bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Some ELISA Kits for Aflatoxin M1 Quantification
Authors: Imtiaz Nida , Yunus Agha Waqar 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Background: ELISA is a widely used method for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) quantification in dairy products. This study was conducted to compare ELISA kits from different manufacturers for AFM1 quantification inmilk. Methods: High sensitivity ELISA kits (for up to 250 ng AFM1/L), including AgraQuant (Romer Labs), Bioshield M1ES (Prognosis Biotech), Helica 96 (Helica Biosystems), Veratox (Neogen, Inc.), and the medium sensitivity kit Immunolab AM1E01 (Immunolab GmbH; for 10–1000ng AFM1/L) were tested against a certified reference AFM1 whole milk having 44 ng AFM1/L and its 10-fold dilution, and a50 ng AFM1/L standard. In another experiment, Prognosis Bioshield M1UF (70–1000 ng AFM1/L), Romer’s AgraquantPlus (10–2000 ng AFM1/L), and Immunulab’s AM1E01 kits were compared totest a 500 ng AFM1/L solution. Results: In both of the experiments, the quantification ofthe tested AFM1 levels did not differ (P ≥ 0.310) between the kitsfrom various manufacturers. In the case of 4.4 ng AFM1/L, recovery of the toxin wasclose to the assigned value under the kit by Neogen, Inc. Incase the of 44 ng level, better recoveries were seen under the kits by Immunolab and Prognosis Biotech. In both the cases, low relative standard deviation (RSD) values were obtained only for the kit by Prognosis Biotech. In the case of the 50 and 500 ng AFM1/L solutions, the kits by Prognosis Biotech and Romer Labs provided recoveries close tothe assigned values as well as low RSD. Conclusions: These data indicate that all thestudied ELISA kit brands had comparable efficacy forAFM1 quantification. Recovery of the toxin and RSD may, however, differ between kits fromvarious manufacturers.
Electroencephalographic responses of anaesthetised pigs to intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital
Authors: Kells NJ , Beausoleil NJ , Sutherland MA , Johnson CB 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSmall laboratory animals are commonly euthanased via intraperitoneal (IP) injection of sodium pentobarbital. However, there is concern that animals may experience pain prior to loss of consciousness with this delivery route. The present study investigated electroencephalographic (EEG) nociceptive responses of anaesthetised pigs to IP sodium pentobarbital injection using an established minimal anaesthesia model. Thirty commercial white line entire male pigs aged 10-15 days were minimally anaesthetised with halothane in oxygen. Following 10 min of baseline EEG data collection, pigs had their tails docked using side-cutters and, after a further 5-min interval, were euthanased via IP injection of sodium pentobarbital (250 mg kg-1). The summary variables median frequency (F50), 95% spectral edge frequency (F95) and total power (PTOT) were derived from the EEG data. For each variable in each pig, means were calculated for the following 60-s periods: immediately prior to tail-docking (baseline 1); immediately prior to pentobarbital injection (at least 4 min after docking; baseline 2); and for two consecutive 60-s periods immediately following pentobarbital injection (P1 and P2). Statistical analyses revealed no differences between the two baseline periods, indicating that transient EEG changes induced by tail-docking had resolved prior to pentobarbital injection. IP pentobarbital injection induced a significant increase in F50 and decrease in PTOTof the EEG during P1. This response is characteristic of acute nociception, indicating that conscious pigs likely perceive IP sodium pentobarbital as painful in the period prior to loss of consciousness.
Les erreurs de syntaxe, d’orthographe grammaticale et d’orthographe lexicale des élèves québécois en contexte de production écrite
Authors: Boivin Marie-Claude , Pinsonneault Reine 
Published: August 2018

Cet article dresse un portrait des erreurs de syntaxe, d’orthographe grammaticale et d’orthographe lexicale relevées dans environ 1000 textes d’élèves québécois de 4e et 6e primaire et de 2e et 5e secondaire. En général, les filles font moins d’erreurs que les garçons. À tous les niveaux scolaires, les erreurs les plus fréquentes relèvent de la syntaxe (en particulier, ponctuation et homophones grammaticaux). Le nombre d’erreurs liées à la phrase simple diminue peu avec le niveau. Parfois, il n’y a pas de différence significative entre certains niveaux, notamment entre la 2e secondaire et la 6e primaire. Aussi, les élèves de 2e secondaire font significativement plus d’erreurs d’accord régi par le sujet que ceux de la 6e primaire. Cette absence apparente de progression pour certaines catégories pourrait être attribuée à la production par les élèves plus âgés de contextes syntaxiques plus complexes. Les résultats permettent de discuter certains indicateurs de maturité syntaxique.
Herbivore biocontrol and manual removal successfully reduce invasive macroalgae on coral reefs
Authors: Neilson Brian J. , Wall Christopher B. , Mancini Frank T. , Gewecke Catherine A. 
Published: August 2018

Invasive macroalgae pose a serious threat to coral reef biodiversity by monopolizing reef habitats, competing with native species, and directly overgrowing, and smothering reef corals. Several invasive macroalgae (Eucheuma clade E, Kappaphycus clade A and B, Gracilaria salicornia, and Acanthophora spicifera) are established within Kāne‘ohe Bay (O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, USA), and reducing invasive macroalgae cover is a coral reef conservation and management priority. Invasive macroalgae control techniques, however, are limited and few successful large-scale applications exist. Therefore, a two-tiered invasive macroalgae control approach was designed, where first, divers manually remove invasive macroalgae (Eucheuma and Kappaphycus) aided by an underwater vacuum system (“The Super Sucker”). Second, hatchery-raised juvenile sea urchins (Tripneustes gratilla), were outplanted to graze and control invasive macroalgae regrowth. To test the effectiveness of this approach in a natural reef ecosystem, four discrete patch reefs with high invasive macroalgae cover (15–26%) were selected, and macroalgae removal plus urchin biocontrol (treatment reefs, n = 2), or no treatment (control reefs, n = 2), was applied at the patch reef-scale. In applying the invasive macroalgae treatment, the control effort manually removed ∼19,000 kg of invasive macroalgae and ∼99,000 juvenile sea urchins were outplanted across to two patch reefs, totaling ∼24,000 m2 of reef area. Changes in benthic cover were monitored over 2 years (five sampling periods) before-and-after the treatment was applied. Over the study period, removal and biocontrol reduced invasive macroalgae cover by 85% at treatment reefs. Our results show manual removal in combination with hatchery raised urchin biocontrol to be an effective management approach in controlling invasive macroalgae at reef-wide spatial scales and temporal scales of months to years.
Mesopredatory fishes from the subtropical upwelling region off NW-Africa characterised by their parasite fauna
Authors: Alt Katharina G. , Kuhn Thomas , Münster Julian , Klapper Regina , Kochmann Judith , Klimpel Sven 
Published: August 2018

Eastern boundary upwelling provides the conditions for high marine productivity in the Canary Current System off NW-Africa. Despite its considerable importance to fisheries, knowledge on this marine ecosystem is only limited. Here, parasites were used as indicators to gain insight into the host ecology and food web of two pelagic fish species, the commercially important speciesTrichiurus lepturusLinnaeus, 1758, andNealotus tripesJohnson, 1865.Fish specimens ofT. lepturus(n = 104) andN. tripes(n = 91), sampled from the Canary Current System off the Senegalese coast and Cape Verde Islands, were examined, collecting data on their biometrics, diet and parasitisation. In this study, the first parasitological data onN. tripesare presented.T. lepturusmainly preyed on small pelagic Crustacea and the diet ofN. tripeswas dominated by small mesopelagic Teleostei. Both host species were infested by mostly generalist parasites. The parasite fauna ofT. lepturusconsisted of at least nine different species belonging to six taxonomic groups, with a less diverse fauna of ectoparasites and cestodes in comparison to studies in other coastal ecosystems (Brazil Current and Kuriosho Current). The zoonotic nematodeAnisakis pegreffiioccurred in 23% of the samples and could pose a risk regarding food safety. The parasite fauna ofN. tripeswas composed of at least thirteen species from seven different taxonomic groups. Its most common parasites were digenean ovigerous metacercariae, larval cestodes and a monogenean species (Diclidophoridae). The observed patterns of parasitisation in both host species indicate their trophic relationships and are typical for mesopredators from the subtropical epi- and mesopelagic. The parasite fauna, containing few dominant species with a high abundance, represents the typical species composition of an eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem.
The role of biotic factors during plant establishment in novel communities assessed with an agent-based simulation model
Authors: Radny Janina , Meyer Katrin M. 
Published: August 2018

Background
Establishment success of non-native species is not only influenced by environmental conditions, but also by interactions with local competitors and enemies. The magnitude of these biotic interactions is mediated by species traits that reflect competitive strength or defence mechanisms. Our aim was to investigate the importance of species traits for successful establishment of non-native species in a native community exhibiting biotic resistance in the form of competition and herbivory.

Methods
We developed a trait-based, individual-based simulation model tracking the survival of non-native plants in a native community. In the model, non-native plants are characterized by high or low values of competition and defence traits. Model scenarios included variation of initial number of non-natives, intensity of competitive interaction, density of herbivores and density as well as mixture of the native community.

Results
Traits related to competition had a much greater impact on survival of non-native species than traits related to defence. Survival rates of strong competitors never fell below 50% while survival of weak competitors averaged at about 10%. Weak competitors were also much more susceptible to competitive pressures such as community density, composition and competition intensity. Strong competitors responded negatively to changes in competition intensity, but hardly to composition or density of the native community. High initial numbers of non-native individuals decreased survival rate of strong competitors, but increased the survival rate of weak competitors. Survival under herbivore attack was only slightly higher for plants with high defensive ability than for those with low defensive ability. Surprisingly, though, herbivory increased survival of species classified as weak competitors.

Discussion
High survival rates of strong non-native competitors relate to a higher probability of successful establishment than for weak competitors. However, the reduced survival of strong competitors at high initial numbers indicates a self-thinning effect, probably mediated by a strongly competitive milieu. For weak competitors, our model emphasizes positive effects of high propagule pressure known from field studies. General effects of herbivory or defence abilities on survival were not supported by our model. However, the positive effect of herbivory on survival of weak competitors indicated side effects of herbivory, such as weakening resident competitors. This might play an important role for establishment of non-natives in a new community.
Indole and 2,4-Thiazolidinedione conjugates as potential anticancer modulators
Authors: Corigliano Domenica M. , Syed Riyaz , Messineo Sebastiano , Lupia Antonio , Patel Rahul , Reddy Chittireddy Venkata Ramana , Dubey Pramod K. , Colica Carmela , Amato Rosario , De Sarro Giovambattista , Alcaro Stefano , Indrasena Adisherla , Brunetti Antonio 
Published: August 2018

Background
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), also called glitazones, are five-membered carbon ring molecules commonly used for the management of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Recently, many prospective studies have also documented the impact of these compounds as anti-proliferative agents, though several negative side effects such as hepatotoxicity, water retention and cardiac issues have been reported. In this work, we synthesized twenty-six new TZD analogues where the thiazolidinone moiety is directly connected to an N-heterocyclic ring in order to lower their toxic effects.

Methods
By adopting a widely applicable synthetic method, twenty-six TZD derivatives were synthesized and tested for their antiproliferative activity in MTT and Wound healing assays with PC3 (prostate cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cells.

Results
Three compounds, out of twenty-six, significantly decreased cellular viability and migration, and these effects were even more pronounced when compared with rosiglitazone, a well-known member of the TZD class of antidiabetic agents. As revealed by Western blot analysis, part of this antiproliferative effect was supported by apoptosis studies evaluating BCL-xL and C-PARP protein expression.

Conclusion
Our data highlight the promising potential of these TZD derivatives as anti-proliferative agents for the treatment of prostate and breast cancer.
Coercivity Determines Magnetic Particle Heating
Authors: Starsich Fabian H. L. , Eberhardt Christian , Boss Andreas , Hirt Ann M. , Pratsinis Sotiris E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDiseased cell treatment by heating with magnetic nanoparticles is hindered by their required high concentrations. A clear relationship between heating efficiency and magnetic properties of nanoparticles has not been attained experimentally yet due to limited availability of magnetic nanoparticles with varying size and composition. Here, versatile flame aerosol technology is used for the synthesis of 21 types of ferro‐/ferrimagnetic nanocrystals with varying composition, size, and morphology for hyperthermia and thermoablation therapy. Heating efficiency, magnetic hysteresis, and first‐order reversal curves of these materials are compared. The maximum heating performance occurs near the transition from superparamagnetic to single domain state, regardless of particle composition. Most importantly, the ratio between saturation magnetization and coercivity can be linked to the heating properties of magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetic interaction is controlled by changes in the architecture of the nanoparticles and closely analyzed by first‐order reversal curves. Silica‐coated nonstoichiometric Gd‐Zn ferrite exhibits the most promising therapeutic capability at relatively low particle concentrations, as shown in vitro with cancerous prostate cells.
Coaxial Hybrid Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Scavenging Multidirectional Mechanical Energy
Authors: Zhu Yaxing , Yu Aifang , Cao Ran , Wen Rongmei , Jia Mengmeng , Lei Ying , Zhang Yang , Liu Yudong , Zhai Junyi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractScavenging mechanical energy from ambient environment has been one of the most promising approaches to tackle global energy shortage for its marvelous abundance over the world. Yet harvesting such energy finely is rather challenging because of highly fragmentary property. Recently, efforts based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) made it no longer a dream to promote this progress. In this paper, a novel coaxial hybrid TENG (CH‐TENG) with the integration of rubber core and elastic wavy shell is demonstrated, which can run in two distinguishing working modes to collect the mechanical energy from multiple directions. While operated by researchers manually, a maximum instantaneous output of 150 and 48 V of open‐circuit voltage (VOC), 2 µA and 145 nA of short‐circuit current (ISC) can be reached under continuous off‐axial pressing as well as axial stretching, respectively, sufficing to charge commercial capacitors and drive 20 light‐emitting diode bulbs. Attributing to the elaborate design of structure, as‐fabricated CH‐TENG shows lots of merits such as remarkable durability, high portability, outstanding sensitivity, and superb directivity. All of these manifest its great competitiveness in upcoming green future.
Measuring the effectiveness of individual therapy on the well‐being of children and young people who have experienced abusive relationships, particularly domestic violence: A case study
Authors: Perry Sarah , Frampton Ian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe evidence base regarding effective interventions for children and young people who experience abusive relationships, particularly domestic violence, is extremely limited.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of individual therapy for children and young people who have experienced abusive relationships; to address the challenges in carrying out such research.MethodologyA nonexperimental service evaluation repeated measures design with the administration of Routine Outcome Measures (ROMs) that assessed, skills, functioning and symptoms and experience of service. In total, 735 participants aged between 4 and 17 years were referred to the service. More than three quarters of those referred, attended at least three sessions and completed therapy.ResultsThe majority of those referred to the service presented with high needs. Mean scores on each of the ROMs improved and these changes were statistically significant. Based on clinical threshold scores, there was a deterioration for a small proportion of the sample (10% or less), improvements for between 28.5 and 49.4% and no change for the remainder. Statistical effect sizes, as measured by the ROMs, were generally in the medium range; satisfaction with the service was high.ImplicationsGathering evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness, or not, of therapy is fraught with difficulties. In the research world, evaluation studies of “real world” interventions may be regarded as inferior to gold standard randomised controlled trials. However, such studies may be better at capturing everyday practice and what can be realistically achieved in terms of measuring effectiveness. There are important implications for commissioning and evaluating such interventions.
Process Intensification – An Unbroken Trend in Chemical Engineering
Authors: Grützner Thomas , Ziegenbalg Dirk , Güttel Robert 
Published: August 2018

AbstractProcess intensification is one of the major strategies in chemical engineering to cope with the steadily increasing demands to design and operate a chemical process as efficient and sustainable as possible. Research on this field reaches back to the middle of the last century and is still an important area of activity for chemical engineers in both, academia and practice. This contribution provides a rough overview on the history of process intensification, highlights three current examples of research (multiple dividing wall column, nanostructured core‐shell catalysts, photocatalytic reactions) and closes with a brief outlook to future activities.
ChromaWizard: An open source image analysis software for multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis
Authors: Auer Norbert , Hrdina Astrid , Hiremath Chaitra , Vcelar Sabine , Baumann Martina , Borth Nicole , Jadhav Vaibhav 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMulticolor image analysis finds its applications in a broad range of biological studies. Specifically, multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (M‐FISH) for chromosome painting facilitates the analysis of individual chromosomes in complex metaphase spreads and is widely used to detect both numerical and structural aberrations. While this is well established for human and mouse karyotypes, for which species sophisticated software and analysis tools are available, other organisms and species are less well served. Commercially available software is proprietary and not easily adaptable to other karyotypes. Therefore, a publically available open source software that combines flexibility and customizable functionalities is needed. Here we present such a tool called “ChromaWizard” which is based on popular scientific image analysis libraries (OpenCV, scikit‐image, and NumPy). We demonstrate its functionality on the example of primary Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) fibroblasts metaphase spreads and on Chinese Hamster Ovary cell lines known for the large number of chromosomal rearrangements. The application can be easily adapted to any kind of available labeling kits and is
independent of the used organism and instrumentation. It allows direct inspection of the original hybridization signals and enables either manual or automatic assignment of colors, making it a functional and versatile tool that can be used also for other multicolor applications.
Quantitative chromogenic immunohistochemical image analysis in cellprofiler software
Authors: Tollemar V. , Tudzarovski N. , Boberg E. , Törnqvist Andrén A. , Al‐Adili A. , Le Blanc K. , Garming Legert K. , Bottai M. , Warfvinge G. , Sugars R.V. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractVisual grading of chromogenically stained immunohistochemical (IHC) samples is subjective, time consuming, and predisposed to considerable inter‐ and intra‐observer variations. The open‐source digital analysis software, CellProfiler has been extensively used for fluorescently stained cells/tissues; however, chromogenic IHC staining is routinely used in both pathological and research diagnostics. The current investigation aimed to compare CellProfiler quantitative chromogenic IHC analyses against the gold standard manual counting. Oral mucosal biopsies from patients with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease were stained for CD4. Digitized images were manually counted and subjected to image analysis in CellProfiler. Inter‐observer and inter‐platform agreements were assessed by scatterplots with linear regression and Bland–Altman plots. Validation comparisons between the manual counters demonstrated strong intra‐observer concordance (r2 = 0.979), particularly when cell numbers were less than 100. Scatterplots and Bland–Altman plots demonstrated strong agreement between the manual counters and CellProfiler, with the number of positively stained cells robustly correlating (r2 = 0.938). Furthermore, CellProfiler allowed the determination of multiple variables simultaneously, such as area stained and masking to remove any nonstained tissue and white gaps, which also demonstrated reliable agreement (r2 = >0.9). CellProfiler demonstrated versatility with the ability to assess large numbers of images and allowed additional parameters to be quantified. CellProfiler allowed rapid high processing capacity of chromogenically stained chronic inflammatory tissue that was reliable, accurate, and reproducible and highlights potential applications in research diagnostics.