bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pollinator parasites and the evolution of floral traits
Authors: Fouks Bertrand , Wagoner Kaira M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe main selective force driving floral evolution and diversity is plant–pollinator interactions. Pollinators use floral signals and indirect cues to assess flower reward, and the ensuing flower choice has major implications for plant fitness. While many pollinator behaviors have been described, the impact of parasites on pollinator foraging decisions and plant–pollinator interactions have been largely overlooked. Growing evidence of the transmission of parasites through the shared‐use of flowers by pollinators demonstrate the importance of behavioral immunity (altered behaviors that enhance parasite resistance) to pollinator health. During foraging bouts, pollinators can protect themselves against parasites through self‐medication, disease avoidance, and grooming. Recent studies have documented immune behaviors in foraging pollinators, as well as the impacts of such behaviors on flower visitation. Because pollinator parasites can affect flower choice and pollen dispersal, they may ultimately impact flower fitness. Here, we discuss how pollinator immune behaviors and floral traits may affect the presence and transmission of pollinator parasites, as well as how pollinator parasites, through these immune behaviors, can impact plant–pollinator interactions. We further discuss how pollinator immune behaviors can impact plant fitness, and how floral traits may adapt to optimize plant fitness in response to pollinator parasites. We propose future research directions to assess the role of pollinator parasites in plant–pollinator interactions and evolution, and we propose better integration of the role of pollinator parasites into research related to pollinator optimal foraging theory, floral diversity and agricultural practices.
Multi‐Step Reactions Involving Iron‐Catalysed Reduction and Hydrogen Borrowing Reactions
Authors: Wei Duo , Netkaew Chakkrit , Darcel Christophe 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is part of the group of Christophe Darcel from Université de Rennes 1, France. The cover image shows an iron catalyst in action on the Moebius loop sculpture located in front of the main entrance of the Faculty of Sciences Campus in Rennes. Iron‐catalysed reduction of a double bond is one of the steps included in the multi‐step reaction.
Individual and Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Cd(II), Cu(II) and Pb(II) Applying Amino Functionalized Fe3O4@Carbon Microspheres Modified Electrode
Authors: Bai Fan , Zhang Xinhao , Hou Xinmei , Liu Huijuan , Chen Junhong , Yang Tao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAmino‐functionalized Fe3O4@carbon microspheres (NH2−Fe3O4@C) were prepared and the electrochemical sensor was constructed using NH2−Fe3O4@C modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) to determine toxic heavy metals in aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the structure and phase of NH2−Fe3O4@C. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results indicate that NH2−Fe3O4@C modified GCE possesses large active area and excellent electron transfer. Under optimized electrochemical condition, Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) were determined using NH2−Fe3O4@C modified GCE. The electrode through amino functionalization exhibits higher sensitivity and lower detection limit toward Cd(II) and Cu(II) due to the acid‐base pairing interaction between the electron‐rich −NH2 ligand and the electron‐deficient heavy metal ions. Compared with other similar results reported in the literature, the NH2−Fe3O4@C modified electrode exhibits wider linear response range while with comparable lower detection limit. It also exhibits excellent stability, reproducibility and anti‐interference ability.
Mercury removal from water using deep eutectic solvents‐functionalized multi walled carbon nanotubes: Nonlinear autoregressive network with an exogenous input neural network approach
Authors: Fiyadh Seef S. , AlSaadi Mohammed A. , Binti Jaafar Wan Z. , AlOmar Mohamed K. , Fayaed Sabah S. , Hama Ako R. , Hin Lai S. , El‐Shafie Ahmed 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis work presents the experimental and modeling process for mercury ions removal from water using functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotube as adsorbent. The modeling procedure has been carried out using nonlinear autoregressive network with an exogenous input (NARX) neural network modeling technique is used for modeling the adsorbent's adsorption capacity using different parameters based on experimental data. The effect of different parameters including mercury ions concentration, pH, amount of adsorbent dosage, and contact time is studied. Three kinetics models such as intraparticle diffusion, pseudo first‐order, and pseudo second order are applied using the experimental and predicted outputs, the pseudo second order was the best to describe. A sensitivity study is conducted using different parameters. Various indicators are applied to examine the accuracy and efficiency of the NARX model such are mean square error (MSE), root mean square error, relative root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error, relative error (RE), and coefficient of determination (R2). The value of the maximum RE was 3.49%, the R2 was 0.9998, and the MSE was 4.28 × 10−6. Based on the used indicators, the NARX model was capable to predict the adsorbent's adsorption capacity by comparing the NARX model outputs to the experimental results.
Evaluating early warning and coincident indicators of business cycles using smooth trends
Authors: Bujosa Marcos , García‐Ferrer Antonio , de Juan Aránzazu , Martín‐Arroyo Antonio 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe present a composite coincident indicator designed to capture the state of the Spanish economy. Our approach, based on smooth trends, guarantees that the resulting indicators are reasonably smooth and issue stable signals, reducing the uncertainty. The coincident indicator has been checked by comparing it with the one recently proposed by the Spanish Economic Association index. Both indexes show similar behavior and ours captures very well the beginning and end of the official recessions and expansion periods. Our coincident indicator also tracks very well alternative mass media indicators typically used in the political science literature. We also update our composite leading indicator (Bujosa et al., Journal of Forecasting, 2013, 32(6), 481–499). It systematically predicts the peaks and troughs of the new Spanish Economic Association index and provides significant aid in forecasting annual gross domestic product growth rates. Using only real data available at the beginning of each forecast period, our indicator one‐step‐ahead forecast shows improvements over other individual alternatives and different forecast combinations.
Effects of power ultrasound on the activity and structure of β‐D‐glucosidase with potentially aroma‐enhancing capability
Authors: Sun Yujing , Zeng Li , Xue Yuanzhong , Yang Tianbao , Cheng Zongming , Sun Peilong 
Published: May 2019

Abstractβ‐d‐glucosidase can release aroma precursors to improve the flavor of plant food, but the hydrolysis efficiency of the enzyme is low; the purpose of this study was to improve the enzyme activity using ultrasound. The effects of ultrasound parameters on β‐d‐glucosidase activity were investigated, and the respective structures of enzyme activated and enzyme inhibited were further analyzed. Low temperature (20–45°C), low ultrasonic intensity (<181.53 W/cm2), and short treatment time (<15 min) led to the activation of β‐d‐glucosidase, whereas high temperature (45–60°C), high ultrasonic intensity (>181.53 W/cm2), and long treatment time (>15 min) led to its inhibition. Application of ultrasound lowered the optimum temperature for β‐d‐glucosidase activity from 50 to 40°C. Ultrasound did not change the primary structures of the enzyme, but changed the secondary structures. When ultrasound activated β‐d‐glucosidase, the α‐helix contents were increased, the β‐fold and irregular coil content were reduced. When ultrasound inhibited β‐d‐glucosidase, the contents of β‐folds were increased, the α‐helix and irregular coil contents were reduced.. In summary, activation or inhibition of β‐d‐glucosidase under ultrasound was determined by the ultrasound conditions. This study suggests that ultrasound combined with β‐D‐glucosidase can be used in aroma‐enhancing.
Dual Roles of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin in Regulating Liver Injury and Tumorigenesis in Autophagy‐Defective Mouse Liver
Authors: Ni Hong‐Min , Chao Xiaojuan , Yang Hua , Deng Fengyan , Wang Shaogui , Bai Qingyun , Qian Hui , Cui Yue , Cui Wei , Shi Yinghong , Zong Wei‐Xing , Wang Zhengtao , Yang Li , Ding Wen‐Xing 
Published: May 2019

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that degrades cytoplasmic proteins and organelles. Absence of autophagy in hepatocytes has been linked to promoting liver injury and tumorigenesis; however, the mechanisms behind why a lack of autophagy induces these complications are not fully understood. The role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in impaired autophagy‐induced liver pathogenesis and tumorigenesis was investigated by using liver‐specific autophagy related 5 knockout (L‐ATG5 KO) mice, L‐ATG5/mTOR, and L‐ATG5/Raptor double knockout (DKO) mice. We found that deletion of mTOR or Raptor in L‐ATG5 KO mice at 2 months of age attenuated hepatomegaly, cell death, and inflammation but not fibrosis. Surprisingly, at 6 months of age, L‐ATG5/mTOR DKO and L‐ATG5/Raptor DKO mice also had increased hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and liver injury, similar to the L‐ATG5 KO mice. Moreover, more than 50% of L‐ATG5/mTOR DKO and L‐ATG5/Raptor DKO mice already developed spontaneous tumors, but none of the L‐ATG5 KO mice had developed any tumors at 6 months of age. At 9 months of age, all L‐ATG5/mTOR DKO and L‐ATG5/Raptor DKO had developed liver tumors. Mechanistically, L‐ATG5/mTOR DKO and L‐ATG5/Raptor DKO mice had decreased levels of hepatic ubiquitinated proteins and persistent nuclear erythroid 2 p45‐related factor 2 activation but had increased Akt activation compared with L‐ATG5 KO mice. Conclusion: Loss of mTOR signaling attenuates the liver pathogenesis in mice with impaired hepatic autophagy but paradoxically promotes tumorigenesis in mice at a relatively young age. Therefore, the balance of mTOR is critical in regulating the liver pathogenesis and tumorigenesis in mice with impaired hepatic autophagy.
Weak biophoton emission after laser surgery application in soft tissues: Analysis of the optical features
Authors: Boschi Federico , Basso Petra R. , Corridori Ilaria , Durando Giovanni , Sandri Angela , Segalla Gabriel , Raspanti Mario , Spinelli Antonello E. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNowadays, laser scalpels are commonly used in surgery, replacing the traditional surgical scalpels for several applications involving cutting or ablating living biological tissue. Laser scalpels are generally used to concentrate light energy in a very small‐sized area; light energy is then converted in heat by the tissues. In other cases, the fiber glass tip of the laser scalpel is heated to high temperature and used to cut the tissues. Depending on the temperature reached in the irradiated area, different effects are visible in the tissues. In this study, we report the discovery and characterization of the light emitted by soft mammalian biological tissues from seconds to hours after laser surgery application. A laser diode (with hot fiber glass tip) working at 808 nm and commercially available for medical and dentistry applications was used. The irradiated tissues (red meat, chicken breast and fat) showed light emission in the visible range, well detectable with a commercial charge coupled device (CCD) camera. The time decay of the light emission, the laser power effects and the spectral features in the range 500 to 840 nm in the different tissues are here reported.
Dose‐dependent study of effects of 532‐nm continuous wave laser on rat skin: A mechanistic insight
Authors: Bora Kiran , Kumar Bhuvnesh , Prakash Satya , Rathi Ajay 
Published: May 2019

AbstractVisible lasers emitting in the green spectral region are being routinely employed in various medical and defense fields namely treatment of pigmented lesions, tattoo inks, port wine stains, dazzling the target or mob dispersal. Despite their increasing applications, lasers also tend to pose occupational hazards to operators, ancillary personnel, individuals undergoing laser therapies. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of different doses of 532‐nm continuous wave laser on rat skin. The present study demonstrated that higher fluences of 532‐nm continuous wave (CW) laser induces significant tissue damage through induction of tumor necrosis factor‐α, cyclooxygenase‐2, tumor protein (p53), PARP 1, caspase3 which in turn leads to tissue damage and cell death. Furthermore, level of heat shock proteins, pAkt were found up‐regulated as a cope up response to laser‐induced stress. On the basis of the findings, irradiation with 532‐nm CW laser up to 2.5 J/cm2 was found within the safe exposure limits. Thus, it is probably the first attempt to demonstrate the tissue damage induced by 532‐nm CW laser on skin, which may help in choosing safe laser dose for certain skin‐based applications and evolving methods to ameliorate laser‐inflicted injuries.
Muscle radiodensity loss during cancer therapy is predictive for poor survival in advanced endometrial cancer
Authors: Lee Jie , Lin Jhen‐Bin , Wu Meng‐Hao , Jan Ya‐Ting , Chang Chih‐Long , Huang Chueh‐Yi , Sun Fang‐Ju , Chen Yu‐Jen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundTreatment‐related toxicities and decreased levels of patient performance during cancer therapy might contribute to body composition changes and thereby impact outcomes. However, the effect of longitudinal body composition changes on outcomes in patients with advanced endometrial cancer is unknown. This study investigated the association between body composition changes during staging surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and outcomes in patients with stage III endometrial cancer.MethodsPretreatment and post‐treatment computed tomography (CT) images of 131 patients with stage III endometrial cancer who were treated between 2008 and 2016 were analysed. All CT images were contrast enhanced and acquired according to the standardized protocol. The skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD), and total adipose tissue index were measured from two sets of CT images obtained at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. The skeletal muscle gauge was calculated by multiplying SMI by SMD (SMI × SMD). Predictors of overall survival and progression‐free survival were identified using Cox regression models.ResultsThe median follow‐up was 50.6 (range 12.1–117.0) months. Overall, body mass index (BMI) changes during treatment were 0.4% per 210 days (95% confidence interval: −0.6 to 1.4; P = 0.41), and patients experienced an average SMD loss of 2.1% per 210 days (95% confidence interval: −4.0 to −0.2; P = 0.03). Weight loss and SMD loss ≥5% were observed in 23 (17.6%) and 54 (41.2%) patients, respectively. The changes in SMD did not correlate with those in BMI (Spearman's ρ for SMD, −0.13; P = 0.13). SMD change (per 1 Hounsfield unit/210 days decrease) was independently associated with poorer overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.52; P < 0.001) and progression‐free survival (hazard ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.43; P < 0.001). Our results did not show association between survival and pretreatment myosteatosis and sarcopenia or changes in SMI and total adipose tissue index during treatment. The pretreatment skeletal muscle gauge was associated with treatment modifications such as delays, dose reductions, and discontinuation of chemotherapy.ConclusionsSkeletal muscle radiodensity decreased significantly during treatment and was independently associated with poorer survival in patients with stage III endometrial cancer who underwent staging surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. SMD loss was occult and occurred independently of BMI change.
Retracted: The fabrication of magnetic recyclable nitrogen‐doped titanium dioxide/calcium ferrite/diatomite heterojunction nanocomposite for improved visible‐light‐driven degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Chen Yan , Wu Qiong , Wang Jun , Song Youtao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDPowdery photocatalysts have long been studied in various aspects, yet their low recovery in suspension systems remains the bottleneck hindering their practical application. An alternative method to overcome this shortcoming is to develop magnetic recyclable ferrite‐based hybrid photocatalysts. In this work, we prepared a nitrogen (N)‐doped titania (TiO2)/calcium ferrite (CaFe2O4)/diatomite (Dt) (N‐TCD) ternary hybrid via the sol–gel method. The physicochemical properties of various hybrid catalysts were characterized and studied, and their photocatalytic properties were evaluated via the degradation of the antibiotic tetracycline (TC) under visible light.RESULTSThe photodegradation rate of TC was accelerated by the high adsorption ability of Dt, due to the adsorption and degradation synergistic effect between catalysts and substrate Dt. The ternary composite indicated higher degradation rate than binary ones, implying the interaction between three components. Based on the degradation results, the optimal N dopant amount and catalyst dosage were determined.CONCLUSIONSThe formation of heterojunction between N‐doped TiO2 and CaFe2O4 hindered the recombination of photo‐induced charge carriers and improved the photocatalytic activity. The ternary N‐TCD composite could simply be recovered from TC solution via an external magnet, and repetition tests indicated no obvious decrease of photoactivity, even after five runs. This nanocomposite was considered appropriate for application in wastewater remediation processes, thanks to its high photocatalytic efficiency under visible light irradiation, as well as its good reusability and stability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome with intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging: An experimental study in a rat model
Authors: Hong Eun Kyoung , Joo Ijin , Park Juil , Lee Kyoungbun 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundIntravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) parameters may reflect perfusion and diffusion changes in hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS).PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of IVIM‐DWI in the noninvasive assessment of hepatic SOS in an experimental rat model.Study TypeAnimal study.Population/SubjectsForty‐four rats were administered different doses (90 or 160 mg/kg) of monocrotaline by gavage either 48 or 72 hours before MRI to induce different degrees of hepatic SOS, and another 10 rats served as controls.Field Strength/Sequence3T scanner, IVIM‐DWI using nine b values (0–800 sec/mm2).AssessmentHistologically, rats were classified as having none (n = 10), mild (n = 8), moderate (n = 19), or severe SOS (n = 17). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and IVIM‐derived parameters (D: true diffusion coefficient, D*: pseudo‐diffusion coefficient, and f: perfusion fraction) of the liver parenchyma were measured.Statistical TestsIVIM‐DWI parameters were compared according to histologic grades of SOS (none, mild, moderate, and severe), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic accuracy.ResultsADC, D, and f of the liver parenchyma were significantly different according to SOS severity groups (Ps < 0.01) and significantly decreased as SOS severity increased (rho = –0.323, –0.313, and –0.700; P = 0.017, 0.021, and <0.001, respectively). Means of f in none, mild, moderate, and severe SOS were 17.2%, 13.3%, 12.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. Among ADC and IVIM‐derived parameters, f provided the highest area under the ROC curves for detecting ≥mild, ≥moderate, and severe SOS (0.991, 0.890, and 0.803, respectively).Data ConclusionIVIM‐DWI may be useful in the diagnosis and severity assessment of hepatic SOS.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:81–89.
Evaluation of four injection profiles for uniform contrast‐enhanced signal intensity profiles in MR angiography
Authors: Maki Jeffrey H. , Wilson Gregory J. , Clark Toshimasa J. 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundGadolinium concentration variation during acquisition of contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (CE‐MRA) may lead to artifacts.PurposeTo compare signal intensity (SI) profiles of four different contrast agent injection strategies during CE‐MRA with the goal of minimizing SI variation during acquisition.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsForty subjects randomized to receive one of four injection profiles of gadobenate dimeglumine (0.1 mmol/kg), either undiluted (0.5 M) or diluted to 40 ml total volume. Tested profiles: 1) nondiluted single‐phase ("standard" NS; 1.6 ml/s), 2) diluted single‐phase (DS; 1.6 ml/s), 3) diluted biphasic (DB; 9 ml @ 3.3 ml/s, 29 ml @ 1.4 ml/s), 4) patient‐tailored protocol using linear prediction (DT).Field Strength/SequenceTime‐resolved SI measured at 3T with spoiled gradient echo sequences having analogous parameters to those of CE‐MRA.AssessmentPlateau arrival time, rise time, duration, peak and tail SI, plateau quality (sum of squared residuals; SSR), average SI for each injection type derived were used.Statistical TestTwo‐tailed t‐test.ResultsPeak SI, arrival, and rise times were not significantly different between groups, excepting peak SI DB slightly > DS (P = 0.042). Duration of NS vs. the diluted groups was significantly shorter (all P < 0.0001), and DS duration was significantly shorter than that of DT and DB (NS 11.4 ± 3.5 vs. DS 22.9 ± 4.3, DB 25.4 ± 2.3, DT 28.3 ± 4.1 sec). Quality (SSR) of the 20‐second plateau was significantly better for DS, DB, DT as compared with NS (all P < 0.001).Data ConclusionThree different strategies to power‐inject diluted gadobenate dimeglumine targeting a 20‐second plateau produced SI profiles with longer duration, more consistent plateau, and no significant loss in peak SI. Such injection profiles may provide more uniform SI during CE‐MRA, potentially reducing blurring artifacts.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1808–1816.