bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of endophyte inoculation on the morphological identity of cultivars of Lolium perenne (L) and Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.)
Authors: Patterson J. D. , Lafaillette F. , Wöster S. , Roulund N. , Charrier S. , Gilliland T. J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGrass endophytes have been shown to confer enhanced environmental resilience to symbiont cultivars with reports of modified growth. If inoculating with an endophyte (E+) made an accession morphologically distinct from its registered endophyte free (E−) accession, there could be protection and ownership issues for testing authorities and breeders. This study investigated if, in official Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) field trials, the morphological characteristics of E+and E− accessions of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue cultivars were sufficiently modified to designate them as mutually distinct and also distinct from their definitive accessions (Def), held by the testing authorities. Testing perennial ryegrass on 17 characters at 2 sites generated 48,960 observations and for tall fescue on 9 characters at 1 site, 12,960 observations (each for 3 accessions of 4 cultivars × 60 plants × 2 growing cycles). Distinctness required a p < 0.01 difference in a single character from the combined over years analysis (COYD). A few significant differences were recorded between E− and E+accessions. Cultivar Carn E+ was smaller than Carn E− for Infloresence Length (p < 0.01) in both years but COYD analysis (p < 0.05) was insufficient to declare distinctiveness. Overall, the number of observed differences between E−/E+ accessions was less or similar to the number expected purely by chance. In contrast, comparisons between Def and E− or E+ accessions showed a number of significant differences that were substantially more numerous than expected by chance. These results showed no conclusive evidence of endophyte inclusion creating false PBR distinctions but unexpectedly, several E− and E+ accessions were distinguished from their official definitive stock.
A new approach to dispersing and stabilizing graphene in aqueous nanofluids of enhanced efficiency of energy-systems
Authors: Hassanloo H. , Sadeghzadeh S. , Ahmadi R. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOwing to its severe hydrophobicity, graphene (G) as on dispersed in a fluid usually deposits therein after a short interval of time. Understanding the G-behavior and the factors affecting its deposition could pave a way for creating a substantially stable nanofluid (NF). In this work, a novel method of stabilizing a G-NF is described with selective examples. The results can be extended to develop the science and technology of G-NFs in general. Electrohydrodynamic forces are used as a controlling factor in the presence of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Contrary to common chemical methods employed for preparing G-NFs, which depend on establishing bonds between the components, the physical method introduced in this article could be used as a novel approach not only to dispersing G in a fluid carrier but also to resolve the common problems originating from utilizing such chemical methods as increasing thermal resistance through adding various types of surfactants. The effects of various factors on the stability of the G-NFs are described. By increasing 50%, 100% and 170% of G, the G sitting rate increased by 43%, 82%, and 109%, respectively. With the addition of one, two and three layers to a G-monolayer, the G sitting rate grew by 77%, 153%, and 263%, respectively. Further, the G-behavior in the presence of MNPs and varied intensive electric fields were studied to optimize an electric field that could stabilize a single-layer G sheet in aqueous NFs. Adding MNPs promptly stabilizes a water/ethylene glycol/G NF in an applied electric field of 0.05 V/Å.
Carbon threads sweat-based supercapacitors for electronic textiles
Authors: Lima Nuno , Baptista Ana C. , Faustino Bruno M. Morais , Taborda Sofia , Marques Ana , Ferreira Isabel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFlexible and stretchable energy-storage batteries and supercapacitors suitable for wearable electronics are at the forefront of the emerging field of intelligent textiles. In this context, the work here presented reports on the development of a symmetrical wire-based supercapacitor able to use the wearer’s sweat as the electrolyte. The inner and outer electrodes consists of a carbon-based thread functionalized with a conductive polymer (polypyrrole) which improves the electrochemical performances of the supercapacitor. The inner electrode is coated with electrospun cellulose acetate fibres, as the separator, and the outer electrode is twisted around it. The electrochemical performances of carbon-based supercapacitors were analyzed using a simulated sweat solution and displayed a specific capacitance of 2.3 F.g−1, an energy of 386.5 mWh.kg−1 and a power density of 46.4 kW.kg−1. Moreover, cycle stability and bendability studies were performed. Such energy conversion device has exhibited a stable electrochemical performance under mechanical deformation, over than 1000 cycles, which make it attractive for wearable electronics. Finally, four devices were tested by combining two supercapacitors in series with two in parallel demonstrating the ability to power a LED.
Proteomic Profiling of Small Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells Implicated in Cellular Transformation
Authors: Servage Kelly A. , Stefanius Karoliina , Gray Hillery Fields , Orth Kim 
Published: May 2020

AbstractExtracellular vesicles secreted from tumor cells are functional vehicles capable of contributing to intercellular communication and metastasis. A growing number of studies have focused on elucidating the role that tumor-derived extracellular vesicles play in spreading pancreatic cancer to other organs, due to the highly metastatic nature of the disease. We recently showed that small extracellular vesicles secreted from pancreatic cancer cells could initiate malignant transformation of healthy cells. Here, we analyzed the protein cargo contained within these vesicles using mass spectrometry-based proteomics to better understand their makeup and biological characteristics. Three different human pancreatic cancer cell lines were compared to normal pancreatic epithelial cells revealing distinct differences in protein cargo between cancer and normal vesicles. Vesicles from cancer cells contain an enrichment of proteins that function in the endosomal compartment of cells responsible for vesicle formation and secretion in addition to proteins that have been shown to contribute to oncogenic cell transformation. Conversely, vesicles from normal pancreatic cells were shown to be enriched for immune response proteins. Collectively, results contribute to what we know about the cargo contained within or excluded from cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles, supporting their role in biological processes including metastasis and cancer progression.
Raman Spectroscopy Enables Non-Invasive Identification of Peanut Genotypes and Value-Added Traits
Authors: Farber Charles , Sanchez Lee , Rizevsky Stanislav , Ermolenkov Alexei , McCutchen Bill , Cason John , Simpson Charles , Burow Mark , Kurouski Dmitry 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIdentification of specific genotypes can be accomplished by visual recognition of their distinct phenotypical appearance, as well as DNA analysis. Visual identification (ID) of species is subjective and usually requires substantial taxonomic expertise. Genotyping and sequencing are destructive, time- and labor-consuming. In this study, we investigate the potential use of Raman spectroscopy (RS) as a label-free, non-invasive and non-destructive analytical technique for the fast and accurate identification of peanut genotypes. We show that chemometric analysis of peanut leaflet spectra provides accurate identification of different varieties. This same analysis can be used for prediction of nematode resistance and oleic-linoleic oil (O/L) ratio. Raman-based analysis of seeds provides accurate genotype identification in 95% of samples. Additionally, we present data on the identification of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber and other nutrients obtained from spectroscopic signatures of peanut seeds. These results demonstrate that RS allows for fast, accurate and non-invasive screening and selection of plants which can be used for precision breeding.
Independent Predictors of Mortality for Aeromonas Necrotizing Fasciitis of Limbs: An 18-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Huang Tsung-Yu , Peng Kuo-Ti , Hsu Wei-Hsiu , Hung Chien-Hui , Chuang Fang-Yi , Tsai Yao-Hung 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNecrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the limbs caused by Aeromonas species is an extremely rare and life-threatening skin and soft tissue infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the specific characteristics and the independent predictors of mortality in patients with Aeromonas NF. Sixty-eight patients were retrospectively reviewed over an 18-year period. Differences in mortality, demographics data, comorbidities, symptoms and signs, laboratory findings, microbiological analysis, empiric antibiotics treatment and clinical outcomes were compared between the non-survival and the survival groups. Twenty patients died with the mortality rate of 29.4%. The non-survival group revealed significant differences in bacteremia, monomicrobial infection, cephalosporins resistance, initial ineffective empiric antibiotics usage, chronic kidney disease, chronic hepatic dysfunction, tachypnea, shock, hemorrhagic bullae, skin necrosis, leukopenia, band polymorphonuclear neutrophils >10%, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The multivariate analysis identified four variables predicting mortality: bloodstream infection, shock, skin necrosis, and initial ineffective empirical antimicrobial usage against Aeromonas. NF caused by Aeromonas spp. revealed high mortality rates, even through aggressive surgical debridement and antibacterial therapies. Identifying those independent predictors, such as bacteremia, shock, progressive skin necrosis, monomicrobial infection, and application of the effective antimicrobial agents against Aeromonas under the supervision of infectious doctors, may improve clinical outcomes.
Vitamin K2 promotes PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis that leads to AMPK-dependent autophagic cell death in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Duan Fengsen , Mei Chunlei , Yang Luhao , Zheng Junyan , Lu Huiai , Xia Yanzhi , Hsu Stacy , Liang Huageng , Hong Ling 
Published: May 2020

AbstractVitamin K2 has been shown to exert remarkable anticancer activity. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Here, our study was the first to show that Vitamin K2 significantly promoted the glycolysis in bladder cancer cells by upregulating glucose consumption and lactate production, whereas inhibited TCA cycle by reducing the amounts of Acetyl-CoA. Moreover, suppression of PI3K/AKT and HIF-1α attenuated Vitamin K2-increased glucose consumption and lactate generation, indicating that Vitamin K2 promotes PI3K/AKT and HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis in bladder cancer cells. Importantly, upon glucose limitation, Vitamin K2-upregulated glycolysis markedly induced metabolic stress, along with AMPK activation and mTORC1 pathway suppression, which subsequently triggered AMPK-dependent autophagic cell death. Intriguingly, glucose supplementation profoundly abrogated AMPK activation and rescued bladder cancer cells from Vitamin K2-triggered autophagic cell death. Furthermore, both inhibition of PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α and attenuation of glycolysis significantly blocked Vitamin K2-induced AMPK activation and subsequently prevented autophagic cell death. Collectively, these findings reveal that Vitamin K2 could induce metabolic stress and trigger AMPK-dependent autophagic cell death in bladder cancer cells by PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis promotion.
Auranofin, at clinically achievable dose, protects mice and prevents recurrence from Clostridioides difficile infection
Authors: Abutaleb Nader S. , Seleem Mohamed N. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractClostridioides difficile is the leading cause of nosocomial infections and a worldwide urgent public health threat. Without doubt, there is an urgent need for new effective anticlostridial agents due to the increasing incidence and severity of C. difficile infection (CDI). The aim of the present study is to investigate the in vivo efficacy of auranofin (rheumatoid arthritis FDA-approved drug) in a CDI mouse model and establish an adequate dosage for treatment. The effects of increased C. difficile inoculum, and pre-exposure to simulated gastric intestinal fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), on the antibacterial activity of auranofin were investigated. Auranofin’s in vitro antibacterial activity was stable in the presence of high bacterial inoculum size compared to vancomycin and fidaxomicin. Moreover, it maintained its anti-C. difficile activity after being exposed to SGF and SIF. Upon testing in a CDI mouse model, auranofin at low clinically achievable doses (0.125 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg) significantly protected mice against CDI with 100% and 80% survival, respectively. Most importantly, auranofin (0.125 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg) significantly prevented CDI recurrence when compared with vancomycin. Collectively, these results indicate that auranofin could potentially provide an effective, safe and quick supplement to the current approaches for treating CDI.
Newly discovered Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901 is a robust cyanobacterial strain for high biomass production
Authors: Włodarczyk Artur , Selão Tiago Toscano , Norling Birgitta , Nixon Peter J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCyanobacteria, which use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into biomass, are potential solar biorefineries for the sustainable production of chemicals and biofuels. However, yields obtained with current strains are still uncompetitive compared to existing heterotrophic production systems. Here we report the discovery and characterization of a new cyanobacterial strain, Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901, with promising features for green biotechnology. It is naturally transformable, has a short doubling time of ≈2 hours, grows at high light intensities and in a wide range of salinities and accumulates up to ≈33 g dry cell weight per litre when cultured in a shake-flask system using a modified growth medium − 1.7 to 3 times more than other strains tested under similar conditions. As a proof of principle, PCC 11901 engineered to produce free fatty acids yielded over 6 mM (1.5 g L−1), an amount comparable to that achieved by similarly engineered heterotrophic organisms.
Triple combination therapy of favipiravir plus two monoclonal antibodies eradicates influenza virus from nude mice
Authors: Kiso Maki , Yamayoshi Seiya , Kawaoka Yoshihiro 
Published: May 2020

AbstractProlonged treatment of immunocompromised influenza patients with viral neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors is required, because the immune system of such patients fails to eradicate the viruses. Here, we attempted to eradicate influenza virus from the respiratory organs of nude mice, which is a model of immunocompromised hosts, by using combination therapy of the viral polymerase inhibitor favipiravir and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the receptor-binding site (RBS) and stem of viral hemagglutinin (HA). Although monotherapy or combination therapy of two antivirals (two mAbs or favipiravir plus a mAb) suppressed virus replication, they failed to eradicate viruses from nude mice. In contrast, the triple combination therapy of favipiravir plus anti-Stem and anti-RBS mAbs completely stopped virus replication in nude mice, resulting in virus clearance. Triple combination approaches should be considered for the treatment of human immunocompromised patients with severe influenza.
Autonomous molecular design by Monte-Carlo tree search and rapid evaluations using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Kajita Seiji , Kinjo Tomoyuki , Nishi Tomoki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFunctional materials, especially those that largely differ from known materials, are not easily discoverable because both human experts and supervised machine learning need prior knowledge and datasets. An autonomous system can evaluate various properties a priori, and thereby explore unknown extrapolation spaces in high-throughput simulations. However, high-throughput evaluations of molecular dynamics simulations are unrealistically demanding. Here, we show an autonomous search system for organic molecules implemented by a reinforcement learning algorithm, and apply it to molecular dynamics simulations of viscosity. The evaluation is dramatically accelerated (by three orders of magnitude) using a femto-second stress-tensor correlation, which underlies the glass-transition model. We experimentally examine one of 55,000 lubricant oil molecules found by the system. This study indicates that merging simulations and physical models can open a path for simulation-driven approaches to materials informatics.
KKH 22, the first dwarf spheroidal satellite of IC 342
Authors: Karachentsev Igor D. , Makarova Lidia N. , Brent Tully R. , Anand Gagandeep S. , Rizzi Luca , Shaya Edward J. , Afanasiev Viktor L. 
Published: May 2020

Aims. We present observations with the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope of the nearby dwarf spheroidal galaxy KKH 22 = LEDA 2807114 in the vicinity of the massive spiral galaxy IC 342.
Methods. We derived its distance of 3.12 ± 0.19 Mpc using the tip of red giant branch (TRGB) method. We also used the 6 m BTA spectroscopy to measure a heliocentric radial velocity of the globular cluster in KKH 22 to be +30 ± 10 km s−1.
Results. The dSph galaxy KKH 22 has the V-band absolute magnitude of –12.m19 and the central surface brightness μv, 0 = 24.1m/□″. Both the velocity and the distance of KKH 22 are consistent with the dSph galaxy being gravitationally bound to IC 342. Another nearby dIr galaxy, KKH 34, with a low heliocentric velocity of +106 km s−1 has the TRGB distance of 7.28 ± 0.36 Mpc residing in the background with respect to the IC 342 group. KKH 34 has a surprisingly high negative peculiar velocity of –236 ± 26 km s−1.
Pancreatic Pseudocyst with Mediastinal Extension Presenting as Pseudo-Kirklin Sign—Multimodality Imaging
Authors: Udayakumar Harshini , Indiran Venkatraman , Mariappan Kalaichezhian , Maduraimuthu Prabakaran 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA mass lesion of the gastric cardia or fundus causing an alteration in the normal regular, translucent gastric fundal air shadow on a frontal erect chest radiograph is referred to as “the Kirklin sign.” Here we present “Pseudo-Kirklin sign” observed on the frontal radiograph of a 46-year-old male patient due to a soft tissue shadow/contour deformity of the fundal gas shadow caused by pseudocyst of the pancreas. We evaluated the patient using plain radiography, contrast enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with the cyst drained under EUS guidance. So far only two cases of mediastinal pseudocysts have been drained successfully by EUS-guided aspiration.
Identification and Recent Approaches for Evaluation and Management of Rehabilitation Concerns for Patients with Freeman–Burian Syndrome: Principles for Global Treatment
Authors: Poling Mikaela I. , Dufresne Craig R. , McCormick Rodger J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFreeman–Burian syndrome, formerly Freeman–Sheldon syndrome, is a rare congenital complex myopathic craniofacial syndrome that frequently involves extremity joint deformities, abnormal spinal curvatures, and chest wall mechanical problems that, together with spinal deformities, impair pulmonary function. As part of a clinical practice guideline development, we evaluated 19 rehabilitation-related articles from our formal systematic review, and from these and our experience, we describe rehabilitation considerations. Research in this area has widespread methodologic problems. While many challenges are present, much can be done to afford these patients a good quality of life through careful planning.
COVID-19 in Newborns and Infants—Low Risk of Severe Disease: Silver Lining or Dark Cloud?
Authors: Rawat Munmun , Chandrasekharan Praveen , Hicar Mark D. , Lakshminrusimha Satyan 
Published: May 2020

One hundred years after the 1918 influenza pandemic, we now face another pandemic with the severe acute respiratory syndrome–novel coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). There is considerable variability in the incidence of infection and severe disease following exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Data from China and the United States suggest a low prevalence of neonates, infants, and children, with those affected not suffering from severe disease. In this article, we speculate different theories why this novel agent is sparing neonates, infants, and young children. The low severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population is associated with a high incidence of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic infection making them efficient carriers.
Key Points
Surveillance and Targeted Action to Prevent HIV/AIDS
Authors: Kumar Rajesh 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTEpidemiological surveillance has played a key role in the identification of AIDS and its modes of transmission. In India, laboratory-based surveillance of HIV was initiated among most at-risk populations in 1990s, which was later expanded to antenatal clinics. On the basis of surveillance, high risk geographic areas and high risk populations were identified; and preventive behaviour change interventions were targeted among high risk groups in mid1990s. In 2003, analysis of surveillance data revealed a declining trend in HIV. Further analysis, indicated that targeted sexual behaviour change interventions among high risk groups had been responsible for the decline. The targeted behaviour change strategy among high risk groups was also found to be cost-effective. In the era of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), HIV prevalence trends would no longer be useful for tracking the epidemic. Hence, new laboratory essays are needed for tracking HIV incidence. Verbal autopsy method can provide direct estimates of HIV mortality trends to evaluate the effectiveness of ART. Since the number of new HIV infections is showing plateauing trend, further intensification of HIV/AIDS prevention and control efforts is required to achieve the end of HIV transmission and deaths due to AIDS by 2030.
Neurocysticercosis Burden in Pig Farming Community of North India
Authors: Prasad Kashi Nath 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTNeurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common cause of acquired active epilepsy (AE). NCC is under reported in India due to lack of systematic systematic studies. We investigated NCC burden in pig farming community of Lucknow district.Total 294 families with 1640 subjects from 30 villages were surveyed for AE; 595 asymptomatic individuals underwent magnetic resonance imaging of brain. TLR4, MMP9, ICAM1 and GST genes polymorphisms were studied for their role in symptomatic disease. Slaughtered pigs were screened for cysticercosis.Total 95 (5.8%) subjects with AE were identified; 48.3% of them had NCC. Ninety (15%) asymptomatic individuals had NCC. Thirteen (26%) of 50 pigs slaughtered had cysticercosis.The results showed high NCC burden in pig farming community and NCC as major cause of AE. Individuals with polymorphic TLR4, MMP9, ICAM1 and GST genotypes were susceptible for symptomatic disease. High swine cysticercosis prevalence suggests the transmission dynamic between human and swine in the community.