bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host specificity pattern and chemical deception in a social parasite of ants
Authors: Casacci Luca Pietro , Schönrogge Karsten , Thomas Jeremy Ambler , Balletto Emilio , Bonelli Simona , Barbero Francesca 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn natural ecosystems, relationships between organisms are often characterised by high levels of complexity, where vulnerabilities in multi-trophic systems are difficult to identify, yet variation in specific community modules can be traceable. Within the complex community interactions, we can shed new light on dynamics by which co-evolutionary outcomes can inform science-led conservation. Here we assessed host-ant use in six populations of the butterfly Phengaris (=Maculinea) rebeli, an obligate social parasite of Myrmica ants and a model system in evolutionary and conservation ecology. Starting from the initial distribution of eggs, we estimated the survival of the parasite in the wild in nests of seven Myrmica ant species, and analysed the chemical cues evolved by the parasites to subvert its host defences. We found local variations in host specificity that are consistent with similarities found in the chemical profiles of hosts and parasites on different sites. At some sites, only one ant species is successfully exploited; at others, multiple-host populations are used. Understanding how stable or adaptable these associations are is essential knowledge when devising conservation measures to maintain keystone species of ant and locally adapted populations of Phengaris butterfly species, which are rare, threatened and a high priority for conservation worldwide.
Nuclear defects in skeletal muscle from a Dynamin 2-linked centronuclear myopathy mouse model
Authors: Fongy Anaïs , Falcone Sestina , Lainé Jeanne , Prudhon Bernard , Martins-Bach Aurea , Bitoun Marc 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDynamin 2 (DNM2) is a key protein of the endocytosis and intracellular membrane trafficking machinery. Mutations in the DNM2 gene cause autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy (CNM) and a knock-in mouse model expressing the most frequent human DNM2 mutation in CNM (Knock In-Dnm2R465W/+) develops a myopathy sharing similarities with human disease. Using isolated muscle fibres from Knock In-Dnm2R465W/+ mice, we investigated number, spatial distribution and morphology of myonuclei. We showed a reduction of nuclear number from 20 weeks of age in Tibialis anterior muscle from heterozygous mice. This reduction is associated with a decrease in the satellite cell content in heterozygous muscles. The concomitant reduction of myonuclei number and cross-section area in the heterozygous fibres contributes to largely maintain myonuclear density and volume of myonuclear domain. Moreover, we identified signs of impaired spatial nuclear distribution including alteration of distance from myonuclei to their nearest neighbours and change in orientation of the nuclei. This study highlights reduction of number of myonuclei, a key regulator of the myofiber size, as a new pathomechanism underlying muscle atrophy in the dominant centronuclear myopathy. In addition, this study opens a new line of investigation which could prove particularly important on satellite cells in dominant centronuclear myopathy.
Bio-cleaning of nitrate salt efflorescence on stone samples using extremophilic bacteria
Authors: Romano Ida , Abbate Mario , Poli Annarita , D’Orazio Loredana 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFor the first time, we propose the use of an extremophilic bacterium to remove nitrate salt efflorescence from the surfaces of stone samples. A haloalkaliphilic bacterium was selected “ad hoc” for its ability to reduce nitrates; i.e. Halomonas campaniensis sp. nov., strain 5AGT (DSM 15293T, ATCC BAA-966T). Quantitative monitoring of nitrate content, on untreated and treated surfaces of stone samples artificially enriched with nitrate, as a function of incubation/treatment time, was carried out by molecular spectroscopy. The results obtained reveal the good performance of Halomonas campaniensis bacterium in decreasing nitrate concentration on stone surfaces both in a controlled laboratory environment for temperature and relative humidity and in a real outdoor environmental conditions.
Cisplatin enhances cell stiffness and decreases invasiveness rate in prostate cancer cells by actin accumulation
Authors: Raudenska Martina , Kratochvilova Monika , Vicar Tomas , Gumulec Jaromir , Balvan Jan , Polanska Hana , Pribyl Jan , Masarik Michal 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe focused on the biomechanical and morphological characteristics of prostate cancer cells and their changes resulting from the effect of docetaxel, cisplatin, and long-term zinc supplementation. Cell population surviving the treatment was characterized as follows: cell stiffness was assessed by atomic force microscopy, cell motility and invasion capacity were determined by colony forming assay, wound healing assay, coherence-controlled holographic microscopy, and real-time cell analysis. Cells of metastatic origin exhibited lower height than cells derived from the primary tumour. Cell dry mass and CAV1 gene expression followed similar trends as cell stiffness. Docetaxel- and cisplatin-surviving cells had higher stiffness, and decreased motility and invasive potential as compared to non-treated cells. This effect was not observed in zinc(II)-treated cells. We presume that cell stiffness changes may represent an important overlooked effect of cisplatin-based anti-cancer drugs. Atomic force microscopy and confocal microscopy data images used in our study are available for download in the Zenodo repository (https://zenodo.org/, Digital Object Identifiers:10.5281/zenodo.1494935).
In vitro cytotoxicity and anticancer effects of citral nanostructured lipid carrier on MDA MBA-231 human breast cancer cells
Authors: Nordin Noraini , Yeap Swee Keong , Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Zamberi Nur Rizi , Abu Nadiah , Mohamad Nurul Elyani , How Chee Wun , Masarudin Mas Jaffri , Abdullah Rasedee , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractVery recently, we postulated that the incorporation of citral into nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC-Citral) improves solubility and delivery of the citral without toxic effects in vivo. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate anti-cancer effects of NLC-Citral in MDA MB-231 cells in vitro through the Annexin V, cell cycle, JC-1 and fluorometric assays. Additionally, this study is aimed to effects of NLC-Citral in reducing the tumor weight and size in 4T1 induced murine breast cancer model. Results showed that NLC-Citral induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest in MDA MB-231 cells. Furthermore, a prominent anti-metastatic ability of NLC-Citral was demonstrated in vitro using scratch, migration and invasion assays. A significant reduction of migrated and invaded cells was observed in the NLC-Citral treated MDA MB-231 cells. To further evaluate the apoptotic and anti-metastatic mechanism of NLC-Citral at the molecular level, microarray-based gene expression and proteomic profiling were conducted. Based on the result obtained, NLC-Citral was found to regulate several important signaling pathways related to cancer development such as apoptosis, cell cycle, and metastasis signaling pathways. Additionally, gene expression analysis was validated through the targeted RNA sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, the NLC-Citral inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro, majorly through the induction of apoptosis, anti-metastasis, anti-angiogenesis potentials, and reducing the tumor weight and size without altering the therapeutic effects of citral.
Greenhouse and field evaluation of a novel HPPD-inhibiting herbicide, QYM201, for weed control in wheat
Authors: Zhang Fengwen , Bai Shuang , Wang Hengzhi , Liu Weitang , Wang Jinxin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractQYM201, 1-(2-chloro-3-(3-cyclopropyl-5-hydroxy-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-2-one), is a newly developed HPPD- (4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase; EC 1.13.11.27) inhibiting herbicide for weed control. Experiments were carried out to determine the effect of QYM201 on weeds and its safety for wheat in the glasshouse and field. The results indicated that at doses of 90 and 135 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha−1 QYM201 was highly effective against both grass and broadleaf weeds, such as Alopecurus aequalis Sobol., Alopecurus japonicus Steud, and Capsella bursa-pastoris Medic. In a wheat hybrid tolerance experiment, QYM201 showed a high level of safety for most of the 17 tested wheat hybrids, and the SI values reached ≥5.7 in the selectivity index study. To determine application rules for QYM201, field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017. During this time, 90 to 270 g a.i. ha−1 post-emergence herbicide application (POST) was sufficient to supply satisfactory all-season control of Alopecurus aequalis Sobol., Descurainia sophia [L.] Schur., and Malachium aquaticum (L.) Fires. No damage to wheat plants was observed. In order to increase wheat yield and deliver effective weed control, a dosage of 90 to 180 g a.i. ha−1 is suggested. In conclusion, the herbicide QYM201 is safe to use in wheat fields to control winter weeds.
Retinal Microvasculature and Visual Acuity after Intravitreal Aflibercept in Diabetic Macular Edema: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study
Authors: Busch Caleb , Wakabayashi Taku , Sato Tatsuhiko , Fukushima Yoko , Hara Chikako , Shiraki Nobuhiko , Winegarner Andrew , Nishida Kentaro , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Nishida Kohji 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe investigated changes in retinal vascular area and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) after intravitreal aflibercept in diabetic macular edema (DME) and the association of these changes with visual outcomes. The retinal vascular area in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) and the FAZ area were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in 23 eyes of 23 patients with DME, before and after intravitreal aflibercept. Overall, there was no significant change in retinal vascular area or FAZ. Better BCVA after treatment was significantly associated with larger retinal vascular area in the SCP and the DCP, both at baseline (R2 = 0.512, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.361, P = 0.002, respectively) and after intravitreal aflibercept (R2 = 0.717, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.618, P < 0.001, respectively). MAs were observed in the DCP in 20 eyes (87%), but only detected in four eyes (17%) in the SCP before treatment. The number of eyes with MAs in the DCP significantly decreased to 13 (57%) after treatment (P = 0.049). The persistence of DME was associated with persistent MAs (P = 0.019) and less visual gain (P = 0.031) following treatment. Thus, preserving retinal perfusion and the resolution of MAs are associated with better vision and resolution of the DME after intravitreal aflibercept.
Electrochemical Oxidation Induced Multi-Level Memory in Carbon-Based Resistive Switching Devices
Authors: Russo Paola , Xiao Ming , Zhou Norman Y. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this work, we report for the first time the electrochemical oxidation as a technique to improve the electrical performances of carbon-based resistive switching devices. The devices obtained through the anodic oxidation of carbon-structures possess superior electrical performances i.e. a 3-level memory behavior and an ON/OFF ratio two order of magnitude higher than the non-oxidized carbon-based devices. It is demonstrated that the chemical composition of the carbon structures (i.e. percentage of oxygen groups, sp2 and sp3 carbon atoms) plays a key role in the improvement of the carbon-based devices. The electrochemical oxidation allows the possibility to control the oxidation degree, and therefore, to tailor the devices electrical performances. We demonstrated that the resistive switching behavior in the electrochemically oxidized devices is originated from the formation of conductive filament paths, which are built from the oxygen vacancies and structural defects of the anodic oxidized carbon materials. The novelty of this work relies on the anodic oxidation as a time- and cost-effective technique that can be employed for the engineering and improvement of the electrical performances of next generation carbon-based resistive switching devices.
Tailoring of magnetic properties of giant magnetoresistance spin valves via insertion of ultrathin non-magnetic spacers between pinned and pinning layers
Authors: Kim Si Nyeon , Choi Jun Woo , Lim Sang Ho 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe low-field sensitivity of a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) spin valve can be enhanced by tailoring the bias field of the free layer because this sensitivity and bias field are known to show a strong correlation. In this study, the free-layer bias field is reduced considerably to almost zero via the insertion of an ultrathin nonmagnetic spacer between the pinned layer and the pinning layer. The spacer promotes an increase in the density of Néel walls in the pinned layer. This increase, in turn, induces domain-wall-induced magnetostatic interactions of the free poles formed on the Néel walls inside the free and pinned layers. The magnetostatic interactions result in the formation of flux closures that act as pinning sites during the magnetization reversal process and stabilize the antiparallel magnetization state between the free layer and the pinned layer by suppressing the switching of the free layer from the antiparallel state to the parallel state. Furthermore, the spacer offers an additional advantage of increasing the GMR ratio by inducing a specular scattering effect at its top and bottom interfaces. A highly improved low-field sensitivity of 12.01 mV/mA·Oe is achieved in the sample with a Cu/Pt dual spacer.
The Role of Pretreatment Serum Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treated with Definitive Chemoradiotherapy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kuo Chin , Hsueh Wei-Ting , Wu Yuan-Hua , Yang Ming-Wei , Cheng Yung-Jen , Pao Tzu-Hui , Tsai Mu-Hung 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSerum neutrophil-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) is a potential predictive and prognostic marker in head and neck cancers. This study aimed to determine the role of pretreatment serum NLR in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. We retrospectively investigated the correlation between clinicopathological parameters and NLR status and analysed its impact on therapeutic response and survival. A total of 120 patients treated at a single institution between 2009 and 2015 were included. The median follow-up time was 24.1 months. High NLR (NLR ≥ 4) was associated with advanced T classification (p = 0.01*) and advanced stage (p = 0.02*) based on chi-square test. We also found that high pretreatment NLR was correlated with poor treatment response (HR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.08–5.44,p = 0.03*). Pretreatment NLR was also an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.01–2.90,p = 0.046*) and overall survival (HR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.21–3.28,p = 0.01*) while correcting for known prognostic factors. Overall, these findings support that NLR is a potential biomarker for host response to tumour aggressiveness, therapeutic response to chemoradiotherapy and survival in HPC patients. This study is limited by its retrospective nature and further validation is warranted.
Identification of non-specific Lipid Transfer Protein gene family members in Solanum lycopersicum and insights into the features of Sola l 3 protein
Authors: D’Agostino Nunzio , Buonanno Martina , Ayoub Joëlle , Barone Amalia , Monti Simona Maria , Rigano Maria Manuela 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNon-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) are characterized by an eight-cysteine motif backbone that is stabilized by four disulphide bonds. The strong interest towards this protein family is mainly due to the fact that nsLTPs are involved in many biological processes and have been identified as major human allergens. Since tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most consumed and allergenic vegetables, a full characterization of this family is needed. In this study, hidden Markov model profiles were used to identify nsLTPs within the tomato protein complement. Following manual curation, 64 nsLTP genes were classified into six sub-families. Furthermore, nsLTP gene structure, distribution and arrangement along tomato chromosomes were investigated. Available RNA-seq expression profile data and Real-Time PCR analyses were used to derive expression patterns of tomato nsLTPs in different tissues/organs. Non-specific LTP genes with high level of expression in tomato fruits were filtered out since they could play a key role in tomato allergenicity. Among these genes was Solyc10g075090 that encodes the allergen Sola l 3. Finally, cloning, heterologous expression, purification and biochemical characterization of the recombinant protein Sola l 3 was performed.
Coherent Raman Generation Controlled by Wavefront Shaping
Authors: Shutova Mariia , Shutov Anton D. , Zhdanova Alexandra A. , Thompson Jonathan V. , Sokolov Alexei V. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe investigate the possibility of tailoring coherent Raman generated spectra via adaptive wavefront optimization. Our technique combines a spatial light modulator and a spectrometer providing a feedback loop. The algorithm is capable of controlling the Raman generation, producing broader spectra and an improved overall efficiency, and increasing the intensity of high-order sidebands. Moreover, by wavefront optimization we can extend the generated spectra towards the blue spectral region and increase the total power of generated sidebands. Mutual coherence and equal frequency separation of the multiple Raman sidebands are of interest for the synthesis of ultrashort light pulses with the total spectral bandwidth extending over ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared wavelengths.
Effects of zinc chloride–silicone oil treatment on wood dimensional stability, chemical components, thermal decomposition and its mechanism
Authors: He Zhengbin , Qu Lijie , Wang Zhenyu , Qian Jing , Yi Songlin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe hygroexpansion and anisotropy of wood limit its application in construction and wood products industry. Zinc chloride–silicone oil was use to decrease the hygroscopicity and improve the dimensional stability of wood at 80 °C, 140 °C, 160 °C and 180 °C. The effects of the treatment on the dimensional stability, chemical structure, thermal degradation, morphology of wood were evaluated, and the mechanism was determined. Results indicated that the zinc chloride–silicone oil treatment at 80 °C improved the dimensional stability and decreased the hygroscopicity of wood. The tangential, radial, and volumetric swelling coefficients of the treated wood decreased by 9.7%, 33.5%, and 18.2%, respectively, relative to those of the untreated wood. Zinc chloride–silicone oil treatment also changed the chemical structure of wood by degrading the wood components and decreasing the moisture absorption groups. Moreover, zinc chloride–silicone oil treatment significantly influenced the thermal degradation of wood, as samples treated with zinc chloride–silicone oil at 140 °C, 160 °C and 180 °C presented sharp peaks around 511 °C, 501 °C and 473 °C. The control group exhibited a more common derivative thermogravimetric curve with a sharp peak at 375 °C. In addition, the silicone oil could impregnate wood, occlude moisture passage, and prevent the movement of moisture in wood. This method can be applied in building and wood industries to expand the applications of wood products.
The association between allergic rhinitis and otitis media: A national representative sample of in South Korean children
Authors: Byeon Haewon 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAlthough many studies have reported that allergic rhinitis is an independent risk factor highly related to otitis media in children, there is still lack of epidemiological studies on demographics. The objective of this study was to identify if allergic rhinitis was an independent risk factor for otitis media in children aged between 7 and 12 years by using the nationwide survey data representing the local population of South Korea. This is a secondary study based on the ENT examination data (eg. acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, chronic otitis media). The subjects of this study were 472 children (248 male and 224 female) who completed the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015. The presence of otitis media was examined by otolaryngologists using tympanometric measurements, audiometric measurements, and otoscopic examination. Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed by Korean-version of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, a total serum immunoglobulin E test, an allergen-specific immunoglobulin E test, a blood eosinophil test, an eosinophil cationic protein test, a nasal cytology for eosinophils test, a skin reaction test, and an antigen simultaneous test. Confounding factors included age, gender, the levels of income for households, and household composition. The relationship between allergic rhinitis and otitis media was analyzed by a complex sample logistic regression analysis and the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were presented. The results of a complex sample design logistic regression revealed that allergic rhinitis in children was significantly associated with otitis media (p < 0.05). Even after adjusting all confounding factors, children with allergic rhinitis had twice significantly higher risk of otitis (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.30–3.18) than children without allergic rhinitis. This epidemiologic study confirmed the independent relationship between pediatric allergic rhinitis and otitis media. In the future, longitudinal study will be needed to verify causality of allergic rhinitis and otitis media.
Digital polymerase chain reaction for detecting c-MYC copy number gain in tissue and cell-free plasma samples of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Lee Kyu Sang , Nam Soo Kyung , Seo Soo Hyun , Park Kyoung Un , Oh Heung-Kwon , Kim Duck-Woo , Kang Sung-Bum , Kim Woo Ho , Lee Hye Seung 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe focused on the utility of the droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for detecting c-MYC gene copy number (GCN) gain in cell-free plasma and tumor tissue of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. c-MYC GCN status was determined using dual-color silver in situ hybridization (SISH) and ddPCR in retrospective cohort 1 (192 CRC patients) and prospective cohort 2 (64 CRC patients). In cohort 1, c-MYC GCN gain was observed in 34 (17.5%) patients by SISH, and in 7 (3.6%) patients by ddPCR. c-MYC GCN by SISH significantly correlated with ddPCR results (ρ = 0.532, P < 0.001). Although 40 cases (20.7%) showed intratumoral genetic heterogeneity, it did not cause discordance in results obtained by the two methods. c-MYC GCN gain, by both SISH and ddPCR was independently correlated with worst prognosis (P = 0.002). In cohort 2, c-MYC GCN estimation in tissue by ddPCR was also significantly associated with results obtained by SISH (ρ = 0.349, P = 0.005), but correlated with plasma ddPCR with borderline significance (ρ = 0.246, P = 0.050). Additionally, detecting c-MYC GCN gain in plasma with ddPCR might have relatively low sensitivity but high specificity. Our study suggests that ddPCR can be a useful tool for detecting c-MYC GCN gain as a potential prognostic biomarker in CRC tissue samples; however, this will need further verification in plasma samples.