bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hematocrit, blood volume, and surface area of dried blood spots – a quantitative model
Authors: Alsous Mervat M. , Hawwa Ahmed F. , McElnay James C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe use of the dried blood spot (DBS) sampling technique has extended the scope of clinical research, particularly in children. The effects of different hematocrit levels (25–55%) and different blood volumes (7.5–30 μL) on the surface area of the blood spots were investigated using ImageJ® software. Variation in hematocrit levels between patients and inaccuracies in blood volumes applied to Guthrie cards can have a marked effect on analyte concentrations measured in DBS samples. The current study presents a validated model that links blood volume and hematocrit to the surface area of the blood spot. The final model showed that both factors affect the blood spot surface area, however, the positive effect of blood volume is higher than the negative effect of hematocrit. The measurement of surface area could be added as an additional quality control step in clinical studies that have adopted fixed volume DBS sampling for the quantification of the analytes. This approach can be used in estimating the hematocrit if this is not known for a patient or estimating the volume in spots that are visually different in size from the norm, i.e. technical error.
Space invaders: Searching for invasive Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in a renowned Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) river
Authors: O'Sullivan Antóin M. , Samways Kurt M. , Perreault Alysse , Hernandez Cécilia , Gautreau Mark D. , Curry R. Allen , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHumans have the ability to permanently alter aquatic ecosystems and the introduction of species is often the most serious alteration. Non‐native Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) were identified in Miramichi Lake c. 2008, which is a headwater tributary to the Southwest Miramichi River, a renowned Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) river whose salmon population is dwindling. A containment programme managed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada (DFO) was implemented in 2009 to confine Smallmouth Bass (SMB) to the lake. We utilized environmental DNA (eDNA) as a detection tool to establish the potential escape of SMB into the Southwest Miramichi River. We sampled at 26 unique sites within Miramichi Lake, the outlet of Miramichi Lake (Lake Brook), which flows into the main stem Southwest Miramichi River, and the main stem Southwest Miramichi River between August and October 2017. We observed n = 6 positive detections located in the lake, Lake Brook, and the main stem Southwest Miramichi downstream of the lake. No detections were observed upstream of the confluence of Lake Brook and the main stem Southwest Miramichi. The spatial pattern of positive eDNA detections downstream of the lake suggests the presence of individual fish versus lake‐sourced DNA in the outlet stream discharging to the main river. Smallmouth Bass were later confirmed by visual observation during a snorkeling campaign, and angling. Our results, both eDNA and visual confirmation, definitively show Smallmouth Bass now occupy the main stem of the Southwest Miramichi.
Comparison of morphological, DNA barcoding, and metabarcoding characterizations of freshwater nematode communities
Authors: Schenk Janina , Kleinbölting Nils , Traunspurger Walter 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBiomonitoring approaches and investigations of many ecological questions require assessments of the biodiversity of a given habitat. Small organisms, ranging from protozoans to metazoans, are of great ecological importance and comprise a major share of the planet's biodiversity but they are extremely difficult to identify, due to their minute body sizes and indistinct structures. Thus, most biodiversity studies that include small organisms draw on several methods for species delimitation, ranging from traditional microscopy to molecular techniques. In this study, we compared the efficiency of these methods by analyzing a community of nematodes. Specifically, we evaluated the performances of traditional morphological identification, single‐specimen barcoding (Sanger sequencing), and metabarcoding in the identification of 1500 nematodes from sediment samples. The molecular approaches were based on the analysis of the 28S ribosomal large and 18S small subunits (LSU and SSU). The morphological analysis resulted in the determination of 22 nematode species. Barcoding identified a comparable number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on 28S rDNA (n = 20) and fewer OTUs based on 18S rDNA (n = 12). Metabarcoding identified a higher OTU number but fewer amplicon sequence variants (AVSs) (n = 48 OTUs, n = 17 ASVs for 28S rDNA, and n = 31 OTUs, n = 6 ASVs for 18S rDNA). Between the three approaches (morphology, barcoding, and metabarcoding), only three species (13.6%) were shared. This lack of taxonomic resolution hinders reliable community identifications to the species level. Further database curation will ensure the effective use of molecular species identification.
Operant conditioning as a new mechanism of placebo effects
Authors: Bąbel Przemysław 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivePlacebo effects are considered to be learning phenomena. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the role of both classical conditioning and observational learning in the induction of placebo effects. However, the third basic learning process, operant conditioning, was not considered as a mechanism of placebo effects until very recently. Unlike classically conditioned responses, which are induced by stimuli that precede the behaviour, operant behaviours are shaped and maintained by their consequences. Thus, placebo effects may not only result from pairing an active intervention with the stimuli that accompany its administration (placebo) but also positive (e.g. the ability to perform a desired activity) or negative reinforcement (e.g. pain relief) of placebo administration may increase the frequency of taking placebos in the future. The paper reviews the evidence supporting the idea of operant conditioning as a mechanism of placebo effects and discusses it in the context of the general principles of operant conditioning, the operant conditioning account of pain modulation and research findings on the role of operant conditioning in pain modulation.Databases and Data TreatmentThis is a narrative review.ResultsSeven lines of research are proposed to study the role of operant conditioning in producing placebo effects.ConclusionsOperant conditioning account of placebo effects has practical implications both for routine clinical practice and the placebo arms of randomized controlled trials.SignificanceThe operant conditioning account of placebo effects is discussed from the theoretical perspective of the general principles of operant conditioning and the operant conditioning account of pain modulation. The paper identifies seven lines of research on the role of operant conditioning in producing placebo effects, and highlights the practical implications of the operant conditioning account of placebo effects both for routine clinical practice and the placebo arms of randomized controlled trials.
Mn2+ or Mn3+? Investigating transition metal dissolution of manganese species in lithium ion battery electrolytes by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Hanf Lenard , Henschel Jonas , Diehl Marcel , Winter Martin , Nowak Sascha 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA new CE method with ultraviolet–visible detection was developed in this study to investigate manganese dissolution in lithium ion battery electrolytes. The aqueous running buffer based on diphosphate showed excellent stabilization of labile Mn3+, even under electrophoretic conditions. The method was optimized regarding the concentration of diphosphate and modifier to obtain suitable signals for quantification. Additionally, the finally obtained method was applied on carbonate‐based electrolytes samples. Dissolution experiments of the cathode material LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (lithium nickel manganese oxide [LNMO]) in aqueous diphosphate buffer at defined pH were performed to investigate the effect of a transition metal‐ion‐scavenger on the oxidation state of dissolved manganese. Quantification of both Mn species revealed the formation of mainly Mn3+, which can be attributed to a comproportionation reaction of dissolved and complexed Mn2+ with Mn4+ at the surface of the LNMO structure. It was also shown that the formation of Mn3+ increased with lower pH. In contrast, dissolution experiments of LNMO in carbonate‐based electrolytes containing LIPF6 showed only dissolution of Mn2+.
Study on the discrete dielectrophoresis for particle–cell separation
Authors: Techaumnat Boonchai , Panklang Nitipong , Wisitsoraat Anurat , Suzuki Yuji 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper presents the application of the discrete dielectrophoretic force to separate polystyrene particles from red blood cells. The separation process employs a simple microfluidic device that is composed of interdigitated electrodes and a microchannel. The discrete dielectrophoretic force is generated by adjusting the duty cycle of the applied voltage. The electrodes make a tilt angle with the microchannel to change the moving direction of the red blood cells. By adjusting the voltage magnitude and duty cycle, we investigate the deflection of red blood cells and the variation of cell velocity along electrode edge under positive dielectrophoresis. The experiments with polystyrene particles show that the enrichment of the particles is greater than 150 times. The maximum separation efficiency is 97% for particle‐to‐cell number ratio equal to 1:2000 in the sample having high cell concentration. Using the appropriate applied voltage magnitude and duty cycle, the discrete dielectrophoretic force can prevent the clogging of microchannel while successfully separating the particles from the cells with high enrichment and efficiency. The proposed principle can be readily applied to dielectrophoresis‐based devices for biomedical sample preparation or diagnosis such as the separation of rare or infected cells from a blood sample.
The Subacute Toxicity of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and/or Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Legacy Aqueous Film-Forming Foams to Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) Chicks
Authors: Bursian Steven J. , Link Jane E. , McCarty Michael , Simcik Matt F. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
As part of an effort to develop avian ecotoxicity information for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) associated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used by the Department of Defense, the subacute toxicity of PFOS, PFOA, PFOS + PFOA, 3M AFFF, and Ansul AFFF to Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks was determined. Ten-day-old Japanese quail were administered treated feed for 5 d and then fed untreated feed for 18 d. Analyzed concentrations of PFOS, PFOA, and PFOS + PFOA ranged from 62 to 1955, 162 to 1208, and 43 + 45 to 296 + 292 mg kg feed–1. Analyzed concentrations of PFOS in feed containing the 3M AFFF ranged from 73 to 1399 mg kg feed–1, and formulated concentrations of 6:2 fluorotelomer thioamido sulfonate in feed containing the Ansul AFFF ranged from 9 to 1118 mg kg feed–1. Average daily doses resulting in 50% mortality at day 5 were 38 (34–43), 68 (63–74), 55 (51–59), and 130 (103–164) mg PFOS, PFOA, PFOS + PFOA, and PFOS in 3M AFFF kg body weight–1 d–1. Ansul AFFF did not result in any mortalities. Dietary concentrations resulting in 50% mortality at day 5 were 351 (275–450), 496 (427–575), 398 (339–468), and 467 (390–559) mg PFOS, PFOA, PFOS + PFOA, and PFOS in 3M AFFF kg feed–1. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:695–710. © 2020 SETAC
Mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 disrupts oligodendrocyte Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial function
Authors: Ruiz Asier , Quintela‐López Tania , Sánchez‐Gómez María V. , Gaminde‐Blasco Adhara , Alberdi Elena , Matute Carlos 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMitochondrial fission mediated by cytosolic dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) is essential for mitochondrial quality control but may contribute to apoptosis as well. Blockade of Drp1 with mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (mdivi‐1) provides neuroprotection in several models of neurodegeneration and cerebral ischemia and has emerged as a promising therapeutic drug. In oligodendrocytes, overactivation of AMPA‐type ionotropic glutamate receptors (AMPARs) induces intracellular Ca2+ overload and excitotoxic death that contributes to demyelinating diseases. Mitochondria are key to Ca2+ homeostasis, however it is unclear how it is disrupted during oligodendroglial excitotoxicity. In the current study, we have analyzed mitochondrial dynamics during AMPAR activation and the effects of mdivi‐1 on excitotoxicity in optic nerve‐derived oligodendrocytes. Sublethal AMPAR activation triggered Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial fission, whereas toxic AMPAR activation produced Drp1‐independent mitochondrial swelling. Accordingly, mdivi‐1 efficiently inhibited Drp1‐mediated mitochondrial fission and did not prevent oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity. Unexpectedly, mdivi‐1 also induced mitochondrial depolarization, ER Ca2+ depletion and modulation of AMPA‐induced Ca2+ signaling. These off‐target effects of mdivi‐1 sensitized oligodendrocytes to excitotoxicity and ER stress and eventually produced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Interestingly, in cultured astrocytes mdivi‐1 induced nondetrimental mitochondrial depolarization and oxidative stress that did not cause toxicity or sensitization to apoptotic stimuli. In summary, our results provide evidence of Drp1‐mediated mitochondrial fission during activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors in oligodendrocytes, and uncover a deleterious and Drp1‐independent effect of mdivi‐1 on mitochondrial and ER function in these cells. These off‐target effects of mdivi‐1 limit its therapeutic potential and should be taken into account in clinical studies.
Convergence of distinct functional networks supporting naming and semantic recognition in the left inferior frontal gyrus
Authors: Xu Zhansheng , Shen Bo , Taji Wael , Sun Pei , Naya Yuji 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNaming individual objects is accompanied with semantic recognition. Previous studies examined brain‐networks responsible for these operations individually. However, it remains unclear how these brain‐networks are related. To address this problem, we examined the brain‐networks during a novel object‐naming task, requiring participants to name animals in photographs at a specific‐level (e.g., “pigeon”). When the participants could not remember specific names, they answered basic names (e.g., “bird”). After fMRI scanning during the object‐naming task, the participants rated familiarity of the animals based on their sense of knowing. Since participants tend to remember specific names for familiar objects compared with unfamiliar objects, a typical issue in an object‐naming task is an internal covariance between the naming and familiarity levels. We removed this confounding factor by adjusting the familiarity/naming level of stimuli, and demonstrated distinct brain regions related to the two operations. Among them, the left inferior frontal gyrus triangularis (IFGtri) contained object‐naming and semantic‐recognition related areas in its anterior‐ventral and posterior‐dorsal parts, respectively. Psychophysiological interaction analyses suggested that both parts show connectivity with the brain regions related to object‐naming. By examining the connectivity under control tasks requiring nonlexical semantic retrieval (e.g., animal's body color), we found that both IFGtri parts altered their targeting brain areas according to the required memory attributes, while only the posterior‐dorsal part connected the brain regions related to semantic recognition. Together, the semantic recognition may be processed by distinct brain network from those for voluntary semantic retrievals including object‐naming although all these networks are mediated by the posterior‐dorsal IFGtri.
Estrogen Acts Through Estrogen Receptor 2b to Regulate Hepatobiliary Fate During Vertebrate Development
Authors: Chaturantabut Saireudee , Shwartz Arkadi , Garnaas Maija K. , LaBella Kyle , Li Chia‐Cheng , Carroll Kelli J. , Cutting Claire C. , Budrow Nadine , Palaria Amrita , Gorelick Daniel A. , Tremblay Kimberly D. , North Trista E. , Goessling Wolfram 
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims
During liver development, bipotent progenitor cells differentiate into hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells to ensure a functional liver required to maintain organismal homeostasis. The developmental cues controlling the differentiation of committed progenitors into these cell types, however, are incompletely understood. Here, we discover an essential role for estrogenic regulation in vertebrate liver development to affect hepatobiliary fate decisions.

Approach and Results
Exposure of zebrafish embryos to 17β‐estradiol (E2) during liver development significantly decreased hepatocyte‐specific gene expression, liver size, and hepatocyte number. In contrast, pharmacological blockade of estrogen synthesis or nuclear estrogen receptor (ESR) signaling enhanced liver size and hepatocyte marker expression. Transgenic reporter fish demonstrated nuclear ESR activity in the developing liver. Chemical inhibition and morpholino knockdown of nuclear estrogen receptor 2b (esr2b) increased hepatocyte gene expression and blocked the effects of E2 exposure. esr2b−/−
mutant zebrafish exhibited significantly increased expression of hepatocyte markers with no impact on liver progenitors, other endodermal lineages, or vasculature. Significantly, E2‐stimulated Esr2b activity promoted biliary epithelial differentiation at the expense of hepatocyte fate, whereas loss of esr2b impaired biliary lineage commitment. Chemical and genetic epistasis studies identified bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling as a mediator of the estrogen effects. The divergent impact of estrogen on hepatobiliary fate was confirmed in a human hepatoblast cell line, indicating the relevance of this pathway for human liver development.

Conclusions
Our studies identify E2, esr2b, and downstream BMP activity as important regulators of hepatobiliary fate decisions during vertebrate liver development. These results have significant clinical implications for liver development in infants exposed to abnormal estrogen levels or estrogenic compounds during pregnancy.
The impact of infant carrying on adolescent mother–infant interactions during the still‐face task
Authors: Williams Lela Rankin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAdolescent mothers have greater difficulty bonding with their baby; their infants are more likely to be difficult and their parenting is less sensitive, responsive, or positive. Research suggests that enhanced physical contact, or infant carrying, can promote positive mother‐infant interactions. Adolescent mothers, randomly assigned to two conditions at 2‐4 weeks' post‐partum: intervention (n=16; used an infant carrier, one hour daily for 3 months) and control (n=17; read to their baby), completed the Still‐Face Paradigm (SFP) at 7‐months. Infants in the intervention condition, compared to the control condition, showed the classic SF effect: heightened negative engagement and a reduction of social engagement during the SF phase. Their mothers spent more time in social positive engagement and exaggerated positive engagement. Infants in the control condition spent less time in social monitoring overall and more time in object/environment engagement during the SF phase. Their mothers were more likely to “give up” in the reunion phase: less social positive/exaggerated social positive engagement and more withdrawn behavior. This novel study provides preliminary evidence that infant carrying influences infants' early representations for their adolescent mothers' responsiveness. Infant carrying is a culturally embedded practice that promotes healthy social and emotional development among infants of adolescent mothers.Highlights

Adolescent mothers were randomly assigned to an intervention (babywearing) and a control condition (reading) and completed the Still‐Face paradigm (i.e., a video‐taped interaction task) when infants were 7 months old. Mothers in the intervention condition spent more time in social positive/exaggerated positive engagement and their infants showed the classic SF effect: heightened negative engagement and reduced social engagement during the SF phase.
The practice of babywearing has the potential to reach other populations of mothers who experience difficulty bonding with their infant. Infant carrying is a cost‐effective and culturally relevant practice that has the potential to reduce the risk for infant abuse and neglect.
Pembrolizumab for a patient with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer with microsatellite instability‐high
Authors: Fujiwara Motohiro , Komai Yoshinobu , Yuasa Takeshi , Numao Noboru , Yamamoto Shinya , Fukui Iwao , Yonese Junji 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionWe report the case of a patient with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer with microsatellite instability‐high who was treated with pembrolizumab after cabazitaxel administration.Case presentationA 58‐year‐old patient with heavily pretreated metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer, whose prostate surgical specimen was disclosed as microsatellite instability‐high, underwent pembrolizumab therapy. After initiation of pembrolizumab, his prostate‐specific antigen level decreased, imaging findings showed good response with lymph node shrinkage, and his walking difficulty decreased dramatically.ConclusionThe rarity of microsatellite instability‐high tumor in castration‐resistant prostate cancer may hamper pembrolizumab administration. This potentially active agent should be considered as part of a treatment regimen for patients with microsatellite instability‐high castration‐resistant prostate cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a Japanese castration‐resistant prostate cancer patient who demonstrated clinical benefit from pembrolizumab treatment.