bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How plant reproductive success is determined by the interplay of antagonists and mutualists
Authors: Grass Ingo , Bohle Victoria , Tscharntke Teja , Westphal Catrin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPlant reproductive success is often the outcome of mutualistic and antagonistic plant–animal interactions, which can be moderated by landscape composition. Studies addressing single plant–animal interactions are common, but studies simultaneously considering multiple plant–animal interactions in a landscape context are still scarce. We selectively excluded flower‐visiting insects on phytometer plants and quantified how mutualistic and antagonistic interactions shaped the reproductive success of a common annual plant, wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis). Floral herbivory by larvae of rape pollen beetles (Meligethes spp.) strongly reduced fruit production, but could be minimized by insecticide application. Total seed production (the product of fruit production and seeds per fruit) strongly increased with pollinator visitation. On average, pollinator access to plants enhanced seed numbers by 754%. Insecticide treatment almost redoubled this number. The landscape composition (proportion of semi‐natural habitats in 1000 m radius) surrounding phytometer plants did not affect plant–animal interactions, presumably due to the high dispersal ability of both the pollen beetles and the major pollinators (syrphid flies, bumblebees). In conclusion, pest control increased reproductive success only in the case of sufficient pollination.
A longitudinal study of fear of hypoglycaemia in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Anderbro Therese Carin , Amsberg Susanne , Moberg Erik , Gonder‐Frederick Linda , Adamson Ulf , Lins Per‐Eric , Johansson Unn‐Britt 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAimsTo investigate fear of hypoglycaemia (FoH) longitudinally in a cross‐sectional study of adult patients with type 1 diabetes. Specifically, we investigated two subgroups of patients who over 4 years either showed a substantial increase or decrease in level of FoH to identify factors associated with changes in FoH.MethodsThe Swedish version of the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey (HFS) along with a questionnaire to assess hypoglycaemia history was sent by mail to 764 patients in 2010. The responders in 2010 (n = 469) received another set of the same two questionnaires in 2014. HbA1c, insulin regimen, weight and creatinine from 2010 and 2014 were obtained from medical records. Those with an absolute difference in HFS scores ≥ 75th percentile were included in the subgroup analyses. Statistical analyses included one‐sample t tests, chi‐square and McNemar's test.ResultsThe absolute difference in the HFS total score (n = 347) between 2010 and 2014 was m = ±7.6, SD ± 6. In the increased FoH group, more patients reported a high level of moderate hypoglycaemic episodes as well as impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in 2014 compared with the decreased FoH group. There were more subjects in the increased FoH group with insulin pumps in 2014 and in 2010. In the decreased FoH group, more patients had a high frequency of daily self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in 2010 and in 2014.ConclusionsFear of hypoglycaemia is stable across time for most patients. Changes in fear level are associated with changes in hypoglycaemia frequency. Thus, asking patients about changes in hypoglycaemia experiences is of great importance.
Eosinophils are not essential for maintenance of murine plasma cells in the bone marrow
Authors: Haberland Konrad , Ackermann Jochen A. , Ipseiz Natacha , Culemann Stephan , Pracht Katharina , Englbrecht Matthias , Jäck Hans‐Martin , Schett Georg , Schuh Wolfgang , Krönke Gerhard 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEosinophils were reported to serve as an essential component of the plasma cell niche within the bone marrow. As the potential contribution of eosinophils to humoral immunity has remained incompletely understood, we aimed to further characterize their role during antibody responses and to additionally investigate their role in autoimmune disease. Contrary to our expectations and the currently prevailing paradigm, we found that eosinophils are fully dispensable for the survival of murine bone marrow plasma cells and accordingly do not contribute to antibody production and autoantibody‐mediated disease. Littermate wild type and eosinophil‐deficient ΔdblGATA‐1 animals showed similar numbers and frequencies of plasma cells and did not differ in steady state levels of immunoglobulins or their ability to raise antigen‐specific antibody responses. Eosinophils were likewise dispensable for autoantibody production or autoantibody‐induced disease in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Our findings thus argue against a role of eosinophils during the maintenance of the plasma cell pool and challenge the hitherto postulated concept of an eosinophil‐sustained bone marrow niche.
Direct Electrochemical Nano‐immunosensor for Microcystin‐LR in Seawater
Authors: Talamini Lucas , Zanato Nicole , Zapp Eduardo , Brondani Daniela , Vieira Iolanda Cruz 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMicrocystins are potent hepatotoxins produced by cyanobacteria, which proliferate in wastewaters with high nutrient content. Due to their high toxicity and potential risk to human health, even at low concentrations, the development of a sensitive and rapid method for the monitoring of microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) in water samples is of great importance. In this context, a new direct electrochemical nano‐immunosensor for MC‐LR detection using the liquid crystal (E)‐1‐decyl‐4‐[(4‐decyloxyphenyl)diazenyl]pyridinium bromide (Br‐Py) as a redox probe and gold nanoparticles stabilized in bovine serum albumin (AuNP‐BSA) is described herein. The microcystin‐LR antibody (anti‐MC‐LR) was covalently immobilized using N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) on an AuNP‐BSA/BrPy film. The proposed sensor response is based on the inhibition of the Br‐Py electrochemical signal after the specific interaction of MC‐LR with immobilized anti‐MC‐LR on the electrode surface. The electrochemical behavior of the immunosensor was studied by square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under optimized conditions, using SWV and an incubation time of 15 min, the immunosensor exhibits a linear response to MC‐LR concentrations of 0.05 to 500.0 ng mL−1 with a detection limit of 0.05 ng mL−1. The anti‐MC‐LR/AuNP‐BSA/Br‐Py/GCE was successfully applied in the determination of MC‐LR in spiked seawater samples.
Development of a Perchlorate Chemical Sensor Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles and Silicon Nitride Capacitive Transducer
Authors: Messaoud Najib Ben , Baraket Abdoullatif , Dridi Cherif , Nooredeen Naglaa. M. , Abbas Mohammed Nooredeen , Bausells Joan , Streklas Angelos , Elaissari Abdelhamid , Errachid Abdelhamid 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe report in this work the development of a novel capacitance electrochemical sensors based on silicon nitride substrate (Si3N4) chemically modified with a structure of Cobalt phthalocyanine, C,C,C,C‐tetracarboxylic acid‐Polyacrylamide (Co(II)Pc‐PAA). This sensitive layer was tested with and without magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) for perchlorate (
) detection. The developed chemical sensor with Si3N4/APTES‐MNP/Co(II)Pc‐PAA structure has shown a better performance when compared to the other structure based on Si3N4/Co(II)Pc‐PAA. Contact angle measurements (CAM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterizations have been performed to characterize the functionalization of the chemical sensors surface. Under the optimized structure of the chemical sensor, electrochemical measurements were carried out using Mott‐Schottky analysis for
detection within the large range of 10−10 to 10−4 M with a very low detection limit of 2×10−10 M. The chemical sensor has demonstrated a high selectivity toward
when compared to other interfering anions such as Cl−, SO42−, and CO32−. The present capacitive chemical sensor is very promising for sensitive and rapid detection of
for environmental applications.
Systematic review of shorter versus longer duration of bladder catheterization after surgical repair of urinary obstetric fistula
Authors: Torloni M. Regina , Riera Rachel , Rogozińska Ewelina , Tunçalp Özge , Gülmezoglu A. Metin , Widmer Mariana 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundBladder catheterization duration after urinary obstetric fistula surgery varies widely.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of bladder catheterization duration after urinary obstetric fistula surgery.Search strategyMedline, EMBASE, CINAHL, GIM, and POPLINE databases were searched, without language restrictions, using “obstetric urinary fistula” and “catheterization” from inception to September 30, 2017.Selection criteriaRandomized controlled trials comparing shorter versus longer (>10 days) bladder catheterization after urinary obstetric fistula repair were included.Data collection and analysisData were extracted and meta‐analyses were conducted. The GRADE system was used to assess evidence quality.Main resultsTwo unblinded non‐inferiority trials (684 patients combined) were included. There were no differences between shorter and longer bladder catheterization in the risk of fistula repair breakdown either before (relative risk [RR] 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–2.64) or after (RR 1.64; 95% CI 0.81–3.31) hospital discharge. Similarly, urinary infection (RR 5.18; 95% CI 0.25–107.44); urinary incontinence before (RR 1.15; 95% CI 0.54–2.43) or after (RR 1.16; 95% CI 0.62–2.18) discharge; urinary retention (RR 1.34; 95% CI 0.79–2.27); or extended hospital stay (RR 9.33; 95% CI 0.51–172.41) were not associated with duration of catheterization. Evidence quality was low or moderate.ConclusionsShorter, compared to longer, bladder catheterization duration after urinary obstetric fistula surgery was not associated with significant outcome differences.
A Complex Role for Lipocalin 2 in Bone Metabolism: Global Ablation in Mice Induces Osteopenia Caused by an Altered Energy Metabolism
Authors: Capulli Mattia , Ponzetti Marco , Maurizi Antonio , Gemini-Piperni Sara , Berger Thorsten , Mak Tak Wah , Teti Anna , Rucci Nadia 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) is an adipokine that carries out a variety of functions in diverse organs. We investigated the bone phenotype and the energy metabolism of Lcn2 globally deleted mice (Lcn2–/–) at different ages. Lcn2–/– mice were largely osteopenic, exhibiting lower trabecular bone volume, lesser trabecular number, and higher trabecular separation when compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Lcn2–/– mice showed a lower osteoblast number and surface over bone surface, and subsequently a significantly lower bone formation rate, while osteoclast variables were unremarkable. Surprisingly, we found no difference in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity or in nodule mineralization in Lcn2–/– calvaria osteoblast cultures, while less ALP-positive colonies were obtained from freshly isolated Lcn2–/– bone marrow stromal cells, suggesting a nonautonomous osteoblast response to Lcn2 ablation. Given that Lcn2–/– mice showed higher body weight and hyperphagia, we investigated whether their osteoblast impairment could be due to altered energy metabolism. Lcn2–/– mice showed lower fasted glycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Consistently, glucose tolerance was significantly higher in Lcn2–/– compared to WT mice, while insulin tolerance was similar. Lcn2–/– mice also exhibited polyuria, glycosuria, proteinuria, and renal cortex vacuolization, suggesting a kidney contribution to their phenotype. Interestingly, the expression of the glucose transporter protein type 1, that conveys glucose into the osteoblasts and is essential for osteogenesis, was significantly lower in the Lcn2–/– bone, possibly explaining the in vivo osteoblast impairment induced by the global Lcn2 ablation. Taken together, these results unveil an important role of Lcn2 in bone metabolism, highlighting a link with glucose metabolism that is more complex than expected from the current knowledge. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Proceedings of the 2017 ASPEN Research Workshop—Gastric Bypass: Role of the Gut
Authors: Jain Ajay Kumar , le Roux Carel W. , Puri Puneet , Tavakkoli Ali , Gletsu‐Miller Nana , Laferrère Blandine , Kellermayer Richard , DiBaise John K. , Martindale Robert G. , Wolfe Bruce M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe goal of the National Institutes of Health–funded American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 2017 research workshop (RW) “Gastric Bypass: Role of the Gut” was to focus on the exciting research evaluating gut‐derived signals in modulating outcomes after bariatric surgery. Although gastric bypass surgery has undoubted positive effects, the mechanistic basis of improved outcomes cannot be solely explained by caloric restriction. Emerging data suggest that bile acid metabolic pathways, luminal contents, energy balance, gut mucosal integrity, as well as the gut microbiota are significantly modulated after bariatric surgery and may be responsible for the variable outcomes, each of which was rigorously evaluated. The RW served as a timely and novel academic meeting that brought together clinicians and researchers across the scientific spectrum, fostering a unique venue for interdisciplinary collaboration among investigators. It promoted engaging discussion and evolution of new research hypotheses and ideas, driving the development of novel ameliorative, therapeutic, and nonsurgical interventions targeting obesity and its comorbidities. Importantly, a critical evaluation of the current knowledge regarding gut‐modulated signaling after bariatric surgery, potential pitfalls, and lacunae were thoroughly addressed.
Strategic governance in tourist destinations
Authors: Della Corte Valentina , Aria Massimo , Del Gaudio Giovanna 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper has a double challenge: (a) focusing on distrustful situations in interfirm collaboration; (b) clarifying the concept and role of destination governance, with specific attention to the situations of distrust or difficult processes of trust building between potential or actual partners. These objectives are verified in an empirical setting.It has been conducted a statistical survey on tourism firms operating in Italy, and through a dependent analysis, we have verified a very low real approach towards the idea of a governing pivotal actor in these well developed tourist areas. The current study has verified whether and to what extent distrust persists and if the diffusion of trust depends on the presence of leading actors also comparing the 2 areas.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy for Gait Dysfunction in Advanced Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Samotus Olivia , Parrent Andrew , Jog Mandar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground: Benefits of dopaminergic therapy and deep brain stimulation are limited and unpredictable for axial symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Dorsal spinal cord stimulation may be a new therapeutic approach. The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of spinal cord stimulation on gait including freezing of gait in advanced PD patients.Methods: Five male PD participants with significant gait disturbances and freezing of gait underwent midthoracic spinal cord stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation combinations (200‐500 μs/30‐130 Hz) at suprathreshold intensity were tested over a 1‐ to 4‐month period, and the effects of spinal cord stimulation were studied 6 months after spinal cord stimulation surgery. Protokinetics Walkway measured gait parameters. Z scores per gait variable established each participant's best spinal cord stimulation setting. Timed sit‐to‐stand and automated freezing‐of‐gait detection using foot pressures were analyzed. Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG‐Q), UPDRS motor items, and activities‐specific balance confidence scale were completed at each study visit.Results: Spinal cord stimulation setting combinations of 300‐400 μs/30‐130 Hz provided gait improvements. Although on‐medication/on‐stimulation at 6 months, mean step length, stride velocity, and sit‐to‐stand improved by 38.8%, 42.3%, and 50.3%, respectively, mean UPDRS, Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, and activities‐specific balance confidence scale scores improved by 33.5%, 26.8%, and 71.4%, respectively. The mean number of freezing‐of‐gait episodes reduced significantly from 16 presurgery to 0 at 6 months while patients were on levodopa and off stimulation.Conclusions: By using objective measures to detect dynamic gait characteristics, the therapeutic potential of spinal cord stimulation was optimized to each participant's characteristics. This pilot study demonstrated the safety and significant therapeutic outcome of spinal cord stimulation in advanced PD patients, and thus a larger and longer clinical study will be conducted to replicate these results. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Novel fibrous composites based on electrospun PSF and PVDF ultrathin fibers reinforced with inorganic nanoparticles: Evaluation as oil spill sorbents
Authors: Pascariu Dorneanu Petronela , Cojocaru Corneliu , Samoila Petrisor , Olaru Niculae , Airinei Anton , Rotaru Aurelian 
Published: February 2018

Oil spill accidents and oily wastewaters induce a negative impact to the environment and human health. Therefore, the developing of new sorbent materials to combat promptly such type of pollution is of great interest. In this work, poly(vinylidene fluoride) and polysulfone ultrathin fibers reinforced with Halloysite nanoclay and CoFe2O4 were developed via electrospinning method as composite sorbent materials. Fibrous composites were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The magnetic property and the wetting behavior were ascertained by magnetometric and contact angle measurements, respectively. Results showed that the morphology of fibers was homogeneous, and the inorganic particles were properly dispersed within the polymeric matrix. Finally, sorbents were tested for sorption of oily liquids. Produced materials revealed the sorption capacities ranging from 3.70 to 10.01 g/g for poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐based composites, and from 15.69 to 28.21 g/g for polysulfone‐based composites, depending on the nature of tested oil.
Human papillomavirus genome integration in squamous carcinogenesis: what have next‐generation sequencing studies taught us?
Authors: Groves Ian J , Coleman Nicholas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with ∼5% of all human cancers, including a range of squamous cell carcinomas. Persistent infection by high‐risk HPVs (HRHPVs) is associated with the integration of virus genomes (which are usually stably maintained as extrachromosomal episomes) into host chromosomes. Although HRHPV integration rates differ across human sites of infection, this process appears to be an important event in HPV‐associated neoplastic progression, leading to deregulation of virus oncogene expression, host gene expression modulation, and further genomic instability. However, the mechanisms by which HRHPV integration occur and by which the subsequent gene expression changes take place are incompletely understood. The advent of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of both RNA and DNA has allowed powerful interrogation of the association of HRHPVs with human disease, including precise determination of the sites of integration and the genomic rearrangements at integration loci. In turn, these data have indicated that integration occurs through two main mechanisms: looping integration and direct insertion. Improved understanding of integration sites is allowing further investigation of the factors that provide a competitive advantage to some integrants during disease progression. Furthermore, advanced approaches to the generation of genome‐wide samples have given novel insights into the three‐dimensional interactions within the nucleus, which could act as another layer of epigenetic control of both virus and host transcription. It is hoped that further advances in NGS techniques and analysis will not only allow the examination of further unanswered questions regarding HPV infection, but also direct new approaches to treating HPV‐associated human disease. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Miniaturizing EM Sample Preparation: Opportunities, Challenges, and “Visual Proteomics”
Authors: Arnold Stefan A. , Müller Shirley A. , Schmidli Claudio , Syntychaki Anastasia , Rima Luca , Chami Mohamed , Stahlberg Henning , Goldie Kenneth N. , Braun Thomas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis review compares and discusses conventional versus miniaturized specimen preparation methods for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The progress brought by direct electron detector cameras, software developments and automation have transformed transmission cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) and made it an invaluable high‐resolution structural analysis tool. In contrast, EM specimen preparation has seen very little progress in the last decades and is now one of the main bottlenecks in cryo‐EM. Here, we discuss the challenges faced by specimen preparation for single particle EM, highlight current developments, and show the opportunities resulting from the advanced miniaturized and microfluidic sample grid preparation methods described, such as visual proteomics and time‐resolved cryo‐EM studies.
Development of an active packaging with molecularly imprinted polymers for beef preservation
Authors: Huang Yun'an , Zeng Xuefeng , Zhu Qiujin , Lu Kuan , Xu Qian , Ye Chun 
Published: February 2018

To develop molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for new food packaging material, a new active antibacterial packaging material was prepared with allyl isothiocyanate MIPs (AITC‐MIPs) and chitosan (CS) for beef preservation. AITC‐MIPs were prepared with AITC as template, β‐CD as the functional monomer, and TDI as the cross‐linker by the non‐covalent method, and the release characteristics were evaluated under different relative humidities and temperatures. The AITC‐MIPs active packaging film was obtained by uniform coating with CS coating solution and AITC‐MIPs based on the surface of the original low‐density polyethylene packaging film, and its role in delaying muscle metamorphism was thoroughly explored. According to the N‐hexane extraction method, the AITC content in AITC‐MIPs was determined to be 73.9 μL/g. The release behaviors of AITC‐MIPs under different humidities could be obtained by fitting with Avrami's Equation. The release of AITC‐MIPs under the relative humidities of 98% and 75% is a restricted dynamic diffusion process, while the release behaviors of AITC‐MIPs under the relative humidity of 50% are between those of a diffusion process and those of a first‐order mode dynamic process. The AITC‐MIPs could endure the heat stress, and the lower temperature was conducive to the stability of the AITC‐MIPs. A series of physicochemical and microbiological indicators fully illustrated that muscle deterioration could be significantly (P < 0.05) postponed by AITC‐MIPs active packaging film compared with the original low‐density polyethylene packaging film.
Structural and photoelectron studies of Sn‐SnOx and SnO2 nanoparticles on TiO2 (110) surface
Authors: Leiko O. , Kosto Y. , Mašek K. 
Published: February 2018

An Sn‐SnOx nanoparticles were prepared by the deposition of metallic tin in the reactive atmosphere of atomic oxygen. An oxidation of Sn‐SnOx nanoparticles in the oxygen pressures up to 3 mbar at 550 K in near‐ambient pressure (NAP) cell led to the formation of SnO2 nanoparticles. Both kinds of nanoparticles were investigated by means of photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, NAP‐XPS), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), reflection high‐energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Characterization of nanoparticles revealed Sn‐SnOx round‐shaped particles with average diameter 26 nm and SnO2 nanoparticles having rutile structure and average diameter 92 nm.