bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed bank and growth comparisons of native (Virgilia divaricata) and invasive alien (Acacia mearnsii and A. melanoxylon) plants: implications for conservation
Authors: Goets Stefan A. , Kraaij Tineke , Little Keith M. 
Published: August 2018

Background
Invasive alien plants with long-lived dormant seed banks and fast growth rates are difficult to manage. Acacia mearnsii and Acacia melanoxylon are two such invaders in the southern Cape of South Africa which occasionally co-occur with a native, ecologically analogous species, Virgilia divaricata. We compared the performance of these three species to determine potential for the native species to be used in management of the invasives.

Methods
We compared the study species in terms of (i) soil seed bank densities, their vertical distribution, and the viability of seeds underneath the canopies of mature trees; (ii) seedling growth from planted seeds over a period of three months; and (iii) growth rates of saplings over a period of 10 months in stands that have naturally regenerated in the field (these stands were dominated by A. mearnsii) and where saplings have been exposed to varying levels of competition from surrounding saplings.

Results
Seed bank densities differed significantly among species but not among soil depth classes. Acacia mearnsii had the highest seed bank densities (mean of 7,596 seeds m−2), followed by V. divaricata (938 seeds m−2) and A. melanoxylon (274 seeds m−2). Seed viability was high (87–91%) in all three study species and did not differ significantly among species or soil depth classes. As seedlings, V. divaricata significantly outgrew A. mearnsii in terms of height, root and shoot dry mass, and root:shoot ratio. Relative growth (the relationship between growth in height and initial height) was negative in the seedlings of both species. Trends during the sapling stage were opposite to those during the seedling stage; A. mearnsii (but not A. melanoxylon) saplings significantly outgrew V. divaricata saplings in height, while relative growth rates were positive in all species. Sapling growth of all species was furthermore uninfluenced by the collective biomass of surrounding competitors.

Discussion
Our findings suggest that amongst the measures considered, A. mearnsii’s success as an invader is primarily attributable to its large seed banks, and secondly to its vigorous growth in height as saplings. However, the superior growth performance of V. divaricata seedlings and no apparent negative effect of competition from the acacias on sapling growth show promise for its use in integrated management of the acacias.
Humoral and Cellular Immune Response of European Seabass Dicentrarchus labrax Vaccinated with Heat-Killed Mycobacterium marinum (iipA::kan Mutant)
Authors: Ziklo N. , Colorni A. , Gao L.-Y. , Du S. J. , Ucko M. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
No vaccine is yet commercially available against Mycobacterium marinum, the etiological agent of fish mycobacteriosis (also known as “fish tuberculosis”). The mycobacterial gene responsible for invasion and intracellular persistence, iipA, is known to moderate M. marinum pathology in Zebrafish Danio rerio. Two doses of heat-killed, wild-type, virulent M. marinum and two doses of a heat-killed, avirulent M. marinum iipA::kan mutant strain were used in parallel to vaccinate European Seabass Dicentrarchus labrax. The fish were then challenged with live, virulent M. marinum, and the pathogenesis of the infection was monitored. High specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) response and an increase in cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) messenger RNA expression levels were observed in all vaccinated fish. At 1 month postchallenge, TNF-α expression levels increased in spleen tissues of fish vaccinated with the virulent type and in those of unvaccinated fish, whereas in the head kidney, expression was up-regulated only in unvaccinated fish. The expression then decreased, and at 2 months postchallenge, expression appeared similar in all vaccination types. The highest survival rate (75%) was recorded in the group of fish that were vaccinated with a high dose of avirulent iipA::kan mutant. The iipA::kan mutant induced a strong immune response accompanied by only modest tissue disruption. Coupled with an effective program of booster treatments, the iipA::kan mutant vaccine may be developed into a powerful preventive measure against fish mycobacteriosis.
Enhancing CCTV: Averages improve face identification from poor‐quality images
Authors: Ritchie Kay L. , White David , Kramer Robin S. S. , Noyes Eilidh , Jenkins Rob , Burton A. Mike 
Published: August 2018

SummaryLow‐quality images are problematic for face identification, for example, when the police identify faces from CCTV images. Here, we test whether face averages, comprising multiple poor‐quality images, can improve both human and computer recognition. We created averages from multiple pixelated or nonpixelated images and compared accuracy using these images and exemplars. To provide a broad assessment of the potential benefits of this method, we tested human observers (n = 88; Experiment 1), and also computer recognition, using a smartphone application (Experiment 2) and a commercial one‐to‐many face recognition system used in forensic settings (Experiment 3). The third experiment used large image databases of 900 ambient images and 7,980 passport images. In all three experiments, we found a substantial increase in performance by averaging multiple pixelated images of a person's face. These results have implications for forensic settings in which faces are identified from poor‐quality images, such as CCTV.
Modified MXene/Holey Graphene Films for Advanced Supercapacitor Electrodes with Superior Energy Storage
Authors: Fan Zhimin , Wang Youshan , Xie Zhimin , Wang Duola , Yuan Yin , Kang Hongjun , Su Benlong , Cheng Zhongjun , Liu Yuyan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMXene films are attractive for advanced supercapacitor electrodes requiring high volumetric energy density due to their high redox capacitance combined with extremely high packing density. However, the self‐restacking of MXene flakes unavoidably decreases the volumetric performance, mass loading, and rate capability. Herein, a simple strategy is developed to prepare a flexible and free‐standing modified MXene/holey graphene film by filtration of the alkalized MXene and holey graphene oxide dispersions, followed by a mild annealing treatment. After terminal groups (F/OH) are removed, the increased proportion of Ti atoms enables more pseudocapacitive reaction. Meanwhile, the embedded holey graphene effectively prevents the self‐restacking of MXene and forms a high nanopore connectivity network, which is able to immensely accelerate the ion transport and shorten transport pathways for both ion and electron. When applied as electrode materials for supercapacitors, it can deliver an ultrahigh volumetric capacitance (1445 F cm−3) at 2 mV s−1, excellent rate capability, and high mass loading. In addition, the assembled symmetric supercapacitor demonstrates a fantastic volumetric energy density (38.6 Wh L−1), which is the highest value reported for MXene‐based electrodes in aqueous electrolytes. This work opens a new avenue for the further exploration of MXene materials in energy storage devices.
Eicosanoid mediation of immune responses at early bacterial infection stage and its inhibition by Photorhabdus temperata subsp. temperata, an entomopathogenic bacterium
Authors: Kim Hyoil , Choi Duyeol , Jung Jihyeon , Kim Yonggyun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAn entomopathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus temperata subsp. temperata (Ptt) infects insect hemocoel by the vectoring activity of its symbiotic nematode, Heterorhabditis megidis. The bacterium induces host immunosuppression by inhibiting eicosanoid biosynthesis. This study investigated the role of eicosanoids in immune responses of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, in the early bacterial infection stage (first 3 hr postinfection [PI]). After infection with the nonpathogenic Escherichia coli (Ec), the bacterium maintained its population for the first 3 hr PI, then rapidly decreased in numbers. During the 3 hr PI of Ptt, this pathogenic bacterium also did not show any significant change in bacterial population. However, Ptt rapidly increased its population size after the initial lag phase, inducing fatal septicemia. This study further analyzed cellular and humoral immune responses of the beet armyworm during the initial 3 hr PI. During this early stage, challenge with Ec stimulated hemocyte‐spreading behavior along with extensive F‐actin growth. However, Ptt infection suppressed hemocyte spreading. Expression levels of three antimicrobial peptides (lysozyme, gloverin, and gallerimycin) were significantly inhibited during Ptt infection. Phospholipase A2 activity was significantly induced during the early infection stage of Ec, but not during Ptt infection. Addition of eicosanoid biosynthesis inhibitors significantly reversed the initial immunosuppression. These results suggest that, during the early infection stage, Ptt can shutdown eicosanoid biosynthesis which can prevent acute immune responses of host insects.
Biosurfactants from probiotic bacteria: A review
Authors: Hajfarajollah Hamidreza , Eslami Parisa , Mokhtarani Babak , Akbari Noghabi Kambiz 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAmong microorganisms, bacteria are the main group of biosurfactant‐producing organisms. Different types of bacteria including Pseudomonas sp., Acinetobacter sp., Bacillus sp., and Arthrobacter sp. are among the most commonly studied bacteria in the realm of scientific research. However, due to the pathogenic nature of the producing organisms, the application of these compounds is restricted, therefore, not suitable for use in food‐related industries. Given that probiotic bacteria impact human health, applying probiotics as nonpathogenic and safe organisms have gained much attention for the production of biosurfactants in recent years. Most biosurfactants obtained from probiotic bacteria are related to a number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These types of biosurfactants are classified based on their structures as protein–carbohydrate complexes, lipids, or fatty acids. The present paper seeks to provide comprehensive and useful information about the production of various kinds of biosurfactants by different probiotic bacteria. In addition, we have extensively reviewed their potential for possible future applications.
Quantification of in vivo gastric fluid volume in Bama miniature pigs in fasted state
Authors: Guo Hui , Wang Cuncai , Liu Zhen , Gu Huayong , Li Yuwen , Zhao Li , Hou Ranran , Zhu Jiajia , Ho Harvey , Hao Zhihui 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAlthough the study of bioequivalence waivers in humans is already well‐established, their application and translation into animals, which are complicated by differences in physiology, have only recently become subjects of interest. The main purpose of this paper is to quantify the liquid volume affecting drug dissolution in pig stomachs. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan 18 Bama miniature pigs weighing 15, 30 or 50 kg. Amira 6.0.1 software was used for 3D image processing. We found that the gastric fluid volume had a linear relationship with the weight of pig (R2 = 0.9935) over this weight range. The pig weight, therefore, could be used as a surrogate for the fasted gastric fluid volume. After combining data of gastric fluid secretion and drinking water volumes, our results could be used as a reference for the evaluation of oral drug absorption in pigs.
Association of FOLH1, DHFR, and MTHFR gene polymorphisms with susceptibility of Neural Tube Defects: A case control study from Eastern India
Authors: Paul Silpita , Sadhukhan Susanta , Munian Dinesh , Bankura Biswabandhu , Das Madhusudan 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundWorldwide, Neural tube defects (NTDs) are considered as major clinical problems imposing a huge socio‐economic burden for both affected individuals and their families. In India, the prevalence of Neural tube defects is significantly high. This study aims to evaluate the association between genetic defects in folate metabolism pathway genes, mainly: Folate hydrolase 1 (FOLH1), Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and neural tube defects from eastern India.MethodsWe enrolled 62 consecutive mothers with NTDs foetuses as cases and their corresponding age matched 73 mothers with healthy babies as controls (genetic power has been calculated). Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (FOLH1: rs202676, DHFR: rs70991108, MTHFR: rs1801133 and rs1801131) have been amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Statistical analysis has been undertaken to find out association with NTDs.ResultsGenotype and allele frequency analysis of these SNPs revealed that, rs1801133 (p.Ala222Val) was significantly associated with NTDs risk (p value = 0.028; odds ratio‐2.31; 95% CI 1.08–4.93), whereas rs202676 (p.Tyr60His) showed protective role (p value = 0.0066; odds ratio‐0.11; 95% CI 0.01–0.86). Serum homocysteine (Hcy) concentration was respectively higher in subjects carrying 222Ala/Val and 222Val/Val alleles (p value = 0.009; p value ≤ 0.0001).ConclusionIn conclusion, it can be stated that, rs1801133 was associated with neural tube defects risk in patients from the eastern part of India and it might be counted as a molecular marker for evaluating the susceptibility of NTDs.
Quantitative determination of levonorgestrel in beagle dog plasma after vaginal administration of intravaginal ring by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Zhenqi , Qiu Shunchen , Gu Yiqun , Ning Meiying 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA specific and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method that could be used to determine the concentration of levonorgestrel (LNG) in beagle dog plasma was developed. Specifically, terfenadine was used as the internal standard (IS). The separation was achieved on a Kinetex‐C18 110A column (3 × 30 mm i.d., 2.6 um, Phenomenex) and a gradient mobile phase consists of methanol (0.1% formic acid) and water (0.1% formic acid) was used. The flow rate was 0.8 mL/min and the injection volume was 10 μL. The detection was performed on a triple‐quadruple tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring mode via electrospray ionization. Quantitative analysis was carried out at m/z 313.0 → 108.9 and m/z 472.6 → 436.2 for LNG and IS respectively. This method demonstrated the linearity of LNG over a concentration range of 0.5–50 ng/mL with a coefficient correlation (r) of 0.9973. The lower limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐assay precisions were 2.9 and 11.2%, with an accuracy range from 94.8 to 108.4%. The stability data indicated that sample preparation and storage process had little effect on the concentration of LNG QC sample. The validated method was successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetics of LNG in beagle dog after vaginal administration of intravaginal ring.
Encapsulation of mesenchymal stem cells in glycosaminoglycans‐chitosan polyelectrolyte microcapsules using electrospraying technique: Investigating capsule morphology and cell viability
Authors: Vossoughi Amin , Matthew Howard W. T. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPolyelectrolyte microcapsules are modular constructs which facilitate cell handling and assembly of cell‐based tissue constructs. In this study, an electrospray (ES) encapsulation apparatus was developed for the encapsulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Ionic complexation between glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and chitosan formed a polyelectrolyte complex membrane at the interface. To optimize the capsules, the effect of voltage, needle size and GAG formulation on capsule size were investigated. It was observed that by increasing the voltage and decreasing the needle size, the capsule size would decrease but at voltages above 12 kV, capsule size distribution broadened significantly which yields lower circularity. Increase in GAG viscosity resulted in larger microcapsules and cell viability exhibited no significant changes during the encapsulation procedure. These results suggest that ES is a highly efficient, and scalable approach to the encapsulation of MSCs for subsequent use in bioprinting and other modular tissue engineering or regenerative medicine applications.
Palliative radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer patients with bone metastases at diagnosis: A hospital‐based analysis of patterns of care, RT fractionation scheme, and overall survival
Authors: Fischer‐Valuck Benjamin W. , Baumann Brian C. , Apicelli Anthony , Rao Yuan James , Roach Michael , Daly Mackenzie , Dans Maria C. , White Patrick , Contreras Jessika , Henke Lauren , Gay Hiram , Michalski Jeff M. , Abraham Christopher 
Published: August 2018

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies associated with bone metastases, and palliative radiation therapy (RT) is an effective treatment option. A total of 2641 patients were identified with PCa and bone metastases at diagnosis from 2010 to 2014 in the NCDB. Fractionation scheme was designated as short course ([SC‐RT]: 8 Gy in 1 fraction and 20 Gy in 5 fractions) vs long course ([LC‐RT]: 30 Gy in 10 fractions and 37.5 Gy in 15 fractions). Patient characteristics were correlated with fractionation scheme using logistic regression. Overall survival was analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method, log‐rank test, Cox proportional hazards models, and propensity score‐matched analyses. A total of 2255 (85.4%) patients were included in the LC‐RT group and 386 (14.6%) patients in the SC‐RT group. SC‐RT was more common in patients over 75 years age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32‐2.20), treatment at an academic center (OR: 1.76, 1.20‐2.57), living greater than 15 miles distance to treatment facility (OR: 1.38, 1.05‐1.83), treatment to the rib (OR: 2.99, 1.36‐6.60), and in 2014 (OR: 1.73, 1.19‐2.51). RT to the spine was more commonly long course (P < .0001). In the propensity‐matched cohort, LC‐RT was associated with improved OS (P < .0001), but no OS difference was observed between 37.5 Gy and either 8 Gy in one fraction or 20 Gy in 5 fractions (P > .5). LC‐RT remains the most common treatment fractionation scheme for palliative bone metastases in PCa patients. Use of palliative SC‐RT is increasing, particularly in more recent years, for older patients, treatment at academic centers, and with increasing distance from a treatment center.
Lathyrane‐Type Diterpenoids from the Seeds of Euphorbia lathyris L. with Inhibitory Effects on NO Production in RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Lee Jin Woo , Jin Qinghao , Jang Hari , Kim Jun Gu , Lee Dongho , Kim Youngsoo , Hong Jin Tae , Lee Mi Kyeong , Hwang Bang Yeon 
Published: August 2018

Bioactivity‐guided fractionation of the methanolic extract from the seeds of Euphorbia lathyris led to the isolation of 18 lathyrane‐type diterpenoids including a new one, Euphorbia factor L29 (1). Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopic data including 2D‐NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS as well as CD data. All isolates (1 – 18) were found to inhibit the nitric oxide production in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, with their IC50 values in the range of 11.2 – 52.2 μm.
Bioaccessibility and total content of iron, zinc, copper, and manganese in rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.): A probabilistic assessment to evaluate their contribution to dietary reference intake
Authors: Ortiz María Laura , Cámara‐Martos Fernando 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackground and objectivesFe, Zn, Cu, and Mn contents as well as bioaccessible fractions of eight rice varieties were analyzed in order to evaluate them nutritionally.FindingsTotal trace element concentrations ranged between 5.90 and 15.3 mg/kg for Fe, 8.82–12.9 mg/kg for Zn, 1.45–5.59 mg/kg for Cu, and 2.45–13.6 mg/kg for Mn. Brown rice presented the highest trace element contents and at the same time the lowest bioaccessibility. A negative significant statistical correlation was found between dietary fiber and Mn bioaccessibility (r = −0.872; p < 0.01). Significant statistical negative correlations were found between vegetable proteins of rice and trace elements bioaccessibility.ConclusionsA probabilistic assessment (@Risk) used to determine the contribution of DRI for Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu through the intake of 150–200 g of boiled rice showed that this food can be a proper source of Cu and to a lesser extent Mn but not in the case of Fe and Zn.Significance and noveltyThe present study develops a probabilistic model to evaluate the contributions to the DRIs of these micronutrients, from data of rice varieties consumption and their bioaccessibility—total content.
Clinical and echocardiographic parameters as risk factors for atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Klopotowski Mariusz , Kwapiszewska Aleksandra , Kukula Krzysztof , Jamiolkowski Jacek , Dabrowski Maciej , Derejko Pawel , Oreziak Artur , Baranowski Rafal , Spiewak Mateusz , Marczak Magdalena , Klisiewicz Anna , Szepietowska Barbara , Chmielak Zbigniew , Witkowski Adam 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and may contribute to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is important to assess parameters associated with AF in HCM patients.HypothesisThe aim of the study was to evaluate AF prevalence in patients with HCM and to investigate risk factors for AF.MethodsFive hundred and forty‐six HCM patients aged below 65 were included into analysis. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed.ResultsIn 141 patients (25.8%) AF episodes were recorded. The following factors were identified as risk factors for AF in patients with HCM: age ≥ 45 years (OR 2.38, CI 1.40‐4.05, P = 0.001), past history of presyncope or syncope (OR 2.25, CI 1.35‐3.74, P = 0.002), non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT) (OR 2.70, CI 1.60‐4.57, P < 0.001), left atrium diameter during first assessment (OR 1.065, CI 1.03‐1.11, P = 0.001), left atrium diameter at the last assessment before AF occurrence (OR 1.10, CI 1.06‐1.14, P < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction at the last assessment before AF occurrence (CI 0.96, CI 0.94‐0.98, P = 0.001).ConclusionsWe confirm that AF is a common complication for patients with HCM. Identification of patients with high risk for AF and implementation of preventive strategies may reduce AF occurrence and its complications.