bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of the pheromone biosynthesis genes from the sex pheromone gland transcriptome of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Chen Da-Song , Dai Jian-Qing , Han Shi-Chou 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe diamondback moth was estimated to increase costs to the global agricultural economy as the global area increase of Brassica vegetable crops and oilseed rape. Sex pheromones traps are outstanding tools available in Integrated Pest Management for many years and provides an effective approach for DBM population monitoring and control. The ratio of two major sex pheromone compounds shows geographical variations. However, the limitation of our information in the DBM pheromone biosynthesis dampens our understanding of the ratio diversity of pheromone compounds. Here, we constructed a transcriptomic library from the DBM pheromone gland and identified genes putatively involved in the fatty acid biosynthesis, pheromones functional group transfer, and β-oxidation enzymes. In addition, odorant binding protein, chemosensory protein and pheromone binding protein genes encoded in the pheromone gland transcriptome, suggest that female DBM moths may receive odors or pheromone compounds via their pheromone gland and ovipositor system. Tissue expression profiles further revealed that two ALR, three DES and one FAR5 genes were pheromone gland tissue biased, while some chemoreception genes expressed extensively in PG, pupa, antenna and legs tissues. Finally, the candidate genes from large-scale transcriptome information may be useful for characterizing a presumed biosynthetic pathway of the DBM sex pheromone.
Enhancement of Power Output by using Alginate Immobilized Algae in Biophotovoltaic Devices
Authors: Ng Fong-Lee , Phang Siew-Moi , Periasamy Vengadesh , Yunus Kamran , Fisher Adrian C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe report for the first time a photosynthetically active algae immobilized in alginate gel within a fuel cell design for generation of bioelectricity. The algal-alginate biofilm was utilized within a biophotovoltaics (BPV) device developed for direct bioelectricity generation from photosynthesis. A peak power output of 0.289 mWm−2 with an increase of 18% in power output compared to conventional suspension culture BPV device was observed. The increase in maximum power density was correlated to the maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRm). The semi-dry type of photosynthetically active biofilm proposed in this work may offer significantly improved performances in terms of fuel cell design, bioelectricity generation, oxygen production and CO2 reduction.
An Open Software Platform for the Automated Design of Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices
Authors: DeChiara Nicholas S. , Wilson Daniel J. , Mace Charles R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPaper-based microfluidic devices have many applications in biomedical and environmental analysis. However, the process of prototyping device designs can be tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming. Here, we present a cross-platform, open-source software tool—AutoPAD—developed to quickly create and modify device designs and provide a free alternative to commercial design software. The capabilities that we designed to be inherent to AutoPAD (e.g., automatic zone alignment and design refactoring) highlight its potential use in nearly any paper-based microfluidic device application and for creating nearly any desired design, which we demonstrate through the recreation of numerous device designs from the literature.
Epidemiology and Predictors of NTM Pulmonary Infection in Taiwan - a Retrospective, Five-Year Multicenter Study
Authors: Huang Hung-Ling , Cheng Meng-Hsuan , Lu Po-Liang , Shu Chin-Chung , Wang Jann-Yuan , Wang Jann-Tay , Chong Inn-Wen , Lee Li-Na 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMulticenter, longitudinal studies on nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) pulmonary infection (PI) are lacking. This study provides a 5-year epidemiological overview of NTM-PI in Taiwan and investigated its predictors. The clinical relevance of each respiratory NTM isolate in six hospitals between 2008 and 2014 was determined according to current guidelines. Recurrent episodes were judged by serial bacteriological results. New episodes of NTM-PI and pulmonary colonization (PC) occurring since 2010 were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of NTM-PI. Between 2010 and 2014, the incidence rate of NTM-PI was 46.0 episodes per 100,000 hospital-based patient-years. Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex (MAC) was predominant in Northern Taiwan, whereas MAC and M. abscessus were copredominant in Southern Taiwan. Multiple episodes occurred in 9.5% of NTM-PI patients. No female predominance was observed, except for MAC-PI. Previous pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were the most common pulmonary comorbidities and independent risk factors for NTM-PI. Other risk factors included M. kansasii, M. abscessus, and southern Taiwan. Geographical variation of NTM-PI exists in Taiwan. Clinicians should keep a high suspicion on NTM-PI in the risk population. In endemic area of tuberculosis and COPD, there may be no female predominance in NTM-PI.
Avoidance of seismic survey activities by penguins
Authors: Pichegru Lorien , Nyengera Reason , McInnes Alistair M. , Pistorius Pierre 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSeismic surveys in search for oil or gas under the seabed, produce the most intense man-made ocean noise with known impacts on invertebrates, fish and marine mammals. No evidence to date exists, however, about potential impacts on seabirds. Penguins may be expected to be particularly affected by loud underwater sounds, due to their largely aquatic existence. This study investigated the behavioural response of breeding endangered African Penguins Spheniscus demersus to seismic surveys within 100 km of their colony in South Africa, using a multi-year GPS tracking dataset. Penguins showed a strong avoidance of their preferred foraging areas during seismic activities, foraging significantly further from the survey vessel when in operation, while increasing their overall foraging effort. The birds reverted to normal behaviour when the operation ceased, although longer-term repercussions on hearing capacities cannot be precluded. The rapid industrialization of the oceans has increased levels of underwater anthropogenic noises globally, a growing concern for a wide range of taxa, now also including seabirds. African penguin numbers have decreased by 70% in the last 10 years, a strong motivation for precautionary management decisions, including the exclusion of seismic exploratory activities within at least 100 km of their breeding colonies.
Mechanistic insight to ROS and Apoptosis regulated cytotoxicity inferred by Green synthesized CuO nanoparticles from Calotropis gigantea to Embryonic Zebrafish
Authors: Kumari Puja , Panda Pritam Kumar , Jha Ealisha , Kumari Khushboo , Nisha Kumari , Mallick M. Anwar , Verma Suresh K. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWith the rapid development of nanotechnology, much has been anticipated with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) due to their extensive industrial and commercial application. However, it has raised concern over the environmental safety and human health effects. In this study, CuO nanoparticles were synthesized using the green method with floral extract of Calotropis gigantea and characterized by standard physiochemical techniques like DLS, Zeta potential determination, UV- Visible Spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and TEM. Mechanistic cytotoxicity studies were performed using experimental and computational assays including morphological analysis, hatching, and viability rate analysis along with ROS and apoptosis analysis. Physiochemical characterization of CuO NP determined the size and zeta potential of synthesized nanoparticles to be 30 ± 09 nm to 40 ± 2 nm and −38 mV ± 12 mV respectively. Cytotoxicity evaluation with Zebrafish revealed malfunctioned organ development with differential viability and hatching rate at 48 hpf and 72 hpf with LC50 of 175 ± 10 mg/l. Computational analysis depicted the influential role of CuO nanoparticles on zebrafish embryo’s he1a, sod1 and p53 functional expression through hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interaction with amino acid residues. Study demonstrated valuable information of cytotoxic impact which can be influential in further studies of their eco-toxicological effects.
Two-photon polymerization enabled multi-layer liquid crystal phase modulator
Authors: Lee Yun-Han , Franklin Daniel , Gou Fangwang , Liu Guigeng , Peng Fenglin , Chanda Debashis , Wu Shin-Tson 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe performance of liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulators depends critically on the amount of cumulative phase change. However, for regular phase modulators, a large phase change comes with a slow time response penalty. A multi-layer liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulator offers a large phase change while keeping fast response time due to the decoupling between phase change and time response through engineered sub-micron scaffold. Here, we demonstrate specially designed 2- and 3-layer LC cells which can achieve 4 times and 7 times faster response time than that of conventional single-layer LC phase modulator of equivalent thickness, respectively. A versatile two-photon laser lithography is employed for LC cell scaffolding to accurately verify theoretical predictions with experimental measurements.
Depth accuracy of the RealSense F200: Low-cost 4D facial imaging
Authors: ten Harkel Timen C. , Speksnijder Caroline M. , van der Heijden Ferdinand , Beurskens Carien H. G. , Ingels Koen J. A. O. , Maal Thomas J. J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe RealSense F200 represents a new generation of economically viable 4-dimensional imaging (4D) systems for home use. However, its 3D geometric (depth) accuracy has not been clinically tested. Therefore, this study determined the depth accuracy of the RealSense, in a cohort of patients with a unilateral facial palsy (n = 34), by using the clinically validated 3dMD system as a gold standard. The patients were simultaneously recorded with both systems, capturing six Sunnybrook poses. This study has shown that the RealSense depth accuracy was not affected by a facial palsy (1.48 ± 0.28 mm), compared to a healthy face (1.46 ± 0.26 mm). Furthermore, the Sunnybrook poses did not influence the RealSense depth accuracy (p = 0.76). However, the distance of the patients to the RealSense was shown to affect the accuracy of the system, where the highest depth accuracy of 1.07 mm was measured at a distance of 35 cm. Overall, this study has shown that the RealSense can provide reliable and accurate depth data when recording a range of facial movements. Therefore, when the portability, low-costs, and availability of the RealSense are taken into consideration, the camera is a viable option for 4D close range imaging in telehealth.
Health state dependent multiphoton induced autofluorescence in human 3D in vitro lung cancer model
Authors: Kilin Vasyl , Mas Christophe , Constant Samuel , Wolf Jean-Pierre , Bonacina Luigi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLung diseases pose the highest risk of death and lung cancer is a top killer among cancers with a mortality rate up to 70% within 1 year after diagnosis. Such a fast escalation of this cancer development makes early diagnosis and treatment a highly challenging task, and currently there are no effective tools to diagnose the disease at an early stage. The ability to discriminate between healthy and tumorous tissue has made autofluorescence bronchoscopy a promising tool for detection of lung cancer; however, specificity of this method remains insufficiently low. Here, we perform autofluorescence imaging of human lung cancer invading a human functional airway using an in vitro model of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer which combines a reconstituted human airway epithelium, human lung fibroblasts and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, OncoCilAir™. By using two-photon laser induced autofluorescence microscopy combined with spectrally resolved imaging, we found that OncoCilAir™ provides tissue’s health dependent autofluorescence similar as observed in lung tissue in patients. Moreover, we found spectral and intensity heterogeneity of autofluorescence at the edges of tumors. This metabolic related heterogeneity demonstrates ability of tumor to influence its microenvironment. Together, our result shows that OncoCilAir™ is a promising model for lung cancer research.
Evidence for PII with NAGK interaction that regulates Arg synthesis in the microalga Myrmecia incisa in response to nitrogen starvation
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Wei , Sun Li-Ping , Zhou Zhi-Gang 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTo understand why most eukaryotic microalgae accumulate lipids during nitrogen starvation stress, a gene, MiglnB, encoding PII, a signal transduction protein, was cloned from the arachidonic acid-rich microalga Myrmecia incisa Reisigl. Similarly to its homologues, MiPII contains three conserved T-, B-, and C-loops. In the presence of abundant Mg2+, ATP, and Gln, MiPII upregulates Arg biosynthesis by interacting with the rate-limiting enzyme, MiNAGK, as evidenced by yeast two-hybrid, co-immunoprecipitation assays, and kinetics analysis of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. However, this interaction of MiPII with MiNAGK is reversed by addition of 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG). Moreover, this interaction is present in the chloroplasts of M. incisa, as illustrated cytologically by both immunoelectron microscopy and agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves to determine the subcellular localization of MiPII with MiNAGK. During the process of nitrogen starvation, soluble Arg levels in M. incisa are modulated by a change in MiNAGK enzymatic activity, both of which are significantly correlated (r = 0.854). A model for the manipulation of Arg biosynthesis via MiPII in M. incisa chloroplasts in response to nitrogen starvation is proposed. The ATP and 2-OG saved from Arg biosynthesis is thus suggested to facilitate the accumulation of fatty acids and triacylglycerol in M. incisa during exposure to nitrogen starvation.
Cryogenic 3D Printing of Super Soft Hydrogels
Authors: Tan Zhengchu , Parisi Cristian , Di Silvio Lucy , Dini Daniele , Forte Antonio Elia 
Published: November 2017

AbstractConventional 3D bioprinting allows fabrication of 3D scaffolds for biomedical applications. In this contribution we present a cryogenic 3D printing method able to produce stable 3D structures by utilising the liquid to solid phase change of a composite hydrogel (CH) ink. This is achieved by rapidly cooling the ink solution below its freezing point using solid carbon dioxide (CO2) in an isopropanol bath. The setup was able to successfully create 3D complex geometrical structures, with an average compressive stiffness of O(1) kPa (0.49 ± 0.04 kPa stress at 30% compressive strain) and therefore mimics the mechanical properties of the softest tissues found in the human body (e.g. brain and lung). The method was further validated by showing that the 3D printed material was well matched to the cast-moulded equivalent in terms of mechanical properties and microstructure. A preliminary biological evaluation on the 3D printed material, coated with collagen type I, poly-L-lysine and gelatine, was performed by seeding human dermal fibroblasts. Cells showed good attachment and viability on the collagen-coated 3D printed CH. This greatly widens the range of applications for the cryogenically 3D printed CH structures, from soft tissue phantoms for surgical training and simulations to mechanobiology and tissue engineering.
Interocular Symmetry of Vascular Density and Association with Central Macular Thickness of Healthy Adults by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Liu Guodong , Keyal Khusbu , Wang Fang 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn order to analyze the interocular correlation of vascular density, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size, central macular thickness (CMT), and to investigate the relationship between vascular density and CMT in normal eyes, retinal vascular density in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC) networks, FAZ size, and CMT were visualized by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. A total of 174 eyes of 87 normal Chinese subjects were enrolled in the study. The results showed that FAZ and CMT measurements are not statistically significant between right and left eyes, but right eyes had higher vascular density in superficial, deep retinal capillary and choriocapillaris networks, which might be related with dominant eyes. Spearman correlation test revealed a high correlation between right and left eyes for FAZ and CMT measurements (r = 0.934; r = 0.935), and a moderate correlation for SCP, DCP and CC density (r = 0.402; r = 0.666; r = 0.417). The analysis showed greater vascular density with smaller FAZ size, and a high negative relationship between FAZ and CMT, which indicates a positive correlation between retinal blood supply and retinal thickness.
Solar system science with ESAEuclid
Authors: Carry B. 
Published: November 2017

Context.The ESAEuclidmission has been designed to map the geometry of the dark Universe. Scheduled for launch in 2020, it will conduct a six-year visible and near-infrared imaging and spectroscopic survey over 15 000 deg2down toVAB~ 24.5. Although the survey will avoid ecliptic latitudes below 15°, the survey pattern in repeated sequences of four broadband filters seems well-adapted to detect and characterize solar system objects (SSOs).Aims.We aim at evaluating the capability ofEuclidof discovering SSOs and of measuring their position, apparent magnitude, and spectral energy distribution. We also investigate how the SSO orbits, morphology (activity and multiplicity), physical properties (rotation period, spin orientation, and 3D shape), and surface composition can be determined based on these measurements.Methods.We used the current census of SSOs to extrapolate the total amount of SSOs that will be detectable byEuclid, that is, objects within the survey area and brighter than the limiting magnitude. For each different population of SSO, from neighboring near-Earth asteroids to distant Kuiper-belt objects (KBOs) and including comets, we compared the expectedEuclidastrometry, photometry, and spectroscopy with the SSO properties to estimate howEuclidwill constrain the SSOs dynamical, physical, and compositional properties.Results.With the current survey design, about 150 000 SSOs, mainly from the asteroid main-belt, should be observable byEuclid. These objects will all have high inclination, which is a difference to many SSO surveys that focus on the ecliptic plane.Euclidmay be able to discover several 104SSOs, in particular, distant KBOs at high declination. TheEuclidobservations will consist of a suite of four sequences of four measurements and will refine the spectral classification of SSOs by extending the spectral coverage provided byGaiaand the LSST, for instance, to 2 microns. Combined with sparse photometry such as measured byGaiaand the LSST, the time-resolved photometry will contribute to determining the SSO rotation period, spin orientation, and 3D shape model. The sharp and stable point-spread function ofEuclidwill also allow us to resolve binary systems in the Kuiper belt and detect activity around Centaurs.Conclusions.The depth of theEuclidsurvey (VAB~ 24.5), its spectral coverage (0.5 to 2.0 μm), and its observation cadence has great potential for solar system research. A dedicated processing for SSOs is being set up within theEuclidconsortium to produce astrometry catalogs, multicolor and time-resolved photometry, and spectral classification of some 105SSOs, which will be delivered as Legacy Science.
The quest for stable circumbinary companions to post-common envelope sdB eclipsing binaries
Authors: Pulley D. , Faillace G. , Smith D. , Watkins A. , von Harrach S. 
Published: November 2017

Context. Period variations have been detected in a number of eclipsing close compact binary subdwarf B stars (sdBs) and these have often been interpreted as being caused by circumbinary massive planets or brown dwarfs. According to canonical binary models, the majority of sdB systems are produced from low mass stars with degenerate cores where helium is ignited in flashes. Various evolutionary scenarios have been proposed for these stars, but a definite mechanism remains to be established. Equally puzzling is the formation of these putative circumbinary objects which must have formed from the remaining post-common envelope circumbinary disk or survived its evolution.Aim. In this paper we review the eclipse time variations (ETVs) exhibited by seven such systems (EC 10246-2707, HS 0705+6700, HS 2231+2441, J08205+0008, NSVS 07826147, NSVS 14256825, and NY Vir) and explore whether there is conclusive evidence that the ETVs observed over the last two decades can reliably predict the presence of one or more circumbinary bodies.Methods. We report 246 new observations of the seven sdB systems made between 2013 September and 2017 July using a worldwide network of telescopes. We combined our new data with previously published measurements to analyse the ETVs of these systems.Results. Our data show that period variations cannot be modelled simply on the basis of circumbinary objects. This implies that more complex processes may be taking place in these systems. These difficulties are compounded by the secondary star not being spectroscopically visible. From ETVs, it has historically been suggested that five of the seven binary systems reported here had circumbinary objects. Based on our recent observations and analysis, only three systems remain serious contenders. We find agreement with other observers that at least a decade of observations is required to establish reliable ephemerides. With longer observational baselines it is quite conceivable that the data will support the circumbinary object hypothesis of these binary systems. Also, we generally agree with other observers that higher values of (O–C) residuals are found with secondary companions of spectral type M5/6 (or possibly earlier as a result of an Applegate type mechanism).
Stellar parameters of Be stars observed with X-shooter
Authors: Shokry A. , Rivinius Th. , Mehner A. , Martayan C. , Hummel W. , Townsend R. H. D. , Mérand A. , Mota B. , Faes D. M. , Hamdy M. A. , Beheary M. M. , K Gadallah K. A. , Abo-Elazm M. S. 
Published: November 2017

Aims.The X-shooter archive of several thousand telluric standard star spectra was skimmed for Be and Be shell stars to derive the stellar fundamental parameters and statistical properties, in particular for the less investigated late-type Be stars and the extension of the Be phenomenon into early A stars.Methods.An adapted version of the BCD method is used, using the Balmer discontinuity parameters to determine effective temperature and surface gravity. This method is optimally suited for late B stars. The projected rotational velocity was obtained by profile fitting to the Mg iilines of the targets, and the spectra were inspected visually for the presence of peculiar features such as the infrared Ca iitriplet or the presence of a double Balmer discontinuity. The Balmer line equivalent widths were measured, but they are only useful for determining the pure emission contribution in a subsample of Be stars owing to uncertainties in determining the photospheric contribution.Results.A total of 78, mostly late-type, Be stars, were identified in the X-shooter telluric standard star archive, out of which 48 had not been reported before. We confirm the general trend that late-type Be stars have more tenuous disks and are less variable than early-type Be stars. The relatively large number (48) of relatively bright (V> 8.5) additional Be stars casts some doubt on the statistics of late-type Be stars; they are more common than currently thought. The Be/B star fraction may not strongly depend on spectral subtype.