bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Honeycomb-shaped electro-neural interface enables cellular-scale pixels in subretinal prosthesis
Authors: Flores Thomas , Huang Tiffany , Bhuckory Mohajeet , Ho Elton , Chen Zhijie , Dalal Roopa , Galambos Ludwig , Kamins Theodore , Mathieson Keith , Palanker Daniel 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHigh-resolution visual prostheses require small, densely packed pixels, but limited penetration depth of the electric field formed by a planar electrode array constrains such miniaturization. We present a novel honeycomb configuration of an electrode array with vertically separated active and return electrodes designed to leverage migration of retinal cells into voids in the subretinal space. Insulating walls surrounding each pixel decouple the field penetration depth from the pixel width by aligning the electric field vertically, enabling a decrease of the pixel size down to cellular dimensions. We demonstrate that inner retinal cells migrate into the 25 μm deep honeycomb wells as narrow as 18 μm, resulting in more than half of these cells residing within the electrode cavities. Immune response to honeycombs is comparable to that with planar arrays. Modeled stimulation threshold current density with honeycombs does not increase substantially with reduced pixel size, unlike quadratic increase with planar arrays. This 3-D electrode configuration may enable functional restoration of central vision with acuity better than 20/100 for millions of patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration.
Precursors of seizures due to specific spatial-temporal modifications of evolving large-scale epileptic brain networks
Authors: Rings Thorsten , von Wrede Randi , Lehnertz Klaus 
Published: July 2019

AbstractKnowing when, where, and how seizures are initiated in large-scale epileptic brain networks remains a widely unsolved problem. Seizure precursors – changes in brain dynamics predictive of an impending seizure – can now be identified well ahead of clinical manifestations, but either the seizure onset zone or remote brain areas are reported as network nodes from which seizure precursors emerge. We aimed to shed more light on the role of constituents of evolving epileptic networks that recurrently transit into and out of seizures. We constructed such networks from more than 3200 hours of continuous intracranial electroencephalograms recorded in 38 patients with medication refractory epilepsy. We succeeded in singling out predictive edges and predictive nodes. Their particular characteristics, namely edge weight respectively node centrality (a fundamental concept of network theory), from the pre-ictal periods of 78 out of 97 seizures differed significantly from the characteristics seen during inter-ictal periods. The vast majority of predictive nodes were connected by most of the predictive edges, but these nodes never played a central role in the evolving epileptic networks. Interestingly, predictive nodes were entirely associated with brain regions deemed unaffected by the focal epileptic process. We propose a network mechanism for a transition into the pre-seizure state, which puts into perspective the role of the seizure onset zone in this transition and highlights the necessity to reassess current concepts for seizure generation and seizure prevention.
International beeswax trade facilitates small hive beetle invasions
Authors: Idrissou Franck Ouessou , Huang Qiang , Yañez Orlando , Neumann Peter 
Published: July 2019

AbstractInternational trade can facilitate biological invasions, but the possible role of beeswax trade for small hive beetles (SHBs), Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) is poorly understood. SHBs are parasites of social bee colonies native to sub-Saharan Africa and have become an invasive species. Since 1996, SHBs have established in all continents except Antarctica. Here, we combine mitochondrial DNA analyses (COI gene, N = 296 SHBs, 98 locations) with previously published beeswax trade data (FAO) for 12 confirmed SHB invasions. Our genetic data confirm previous findings and suggest novel SHB African origins. In nine out of 12 invasion cases, the genetic and beeswax trade data match. When excluding one confirmed pathway (bee imports) and two cases, for which no FAO data were available, the genetics and beeswax trade data consistently predict the same source. This strongly suggests that beeswax imports from Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania and the USA, respectively, have mainly been responsible for the past invasion success of this beetle species. Adequate mitigation measures should be applied to limit this key role of beeswax imports for the further spread of SHBs. Combining genetics with trade data appears to be a powerful tool to better understand and eventually mitigate biological invasions.
Adrenergic stimulation of adiponectin secretion in visceral mouse adipocytes is blunted in high-fat diet induced obesity
Authors: Musovic Saliha , Olofsson Charlotta S. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe hormone adiponectin is secreted by white adipocytes and has been put forward as a key mediator of obesity-linked insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Although adiponectin was discovered two decades ago, the knowledge about the molecular and cellular regulation of its secretion is incomplete. Here we have investigated the adrenergic regulation of adiponectin secretion in primary visceral (gonadal) adipocytes isolated from lean or obese/diabetic mice. We show that visceral adipocyte adiponectin release is triggered by cAMP/catecholamines via signalling pathways involving adrenergic beta-3-receptors (β3ARs) and Exchange Protein directly Activated by cAMP, isoform 1 (Epac1). The adrenergically stimulated adiponectin secretion is blunted in visceral adipocytes isolated from obese and diabetic mice and our results suggest the existence of a secretory defect. We have previously shown that adiponectin secretion in subcutaneous adipocytes is abolished in the obese/diabetic state due to reduced abundance of β3ARs and Epac1. However, here we show that protein levels of β3ARs and Epac1 are maintained in visceral adipocytes from obese/diabetic mice proposing that other molecular defects underlie the blunted adiponectin release. Gene expression analysis indicate diabesity-associated disturbances of the signalling downstream of Epac1 and/or the exocytotic process itself. Our study proposes that visceral adipocytes partake in the regulated secretion of adiponectin and may thus influence circulating levels of the hormone, in health and in metabolic disease.
Automation of human pluripotent stem cell differentiation toward retinal pigment epithelial cells for large-scale productions
Authors: Regent Florian , Morizur Lise , Lesueur Léa , Habeler Walter , Plancheron Alexandra , Ben M’Barek Karim , Monville Christelle 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDysfunction or death of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is involved in some forms of Retinitis Pigmentosa and in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Since there is no cure for most patients affected by these diseases, the transplantation of RPE cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represents an attractive therapeutic alternative. First attempts to transplant hPSC-RPE cells in AMD and Stargardt patients demonstrated the safety and suggested the potential efficacy of this strategy. However, it also highlighted the need to upscale the production of the cells to be grafted in order to treat the millions of potential patients. Automated cell culture systems are necessary to change the scale of cell production. In the present study, we developed a protocol amenable for automation that combines in a sequential manner Nicotinamide, Activin A and CHIR99021 to direct the differentiation of hPSCs into RPE cells. This novel differentiation protocol associated with the use of cell culture robots open new possibilities for the production of large batches of hPSC-RPE cells while maintaining a high cell purity and functionality. Such methodology of cell culture automation could therefore be applied to various differentiation processes in order to generate the material suitable for cell therapy.
Coexisting Ordered States, Local Equilibrium-like Domains, and Broken Ergodicity in a Non-turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard Convection at Steady-state
Authors: Chatterjee Atanu , Yadati Yash , Mears Nicholas , Iannacchione Germano 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA challenge in fundamental physics and especially in thermodynamics is to understand emergent order in far-from-equilibrium systems. While at equilibrium, temperature plays the role of a key thermodynamic variable whose uniformity in space and time defines the equilibrium state the system is in, this is not the case in a far-from-equilibrium driven system. When energy flows through a finite system at steady-state, temperature takes on a time-independent but spatially varying character. In this study, the convection patterns of a Rayleigh-Bénard fluid cell at steady-state is used as a prototype system where the temperature profile and fluctuations are measured spatio-temporally. The thermal data is obtained by performing high-resolution real-time infrared calorimetry on the convection system as it is first driven out-of-equilibrium when the power is applied, achieves steady-state, and then as it gradually relaxes back to room temperature equilibrium when the power is removed. Our study provides new experimental data on the non-trivial nature of thermal fluctuations when stable complex convective structures emerge. The thermal analysis of these convective cells at steady-state further yield local equilibrium-like statistics. In conclusion, these results correlate the spatial ordering of the convective cells with the evolution of the system’s temperature manifold.
Pyruvate Plays a Main Role in the Antitumoral Selectivity of Cold Atmospheric Plasma in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Tornin Juan , Mateu-Sanz Miguel , Rodríguez Aida , Labay Cédric , Rodríguez Rene , Canal Cristina 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor but current therapies still have poor prognosis. Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) and Plasma activated media (PAM) have shown potential to eliminate cancer cells in other tumors. It is thought that Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen species (RONS) in PAM are key players but cell culture media composition alters treatment outcomes and data interpretation due to scavenging of certain RONS. In this work, an atmospheric pressure plasma jet was employed to obtain PAM in the presence or absence of pyruvate and used to treat the SaOS-2 (OS) cell line or hBM-MSC healthy cells. OS cells show higher sensitivity to PAM treatment than healthy cells, both in medium with and without pyruvate, activating apoptosis, DNA damage and deregulating cellular pathways mediated by c-JUN, AKT, AMPK or STAT3. In line with previous works, lack of pyruvate increases cytotoxic potential of PAM affecting cancer and healthy cells by increasing 10–100 times the concentration of H2O2 without altering that of nitrites and thus decreasing CAP anti-tumor selectivity. Suitable conditions for CAP anti-cancer selectivity can be obtained by modifying plasma process parameters (distance, flow, treatment time) to obtain adequate balance of the different RONS in cell culture media.
A regime-switching SIR epidemic model with a ratio-dependent incidence rate and degenerate diffusion
Authors: Cao Zhongwei , Liu Xu , Wen Xiangdan , Liu Liya , Zu Li 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we present a regime-switching SIR epidemic model with a ratio-dependent incidence rate and degenerate diffusion. We utilize the Markov semigroup theory to obtain the existence of a unique stable stationary distribution. We prove that the densities of the distributions of the solutions can converge in L1 to an invariant density under certain condition. Moreover, the sufficient conditions for the extinction of the disease, which means the disease will die out with probability one, are given in two cases. Meanwhile, we obtain a threshold parameter which can be utilized in identifying the stochastic extinction and persistence of the disease. Some numerical simulations are given to illustrate the analytical results.
In Silico Characterization of the Binding Modes of Surfactants with Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Nnyigide Osita Sunday , Lee Sun-Gu , Hyun Kyu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe binding interactions of the surfactants: anionic sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), non-ionic octyl glucoside (OG), and zwitterionic 3-[Hexadecyl(dimethyl)ammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (HPS), with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by computer simulation. The results disclosed that the surfactants bound stably between hydrophobic subdomain IIA and IIIA where tryptophan-213 residue, an important intrinsic fluorophore in BSA is housed. The interactions of the surfactants with the BSA were electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The head-groups of SDS, HPS and OG formed hydrogen bonds with the BSA, while that of CTAB was shielded from intermolecular hydrogen-bonding due to intervening methyl groups. Subsequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the protein-surfactant complexes revealed that hydrogen bonds formed by OG were stronger than those of SDS and HPS. However, the decomposed force-field energies showed that OG had the least interaction energy with the BSA. In addition to MD simulation, it was found by density functional theory (DFT) that the differences in the coulomb interaction energies can be attributed to charge distribution in the surfactants. Overall, free energies calculated by linear interaction energy (LIE) proved that the binding of each surfactant was dominated by differences between van der Waals interactions in bound and free states.
Characterization of Organic Layer in Oil Carbonate Reservoir Rocks and its Effect on Microscale Wetting Properties
Authors: Ivanova Anastasia , Mitiurev Nikolai , Cheremisin Alexey , Orekhov Anton , Kamyshinsky Roman , Vasiliev Alexander 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEffective production of oil from carbonate reservoirs often requires the application of improved oil recovery technologies such as waterflooding. However, conventional waterflooding in carbonates usually results in low hydrocarbon recovery as most of these formations exhibit a complex pore throats structure and are mostly oil-wet. Therefore, improved insight into the causes of hydrophobic wetting behavior of such reservoirs is important for understanding the fluid distribution, displacement and enhancing recovery processes. The characterization of fluid-rock interactions is, however, challenging with existing laboratory methods, which are typically based on macroscale (mm) observations. In this experimental study, an advanced imaging technique, namely environmental scanning electron microscope, was applied for the comprehensive investigation of microscale (µm) wettability variations in carbonate rocks covered with organic layers. For the first time, the presence of organic layers on the sample was proved using energy dispersive X-ray mapping. Furthermore, the chemical bond of this layer and carbonate rock surfaces was determined using the transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The thickness of layer was estimated by using image processing software. These findings show that the application of combined microscopic techniques reveals important details about the reason of hydrophobic wetting properties of real carbonate rocks.
The prognostic role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with acute heart failure: A cohort study
Authors: Ye Gui-lian , Chen Qiang , Chen Xueyu , Liu Ying-ying , Yin Ting-ting , Meng Qing-he , Liu Ying-chao , Wei Huai-qing , Zhou Qing-hua 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIdentification of rapid, inexpensive, and reliable prognostic factors can improve survival estimation and guide healthcare in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). In this study, we aimed to determine the prognostic value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with AHF. A total of 443 patients from two hospitals met the inclusion criteria from January 2010 to December 2017. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to determine the association of PLR with survival. All-cause mortality was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The 6-month survival rate for patients according to PLR quartiles (<110.63, 110.63–139.23, 139.23–177.17, and >177.17) were 90.09%, 76.79%, 50.07%, and 37.27%, respectively (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis identified high PLR (>110.63), old age (≥73 years), smoking habit, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (<57), and high platelet count (≥198 × 109/l) as poor prognostic factors for survival. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors, the third (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.118, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.668–5.386, p < 0.001) and fourth (HR = 2.437, 95% CI = 1.302–3.653, p < 0.001) quartiles of PLR were identified as independent prognostic factors in patients with AHF. A higher PLR was associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with AHF and might be a novel marker in AHF management.
A novel method for assessing microplastic effect in suspension through mixing test and reference materials
Authors: Gerdes Zandra , Hermann Markus , Ogonowski Martin , Gorokhova Elena 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe occurrence of microplastic in the environment is of global concern. However, the microplastic hazard assessment is hampered by a lack of adequate ecotoxicological methods because of conceptual and practical problems with particle exposure. In the environment, suspended solids (e.g., clay and cellulose) in the same size range as microplastic, are ubiquitous. Therefore, it must be established whether the addition of microplastic to these background levels of particulate material represents a hazard. We present a novel approach employing a serial dilution of microplastic and reference particles, in mixtures, which allows disentangling the effect of the microplastic from that of the other particulates. We demonstrate the applicability of the method using an immobilization test with Daphnia magna exposed to polyethylene terephthalate (test microplastic; median particle diameter ~5 µm) and kaolin clay (reference material; ~3 µm). In the range of the suspended solids test concentrations (0–10 000 mg L−1), with microplastic contributing 0–100% of total mass, the LC50 values for the plastic mixtures were significantly lower compared to the kaolin exposure. Hence, the exposure to polyethylene terephthalate was more harmful to the daphnids than to the reference material alone. The estimated threshold for the relative contribution of the test microplastic to suspended matter above which significantly higher mortality was observed was 2.4% at 32 mg of the solids L−1. This approach has a potential for standardization of ecotoxicological testing of particulates, including microplastic.
Identification of hepadnavirus in the sera of cats
Authors: Lanave Gianvito , Capozza Paolo , Diakoudi Georgia , Catella Cristiana , Catucci Leonardo , Ghergo Paola , Stasi Fabio , Barrs Vanessa , Beatty Julia , Decaro Nicola , Buonavoglia Canio , Martella Vito , Camero Michele 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHepadnaviruses infect several animal species. The prototype species, human hepatitis B virus (HBV), increases the risk of liver diseases and may cause cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently a novel hepadnavirus, similar to HBV, has been identified through transcriptomics studies in a domestic cat with large cell lymphoma in Australia. Herewith, a collection of 390 feline serum samples was screened for hepadnavirus. Overall, the virus was identified in 10.8% of the sera with a significantly higher prevalence (17.8%) in the sera of animals with a clinical suspect of infectious disease. Upon genome sequencing, the virus was closely related (97.0% nt identity) to the prototype Australian feline virus Sydney 2016. The mean and median values of hepadnavirus in the feline sera were 1.3 × 106 and 2.1 × 104 genome copies per mL (range 3.3 × 100–2.5 × 107 genome copies per mL). For a subset of hepadnavirus-positive samples, information on the hemato-chemical parameters was available and in 10/20 animals a profile suggestive of liver damage was present. Also, in 7/10 animals with suspected hepatic disease, virus load was >104 genome copies per mL, i.e. above the threshold considered at risk of active hepatitis and liver damage for HBV.
Neurocognitive Signatures of Naturalistic Reading of Scientific Texts: A Fixation-Related fMRI Study
Authors: Hsu Chun-Ting , Clariana Roy , Schloss Benjamin , Li Ping 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHow do students gain scientific knowledge while reading expository text? This study examines the underlying neurocognitive basis of textual knowledge structure and individual readers’ cognitive differences and reading habits, including the influence of text and reader characteristics, on outcomes of scientific text comprehension. By combining fixation-related fMRI and multiband data acquisition, the study is among the first to consider self-paced naturalistic reading inside the MRI scanner. Our results revealed the underlying neurocognitive patterns associated with information integration of different time scales during text reading, and significant individual differences due to the interaction between text characteristics (e.g., optimality of the textual knowledge structure) and reader characteristics (e.g., electronic device use habits). Individual differences impacted the amount of neural resources deployed for multitasking and information integration for constructing the underlying scientific mental models based on the text being read. Our findings have significant implications for understanding science reading in a population that is increasingly dependent on electronic devices.
Prevalence of healthy lifestyles against cancer in Spanish women
Authors: Toribio María José , Lope Virginia , Castelló Adela , Salas Dolores , Vidal Carmen , Ascunce Nieves , Santamariña Carmen , Moreo Pilar , Pedraz-Pingarrón Carmen , Sánchez-Contador Carmen , Aragonés Nuria , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Pollán Marina 
Published: July 2019

AbstractModifying behavior towards healthier lifestyles could prevent a significant number of malignant tumors. We evaluated the prevalence of healthy habits against cancer in Spanish women free of this disease, taking as a reference the recommendations for cancer prevention included in the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC), and we explored the characteristics associated with it. Our population comprised 3,584 women recruited in a population-based cross-sectional study carried out in 7 breast cancer screening programs. Information was directly surveyed and used to calculate a score based on ECAC recommendations referred to bodyweight, physical activity, diet, breastfeeding, tobacco, alcohol and hormone replacement therapy use. The degree of adherence was estimated with a score that evaluated null (0 points), partial (0.5 points) and full adherence (1 point) of each specific recommendation. Associations were explored using binary and ordinal logistic regression models. The median score was 5.7 out of 9 points. Recommendations with lower adherence were those related to intake of red/processed meat and foods high in salt (23% of total adherence), physical activity (24%) and body weight (29%), and recommendations with greater adherence where those related to hormone replacement therapy use (91%), vegetable intake (84%), alcohol (83%) and tobacco (61%). Overall adherence was better among older women, parous women, and in those living in rural areas, and worse among women with higher caloric intake. These recommendations should be evaluated periodically. Screening programs can be an appropriate place to disseminate this information.