bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legume-maize rotation effect on maize productivity and soil fertility parameters under selected agronomic practices in a sandy loam soil
Authors: Uzoh Ifeyinwa Monica , Igwe Charles Arizechukwu , Okebalama Chinyere Blessing , Babalola Olubukola Olularanti
Published: June 2019

Inclusion of legumes in cropping systems is essential for sustainable management of farming systems and reducing the nitrogen (N) fertilizer requirement for maize production. The study evaluated the effect of growing legumes (soybean, cowpea and velvet bean) and maize the same year in rotation, on maize yield and soil fertility indices. The agronomic practices implemented were residue management (residue added and residue removed) and fertilizer N application (0 kg N ha−1 and 60 kg N ha−1) under four rotation systems. The result showed that growing velvet bean the same year in rotation with maize was effective in increasing maize yield and improving some soil fertility indices over growing maize after maize the same year in the same location. Compared to maize monocropping, over 100% increase in maize yield was obtained with velvet bean-maize rotation even in absence of residue incorporation. In addition, velvet bean-maize rotation increased maize yield over cowpea- and soybean- maize rotations. The rotation effect occurred as a result of improvement in soil nitrogen, avail phosphorus (P), exchangeable magnesium (exch Mg) and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC). Grain legumes-maize rotations equally increased maize yield over sole maize. Generally legume-maize rotations increased total N, avail P, exch K, Mg and effective cation exchange capacity over sole maize. Crop residue incorporation and N fertilizer application significantly improved soil N and maize grain yield (0.18%, 2.74 tha−1 in 2008; 0.22%, 1.16 tha−1 in 2009 and 0.19%, 2.72 tha−1 in 2008; 1.35 tha−1 in 2009 respectively) over non-residue incorporation (0.16% and 1.84 tha−1 in 2008, 0.66 tha−1 in 2009) and zero N application (0.16% and 1.83 tha−1 in 2008 and 0.17% and 0.85 tha−1 in 2009). Therefore, velvet bean could be planted the same season with subsequent maize in rotation cropping for intensive sustainable maize production in sandy-loam soils without fertilizer N. For grain legumes such as soybean and cowpea to be effective in rotation cropping with maize, the grain legumes have to be planted early before the full set of rain because excess rain would affect their growth and development.
Characterization of a highly specific NQO1-activated near-infrared fluorescent probe and its application for in vivo tumor imaging
Authors: Punganuru Surendra Reddy , Madala Hanumantha Rao , Arutla Viswanath , Zhang Ruiwen , Srivenugopal Kalkunte S.
Published: June 2019

The Near-infrared Fluorescence (NIRF) molecular imaging of cancer is known to be superior in sensitivity, deeper penetration, and low phototoxicity compared to other imaging modalities. In view of an increased need for efficient and targeted imaging agents, we synthesized a NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-activatable NIR fluorescent probe (NIR-ASM) by conjugating dicyanoisophorone (ASM) fluorophore with the NQO1 substrate quinone propionic acid (QPA). The probe remained non-fluorescent until activation by NQO1, whose expression is largely limited to malignant tissues. With a large Stokes shift (186 nm) and a prominent near-infrared emission (646 nm) in response to NQO1, NIR-ASM was capable of monitoring NQO1 activity in vitro and in vivo with high specificity and selectivity. We successfully employed the NIR-ASM to differentiate cancer cells from normal cells based on NQO1 activity using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Chemical and genetic approaches involving the use of ES936, a specific inhibitor of NQO1 and siRNA and gene transfection procedures unambiguously demonstrated NQO1 to be the sole target activating the NIR-ASM in cell cultures. NIR-ASM was successfully used to detect and image the endogenous NQO1 in three live tumor-bearing mouse models (A549 lung cancer, Lewis lung carcinoma, and MDMAMB 231 xenografts) with a high signal-to-low noise ratiometric NIR fluorescence response. When the NQO1-proficient A549 tumors and NQO1-deficient MDA-MB-231 tumors were developed in the same animal, only the A549 malignancies activated the NIR-ASM probe with a strong signal. Because of its high sensitivity, rapid activation, tumor selectivity, and nontoxic properties, the NIR-ASM appears to be a promising agent with clinical applications.
Effectiveness of Solvent Vapor Annealing over Thermal Annealing on the Photovoltaic Performance of Non-Fullerene Acceptor Based BHJ Solar Cells
Authors: Datt Ram , Suman  , Bagui A. , Siddiqui Afzal , Sharma R. , Gupta Vinay , Yoo S. , Kumar S. , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: June 2019

We explore two small molecules containing arms of dicyano-n-hexylrhodanine and diathiafulvalene wings terminated with benzothiadiazole linker, denoted as BAF-4CN and BAF-2HDT, respectively, as small molecule non-fullerene acceptors (SMNFAs) in organic solar cells. The proposed materials are mixed with a low band gap polymer donor PTB7-Th having broad absorption in the range of 400–750 nm to form solution-processed bulk heterojunctions (BHJs). The photoluminescence (PL) measurements show that both donor and acceptor can quench each other’s PL effectively, implying that not only electrons are transferred from PTB7-Th → SMNFAs but also holes are transferred from SMNFAs → PTB7-Th for efficient photocurrent generation. Furthermore, solvent vapor annealing (SVA) processing is shown to yield a more balanced hole and electron mobility and thus suppresses the trap-assisted recombination significantly. With this dual charge transfer enabled via fine-tuning of end-groups and SVA treatment, power conversion efficiency of approximately 10% is achieved, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Brown bear attacks on humans: a worldwide perspective
Authors: Bombieri G. , Naves J. , Penteriani V. , Selva N. , Fernández-Gil A. , López-Bao J. V. , Ambarli H. , Bautista C. , Bespalova T. , Bobrov V. , Bolshakov V. , Bondarchuk S. , Camarra J. J. , Chiriac S. , Ciucci P. , Dutsov A. , Dykyy I. , Fedriani J. M. , García-Rodríguez A. , Garrote P. J. , Gashev S. , Groff C. , Gutleb B. , Haring M. , Härkönen S. , Huber D. , Kaboli M. , Kalinkin Y. , Karamanlidis A. A. , Karpin V. , Kastrikin V. , Khlyap L. , Khoetsky P. , Kojola I. , Kozlow Y. , Korolev A. , Korytin N. , Kozsheechkin V. , Krofel M. , Kurhinen J. , Kuznetsova I. , Larin E. , Levykh A. , Mamontov V. , Männil P. , Melovski D. , Mertzanis Y. , Meydus A. , Mohammadi A. , Norberg H. , Palazón S. , Pătrașcu L. M. , Pavlova K. , Pedrini P. , Quenette P. Y. , Revilla E. , Rigg R. , Rozhkov Y. , Russo L. F. , Rykov A. , Saburova L. , Sahlén V. , Saveljev A. P. , Seryodkin I. V. , Shelekhov A. , Shishikin A. , Shkvyria M. , Sidorovich V. , Sopin V. , Støen O. , Stofik J. , Swenson J. E. , Tirski D. , Vasin A. , Wabakken P. , Yarushina L. , Zwijacz-Kozica T. , Delgado M. M.
Published: June 2019

The increasing trend of large carnivore attacks on humans not only raises human safety concerns but may also undermine large carnivore conservation efforts. Although rare, attacks by brown bears Ursus arctos are also on the rise and, although several studies have addressed this issue at local scales, information is lacking on a worldwide scale. Here, we investigated brown bear attacks (n = 664) on humans between 2000 and 2015 across most of the range inhabited by the species: North America (n = 183), Europe (n = 291), and East (n = 190). When the attacks occurred, half of the people were engaged in leisure activities and the main scenario was an encounter with a female with cubs. Attacks have increased significantly over time and were more frequent at high bear and low human population densities. There was no significant difference in the number of attacks between continents or between countries with different hunting practices. Understanding global patterns of bear attacks can help reduce dangerous encounters and, consequently, is crucial for informing wildlife managers and the public about appropriate measures to reduce this kind of conflicts in bear country.
Incident Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Patients Treated with a Sulfonylurea: A Nationwide, Nested, Case-Control Study
Authors: Lee Ji-Yeon , Jang Suk-Yong , Nam Chung Mo , Kang Eun Seok
Published: June 2019

Several studies have shown that the use of sulfonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the effects of individual sulfonylureas on HCC development using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort in South Korea. Among 47,738 subjects aged 40 years or older who had newly diagnosed with diabetes, 241 incident HCC cases and 1205 matched controls were identified. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) as estimates of the relative risk of HCC were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Compared to patients never treated with a sulfonylurea, those treated with a sulfonylurea had a 1.7-fold increased risk of HCC development. Of the different types of sulfonylureas, the exclusive use of glimepiride was associated with a significantly elevated risk of HCC (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.02–3.47) compared to those who were never treated with sulfonylureas. No significant associations were observed between exclusive gliclazide use and incident HCC (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 0.75–5.52). In conclusion, the association between the use of sulfonylureas and risk of HCC was different according to the type of sulfonylurea, in patients with new-onset T2DM. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results and translate them into clinical practice.
Landscape dynamics revealed by luminescence signals of feldspars from fluvial terraces
Authors: Bonnet Stéphane , Reimann Tony , Wallinga Jakob , Lague Dimitri , Davy Philippe , Lacoste Aurélien
Published: June 2019

Luminescence signals of quartz and feldspar minerals are widely used to determine the burial age of Quaternary sediments. Although luminescence signals bleach rapidly with sunlight exposure, incomplete bleaching may affect luminescence ages, in particular in fluvial settings where an unbleached remnant signal is commonly encountered in modern alluvium. Here, we use feldspar single-grain post-infrared IR stimulation (pIRIR) dating to show that recent (<11 ka) fluvial terraces of the Rangitikei River (New Zealand) were formed in a context of non-linear incision rate. We relate this pattern to the rapid reinstatement of steady-state incision following the formation of a major, climate-driven, aggradation terrace, causing a phase of accelerated incision. In addition, we show systematic variations in the proportion of unbleached grains in the fluvial sediments over time, mirroring incision rate at the time of deposition. Deposits formed during rapid incision contain fewer bleached grains, which we attribute to large input of unbleached material and limited bleaching opportunities during fluvial transport. This finding demonstrates that the luminescence signals recorded in fluvial terraces not only yield age information, but also inform us on past fluvial transport and ultimately, landscape dynamics.
Quantitative Imaging features Improve Discrimination of Malignancy in Pulmonary nodules
Authors: Balagurunathan Yoganand , Schabath Matthew B. , Wang Hua , Liu Ying , Gillies Robert J.
Published: June 2019

Pulmonary nodules are frequently detected radiological abnormalities in lung cancer screening. Nodules of the highest- and lowest-risk for cancer are often easily diagnosed by a trained radiologist there is still a high rate of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) of unknown risk. Here, we test the hypothesis that computer extracted quantitative features (“radiomics”) can provide improved risk-assessment in the diagnostic setting. Nodules were segmented in 3D and 219 quantitative features are extracted from these volumes. Using these features novel malignancy risk predictors are formed with various stratifications based on size, shape and texture feature categories. We used images and data from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), curated a subset of 479 participants (244 for training and 235 for testing) that included incident lung cancers and nodule-positive controls. After removing redundant and non-reproducible features, optimal linear classifiers with area under the receiver operator characteristics (AUROC) curves were used with an exhaustive search approach to find a discriminant set of image features, which were validated in an independent test dataset. We identified several strong predictive models, using size and shape features the highest AUROC was 0.80. Using non-size based features the highest AUROC was 0.85. Combining features from all the categories, the highest AUROC were 0.83.
Climate change will decrease the range size of snake species under negligible protection in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest hotspot
Authors: Lourenço-de-Moraes Ricardo , Lansac-Toha Fernando Miranda , Schwind Leilane Talita Fatoreto , Arrieira Rodrigo Leite , Rosa Rafael Rogério , Terribile Levi Carina , Lemes Priscila , Fernando Rangel Thiago , Diniz-Filho José Alexandre Felizola , Bastos Rogério Pereira , Bailly Dayani
Published: June 2019

Reptiles are highly susceptible to climate change, responding negatively to thermal and rainfall alterations mainly in relation to their reproductive processes. Based on that, we evaluated the effects of climate change on climatically suitable areas for the occurrence of snakes in the Atlantic Forest hotspot, considering the responses of distinct reproductive groups (oviparous and viviparous). We assessed the species richness and turnover patterns affected by climate change and projected the threat status of each snake species at the end of the century. We also evaluated the effectiveness of the protected areas in safeguarding the species by estimating the mean percentage overlap between snake species distribution and protected areas (PAs) network and by assessing whether such areas will gain or lose species under climate change. Our results showed greater species richness in the eastern-central portion of the Atlantic Forest at present. In general, we evidenced a drastic range contraction of the snake species under climate change. Temporal turnover tends to be high in the western and north-eastern edges of the biome, particularly for oviparous species. Our predictions indicate that 73.6% of oviparous species and 67.6% of viviparous species could lose at least half of their original range by 2080. We also found that existing protected areas of the Atlantic Forest Hotspot have a very limited capacity to safeguard snakes at the current time, maintaining the precarious protection in the future, with the majority of them predicted to lose species at the end of this century. Although oviparous and viviparous snakes have been designated to be dramatically impacted, our study suggests a greater fragility of the former in the face of climate change. We advocated that the creation of new protected areas and/or the redesign of the existing network to harbour regions that maximize the snake species occupancy in the face of future warming scenarios are crucial measures for the conservation of this group.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure During Pregnancy and Mothers’ Subsequent Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Suzuki Daichi , Wariki Windy M. V. , Suto Maiko , Yamaji Noyuri , Takemoto Yo , Rahman Mosfequr , Ota Erika
Published: June 2019

Secondhand smoke exposure of non-smoking women during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of adverse birth outcomes. However, the available evidence regarding the association between expectant mothers’ secondhand smoke exposure and breastfeeding outcomes remains limited. This systematic review aimed to examine associations between secondhand smoke exposure of nonsmoking women during pregnancy with the initiation, prevalence, and duration or breastfeeding compared to women who were breastfeeding and had not been exposed to secondhand smoke. Women who smoked during pregnancy were excluded. We included case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies with a comparison control group. Medline CINAHL, and EMBASE were searched in January 2017. After screening 2777 records we included eight prospective cohort studies. The risk of bias assessment tool for non-randomized studies indicated a high risk of outcome assessment blinding. Meta-analysis of two studies established that the odds of discontinuation of any brestfeeding before six months were significantly increased in the secondhand smoke exposed women (pooled odds = 1.07 [95%CI = 1.01, 1.14], two studies, 1382 women). Therefore, secondhand smoke might be associated with discontinuing any breastfeeding before six months. More research is necessary to understand the association between secondhand smoke and the initiation, prevalence and duration of breastfeeding.
Towards a reliable assessment of Asian elephant population parameters: the application of photographic spatial capture–recapture sampling in a priority floodplain ecosystem
Authors: Goswami Varun R. , Yadava Mahendra K. , Vasudev Divya , Prasad Parvathi K. , Sharma Pragyan , Jathanna Devcharan
Published: June 2019

The hitherto difficult task of reliably estimating populations of wide-ranging megafauna has been enabled by advances in capture–recapture methodology. Here we combine photographic sampling with a Bayesian spatially-explicit capture–recapture (SCR) model to estimate population parameters for the endangered Asian elephantElephas maximusin the productive floodplain ecosystem of Kaziranga National Park, India. Posterior density estimates of herd-living adult females and sub-adult males and females (herd-adults) was 0.68 elephants/km2(95% Credible Intervals, CrI = 0.56−0.81) while that of adult males was 0.24 elephants/km2(95% CrI = 0.18−0.30), with posterior density estimates highlighting spatial heterogeneity in elephant distribution. Estimates of the space-usage parameter suggested that herd-adults ($${\hat{\sigma }}_{HA}$$σˆHA = 5.91 km, 95% CrI = 5.18–6.81) moved around considerably more than adult males ($${\hat{\sigma }}_{AM}$$σˆAM = 3.64 km, 95% CrI = 3.09–4.34). Based on elephant movement and age–sex composition, we derived the population that contributed individuals sampled in Kaziranga to be 908 herd-adults, 228 adult males and 610 young (density = 0.46 young/km2, SD = 0.06). Our study demonstrates how SCR is suited to estimating geographically open populations, characterising spatial heterogeneity in fine-scale density, and facilitating reliable monitoring to assess population status and dynamics for science and conservation.
The domain swapping of human cystatin C induced by synchrotron radiation
Authors: Taube Michal , Pietralik Zuzanna , Szymanska Aneta , Szutkowski Kosma , Clemens Daniel , Grubb Anders , Kozak Maciej
Published: June 2019

Domain swapping is observed for many proteins with flexible conformations. This phenomenon is often associated with the development of conformational diseases. Importantly, domain swapping has been observed for human cystatin C (HCC), a protein capable of forming amyloid deposits in brain arteries. In this study, the ability of short exposure to high-intensity X-ray radiation to induce domain swapping in solutions of several HCC variants (wild-type HCC and V57G, V57D, V57N, V57P, and L68V mutants) was determined. The study was conducted using time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (TR-SAXS) synchrotron radiation. The protein samples were also analysed using small-angle neutron scattering and NMR diffusometry. Exposing HCC to synchrotron radiation (over 50 ms) led to a gradual increase in the dimeric fraction, and for exposures longer than 150 ms, the oligomer fraction was dominant. In contrast, the non-irradiated protein solutions, apart from the V57P variant, were predominantly monomeric (e.g., V57G) or in monomer/dimer equilibrium. This work might represent the first observation of domain swapping induced by high-intensity X-rays.
Acid specific dark quencher QC1 pHLIP for multi-spectral optoacoustic diagnoses of breast cancer
Authors: Roberts Sheryl , Strome Arianna , Choi Crystal , Andreou Chrysafis , Kossatz Susanne , Brand Christian , Williams Travis , Bradbury Michelle , Kircher Moritz F. , Reshetnyak Yana K. , Grimm Jan , Lewis Jason S. , Reiner Thomas
Published: June 2019

Breast cancer is the most common type of malignant growth in women. Early detection of breast cancer, as well as the identification of possible metastatic spread poses a significant challenge because of the structural and genetic heterogeneity that occurs during the progression of the disease. Currently, mammographies, biopsies and MRI scans are the standard of care techniques used for breast cancer diagnosis, all of which have their individual shortfalls, especially when it comes to discriminating tumors and benign growths. With this in mind, we have developed a non-invasive optoacoustic imaging strategy that targets the acidic environment of breast cancer. A pH low insertion peptide (pHLIP) was conjugated to the dark quencher QC1, yielding a non-fluorescent sonophore with high extinction coefficient in the near infrared that increases signal as a function of increasing amounts of membrane insertion. In an orthotopic murine breast cancer model, pHLIP-targeted optoacoustic imaging allowed us to differentiate between healthy and breast cancer tissues with high signal/noise ratios. In vivo, the sonophore QC1-pHLIP could detect malignancies at higher contrast than its fluorescent analog ICG-pHLIP, which was developed for fluorescence-guided surgical applications. PHLIP-type optoacoustic imaging agents in clinical settings are attractive due to their ability to target breast cancer and a wide variety of other malignant growths for diagnostic purposes. Intuitively, these agents could also be used for visualization during surgery.
Randomized Evaluation of Anagliptin vs Sitagliptin On low-density lipoproteiN cholesterol in diabetes (REASON) Trial: A 52-week, open-label, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Morimoto Takeshi , Sakuma Ichiro , Sakuma Mio , Tokushige Akihiro , Natsuaki Masahiro , Asahi Tomohiro , Shimabukuro Michio , Nomiyama Takashi , Arasaki Osamu , Node Koichi , Ueda Shinichiro
Published: June 2019

Additional reductions in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) via antidiabetic therapies should be considered in statin-using patients with sub-optimal LDL-C levels. We compared the efficacy of anagliptin and sitagliptin, two antidiabetic therapies, in reducing LDL-C in type 2 diabetic patients. A randomized, open-label, parallel-group trial was conducted at 17 centres in Japan between April 2015 and January 2018. Adults (age ≥20 years) with type 2 diabetes, any atherosclerotic vascular lesions, and statin prescriptions were included. Anagliptin or sitagliptin were administered for 52 weeks. Primary and secondary endpoints were changes in LDL-C and haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels, respectively. We assessed the superiority (primary endpoint) and non-inferiority (secondary endpoint) of anagliptin over sitagliptin. This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02330406). Of 380 participants, 353 were eligible and randomized. Mean participant age was 68 years, and 61% were males. Baseline median LDL-C and HbA1c were 108 mg/dL and 6.9%, respectively. Changes in LDL-C were −3.7 mg/dL with anagliptin and +2.1 mg/dL with sitagliptin at 52 weeks, and the estimated treatment difference was a significant −4.5 mg/dL (P = 0.01 for superiority). Changes in HbA1c were +0.02% with anagliptin and +0.12% with sitagliptin (P < 0.0001 for non-inferiority). Overall, anagliptin was superior to sitagliptin in lowering LDL-C without deteriorating HbA1c.
Element-centric clustering comparison unifies overlaps and hierarchy
Authors: Gates Alexander J. , Wood Ian B. , Hetrick William P. , Ahn Yong-Yeol
Published: June 2019

Clustering is one of the most universal approaches for understanding complex data. A pivotal aspect of clustering analysis is quantitatively comparing clusterings; clustering comparison is the basis for many tasks such as clustering evaluation, consensus clustering, and tracking the temporal evolution of clusters. In particular, the extrinsic evaluation of clustering methods requires comparing the uncovered clusterings to planted clusterings or known metadata. Yet, as we demonstrate, existing clustering comparison measures have critical biases which undermine their usefulness, and no measure accommodates both overlapping and hierarchical clusterings. Here we unify the comparison of disjoint, overlapping, and hierarchically structured clusterings by proposing a new element-centric framework: elements are compared based on the relationships induced by the cluster structure, as opposed to the traditional cluster-centric philosophy. We demonstrate that, in contrast to standard clustering similarity measures, our framework does not suffer from critical biases and naturally provides unique insights into how the clusterings differ. We illustrate the strengths of our framework by revealing new insights into the organization of clusters in two applications: the improved classification of schizophrenia based on the overlapping and hierarchical community structure of fMRI brain networks, and the disentanglement of various social homophily factors in Facebook social networks. The universality of clustering suggests far-reaching impact of our framework throughout all areas of science.
Cancer cell killing by target antigen engagement with engineered complementary intracellular antibody single domains fused to pro-caspase3
Authors: Chambers Jennifer S. , Brend Tim , Rabbitts Terence H.
Published: June 2019

Many tumour causing proteins, such as those expressed after chromosomal translocations or from point mutations, are intracellular and are not enzymes per se amenable to conventional drug targeting. We previously demonstrated an approach (Antibody-antigen Interaction Dependent Apoptosis (AIDA)) whereby a single anti-β-galactosidase intracellular single chain Fv antibody fragment, fused to inactive procaspase-3, induced auto-activation of caspase-3 after binding to the tetrameric β-galactosidase protein. We now demonstrate that co-expressing an anti-RAS heavy chain single VH domain, that binds to mutant RAS several thousand times more strongly than to wild type RAS, with a complementary light chain VL domain, caused programmed cell death (PCD) in mutant RAS expressing cells when each variable region is fused to procaspase-3. The effect requires binding of both anti-RAS variable region fragments and is RAS-specific, producing a tri-molecular complex that auto-activates the caspase pathway leading to cell death. AIDA can be generally applicable for any target protein inside cells by involving appropriate pairs of antigen-specific intracellular antibodies.
Spectroscopic and Biophysical Interaction Studies of Water-soluble Dye modified poly(o-phenylenediamine) for its Potential Application in BSA Detection and Bioimaging
Authors: Riaz Ufana , Ashraf S. M. , Jadoun Sapana , Budhiraja Vaibhav , Kumar Prabhat
Published: June 2019

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of water soluble poly(o-phenylenediamine) (POPD) and its doping with Acid Orange (AO), Fluorescein (Fluo) and Rhodamine-6G (R6G) dyes was carried out with a view to enhance the photophysical properties of POPD. XPS studies confirmed that doping of POPD occured through hydrogen bonding between NH group of POPD and C=O/SO−, S=O groups of the dyes. The presence of strong hydrogen bonding was also confirmed via UV-vis studies by the addition of urea and sodium chloride to the dye modified POPD adducts. Molar extinction coefficient of these adducts was found to bear a close relationship with the molecular structure. Fluorescence life time, (τf,) was found to be lowest (1.8 ns) for AO-POPD and highest (3.2 ns) for Fluo-POPD. The structure of AO-POPD was more strained, while that of Fluo-POPD was least strained. Intrinsic fluorescence decay constant, (k0f) showed increasing values for POPD, AO-POPD, Fluo-POPD, R6G-POPD as 0.071, 0.072, 0.153, and 0.172 (108s−1), which could be correlated to the increasing strain-free molecular structure of the adducts. Circular dichroism spectra (CD) of BSA in presence of POPD and R6G- POPD revealed that it partially broke its helical structure, while Fluo-POPD and AO-POPD showed enhancement in the helical content. The 3-D fluorescence studies confirmed enhancement in hydrophobicity of POPD and R6G- POPD and increase in hydrophylicity of AO-POP and Fluo-POPD in the microenvironment of tryptophan residue-213 of BSA. Fluo-POPD and R6G-POPD adducts were chosen to find out the lowest detection limit (LOD) of BSA by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) which was found to be 1.35 nM, and 1.65 nM using Fluo-POPD and R6G -POPD respectively. The binding constant of BSA with Fluo-POPD- and R6G-POPD was obtained as 3.98 × 106Lmol−1and 5.27 × 102Lmol−1. These polymers could therefore, be used for the detection of BSA. Live cell imaging revealed that POPD nanoparticles were bound to the outer membrane ofE.coli, while R6G-POPD, showed penetration into the cytoplasm and excellent labeling ofE.coli. This facile technique could be used to design tunable biomarkers by tailoring the conjugated polymer with a desired dye molecule.
Evolution of the avian digital pattern
Authors: Kawahata Kenta , Cordeiro Ingrid Rosenburg , Ueda Shogo , Sheng Guojun , Moriyama Yuuta , Nishimori Chika , Yu Reiko , Koizumi Makoto , Okabe Masataka , Tanaka Mikiko
Published: June 2019

Variation in digit number has occurred multiple times in the history of archosaur evolution. The five digits of dinosaur limbs were reduced to three in bird forelimbs, and were further reduced in the vestigial forelimbs of the emu. Regulation of digit number has been investigated previously by examining genes involved in anterior-posterior patterning in forelimb buds among emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), chicken (Gallus gallus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). It was described that the expression of posterior genes are conserved among these three birds, whereas expression of anterior genesGli3andAlx4varied significantly. Here we re-examined the expression pattern ofGli3andAlx4in the forelimb of emu, chicken and zebra finch. We found thatGli3is expressed in the anterior region, although its range varied among species, and that the expression pattern ofAlx4in forelimb buds is broadly conserved in a stage-specific manner. We also found that the dynamic expression pattern of the BMP antagonistGremlin1(Grem1) in limb buds, which is critical for autopodial expansion, was consistent with the digital pattern of emu, chicken and zebra finch. Furthermore, in emu, variation among individuals was observed in the width ofGrem1expression in forelimb buds, as well as in the adult skeletal pattern. Our results support the view that the signalling system that regulates the dynamic expression ofGrem1in the limb bud contributes substantially to variations in avian digital patterns.
Segmentation, Tracing, and Quantification of Microglial Cells from 3D Image Stacks
Authors: Abdolhoseini Mahmoud , Kluge Murielle G. , Walker Frederick R. , Johnson Sarah J.
Published: June 2019

Microglia play a central role in modulating synaptic structure and physiology, learning and memory processes. They exhibit morphological changes to perform these roles, therefore the morphological study of microglia can help to understand their functionality. Many promising methods are proposed to automatically segment the blood vessels or reconstruct the neuronal morphology. However, they often fail to accurately capture microglia organizations due to the striking structural differences. This requires a more sophisticated approach of reconstruction taking into account the varying nature of branch structures and soma sizes. To this end, we propose an automated method to reconstruct microglia, and quantify their features from 2D/3D image datasets. We first employ multilevel thresholding to segment soma volumes(3D)/areas(2D) and recognize foreground voxels/pixels. Seed points sampled from the foreground, are connected to form the skeleton of the branches via the tracing process. The reconstructed data is quantified and written in SWC standard file format. We have applied our method to 3D image datasets of microglia, then evaluated the results using ground truth data, and compared them to those achieved via the state-of-the-art methods. Our method outperforms the others both in accuracy and computational time.
Oyster breakwater reefs promote adjacent mudflat stability and salt marsh growth in a monsoon dominated subtropical coast
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammed Shah Nawaz , Walles Brenda , Sharifuzzaman SM , Shahadat Hossain M. , Ysebaert Tom , Smaal Aad C.
Published: June 2019

Oyster reefs have the potential as eco-engineers to improve coastal protection. A field experiment was undertaken to assess the benefit of oyster breakwater reefs to mitigate shoreline erosion in a monsoon-dominated subtropical system. Three breakwater reefs with recruited oysters were deployed on an eroding intertidal mudflat at Kutubdia Island, the southeast Bangladesh coast. Data were collected on wave dissipation by the reef structures, changes in shoreline profile, erosion-accretion patterns, and lateral saltmarsh movement and related growth. This was done over four seasons, including the rainy monsoon period. The observed wave heights in the study area ranged 0.1–0.5 m. The reefs were able to dissipate wave energy and act as breakwaters for tidal water levels between 0.5–1.0 m. Waves were totally blocked by the vertical relief of the reefs at water levels <0.5 m. On the lee side of the reefs, there was accretion of 29 cm clayey sediments with erosion reduction of 54% as compared to control sites. The changes caused by the deployed reefs also facilitated seaward expansion of the salt marsh. This study showed that breakwater oyster reefs can reduce erosion, trap suspended sediment, and support seaward saltmarsh expansion demonstrating the potential as a nature-based solution for protecting the subtropical coastlines.
Generation of intense quasi-electrostatic fields due to deposition of particles accelerated by petawatt-range laser-matter interactions
Authors: Consoli F. , De Angelis R. , Robinson T. S. , Giltrap S. , Hicks G. S. , Ditter E. J. , Ettlinger O. C. , Najmudin Z. , Notley M. , Smith R. A.
Published: June 2019

We demonstrate here for the first time that charge emitted by laser-target interactions at petawatt peak-powers can be efficiently deposited on a capacitor-collector structure far away from the target and lead to the rapid (tens of nanoseconds) generation of large quasi-static electric fields over wide (tens-of-centimeters scale-length) regions, with intensities much higher than common ElectroMagnetic Pulses (EMPs) generated by the same experiment in the same position. A good agreement was obtained between measurements from a classical field-probe and calculations based on particle-flux measurements from a Thomson spectrometer. Proof-of-principle particle-in-cell simulations reproduced the measurements of field evolution in time, giving a useful insight into the charging process, generation and distribution of fields. The understanding of this charging phenomenon and of the related intense fields, which can reach the MV/m order and in specific configurations might also exceed it, is very important for present and future facilities studying laser-plasma-acceleration and inertial-confinement-fusion, but also for application to the conditioning of accelerated charged-particles, the generation of intense electric and magnetic fields and many other multidisciplinary high-power laser-driven processes.
Rapid Central Visual Field Progression Rate in Eyes with Open-Angle Glaucoma and Choroidal Microvasculature Dropout
Authors: Jo Youn Hye , Kwon Junki , Jeong Daun , Shon Kilhwan , Kook Michael S.
Published: June 2019

Central visual field (CVF) loss has been linked to poorer vision-related quality of life in eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and can occur even in early-stage OAG eyes. The present study investigated whether the detection of choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) during follow-up, which may be a sign of perfusion deficiency in the optic nerve head, is associated with rapid rate of CVF loss in early-stage OAG eyes. This study included 44 Korean OAG eyes with CMvD, identified by optical coherence tomography angiography, and 44 Korean OAG eyes without CMvD matched for age and severity of visual field loss at initial presentation. The rates of mean threshold changes in global and CVF were compared in eyes with and without CMvD using a linear mixed model. Clinical variables associated with rapid rate of CVF progression were also identified using a linear mixed model. The CVF progression rate was significantly higher in eyes with CMvD than in those without CMvD (−0.584 dB/year vs. −0.190 dB/year; P < 0.001) and detection of CMvD during follow-up was an independent predictor of rapid CVF progression rate. The presence of CMvD may aid in identification of high-risk patients who may show faster CVF progression and require more aggressive treatment.
Comparative influence of genetics, ontogeny and the environment on elemental fingerprints in the shell of Perna canaliculus
Authors: Norrie Craig R. , Dunphy Brendon J. , Ragg Norman L. C. , Lundquist Carolyn J.
Published: June 2019

The trace elemental composition of biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) structures is thought to reflect environmental conditions at their time of formation. As CaCO3 structures such as shell are deposited incrementally, sequential analysis of these structures allows reconstructions of animal movements. However, variation driven by genetics or ontogeny may interact with the environment to influence CaCO3 composition. This study examined how genetics, ontogeny, and the environment influence shell composition of the bivalve Perna canaliculus. We cultured genetically distinct families at two sites in situ and in the laboratory. Analyses were performed on shell formed immediately prior to harvest on all animals as well as on shell formed early in life only on animals grown in the laboratory. Discriminant analysis using 8 elements (Co, Ti, Li, Sr, Mn, Ba, Mg, Pb, Ci, Ni) classified 80% of individuals grown in situ to their family and 92% to growth site. Generalised linear models showed genetics influenced all elements, and ontogeny affected seven of eight elements. This demonstrates that although genetics and ontogeny influence shell composition, environmental factors dominate. The location at which shell material formed can be identified if environmental differences exist. Where no environmental differences exist, genetically isolated populations can still be identified.
The effects of comorbidity on colorectal cancer mortality in an Australian cancer population
Authors: Pule Maleshwane Lettie , Buckley Elizabeth , Niyonsenga Theophile , Roder David
Published: June 2019

This study estimated the absolute risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) specific and other-cause mortality using data from the population-based South Australian Cancer Registry. The impact of competing risks on the absolute and relative risks of mortality in cases with and without comorbidity was also investigated. The study included 7115 staged, primary CRC cases diagnosed between 2003 and 2012 with at least one year of follow-up. Comorbidities were classified according to Charlson, Elixhauser and C3 comorbidity indices, using hospital inpatient diagnoses occurring five years before CRC diagnosis. To estimate the differences in measures of association, the subdistribution hazard ratios (sHR) for the effect of comorbidity on mortality from the Fine and Gray model were compared to the cause-specific hazards (HR) from Cox regression model. CRC was most commonly diagnosed in people aged ≧ 70 years. In cases without comorbidity, the 10-year cumulative probability of CRC and other cause mortality were 37.1% and 17.2% respectively. In cases with Charlson comorbidity scores ≥2, the 10-year cumulative probability of CRC-specific and other cause mortality was 45.5% and 32.2%, respectively. Comorbidity was associated with increased CRC-specific and other cause mortality and the effect differed only marginally based on comorbidity index used.
Exogenous C-type natriuretic peptide therapy for impaired skeletal growth in a murine model of glucocorticoid treatment
Authors: Ueda Yohei , Yasoda Akihiro , Hirota Keisho , Yamauchi Ichiro , Yamashita Takafumi , Kanai Yugo , Sakane Yoriko , Fujii Toshihito , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: June 2019

Growth retardation is an important side effect of glucocorticoid (GC)-based drugs, which are widely used in various preparations to treat many pediatric diseases. We investigated the therapeutic effect of exogenous CNP-53, a stable molecular form of intrinsic CNP, on a mouse model of GC-induced growth retardation. We found that CNP-53 successfully restored GC-induced growth retardation when both dexamethasone (DEX) and CNP-53 were injected from 4 to 8 weeks old. Notably, CNP-53 was not effective during the first week. From 4 to 5 weeks old, neither CNP-53 in advance of DEX, nor high-dose CNP-53 improved the effect of CNP. Conversely, when CNP-53 was started at 5 weeks old, final body length at 8 weeks old was comparable to that when CNP-53 was started at 4 weeks old. As for the mechanism of resistance to the CNP effect, DEX did not impair the production of cGMP induced by CNP. CNP reduced Erk phosphorylation even under treatment with DEX, while CNP did not changed that of p38 or GSK3β. Collectively, the effect of CNP-53 on GC-induced growth retardation is dependent on age in a mouse model, suggesting adequate and deliberate use of CNP would be effective for GC-induced growth retardation in clinical settings.
Effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on soil animal trophic groups and associated ecosystem functioning in a northern agricultural field
Authors: Hagner Marleena , Mikola Juha , Saloniemi Irma , Saikkonen Kari , Helander Marjo
Published: June 2019

Despite an increasing concern of consequences of using vast amounts of glyphosate-based herbicides in agroecosystems, their potential effects on non-target soil organisms and soil functioning are mostly unknown. It has also been argued that fields in northern latitudes should be under special surveillance as the short active period of decomposers may restrict glyphosate degradation. We investigated the effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide, Roundup, on the abundance of enchytraeids and nematodes, both essential groups in decomposer food webs, and plant litter mass loss and soil availability of mineral N in a two-year agricultural field setting in south-west Finland. Our experiment consisted of (1) non-treated weed plots, (2) plots, where weeds were killed by hoeing, and (3) plots treated with both Roundup and hoeing. We found that killing plants by hoeing had drastic effects on soil fauna and functioning, and apparently, distinguishing these effects from direct glyphosate effects is profoundly important when evaluating glyphosate risks in soils. In contrast, the effects of Roundup on soil fauna and functioning were minor and transient and no glyphosate remains were found in the soil at the end of the experiment. These results suggest that side-effects can be minor and glyphosate degradation effective also in soil under northern climatic conditions.
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial responses to stress exposure suggest that king penguins are naturally equipped to resist stress
Authors: Stier Antoine , Schull Quentin , Bize Pierre , Lefol Emilie , Haussmann Mark , Roussel Damien , Robin Jean-Patrice , Viblanc Vincent A.
Published: June 2019

Exposure to unpredictable environmental stressors could influence animal health and fitness by inducing oxidative stress, potentially through downstream effects of glucocorticoid stress hormones (e.g. corticosterone) on mitochondrial function. Yet, it remains unclear whether species that have evolved in stochastic and challenging environments may present adaptations to alleviate the effects of stress exposure on oxidative stress. We tested this hypothesis in wild king penguins by investigating mitochondrial and oxidative stress responses to acute restraint-stress, and their relationships with baseline (potentially mirroring exposure to chronic stress) and stress-induced increase in corticosterone levels. Acute restraint-stress did not significantly influence mitochondrial function. However, acute restraint-stress led to a significant increase in endogenous antioxidant defences, while oxidative damage levels were mostly not affected or even decreased. High baseline corticosterone levels were associated with an up-regulation of the glutathione antioxidant system and a decrease in mitochondrial efficiency. Both processes might contribute to prevent oxidative damage, potentially explaining the negative relationship observed between baseline corticosterone and plasma oxidative damage to proteins. While stress exposure can represent an oxidative challenge for animals, protective mechanisms like up-regulating antioxidant defences and decreasing mitochondrial efficiency seem to occur in king penguins, allowing them to cope with their stochastic and challenging environment.
Association between blood pressure and risk of cancer development: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Seretis Aristeidis , Cividini Sofia , Markozannes Georgios , Tseretopoulou Xanthippi , Lopez David S. , Ntzani Evangelia E. , Tsilidis Konstantinos K.
Published: June 2019

With the exception of renal cell carcinoma, studies assessing the association between hypertension and other cancers are inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess this evidence. We included observational studies investigating the association between any definition of hypertension or systolic and diastolic blood pressure and risk of any cancer, after searching PubMed until November 2017. We calculated summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using inverse-variance weighted random effects methods. A total of 148 eligible publications were identified out of 39,891 initially screened citations. Considering only evidence from 85 prospective studies, positive associations were observed between hypertension and kidney, colorectal and breast cancer. Positive associations between hypertension and risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, liver and endometrial cancer were also observed, but the majority of studies did not perform comprehensive multivariable adjustments. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were positively associated with risk of kidney cancer but not with other cancers. In addition to the previously well-described association between hypertension and risk of kidney cancer, the current meta-analysis suggested that hypertensive individuals may also be at higher risk of colorectal and breast cancer. However, careful interpretation is required as most meta-analyses included relatively small number of studies, several relative risks had weak or moderate magnitude and maybe affected by residual confounding.