bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological stoichiometry of the epiphyte community in a subtropical forest canopy
Authors: Huang Jun‐Biao , Liu Wen‐Yao , Li Su , Song Liang , Lu Hua‐Zheng , Shi Xian‐Meng , Chen Xi , Hu Tao , Liu Shuai , Liu Tao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEpiphytes in tree canopies make a considerable contribution to the species diversity, aboveground biomass, and nutrient pools in forest ecosystems. However, the nutrient status of epiphytes and their possible adaptations to nutrient deficiencies in the forest canopy remain unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the stoichiometry of five macroelements (C, N, P, K, and Ca) in four taxonomic groups (lichens, bryophytes, ferns, and spermatophytes) to investigate this issue in a subtropical montane moist evergreen broad‐leaved forest in Southwest China. We found that the interspecific variations in element concentrations and mass ratios were generally greater than the intraspecific variations. And there were significant stoichiometric differences among functional groups. Allometric relationships between N and P across the epiphyte community indicated that P might be in greater demand than N with an increase in nutrients. Although canopy nutrients were deficient, most epiphytes could still maintain high N and P concentrations and low N:P ratios. Moreover, ferns and spermatophytes allocated more limited nutrients to leaves than to stems and roots. To alleviate frequent drought stress in the forest canopy, vascular epiphytes maintained several times higher K concentrations in their leaves than in the tissues of lichens and bryophytes. Our results suggest that epiphytes may have evolved specific nutrient characteristics and adaptations, so that they can distribute in heterogeneous canopy habitats and maintain the stability of nutrient metabolism.
Do differences in developmental mode shape the potential for local adaptation?
Authors: Jupe L. L. , Bilton D. T. , Knights A. M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFuture climate change is leading to the redistribution of life on Earth as species struggle to cope with rising temperatures. Local adaptation allows species to become locally optimized and persist despite environmental selection, but the extent to which this occurs in nature may be limited by dispersal and gene flow. Congeneric marine gastropod species (Littorina littoreaandL. saxatilis) with markedly different developmental modes were collected from across a latitudinal thermal gradient to explore the prevalence of local adaptation to temperature. The acute response of metabolic rate (using oxygen consumption as a proxy) to up‐ramping and down‐ramping temperature regimes between 6°C and 36°C was quantified for five populations of each species. The highly dispersiveL. littoreaexhibited minimal evidence of local adaptation to the thermal gradient, with no change in thermal optimum (Topt) or thermal breadth (Tbr) and a decline in maximal performance (max) with increasing latitude. In contrast, the direct developingL. saxatilisdisplayed evidence of local optimization, although these varied idiosyncratically with latitude, suggesting a suite of selective pressures may be involved in shaping thermal physiology in this relatively sedentary species. Our results show that the biogeography of thermal traits can differ significantly between related species, and show that interpopulation differences in thermal performance do not necessarily follow simple patterns that may be predicted based on latitudinal changes in environmental temperatures. Further research is clearly required to understand the mechanisms that can lead to the emergence of local adaptation in marine systems better and allow improved predictions of species redistribution in response to climate change.
Left atrial structure and function and the risk of death or heart failure in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Inciardi Riccardo M. , Giugliano Robert P. , Claggett Brian , Gupta Deepak K. , Chandra Alvin , Ruff Christian T. , Antman Elliott M. , Mercuri Michele F. , Grosso Michael A. , Braunwald Eugene , Solomon Scott D. ,   on behalf of the ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48 Investigators
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimsThe present study aimed to assess the association between left atrial (LA) structure and function and the risk for cardiovascular (CV) death or heart failure (HF) hospitalization in a population with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and resultsIn a prospective echocardiographic substudy of the Effective Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Next Generation in AF‐Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 48 (ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48) study, 971 patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The associations between LA structure (LA volume index [LAVi]) and function (LA emptying fraction [LAEF] and LA expansion index [LAEi]) and risk for the composite endpoint of CV death or HF hospitalization, and its components, were assessed. Over a median follow‐up of 2.5 years, 142 patients (14.6%) experienced CV death or HF hospitalization. Higher LAVi and lower LAEF and LAEi were each associated with a higher unadjusted risk for the composite outcome and its components. After adjustment for clinical and echocardiographic confounders, only measures of impaired LA function were predictive of the composite outcome (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 standard deviation [SD] decrease in LAEF: 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.67 [P = 0.005]; HR per 1 SD decrease in LAEi: 1.34; 95% CI 1.06–1.69 [P = 0.012]). These findings were similar regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction, history of HF or whether patients were in AF or sinus rhythm at the time of the echocardiographic examination.ConclusionsIn patients with AF, LA dysfunction was significantly associated with an increased risk for CV death or HF hospitalization and was more predictive of these outcomes than LA size. These parameters may help to identify AF patients at greatest risk for the development of HF.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00781391.
The role of the complement factor B‒arginase‒polyamine molecular axis in uremia‐induced cardiac remodeling in mice
Authors: Yang Yang , Ma Lu , Song Minghui , Li Xiaomeng , He Fagui , Wang Chao , Chen Meihan , Zhou Jie , Mei Changlin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe role of complement system in heart diseases is controversial. Besides, the mechanisms by which complement components participate in cardiac remodeling (CR) and heart failure during uremia are unclear. In this study, 5/6 nephrectomy was performed to adult mice to establish the uremic model and CR deteriorated over the course of uremia. Although complement pathways were not further activated over the course of the disease, soluble complement factor B (CFB) was upregulated at post‐nephrectomy day 90 (PNx90) compared with PNx30. Further, CFB notably deteriorated CR in uremic mice but this effect was reversed by depletion of macrophages with liposomal clodronate. In vivo and in vitro CFB upregulated arginase 1 (ARG1) expression, increased ARG1 enzymatic activity, and stimulated the syntheses of ornithine, leading to polyamine overproduction in macrophages. Putrescine, an important polyamine, promoted cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, resulting in progressive CR. In vivo the inhibition of ARG1 activity with Nω‐hydroxyl‐l‐arginine remarkably improved the general survival rates, inhibited the infiltration of cardiac fibroblasts, and alleviated progression of CR in uremic mice. Taken together, the CFB‒ARG1‒putrescine axis is related to progression of CR and ARG1 hyperactivity in macrophages may provide a novel therapeutic target against the heart injury in uremia.
Comparison of Cadmium Cd2+ and Lead Pb2+ Binding by Fe2O3@SiO2‐EDTA Nanoparticles – Binding Stability and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Kulpa Amanda , Ryl Jacek , Skowierzak Grzegorz , Koterwa Adrian , Schroeder Grzegorz , Ossowski Tadeusz , Niedziałkowski Paweł 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study describes the synthesis and characterization of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) functionalized magnetic nanoparticles of 20 nm in size – Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA – which were used as a novel magnetic adsorbent for Cd(II) and Pb(II) binding in aqueous medium. These nanoparticles were obtained in two‐stage synthesis: covering by tetraethyl orthosilicate and functionalization with EDTA derivatives. Nanoparticles were characterized using TEM, FT‐IR, and XPS methods. Metal ions were detected under optimized experimental conditions using Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DPASV) and Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode (HDME) techniques. We compared the ability of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA to bind cadmium and lead in concentration of 553.9 μg L−1 and 647.5 μg L−1, respectively. Obtained results show that the adsorption rate of cadmium binding was very high. The equilibrium for Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA‐Cd(II) was reached within 19 min while for the Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA‐Pb(II) was reached within 25 minutes. About 2 mg of nanoparticles was enough to bind 87.5 % Cd(II) and 54.1 % Pb(II) content. In the next step the binding capacity of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA nanoparticles was determined. Only 1.265 mg of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA was enough to bind 96.14 % cadmium ions while 5.080 mg of nanoparticles bound 40.83 % lead ions. This phenomenon proves that the studied nanoparticles bind Cd(II) much better than Pb(II). The cadmium ions binding capacity of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA nanoparticles decreased during storage in 0.5 M KCl solution. Two days of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA storage in KCl solution caused the 32 % increase in the amount of nanoparticles required to bind 60 % of cadmium while eight‐days storage caused further increase to 328 %. The performed experiment confirmed that the storage of nanoparticles in solution without any surfactants reduced their binding capacity. The best binding capacity was observed for the nanoparticles prepared directly before the electrochemical measurements.
Online monitoring of the respiratory quotient reveals metabolic phases during microaerobic 2,3‐butanediol production with Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Heyman Benedikt , Tulke Hannah , Putri Sastia Prama , Fukusaki Eiichiro , Büchs Jochen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMicroaerobic cultivation conditions are often beneficial for the biotechnological production of reduced metabolites like 2,3‐butanediol. However, due to oxygen limitation, process monitoring based on oxygen transfer rate, or dissolved oxygen measurement provides only limited information. In this study, online monitoring of the respiratory quotient is used to investigate the metabolic activity of Bacillus licheniformis DSM 8785 during mixed acid‐2,3‐butanediol production under microaerobic conditions. Thereby, the respiratory quotient provides valuable information about different metabolic phases. Based on partial reaction stoichiometries, the metabolic activity in each phase of the cultivation was revealed, explaining the course of the respiratory quotient. This provides profound information on the formation or consumption of glucose, 2,3‐butanediol, ethanol and lactate, both, in shake flasks and stirred tank reactor cultivations. Furthermore, the average respiratory quotient correlates with the oxygen availability during the cultivation. Carbon mass balancing revealed that this reflects the increased formation of reduced metabolites with increasing oxygen limitation. The results clearly demonstrate that the respiratory quotient is a valuable online signal to reveal and understand the metabolic activity during microaerobic cultivations. The approach of combining respiratory quotient monitoring with stoichiometric considerations can be applied to other organisms and processes to define suitable cultivation conditions to produce the desired product spectrum.
Modal‐based ground motion selection procedure for nonlinear response time history analysis of high‐rise buildings
Authors: Liu Yang , Kuang J.S. , Yuen Terry Y.P. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryThe selection of representative input ground motions (IGMs) is important for a proper nonlinear response time history analysis (NLRHA) of modern structures. The prevailing IGM selection procedure requires that the response spectra of selected ground motions are matched with the code‐specified design spectra, while the effect of the frequency contents combination in the time domain on the multimode interactions is not considered. Ignoring the effect of the frequency contents combination in the time domain of IGMs may cause significant variations in the analysis results for selected IGMs, although they are matched to the same design spectrum. In this paper, a modal‐based ground motion selection (MGMS) procedure is proposed as a supplement to spectrum matching‐based IGM selection procedures for selecting proper IGMs that can sufficiently induce the multimode interactions. In the proposed procedure, three equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom (ESDOF) systems are developed by pushover analysis. NLRHA is then conducted for these ESDOF systems with a set of 20 seed IGMs chosen by the spectrum‐matching–based selection procedure. Finally, seven IGMs are selected from the seed IGMs for NLRHA in the full structural model. To verify MGMS, seismic demands of high‐rise buildings were computed by NLRHA with seven MGMS‐selected IGMs, seven IGMs with closest spectrum matching, and groups of seven randomly selected IGMs derived from three different sets of 20 seed IGMs. The computed seismic demands with MGMS‐IGMs show very good agreement with the mean demands determined using the whole set of seed IGMs, while the deviation is much lesser compared with those groups of randomly selected IGMs.
Evaluation of antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of proanthocyanidins from Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) leaves against Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Zou Mingming , Tao Wenyang , Ye Xingqian , Liu Donghong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractStaphylococcus epidermidis has emerged in recent years as one of the most important opportunistic pathogens owing to its ability to attach to processing surfaces in the food industry. Demands of foodstuffs maintaining microbiological safety and stability enhance the need to develop natural antimicrobial agents as food preservatives. Proanthocyanidins from Chinese bayberry leaves (BLPs) belonging to the class of polyphenols promise to be a potential antibacterial material against bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of BLPs on S. epidermidis growth and biofilm formation. BLPs possessed antimicrobial activity with MIC and MBC of 320 and 640 μg/ml, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry analysis revealed a loss of the cell structure and function after treatment of BLPs, evidenced by cell membrane hyperpolarization and changes in cellular morphology. BLPs inhibited the biofilm formation by S. epidermidis on polystyrene microplates. Atomic force microscopy analysis showed that BLPs could decrease the stiffness and adhesion force of the cell envelope, which might account for the inhibition of biofilm formation. In summary, this study indicated that BLPs have potential to be developed as natural preservatives to control S. epidermidis in foods.
Assessment of Malaysia's Large‐Scale Solar Projects: Power System Analysis for Solar PV Grid Integration
Authors: Khan Rehan , Go Yun Ii 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMalaysia targets to become the second‐largest producer of solar photovoltaic (PV) in the world by increasing the current output from 12% to 20% in 2020. The government also expects to achieve 45% reduction of greenhouse gas emission by 2030 through renewable energy mainly by solar PV. Large‐scale solar (LSS) aims to produce 2.5 GW, which contributes to 10% of the nation's electricity demands. The LSS system is held back by the grid‐scale integration, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. Thus, power system analysis is crucial to achieve optimization in LSS to power grid integration. This paper investigates various power system analysis models and recommends an optimized configuration based on Malaysia's LSS scenario. In stage 1, an optimal PV sizing is carried out based on real data of LSS installation in different locations. In stage 2, power analysis is carried out using to analyze the potential difference variation when connected to a nine‐bus power system. The potential variation at each bus of the system is assessed and hence provides a feasibility statement on the most effective configurations for LSS–grid integration. This paper serves as the reference model for LSS–grid integration in Malaysia and is expected to be replicated in the other countries with similar conditions.
Brain oscillatory activity as a biomarker of motor recovery in chronic stroke
Authors: Ray Andreas M. , Figueiredo Thiago D. C. , López‐Larraz Eduardo , Birbaumer Niels , Ramos‐Murguialday Ander 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn the present work, we investigated the relationship of oscillatory sensorimotor brain activity to motor recovery. The neurophysiological data of 30 chronic stroke patients with severe upper‐limb paralysis are the basis of the observational study presented here. These patients underwent an intervention including movement training based on combined brain–machine interfaces and physiotherapy of several weeks recorded in a double‐blinded randomized clinical trial. We analyzed the alpha oscillations over the motor cortex of 22 of these patients employing multilevel linear predictive modeling. We identified a significant correlation between the evolution of the alpha desynchronization during rehabilitative intervention and clinical improvement. Moreover, we observed that the initial alpha desynchronization conditions its modulation during intervention: Patients showing a strong alpha desynchronization at the beginning of the training improved if they increased their alpha desynchronization. Patients showing a small alpha desynchronization at initial training stages improved if they decreased it further on both hemispheres. In all patients, a progressive shift of desynchronization toward the ipsilesional hemisphere correlates significantly with clinical improvement regardless of lesion location. The results indicate that initial alpha desynchronization might be key for stratification of patients undergoing BMI interventions and that its interhemispheric balance plays an important role in motor recovery.
Perovskite quantum dot lasers
Authors: Chen Jie , Du Wenna , Shi Jianwei , Li Meili , Wang Yue , Zhang Qing , Liu Xinfeng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOwing to the excellent properties of perovskite quantum dots (QDs), such as an easy synthesis process, high photoluminescence quantum yields, high defect tolerance, and tunable bandgap with different elements, laser actions have been widely conducted. Over the past few years, several approaches have been used for successfully creating perovskite QD lasers. In this review, we summarize the progress of perovskite QD lasers from the aspects of laser theory, characteristics and applications of QD lasers, advantages of perovskite materials for lasers, factors influencing the QD laser threshold, two‐photon pumped QD lasers, and perovskite QD laser stability. At the same time, aiming at existing problems, possible solutions and prospects are presented.
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Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000654 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating the miR‐149‐5p/IL‐6/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Xu Zhiqiao , Tie Xiaojing , Li Ning , Yi Zhenying , Shen Fengqian , Zhang Yan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with covalently closed‐loop structures that play an essential regulatory role in diverse malignancies, including esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). Circ_0000654 expression in ESCC and its mechanism of action remains unclear. Real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) was employed to detect circ_0000654 and miR‐149‐5p expression in ESCC tissues. Circ_0000654 and miR‐149‐5p expression in ESCC cells was selectively regulated. Furthermore, interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression in cells was detected by RT‐PCR and western blot analysis, while CCK8, BrdU, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were used to monitor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ_0000654 and miR‐149‐5p, miR‐149‐5p and IL‐6. The function of circ_0000654 on ESCC cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo was examined using a subcutaneous xenograft model and a tail intravenous injection model in nude mice. Circ_0000654 was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines, and its high expression was remarkably associated with an increased T stage and local lymph node metastasis in ESCC patients. Circ_0000654 overexpression and knockdown experiments revealed that circ_0000654 regulated ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in vitro. Circ_0000654 was identified as a sponge of miR‐149‐5p and facilitated ESCC progression by indirectly activating the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Additionally, knocking down circ_0000654 strikingly repressed ESCC growth and metastasis in vivo. In summary, circ_0000654 functions as an oncogenic circRNA in ESCC and accelerates ESCC progression via adsorbing miR‐149‐5p and activating the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Gastric juice piR‐1245: A promising prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Xiaorong , Liu Jianhong , Meng Aifeng , Zhang Lihong , Wang Min , Fan Hong , Peng Wei , Lu Jianwei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundEmerging reports demonstrated that PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) played an indispensable role in tumorigenesis. However, it still remains elusive whether piR‐1245 in gastric juice specific in stomach could be employed as a biomarker for gastric cancer (GC). The present work is aiming at exploring the possibility of piR‐1245 in gastric juice as a potential marker to judge for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer.MethodsGastric juice was collected from 66 GC patients and 66 healthy individuals. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was employed to measure the levels of piR‐1245 expression. Then, the pattern of piR‐1245 expression in gastric juice was determined between GC patients and healthy individuals. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for distinguishing GC from healthy individuals.ResultsGastric juice piR‐1245 levels in GC were higher than those of controls (P < .0001). The value of area under ROC (AUC) was 0.885 (sensitivity, 90.9%; specificity, 74.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.8286 to 0.9414). High gastric juice piR‐1245 expression was signally correlated with tumor size (P = .013) and TNM stage (P = .001). GC patients with high piR‐1245 expression in gastric juice exerted a poorer overall survival (OS) (P = .0152) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = .013). COX regression analysis verified that gastric juice piR‐1245 expression was an independent prognostic risk variable for OS (P < .05).ConclusionsThe current study suggested that piR‐1245 in gastric juice had the potential to be a useful biomarker for GC detection and prognosis prediction.