bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of contributors to zinc protoporphyrin IX formation at optimum pH 5.5 in pork
Authors: Akter Mofassara , Shiraishi Akiko , Kumura Haruto , Hayakawa Toru , Wakamatsu Jun‐ichi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe investigated zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) formation in pork at pH 5.5, identified the contributors to ZnPP formation, and verified the involvement of myoglobin in this process. When pork homogenate was separated into two water‐soluble fractions (>10 and <10 kDa) and an insoluble fraction, ZnPP formation was suppressed. ZnPP formation was rescued after mixing of all three fractions. Heating of the soluble <10 kDa fraction did not suppress the formation of ZnPP as opposed to heating of the soluble >10 kDa fraction, suggesting that protein(s) presents in the >10 kDa fraction contributed to ZnPP formation. Components of the soluble 10–30 kDa fractions separated by ultrafiltration were important in ZnPP formation. Exogenous myoglobin was not essential for ZnPP formation. A gel filtration study showed that soluble protein(s) with molecular weight higher than that of myoglobin was involved. Therefore, it was suggested that the soluble <10 kDa fraction, the insoluble fraction, and the soluble 10–30 kDa fraction (excluding myoglobin) are essential for ZnPP formation in pork at pH 5.5.
Solfeggio learning and the influence of a mobile application based on visual, auditory and tactile modalities
Authors: Debevc Matjaž , Weiss Jernej , Šorgo Andrej , Kožuh Ines 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTraditional methods of learning solfeggio (music theory) generally do not take advantage of computer‐based support, meaning that, when learning individually, students cannot receive instantaneous feedback on their activities. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an interactive mobile application, mySolfeggio, for learning solfeggio. Using a mobile device, students can take advantage of visual, auditory and tactile modalities to recognise musical notes. Students can also practice and learn notation, rhythm and melody, for which the mobile application provides corrective feedback. To evaluate students’ perceptions of the mobile application and its effect on knowledge, we conducted an experiment with 42 students, from 9 to 13 years old. After learning a particular song during a regular lesson, one group of students practiced it individually with only the musical notation, while the other group used both the musical notation and the mobile application. The results of the experiment illustrated only a small effect on students’ performance in singing and tapping when using the mobile application. However, they demonstrated higher scores in terms of musical intervals and rhythmic accuracy when compared to students in the control group. The students did not find the use of the application difficult, thus allowing it to be used as a tool for improvement of their homework practice.
Curatorial Assessment and Status of the General Collection of Membracoidea and Cercopoidea (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha) of the Museo de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Maciá Arnaldo , Foieri Alvaro , Marino de Remes Lenicov Ana M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBiological collections kept by museums have more than a public education value, and offer unique opportunities for taxonomic studies and a continued value to the study of biodiversity. The Museo de La Plata (MLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina, holds one of the most important insect collections of species from the Neotropical region, with nearly two million individuals from all orders present in the Neotropics. This report assessed the curatorial status of the General Collection (excluding types) of Membracoidea and Cercopoidea from MLP. The authors analyzed the material of Aetalionidae, Melizoderidae, Membracidae, Cercopidae and Clastopteridae. Based on data registered in labels attached to each pinned individual, they calculated the following indexes of curatorial status: taxonomic representativity, geographic representativity, taxonomic identification, spatial coverage, data completeness, biological associations and historical record. Some of these are a modification of previous indexes from other researchers to describe collections deposited elsewhere. The general level of conservation, ease of access to preserved species, and the degree of identification of individuals were found to be good. Major shortfalls included a lack of data in material collected prior to the 1950's and a decrease in the number of Membracoidea deposited in recent decades. Based on the results of this assessment, the authors demonstrate the ongoing value of thorough documentation of collections to current research, the importance of information surrounding specimen additions to an existing collection, and the ethical responsibilities to accuracy in data collection that museum collections staff have to future generations of researchers.
Frequent nonrandom shifts in the temporal sequence of developmental landmark events during teleost evolutionary diversification
Authors: Ito Fumihiro , Matsumoto Tomotaka , Hirata Tatsumi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMorphological transformations can be generated by evolutionary changes in the sequence of developmental events. In this study, we examined the evolutionary dynamics of the developmental sequence on a macroevolutionary scale in teleosts. Using the information from previous reports describing the development of 31 species, we extracted the developmental sequences of 19 landmark events involving the formation of phylogenetically conserved body parts; we then inferred ancestral developmental sequences by two different parsimony‐based methods—event‐pairing and continuous analysis. The phylogenetic comparisons of these sequences revealed event‐dependent heterogeneity in the frequency of sequence changes. Most of the sequence changes occurred as exchanges of temporally neighboring events. These heterochronic changes in developmental sequences accumulated along evolutionary time, but the precise distribution of the changes over the teleostean phylogeny remains unclear due to technical limitations.
Multicenter experience with the Evolution RL mechanical sheath for lead extraction using a stepwise approach: Safety, effectiveness, and outcome
Authors: Migliore Federico , Testolina Martina , Sagone Antonio , Carretta Domenico , Agricola Tullio , Rovaris Giovanni , Piazzi Elena , Facchin Domenico , De Lazzari Manuel , Zorzi Alessandro , Melillo Francesco , Cataldi Claudia , Marzi Alessandra , Bottio Tomaso , Tarzia Vincenzo , Gerosa Gino , Iliceto Sabino , Bertaglia Emanuele , Mazzone Patrizio 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn addition to the Evolution RL sheath, tools by Cook Medical (Bloomington, IN, USA), supporting lead extraction (LE), are available. Data on their use are not reported in detail in previous studies. Moreover, data regarding outcome are lacking. The aim was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Evolution sheath (Evolution RL and Evolution Shortie, Cook Medical) by using a stepwise approach with the available extraction tools and the outcome.MethodsA total of 393 leads in 198 consecutive patients were removed with the Evolution RL sheath and ancillary tools using a stepwise approach.ResultsThe main indication for LE was infection in 125 (63.1%) cases. The mean implant duration was 95.4 ± 59.7 months. According to our stepwise approach, the Evolution Shortie RL sheath was used in all cases and complete LE was achieved in 24 (12.2%) cases. The Evolution RL was used in 174 (87.8%) cases and the SteadySheath Evolution tissue stabilization sheath (Cook Medical) in 87 (44%) because of tenacious fibrosis anchored targeted leads. Compression coil (OneTie, Cook Medical) was used in 141 (71%) cases. Complete procedural success rate, clinical success rate, and lead removal with clinical success rate were 97%, 99%, and 99.5%, respectively. One major complication (0.5%) and 10 (5%) minor complications were encountered. During a mean time follow‐up of 12 ± 9 months, 14 (7%) patients died. Predictors of mortality included impaired renal function (HR 5.7; 95% CI 1.9–17.6; P = 0.002), extraction because of infection (hazard ratio [HR] 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1–18.1; P = 0.045), and diabetes (HR 3.2; 95% CI 1.1–9.8; P = 0.036).ConclusionsLead extraction using the Evolution RL bidirectional rotational mechanical sheath and ancillary tools in a systematic stepwise approach was effective and safe.
Direct comparison of four methods to construct xylem vulnerability curves: Differences among techniques are linked to vessel network characteristics
Authors: Venturas Martin D. , Pratt R. Brandon , Jacobsen Anna L. , Castro Viridiana , Fickle Jaycie C. , Hacke Uwe G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDuring periods of dehydration, water transport through xylem conduits can become blocked by embolism formation. Xylem embolism compromises water supply to leaves and may lead to losses in productivity or plant death. Vulnerability curves (VCs) characterize plant losses in conductivity as xylem pressures decrease. VCs are widely used to characterize and predict plant water use at different levels of water availability. Several methodologies for constructing VCs exist and sometimes produce different results for the same plant material. We directly compared four VC construction methods on stems of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), a model tree species: dehydration, centrifuge, X‐ray–computed microtomography (microCT), and optical. MicroCT VC was the most resistant, dehydration and centrifuge VCs were intermediate, and optical VC was the most vulnerable. Differences among VCs were not associated with how cavitation was induced but were related to how losses in conductivity were evaluated: measured hydraulically (dehydration and centrifuge) versus evaluated from visual information (microCT and optical). Understanding how and why methods differ in estimating vulnerability to xylem embolism is important for advancing knowledge in plant ecophysiology, interpreting literature data, and using accurate VCs in water flux models for predicting plant responses to drought.
Effects of different UV radiation on photoprotective pigments and antioxidant activity of the hot‐spring cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya cf. fragilis
Authors: Kokabi Maryam , Yousefzadi Morteza , Soltani Maryam , Arman Mitra 
Published: April 2019

SUMMARYUV‐induced synthesis/accumulation of photoprotective pigments and antioxidant activity were investigated in the hot‐spring cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya cf. fragilis. The results indicated that UV radiation may induce biosynthesis of carotenoids, allophycocyanin, phycoerythrin, and scytonemin while phycocyanin degrades in response to longtime UV radiation. Moreover, pigment composition of L. cf. fragilis was significantly altered with increasing UV radiation times, probably due to destruction and resynthesis of accessory pigments as an adaptation strategy to UV stress. The in vitro antioxidant analysis of different extracts of UV treated cyanobacteria exhibited concentration‐dependent antioxidant activity. Ethyl acetate extract of 72 h UV treatment showed maximum total antioxidant activity (IC50 = 71.73 ± 5.3 μg mL−1) followed by ethyl acetate control (non‐UV irradiated) extract (IC50 = 109.43 ± 2.76 μg mL−1). This is the first report for the UV‐induced synthesis of photoprotective pigments and their antioxidant activity in L. cf. fragilis.
Acute exposure to glycated proteins reduces cardiomyocyte contractile capacity
Authors: Deluyker Dorien , Evens Lize , Beliën Hanne , Bito Virginie 
Published: April 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Does acute exposure to high molecular weight advanced glycation end products (HMW‐AGEs) alter cardiomyocyte contractile function?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Ventricular cardiomyocytes display reduced Ca2+ influx, resulting in reduced contractile capacity, after acute exposure to HMW‐AGEs, independent of activation of their receptor. Given that HMW‐AGEs are abundantly present in our Western diet, a better understanding of underlying mechanisms, especially in patients already displaying altered cardiac function, should be gained for these compounds.
AbstractSustained elevated levels of high molecular weight advanced glycation end products (HMW‐AGEs) are known to promote cardiac dysfunction. Recent data suggest that acutely elevated levels of AGEs occur in situations of increased oxidative stress. Whether this increase might have detrimental effects on cardiac function remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether acute exposure to HMW‐AGEs affects cardiomyocyte function via activation of their receptor (RAGE) signalling pathway. Single cardiomyocytes from the left ventricle of adult male rats were obtained by enzymatic dissociation through retrograde perfusion of the aorta. Functional experiments were performed in cardiomyocytes pre‐incubated with or without an anti‐RAGE antibody. Unloaded cell shortening and L‐type Ca2+ current amplitude were evaluated in the presence or absence of HMW‐AGEs (200 μg ml−1). Expression of RAGE, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphorylated JNK (pJNK) were assessed by western blot. Experiments were performed at room temperature. After 4 min application of HMW‐AGEs, unloaded cell shortening was significantly reduced. This impaired contractile function was related to reduced Ca2+ influx. These alterations were also observed in cardiomyocytes pre‐incubated with anti‐RAGE antibody. Our study demonstrates that acute exposure to elevated levels of HMW‐AGEs leads to direct and irreversible cardiomyocyte dysfunction, independent of RAGE activation.
Expression of prostaglandin E2 receptor 3 in the eyelid epidermis of patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Mieno Hiroki , Ueta Mayumi , Yamada Keiko , Yamanaka Yukito , Nakayama Tomomichi , Watanabe Akihide , Kinoshita Shigeru , Sotozono Chie 
Published: April 2019

Background/aimsIn a previous genome-wide association study of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) patients we reported the association between SJS/TEN and the prostaglandin E receptor 3 (PTGER3) gene, and that its protein PGE2 receptor 3 (EP3) was markedly downregulated in the conjunctival epithelium of SJS/TEN patients. Here we examined EP3 expression of the eyelid epidermis in SJS/TEN patients with severe ocular complications and investigated the function of EP3.MethodsFor the immunohistochemical study, we obtained eyelid samples from five SJS/TEN patients and five patients without SJS/TEN (control subjects) who were undergoing surgery to treat trichiasis, and investigated the expression of EP3 protein in the epidermis of those samples. To investigate the EP3 function in the human epidermal keratinocytes, we performed ELISA and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, since it is reported that PGE2 suppresses cytokine production via EP3 in human conjunctival epithelium.ResultsThe results of the immunohistochemical study revealed that EP3 expression in the eyelid epidermis of the SJS/TEN patients was the same as that in the controls. PGE2 and a selective EP3 agonist suppressed cytokine production and expression induced by polyinosine-polycytidylic acid stimulation, such as chemokine ligand 5 and chemokine motif ligand 10.ConclusionOur findings revealed that in chronic-phase SJS/TEN, EP3 protein was expressed in the eyelid epidermis and was not downregulated, unlike in conjunctival epithelium, and that PGE2 could suppress cytokine production via EP3 in human epidermal keratinocytes. Thus, EP3 expression in the epidermis might contribute to a silencing of skin inflammation in chronic-phase SJS/TEN.
Anatomical and functional changes in neovascular AMD in remission: comparison of fibrocellular and fibrovascular phenotypes
Authors: Querques Lea , Parravano Mariacristina , Borrelli Enrico , Chiaravalloti Adele , Tedeschi Massimiliano , Sacconi Riccardo , Zucchiatti Ilaria , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe 
Published: April 2019

PurposeTo investigate the anatomical changes and the macular function in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eyes, according to the recognition of either fibrocellular or fibrovascular phenotype.MethodsWe enrolled eyes with previously treated neovascular AMD in remission (no subretinal haemorrhage, sign of fluid in or under the retina and no treatment for at least 6 months). Subjects underwent multimodal imaging assessment and were tested for macular sensitivity using microperimetry. The study cohort was divided according to the presence of fibrosis on multicolour (MC) images, yielding two distinct phenotypic subgroups: (1) fibrocellular group and (2) fibrovascular group.ResultsNineteen eyes were classified as fibrocellular on MC images, while 22 eyes as fibrovascular. Mean±SD age was 73.9±11.0 years in the fibrocellular group and 75.9±7.1 years in the fibrovascular group (p=0.221). Best-corrected visual acuity was 0.7±0.5 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) in the fibrocellular group and 0.3±0.2 LogMAR in the fibrovascular group (p=0.003). On the optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence evaluation, 17/19 eyes with the fibrocellular phenotype and 8/22 eyes with the fibrovascular phenotype displayed the presence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy (p=0.001). The perfusion density within the neovascular lesion was 28.9%±9.9% in the fibrocellular group and 44.2%±5.9 % in the fibrovascular group (p<0.0001).ConclusionNeovascular AMD eyes in remission and with evidence of fibrocellular scar are characterised by RPE atrophy and reduced perfusion, which are associated with a higher degree of functional impairment. These findings suggest that maturation of vessels in fibrosis might be a better target in neovascular AMD treatments rather than their abolishment.
Selection for glyphosate resistance in Conyza spp. occurring in the railway network of southern Spain
Authors: Amaro-Blanco Ignacio , Osuna María D. , Romano Yolanda , Roldán-Gómez Rafael , Palma-Bautista Candelario , Portugal João , De Prado Rafael 
Published: April 2019

Conyza spp. are broadleaf weeds that occur in many crops but are also common in non-crop systems such as roadsides and railways. Conyza have selected for glyphosate resistance along railway tracks in southern Spain due to the misuse of this herbicide and the high seed dispersal rate of these species. Twenty-three samples of the genus Conyza (11 Conyza canadensis and 12 Conyza bonariensis) were collected from the margins of railways in different routes of the Andalusia railway network running adjacent to nearby crop fields. The glyphosate resistance level of Conyza populations was evaluated through GR50 (herbicide rate causing 50% growth reduction) and resistance factor (RF) values in every population collected. The highest GR50 were 1851.2 g a.e. ha−1 (RF = 52.53) in C. canadensis (Malaga–Cordoba route) and 1972.4 g a.e. ha−1 (RF = 35.20) in C. bonariensis (Seville–Cordoba route), and the lowest were 46.9 g a.e. ha−1 (RF = 1.33) in C. canadensis (Seville–Cordoba route) and 23.2 g a.e. ha−1 (RF = 0.41) in C. bonariensis (Seville–Cordoba route). The results showed that, among all the C. canadensis populations collected, 18.2% were glyphosate-resistant (RF > 10), 45.5% showed a tendency to develop resistance (RF = 2.5–5), and 36.4% were susceptible (RF < 2.5). Of the 25% of C. bonariensis populations that had resistance to glyphosate, 16.7% had moderate resistance (RF = 5–10) and 58.3% were susceptible. This study found that there are already glyphosate-resistant Conyza spp. along the railway network in southern Spain. This could lead to possible seed exchange between the railway and adjacent places. Therefore, it is vital to consider the railway network when planning control measures against resistance.
Fertigation of wheat and canola in southern Alberta
Authors: Smith Elwin G. , Le Roy Danny G. , Donkersgoed Daniel , Pauly Doon , McKenzie Ross H. , Bremer Eric 
Published: April 2019

An irrigation study in southern Alberta compared spring-banded nitrogen (N) to spring-banded N plus fertigation at three plant growth stages for spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and canola (Brassica napus L.). Yield and quality impacts were quantified when N fertigation was applied to (i) wheat at the early tillering, flag leaf, and anthesis stages and (ii) canola at the four-leaf rosette, bolting, and early flowering stages. For both crops, fertigation could replace some spring-banded N without an effect on yield. However, the results revealed that for canola grown with a large amount of N, applying it all in the spring often generated higher yields than if an equivalent amount of N was delivered at later stages by fertigation. Canola oil concentration declined marginally (about 1%) from no applied N to the high rate of applied N. The application of more than 60 kg N ha−1 and delayed application each increased wheat protein content. Comparing revenues to costs, fertigation did not improve profit margins for canola growers. When growers applied 90 or 120 kg N ha−1 in the spring, fertigation was financially counter-productive. In contrast, the main benefit to wheat growers from fertigation was higher grain protein, especially with N applied at later growth stages. When protein premiums increase during the growing season, fertigation would facilitate growers to obtain higher net returns than they would otherwise.
Evidence of the true Higgs boson HT at the LHC Run 2
Authors: Cea Paolo 
Published: April 2019

The aim of this paper is to compare the recent LHC data at [Formula: see text] =13 TeV with our previous theoretical proposal that the true Higgs boson HT should be a broad heavy resonance with mass around 750 GeV. We focus on the so-called golden channel HT[Formula: see text]ZZ where the pair of Z bosons decay leptonically to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] being either an electron or a muon. We use the data collected by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations at [Formula: see text] = 13 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 36.1 and 77.4 fb[Formula: see text] respectively. We find that the experimental data from both the LHC collaborations do display in the golden channel a rather broad resonance structure around 700 GeV with a sizeable statistical significance. Our theoretical expectations seem to be in fair good agreement with the experimental observations. Combining the data from both the ATLAS and CMS collaborations we obtain an evidence of the heavy Higgs boson in this channel with an estimated statistical significance of more than five standard deviations.
Relative humidity sensing properties of indium nitride compound with oxygen doping on silicon and AAO substrates
Authors: Yang Chih Chin , Liu Ting Hao , Chang Shun Hsyung 
Published: April 2019

The research used a DC sputtering system to grow indium nitride compound doped oxygen sensing film, which could be applied in the fabrication of relative humidity sensor. In this study, the design of two specific substrates, including silicon substrate and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate, were of some uses for relative humidity sensor fabrication to enhance the sensitivity. Besides, the influence of different substrates on responsivity was also explored to verify the sensing performances of indium nitride compound doped oxygen element in relative humidity sensor. The resistance response of InN:O sensing device using silicon substrate was better than that using AAO substrate. The RH adsorption and desorption time of InN:O sensing device using silicon substrate were 94 s and 35 s, respectively. The capacitance response of InN:O sensing device using AAO substrate was better than that using silicon substrate. The RH adsorption and desorption times of InN:O sensing device using AAO substrate were 289 s and 286 s respectively.