bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contribution of Raman Spectroscopy to Diagnosis and Grading of Chondrogenic Tumors
Authors: D’Acunto Mario , Gaeta Raffaele , Capanna Rodolfo , Franchi Alessandro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the last decade, Raman Spectroscopy has demonstrated to be a label-free and non-destructive optical spectroscopy able to improve diagnostic accuracy in cancer diagnosis. This is because Raman spectroscopic measurements can reveal a deep molecular understanding of the biochemical changes in cancer tissues in comparison with non-cancer tissues. In this pilot study, we apply Raman spectroscopy imaging to the diagnosis and grading of chondrogenic tumors, including enchondroma and chondrosarcomas of increasing histologic grades. The investigation included the analysis of areas of 50×50 μm2 to approximately 200×200 μm2, respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis, based on unsupervised (Principal Analysis Components) and supervised (Linear Discriminant Analysis) methods, differentiated between the various tumor samples, between cells and extracellular matrix, and between collagen and non-collagenous components. The results dealt out basic biochemical information on tumor progression giving the possibility to grade with certainty the malignant cartilaginous tumors under investigation. The basic processes revealed by Raman Spectroscopy are the progressive degrading of collagen type-II components, the formation of calcifications and the cell proliferation in tissues ranging from enchondroma to chondrosarcomas. This study highlights that Raman spectroscopy is particularly effective when cartilaginous tumors need to be subjected to histopathological analysis.
Efficient extraction of cucurbitacins from Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C. Jeffrey: Optimization using response surface methodology, extraction methods and study of some important bioactivities
Authors: Patel S. B. , Attar U. A. , Sakate D. M. , Ghane S. G. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDiplocyclos palmatus(L.) C. Jeffrey is an important medicinal plant used in several reproductive medicines. It serves as a wide source of tetracyclic triterpens called cucurbitacins. Response surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken design (BBD) was studied to optimize the production of cucurbitacins. RSM put forth the ideal conditions such as 1:30 SS ratio (g/mL), 80 rpm (mixing extraction speed), 150 µm mean particle size, 30 min extraction time and 50 °C using chloroform in continuous shaking extraction (CSE) and showed the highest cucurbitacin I (CUI) content (2.345 ± 0.1686 mg/g DW). Similarly, the highest yield of cucurbitacin B (CUB) (1.584 ± 0.15 mg/g DW) was recorded at ideal conditions (1:40 g/mL SS ratio and 60 min time and others similar to CUI). Among the tested extraction methods, the highest CUI, CUB, and CUI + B yield (1.437 ± 0.03, 0.782 ± 0.10, 2.17 ± 0.35 mg/g DW, respectively) as well as promising DPPH radical scavenging activity (25.06 ± 0.1 µgAAE/g DW) were recorded from the SBAE (steam bath assisted extraction). In addition, MAE and UAE revealed the highest inhibition of α-amylase (68.68%) and α-glucosidase (56.27%) enzymes, respectively. Fruit extracts showed potent anticancer activity against breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines (LC50– 44.27 and 46.88 µg/mL, respectively). Our study proved that SS ratio, particle size and temperature were the most positively influencing variables and served to be the most efficient for the highest recovery of CUI and CUB. Based on the present study, the fruits ofD. palmatuswere revealed as a potent antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anticancer bio-resource that could be explored further to develop novel drug to manage diabetes, cancer and oxidative stress related disorders.
Endovascular procedures cause transient endothelial injury but do not disrupt mature neointima in Drug Eluting Stents
Authors: Autar Anouchska , Taha Aladdin , van Duin Richard , Krabbendam-Peters Ilona , Duncker Dirk J. , Zijlstra Felix , van Beusekom Heleen M. M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractExtensive application of coronary intravascular procedures has led to the increased need of understanding the injury inflicted to the coronary arterial wall. We aimed to investigate acute and prolonged coronary endothelial injury as a result of guidewire use, repeated intravascular imaging and stenting. These interventions were performed in swine (N = 37) and injury was assessed per coronary segment (n = 81) using an Evans Blue dye-exclusion-test. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy were then used to visualize the extent and nature of acute (<4 hours) and prolonged (5 days) endothelial injury. Guidewire and imaging injury was mainly associated with denudation and returned to control levels at 5 days. IVUS and OCT combined (Evans Blue staining 28 ± 16%) did not lead to more acute injury than IVUS alone (33 ± 15%). Stent placement caused most injury (85 ± 4%) and despite early stent re-endothelialization at 5 days, the endothelium proved highly permeable (97 ± 4% at 5 days; p < 0.001 vs acute). Imaging of in-stent neointima at 28 days after stent placement did not lead to neointimal rupture. Guidewire, IVUS and OCT induce acute endothelial cell damage, which does not increase during repeated imaging, and heals within 5 days. Interestingly, endothelial permeability increases 5 days post stenting despite near complete re-endothelialization.
Synchronized Biventricular Heart Pacing in a Closed-chest Porcine Model based on Wirelessly Powered Leadless Pacemakers
Authors: Lyu Hongming , John Mathews , Burkland David , Greet Brian , Post Allison , Babakhani Aydin , Razavi Mehdi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAbout 30% of patients with impaired cardiac function have ventricular dyssynchrony and seek cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In this study, we demonstrate synchronized biventricular (BiV) pacing in a leadless fashion by implementing miniaturized and wirelessly powered pacemakers. With their flexible form factors, two pacemakers were implanted epicardially on the right and left ventricles of a porcine model and were inductively powered at 13.56 MHz and 40.68 MHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands, respectively. The power consumption of these pacemakers is reduced to µW-level by a novel integrated circuit design, which considerably extends the maximum operating distance. Leadless BiV pacing is demonstrated for the first time in both open-chest and closed-chest porcine settings. The clinical outcomes associated with different interventricular delays are verified through electrophysiologic and hemodynamic responses. The closed-chest pacing only requires the external source power of 0.3 W and 0.8 W at 13.56 MHz and 40.68 MHz, respectively, which leads to specific absorption rates (SARs) 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than the safety regulation limit. This work serves as a basis for future wirelessly powered leadless pacemakers that address various cardiac resynchronization challenges.
Developmental and sexual divergence in the olfactory system of the marine insect Clunio marinus
Authors: Missbach Christine , Vogel Heiko , Hansson Bill S. , Große-Wilde Ewald , Vilcinskas Andreas , Kaiser Tobias S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAn animal’s fitness strongly depends on successful feeding, avoidance of predators and reproduction. All of these behaviours commonly involve chemosensation. As a consequence, when species’ ecological niches and life histories differ, their chemosensory abilities need to be adapted accordingly. The intertidal insect Clunio marinus (Diptera: Chironomidae) has tuned its olfactory system to two highly divergent niches. The long-lived larvae forage in a marine environment. During the few hours of terrestrial adult life, males have to find the female pupae floating on the water surface, free the cryptic females from their pupal skin, copulate and carry the females to the oviposition sites. In order to explore the possibility for divergent olfactory adaptations within the same species, we investigated the chemosensory system of C. marinus larvae, adult males and adult females at the morphological and molecular level. The larvae have a well-developed olfactory system, but olfactory gene expression only partially overlaps with that of adults, likely reflecting their marine vs. terrestrial lifestyles. The olfactory system of the short-lived adults is simple, displaying no glomeruli in the antennal lobes. There is strong sexual dimorphism, the female olfactory system being particularly reduced in terms of number of antennal annuli and sensilla, olfactory brain centre size and gene expression. We found hints for a pheromone detection system in males, including large trichoid sensilla and expression of specific olfactory receptors and odorant binding proteins. Taken together, this makes C. marinus an excellent model to study within-species evolution and adaptation of chemosensory systems.
Tritrophic interactions follow phylogenetic escalation and climatic adaptation
Authors: Kergunteuil Alan , Humair Laureline , Maire Anne-Laure , Moreno-Aguilar María Fernanda , Godschalx Adrienne , Catalán Pilar , Rasmann Sergio 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOne major goal in plant evolutionary ecology is to address how and why tritrophic interactions mediated by phytochemical plant defences vary across species, space, and time. In this study, we tested three classical hypotheses about plant defences: (i) the resource-availability hypothesis, (ii) the altitudinal/elevational gradient hypothesis and (iii) the defence escalation hypothesis. For this purpose, predatory soil nematodes were challenged to hunt for root herbivores based on volatile cues from damaged or intact roots of 18 AlpineFestucagrass species adapted to distinct climatic niches spanning 2000 meters of elevation. We found that adaptation into harsh, nutrient-limited alpine environments coincided with the production of specific blends of volatiles, highly attractive for nematodes. We also found that recently-diverged taxa exposed to herbivores released higher amounts of volatiles than ancestrally-diverged species. Therefore, our model provides evidence that belowground indirect plant defences associated with tritrophic interactions have evolved under two classical hypotheses in plant ecology. While phylogenetic drivers of volatile emissions point to the defence-escalation hypothesis, plant local adaptation of indirect defences is in line with the resource availability hypothesis.
The oxytocin-prostaglandins pathways in the horse (Equus caballus) placenta during pregnancy, physiological parturition, and parturition with fetal membrane retention
Authors: Rapacz-Leonard Anna , Leonard Mark , Chmielewska-Krzesińska Małgorzata , Siemieniuch Marta , Janowski Tomasz E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDespite their importance in mammalian reproduction, substances in the oxytocin-prostaglandins pathways have not been investigated in the horse placenta during most of pregnancy and parturition. Therefore, we quantified placental content of oxytocin (OXT), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), and prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha during days 90–240 of pregnancy (PREG), physiological parturition (PHYS), and parturition with fetal membrane retention (FMR) in heavy draft horses (PREG = 13, PHYS = 11, FMR = 10). We also quantified OXTR and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2) mRNA expression and determined the immunolocalization of OXT, OXTR, and PTGS2. For relative quantification of OXT and OXTR, we used western blotting with densitometry. To quantify the prostaglandins, we used enzyme immunoassays. For relative quantification of OXTR and PTGS2, we used RT-qPCR. For immunolocalization of OXT, OXTR, and PTGS2, we used immunohistochemistry. We found that OXT was present in cells of the allantochorion and endometrium in all groups. PTGS2 expression in the allantochorion was 14.7-fold lower in FMR than in PHYS (p = 0.007). These results suggest that OXT is synthesized in the horse placenta. As PTGS2 synthesis is induced by inflammation, they also suggest that FMR in heavy draft horses may be associated with dysregulation of inflammatory processes.
Revealing the Improved Catalytic Properties of Modified Graphene-like Structures
Authors: Kim Ki-jeong , Kim Hyun Sung , Lee Hangil 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe surface morphology and electronic structure of hexagonal graphene onion rings (HGORs), a modified graphene structure, were investigated to confirm the possibility as an efficient catalyst when compared to graphene. After confirming the formation of HGORs with a smaller width (~4.2 μm) from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy images, we compared the catalytic activities of HGORs and graphene by measuring the rate of oxidation of thiophenol using high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy (HRPES). In addition, we also assessed in 4-chlorophenol degradation and the OH radical formation with a benzoic acid to confirm the possibility for photocatalytic activities of HGORs. As a result, we confirmed that HGORs, which has an increased active site due to its three-dimensional structure formed by the reaction of graphene with hydrogen, can act as an effective catalyst. In addition, we could also realize the possibility of optical applicability by observing the 0.13 eV of band gap opening of HGORs.
Analysis of Optic Chiasmal Compression Caused by Brain Tumors Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Lee Ga-In , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul , Kong Doo-Sik 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe have quantitatively evaluated the macular and peripapillary microvascular changes in eyes with chiasmal compression caused by brain tumors compared with healthy control eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and correlated them with other ocular parameters. This cross-sectional study involved the analysis of 36 eyes of 36 patients with chiasmal compression and age and refractive error-matched 35 healthy control eyes. OCT-A was used to generate microvascular images of the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexus (SRCP, DRCP) and the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segment in the macula and peripapillary areas. Automated segmentation and vessel density measurements facilitated the analysis of each layer. Macular OCT-A analysis revealed a significant reduction in vessel density in the SRCP (P = 0.004) of the nasal quadrant (P < 0.001) and in the same quadrant of the DRCP (P = 0.019) in the eyes with chiasmal compression compared with the control eyes. The RPC segment vessel density has also been significantly reduced in the eyes with chiasmal compression (P < 0.001). The RPC segment and the SRCP vessel densities were correlated with the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and the ganglion cell layer complex thicknesses. The RPC segment and the nasal quadrant SRCP and the DRCP vessel densities were correlated with visual field defect. Significant microvascular alterations have been detected in the eyes with chiasmal compression compared with the control eyes. This study confirmed that chiasmal compression caused by brain tumors not only induced a loss of ganglion cells but also resulted in intra-retinal microvascular changes.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhanced the growth, yield, fiber quality and phosphorus regulation in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Gao Xinpeng , Guo Huihui , Zhang Qiang , Guo Haixia , Zhang Li , Zhang Changyu , Gou Zhongyuan , Liu Yan , Wei Junmei , Chen Aiyun , Chu Zhaohui , Zeng Fanchang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe previously reported on the strong symbiosis of AMF species (Rhizophagus irregularis CD1) with the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) which is grown worldwide. In current study, it was thus investigated in farmland to determine the biological control effect of AMF on phosphorus acquisition and related gene expression regulation, plant growth and development, and a series of agronomic traits associated with yield and fiber quality in cotton. When AMF and cotton were symbiotic, the expression of the specific phosphate transporter family genes and P concentration in the cotton biomass were significantly enhanced. The photosynthesis, growth, boll number per plant and the maturity of the fiber were increased through the symbiosis between cotton and AMF. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant increase in yield for inoculated plots compared with that from the non inoculated controls, with an increase percentage of 28.54%. These findings clearly demonstrate here the benefits of AMF-based inoculation on phosphorus acquisition, growth, seed cotton yield and fiber quality in cotton. Further improvement of these beneficial inoculants on crops will help increase farmers’ income all over the world both now and in the future.
Post-mortem Plasma Cell-Free DNA Sequencing: Proof-of-Concept Study for the “Liquid Autopsy”
Authors: Takai Erina , Maeda Daichi , Li Zhuo , Kudo-Asabe Yukitsugu , Totoki Yasushi , Nakamura Hiromi , Nakamura Akiko , Nakamura Rumi , Kirikawa Misato , Ito Yukinobu , Yoshida Makoto , Inoue Takamitsu , Habuchi Tomonori , Ikoma Shohei , Katoh Hiroto , Kato Mamoru , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Ishikawa Shumpei , Yachida Shinichi , Goto Akiteru 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRecent genomic studies on cancer tissues obtained during rapid autopsy have provided insights into the clonal evolution and heterogeneity of cancer. However, post-mortem blood has not been subjected to genetic analyses in relation to cancer. We first confirmed that substantial quantities of cell-free DNA were present in the post-mortem plasma of 12 autopsy cases. Then, we focused on a pilot case of prostate cancer with multiple metastases for genetic analyses. Whole-exome sequencing of post-mortem plasma-derived cell-free DNA and eight frozen metastatic cancer tissues collected during rapid autopsy was performed, and compared their mutational statuses. The post-mortem plasma cell-free DNA was successfully sequenced and 344 mutations were identified. Of these, 160 were detected in at least one of the metastases. Further, 99% of the mutations shared by all metastases were present in the plasma. Sanger sequencing of 30 additional formalin-fixed metastases enabled us to map the clones harboring mutations initially detected only in the plasma. In conclusion, post-mortem blood, which is usually disposed of during conventional autopsies, can provide valuable data if sequenced in detail, especially regarding cancer heterogeneity. Furthermore, post-mortem plasma cell-free DNA sequencing (liquid autopsy) can be a novel platform for cancer research and a tool for genomic pathology.
Autofluorescence Lifetime Reports Cartilage Damage in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lagarto João L. , Nickdel Mohammad B. , Kelly Douglas J. , Price Andrew , Nanchahal Jagdeep , Dunsby Chris , French Paul , Itoh Yoshifumi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis and its hallmark is degradation of articular cartilage by proteolytic enzymes leading to loss of joint function. It is challenging to monitor the status of cartilage in vivo and this study explores the use of autofluorescence lifetime (AFL) measurements to provide a label-free optical readout of cartilage degradation that could enable earlier detection and evaluation of potential therapies. We previously reported that treatment of ex vivo porcine cartilage with proteolytic enzymes resulted in decreased AFL. Here we report changes in AFL of ex vivo mouse knee joints, porcine metacarpophalangeal joints, normal human metatarsophalangeal articular tissue and human OA tibial plateau tissues measured with or without treatment using a compact single-point time resolved spectrofluorometer. Our data show that proteolytically damaged areas in porcine metacarpophalangeal joints present a reduced AFL and that inducing aggrecanases in mouse and human joints also significantly reduces AFL. Further, human cartilage from OA patients presents a significantly lower AFL compared to normal human cartilage. Our data suggest that AFL can detect areas of cartilage erosion and may potentially be utilised as a minimally-invasive diagnostic readout for early stage OA in combination with arthroscopy devices.
The effects of handedness on sensorimotor rhythm desynchronization and motor-imagery BCI control
Authors: Zapała Dariusz , Zabielska-Mendyk Emilia , Augustynowicz Paweł , Cudo Andrzej , Jaśkiewicz Marta , Szewczyk Marta , Kopiś Natalia , Francuz Piotr 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBrain–computer interfaces (BCIs) allow control of various applications or external devices solely by brain activity, e.g., measured by electroencephalography during motor imagery. Many users are unable to modulate their brain activity sufficiently in order to control a BCI. Most of the studies have been focusing on improving the accuracy of BCI control through advances in signal processing and BCI protocol modification. However, some research suggests that motor skills and physiological factors may affect BCI performance as well. Previous studies have indicated that there is differential lateralization of hand movements’ neural representation in right- and left-handed individuals. However, the effects of handedness on sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) distribution and BCI control have not been investigated in detail yet. Our study aims to fill this gap, by comparing the SMR patterns during motor imagery and real-feedback BCI control in right- (N = 20) and left-handers (N = 20). The results of our study show that the lateralization of SMR during a motor imagery task differs according to handedness. Left-handers present lower accuracy during BCI performance (single session) and weaker SMR suppression in the alpha band (8–13 Hz) during mental simulation of left-hand movements. Consequently, to improve BCI control, the user’s training should take into account individual differences in hand dominance.
Structure and optical properties of perovskite-embedded dual-phase microcrystals synthesized by sonochemistry
Authors: Cho Sangyeon , Yun Seok Hyun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCesium lead halide perovskite (CsPbX3, X=Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals embedded in Cs4PbX6 or CsPb2X5 matrices have received interests due to their excellent optical properties. However, their precise endotaxial structures are not known, and the origin of photoluminescence remains controversial. Here we report a sonochemistry technique that allowed us to synthesize high-quality CsPbBr3-based microcrystals in all ternary phases, simply by adjusting precursor concentrations in a polar aprotic solvent, N,N-dimethylformamide. The microcrystals with diverse morphologies enabled us to visualize the lattice alignments in the dual-phase composites and confirm CsPbBr3 nanocrystals being the photoluminescent sites. We demonstrate high solid-state quantum yield of >40% in Cs4PbBr6/CsPbBr3 and lasing of CsPbBr3 microcrystals as small as 2 µm in size. Real-time optical analysis of the reaction solutions provides insights into the formation and phase transformation of different CsPbBr3-based microcrystals.
Cold clouds as cosmic-ray detectors
Authors: Bialy Shmuel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLow energy cosmic-rays (CRs) are responsible for gas heating and ionization of interstellar clouds, which in turn introduces coupling to Galactic magnetic fields. So far the CR ionization rate (CRIR) has been estimated using indirect methods, such as its effect on the abundances of various rare molecular species. Here we show that the CRIR may be constrained from line emission of H2 rovibrational transitions, excited by CRs. We derive the required conditions for CRs to dominate line excitation, and show that CR-excited lines may be detected with the Very Large Telescope (VLT) over 8 hours integration. Our method, if successfully applied to a variety of clouds at different Galactic locations, will provide improved constraints on the spectrum of low energy CRs and their origins.