bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Injection locking of mid‐infrared quantum cascade laser at 14 GHz, by direct microwave modulation
Authors: St‐Jean Margaux Renaudat , Amanti Maria Ines , Bernard Alice , Calvar Ariane , Bismuto Alfredo , Gini Emilio , Beck Mattias , Faist Jerome , Liu H. C. , Sirtori Carlo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCompact laser sources operating in mid infrared spectral region with stable emission are important for applications in spectroscopy and wireless communication. Quantum cascade lasers (QCL) are unique semiconductor sources covering mid infrared frequency range. Based on intersubband transitions, the carrier lifetime of these sources is in the ps range. For this reason their frequency response to direct modulation is expected to overcome the limits of standard semiconductor lasers. In this work injection locking of the roundtrip frequency of a QCL emitting at 9 μm is reported. Inter modes laser frequency separation is stabilized and controlled by an external microwave source. Designing an optical waveguide embedded in a microstrip line a flat frequency response to direct modulation up to 14 GHz is presented. Injection locking over MHz frequency range at 13.7 GHz is demonstrated. Numerical solutions of injection locking theory are discussed and presented as tool to describe experimental results.
Miniature forward‐imaging B‐scan optical coherence tomography probe to guide real‐time laser ablation
Authors: Li Zhuoyan , Shen Jin H. , Kozub John A. , Prasad Ratna , Lu Pengcheng , Joos Karen M. 
Published: March 2014

Background and ObjectiveInvestigations have shown that pulsed lasers tuned to 6.1 µm in wavelength are capable of ablating ocular and neural tissue with minimal collateral damage. This study investigated whether a miniature B‐scan forward‐imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe can be combined with the laser to provide real‐time visual feedback during laser incisions.Study Design/Methods and MaterialsA miniature 25‐gauge B‐scan forward‐imaging OCT probe was developed and combined with a 250 µm hollow‐glass waveguide to permit delivery of 6.1 µm laser energy. A gelatin mixture and both porcine corneal and retinal tissues were simultaneously imaged and lased (6.1 µm, 10 Hz, 0.4–0.7 mJ) through air. The ablation studies were observed and recorded in real time. The crater dimensions were measured using OCT imaging software (Bioptigen, Durham, NC). Histological analysis was performed on the ocular tissues.ResultsThe combined miniature forward‐imaging OCT and mid‐infrared laser‐delivery probe successfully imaged real‐time tissue ablation in gelatin, corneal tissue, and retinal tissue. Application of a constant number of 60 pulses at 0.5 mJ/pulse to the gelatin resulted in a mean crater depth of 123 ± 15 µm. For the corneal tissue, there was a significant correlation between the number of pulses used and depth of the lased hole (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.82; P = 0.0002). Histological analysis of the cornea and retina tissues showed discrete holes with minimal thermal damage.ConclusionsA combined miniature OCT and laser‐delivery probe can monitor real‐time tissue laser ablation. With additional testing and improvements, this novel instrument has the future possibility of effectively guiding surgeries by simultaneously imaging and ablating tissue. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:216–223, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined concurrent photodynamic and gold nanoshell loaded macrophage‐mediated photothermal therapies: An in vitro study on squamous cell head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Trinidad Anthony J. , Hong Seok Jin , Peng Qian , Madsen Steen J. , Hirschberg Henry 
Published: March 2014

Background and ObjectiveTreatment modalities, such as hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been used in the treatment of a variety of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), either alone or as an adjuvant therapy. Macrophages loaded with gold nanoshells, which convert near‐infrared light to heat, can be used as transport vectors for photothermal hyperthermia of tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined macrophage mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) and PDT on HNSCC cells.Study Design/Materials and MethodsGold nanoshell loaded rat macrophages either alone or combined with human FaDu squamous cells in hybrid monolayers were subjected to PTT, PDT, or a simultaneous combination of the two light treatments. Therapies were given concurrently employing two laser light sources of λ = 670 nm (PDT) and λ = 810 nm (PTT), respectively.ResultsSignificant uptake of gold nanospheres (AuNS) by rat alveolar macrophages was observed thus providing the rationale for their use as delivery vectors. Viability of the AuNS‐loaded Ma was reduced to 35 and 12% of control values at an irradiance of 14 or 28 W/cm2 administered over a 5 minute period respectively. No significant cytotoxicity was observed for empty Ma for similar PTT exposure. AlPcS2a mediated PDT at a fluence level of 0.25 J/cm2 and PTT at 14 W/cm2 irradiance had little effect on cell viability for the FaDu/Ma (ratio 2:1) hybrid monolayers. In contrast, combined treatment reduced the cell viability to less than 40% at these same laser power settings.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide proof of concept for the use of macrophages as a delivery vector of AuNS for photothermal enhancement of the effects of PDT on squamous cell carcinoma. A significant synergy was demonstrated with combined PDT and PTT compared to each modality applied separately. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:310–318, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HPLC‐1H‐NMR Characterization of Polystyrene‐block‐Polyisoprene Copolymers: LCCC‐1H‐NMR Using a Single Mobile Phase
Authors: Sinha Pritish , Hiller Wolf , Pasch Harald 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe analysis of PS‐b‐PI copolymers, synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization was conducted by on‐line hyphenation of liquid chromatography at critical conditions (LCCC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR). Critical conditions were established for polyisoprene using 1,4‐dioxane as the mobile phase and varying the column oven temperature. At these critical conditions, the polyisoprene homopolymer formed during synthesis was separated from the copolymer. The molar mass of the PS block, the chemical composition of the block copolymers as well as the microstructure of PI were determined in a single experiment.
Lung tumourigenesis in a conditional Cul4A transgenic mouse model
Authors: Yang Yi‐Lin , Hung Ming‐Szu , Wang Yang , Ni Jian , Mao Jian‐Hua , Hsieh David , Au Alfred , Kumar Atul , Quigley David , Fang Li Tai , Yeh Che‐Chung , Xu Zhidong , Jablons David M , You Liang 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCullin4A (Cul4A) is a scaffold protein that assembles cullin–RING ubiquitin ligase (E3) complexes and regulates many cellular events, including cell survival, development, growth and cell cycle control. Our previous study suggested that Cul4A is oncogenic in vitro, but its oncogenic role in vivo has not been studied. Here, we used a Cul4A transgenic mouse model to study the potential oncogenic role of Cul4A in lung tumour development. After Cul4A over‐expression was induced in the lungs for 32 weeks, atypical epithelial cells were observed. After 40 weeks, lung tumours were visible and were characterized as grade I or II adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed decreased levels of Cul4A‐associated proteins p21CIP1 and tumour suppressor p19ARF in the lung tumours, suggesting that Cul4A regulated their expression in these tumours. Increased levels of p27KIP1 and p16INK4a were also detected in these tumours. Moreover, the protein level of DNA replication licensing factor CDT1 was decreased. Genomic instability in the lung tumours was further analysed by the results from pericentrin protein expression and array comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Furthermore, knocking down Cul4A expression in lung cancer H2170 cells increased their sensitivity to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin in vitro, suggesting that Cul4A over‐expression is associated with cisplatin resistance in the cancer cells. Our findings indicate that Cul4A is oncogenic in vivo, and this Cul4A mouse model is a tool in understanding the mechanisms of Cul4A in human cancers and for testing experimental therapies targeting Cul4A. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Smoke exposure, wheezing, and asthma development: A systematic review and meta‐analysis in unselected birth cohorts
Authors: Silvestri Michela , Franchi Sara , Pistorio Angela , Petecchia Loredana , Rusconi Franca 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe understanding of the role of smoking exposure in the induction of wheezing and asthma in children is important for prevention.MethodsA systematic review of literature and a meta‐analysis were conducted to identify studies on unselected prospective birth cohorts. The effect of exposure to maternal/parental smoking on the induction of current wheezing or asthma was evaluated in children aged 6 months, <6 years, and ≥6 years. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.ResultsWe identified 43 papers. Exposure to maternal prenatal smoking was associated with an increased risk of wheezing in <6‐year‐olds (OR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.19–1.55) and of wheezing or asthma in ≥6‐year‐olds (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03–1.44). A positive association (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11–1.38) was also found in the only three studies that evaluated exposure to maternal prenatal smoking alone. Postnatal exposures to maternal/parental smoking were associated with wheezing in <6‐year‐olds (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13–1.31 and OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.13–1.51), although it was often impossible to separate the role of postnatal from that of prenatal exposure; data in schoolchildren are limited and this precluded a meta‐analysis. No clear association was found between exclusive postnatal exposure and wheezing or asthma.ConclusionsWe confirmed an important role of prenatal exposure to maternal smoking on the induction of wheezing and asthma in offspring, particularly in the first years of life. More studies with a consistent number of subjects only exposed to smoke postnatally are needed to better investigate the harmful effects on the induction of wheezing or asthma, particularly in schoolchildren. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:353–362. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of hydrogen peroxide vapor by use of manganese(IV) oxide as catalyst for calorimetric gas sensors
Authors: Oberländer Jan , Kirchner Patrick , Boyen Hans‐Gerd , Schöning Michael J. 
Published: March 2014

In this work, the catalyst manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2), of calorimetric gas sensors (to monitor the sterilization agent vaporized hydrogen peroxide) has been investigated in more detail. Chemical analyses by means of X‐ray‐induced photoelectron spectroscopy have been performed to unravel the surface chemistry prior and after exposure to hydrogen peroxide vapor at elevated temperature, as applied in the sterilization processes of beverage cartons. The surface characterization reveals a change in oxidation states of the metal oxide catalyst after exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, a cleaning effect of the catalyst, which itself is attached to the sensor surface by means of a polymer interlayer, could be observed. Schematic demonstrating the principle of the investigated calorimetric hydrogen peroxide gas sensor. Differential set‐up of two temperature‐sensitive elements; right side: passivated by an inert polymer; left side: additionally catalytically activated.
Deterministic random walks on finite graphs
Authors: Kijima Shuji , Koga Kentaro , Makino Kazuhisa 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe rotor‐router model, also known as the Propp machine, is a deterministic process analogous to a random walk on a graph. Instead of distributing tokens to randomly chosen neighbors, the Propp machine deterministically serves the neighbors in a fixed order by associating to each vertex a “rotor‐router” pointing to one of its neighbors. This paper investigates the discrepancy at a single vertex between the number of tokens in the rotor‐router model and the expected number of tokens in a random walk, for finite graphs in general. We show that the discrepancy is bounded by O (mn) at any time for any initial configuration if the corresponding random walk is lazy and reversible, where n and m denote the numbers of nodes and edges, respectively. For a lower bound, we show examples of graphs and initial configurations for which the discrepancy at a single vertex is Ω(m) at any time (> 0). For some special graphs, namely hypercube skeletons and Johnson graphs, we give a polylogarithmic upper bound, in terms of the number of nodes, for the discrepancy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46,739–761, 2015
YB-1 Transforms Human Mammary Epithelial Cells Through Chromatin Remodeling Leading to the Development of Basal-Like Breast Cancer
Authors: Davies Alastair H. , Reipas Kristen M. , Pambid Mary Rose , Berns Rachel , Stratford Anna L. , Fotovati Abbas , Firmino Natalie , Astanehe Arezoo , Hu Kaiji , Maxwell Christopher , Mills Gordon B. , Dunn Sandra E. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
There is growing evidence that cancer-initiation could result from epigenetic changes. Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) is a transcription/translation factor that promotes the formation of tumors in transgenic mice; however, the underlying molecular events are not understood. To explore this in a human model system, YB-1 was expressed in mammary epithelial cells under the control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter. The induction of YB-1 promoted phenotypes associated with malignancy in three-dimensional breast acini cultures. This was attributed to YB-1 enhancing the expression and activity of the histone acetyltransferase p300 leading to chromatin remodeling. Specifically, this relaxation of chromatin allowed YB-1 to bind to the BMI1 promoter. The induction of BMI1 engaged the Polycomb complex resulting in histone H2A ubiquitylation and repression of the CDKN2A locus. These events manifested functionally as enhanced self-renewal capacity that occurred in a BMI1-dependent manner. Conversely, p300 inhibition with anacardic acid prevented YB-1 from binding to the BMI1 promoter and thereby subverted self-renewal. Despite these early changes, full malignant transformation was not achieved until RSK2 became overexpressed concomitant with elevated human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) activity. The YB-1/RSK2/hTERT expressing cells formed tumors in mice that were molecularly subtyped as basal-like breast cancer. We conclude that YB-1 cooperates with p300 to allow BMI1 to over-ride p16INK4a-mediated cell cycle arrest enabling self-renewal and the development of aggressive breast tumors. Stem Cells 2014;32:1437–1450
Longitudinal changes in maternal hemodynamics in a population at risk for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Khalil A. , Garcia‐Mandujano R. , Maiz N. , Elkhouli M. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate longitudinal changes in maternal hemodynamics from the first trimester onward in women who develop pre‐eclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH).MethodsThis was a prospective longitudinal study of singleton pregnancies identified by screening at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation as being at high risk for PE. Measurements of augmentation index (AIx), pulsed wave velocity (PWV) and aortic systolic blood pressure (SBPao) were taken every 4 weeks until delivery. Values were compared between women who developed preterm PE requiring delivery before 37 weeks, term PE or GH, and those who remained normotensive.ResultsA total of 1198 observations were recorded in 245 women, including 181 who were normotensive, 22 with preterm PE, 22 with term PE and 20 with GH. In the normotensive group, there was a U‐shaped relationship between AIx and gestational age with a trough at 25 weeks' gestation, whereas changes in levels of PWV or SBPao were minimal, with a mild increase from 25 and 30 weeks' gestation onward, respectively. In the GH and preterm PE groups, compared to the normotensive group, SBPao was higher and the difference did not change significantly with gestational age. In the term PE group, SBPao did not differ significantly from that in the normotensive group. In the preterm PE group compared to the normotensive group, PWV and AIx were significantly higher from 16–17 weeks' gestation onward and the difference increased with gestational age in both cases. In the term PE and GH groups, PWV and AIx did not differ significantly from normal.ConclusionThis study describes temporal changes in AIx, PWV and SBPao in normotensive pregnant women and in women who develop PE or GH. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Recent progress in the development of polysaccharide conjugates of docetaxel and paclitaxel
Authors: Roy Aniruddha , Bhattacharyya Mousumi , Ernsting Mark J. , May Jonathan P , Li Shyh‐Dar 
Published: March 2014

Taxanes are one of the most potent and broadest spectrum chemotherapeutics used clinically, but also induce significant side effects. Different strategies have been developed to produce a safer taxane formulation. Development of polysaccharide drug conjugates has increased in the recent years because of the demonstrated biocompatibility, biodegradability, safety, and low cost of the biopolymers. This review focuses on polysaccharide–taxane conjugates and provides an overview on various conjugation strategies and their effect on the efficacy. Detailed analyses on the designing factors of an effective polysaccharide–drug conjugate are provided with a discussion on the future direction of this field.This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Isoflavone Content of Soybean Cultivars from Maturity Group 0 to VI Grown in Northern and Southern China
Authors: Zhang Jingying , Ge Yinan , Han Fenxia , Li Bin , Yan Shurong , Sun Junming , Wang Lianzheng 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSoybean isoflavone content has long been considered to be a desirable trait to target in selection programs for their contribution to human health and plant defense systems. The objective of this study was to determine isoflavone concentrations of various soybean cultivars from maturity groups 0 to VI grown in various environments and to analyze their relationship to other important seed characters. Forty soybean cultivars were grown in replicated trials at Wuhan and Beijing of China in 2009/2010 and their individual and total isoflavone concentrations were determined by HPLC. Their yield and quality traits were also concurrently analyzed. The isoflavone components had abundant genetic variation in soybean seed, with a range of coefficient variation from 45.01% to 69.61%. Moreover, individual and total isoflavone concentrations were significantly affected by cultivar, maturity group, site and year. Total isoflavone concentration ranged from 551.15 to 7584.07 μg g−1, and averaged 2972.64 μg g−1 across environments and cultivars. There was a similar trend regarding the isoflavone contents, in which a lower isoflavone concentration was generally presented in early rather than late maturing soybean cultivars. In spite of significant cultivar × year × site interactions, cultivars with consistently high or low isoflavone concentrations across environments were identified, indicating that a genetic factor plays the most important role for isoflavone accumulation. The total isoflavone concentration had significant positive correlations with plant height, effective branches, pods per plant, seeds per plant, linoleic acid and linolenic acid, while significant negative correlations with oleic acid and oil content, indicating that isoflavone concentration can be predicted as being associated with other desirable seed characteristics.
Co-morbid anxiety disorders predict early relapse after inpatient alcohol treatment
Authors: Schellekens A.F.A. , de Jong C.A.J. , Buitelaar J.K. , Verkes R.J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroduction:Alcohol dependence and anxiety disorders often co-occur. Yet, the effect of co-morbid anxiety disorders on the alcohol relapse-risk after treatment is under debate. This study investigated the effect of co-morbid anxiety disorders on relapse rates in alcohol dependence. We hypothesized that co-morbid anxiety disorders would be particularly predictive for early relapse, but not late relapse.Subjects and methods:In a prospective design, male alcohol dependent patients (n= 189) were recruited from an inpatient detoxification clinic. Psychiatric diagnoses and personality traits were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for psychiatric disorders and the Temperament and Character Inventory. The addiction severity index was used to assess addiction severity and follow-up.Results:One year after detoxification, 81 patients (53%) relapsed and nine patients (7%) were deceased, due to alcohol related causes. Co-morbid anxiety disorder, marital status, addiction severity, in particular legal problems, and harm avoidance predicted relapse. Anxiety disorders specifically predicted early relapse.Conclusion:Alcohol dependence is a severe mental disorder, with high relapse rates and high mortality. Alcohol dependent patients with co-morbid anxiety disorders are particularly prone to relapse during the first three months of treatment. These patients may therefore require additional medical and psychological attention.
Effects of social context on endocrine function and Zif268 expression in response to an acute stressor in adolescent and adult rats
Authors: Hodges Travis E. , Green Matthew R. , Simone Jonathan J. , McCormick Cheryl M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThere is a paucity of studies comparing social buffering in adolescents and adults, despite their marked differences in social behavior. We investigated whether greater effects of social buffering on plasma corticosterone concentrations and expression of Zif268 in neural regions after an acute stressor would be found in adolescent than adult rats. Samples were obtained before and after 1 h of isolation stress and after either 1 or 3 h of recovery back in the colony with either a familiar or unfamiliar cage partner. Adolescent and adult rats did not differ in plasma concentrations of corticosterone at any time point. Corticosterone concentrations were higher after 1 h isolation than at baseline (p < 0.001), and rats with a familiar partner during the recovery phase had lower corticosterone concentrations than did rats with an unfamiliar partner (p = 0.02). Zif268 immunoreactive cell counts were higher in the arcuate nucleus in both age groups after isolation (p = 0.007) and in the paraventricular nucleus of adolescents than adults during the recovery phase irrespective of partner familiarity. There was a significant decrease in immunoreactive cell counts after 1 h isolation compared to baseline in the basolateral amygdala, central nucleus of the amygdala, and in the pyramidal layer of the hippocampus (all p < 0.05). An effect of partner familiarity on Zif268 immunoreactive cell counts was found in the granule layer of the dentate gyrus irrespective of age (higher in those with a familiar partner, p = 0.03) and in the medial prefrontal cortex in adolescents (higher with an unfamiliar partner, p = 0.02). Overall, the acute stress and partner familiarity produced a similar pattern of results in adolescents and adults, with both age groups sensitive to the social context.