bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast and efficient microfluidic cell filter for isolation of circulating tumor cells from unprocessed whole blood of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Ribeiro-Samy Silvina , Oliveira Marta I. , Pereira-Veiga Thais , Muinelo-Romay Laura , Carvalho Sandra , Gaspar João , Freitas Paulo P. , López-López Rafael , Costa Clotilde , Diéguez Lorena 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLiquid biopsy offers unique opportunities for low invasive diagnosis, real-time patient monitoring and treatment selection. The phenotypic and molecular profile of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can provide key information about the biology of tumor cells, contributing to personalized therapy. CTC isolation is still challenging, mainly due to their heterogeneity and rarity. To overcome this limitation, a microfluidic chip for label-free isolation of CTCs from peripheral blood was developed. This device, the CROSS chip, captures CTCs based on their size and deformability with an efficiency of 70%. Using 2 chips, 7.5 ml of whole blood are processed in 47 minutes with high purity, as compared to similar technologies and assessed by in situ immunofluorescence. The CROSS chip performance was compared to the CellSearch system in a set of metastatic colorectal cancer patients, resulting in higher capture of DAPI+/CK+/CD45− CTCs in all individuals tested. Importantly, CTC enumeration by CROSS chip enabled stratification of patients with different prognosis. Lastly, cells isolated in the CROSS chip were lysed and further subjected to molecular characterization by droplet digital PCR, which revealed a mutation in the APC gene for most patient samples analyzed, confirming their colorectal origin and the versatility of the technology for downstream applications.
All Inkjet-Printed Graphene-Silver Composite Ink on Textiles for Highly Conductive Wearable Electronics Applications
Authors: Karim Nazmul , Afroj Shaila , Tan Sirui , Novoselov Kostya S. , Yeates Stephen G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInkjet-printed wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) are considered to be very promising due to excellent processing and environmental benefits offered by digital fabrication technique. Inkjet-printing of conductive metallic inks such as silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) are well-established and that of graphene-based inks is of great interest due to multi-functional properties of graphene. However, poor ink stability at higher graphene concentration and the cost associated with the higher Ag loading in metal inks have limited their wider use. Moreover, graphene-based e-textiles reported so far are mainly based on graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which suffers from poor electrical conductivity. Here we report inkjet printing of highly conductive and cost-effective graphene-Ag composite ink for wearable e-textiles applications. The composite inks were formulated, characterised and inkjet-printed onto PEL paper first and then sintered at 150 °C for 1 hr. The sheet resistance of the printed patterns is found to be in the range of ~0.08–4.74 Ω/sq depending on the number of print layers and the graphene-Ag ratio in the formulation. The optimised composite ink was then successfully printed onto surface pre-treated (by inkjet printing) cotton fabrics in order to produce all-inkjet-printed highly conductive and cost-effective electronic textiles.
Rapid Scotch Whisky Analysis and Authentication using Desorption Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Smith Barry L. , Hughes David M. , Badu-Tawiah Abraham K. , Eccles Rebecca , Goodall Ian , Maher Simon 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWhisky, as a high value product, is often adulterated, with adverse economic effects for both producers and consumers as well as potential public health impacts. Here we report the use of DAPCI-MS to analyse and chemically profile both genuine and counterfeit whisky samples employing a novel ‘direct from the bottle’ methodology with zero sample pre-treatment, zero solvent requirement and almost no sample usage. 25 samples have been analysed from a collection of blended Scotch whisky (n = 15) and known counterfeit whisky products (n = 10). Principal component analysis has been applied to dimensionally reduce the data and discriminate between sample groups. Additional chemometric modelling, a partial least squares regression, has correctly classified samples with 92% success rate. DAPCI-MS shows promise for simple, fast and accurate counterfeit detection with potential for generic aroma profiling and process quality monitoring applications.
HIV Infection Induces Extracellular Cathepsin B Uptake and Damage to Neurons
Authors: Cantres-Rosario Yisel M. , Ortiz-Rodríguez Sarah C. , Santos-Figueroa Aemil G. , Plaud Marines , Negron Karla , Cotto Bianca , Langford Dianne , Melendez Loyda M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHIV-associated neurocognitive disorders prevail in 20–50 percent of infected individuals. Macrophages transmigrate through the blood brain barrier during HIV-1 infection, triggering neuronal dysfunction. HIV-infected macrophages secrete cathepsin B (CATB), and serum amyloid p component (SAPC), inducing neuronal apoptosis by an unknown mechanism.We hypothesized that HIV infection facilitates CATB/SAPC secretion from macrophages followed by neuronal internalization, promoting dysfunction. SK-N-SH neuronal cells were exposed to active recombinant histidine-tagged cathepsin B (His-CATB). His-CATB entry was tracked by intracellular flow cytometry, and neuronal dysfunction was verified by western blot. Macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) were tested for the presence of CATB and SAPC. Neurons internalized His-CATB, an effect that was partially decreased by pre-treatment with anti-CATB antibody. Pre-treatment with CATB and SAPC antibodies decreased cleavage of caspase-3 and restored synaptophysin in neurons. Neurons exposed to macrophage-conditioned media differentially internalized His-CATB, dependent on the HIV replication levels. Finally, CATB and SAPC were secreted in EVs. We report for the first time that CATB is secreted from macrophages both free and in EVs, and is internalized by neurons. Moreover, HIV-replication levels modulate the amount of CATB neuronal uptake, and neuronal dysfunction can be decreased with CATB antibodies. In conclusion, the CATB/SAPC complex represents a novel target against HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Validation of the Korean Stroop Test in Diagnosis of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Yoon Eileen L. , Jun Dae Won , Jeong Jae Yoon , Kim Tae Yeob , Song Do Seon , Ahn Sang Bong , Kim Hee Yeon , Jung Young Kul , Song Myeong Jun , Kim Sung Eun , Kim Hyoung Su , Jeong Soung Won , Kim Sang Gyune , Lee Tae Hee , Cho Yong Kyun , Kim Jae-kwan , Ryu Hokyoung 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe burden of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is significant, but no universal criteria for diagnosis have been established. We aimed to validate the Korean Stroop Test for MHE screening. Chronic hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis patients were recruited prospectively from 13 centers. The Korean Stroop Test consisted of two Stroop-off states (color and word) and two Stroop-on states (inhibition and switching). Accuracy adjusted psychomotor speed (rate correct score) of these tests were analyzed. Sex- and age- adjusted rate correct scores of these tests were rated as the Korean Stroop Score (K-Stroop score). MHE was diagnosed when Portosystemic Encephalopathy Syndrome Test (PHES) scores were below −4. A total of 220 liver cirrhosis patients and 376 healthy controls were enrolled. Prevalence of MHE was 20.6% in cirrhosis patients. Rate correct scores and the K-Stroop score showed significant differences between healthy controls, cirrhosis patients without MHE, and cirrhosis patients with MHE. The rate correct score of the K-Stroop score was 0.74 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.66–0.83, P < 0.001). Female gender and the K-Stroop score were significant for MHE diagnosis. The Korean Stroop Test is simple and valid for screening of MHE.
Low frequency 3D ultra-wide vibration attenuation via elastic metamaterial
Authors: D’Alessandro Luca , Ardito Raffaele , Braghin Francesco , Corigliano Alberto 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe design of innovative metamaterials with robust and reliable performances is attracting increasing interest in the scientific community because of their unique properties and for their unexplored potential. In particular, dynamical properties of periodic structures are widely studied specifically for their bandgap opening characteristic, which enables the design of structures with unprecedented dynamical behaviour. In the present work an ultra-wide three-dimensional bandgap is presented, with extremely low frequency range of operation. Numerical simulations and analytical models are proposed to prove the claimed properties, together with experiments carried out on a prototype built by means of additive manufacturing.
The Microbiome of the Maculinea-Myrmica Host-Parasite Interaction
Authors: Di Salvo Marco , Calcagnile Matteo , Talà Adelfia , Tredici Salvatore Maurizio , Maffei Massimo E. , Schönrogge Karsten , Barbero Francesca , Alifano Pietro 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMaculinea(=Phengaris) are endangered butterflies that are characterized by a very complex biological cycle.Maculinealarvae behave as obligate parasites whose survival is strictly dependent on both particular food plants and species-specificMyrmicaants. In this interaction,Maculineacaterpillars induceMyrmicaworkers to retrieve and rear them in the nest by chemical and acoustic deception. Social insect symbiotic microorganisms play a key role in intraspecific and interspecific communication; therefore, it is possible that theMaculineacaterpillar microbiome might be involved in the chemical cross-talk by producing deceptive semiochemicals for host ants. To address this point, the microbiota ofMaculinea alconat different larval stages (phytophagous early larvae, intermediate larvae, carnivorous late larvae) was analyzed by using 16S rRNA-guided metabarcoding approach and compared to that of the host antMyrmica scabrinodis. Structural and deduced functional profiles of the microbial communities were recorded, which were used to identify specific groups of microorganisms that may be involved in the chemical cross-talk. One of the most notable features was the presence in all larval stages and in the ants of two bacteria,Serratia marcescensandS.entomophila, which are involved in the chemical cross-talk between the microbes and their hosts.
Scalable Epitaxial Growth of WSe2 Thin Films on SiO2/Si via a Self-Assembled PtSe2 Buffer Layer
Authors: Wu Pei-Chen , Yang Chun-Liang , Du Yuanmin , Lai Chih-Huang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe growth of large-area epitaxial transition metal dichalgogenides (TMDCs) are of central importance for scalable integrated device applications. Different methods have been developed to achieve large-sized high quality films. However, reliable approaches for centimeter-sized or even wafer-level epitaxial growth of TMDCs are still lacking. Here we demonstrate a new method to grow inch-sized epitaxial WSe2 films on SiO2/Si substrates at a much lower temperature with high repeatability and scalability. High quality crystalline films are achieved through direct selenization of a tungsten film with platinum as the underlayer. The self-assembled PtSe2 buffer layer, formed during selenization, assists epitaxial growth of WSe2. Using fabricated WSe2 films, excellent performance memory devices are demonstrated. As a member of the TMDC family, our findings based on WSe2 may also be applied to other TMDC materials for large-scale production of high quality TMDC films for various applications.
Novel lactic acid bacteria strains as inoculants on alfalfa silage fermentation
Authors: Nascimento Agarussi Mariele Cristina , Gomes Pereira Odilon , Paula Rosinea Aparecida de , Silva Vanessa Paula da , Santos Roseira João Paulo , Fonseca e Silva Fabyano 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe effects of new strains of lactic acid bacteria on alfalfa silage fermentation were evaluated. The experiment was performed using a completely randomized design (with three replicates) based on a 6 × 6 factorial assay with 6 inoculants (I): Control (CTRL), Commercial inoculant (CI),Lactobacillus pentosus14.7SE (LPE),Lactobacillus plantarum3.7E (LP),Pediococcus pentosaceus14.15SE (PP), andLactobacillus plantarum3.7E + Pediococcus pentosaceus14.15SE (LP + PP), and six fermentation periods (P): 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. Alfalfa was wilted for 6 h in the field, which increased the dry matter content to 368 g/kg as fed. The CP and yeast population decreased during the fermentation process. Silage inoculated with the PP strain had the lowest pH values beginning at 14 d of fermentation and the lowest acetic acid concentration on the last day of fermentation. New strains more efficiently regulated enterobacteria and mold populations at days 56 and 28, respectively. Silages inoculated with the PP strain had a higher coefficient ofin vitrodry matter digestibility than LP silages. All of the tested novel strains resulted in positive effects on at least one chemical property of the silage during the fermentation process. However, the adding ofP.pentosaceuscan be indicated as the better for silage quality considering the tested treatments in the present study.
Physiological responses of the abalone Haliotis discus hannai to daily and seasonal temperature variations
Authors: Kang Hee Yoon , Lee Young-Jae , Song Woo-Young , Kim Tae-Ik , Lee Won-Chan , Kim Tae Young , Kang Chang-Keun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOrganisms inhabiting tidal mixing-front zones in shallow temperate seas are subjected to large semidiurnal temperature fluctuations in summer. The ability to optimize energy acquisition to this episodic thermal oscillation may determine the survival, growth and development of these ectotherms. We compared the physiological and molecular responses ofHaliotis discus hannaicultivated in suspended cages to fluctuating or stable temperature conditions. Several physiological indicators (respiration, excretion rates and O:N) were measured in both conditions, and alterations in the proteome during thermal fluctuations were assessed. No summer mortality was observed in abalone cultivated in fluctuating temperatures compared with that at stable high temperatures. Metabolic rates increased sharply during stable warm summer conditions and fluctuated in accordance with short-term temperature fluctuations (20–26 °C). Ammonia excretion rates during acute responses were comparable in both conditions. When abalone were exposed to fluctuating temperatures, enzyme activities were downregulated and structure-related protein expression was upregulated compared with that at an acclimation temperature (26 °C), highlighting that exposure to low temperatures during fluctuations alters molecular processes. Our results reveal that modulation of physiological traits and protein expression during semidiurnal thermal fluctuations may buffer abalone from the lethal consequences of extreme temperatures in summer.
Compound-specific recording of gadolinium pollution in coastal waters by great scallops
Authors: Le Goff Samuel , Barrat Jean-Alix , Chauvaud Laurent , Paulet Yves-Marie , Gueguen Bleuenn , Ben Salem Douraied 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), routinely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), end up directly in coastal seawaters where gadolinium concentrations are now increasing. Because many aquatic species could be sensitive to this new pollution, we have evaluated the possibility of using shellfish to assess its importance. Gadolinium excesses recorded by scallop shells collected in Bay of Brest (Brittany, France) for more than 30 years do not reflect the overall consumption in GBCAs, but are largely controlled by one of them, the gadopentetate dimeglumine. Although its use has been greatly reduced in Europe over the last ten years, gadolinium excesses are still measured in shells. Thus, some gadolinium derived from other GBCAs is bioavailable and could have an impact on marine wildlife.
Enhancement of catalytic activity by UV-light irradiation in CeO2 nanocrystals
Authors: Wu Tai-Sing , Syu Leng-You , Lin Chao-Nan , Lin Bi-Hsuan , Liao Yi-Hsiu , Weng Shih-Chang , Huang Yuh-Jeen , Jeng Horng-Tay , Lu Shih-Yuan , Chang Shih-Lin , Soo Yun-Liang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUltraviolet (UV) light irradiation on CeO2 nanocrystals catalysts has been observed to largely increase the material’s catalytic activity and reactive surface area. As revealed by x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis, the concentration of subvalent Ce3+ ions in the irradiated ceria samples progressively increases with the UV-light exposure time. The increase of Ce3+ concentration as a result of UV irradiation was also confirmed by the UV-vis diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectra that indicate substantially increased concentration of oxygen vacancy defects in irradiated samples. First-principle formation-energy calculation for oxygen vacancy defects revealed a valence-hole-dominated mechanism for the irradiation-induced reduction of CeO2 consistent with the experimental results. Based on a Mars-van Krevelen mechanism for ceria catalyzed oxidation processes, as the Ce3+ concentration is increased by UV-light irradiation, an increased number of reactive oxygen atoms will be captured from gas-phase O2 by the surface Ce3+ ions, and therefore leads to the observed catalytic activity enhancement. The unique annealing-free defect engineering method using UV-light irradiation provides an ultraconvenient approach for activity improvement in nanocrystal ceria for a wide variety of catalytic applications.
Maternal cosmetics use during pregnancy and risks of adverse outcomes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Huixia , Zheng Jianfei , Wang Hua , Huang Guangwen , Huang Qun , Feng Na , Xiao Juan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTo probe into the associations between maternal personal cosmetics use during pregnancy and risk of adverse outcomes, and explore the potential dose-response relationships, we carried out a prospective cohort study involving 9710 pregnant women in Zhuzhou City and Xiangtan City in Hunan province during 2016–2017. A structured questionnaire was used to collection information for the pregnant women and their pregnancy outcomes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by binary or multinomial logistic regressions. The study population included 4652 (47.9%) cosmetics non-users and 5058 (52.1%) cosmetics users. Cosmetics use was associated with an increased risk of small for gestational age (SGA) (aOR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.44), compared with cosmetics non-users. A positive dose-response relationship between frequency of cosmetics use and SGA was observed, although a borderline association was found at low use frequency (1–2 times per week; aOR = 1.18, 95%CI 0.99 to 1.40) and moderate use frequency (3–4 times per week; aOR = 1.23, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.64). High-frequency of cosmetics use (≥5 times per week) was significantly correlated with a higher risk of SGA (aOR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.25 to 2.69). No significant association between personal cosmetics use and the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, macrosomia, or large for gestational age was observed. The present study suggests that personal cosmetics use will increase the risk of SGA, but further research is required to determine which cosmetic products may account for the higher risk of SGA.
Mechanistic Study of TTF-1 Modulation of Cellular Sensitivity to Cisplatin
Authors: Phelps Cody A. , Lindsey-Boltz Laura , Sancar Aziz , Mu David 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe lung lineage master regulator gene, Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 (TTF-1, also known as NKX2-1), is used as a marker by pathologists to identify lung adenocarcinomas since TTF-1 is expressed in 60 ~ 70% of lung ADs. Much research has been conducted to investigate roles of TTF-1 in lung cancer biology. But, how it modulates cellular chemosensitivity remains poorly characterized. Our study shows that TTF-1 sensitizes theKRAS-mutated A549 and NCI-H460 lung cancer cells to cisplatin, a common chemotherapy used to treat lung cancer. This chemosensitization activity does not appear to be mediated by a TTF-1-imposed alteration on nucleotide excision repair. Mechanistically, TTF-1 induced a reduction in p-AKT (S473), which in turn activated glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and reduced β-catenin. Intriguingly, in theEGFR-mutated NCI-H1975 and HCC827 cells,TTF-1desensitized these cells to cisplatin; concomitantly, TTF-1 conferred an increase in p-AKT. Finally, the conditioned media ofTTF-1-transefected cells sensitizedTTF-1−cells to cisplatin, implicating that theTTF-1-driven chemosensitization activity may be dually pronged in both intracellular and extracellular compartments. In short, this study highlights the enigmatic activities of TTF-1 in lung cancer, and calls for future research to optimally manage chemotherapy of patients with TTF-1+lung ADs.
Poor control of interference from negative content hampers the effectiveness of humour as a source of positive emotional experiences
Authors: Papousek Ilona , Lackner Helmut K. , Weber Bernhard , Perchtold Corinna M. , Fink Andreas , Weiss Elisabeth M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe brain-based ability to direct attention away from interfering negative information may co-determine to which degree one may benefit from humour as a source of positive emotional experiences. This should be particularly relevant when it comes to humour that implicates a target the joke makes fun of, which inherently entails rivalry between positive and negative emotional representations. One hundred healthy individuals completed a pictorial negative affective priming task and a nonverbal humour processing task. In line with the notion that during the elaborative processing of malicious jokes, interference from negative emotional representations hampers the experience of amusement, participants took more time to judge their amusement evoked by malicious compared to benign jokes. Lesser ability to distract attention from interfering negative emotional representations was associated with slower judgements of amusement following the processing of malicious jokes, as well as with lower amusement ratings. The time it took participants to comprehend the punch-lines was not affected, neither was the immediate, short-lived pleasure after having comprehended the humour, measured by characteristic transient cardiac activation. The findings suggest that the effective use of humour as a source of positive emotional experiences requires the ability to overcome the dark side of typical humour.