bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amplification and quantification of cold‐associated microRNAs in the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) agricultural pest
Authors: Morin M. D. , Frigault J. J. , Lyons P. J. , Crapoulet N. , Boquel S. , Storey K. B. , Morin P. Jr 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)] is an important insect pest that can inflict considerable damage to potato plants. This insect can survive extended periods of cold exposure, and yet the molecular switches underlying this phenomenon have not been fully elucidated. A better characterization of this process would highlight novel vulnerabilities associated with L. decemlineata that could serve as targets for the management of this devastating pest. Using high‐throughput sequencing, the current work reveals a cold‐associated signature group of microRNAs (miRNAs) in control (15 °C) and −5 °C‐exposed L. decemlineata. The results show 42 differentially expressed miRNAs following cold exposure including miR‐9a‐3p, miR‐210‐3p, miR‐276‐5p and miR‐277‐3p. Functional analysis of predicted targets associated with these cold‐responsive miRNAs notably linked these changes with vital metabolic and cellular processes. Overall, this study highlights the miRNAs probably responsible for facilitating cold adaptation in L. decemlineata and implicates miRNAs as a key molecular target to consider in the development of novel pest management strategies against these insects.
Independent and combined effects of high temperature and drought stress around anthesis on wheat
Authors: Mahrookashani A. , Siebert S. , Hüging H. , Ewert F. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHigh temperature and drought stress are projected to reduce crop yields and threaten food security. While effects of heat and drought on crop growth and yield have been studied separately, little is known about the combined effect of these stressors. We studied detrimental effects of high temperature, drought stress and combined heat and drought stress around anthesis on yield and its components for three wheat cultivars originating from Germany and Iran. We found that effects of combined heat and drought on the studied physiological and yield traits were considerably stronger than those of the individual stress factors alone, but the magnitude of the effects varied for specific growth‐ and yield‐related traits. Single grain weight was reduced under drought stress by 13%–27% and under combined heat and drought stress by 43%–83% but not by heat stress alone. Heat stress significantly decreased grain number by 14%–28%, grain yield by 16%–25% and straw yield by 15%–25%. Cultivar responses were similar for heat but different for drought and combined heat and drought treatments. We conclude that heat stress as imposed in this study is less detrimental than the effects of those other studied stresses on growth and yield traits.
Giant electromechanical strain response in lead‐free SrTiO3‐doped (Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–BaTiO3)–LiNbO3 piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Wu Lei , Shen Bo , Hu Querui , Chen Jing , Wang Yiping , Xia Yidong , Yin Jiang , Liu Zhiguo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLead‐free 0.985[(0.94−x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3–xSrTiO3]–0.015LiNbO3 [(BNT–BT–xST)–LN, x=0‐0.05] piezoelectric ceramics were prepared using a conventional solid‐state reaction method. It was found that the long‐range ferroelectric order in the unmodified (BNT–BT)–LN ceramic was disrupted and transformed into the ergodic relaxor phase with the ST substitution, which was well demonstrated by the dramatic decrease in remnant polarization (Pr), coercive field (Ec), negative strain (Sneg) and piezoelectric coefficient (d33). However, the degradation of the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties was accompanied by a significant increase in the usable strain response. The critical composition (BNT–BT–0.03ST)–LN exhibited a maximum unipolar strain of ~0.44% and corresponding normalized strain, Smax/Emax of ~880 pm/V under a moderate field of 50 kV/cm at room temperature. This giant strain was associated with the coexistence of the ferroelectric and ergodic relaxor phases, which should be mainly attributed to the reversible electric‐field‐induced transition between the ergodic relaxor and ferroelectric phases. Furthermore, the large field‐induced strain showed relatively good temperature stability; the Smax/Emax was as high as ~490 pm/V even at 120°C. These findings indicated that the (BNT–BT–xST)–LN system would be a suitable environmental‐friendly candidate for actuator applications.
Birefringence measurement for validation of simulation of precision glass molding process
Authors: Pallicity Tarkes Dora , Vu Anh‐Tuan , Ramesh Krishnamurthi , Mahajan Puneet , Liu Gang , Dambon Olaf 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDuring fabrication of glass lens by precision glass molding (PGM), residual stresses are setup, which adversely affect the optical performance of lens. Residual stresses can be obtained by measuring the residual birefringence. Numerical simulation is used in the industry to optimize the manufacturing process. Material properties of glass, contact conductance and friction coefficient at the glass‐mold interface are important parameters needed for simulations. In literature, these values are usually assumed without enough experimental justifications. Here, the viscoelastic thermo‐rheological simple (TRS) behavior of glass is experimentally characterized by the four‐point bending test. Contact conductance and friction coefficient at P‐SK57™ glass and Pt‐Ir coated WC mold interface are experimentally measured. A plano‐convex lens of P‐SK57™ glass is fabricated by PGM for two different cooling rates and whole field birefringence of the finished lens is measured by digital photoelasticity. The fabrication process is simulated using finite element method. The simulation is validated, for different stages of PGM process, by comparing the load acting on the mold and displacement of the molds. At the end of the process, the birefringence distribution is compared with the experimental data. A novel plotting scheme is developed for computing birefringence from FE simulation for any shape of lens.
Pollen‐inferred millennial changes in landscape patterns at a major biogeographical interface within Europe
Authors: Jamrichová Eva , Petr Libor , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Jankovská Vlasta , Dudová Lydie , Pokorný Petr , Kołaczek Piotr , Zernitskaya Valentina , Čierniková Malvína , Břízová Eva , Syrovátka Vít , Hájková Petra , Hájek Michal 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimThe regional co‐occurrence of contrasting bioclimatic elements (warm‐temperate, continental, boreal, arctic‐alpine) may be shaped by the distribution of their glacial or post‐glacial refugia. We tested this hypothesis using pollen proxies in a region where such refugia are expected, but not unequivocally demonstrated.LocationEast‐Central Europe (Western Carpathians and adjacent regions).MethodsWe compiled pollen spectra from 112 sites distributed across various landscapes for six time‐periods from the Late Glacial to the present. Compositional patterns were assessed by principal coordinates analyses (PCoA) with a sensitivity analysis based on a bootstrap technique. Site PCoA scores were interpolated geographically and correlated with palaeoclimatic models.ResultsConsistently over the last 15,000 years, the first ordination axis sorted samples according to the proportion of deciduous temperate trees, while the second axis consistently followed an altitudinal gradient that coincided with temperature. The principal gradient was more important than the altitudinal gradient except for the Late Glacial and Bronze & Iron Ages, when both gradients were of similar importance. The fine‐grained pattern in the present mountain landscape was formed as late as during early modern colonization.Main conclusionsSince the Late Glacial, the landscape has been differentiated into temperate, continental and cold regions. This finding supports the hypothesis that refugia are a key factor for understanding current biogeography in Central Europe. The Late Glacial occurrence of temperate trees is unlikely to be explained only by gradual migrations from southern Europe. Humid but relatively warm mountains hence might have acted as glacial refugia of temperate forest species, while lowlands and leeward basins might have acted as post‐glacial refugia of steppe grasslands. The strong contrast between forested (temperate) and more open continental landscapes during the Early Holocene seems to correspond with recent diversity patterns. Our results highlight the relevance of integrating past landscape trajectories into modern biogeographical models.
General spatial spectral variation in rocky intertidal communities from three biogeographical regions
Authors: Fica Eliseo , Díaz Eliecer Rodrigo , Valdivia Nelson 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimUnderstanding general spatial patterns of multiple species is a central aim of biogeography. Spatial analyses of coastal marine assemblages have shown an emergent pattern in that the variability in population abundances increases with increasing spatial scale of observation; i.e. a “red” spectrum of variation in population abundances. However, the generalization of these patterns to other ecological levels and across biogeographical regions remains unexplored. Here, we evaluate the consistency of a reddened relationship between the scale of observation and the variance in ecosystem properties in sessile intertidal rocky‐shore assemblages across three biogeographical regions.LocationReplicate sites located in temperate (southern‐central Chile), sub‐Antarctic (Chilean South Patagonia) and Antarctic (West Antarctic Peninsula) regions.MethodsA total of 16,225 photo‐quadrants were used to analyse local patterns of total community cover, bare substratum, total algal cover and total invertebrate cover. We used spectral analyses in which the spatial variance of each property was decomposed along a gradient of increasing distances between observations. Cross‐semivariograms were used to analyse the spatial covariation of dominant taxa.ResultsThe analysed ecosystem properties showed a general reddened spectrum of variation that resembled patchy configurations of local communities. Additionally, cross‐semivariance analyses indicated mainly negative relationships of covariation between the abundances dominant sessile species at each site, suggesting a general trend of spatial asynchrony between competing species.Main conclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing a general reddened pattern of spatial variation in relevant ecosystem‐level properties across the Pacific shore of South America, southern Patagonia and West Antarctic Peninsula. These patterns reflect the result of multiple biotic and abiotic processes that interact across spatial scales. In particular, we suggest that processes that generate spatial asynchrony between competing species, such as compensatory dynamics, are relevant to maintain the spatial structure of rocky‐shore communities.
Using eye movements to model the sequence of text–picture processing for multimedia comprehension
Authors: Mason L. , Scheiter K. , Tornatora M.C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study used eye movement modeling examples (EMME) to support students' integrative processing of verbal and graphical information during the reading of an illustrated text. EMME consists of a replay of eye movements of a model superimposed onto the materials that are processed for accomplishing the task. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of modeling the temporal sequence of text and picture processing as shown in various replays of a model's gazes. Eighty‐four 7th graders were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental conditions: text‐first processing sequence (text‐first EMME), picture‐first processing sequence (picture‐first EMME), picture‐last processing sequence (picture‐last EMME) and no‐EMME (control). Online and offline measures were used.Eye movement indices indicate that only readers in the picture‐first EMME condition spent significantly longer processing the picture and showed stronger integrative processing of verbal and graphical information than students in the no‐EMME condition. Moreover, readers in all EMME conditions outperformed those in the control condition for recall. However, for learning and transfer, only readers in the picture‐first EMME condition were significantly superior to readers of the control condition. Furthermore, both the frequency and duration of integrative processing of verbal and graphical information mediated the effect of condition on learning outcomes.
Impact of ixekizumab treatment on skin‐related personal relationship difficulties in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients: 12‐week results from two Phase 3 trials
Authors: Guenther L. , Warren R.B. , Cather J.C. , Sofen H. , Poulin Y. , Lebwohl M. , Terui T. , Potts Bleakman A. , Zhu B. , Burge R. , Reich K. , van de Kerkhof P. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis symptoms may decrease quality of life for patients. Skin‐related personal relationship difficulties in psoriasis patients are common, under‐reported and poorly understood.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of ixekizumab (IXE) treatment on skin‐related personal relationship difficulties in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.MethodsPooled data (N = 2570) on skin‐related relationship problems were obtained from two large phase 3 trials (UNCOVER‐2 and UNCOVER‐3) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis randomized to subcutaneous placebo (PBO, N = 361), etanercept (ETN; 50 mg twice weekly, N = 740), or 80 mg IXE as one injection every 4 (IXEQ4W, N = 733) or 2 weeks (IXEQ2W, N = 736) for 12 weeks, following a 160‐mg initial dose. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) Personal Relationships Domain (PRD) (Items 8 and 9) was used to assess how much the skin caused any personal relationship difficulties at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 12. Improvement was compared for IXE vs PBO and ETN using logistic models. Factors associated with improvement were assessed using multiple linear regressions. DLQI Item 9, assessing sexual difficulties, was also analysed separately.ResultsPRD scores (mean ± standard deviation) at baseline were similar across all treatment groups (PBO: 1.8 ± 1.9; ETN: 1.7 ± 1.8; IXEQ4W: 1.6 ± 1.8; IXEQ2W: 1.7 ± 1.8). Treatment with IXE rapidly and significantly improved the mean PRD score compared to PBO and ETN (P < 0.001 at all time points). Baseline PRD score was the strongest negative predictor of improvement. IXE enabled significantly more patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis to reduce their skin‐related sexual difficulties at Week 12 compared to PBO (P < 0.001) or ETN (P < 0.001).ConclusionIxekizumab improves patient‐reported skin‐related PRD difficulties in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.
Influence of Hospital Type on Outcomes of Individuals Aged 80 and Older with Stroke Treated Using Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Purroy Francisco , Vena Ana , Cánovas David , Cardona Pere , Cocho Dolores , Cuadrado‐Godia Elisa , Chamorro Angel , Dávalos Antonio , Garcés Moisés , Gomis Meritxell , Krupinski Jerzy , Palomeras Ernest , Ribó Marc , Roquer Jaume , Rubiera Marta , Sanahuja Jordi , Saura Júlia , Serena Joaquín , Ustrell Xavier , Vargas Martha , Benabdelhak Ikram , Abilleira Sonia , Gallofré Miquel ,   for the Catalan Stroke Code and Reperfusion Consortium
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to confirm the safety and effectiveness of using intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with individuals aged 80 and older in routine practice in different hospital settings.DesignObservasional registry.SettingProspective multicenter population‐based registry of acute stroke patients treated with reperfusion therapies in Catalonia, Spain (Sistema Online d'Informació de l'Ictus Agut).ParticipantsIndividuals treated only with IVT (N = 3,231; 1,189 (36.8%) aged ≥80).MeasurementsSymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, mortality, and favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score = 0–2) at 3 months were evaluated according to hospital characteristics. Treating hospitals were classified in three categories: comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), primary stroke centers (PSCs), and community hospitals operating a telestroke system (TS). First individuals aged 80 and older were compared with those younger than 80, and then participants aged 80 and older were focused on.ResultsParticipants aged 80 and older had significantly higher baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, longer onset to treatment times, and worse outcomes than younger participants. For participants aged 80 and older, 90‐day mortality was 23.2%, with 38.7% having favorable outcomes at 3 months. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH; Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke‐MOnitoring STudy definition) was observed in 4.7% of subjects. None of the risk factors differed significantly between participants treated in different types of hospitals. Basal stroke severity measured according to NIHSS score was not significantly different either. The three different types of hospitals achieved similar outcomes, although the TS and PSC hospitals had significantly higher proportions of SICH (6.3% and 6.3%, respectively) than the CSC (3.2%).ConclusionOlder adults with acute stroke treated with IVT had similar outcomes regardless of hospital characteristics.
Mucosal bacterial dissemination in a rhesus macaque model of experimental brucellosis
Authors: Russell‐Lodrigue Kasi E. , Killeen Stephanie Z. , Ficht Thomas A. , Roy Chad J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAnimals were experimentally infected with Brucella melitensis via aerosol. B. melitensis was cultured from the saliva and vaginal vault of infected animals, corresponding to bacterial dissemination in other target tissues. This is the first report of bacterial dissemination to these mucosal surfaces in a non‐human primate model of brucellosis.
Efficacy and safety of a new microneedle patch for skin brightening: A Randomized, split‐face, single‐blind study
Authors: Park Kui Young , Kwon Hyun Jung , Lee Changjin , Kim Daegun , Yoon Jun Jin , Kim Myeong Nam , Kim Beom Joon 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundAlthough microneedles are one of the best transdermal drug delivery systems for active compounds, few clinical trials have examined the safety and efficacy of brightening microneedle patches.AimsTo determine the efficacy and safety of a newly developed whitening microneedle patch.Patients/MethodsA split‐face study was designed for efficacy assessment with 34 Korean women applying the tested product (a whitening microneedle patch) on one cheek and a control whitening essence on the other. We objectively measured changes in melanin index values and skin brightness by mexameter and chromameter. Each participant also used global assessment to determine skin whitening. In addition, 55 participants were selected for primary skin irritation tests and repeated insult patch tests for safety assessments.ResultsMean skin brightness and melanin indexes improved (P<.05) 4 weeks and 8 weeks after product use in both the whitening patch and whitening essence groups. Significant differences (P<.05) were observed between the whitening patch and whitening essence groups 8 weeks after use. Global assessment by participants showed moderate cosmetic outcomes for both the whitening patch and whitening essence groups. No adverse effects were reported, and primary irritation and human repeated insult patch tests revealed no irritation from the test product.ConclusionsA newly developed microneedle patch was effective and safe for skin brightening and would be a promising functional cosmetic product.
Cross‐sectional study of the microbiological safety profile of reusing hyaluronic acid fillers
Authors: Pontello Rubens , Kondo Rogério Nabor , Pavezzi Priscila Daiane , Nicolacopulos Theo , Kippert Julia Pagung , Lena Clarissa 
Published: June 2017

SummaryIntroductionFacial filling with hyaluronic acid (HA) is a dermatological procedure that has been emerging today. There are not many references regarding safety of reusing the remaining product for later touch‐up in the same patient.ObjectiveTo determine the microbiological safety of reusing hyaluronic acid that is remnant from syringes used for facial filling, stored at room temperature or cooled in a refrigerator at 4°C.Materials and methodsIn culture medium, small aliquots of leftovers from 31 hyaluronic acid fillers, previously used for facial filling, were inoculated. The fillers were stored in their original syringes at room temperature or cooled in a standard refrigerator at 4°C for a period ranging from 1 week to 12 months after initial use.LimitationsThe small number of samples limits extrapolation of the results obtained.ResultsAfter 42 days of inoculation in culture medium, none of the samples showed any aerobic or anaerobic bacterial or fungal growth.ConclusionHyaluronic acid fillers did not show any fungal or bacterial contamination after being opened and stored at room temperature in nonaseptic conditions. The possibility of reusing the remaining portion of the material in the syringe can be safe and economically viable.
Complete versus incomplete revascularization with drug‐eluting stents for multi‐vessel disease in stable, unstable angina or non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ando Tomo , Takagi Hisato , Grines Cindy L. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesTo determine whether drug‐eluting stent (DES) coronary complete revascularization (CR) confers clinical benefit over incomplete revascularization (IR) in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD).BackgroundClinical benefit of CR over IR in patients with MVD with angina (both stable and unstable) and non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in DES has not been well studied.MethodsWe conducted a systematic online literature search of PUBMED and EMBASE. Literatures that compared the clinical outcomes between CR and IR with exclusively or majority (>80%) using DES in patients without or included only small portion (<20%) of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction or single‐vessel coronary artery disease were included. Hazards ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated with random‐effects model.ResultsNo randomized clinical trials were identified. A total of 14 observational studies with total of 41 687 patients (CR 39.6% and IR 60.4%) were included in this meta‐analysis. CR was associated with lower incident of all‐cause mortality (HR 0.71, P = 0.001), major adverse events (HR 0.75, P < 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.39, P < 0.001). Meta‐regression analysis showed that CR significantly reduced the risk of all‐cause mortality in advanced age, triple vessel disease and male sub‐groups.ConclusionsCR with DES conferred favorable outcomes compared to IR in MVD patients with stable, unstable angina or NTEMI. Further research to achieve higher CR in MVD patients may lead to improvement in prognosis in these cohorts.
Illiquid life annuities
Authors: d'Albis Hippolyte , Etner Johanna 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we consider illiquid life annuity contracts and show that they may be preferred to those illustrated by Yaari. In an overlapping generations economy, liquid life annuities are demanded only if the equilibrium is dynamically inefficient. However, an equilibrium displaying a positive demand for illiquid life annuities is indeed efficient. In this latter case, the welfare at steady state is larger if illiquid life annuity contracts are available.