind turbine and rotor has been designed, fabricated and tested with exchangeable blade tip capability. This rotor was custom designed utilizing the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's S83X series airfoils for the University of Waterloo Wind Energy research facility with blades that allow the outer 10% of the blade to be exchanged. Turbine power production measurements were completed in the controlled wind facility covering a range of mean wind speeds, 3.6 m/s to 11 m/s, and turbine rotor shaft rotational rates, 100 rpm to 240 rpm. Power produced by the blades was determined as a function of input wind speed. The coefficient of power, CP, was determined as a function of the tip speed ratio λ and peak CP was found to approach 0.42 at the design λ of 6.7. At the design shaft speed of 200 rpm, the maximum power produced was 1.45 kW at 11 m/s. Prior winglet designs are discussed and two winglet designs are evaluated. The effects of two different winglets, the Maniaci and Gertz designs, were evaluated with surface oil flow visualization and quantified by repeating the test that was executed with the standard tip for each winglet. Both winglets were found to have a bell-shaped power augmentation profile, with a broad peak between 6.5 m/s and 9.5 m/s where power was increased by 5% to 7%. These power augmentation figures matched closely with the findings in the literature that suggested increases of 2% to 8% are possible. It is noted, however, that these designs are certainly not optimal and it is possible that an optimized winglet design through further modeling and testing could be attained.