bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual preference of flower‐visiting crab spiders (Ebrechtella tricuspidata) for host flowers
Authors: Su Qichen , Qi Lin , Yun Yueli , Zhang Wei , Peng Yu 
Published: January 2020

1. Crab spiders (Thomisidae) are common flower‐visiting spiders that ambush prey on inflorescences. As such, they require specific flowers or substrates for hunting, which are most often selected using sensory cues (e.g. vision). However, few studies have examined the visual preference of crab spiders for particular flowers. In this study, the visual preferences of the crab spider Ebrechtella tricuspidata for different inflorescence characteristics (e.g. colour and shape) were investigated.2. The results showed that adult spiders explored all colours and shapes, whereas juvenile spiders displayed an overall preference for long (red) and short (purple) wavelength colours. Thus, differences in colour were not particularly important for E. tricuspidata with regard to visual attractiveness and selection.3. However, inflorescence shape (e.g. tulip) was found to be a more desirable trait for selection, which was probably due to the provision of shelter.4. These results also suggest that male preference for female spiders depended somewhat on the background colour (wavelength) of the flower on which the female was located.
Effects of the natural compound, oxyresveratrol, on the growth of Streptococcus mutans, and on biofilm formation, acid production, and virulence gene expression
Authors: Wu Jiayi , Fan Yu , Wang Xinyue , Jiang Xiaoge , Zou Jing , Huang Ruijie 
Published: January 2020

Streptococcus mutans is one of the major pathogens of dental caries. Oxyresveratrol, a natural compound found in plants, exerts inhibitory effects on many bacterial species but its effect on S. mutans is unknown. The objective of this study was to clarify the antibacterial effect of oxyresveratrol on S. mutans, including effects on basic viability, acidogenicity, acidurity, and extracellular polysaccharide synthesis. The expression of nine genes that encode virulence and protective factors in S. mutans was measured by qRT‐PCR. Oxyresveratrol showed a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on survival of S. mutans. At 250 μg ml−1, oxyresveratrol reduced the S. mutans survival rate, inhibited synthesis of water‐insoluble glucans, compromised biofilm formation, and significantly down‐regulated the expression of glucosyltransferase‐I (gtfB) and glucosyltransferase‐SI (gtfC). However, the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase protein was increased and the expression of lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) and ATP synthase subunit beta (atpD) genes were also up‐regulated. Besides, glucosyltransferase S (gtfD) up‐regulation indicated that water‐soluble glucan synthesis was promoted. The vicR, liaR, and comDE genes, which exert a self‐protective function in response to external stress, were also up‐regulated. In conclusion, oxyresveratrol inhibited the growth of S. mutans and also reduced biofilm formation, acid production, and synthesis of water‐insoluble glucans by this organism. In addition, oxyresveratrol also activated a series of S. mutans self‐protection mechanisms.
Cracking simulation‐based fatigue life assessment
Authors: Farag Mahmoud M. , El‐Kady Ramy M. , Hammouda Mohammad M.I. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA fracture mechanics numerical model is developed to simulate the collective behavior of growing short fatigue cracks originating from the surface of unnotched round specimens made of a two‐phase alloy. The specimen surface roughness is considered resembling microcracks of different sizes and locations along the minimum specimen circumference. Material grains of different phases, sizes, and strengths are randomly distributed over that circumference. Variations in mechanical and microstructural features of grains are randomly distributed. Possible activities of surface cracks are predicted against loading cycles till either fracture occurs or all existing cracks become nonpropagating. The material's S‐N curve and fatigue limit can, thus, be assessed. Published experimental data on ferritic‐pearlitic steel specimens in push‐pull constant amplitude loading (CAL) were utilized. Different specimens were randomly configured and virtually tested. Comparison of experimental results and corresponding predictions validates the model, which, further, recognizes the effect of surface roughness, specimen size, and mean stress on lives.
Populations of two annual clover species evolved in response to 13 years of grazing management and phosphate fertilizer application
Authors: Norman Hayley C. , Cocks Philip S. , Galwey Nicholas W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA Syrian grassland was subject to 13 years of replicated management treatments, namely a factorial design of 0 or 60 kg/ha annually of phosphate fertilizer, combined with relatively low or high sheep stocking intensities. Previous work found that differences in grazing intensity and phosphate induced changes in the structure of the legume community, presumably due to changes in competitive relationships. The aim of this study was to investigate how the populations of the predominant clover species, Trifolium campestre and Trifolium tomentosum, changed as a consequence of management treatments. We hypothesized that the populations from the fertilized or low grazing intensity treatments would express phenotypic traits associated with increased competitive ability and/or with risk mitigation. Populations of both ruderal‐type clover species provided evidence of evolution but were largely responsive to different management factors. Assuming that heavy grazing and no fertilizer are the natural state of the grassland, addition of phosphate led to T. tomentosum plants that were wider and had larger seeds, traits associated with improved competitive ability. The populations from the fertilized paddocks had increased fecundity and a trend towards greater dormancy, traits associated with risk mitigation. In contrast, T. campestre plants became wider and more erect when stocking intensities were reduced and had greater seed dormancy in fertilized paddocks. The implication of this work is that the collection of germplasm from grasslands with a history of heavy grazing and fertilizer application may assist agronomists to find genotypes that are better adapted to pastures within ley farming systems in Australia.
Risks for noncutaneous second primary malignancy in cutaneous malignant melanoma survivors: an analysis of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program
Authors: Vakharia Paras P. , Kelm Ryan C. , Orrell Kelsey A. , Patel Kevin R. , Singam Vivek , Ali Yasmeen , Rastogi Supriya , Yousif Rame , Rangel Stephanie M. , West Dennis P. , Nardone Beatrice 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt is known that malignant melanoma (MM) survivors are at increased risk of future primary MM. However, the risk for noncutaneous second primary malignancies (SPMs) is not as well‐understood.MethodsAn observational study utilizing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was performed, assessing data from patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous MM to measure overall, as well as specific, tumor type and risk of SPM.ResultsOf the 132,438 patients recruited in the study population (mean age 55.5 years; 54% male), 23,794 SPMs were observed (O) (18% of patients at a mean age of 68.8 years), while 17,923 SPMs were expected (E) to occur (O : E 1.33, 95% CI 1.31–1.34). Excluding cutaneous MM occurring as a new primary malignancy, there was a significantly increased risk for SPMs among cutaneous MM survivors for each of the following tumor types: eye and orbit melanoma, tracheal, thyroid, salivary gland, retroperitoneum, small intestine, kidney, lymphoid and hematopoietic system, lymphoma overall, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, lymphocytic leukemia overall, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, male genital system (including prostate), and breast. Certain gender‐specific trends for SPMs were also detected.ConclusionsPatients with primary cutaneous MM are at increased risk for primary noncutaneous MM as well as noncutaneous SPMs that include numerous tumor types. Enhanced oncologic surveillance for a variety of tumor types in melanoma survivors is warranted.
Graphical Comparison of High‐Dimensional Distributions
Authors: Modarres Reza 
Published: January 2020

SummaryWe consider groups of observations in
and present a simultaneous plot of the empirical cumulative distribution functions of the within and between interpoint distances to visualise and examine the equality of the underlying distribution functions of the observations. We provide several examples to illustrate how such plots can be utilised to envision and canvass the relationship between the two distributions under location, scale, dependence and shape changes. We suggest new statistics for testing the equality of
distributions and extend the simultaneous plots to visualise them. We compare the new statistics to existing tests based on the interpoint distances.
Multiple subcutaneous haematomas of the legs causing skin necrosis in an elderly patient affected by corticosteroid‐induced skin atrophy: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Vallini Valerio , Rinaldi Elisabetta , Mangano Luciana , Modesti Luca , Ghelardini Piero , Roberts Anna Theresa , Grazi Giovanni 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCorticosteroid‐induced skin atrophy (CISA) consists of a thinning of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, representing the natural consequence of a prolonged glucocorticosteroids use, both systemic as well as topical. It is characterised by the loss of elasticity and skin thickness, associated with an increased skin fragility leading to ecchymoses, haematomas, and steroid purpura. The management of CISA is a challenge for physicians, as the pathology is reversible in a minimal percentage of cases and only after a short topical steroid or low‐dose course therapy. Often wounds with large loss of substance represent the more common complication, after a surgical drainage which is often necessary. Skin necrosis with compartment syndrome of a leg is another potential risk for these patients. Here, we report a case of an elderly patient affected by multiple subcutaneous haematomas of the legs causing skin necrosis, arisen after the use of anticoagulants for a deep venous thrombosis. The patient was successfully treated with surgical drainage, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and porcine xenograft with no complications. Finally, we discuss the evidence of the current literature on topic.
The Ethics of Citizen Selection of Refugees for Admission and Resettlement
Authors: Lenard Patti Tamara 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe global space is in need of creative solutions to the challenges posed by those seeking, and deserving of, asylum. In some democratic states, experiments in permitting citizens to have a greater role in selecting refugees for admission are underway; in this article, I consider the conditions that must apply to any citizen‐selection scheme, in order for such a scheme to be morally acceptable. I begin with an account of the way in which citizen‐selection schemes – usually called ‘sponsorship programs’ – operate presently. I then offer a justification for engaging citizens in refugee resettlement in general, as well as in selecting specific refugees for admission in particular, and then identify several conditions that must attend any permissible citizen‐selection scheme. I defend this account from two objections: (1) that states should be the primary, and indeed only, agent that selects refugees for admission and (2) that citizens will inevitably use problematic criteria in selecting refugees for admission, so they should be denied the right to do so. I conclude with some proposals for how a citizen‐selection scheme can be crafted to respond to this latter worry, including an outline of an exception clause that permits citizens to make the case that some refugees ought to be resettled, even if not specially selected by the UNHCR for resettlement priority, including especially family members and friends.
Co‐expression of glycosylated aquaporin‐1 and transcription factor NFAT5 contributes to aortic stiffness in diabetic and atherosclerosis‐prone mice
Authors: Madonna Rosalinda , Doria Vanessa , Görbe Anikó , Cocco Nino , Ferdinandy Péter , Geng Yong‐Jian , Pierdomenico Sante Donato , De Caterina Raffaele 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIncreased stiffness characterizes the early change in the arterial wall with subclinical atherosclerosis. Proteins inducing arterial stiffness in diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia are largely unknown. This study aimed at determining the pattern of protein expression in stiffening aorta of diabetic and hypercholesterolaemic mice. Male Ins2+/Akita mice were crossbred with ApoE−/− (Ins2+/Akita: ApoE−/−) mice. Relative aortic distension (relD) values were determined by ultrasound analysis and arterial stiffness modulators by immunoblotting. Compared with age‐ and sex‐matched C57/BL6 control mice, the aortas of Ins2+/Akita, ApoE−/− and Ins2+/Akita:ApoE−/− mice showed increased aortic stiffness. The aortas of Ins2+/Akita, ApoE−/− and Ins2+/Akita:ApoE−/− mice showed greater expression of VCAM‐1, collagen type III, NADPH oxidase and iNOS, as well as reduced elastin, with increased collagen type III‐to‐elastin ratio. The aorta of Ins2+/Akita and Ins2+/Akita:ApoE−/− mice showed higher expression of eNOS and cytoskeletal remodelling proteins, such as F‐actin and α‐smooth muscle actin, in addition to increased glycosylated aquaporin (AQP)‐1 and transcription factor NFAT5, which control the expression of genes activated by high glucose‐induced hyperosmotic stress. Diabetic and hypercholesterolaemic mice have increased aortic stiffness. The association of AQP1 and NFAT5 co‐expression with aortic stiffness in diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia may represent a novel molecular pathway or therapeutic target.
Long non‐coding RNA SUMO1P3 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through activating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway by targeting miR‐320a
Authors: Wu Songsong , Chen Sheng , Lin Ning , Yang Jianchuan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to investigate expression profile of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) SUMO1P3, and its role and molecular mechanisms in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).The expression of SUMO1P3 in HCC tissues and cells was detected using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The chi‐squared test was used to estimate the relationship between SUMO1P3 levels and clinical characteristics of HCC cases. Cellular biological behaviours were investigated using MTT, transwell assays and wound healing assay. Bioinformatics and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify potential target of SUMO1P3 in HCC. Additionally, protein analysis was carried out using Western blot.The expression of SUMO1P3 was significantly higher in HCC tissues and cells than in non‐cancerous specimens and normal cells (P < .01). Moreover, its up‐regulation was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = .027) and TNM stage (P = .019). SUMO1P3 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. MiR‐320a was a potential target of SUMO1P3, and its expression was negatively regulated by SUMO1P3 in HCC SUMO1P3 could activate Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which was mediated by miR‐320a.Elevated expression of SUMO1P3 predicts malignant progression among HCC patients. SUMO1P3 enhances Wnt/β‐catenin pathway through sponging miR‐320a, thus contributing to aggressive progression of HCC.
Vitamin B6 inhibits macrophage activation to prevent lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute pneumonia in mice
Authors: Shan Mei‐Rong , Zhou Sheng‐Nan , Fu Chang‐Ning , Song Jia‐Wen , Wang Xue‐Qing , Bai Wen‐Wu , Li Peng , Song Ping , Zhu Mo‐Li , Ma Zhi‐Min , Liu Zhan , Xu Jian , Dong Bo , Liu Chao , Guo Tao , Zhang Cheng , Wang Shuang‐Xi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMacrophage activation participates in the pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammation. As a coenzyme, vitamin B6 (VitB6) is mainly involved in the metabolism of amino acids, nucleic acids, glycogen and lipids. We have previously reported that activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) produces anti‐inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo. Whether VitB6 via AMPK activation prevents pulmonary inflammation remains unknown. The model of acute pneumonia was induced by injecting mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The inflammation was determined by measuring the levels of interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) using real time PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Exposure of cultured primary macrophages to VitB6 increased AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) Thr172 phosphorylation in a time/dose‐dependent manner, which was inhibited by compound C. VitB6 downregulated the inflammatory gene expressions including IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in macrophages challenged with LPS. These effects of VitB6 were mirrored by AMPK activator 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR). However, VitB6 was unable to inhibit LPS‐induced macrophage activation if AMPK was in deficient through siRNA‐mediated approaches. Further, the anti‐inflammatory effects produced by VitB6 or AICAR in LPS‐treated macrophages were abolished in DOK3 gene knockout (DOK3−/−) macrophages, but were enhanced in macrophages if DOK3 was overexpressed. In vivo studies indicated that administration of VitB6 remarkably inhibited LPS‐induced both systemic inflammation and acute pneumonia in wild‐type mice, but not in DOK3−/− mice. VitB6 prevents LPS‐induced acute pulmonary inflammation in mice via the inhibition of macrophage activation.
RETRACTED: MicroRNA‐612 inhibits cervical cancer progression by targeting NOB1
Authors: Jin Yang , Zhou Xu , Yao Xiaoxiao , Zhang Zhuo , Cui Manhua , Lin Yang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRecently, many studies have shown that microRNA (miR)‐612 is involved in cancer progression. However, the role of miR‐612 in cervical cancer remains unclear. The present study aims to investigate the biological effects of miR‐612 on cervical cancer. The expression of miR‐612 in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The effect of miR‐612 cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis was studied by appropriate methods. Protein expression was determined by Western blot analyses. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays were performed to clarify the relationship between miR‐612 and nin one binding protein (NOB1). A xenograft model was established to examine the role of miR‐612 in vivo tumorigenesis. Cervical cancer tissues and cell lines showed down‐regulation of miR‐612 expression, which was associated with the Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO) stage and lymph node metastasis. Functional assays revealed that miR‐612 overexpression significantly suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and delayed tumour growth in vivo. Mechanically, miR‐612 targeted NOB1 in cervical cancer cells, revealing a negative correlation between miR‐612 and NOB1in cervical cancer samples. NOB1 overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of miR‐612 overexpression in cervical cancer cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that miR‐612 functions as a tumour suppressor in cervical cancer and suggest that miR‐612 may be a potential target in the therapeutic intervention of this malignancy.
Hearing what cannot be said
Authors: de Bock Ben A. , Willems Dick L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesThe way in which care providers describe incapacitated elderly people is not without implications. The different ways in which they describe their patients—client, patient, or a sick human being—have consequences for their relationships with these patients and the decision‐making processes. The aim of this study is to use insights from complexity thinking to understand the dynamic relations between various patient descriptions in decision‐making.MethodWe conducted a retrospective qualitative empirical study. Health care professionals were interviewed on how their decisions with the families of the patients were made during the course of the patients' illness. Transcriptions of interviews with physicians, residential practitioners, nurses, and head nurses were made regarding their contribution to the decision‐making process. Methodologies of complexity thinkers can be helpful to not articulate the implications of individual patient descriptions, but also their interrelationships.ResultsInstead of reducing their patients with the logic of the market to clients or with the logic of medicine to patients, health care providers learn in an emergent dialogic encounter to care for them as sick persons.ConclusionsShared‐decision‐making favours the involvement of patients and their families in decision‐making. However, due to a domination of the logic of the market and the logic of medicine, decision‐making is problematic. As professional mediators, health care providers learn, however, to balance client demands, medical perspectives, and embodied dialogic care in decision‐making for voiceless patients.
Vertebral column deformity with curved cross‐stitch vertebrae in Norwegian seawater‐farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Trangerud Cathrine , Bjørgen Håvard , Koppang Erling Olaf , Grøntvedt Randi Nygaard , Skogmo Hege Kippenes , Ottesen Nina , Kvellestad Agnar 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPathological changes in the vertebral column of farmed Atlantic salmon in Norway have been reported since the 1990s. Based on the characteristic radiographic findings, we here present a vertebral column deformity named “curved cross‐stitch vertebrae” that mainly affects the middle aspect of the vertebral column. Sixty fish, from the west/northwest coast of mid‐Norway, were sampled at slaughter and examined by radiography, computed tomography (CT), necropsy, macrophotography, and histology. The vertebral deformities were radiographically graded as mild, moderate, or marked. The main differences between these grades of changes were defined by increased curving of the peripheries of endplates, reduced intervertebral spaces, and vertical displacement of the vertebrae. The curved rims of endplates were located peripheral to a continuous and approximately circular borderline. The CT studies revealed small, multifocal, hypo‐attenuating, round to crescent‐shaped areas in the notochord, compatible with the presence of gas. Additionally, histology revealed that the axial parts of endplates had circular zones with perforations, through which either notochordal tissue prolapsed into the vertebrae or vascularized fibrochondroid proliferations extended from the vertebrae into the notochord. Inflammation was present in many vertebral bodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of gas in the notochord of fish.