bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure, defect relaxation, and microwave dielectric properties of Ba[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1−xHfx]O3 solid solutions
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yue Zhenxing , Li Longtu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBa[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1−xHfx]O3 (BMNH, x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2) solid solutions were prepared via the solid‐state reaction method. The effect of BaHfO3 on the crystal structure, microwave dielectric performance, and defect relaxation behavior of Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BMN) were studied. BaHfO3 additions degraded the sintering activity of BMN powder, requiring a high sintering temperature (Ts) ~ 1650°C; but it could be effectively improved by a prolonged sintering process at a lower Ts of 1600°C. The well‐sintered BMNH ceramics (1600°C for 30 h) possessed a high densification >96%, and exhibited cubic perovskite structures without 1:2 cation ordering. Once doped with Hf, the low‐temperature relaxation in dielectric spectroscopy and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) for pure BMN disappeared, further indicating such relaxation is related to cation‐ordered structure. Oxygen vacancies, namely showing in‐grain and across‐grain‐boundary relaxation of ‐related defects, were the main defect types in BMNH. The concentrations of in‐grain decreased as x increased, which is beneficial to BMNH to maintain high Q × f values of 69 400‐73 000 GHz. Accompanied by a high εr of 33.27‐33.59 and a low τf of +13.6 to +20.7 ppm/°C, these materials have a good potential for applications in microwave components and devices.
The production of a lead glaze with galena: Thermal transformations in the PbS–SiO2 system
Authors: Di Febo Roberta , Molera Judit , Pradell Trinitat , Melgarejo Joan C. , Madrenas Josep , Vallcorba Oriol 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGalena, also known as PbS, was widely used in the production of lead glazes from the beginning of the 18th century to the second half of the 20th century. Although the PbO‐SiO2 system has been studied for years, the PbS–SiO2 phase diagram, involved in the formation of a glaze with galena, has not yet been investigated. Temperature transformations for the system 75 wt% PbS‐25 wt% SiO2 are investigated in a high‐temperature resolved X‐ray diffraction experiment with synchrotron radiation and compared to those of the equivalent system 70 wt% PbO‐30 wt% SiO2. Lanarkite, PbO·PbSO4, is the phase predominantly formed as soon as galena decomposes during the heating. The results show that the system melts at a temperature higher than the PbO–SiO2 system, but far lower than those expected for the PbO–PbSO4–PbS system. A historical misfired lead glaze produced with galena is also studied. The presence of galena, lanarkite, and mattheddleite, Pb10(SiO4)3.5(SO4)2Cl2, is determined and discussed in terms of the composition of the galena mineral used and the firing conditions in light of the high‐temperature transformations previously obtained.
Mountains as barriers to gene flow in amphibians: Quantifying the differential effect of a major mountain ridge on the genetic structure of four sympatric species with different life history traits
Authors: Sánchez‐Montes Gregorio , Wang Jinliang , Ariño Arturo H. , Martínez‐Solano Íñigo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimTo test the role of mountains as barriers to gene flow in co‐distributed taxa with different life history traits.LocationSierra de Guadarrama, Central Spain.MethodsWe used larval genotypes of four amphibian species (Epidalea calamita, Hyla molleri, Pelophylax perezi and Pelobates cultripes) sampled on northern and southern slopes of Sierra de Guadarrama to describe genetic structure with FST, migration rates per generation, clustering algorithms and resistance by elevation surfaces. We also recorded individual displacement events as a proxy of dispersal potential during a seven‐year monitoring project based on capture–mark–recapture (CMR).ResultsAll species travelled longer cumulative distances than those reported in the study area for P. cultripes (0.71 km). Individuals of E. calamita travelled up to 3.55 km, followed by H. molleri (2.84 km) and P. perezi (1.51 km). Pairwise FST estimates showed lower overall connectivity in P. cultripes. Average migration rates per generation were low in all species, with exceptions in same‐slope populations of H. molleri and P. cultripes. Clustering algorithms consistently recovered well‐differentiated population groups of P. cultripes in northern versus southern slopes, but widely admixed areas were observed in the other species, especially near mountain passes. Resistance by elevation surfaces showed a strong barrier effect of Sierra de Guadarrama in P. cultripes and suggested a potential role of topography in the genetic structure of E. calamita and H. molleri.Main conclusionsSierra de Guadarrama currently acts as a strong barrier to gene flow for P. cultripes and, to a lesser extent, for E. calamita, H. molleri and P. perezi. This differential effect can be partly explained by differences in life history traits, including dispersal potential. Our findings support the general role of the Central System as a key feature shaping population connectivity and genetic variation in amphibian communities.
Randomized, controlled clinical two‐centre study using xenogeneic block grafts loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 or autogenous bone blocks for lateral ridge augmentation
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Payer Michael , Jakse Norbert , Bienz Stefan P. , Hüsler Jürg , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Jung Ui‐Won , Hämmerle Christoph H.F. , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo test whether or not the use of a xenogeneic block loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) results in different bone quantity and quality compared to an autogenous bone block.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four patients with insufficient bone volume for implant placement were randomly assigned to two treatment modalities: a xenogeneic bone block loaded with rhBMP‐2 (test) and an autogenous bone block (control). The horizontal ridge width was evaluated prior to augmentation, after augmentation and at 4 months. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed at suture removal and at 4 months. Biopsies were obtained at 4 months and histologically evaluated. Intergroup comparisons were tested by a two‐sided Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test, intra‐group comparisons were performed with Wilcoxon‐signed rank test, and all categorical variables were tested with Chi‐squared tests.ResultsOne autogenous bone block failed. This patient was replaced, and in all subsequently treated 24 patients, implant placement was possible 4 months later. The median ridge width increased from 4.0 mm (Q1 = 2.0; Q3 = 4.0) (test) and 2.0 mm (Q1 = 2.0; Q3 = 3.0) (control) to 7.0 mm (Q1 = 6.0; Q3 = 8.0) (test) and 7.0 mm (Q1 = 6.0; Q3 = 8.0) (control) at 4 months (intergroup p > .05). A higher morbidity was reported at the augmented site in the control group during surgery. Sensitivity was more favourable in the test than that in the control group at 4 months. The biopsies revealed more mineralized tissue in the control group (p < .0043).ConclusionsBoth treatment modalities were successful in regenerating bone to place dental implants. PROMs did not reveal any significant differences between the groups except for pain during surgery at the recipient site (in favour of the test group). Histologically, a higher amount of mineralized tissue was observed for the control group at 4 months.
Patient‐reported health outcomes in patients with non‐melanoma skin cancer and actinic keratosis: results from a large‐scale observational study analysing effects of diagnoses and disease progression
Authors: Philipp‐Dormston W.G. , Müller K. , Novak B. , Strömer K. , Termeer C. , Hammann U. , Glutsch J.W. , Krähn‐Senftleben G. , Lübbert H. , Koller M. , Szeimies R.M. ,   the NMSC‐QoL Study Group
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundNon‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and actinic keratosis (AK) are very common among fair‐skinned individuals. A disease continuum fromAKto squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been frequently postulated.AKandNMSCmay influence quality of life (QL) of patients, and it can be suspected that disease progression entails aQLreduction. The purpose of this study was to documentQLin patients withNMSCandAKusing the health‐outcome questionnaireEQ‐5D‐5L.MethodsThe study was designed as a non‐interventional, prospective, cross‐sectional study. Patients withAK,SCC, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or multiple diagnoses were enrolled in this study in 29 dermatological centres across Germany. Patients were asked to complete theEQ‐5D‐5L (compromisingEQIndex andEQ VAS), and the dermatologists provided diagnosis, disease history and treatment data.ResultsA total of 1184 patients were enrolled and diagnosed as follows: 73%AK, 49%BCCand 17%SCC. 66% had a single diagnosis, 28% two different diagnoses and 6% three different diagnoses.QLwas strongly associated with patients’ diagnosis. Patients with a singleAKdiagnosis had significantly higher meanEQ VAS(78) than patients withBCC(74),SCC(72), andBCCplusSCC(69),P< 0.050. When the effects of disease progression were calculated, patients withAKplusSCCreported significantly less meanEQ VAS(71) than patients with a singleAKdiagnosis (78),P< 0.011.ConclusionsWhile rarely being imminently life‐threatening,NMSCandAKhave an impact onQLas quantified by theEQ‐5D‐5L. This impact is associated with diagnosis (AKvs.NMSC) and clinical progression (AKvs.AKplusSCC). Both lead to a clear decline inQL. This shows that disease progression is perceived and judged as detrimental by patients and thatAKandNMSCshould be diligently treated to preserve and restoreQL.
How the environment shapes animal signals: a test of the acoustic adaptation hypothesis in frogs
Authors: Goutte S. , Dubois A. , Howard S. D. , Márquez R. , Rowley J. J. L. , Dehling J. M. , Grandcolas P. , Xiong R. C. , Legendre F. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLong‐distance acoustic signals are widely used in animal communication systems and, in many cases, are essential for reproduction. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) implies that acoustic signals should be selected for further transmission and better content integrity under the acoustic constraints of the habitat in which they are produced. In this study, we test predictions derived from the AAH in frogs. Specifically, we focus on the difference between torrent frogs and frogs calling in less noisy habitats. Torrents produce sounds that can mask frog vocalizations and constitute a major acoustic constraint on call evolution. We combine data collected in the field, material from scientific collections and the literature for a total of 79 primarily Asian species, of the families Ranidae, Rhacophoridae, Dicroglossidae and Microhylidae. Using phylogenetic comparative methods and including morphological and environmental potential confounding factors, we investigate putatively adaptive call features in torrent frogs. We use broad habitat categories as well as fine‐scale habitat measurements and test their correlation with six call characteristics. We find mixed support for the AAH. Spectral features of torrent frog calls are different from those of frogs calling in other habitats and are related to ambient noise levels, as predicted by the AAH. However, temporal call features do not seem to be shaped by the frogs’ calling habitats. Our results underline both the complexity of call evolution and the need to consider multiple factors when investigating this issue.
Genotype and diet affect resistance, survival, and fecundity but not fecundity tolerance
Authors: Kutzer M. A. M. , Kurtz J. , Armitage S. A. O. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInsects are exposed to a variety of potential pathogens in their environment, many of which can severely impact fitness and health. Consequently, hosts have evolved resistance and tolerance strategies to suppress or cope with infections. Hosts utilizing resistance improve fitness by clearing or reducing pathogen loads, and hosts utilizing tolerance reduce harmful fitness effects per pathogen load. To understand variation in, and selective pressures on, resistance and tolerance, we asked to what degree they are shaped by host genetic background, whether plasticity in these responses depends upon dietary environment, and whether there are interactions between these two factors. Females from ten wild‐type Drosophila melanogaster genotypes were kept on high‐ or low‐protein (yeast) diets and infected with one of two opportunistic bacterial pathogens, Lactococcus lactis or Pseudomonas entomophila. We measured host resistance as the inverse of bacterial load in the early infection phase. The relationship (slope) between fly fecundity and individual‐level bacteria load provided our fecundity tolerance measure. Genotype and dietary yeast determined host fecundity and strongly affected survival after infection with pathogenic P. entomophila. There was considerable genetic variation in host resistance, a commonly found phenomenon resulting from for example varying resistance costs or frequency‐dependent selection. Despite this variation and the reproductive cost of higher P. entomophila loads, fecundity tolerance did not vary across genotypes. The absence of genetic variation in tolerance may suggest that at this early infection stage, fecundity tolerance is fixed or that any evolved tolerance mechanisms are not expressed under these infection conditions.
Detection and Quantification of Two Parasitic Ciliates Boveria labialis and Boveria subcylindrica (Ciliophora: Scuticociliatia) by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization
Authors: Zhan Zifeng , Li Ju , Xu Kuidong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe thigmotrich scuticociliates Boveria labialis and Boveria subcylindrica are obligate parasites that may cause high mortality in cultured sea cucumbers and bivalves. Morphological methods can identify these organisms in active state, but are unable to discern them in resting stages. In aquaculture practice, these parasitic ciliates are hard to eradicate when massive infection occurs in sea cucumbers. Thus, early detection and precaution are crucial for the control of these pathogens. Under such circumstances, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) will serve as a fast way to detect and monitor the occurrence of these parasites. We designed two SSU‐rDNA targeted oligonucleotide probes labeled with fluorochromes, and optimized the FISH protocols for the detection of B. labialis and B. subcylindrica from the host sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus and the bivalve Atrina pectinata, respectively. The assays resulted in a clear differentiation of the two similar species by strong fluorescence signals from the oligonucleotide probes. Moreover, we successfully used the FISH protocol to detect the cysts of B. labialis and variation in abundance of active parasites to evaluate the efficacy of chemical treatments. This is the first report and detection of the cysts of B. labialis from the host sea cucumber A. japonicus.
T cells are involved in the induction of macrophage phenotypes in oral leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma—a preliminary report
Authors: Stasikowska‐Kanicka Olga , Wągrowska‐Danilewicz Małgorzata , Danilewicz Marian 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThe prognosis of human malignancies has been shown to depend on immunological parameters, such as macrophage polarization (M1 and M2). In this study, we identify the phenotype of macrophages, and investigate an involvement of infiltrated T cells that participate in the polarization of macrophages, in oral leukoplakia (OLK), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsImmunohistochemical method was used to examine the number of CD68+, CD163+ (M2), iNOS+ (M1) macrophages, and CD4+, CD8+, CCR4+ (Th2), CCR5+ (Th1) cells in 102 cases of OSCC: without metastases—OSCC M(−) (n = 54), and with metastases—OSCC M(+) (n = 48), 23 cases of OLK, and 18 control cases.ResultsThe mean number of CD68+, CD163+, iNOS+, CD4+, CCR4+, CCR5+ cells was significantly increased in OSCC M(+) group compared with OLK, OSCC M(−) and control group. We found positive correlations between the number of CD4+ T cells and CD163+ and iNOS+ macrophages as well as CCR4+ and CCR5+ cells in both OSCC groups. The mean number of CD8+ cells was significantly increased in OSCC M(−) and OLK compared with OSCC M(+) and control group. In OSCC M(+) and OSCC M(−) groups, a negative correlation between the number of CD8+ cells and CD163+ and iNOS+ macrophages was found.ConclusionsThe number and co‐localization of lymphocytes and macrophages in OLK and OSCC may indicate that infiltrating cells influence the early and subsequent stage of oral carcinogenesis.
RAV transcription factors are essential for disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight via activation of melatonin biosynthesis genes
Authors: Wei Yunxie , Chang Yanli , Zeng Hongqiu , Liu Guoyin , He Chaozu , Shi Haitao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWith 1 AP2 domain and 1 B3 domain, 7 MeRAVs in apetala2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) gene family have been identified in cassava. However, the in vivo roles of these remain unknown. Gene expression assays showed that the transcripts of MeRAVs were commonly regulated after Xanthomonas axonopodis pv manihotis (Xam) and MeRAVs were specifically located in plant cell nuclei. Through virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cassava, we found that MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 are essential for plant disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight, as shown by the bacterial propagation of Xam in plant leaves. Through VIGS in cassava leaves and overexpression in cassava leave protoplasts, we found that MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 positively regulated melatonin biosynthesis genes and the endogenous melatonin level. Further investigation showed that MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 are direct transcriptional activators of 3 melatonin biosynthesis genes in cassava, as evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation‐PCR in cassava leaf protoplasts and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Moreover, cassava melatonin biosynthesis genes also positively regulated plant disease resistance. Taken together, this study identified MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 as common and upstream transcription factors of melatonin synthesis genes in cassava and revealed a model of MeRAV1 and MeRAV2‐melatonin biosynthesis genes‐melatonin level in plant disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight.
Modification of the lipid profile and antioxidant status of the blood plasma of turkey hens fed mixtures with raw or extruded linseed
Authors: Czech A. , Ognik K. , Laszewska M. , Cholewińska E. , Stępniowska A. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe aim of the study was to determine the most beneficial proportion of raw linseed in complete feed mixtures for turkey hens on the basis of lipid and redox indicators in the blood. In experiment 1, the turkey hens received the complete mixture with 2%, 4% or 6% linseed. On the basis of the results obtained in experiment 1, we selected the most effective proportion of linseed, which was given to the birds in the group receiving a 4% linseed additive. In experiment 2, the birds were fed mixtures with a 4% addition of raw or extruded linseed. The use of 4% raw linseed was found to improve production effects (improvement of weight gain, and lower feed conversion ratios), while extruded linseed in the diet of turkey hens did not affect growth performance. The use of linseed (4% and 6%) as a feed component for turkey hens led to an increase in indicators of antioxidant potential, that is the total antioxidant potential of the plasma, vitamins E and C, bilirubin and creatinine. A benefit resulting from the use of linseed, particularly in the amounts of 2% and 4% was a marked improvement in lipid indicators in the blood. The reduced percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (n‐3) following the use of extruded linseed resulted in a decrease in lipid peroxidation (lower content of malondialdehyde, superoxide and vitamins C and E in the blood). The most effective dose and form of linseed in the diet of turkey hens is 4% raw linseed.
Sexual dimorphism, bite force and diet in the diamondback terrapin
Authors: Herrel A. , Petrochic S. , Draud M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSexual dimorphism in head size and shape has been documented in many animals and is often thought to be related to the consumption of different prey in males and females thus reducing competition between the two sexes. However, for this to be true, the difference in head size and shape should be associated with a difference in performance allowing one sex to exploit different prey resources. In many durophagous turtle species, females are bigger than males and have bigger heads for a given size. Here, we test whether the observed dimorphism in head size and shape in the durophagous Malaclemys terrapin is reflected in differences in bite force. Furthermore, we measure the forces needed to crush different prey items in order to evaluate whether the observed bite force dimorphism allows access to different dietary resources in females. Finally, we compare head size and shape and bite force between the durophagous M. terrapin and a generalist (Trachemys scripta). Our results show that females of M. terrapin have higher bite forces than males in line with their bigger heads relative to their body size. Moreover, the higher bite forces in females allow them to eat larger as well as different types of snails resulting in differences in diet. Finally, our results show that both sexes of M. terrapin have bigger heads and bite forces for their body size compared to the generalist T. scripta, even as juveniles. Moreover, M. terrapin bite harder even when taking into account differences in head size, suggesting intrinsic differences in the jaw musculature in durophagous species.
Group characteristics, site fidelity, and photo‐identification of harbor porpoises,Phocoena phocoena, in Burrows Pass, Fidalgo Island, Washington
Authors: Elliser Cindy R. , MacIver Katrina H. , Green Michelle 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLittle is known about harbor porpoises at the individual level or local group structure. Group characteristics, site fidelity, and photo‐identification of harbor porpoises were investigated off Fidalgo Island, Washington State. Harbor porpoise presence was affected by season and rip tide strength (Wald χ2P< 0.04); calf presence was influenced by season and tide (Wald χ2P< 0.0075). Average group size (2.32 ± 1.38,n= 266) was influenced by season, behavior, and calf presence (F7= 9.71,P< 0.0001,R2= 0.294). Fifty‐three individuals were identified using a matrix of primary, secondary, and confirmation markings that were stable over months/years. Over 35% were resighted in more than 1 mo (range 1–7,= 1.83); 15.1% were seen in more than 1 yr, suggesting some level of residency. Despite having higher effort, presence and group size were significantly lower in Summer. Variations in the significance of rip tide strength and tides relate to calf presence and support other findings that harbor porpoise population structure is complex and varies at small spatiotemporal scales and may also vary between populations and habitats. This study identifies variables affecting group characteristics and emphasizes the importance of research on local populations of harbor porpoises.