bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex immune responses and molecular reactions to pathogens and disease in a desert reptile (Gopherus agassizii)
Authors: Drake K. Kristina , Aiello Christina M. , Bowen Lizabeth , Lewison Rebecca L. , Esque Todd C. , Nussear Kenneth E. , Waters Shannon C. , Hudson Peter J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractImmune function plays an important role in an animal's defense against infectious disease. In reptiles, immune responses may be complex and counterintuitive, and diagnostic tools used to identify infection, such as induced antibody responses are limited. Recent studies using gene transcription profiling in tortoises have proven useful in identifying immune responses to various intrinsic and extrinsic stressors. As part of a larger experiment with Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), we facilitated the transmission of the pathogenic bacteria,Mycoplasma agassizii(Myag), to naïve adults and measured innate and induced immune reactions over time. Specifically, we evaluated clinical condition, presence of Myag in the nasal/oral cavity, induced antibody responses specific to Myag, and measured molecular reactions (gene transcript profiles) in 15 captive tortoises classified as naïve, exposed, or infected and 14 wild tortoises for comparison. Myag was confirmed inside the nasal/oral cavity in exposed tortoises within 30–60 days of introduction to infected animals, yet we did not detect Myag specific induced antibody responses in these individuals until 420–595 days post exposure. Surprisingly, we found no overall differences in the gene transcript profiles between our experimental treatment groups throughout this study. This work highlights the complexities in assessing immune function and diagnosing pathogen related infections in tortoises and other reptiles.
A temporal beta‐diversity index to identify sites that have changed in exceptional ways in space–time surveys
Authors: Legendre Pierre 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimThis paper presents the statistical bases for temporal beta‐diversity analysis, a method to study changes in community composition through time from repeated surveys at several sites. Surveys of that type are presently done by ecologists around the world. A temporal beta‐diversity Index (TBI) is computed for each site, measuring the change in species composition between the first (T1) and second surveys (T2). TBI indices can be decomposed into losses and gains; they can also be tested for significance, allowing one to identify the sites that have changed in composition in exceptional ways. This method will be of value to identify exceptional sites in space–time surveys carried out to study anthropogenic impacts, including climate change.InnovationThe null hypothesis of the TBI test is that a species assemblage is not exceptionally different between T1 and T2, compared to assemblages that could have been observed at this site at T1 and T2 under conditions corresponding to H0. Tests of significance of coefficients in a dissimilarity matrix are usually not possible because the values in the matrix are interrelated. Here, however, the dissimilarity between T1 and T2 for a site is computed with different data from the dissimilarities used for the T1–T2 comparison at other sites. It is thus possible to compute a valid test of significance in that case. In addition, the paper shows how TBI dissimilarities can be decomposed into loss and gain components (of species, or abundances‐per‐species) and how a B–C plot can be produced from these components, which informs users about the processes of biodiversity losses and gains through time in space–time survey data.Main conclusionThree applications of the method to different ecological communities are presented. This method is applicable worldwide to all types of communities, marine, and terrestrial. R software is available implementing the method.
Poly(I:C) stimulation is superior than Imiquimod to induce the antitumoral functional profile of tumor‐conditioned macrophages
Authors: Maeda Akihiro , Digifico Elisabeth , Andon Fernando T. , Mantovani Alberto , Allavena Paola 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMacrophage plasticity is the ability of mononuclear phagocytes to change phenotype, function, and genetic reprogramming upon encounter of specific local stimuli. In the tumor microenvironment, Tumor‐Associated Macrophages (TAMs) acquire an immune‐suppressive and tumor‐promoting phenotype. With the aim to re‐educate TAMs to antitumor effectors, in this study, we used two immunestimulatory compounds: the TLR7 agonist Imiquimod (IMQ) and the TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C). To better mimic in vitro the response of TAMs, we used Tumor‐Conditioned Macrophages (TC‐Mϕ) differentiated in the presence of tumor cell supernatants. Our results show that TC‐Mϕ respond differently from conventional M2‐polarized macrophages. Upon stimulation with IMQ, TC‐Mϕ did not upregulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC II) molecules and unexpectedly expressed increased CD206. With both compounds, TC‐Mϕ produced higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than M2 macrophages. IMQ and Poly(I:C) differed in the types of regulated genes and secreted mediators. Reflecting their signaling pathways, only IMQ significantly induced IL‐1β and IL‐6, while only Poly(I:C) stimulated CXCL10, and both upregulated CCL5. Of note, using a novel cytotoxicity assay, Poly(I:C), but not IMQ, was effective in triggering the cytotoxic activity of TC‐Mϕ against cancer cells. Overall, the results demonstrate that Poly(I:C) stimulation of TC‐Mϕ is superior than IMQ in terms of macrophage re‐education toward antitumor effectors.
Fabrication of Hierarchically Structured MOF‐Co3O4 on Well‐aligned CuO Nanowire with an Enhanced Electrocatalytic Property
Authors: Muthurasu Alagan , Kim Hak Yong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractEngineering appropriate shape and size of three‐dimensional inorganic nanostructures materials is of one the main critical problems in pursuing high‐performance electrode materials. Herein, we fabricate a metal‐organic framework derived cobalt oxide (Co3O4) are grown on copper oxide nanowire (CuO NWs) supported on the surface of 3D copper foam substrate. The highly aligned CuO NWs were prepared by using electrochemical anodization of copper foam in ambient temperature and followed by MOF Co3O4 was grown via a simple in situ solution deposition then consequent calcination process. The obtained binder‐free 3D CuO NWs@Co3O4 nanostructures were further characterized by using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, electrochemical sensing of glucose was studied by using Cyclic Voltammetry, and chronoamperometry techniques. Interestingly, 3D CuO NWs@Co3O4 electrode exhibits excellent performance for the oxidation of glucose compared with individual entities. The proposed sensor shows wide linear ranges from 0.5 μM to 0.1 mM with the sensitivity of 6082 μA/μM and the lowest detection limit (LOD) of 0.23 μM was observed with the signal to noise ratio, (S/N) of 3. The superior catalytic oxidation of glucose mainly is endorsed by the excellent electrical conductivity and synergistic effect of the Co3O4 and CuO NWs.
Electrocatalysis of Cu−MOF/Graphene Composite and its Sensing Application for Electrochemical Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Paracetamol
Authors: Ma Baolong , Guo Hao , Wang Mingyue , Li Li , Jia Xueyan , Chen Huiqin , Xue Rui , Yang Wu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA nanocomposite of HKUST‐1 (MOF) and electroreduction graphene oxide (ERGO) is prepared and applied as an electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol and dopamine by means of one‐step electrodeposition. The MOF/ERGO composite displays excellent electrochemical catalytic activities towards the paracetamol and dopamine, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of big surface area, porosity and high electrocataytic activity of the MOF and good conductivity of ERGO. The modified electrode could be applied to determine simultaneously paracetamol and dopamine in biochemical samples with wide linear ranges (0.2 μM to 160 μM for paracetamol and 0.2 μM to 300 μM for dopamine) and low detection limits (0.016 μM for paracetamol and 0.013 μM for dopamine). Meanwhile, the proposed sensor still displays high sensitivity, good selectivity and excellent stability.
Discrimination of single‐stranded DNA homopolymers by sieving out G‐quadruplex using tiny solid‐state nanopores
Authors: Si Wei , Yang Haojie , Sha Jingjie , Zhang Yin , Chen Yunfei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNanopore sensor has been developed as a promising technology for DNA sequencing at the single‐base resolution. However, the discrimination of homopolymers composed of guanines from other nucleotides has not been clearly revealed due to the easily formed G‐quadruplex in aqueous buffers. In this work, we report that a tiny silicon nitride nanopore was used to sieve out G tetramers to make sure only homopolymers composed of guanines could translocate through the nanopore, then the 20‐nucleotide long ssDNA homopolymers could be identified and differentiated. It is found that the size of the nucleotide plays a major role in affecting the current blockade as well as the dwell time while DNA is translocating through the nanopore. By the comparison of translocation behavior of ssDNA homopolymers composed of nucleotides with different volumes, it is found that smaller nucleotides can lead to higher translocation speed and lower current blockage, which is also found and validated for the 105‐nucleotide long homopolymers. The studies performed in this work will improve our understanding of nanopore‐based DNA sequencing at single‐base level.
Nontargeted Analysis of a Non-Aqueous-Phase Liquid From a Chemical Manufacturing Site Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Fallaise Darcy , Konzuk Julie , Cheyne Carol , Mack E. Erin , Longstaffe James G. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Non-aqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs), composed primarily of organic solvents and other immiscible liquids, can be found in the subsurface at many industrial sites. The chemical composition of NAPLs is often complex and, in many instances, difficult to fully characterize using conventional analytical techniques based on targeted compound analysis. Incomplete characterization of NAPLs leaves gaps in the understanding of the chemical profile at an impacted site. Previous work has shown that nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy may be able to assist in the improved characterization of complex NAPL samples. In general, NMR spectroscopy provides an unbiased approach for the analysis of organic compounds because different classes of compounds are all treated and analyzed using the same methods. In addition, NMR spectroscopy provides unique structural information that can be used to elucidate unknowns. The present study describes the use of NMR spectroscopy as a nontargeted tool to characterize the composition of NAPLs collected from an impacted site. It is shown that NMR spectroscopy can be a complementary tool to be used in site assessments to help provide improved understanding of NAPL chemistry, leading to the development of improved conceptual site models and improved strategies for remedial and managerial activities at impacted sites. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;00:1–9. © 2019 SETAC
Abstract
NMR Spectroscopy is used to provide a high-resolution molecular map of the contamination found at heavily contaminated sites. These maps can be used to compare contamination profiles to potential source materials.
Effective self‐backhaul scheme for massive MIMO–enabled full‐duplex heterogeneous networks by exploiting NOMA
Authors: Jia Xiangdong , Yang Xiaorong , Xu Wenjuan , Yang Longxiang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBy integrating full‐duplex (FD) and nonorthogonal multiple‐access (NOMA) techniques for wireless self‐backhaul at small‐cell base stations (SBSs), a novel multitier heterogeneous network (HetNet) is proposed. In the HetNet, NOMA is used at SBSs for combing backhaul and downlink (DL) signals. As a result, at each SBS, the backhaul, uplink transmission, and DL transmission are executed simultaneously, whereas the FD macro base stations (MBSs) communicate with mobile users (MUs) and transceive backhaul signals from associated SBSs by using massive‐MIMO antennas. The simple time‐division duplex is performed for the communications between MBSs and MUs so that a round of communications consists of MBS‐MU‐DL and MBS‐MU‐UL phases. This work particularly focuses on the MBS‐MU‐DL phase. By assuming the HetNet to be fully loaded, this paper first models the distribution of active SBSs and those of the interference received at the different types of receivers. Then, by formulating the received signal‐to‐interference ratios, this paper obtains the coverage probabilities of the MU‐SBS‐MBS uplink backhaul and MU DLs as well as the spectrum and energy efficiencies. The presented simulations and numerical results show that the integration of FD and NOMA at SBSs is an effective solution for creating the backhaul between FD‐SBS and FD‐MBS. It is obtained that when the power‐sharing coefficient allocated for a small‐cell DL is small, the coverage probability of SBS DL transmission increases; otherwise, it decreases. However, the coverage probabilities of the MBS DL and MU‐SBS‐MBS backhaul link monotonically vary with the power‐sharing coefficient. It is also achieved that the power‐sharing coefficient imposes the effect on the energy efficiencies of the MU‐SBS‐MBS backhaul link and MU DL in inverse directions. At the same time, it is found that the achieved energy efficiency gain depends greatly on the resolution of massive‐MIMO antennas.
Melamine cyanurate surface treated by nylon of low molecular weight to prepare flame‐retardant polyamide 66 with high flowability
Authors: Luo Dian , Duan Wenfeng , Liu Yuan , Chen Ning , Wang Qi 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIn the present research, a nitrogen‐based flame‐retardant, melamine cyanurate (MCA) was surface‐treated with low‐molecular‐weight nylon through a solvent process to further improve its flowability and dispersion. The surface energy and flow energy of the modified MCA were investigated. The properties of polyamide 66 (PA66) prepared with surface‐treated and with conventional MCA were evaluated and compared. Because of lower surface energy and flow energy for modified MCA, its agglomeration degree and flow resistance are obviously decreased compared with conventional MCA, thus achieving finer and more homogenous dispersion in the PA66 matrix. Moreover, the low‐molecular‐weight nylon resin encapsulating MCA surface will melt at lower temperature during compounding with PA66; hence, it serves as a lubricant and carrier to further improve the flowability and dispersion of the flame retardants. Based on these advantages, the modified MCA flame‐retardant PA66 achieves much better flame retardancy, flowability, and mechanical properties compared with conventional MCA/PA66 under the same loading level of flame retardant (10 wt%).
Screening of antimicrobial activity of citrus essential oils against pathogenic bacteria and Candida strains
Authors: Mancuso Monique , Catalfamo Maurizio , Laganà Pasqualina , Rappazzo Alessandro Ciro , Raymo Vilfredo , Zampino Daniela , Zaccone Renata 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSeveral studies have indicated that plants are good sources of antimicrobial agents and pharmaceuticals. The present study is focused to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of 11 citrus essential oils (EOs) and terpenes (T), against 18 bacterial pathogenic strains and 4 Candida sp. strains. Volatile compounds present in the citrus EOs were determined by a gas chromatography analysis, allowing the identification of 79 components. Results highlights that lemon, bergamot oil and terpene were effective against more than 54.5% of tested bacteria. Candida spp. strains resulted very sensitive to all terpenes and EOs. Gram negative bacteria showed lower sensitivity than Gram positive ones. Among Gram negative, fish pathogens were sensitive to oils, so we suggested their use as possible alternatives in aquaculture farms to prevent bacterial fish diseases. Moreover, results suggested that citrus oils could be a useful tool in the food industry to prolong the shelf‐life.
Price discovery in bitcoin spot or futures?
Authors: Baur Dirk G. , Dimpfl Thomas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn December 2017, both the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange introduced futures contracts on bitcoin. We investigate to what extent they provide useful information for the price discovery of bitcoin. We rely on the information share methodology of Hasbrouck (1995, J Finance, 50, pp. 1175–1199) and Gonzalo and Granger (1995, J Bus Econ Stat, 13, pp. 27–35) and find that the spot price leads the futures price. We attribute this result to the higher trading volume and the longer trading hours of the globally distributed bitcoin spot market, compared to the relatively restricted access to the US‐based futures markets.
The Ediacaran to Early Palaeozoic evolution of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean: A synthesis of the ophiolitic mélanges in the southern West Junggar terrane, NW China
Authors: Liu Bo , Han Bao‐Fu , Xu Zhao , Ren Rong , Chen Jia‐Fu 
Published: February 2019

The southern West Junggar terrane in the south‐western Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is mainly composed of accretionary complexes and characterized by widespread outcrops of ophiolitic mélanges in the Barleik, Mayile, and Tangbale (BMT) areas, representing the site of consumption of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean. However, due to a lack of comprehensive synthesis of the ophiolitic mélanges, the early evolution of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean remains poorly understood. This paper first focuses on the little‐known Barleik ophiolitic blocks and associated pillow basalts and then integrates the Barleik, Mayile, and Tangbale ophiolitic mélanges into one model. Mineral and whole‐rock chemistry suggests that the Barleik ophiolitic blocks, including serpentinized dunite, clinopyroxenite, and gabbro, show supra‐subduction zone (SSZ) affinities, as indicated by high Cr# values (76–78) in spinels and strong depletion in Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf, whereas the Barleik pillow basalts are alkaline and have high TiO2 contents (2.82–3.42 wt.%) and Nb–Ta enrichment, similar to ocean‐island basalt (OIB) lavas. Combined with published chronological and chemical data from ophiolites, metamorphic rocks, and arc plutons, we propose that the BMT Ediacaran to middle Cambrian ophiolitic gabbros were formed in a SSZ environment, implying a single Mariana‐type arc system within the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean, which was coeval with an Andean‐type arc system in the Kyrgyz North Tianshan, supporting an archipelagic model for the south‐western CAOB. By contrast, the BMT OIB‐type basalts are early Silurian in age, much younger than the SSZ‐type ophiolites, and can be interpreted as relicts of seamounts. Thus, a model involving the Ediacaran to Ordovician intra‐oceanic subduction and late Silurian to Early Devonian seamount accretion is helpful for clarifying the different components of the accretionary complexes in the southern West Junggar terrane.
Evaluating the organizational structure and specificity of network topology within the face processing system
Authors: Elbich Daniel B. , Molenaar Peter C.M. , Scherf K. Suzanne 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere is increasing appreciation that network‐level interactions among regions produce components of face processing previously ascribed to individual regions. Our goals were to use an exhaustive data‐driven approach to derive and quantify the topology of directed functional connections within a priori defined nodes of the face processing network and evaluate whether the topology is category‐specific. Young adults were scanned with fMRI as they viewed movies of faces, objects, and scenes. We employed GIMME to model effective connectivity among core and extended face processing regions, which allowed us to evaluate all possible directional connections, under each viewing condition (face, object, place). During face processing, we observed directional connections from the right posterior superior temporal sulcus to both the right occipital face area and right fusiform face area (FFA), which does not reflect the topology reported in prior studies. We observed connectivity between core and extended regions during face processing, but this limited to a feed‐forward connection from the FFA to the amygdala. Finally, the topology of connections was unique to face processing. These findings suggest that the pattern of directed functional connections within the face processing network, particularly in the right core regions, may not be as hierarchical and feed‐forward as described previously. Our findings support the notion that topologies of network connections are specialized, emergent, and dynamically responsive to task demands.
Women's experience with group prenatal care in a rural community in northern Nigeria
Authors: Adaji Sunday E. , Jimoh Adenike , Bawa Umma , Ibrahim Habiba I. , Olorukooba Abiola A. , Adelaiye Hamdalla , Garba Comfort , Lukong Anita , Idris Suleiman , Shittu Oladapo S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess women's experience of group prenatal care in a rural Nigerian community.MethodsIn an observational study, consenting pregnant women were enrolled in a group prenatal care program based on the CenteringPregnancy model from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, in Tsibiri, Nigeria. Women were interviewed before joining the group and postnatally. A predesigned pro forma was used to assess group behavior during sessions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to data.ResultsIn total, 161 women enrolled, and 54 of 72 scheduled prenatal sessions took place. The average number of visits was three per woman, with good group interaction and cohesion. Mothers who could mention at least five out of eight danger signs of pregnancy increased from 1.4% (2) to 13.3% (14) (P<0.001, 95% CI 4.28–19.52), while mean knowledge score for danger signs increased from 31% to 47.8% (P<0.001, 95% CI 0.86–2.16). Commitment to birth preparedness plans was impressive. The mothers enjoyed the group sessions and shared the lessons they learned with others.ConclusionGroup prenatal care was feasible and acceptable to women in the present study setting. Comparative trials would be helpful to demonstrate the benefits of the tested model in low‐income settings.
Rectal cancer: Toward fully automatic discrimination of T2 and T3 rectal cancers using deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Kim Jongin , Oh Ji Eun , Lee Joohyung , Kim Min Ju , Hur Bo Yun , Sohn Dae Kyung , Lee Boreom 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPreoperative chemoradiotherapy is known to reduce the local recurrence of locally advanced rectal cancer. However, the careful use of preoperative chemoradiotherapy is essential, because unnecessary over‐treatment can result in unintended complications. Therefore, a diagnostic system for distinguishing between T2 and T3 rectal cancers should be developed. According to the diagnostic criteria for rectal cancer, radiologists first identify the locations and the shapes of both the tumor and the rectum from a medical image and then diagnose the T2/T3 rectal cancer by determining whether the tumor passes through the rectal wall or not. We construct two distinct convolutional neural network models to achieve the automated segmentation of each rectum and tumor, respectively. Then, we construct another convolutional neural network model, which uses the output images of segmentation models as input and determines whether the tumor in the input magnetic resonance image is at the T2 stage or at the T3 stage. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method based on 290 magnetic resonance images from 133 subjects. The proposed model demonstrates an accuracy of 94%.