bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Sarcosine as a Target Molecule for the Canine Olfactory Detection of Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Pacik Dalibor , Plevova Mariana , Urbanova Lucie , Lackova Zuzana , Strmiska Vladislav , Necas Alois , Heger Zbynek , Adam Vojtech 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe hypothesis that dogs can detect malignant tumours through the identification of specific molecules is nearly 30 years old. To date, several reports have described the successful detection of distinct types of cancer. However, is still a lack of data regarding the specific molecules that can be recognized by a dog’s olfactory apparatus. Hence, we performed a study with artificially prepared, well-characterized urinary specimens that were enriched with sarcosine, a widely reported urinary biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa). For the purposes of the study, a German shepherd dog was utilized for analyses of 60 positive and 120 negative samples. Our study provides the first evidence that a sniffer dog specially trained for the olfactory detection of PCa can recognize sarcosine in artificial urine with a performance [sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 95%, and precision of 90% for the highest amount of sarcosine (10 µmol/L)] that is comparable to the identification of PCa-diagnosed subjects (sensitivity of 93.5% and specificity of 91.6%). This study casts light on the unrevealed phenomenon of PCa olfactory detection and opens the door for further studies with canine olfactory detection and cancer diagnostics.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals phytohormone signalings, heat shock module and ROS scavenger mediate the cold-tolerance of rubber tree
Authors: Deng Xiaomin , Wang Jianxiao , Li Yan , Wu Shaohua , Yang Shuguang , Chao Jinquan , Chen Yueyi , Zhang Shixin , Shi Minjing , Tian Weimin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTwo contrasting cold response rubber tree clones, the cold-resistant ‘93-114’ and cold-sensitive ‘Reken501’, were subject to a global transcriptome response assessing via high-throughput RNA-seq technique and comprehensive bioinformatics analysis using the referenced rubber tree genome with the purpose of exploring the potential molecular cues underlying the tolerance of rubber trees to cold stress. As a result, a total of 1919 genes had significantly higher expression, while 2929 genes had significantly lower expression in ‘93–114’ than in ‘Reken501’ without cold stress. Upon cold stress, the numbers of genes with significantly higher expression decreased to 1501 at 1 h treatment and to 1285 at 24 h treatment in ‘93–114’ than that of ‘Reken501’, conversely, the numbers of genes with significantly lower expression increased to 7567 at 1 h treatment and to 5482 at 24 h treatment. Functional annotation of the differentially expressed genes between ‘93–114’ and ‘Reken501’ suggests that down-regulation of auxin and ethylene signaling and activation of heat shock module and ROS scavengers is a primary strategy forH. brasiliensisto cope with cold stress. Our identified vital differentially expressed genes may be beneficial for elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance and for genetic improvement ofH. brasiliensisclones.
Phosphoinositides regulate the TCR/CD3 complex membrane dynamics and activation
Authors: Chouaki Benmansour Nassima , Ruminski Kilian , Sartre Anne-Marie , Phelipot Marie-Claire , Salles Audrey , Bergot Elise , Wu Ambroise , Chicanne Gaëtan , Fallet Mathieu , Brustlein Sophie , Billaudeau Cyrille , Formisano Anthony , Mailfert Sébastien , Payrastre Bernard , Marguet Didier , Brasselet Sophie , Hamon Yannick , He Hai-Tao 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPhosphoinositides (PIs) play important roles in numerous membrane-based cellular activities. However, their involvement in the mechanism of T cell receptor (TCR) signal transduction across the plasma membrane (PM) is poorly defined. Here, we investigate their role, and in particular that of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] in TCR PM dynamics and activity in a mouse T-cell hybridoma upon ectopic expression of a PM-localized inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (Inp54p). We observed that dephosphorylation of PI(4,5)P2 by the phosphatase increased the TCR/CD3 complex PM lateral mobility prior stimulation. The constitutive and antigen-elicited CD3 phosphorylation as well as the antigen-stimulated early signaling pathways were all found to be significantly augmented in cells expressing the phosphatase. Using state-of-the-art biophotonic approaches, we further showed that PI(4,5)P2 dephosphorylation strongly promoted the CD3ε cytoplasmic domain unbinding from the PM inner leaflet in living cells, thus resulting in an increased CD3 availability for interactions with Lck kinase. This could significantly account for the observed effects of PI(4,5)P2 dephosphorylation on the CD3 phosphorylation. Our data thus suggest that PIs play a key role in the regulation of the TCR/CD3 complex dynamics and activation at the PM.
Propagation-based phase-contrast x-ray tomography of cochlea using a compact synchrotron source
Authors: Töpperwien Mareike , Gradl Regine , Keppeler Daniel , Vassholz Malte , Meyer Alexander , Hessler Roland , Achterhold Klaus , Gleich Bernhard , Dierolf Martin , Pfeiffer Franz , Moser Tobias , Salditt Tim 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe demonstrate that phase retrieval and tomographic imaging at the organ level of small animals can be advantageously carried out using the monochromatic radiation emitted by a compact x-ray light source, without further optical elements apart from source and detector. This approach allows to carry out microtomography experiments which - due to the large performance gap with respect to conventional laboratory instruments - so far were usually limited to synchrotron sources. We demonstrate the potential by mapping the functional soft tissue within the guinea pig and marmoset cochlea, including in the latter case an electrical cochlear implant. We show how 3d microanatomical studies without dissection or microscopic imaging can enhance future research on cochlear implants.
Probiotic Escherichia coli inhibits biofilm formation of pathogenic E. coli via extracellular activity of DegP
Authors: Fang Kuili , Jin Xing , Hong Seok Hoon 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMany chronic infections involve bacterial biofilms, which are difficult to eliminate using conventional antibiotic treatments. Biofilm formation is a result of dynamic intra- or inter-species interactions. However, the nature of molecular interactions between bacteria in multi-species biofilms are not well understood compared to those in single-species biofilms. This study investigated the ability of probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to outcompete the biofilm formation of pathogens including enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and S. epidermidis. When dual-species biofilms were formed, EcN inhibited the EHEC biofilm population by 14-fold compared to EHEC single-species biofilms. This figure was 1,100-fold for S. aureus and 8,300-fold for S. epidermidis; however, EcN did not inhibit P. aeruginosa biofilms. In contrast, commensal E. coli did not exhibit any inhibitory effect toward other bacterial biofilms. We identified that EcN secretes DegP, a bifunctional (protease and chaperone) periplasmic protein, outside the cells and controls other biofilms. Although three E. coli strains tested in this study expressed degP, only the EcN strain secreted DegP outside the cells. The deletion of degP disabled the activity of EcN in inhibiting EHEC biofilms, and purified DegP directly repressed EHEC biofilm formation. Hence, probiotic E. coli outcompetes pathogenic biofilms via extracellular DegP activity during dual-species biofilm formation.
Cerium oxide nanoparticles embedded thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane for water treatment
Authors: Lakhotia Sonia R. , Mukhopadhyay Mausumi , Kumari Premlata 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this paper, a new approach to synthesize thin-film nanocomposite membranes using cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) by pre-seeding interfacial polymerization method was reported. Prepared membranes were examined using contact angle, molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) to observe its hydrophilicity, pore size, morphology, surface chemistry, and roughness, respectively. Surface charges of the prepared membranes were also qualitatively calculated with the help of contact angle measurements by using the Grahame equation. MWCO studies revealed >90% polyethylene glycol (M.W. 1500 Da) rejection, which was fitted in the range of nanofiltration. By increasing the concentration of CeO2 NPs, flux (33.12 to 41.28 L/m2h), hydrophilicity (77.3 to 51.1°) and surface charges (−7.58 to −13.39 mC/m2) of the membranes was successfully improved, and also showed the high (>90%) salt rejections. The CeO2 embedded membrane was also found out in successful prevention from the attack of bacteria (Escherichia coli) compared to pure polyamide (PA) membrane and confirmed through SEM and viable cell count method. The membrane performances were also evaluated using seawater for fouling study and found that CeO2 embedded surface increased the rejection of hydrophobic contaminants, and notably reduced the fouling.
Applicability of Automated Cell Counter with a Chlorophyll Detector in Routine Management of Microalgae
Authors: Takahashi Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMicroalgae have attracted attention for several industrial applications, but all such applications demand culture quality because of their sensitivity to environmental changes. Although simplicity, speed, and accuracy are important to assess algal cultures, researchers have expended vast amounts of labor to monitor algal health using hemocytometry. Along with its user bias, quantifying the cell status aside from the cell density is not easy. This paper describes the easy and rapid evaluation of algal number and status using an image-based cell counter (Countess II FL; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.) with a fluorescent filter for chlorophyll. Unlike mammalian cultured cells larger than microalgae, it is not easy for a low-resolution camera alone to distinguish microalgae from grimy spots and microbubbles on counting plates. To assess this method’s performance, freshwater/marine microalgae and environmental samples were evaluated using the instrument. Results reveal that an instrument with a fluorescence filter can distinguish microalgae from other particles more precisely than a device with no filter. Values obtained using the instrument were not significantly different from those obtained using hemocytometry. Moreover, the cell counter, but not hemocytometry, can qualify the algal status. Results demonstrate that this system, which has no user bias, can contribute to algal assessment.
Genome-wide identification, putative functionality and interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs in Brassica species
Authors: Zhang Jinfang , Wei Lijuan , Jiang Jun , Mason Annaliese S. , Li Haojie , Cui Cheng , Chai Liang , Zheng Benchuan , Zhu Yongqing , Xia Qing , Jiang Liangcai , Fu Donghui 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNon-coding RNA (ncRNA) is abundant in plant genomes, but is poorly described with unknown functionality in most species. Using whole genome RNA sequencing, we identified 1885, 1910 and 1299 lncRNAs and 186, 157 and 161 miRNAs at the whole genome level in the three Brassica species B. napus, B. oleracea and B. rapa, respectively. The lncRNA sequences were divergent between the three Brassica species. One quarter of lncRNAs were located in tandem repeat (TR) region. The expression of both lncRNAs and miRNAs was strongly biased towards the A rather than the C subgenome in B. napus, unlike mRNA expression. miRNAs in genic regions had higher average expression than miRNAs in non-genic regions in B. napus and B. oleracea. We provide a comprehensive reference for the distribution, functionality and interactions of lncRNAs and miRNAs in Brassica.
Aspirin Use and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a National Cohort Study of Korean Adults
Authors: Hwang In Cheol , Chang Jooyoung , Kim Kyuwoong , Park Sang Min 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe effect of aspirin on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We investigated the association between aspirin use and HCC development in a region where viral hepatitis prevails. We conducted a population-based cohort study including a total of 460,755 participants who were tracked to identify incidents of HCC since 2007. The use of drug before the index date was assessed and standardized by the Defined Daily Dose system. We calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between aspirin use and HCC occurrence, using Cox proportional hazard regression models. There were 2,336 cases of HCC during the period of 2,965,500 person-years. Overall, aspirin users had a lower HCC risk (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77–0.98) than non-users in a dose-response manner (Ptrend = 0.002). The protective effect of aspirin was amplified when combined with those of non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50–0.85). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant chemopreventive effect of aspirin in individuals who were young, were male, or had viral hepatitis, whereas no protective effect was observed in patients with liver cirrhosis. Our results, suggesting different carcinogenic pathways between viral and non-viral etiologies, may validate the design of future intervention trials of aspirin for HCC prevention in eligible populations.
Hypoxia, but not an electrolyte-imbalanced diet, reduces feed intake, growth and oxygen consumption in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Magnoni Leonardo J. , Eding Ep , Leguen Isabelle , Prunet Patrick , Geurden Inge , Ozório Rodrigo O. A. , Schrama Johan W. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOxygen limitation and dietary imbalances are key aspects influencing feed intake (FI) and growth performance in cultured fish. This study investigated the combined effects of hypoxia and dietary electrolyte balance on the growth performance, body composition and nutrient utilization in a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) isogenic line. Fish were fed ad libitum two experimental diets: electrolyte-balanced or -imbalanced diets (DEB 200 or 700 mEq kg−1, respectively) and exposed to normoxia or hypoxia (7.9 or 4.5 mg O2 l−1, respectively) for 42 days. DEB did not affect FI, growth performance or body composition. Nevertheless, hypoxia had a negative impact, reducing FI (6%), growth rate (8%), oxygen consumption (19%), energy (5%) and lipid (42%) contents. Digestible energy intake and heat production were higher in normoxic fish (40% and 23%, respectively), retaining 64% more energy in lipid or protein. Hypoxia reduced the apparent digestibility of dry matter, ash, protein, lipid, carbohydrates and energy. Trout fed DEB 700 diet were energetically less efficient, reflected in higher heat production and energy requirements for maintenance. FI was inhibited by low dissolved oxygen levels, but not by electrolyte-imbalanced diet, in spite of the higher energy requirements for maintenance. This study highlights the importance that dietary-electrolyte content and DO levels have on energy balance and growth performance when fish are fed to satiation.
Multi-level coding-recoding by ultrafast phase transition on Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films
Authors: Wen Shuai , Meng Yun , Jiang Minghui , Wang Yang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractQuickly switching among different states (levels) is crucial for reconfigurable metamaterials and devices. In this study, the dynamics of establishment and transformation of five amorphous or near-amorphous intermediate states with obvious optical contrasts on Ge2Sb2Te5 phase-change thin films driven by ultrashort laser pulses were investigated using real-time reflectivity measurements. The reversible coding-recoding among the five optical levels was realized by using single-shot picosecond laser pulses with designed fluences. The optical constants, crystalline states and surface morphologies before and after ultrafast multi-level coding were also compared and analyzed. These results may lay a foundation for the further design and application of dynamically reconfigurable optical/photonic devices.
The Burden of Statin Therapy based on ACC/AHA and NCEP ATP-III Guidelines: An Iranian Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors
Authors: Asgari Samaneh , Abdi Hengameh , Hezaveh Alireza Mahdavi , Moghisi Alireza , Etemad Koorosh , Beni Hassan Riahi , Khalili Davood 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTo compare the burden of statin therapy according to the Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP-III) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines the Survey of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Disease (SuRFNCD)−2011of Iran was used. A survey analysis associated with sex and age categorization was run. Of total 3496 persons (1322 men) aged 40–70 years, based on the ACC/AHA guidelines, about 46.5% were eligible to receive moderate- to high-intensity statin therapy. Based on the ATP-III guidelines, 17.0% were considered as needing statin drugs. Among adults aged <60 years, the proportion of those who were eligible for statin therapy was higher (38.3%) according to the ACC/AHA guidelines compared to the ATP-III guidelines (15.2%), a difference more prominent in adults aged ≥60 years (85.2% versus 25.0%). Agreement between the two guidelines was low (kappa: 0.32). Compared to the ATP-III guidelines, the ACC/AHA guidelines increase the number of adults eligible for statin therapy in an Iraninan population from 2.5 million to 7.0 million people according to the 2011 census, specifically in those aged ≥ 60 years, a finding in agreement with those of studies from different countries.
Impedance-based analysis of Natural Killer cell stimulation
Authors: Fasbender Frank , Watzl Carsten 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe use of impedance-based label free cell analysis is increasingly popular and has many different applications. Here, we report that a real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) can be used to study the stimulation of Natural Killer (NK) cells. Engagement of NK cells via plate-bound antibodies directed against different activating surface receptors could be measured in real time using the label-free detection of impedance. The change in impedance was dependent on early signal transduction events in the NK cells as it was blocked by inhibitors of Src-family kinases and by inhibiting actin polymerization. While CD16 was the only receptor that could induce a strong change in impedance in primary NK cells, several activating receptors induced changes in impedance in expanded NK cells. Using PBMCs we could detect T cell receptor-mediated T cell activation and CD16-mediated NK cell activation in the same sample. Performing a dose-response analysis for the Src-family kinases inhibitor PP1 we show that T cells are more sensitive to inhibition compared to NK cells. Our data demonstrate that the RTCA can be used to detect physiological activation events in NK cells in a label-free and real-time fashion.
Fatigue life of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V scaffolds under tension-tension, tension-compression and compression-compression fatigue load
Authors: Lietaert Karel , Cutolo Antonio , Boey Dries , Van Hooreweder Brecht 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMechanical performance of additively manufactured (AM) Ti6Al4V scaffolds has mostly been studied in uniaxial compression. However, in real-life applications, more complex load conditions occur. To address this, a novel sample geometry was designed, tested and analyzed in this work. The new scaffold geometry, with porosity gradient between the solid ends and scaffold middle, was successfully used for quasi-static tension, tension-tension (R = 0.1), tension-compression (R = −1) and compression-compression (R = 10) fatigue tests. Results show that global loading in tension-tension leads to a decreased fatigue performance compared to global loading in compression-compression. This difference in fatigue life can be understood fairly well by approximating the local tensile stress amplitudes in the struts near the nodes. Local stress based Haigh diagrams were constructed to provide more insight in the fatigue behavior. When fatigue life is interpreted in terms of local stresses, the behavior of single struts is shown to be qualitatively the same as bulk Ti6Al4V. Compression-compression and tension-tension fatigue regimes lead to a shorter fatigue life than fully reversed loading due to the presence of a mean local tensile stress. Fractographic analysis showed that most fracture sites were located close to the nodes, where the highest tensile stresses are located.
Enhanced hydrological extremes in the western United States under global warming through the lens of water vapor wave activity
Authors: Lu Jian , Xue Daokai , Gao Yang , Chen Gang , Leung L. R. , Staten P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA novel diagnostic framework based on the wave activity of column integrated water vapor (CWV) is used to probe into the higher moments of the hydrological cycle with bearings on the extremes. Applying the CWV wave activity analysis to the historical and RCP8.5 scenario simulations by the CMIP5 models reveals a super Clausius–Clapeyron rate of increase in the wet vs. dry disparity of daily net precipitation due to the enhanced stirring length of wave activity at the poleward flank of the storm track, despite a decrease in the hydrological cycling rate (HCR) measured by the reciprocal of wave activity residence time. The local variant of CWV wave activity unravels the unique characteristics of atmospheric rivers (ARs) in terms of their transport function and locally enhanced mixing efficiency. Under RCP8.5, the local moist wave activity increases by ~40% over the northeastern Pacific and western United States by the end of the 21st century, indicating lengthening and more frequent landfalling ARs with a consequence of a ~20% increase in the related hydrological extremes $$\widetilde {(P - E)}^ +$$

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in the west coast, despite a robust weakening of the local HCR. These results imply that the unusually wet winter the west coast just experienced in 2016/17 might be a harbinger of more frequent wet extremes in a warmer climate.
Multi-element ion-exchange chromatography and high-precision MC-ICP-MS isotope analysis of Mg and Ti from sub-mm-sized meteorite inclusions
Authors: Larsen K. K. , Wielandt D. , Bizzarro M. 
Published: March 2018

We present a refined multi-element (Mg, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zr, Mo, Ru, Hf and W) ion chromatographic purification protocol applied to high-precision isotope analysis of Mg and Ti using MC-ICP-MS.