bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Assessment of Different Health Utility Measures in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Wang Su-li , Hsieh Evelyn , Zhu Li-an , Wu Bin , Lu Liang-jing 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn a time of increasing economic constraints, it is crucial that health systems optimize their resource use to ensure that they generate the maximum possible health gain. Therefore, it is necessary for health interventions to be evaluated and compared across therapeutic boundaries. Undertaking such an evaluation a generic utility-based measure is required. But it remains uncertain whether the utility values obtained by direct or indirect methods are comparable and which approach is the most appropriate in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) population. In the study, we compared the utility values obtained by an indirect method (EQ-5D) with direct utility instruments, the standard gamble (SG) and visual analog scale (VAS), in SLE patients. The correlations between VAS, EQ-5D and LupusQoL were significant; relative good intraclass correlations or kappa coefficients indicated the reliability of these instruments. A model incorporating the SLEDAI scores and LupusQoL domains of emotional health and pain was a good predictor of VAS. SLEDAI score was a good predictor in the SG regression model. These findings suggested that the VAS and EQ-5D might be valid and reliable measures to assess health related quality of life in SLE patients and represent promising outcome measures for future research in this population.
Copy number variation in exportin-4 (XPO4) gene and its association with histological severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zain Shamsul Mohd , Mohamed Zahurin , Pirmohamed Munir , Tan Hwa Li , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Chan Wah-Kheong , Mustapha Nik Raihan Nik , Mohamed Rosmawati 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA recent genome-wide copy number (CNV) scan identified a 13q12.11 duplication in the exportin-4 (XPO4) gene to be associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We sought to confirm the finding in a larger cohort and to assess the serum XPO4 pattern in a broad spectrum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cases. We analysed 249 NAFLD patients and 232 matched controls using TaqMan assay and serum XPO4 was measured. Copy number distribution was as follows: copy number neutral (NAFLD: 53.8%, controls: 68.6%), copy number losses (NAFLD: 13.3%, controls: 12.9%), copy number gains (NAFLD: 32.9%, controls: 18.5%). CNV gain was significantly associated with a greater risk of NAFLD (adjusted OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.42–3.46, P = 0.0004) and NASH (adjusted OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.47–3.68, P = 0.0003). Interestingly, subjects carrying extra copy number showed significantly higher serum ALT and triglyceride (P < 0.05). Serum XPO4 levels progressively declined (P = 0.043) from controls (24.6 ng/mL) to simple steatosis (20.8 ng/mL) to NASH (13.8 ng/mL). In conclusion,XPO4CNV duplication was associated with histological severity of NAFLD and accompanied by changes in serum XPO4 levels providing insights into NAFLD pathogenesis and has the potential for biomarker development.
Tracing temperature in a nanometer size region in a picosecond time period
Authors: Nakajima Kaoru , Kitayama Takumi , Hayashi Hiroaki , Matsuda Makoto , Sataka Masao , Tsujimoto Masahiko , Toulemonde Marcel , Bouffard Serge , Kimura Kenji 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIrradiation of materials with either swift heavy ions or slow highly charged ions leads to ultrafast heating on a timescale of several picosecond in a region of several nanometer. This ultrafast local heating result in formation of nanostructures, which provide a number of potential applications in nanotechnologies. These nanostructures are believed to be formed when the local temperature rises beyond the melting or boiling point of the material. Conventional techniques, however, are not applicable to measure temperature in such a localized region in a short time period. Here, we propose a novel method for tracing temperature in a nanometer region in a picosecond time period by utilizing desorption of gold nanoparticles around the ion impact position. The feasibility is examined by comparing with the temperature evolution predicted by a theoretical model.
Chimeric peptide constructs comprising linear B-cell epitopes: application to the serodiagnosis of infectious diseases
Authors: Lu Yudong , Li Zhong , Teng Huan , Xu Hongke , Qi Songnan , He Jian’an , Gu Dayong , Chen Qijun , Ma Hongwei 
Published: August 2015

AbstractLinear B-cell epitopes are ideal biomarkers for the serodiagnosis of infectious diseases. However, the long-predicted diagnostic value of epitopes has not been realized. Here, we demonstrated a method, diagnostic epitopes in four steps (DEIFS), that delivers a combination of epitopes for the serodiagnosis of infectious diseases with a high success rate. Using DEIFS for malaria, we identified 6 epitopes from 8 peptides and combined them into 3 chimeric peptide constructs. Along with 4 other peptides, we developed a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), which is able to differentiate Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) from Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) infections with 95.6% overall sensitivity and 99.1% overall specificity. In addition to applications in diagnosis, DEIFS could also be used in the diagnosis of virus and bacterium infections, discovery of vaccine candidates, evaluation of vaccine potency and study of disease progression.
Dynamic subnuclear relocalisation of WRKY40 in response to Abscisic acid in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Geilen Katja , Böhmer Maik 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWRKY18, WRKY40 and WRKY60 are members of the WRKY transcription factor family and function as transcriptional regulators in ABA signal transduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we show that WRKY18 and WRKY40, but not WRKY60, co-localise with PIF3, PIF4 and PHYB to Phytochrome B-containing nuclear bodies (PNBs). Localisation to the PNBs is phosphorylation-dependent and is inhibited by the general Ser/Thr-kinase inhibitor Staurosporine. Upon ABA treatment, WRKY40 relocalises from PNBs to the nucleoplasm in an OST1-dependent manner. This stimulus-induced relocalisation was not observed in response to other abiotic or biotic stimuli, including NaCl, MeJA or flg22 treatment. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments indicate that while PIF3, PIF4 and PHYB physically interact in these bodies, PHYB, PIF3 and PIF4 do not interact with the two WRKY transcription factors, which may suggest a more general role for these bodies in regulation of transcriptional activity.
Exometabolom analysis of breast cancer cell lines: Metabolic signature
Authors: Willmann Lucas , Erbes Thalia , Halbach Sebastian , Brummer Tilman , Jäger Markus , Hirschfeld Marc , Fehm Tanja , Neubauer Hans , Stickeler Elmar , Kammerer Bernd 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCancer cells show characteristic effects on cellular turnover and DNA/RNA modifications leading to elevated levels of excreted modified nucleosides. We investigated the molecular signature of different subtypes of breast cancer cell lines and the breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A. Prepurification of cell culture supernatants was performed by cis-diol specific affinity chromatography using boronate-derivatized polyacrylamide gel. Samples were analyzed by application of reversed phase chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Collectively, we determined 23 compounds from RNA metabolism, two from purine metabolism, five from polyamine/methionine cycle, one from histidine metabolism and two from nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. We observed major differences of metabolite excretion pattern between the breast cancer cell lines and MCF-10A, just as well as between the different breast cancer cell lines themselves. Differences in metabolite excretion resulting from cancerous metabolism can be integrated into altered processes on the cellular level. Modified nucleosides have great potential as biomarkers in due consideration of the heterogeneity of breast cancer that is reflected by the different molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Our data suggests that the metabolic signature of breast cancer cell lines might be a more subtype-specific tool to predict breast cancer, rather than a universal approach.
Transcriptomic analysis of pancreatic cancer cells in response to metformin and aspirin: an implication of synergy
Authors: Yue Wen , Wang Tao , Zachariah Emmanuel , Lin Yong , Yang Chung S. , Xu Qing , DiPaola Robert S. , Tan Xiang-Lin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMetformin and aspirin have been studied extensively as cancer preventative and therapeutic agents. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for the inhibitory effects of pancreatic cancer development remain undefined. To gain further insight into their biological function in pancreatic cancer, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing to assess the differential gene expression induced by metformin (5 mM) and aspirin (2 mM), alone or in combination, after treatment of PANC-1 cells for 48 hours. Compared to an untreated control, metformin down-regulated 58 genes and up-regulated 91 genes, aspirin down-regulated 12 genes only, while metformin plus aspirin down-regulated 656 genes and up-regulated 449 genes (fold-change > 2, P < 10−5). Of the top 10 genes (fold-change > 10, P < 10−10) regulated by metformin plus aspirin, PCDH18, CCL2, RASL11A, FAM111B and BMP5 were down-regulated ≥ 20-fold, while NGFR, NPTX1, C7orf57, MRPL23AS1 and UNC5B were up-regulated ≥ 10-fold. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed that the pathways, “cholesterol biosynthesis”, “cell cycle: G1/S checkpoint regulation” and “axonal guidance signaling” were the most statistically significant pathways modulated by metformin plus aspirin. Although the results need further functional validation, these data provide the first evidence for the synergistic action between metformin and aspirin in modulating the transcriptional profile of pancreatic cancer cells.
Real-time analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition using fluorescent single-domain antibodies
Authors: Maier Julia , Traenkle Bjoern , Rothbauer Ulrich 
Published: August 2015

AbstractVimentin has become an important biomarker for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a highly dynamic cellular process involved in the initiation of metastasis and cancer progression. To date there is no approach available to study endogenous vimentin in a physiological context. Here, we describe the selection and targeted modification of novel single-domain antibodies, so-called nanobodies, to trace vimentin in various cellular assays. Most importantly, we generated vimentin chromobodies by combining the binding moieties of the nanobodies with fluorescent proteins. Following chromobody fluorescence in a cancer-relevant cellular model, we were able for the first time to monitor and quantify dynamic changes of endogenous vimentin upon siRNA-mediated knockdown, induction with TGF-β and modification with Withaferin A by high-content imaging. This versatile approach allows detailed studies of the spatiotemporal organization of vimentin in living cells. It enables the identification of vimentin-modulating compounds, thereby providing the basis to screen for novel therapeutics affecting EMT.
Sonorensin: A new bacteriocin with potential of an anti-biofilm agent and a food biopreservative
Authors: Chopra Lipsy , Singh Gurdeep , Kumar Jena Kautilya , Sahoo Debendra K. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria has led to exploration of alternative therapeutic agents such as ribosomally synthesized bacterial peptides known as bacteriocins. Biofilms, which are microbial communities that cause serious chronic infections, form environments that enhance antimicrobial resistance. Bacteria in biofilm can be upto thousand times more resistant to antibiotics than the same bacteria circulating in a planktonic state. In this study, sonorensin, predicted to belong to the heterocycloanthracin subfamily of bacteriocins, was found to be effectively killing active and non-multiplying cells of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Sonorensin showed marked inhibition activity against biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus. Fluorescence and electron microscopy suggested that growth inhibition occurred because of increased membrane permeability. Low density polyethylene film coated with sonorensin was found to effectively control the growth of food spoilage bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes and S. aureus. The biopreservative effect of sonorensin coated film showing growth inhibition of spoilage bacteria in chicken meat and tomato samples demonstrated the potential of sonorensin as an alternative to current antibiotics/ preservatives.
Geometrically controlled snapping transitions in shells with curved creases
Authors: Bende Nakul Prabhakar , Evans Arthur A. , Innes-Gold Sarah , Marin Luis A. , Cohen Itai , Hayward Ryan C. , Santangelo Christian D. 
Published: August 2015

Significance
Shape-programmable structures have recently used origami to reconfigure using a smooth folding motion, but are hampered by slow speeds and complicated material assembly. Inspired by natural systems like the leaves of Venus flytraps and hummingbird beaks, we use curved creases to imbue elastic shells with programmable fast “snapping” motion. This deformation between preprogrammed states can be tuned to be either continuously foldable or snap discontinuously. Our results provide a purely geometrical mechanism for designing multistable structures, thus circumventing the need for complex materials or fabrication methods in creating structures with fast dynamics. This technique will find application in designing structures over a wide range of length scales, including self-folding materials, tunable optics, and switchable frictional surfaces for microfluidics.
Characterization of two endoglucanases for the classification of the earthworm, Eisenia fetida Waki
Authors: Akazawa Shin-ichi , Ikarashi Yuki , Yarimizu Jun , Yokoyama Keisuke , Kobayashi Tomoya , Nakazawa Hikaru , Ogasawara Wataru , Morikawa Yasushi 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei are vermicomposting species that are used as model animals for testing chemical material toxicology. Eisenia spp. are grown commercially in various fields in Japan. However, these two species have not been classified because it is difficult to distinguish them morphologically; thus, all bred earthworms are called E. fetida. However, it has been proposed that these two species have different expression regulation mechanisms. Here, we classified a sample of earthworms purchased from several farms, confirming that both E. fetida and E. andrei are present in Japanese earthworm breeding programs. We also characterized two highly active endoglucanases (EfEG1 and EfEG2) from the E. fetida Waki strain, which contained strong fibrinolytic enzymes for improving human health. We confirmed that EfEG1 is 1371 bp long and belongs to GHF9. Thus, E. fetida Waki may have commercial application for biomass utilization and as a dietary health supplement.
Laser heat treatment of aerosol-jet additive manufactured graphene patterns
Authors: Jabari Elahe , Toyserkani Ehsan 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In this article, a laser processing protocol for heat treatment of micro-scale printed graphene patterns is developed, and the results are compared with the counterpart results obtained by the conventional heat treatment process carried out in a furnace. A continuous-wave Erbium fiber laser is used to enhance electrical properties of the aerosol-jet printed graphene patterns through removing solvents and a stabilizer polymer. The laser power and the process speed are optimized to effectively treat the printed patterns without compromising the quality of the graphene flakes. Furthermore, a heat transfer model is developed and its results are utilized to optimize the laser treatment process. It is found that the laser heat treatment process with a laser speed of 0.03 mm s−1, a laser beam diameter ~50 μm, and a laser power of 10 W results in pure graphene patterns with no excessive components. The ratio of D to G bands (

in Raman graph of the laser treated pure graphene, which is an indicator of the level of the active defects in graphene structures, is 0.52. The laser treated pure graphene structures also have a C/O ratio and an electrical resistivity of ~4.5 and 0.022 Ω cm, respectively. These values are fairly comparable with the results of samples treated in a furnace. The results suggest that the laser processing has the capability of removing stabilizer polymers and solvents through a localized moving heat source, which is preferable for flexible electronics with low working temperature substrates.
Velocity-space observation regions of high-resolution two-step reaction gamma-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Salewski M. , Nocente M. , Gorini G. , Jacobsen A.S. , Kiptily V.G. , Korsholm S.B. , Leipold F. , Madsen J. , Moseev D. , Nielsen S.K. , Rasmussen J. , Stejner M. , Tardocchi M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
High-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy (GRS) measurements resolve spectral shapes of Doppler-broadened γ-rays. We calculate weight functions describing velocity-space sensitivities of any two-step reaction GRS measurements in magnetized plasmas using the resonant nuclear reaction 9Be(α, nγ)12C as an example. The energy-dependent cross sections of this reaction suggest that GRS is sensitive to alpha particles above about 1.7 MeV and highly sensitive to alpha particles at the resonance energies of the reaction. Here we demonstrate that high-resolution two-step reaction GRS measurements are not only selective in energy but also in pitch angle. They can be highly sensitive in particular pitch angle ranges and completely insensitive in others. Moreover, GRS weight functions allow rapid calculation of γ-ray energy spectra from fast-ion distribution functions, additionally revealing how many photons any given alpha-particle velocity-space region contributes to the measurements in each γ-ray energy bin.
Physics design of the HNB accelerator for ITER
Authors: de Esch H.P.L. , Kashiwagi M. , Taniguchi M. , Inoue T. , Serianni G. , Agostinetti P. , Chitarin G. , Marconato N. , Sartori E. , Sonato P. , Veltri P. , Pilan N. , Aprile D. , Fonnesu N. , Antoni V. , Singh M.J. , Hemsworth R.S. , Cavenago M. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The physics design of the accelerator for the heating neutral beamline on ITER is now finished and this paper describes the considerations and choices which constitute the basis of this design. Equal acceleration gaps of 88 mm have been chosen to improve the voltage holding capability while keeping the beam divergence low. Kerbs (metallic plates around groups of apertures, attached to the downstream surface of the grids) are used to compensate for the beamlet–beamlet interaction and to point the beamlets in the right direction. A novel magnetic configuration is employed to compensate for the beamlet deflection caused by the electron suppression magnets in the extraction grid. A combination of long-range and short-range magnetic fields is used to reduce electron leakage between the grids and limit the transmitted electron power to below 800 kW.
CYP17A1 Enzyme Activity Is Linked to Ambulatory Blood Pressure in a Family-Based Population Study
Authors: Ackermann Daniel , Pruijm Menno , Ponte Belen , Guessous Idris , Ehret Georg , Escher Geneviève , Dick Bernhard , Al-Alwan Heba , Vuistiner Philippe , Paccaud Fred , Burnier Michel , Péchère-Bertschi Antoinette , Martin Pierre-Yves , Vogt Bruno , Mohaupt Markus , Bochud Murielle 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Genome-wide association studies have linked CYP17A1 coding for the steroid hormone synthesizing enzyme 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17A1) to blood pressure (BP). We hypothesized that the genetic signal may translate into a correlation of ambulatory BP (ABP) with apparent CYP17A1 activity in a family-based population study and estimated the heritability of CYP17A1 activity.

METHODS
In the Swiss Kidney Project on Genes in Hypertension, day and night urinary excretions of steroid hormone metabolites were measured in 518 participants (220 men, 298 women), randomly selected from the general population. CYP17A1 activity was assessed by 2 ratios of urinary steroid metabolites: one estimating the combined 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase activity (ratio 1) and the other predominantly 17α-hydroxylase activity (ratio 2). A mixed linear model was used to investigate the association of ABP with log-transformed CYP17A1 activities exploring effect modification by urinary sodium excretion.

RESULTS
Daytime ABP was positively associated with ratio 1 under conditions of high, but not low urinary sodium excretion ( P interaction &lt;0.05). Ratio 2 was not associated with ABP. Heritability estimates (SE) for day and night CYP17A1 activities were 0.39 (0.10) and 0.40 (0.09) for ratio 1, and 0.71 (0.09) and 0.55 (0.09) for ratio 2 ( P values &lt;0.001). CYP17A1 activities, assessed with ratio 1, were lower in older participants.

CONCLUSIONS
Low apparent CYP17A1 activity (assessed with ratio 1) is associated with elevated daytime ABP when salt intake is high. CYP17A1 activity is heritable and diminished in the elderly. These observations highlight the modifying effect of salt intake on the association of CYP17A1 with BP.
Effects of Resistance Training With and Without Caloric Restriction on Arterial Stiffness in Overweight and Obese Older Adults
Authors: Jefferson Margie E. , Nicklas Barbara J. , Chmelo Elizabeth A. , Crotts Charlotte I. , Shaltout Hossam A. , Diz Debra I. , Marsh Anthony P. , Brinkley Tina E. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Arterial stiffness is an important marker of vascular aging that is increased in sedentary, obese older adults. Weight loss induced by caloric restriction (CR) can improve arterial stiffness in this population; however, the effects of resistance training (RT) are not clear. This pilot study determined the effects of RT with and without CR on arterial stiffness in overweight and obese older adults.

METHODS
Participants (mean age = 68±3 years, mean body mass index = 31.1±2.7kg/m 2 , 56% female, 13% Black) were randomly assigned to 3 days/week of supervised moderate-intensity RT ( n = 16) or RT+CR ( n = 16) for 5 months. Three indices of arterial stiffness were measured: brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, large artery elasticity, and small artery elasticity.

RESULTS
Body mass was significantly reduced in the RT+CR group compared to the RT group (−6.2±4.8 vs. 0.2±1.2kg, P = 0.0006). Within-group analyses showed that none of the arterial stiffness measures changed with RT or RT+CR. There were also no significant between-group differences, though median changes in large artery elasticity were slightly greater with RT+CR: 0.7 (−2.5, 5.1) vs. 0.3 (−2.6, 0.9) ml/mm Hg × 10, P = 0.07. Changes in large artery elasticity were negatively correlated with changes in waist circumference ( r = −0.36, P &lt; 0.05), systolic blood pressure ( r = −0.38, P = 0.03), and diastolic blood pressure ( r = −0.41, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS
The combination of RT and CR, leading to a modest amount of weight loss (7%), tended to increase large artery elasticity more than RT alone. Our data suggest that reductions in waist circumference and blood pressure may promote improvements in elasticity.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION
Trial Number NCT01049698