bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalyst of Chitin-Modified Titanium Dioxide/Carbon Fiber Composites for Wastewater
Authors: Mao Kui , Wu Xiaowen , Min Xin , Huang Zhaohui , Liu Yan-gai , Fang Minghao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTo improve the catalyst properties of TiO2 under visible light irradiation, chitin-modified TiO2 was synthesized via a hydrothermal method on the surface of carbon fibers. The microstructure and interface properties of the so-prepared photocatalyst were investigated via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Our results indicated that the synergetic effect of the crystal phase of TiO2, carbon fiber, and chitin is the main reason leading to the improvement of the photocatalytic activity of the composite catalyst. The modified TiO2 sample with chitin content of 0.6 wt% exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation when RhB was chosen as the target degradation product. Compared to the pure TiO2/carbon fiber, the sample of TiO2/carbon fiber with 0.6 wt% of chitin exhibits enhanced visible light activity with an apparent rate of degradation about 2.25 times. The enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of the sample with chitin can be attributed to the relatively high adsorption capacity of the particular network structure and photosensitivity of chitin, which can effectively separate the photoelectron-hole pair recombination. Furthermore, the new composite photocatalyst shows excellent catalytic stability after multiple degradation cycles, indicating that it is a promising photocatalytic material for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater.
A thraustochytrid-specific lipase/phospholipase with unique positional specificity contributes to microbial competition and fatty acid acquisition from the environment
Authors: Ishibashi Yohei , Aoki Keisuke , Okino Nozomu , Hayashi Masahiro , Ito Makoto 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThraustochytrids are heterotrophic marine protists that are considered as important decomposers in the marine ecosystem; however, how they digest and uptake lipid nutrients from the environment is largely unknown. Genomic clustering analysis using thraustochytrid draft genome databases revealed that novel proteins with a Lipase_3 domain are commonly present in thraustochytrids, including Aurantiochytrium limacinum. After heterologous expression and His tag-based purification, protein ID: 145138 was identified as lipase/phospholipase capable of hydrolyzing triacylglycerol (TG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). 145138 was secreted into the medium, and deletion of the 145138 gene in A. limacinum reduced the degradation of extracellular lipids. Fatty acids generated by 145138 were reused for the biosynthesis of PC and TG, and 145138 allowed A. limacinum to survive in the medium containing TG as a sole carbon source. 145138 hydrolyzed all the acyl-ester linkages of TG; however, the enzyme showed strict positional specificity toward phospholipids, generating 2-acyl lysophospholipids. The 2-acyl lysophospholipids showed stronger antimicrobial activity compared with 1-acyl lysophospholipids. These results suggested that 145138 is a bifunctional enzyme that contributes to the acquisition of lipid nutrients from the environment, as well as to generate antimicrobial lysophospholipids that are beneficial for competition with bacteria over lipid nutrients in the marine environment.
Hormonal regulation of thirst in the amphibious ray-finned fish suggests the requirement for terrestrialization during evolution
Authors: Katayama Yukitoshi , Takei Yoshio , Kusakabe Makoto , Sakamoto Tatsuya 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThirst has evolved for vertebrate terrestrial adaptation. We previously showed that buccal drying induced a series of drinking behaviours (migration to water–taking water into the mouth–swallowing) in the amphibious mudskipper goby, thereby discovering thirst in ray-finned fish. However, roles of dipsogenic/antidipsogenic hormones, which act on the thirst center in terrestrial tetrapods, have remained unclear in the mudskipper thirst. Here we examined the hormonal effects on the mudskipper drinking behaviours, particularly the antagonistic interaction between angiotensin II (AngII) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) which is important for thirst regulation in mammalian ‘forebrain’. Expectedly, intracerebroventricular injection of ANP in mudskippers reduced AngII-increased drinking rate. ANP also suppressed the neural activity at the ‘hindbrain’ region for the swallowing reflex, and the maintenance of buccopharyngeal water due to the swallowing inhibition may attenuate the motivation to move to water. Thus, the hormonal molecules involved in drinking regulation, as well as the influence of buccopharyngeal water, appear to be conserved in distantly related species to solve osmoregulatory problems, whereas hormonal control of thirst at the forebrain might have been acquired only in tetrapod lineage during evolution.
Temperature-dependent photoluminescence properties of porous fluorescent SiC
Authors: Lu Weifang , Tarekegne Abebe T. , Ou Yiyu , Kamiyama Satoshi , Ou Haiyan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA comprehensive study of surface passivation effect on porous fluorescent silicon carbide (SiC) was carried out to elucidate the luminescence properties by temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurement. The porous structures were prepared using an anodic oxidation etching method and passivated by atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al2O3 films. An impressive enhancement of PL intensity was observed in porous SiC with ALD Al2O3, especially at low temperatures. At temperatures below 150 K, two prominent PL emission peaks located at 517 nm and 650 nm were observed. The broad emission peak at 517 nm was attributed to originate from the surface states in the porous structures, which was supported by X-ray photoelectron spectra characterization. The emission peak at 650 nm is due to donor-acceptor-pairs (DAP) recombination via nitrogen donors and boron-related double D-centers in fluorescent SiC substrates. The results of the present work suggest that the ALD Al2O3 films can effectively suppress the non-radiative recombination for the porous structures on fluorescent SiC. In addition, we provide the evidence based on the low-temperature time-resolved PL that the mechanism behind the PL emission in porous structures is mainly related to the transitions via surface states.
Carnivores, competition and genetic connectivity in the Anthropocene
Authors: Creel Scott , Spong Göran , Becker Matthew , Simukonda Chuma , Norman Anita , Schiffthaler Bastian , Chifunte Clive 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCurrent extinction rates are comparable to five prior mass extinctions in the earth’s history, and are strongly affected by human activities that have modified more than half of the earth’s terrestrial surface. Increasing human activity restricts animal movements and isolates formerly connected populations, a particular concern for the conservation of large carnivores, but no prior research has used high throughput sequencing in a standardized manner to examine genetic connectivity for multiple species of large carnivores and multiple ecosystems. Here, we used RAD SNP genotypes to test for differences in connectivity between multiple ecosystems for African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and lions (Panthera leo), and to test correlations between genetic distance, geographic distance and landscape resistance due to human activity. We found weaker connectivity, a stronger correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance, and a stronger correlation between genetic distance and landscape resistance for lions than for wild dogs, and propose a new hypothesis that adaptations to interspecific competition may help to explain differences in vulnerability to isolation by humans.
Distribution of the CMV glycoprotein gH/gL/gO and gH/gL/pUL128/pUL130/pUL131A complex variants and associated clinical manifestations in infants infected congenitally or postnatally
Authors: Paradowska Edyta , Jabłońska Agnieszka , Studzińska Mirosława , Kasztelewicz Beata , Wiśniewska-Ligier Małgorzata , Dzierżanowska-Fangrat Katarzyna , Woźniakowska-Gęsicka Teresa , Czech-Kowalska Justyna 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHuman cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity in fetuses following intrauterine infection. The glycoprotein (g) envelope trimeric gH/gL/gO and pentameric gH/gL/pUL128/pUL130/pUL131A complexes are required for CMV entry into fibroblasts and endothelial/epithelial cells, respectively, and both are targets for neutralizing antibodies. The role of sequence variability among viral strains in the outcome of congenital CMV infection is controversial. Variation in the CMV UL75 gene encoding glycoprotein H (gH), the UL115 (gL), the UL74 (gO), and the UL128 locus (UL128L) encoding three structural proteins (pUL128, pUL130, and pUL131A) was determined in 82 newborns with congenital CMV infection and 113 infants with postnatal or unproven congenital CMV infection. Genotyping was performed by sequencing analysis of PCR‐amplified fragments and the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method, and the viral load was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. The obtained results demonstrated that (1) different CMV variants and mixed CMV infections can be detected in newborns infected congenitally; (2) the gH1 genotype, UL130 variant 6, and UL131A variant 1 were associated with some signs/symptoms within cohort of pediatric patients, mainly consisting of infants with symptomatic CMV infection. The results revealed that pUL130, pUL131A, and gH polymorphisms seemed to be associated with the outcome of CMV infection in infants.
Mice with a Sertoli cell-specific knockout of the Ctr1 gene exhibit a reduced sensitivity to cisplatin-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis
Authors: Ghaffari Rashin , Richburg John H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractExposure to the chemotherapeutic agent cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(ii) (cDDP) is well known to instigate acute and prolonged testicular injury in male patients. Many investigators have hypothesized that cDDP-induced dysfunction of Sertoli cells (SCs) may, in part, account for the cDDP-induced lasting testicular injury. Nevertheless, the relative contribution of cDDP-induced SC injury versus direct effects on germ cells (GCs) to the pathogenesis of GC loss remains to be elucidated. The expression of the copper transporter 1 (CTR1) protein in cells directly corresponds with cDDP uptake and its cellular toxicity. Therefore, to discern the role of SCs in the pathogenic mechanism, mice were developed with a SC-specific disruption of the Ctr1 gene (SCΔCtr1) as a strategy to prevent their exposure to cDDP. Adult mice at postnatal day (PND) 60 were treated with 5 mg kg−1 cDDP and then testis collected at 48 hours. A two-fold increase in GC-apoptosis occurred in the testis of cDDP-treated wildtype (WT) mice as compared to saline-treated WT mice. In contrast, cDDP-treated SCΔCtr1 mice exhibited only a half-fold increase in GC-apoptosis as compared to the saline-treated SCΔCtr1 mice. This reduced incidence of GC apoptosis in the SCΔCtr1 mice corresponded to a significantly lower level of platinum within the testis. Taken together, these findings reveal that the uptake of cDDP by CTR1 in SCs accounts for the accumulation of cDDP in the testis and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenic sequence of events leading to the loss of germ cells via apoptosis.
MiR-942 regulates the function of breast cancer cell by targeting FOXA2
Authors: Zhang Jinku , Zhang Zhiqiang , Sun Jirui , Ma Qiushuang , Zhao Wenming , Chen Xue , Qiao Haizhi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
MicroRNA (MiR)-942 regulates the development of a variety of tumors, however, its function in breast cancer (BCa) has been less reported. Therefore, the present study investigated the regulatory effects of miR-942 on BCa cells. The expression of miR-942 in whole blood samples and BCa cell lines was detected by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR. Direct target gene for miR-942 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. FOXA2 expression in adjacent tissues was detected by qRT-PCR. The effects of miR-942, or miR-942 with FOXA2, on the cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of BCa cells were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound scratch and Transwell, respectively. The levels of N-Cadherin, E-Cadherin and Snail were determined by Western blot. Kaplan–Meier was used to explore the relationship among the expressions of miR-942 and FOXA2 and the prognosis of BCa patients. MiR-942 had high expressed in BCa, while its low expression significantly suppressed the cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of BCa, but increased cell apoptosis. Down-regulation of N-Cadherin and Snail and up-regulation of E-Cadherin were also induced by low-expression of miR-942. FOXA2, which was proved as the direct target gene for miR-942 and was low-expressed in BCa, partially reversed the effect of overexpressed miR-942 on promoting cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion, and suppressed cell apoptosis. A lower survival rate was observed in BCa patients with a high expression of miR-942 and a low expression of FOXA2. MiR-942 promoted the progression of BCa by down-regulating the expression of FOXA2.
Simple, low‐cost alkali treatment approach to improve photoactivity of Co0.01Zn0.99 S
Authors: Sun Peipei , Teng Fei , Hao Weiyi , Yang Xiaoman , Zhai Siyu , Liang Shuyu 
Published: November 2019

An easy alkali treatment method is designed to enhance the activity of Co0.01Zn0.99 S (CZS). After alkali treatment, the surface area of CZS increases by 2.8 times (12.8 versus 3.4 m2 g−1), and the oxidation potential (EVB) of valence band also increases greatly (2.55 versus 2.19 V). After treatment, the UV‐light activity has increased by 3.4 times for the degradation of dye. This simple, low‐cost method may be extended to mass production for practical applications.
Transanal Surgery: A History of taTME Ancestry
Authors: Izquierdo Kevin M. , Salem Jean F. , Cha Esther , Unal Ece , Marks John H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTransanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is the culmination of major developments in rectal cancer management and minimally invasive surgery. This surgical breakthrough holds great promise and excitement for the care of the rectal cancer patient. We would be remiss in discussing taTME to not acknowledge the role of transanal abdominal transanal proctosigmoidectomy, transanal endoluminal microsurgery, laparoscopy, and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery that got us to this modern day explosion of the taTME approach. In this article, we detail and explain the convergence of these disparate experiences, how they culminated in the development of the taTME, and explore future directions in this field.
Accuracy of a Rapid Diagnostic Test for the Presence of Direct Oral Factor Xa or Thrombin Inhibitors in Urine—A Multicenter Trial
Authors: Harenberg Job , Beyer-Westendorf Jan , Crowther Mark , Douxfils Jonathan , Elalamy Ismail , Verhamme Peter , Bauersachs Rupert , Hetjens Svetlana , Weiss Christel ,   Working Group Members
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe rapid determination of the presence of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in a patient remains a major challenge in emergency medicine and for rapid medical treatment decisions. All DOACs are excreted into urine. A sensitive and specific point-of-care test has been developed to determine whether they are present in patient urine samples. This prospective multicenter study aimed to demonstrate at least 95% correct positive and negative predictive results for factor Xa and thrombin inhibitors in urine samples using DOAC Dipstick pads compared with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (NCT03182829). Nine hundred and fourteen subjects were included and 880 were evaluated per protocol (factor Xa inhibitors apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban: n = 451, thrombin inhibitor dabigatran: n = 429) at 18 centers. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive values and agreement between methods for determination of factor Xa inhibitors were at least noninferior to 95% with a 0.5% margin and of thrombin inhibitor superior to 97.5%. These results were compared with LC-MS/MS results in the intention-to-analyze cohort (all p < 0.05). The receiver operating curve showed c-values of 0.989 (factor Xa inhibitors) and 0.995 (thrombin inhibitor). Visual evaluation of the factor Xa and thrombin inhibitor pads was not different between centers. Qualitative determination of both types of DOACs was accurate using the DOAC Dipstick compared with using LC-MS/MS. The high predictive values may impact laboratory and clinical decision-making processes.
Transcanal Computed Tomography Views for Transcanal Endoscopic Lateral Skull Base Surgery: Pilot Cadaveric Study
Authors: Lubner Rory J. , Barber Samuel R. , Knoll Renata M. , Kempfle Judith , Lee Daniel J. , Reinshagen Katherine L. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Kozin Elliott D. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective Transcanal endoscopic operative approaches provide for a minimally invasive surgical portal to the lateral skull base. Traditional preoperative imaging evaluation involves computed tomography (CT) acquisition in the axial and coronal planes that are not optimized for the transcanal surgical corridor. Herein, we describe a novel CT-based “transcanal view” for preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative navigation.
Study Design Present study is a cadaveric imaging study.
Methods Cadaveric temporal bones (n = 6) from three specimens underwent high-resolution CT (0.625 mm slice thickness). Using three-dimensional (3D) Slicer 4.8, reformatted “transcanal” views in the plane of the external auditory canal (EAC) were created. Axial and coronal reformats were used to compare and measure distances between anatomic structures in the plane of the EAC.
Results The degree of oblique tilt for transcanal CT reformats was 6.67 ± 1.78 degrees to align the EAC in axial and coronal planes. Anticipated critical landmarks were identified easily using the transcanal view. Mean values were 8.68 ± 0.38 mm for annulus diameter, 9.5 ± 0.93 mm for isthmus diameter, 10.27 ± 0.73 mm for distance between annulus and isthmus, 2.95 ± 0.13 mm for distance between annulus and stapes capitulum, 5.12 ± 0.35 mm for distance between annulus and mastoid facial nerve, and 19.54 ± 1.22 mm for EAC length.
Conclusion This study is the first to illustrate a novel “transcanal” CT sequence intended for endoscopic lateral skull base surgery. Future studies may address how incorporation of a transcanal CT reformat may influence surgical decision making.
Genetic LAMP2 deficiency accelerates the age-associated formation of basal laminar deposits in the retina
Authors: Notomi Shoji , Ishihara Kenji , Efstathiou Nikolaos E. , Lee Jong-Jer , Hisatomi Toshio , Tachibana Takashi , Konstantinou Eleni K. , Ueta Takashi , Murakami Yusuke , Maidana Daniel E. , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Kume Shinji , Terasaki Hiroto , Sonoda Shozo , Blanz Judith , Young Lucy , Sakamoto Taiji , Sonoda Koh-Hei , Saftig Paul , Ishibashi Tatsuro , Miller Joan W. , Kroemer Guido , Vavvas Demetrios G. 
Published: November 2019

Significance
Extracellular tissue debris accumulates with aging and in the most prevalent central-vision-threatening eye disorder, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this work, we discovered that lysosome-associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP2), a glycoprotein that plays a critical role in lysosomal biogenesis and maturation of autophagosomes/phagosomes, is preferentially expressed in the outermost, neuroepithelial layer of the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and contributes to the prevention of ultrastructural changes in extracellular basolaminar deposits including lipids and apolipoproteins. LAMP2 thus appears to play an important role in RPE biology, and its apparent decrease with aging and in AMD specimens suggests that its deficiency may accelerate the basolaminar deposit formation and RPE dysfunction seen in these conditions.
Trial planting.
Authors: Sitepu B. , Laksono N. D. , Setiawati U. , Nur F. , Rahmaningsih M. , Anwar Y. , Widodo P. , Forster B. P. , Purba A. R. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

A brief introduction to selection is given. This is based on a natural process, but breeders aim to accelerate it by screening selected palms within and between genotypes or progenies under field conditions. Breeding is only effective if the trait of interest is controlled genetically (traits that are strongly influenced by the environment are better controlled by agronomy and husbandry). Screening is traditionally done by phenotypic scoring of plant performance in the field (e.g. by measuring yield), but, increasingly, traits may be selected for by DNA screening (genotypic selection). The advent of DNA screening now means that an increasing number of traits can be screened for at the seedling stage and selections can be made in the nursery (e.g. for shell thickness). Thus, field trialling can be more focused (e.g. tenera-only trials) and material of no interest eliminated (e.g. sterile pisiferas). DNA analyses can also aid in cross-selection (e.g. in conservative breeding - elite × elite crosses - or more speculative breeding - elite × wild, or wild × wild crosses), and provide a balance between the two. Once a breeding programme has been developed it needs to be coordinated so that material (from various crosses) is available for seed processing, nursery plant production and simultaneous field planting. In anticipation of this, a trial design needs to be considered (finalised when the material is realised) so that field preparations (appropriate land designated, clearance of previous crops, fallow, ploughing, plotting, drainage, etc.) and a field layout implemented. Various trial designs are discussed, and recommendations made depending on trial objectives and available materials.
Recording.
Authors: Sitepu B. , Laksono N. D. , Setiawati U. , Nur F. , Rahmaningsih M. , Anwar Y. , Widodo P. , Forster B. P. , Purba A. R. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Careful recording is an important component of field trialling. In addition to the target traits of interest, all conditions that appear during the trial should be recorded as well as anything unusual or noteworthy. All the data are used in assessing the value of the materials being tested. Recording methods may differ among oil palm research stations. However, some methods are commonly used and these are described in this chapter. Scored traits include yield and yield components (including bunch and oil analysis), growth (height increment), occurrence of common pests, diseases and physiological disorders, nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. New traits include those that can be exploited in developing mechanical harvesting systems in oil palm (fruit colour, long bunch stalks and late fruit abscission or the opposite - total fruit abscission).
Ganoderma trials.
Authors: Sitepu B. , Laksono N. D. , Setiawati U. , Nur F. , Rahmaningsih M. , Anwar Y. , Widodo P. , Forster B. P. , Purba A. R. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Ganoderma is the most important disease of oil palm in Southeast Asia. Resistance/tolerance to Ganoderma is therefore a major target for breeders and for field trialling. Methods for setting up and carrying out Ganoderma field trials are provided. Land preparation procedures are similar to those described in Chapter 4, with important exceptions - these are mainly to maximise disease infection in the trial and thus sanitation methods such as the removal of roots in the soil are not deployed because natural disease sources need to be maintained. Scoring disease incidence and severity in Ganoderma trials normally takes up to eight years from setting up the trial. As yet, little is known about the genetics of Ganoderma resistance and thus field trialling is the acid test in screening for improved responses to this devastating disease.