bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary history of the endemic water shrew Neomys anomalus: Recurrent phylogeographic patterns in semi‐aquatic mammals of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Querejeta Marina , Castresana Jose 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe Cabrera's water shrew (Neomys anomalus) is a small semi‐aquatic mammal whose taxonomic status was recently elevated from subspecies to species; as a consequence of this change, this species is now endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. In this study, we looked at its evolutionary history by combining phylogeography, the spatial distribution of genetic diversity, and species distribution modeling. To perform these analyses, we used noninvasive samples collected across the species distribution range and sequenced partial mitochondrial cytochrome b and D‐loop genes. Maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees derived from these sequences indicated that N. anomalus is divided into two main phylogroups that correlate strongly with geography, with two contact zones between the groups that showed limited spatial mixing between them. River basins were responsible for only a small percentage of the structure of the genetic diversity of this species despite its riparian habitat. The nucleotide diversity variation map showed the highest genetic diversity to be in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. Finally, species distribution modeling allowed the inference of an optimal area during the Last Interglacial in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, and multiple glacial refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum. The phylogeographic pattern of N. anomalus is strikingly similar to that of another semi‐aquatic Iberian mammal, the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), revealing how Pleistocene glaciations could have had equivalent effects on species of similar ecology and distribution. This phylogeographic structure is consistent with N. anomalus having been isolated for long periods in multiple glacial refugia within the Iberian Peninsula, in agreement with the “refugia‐within‐refugia” hypothesis, and further supporting its status as a distinct species.
Immunogenic cell death of dendritic cells following modified vaccinia virus Ankara infection enhances CD8+ T cell proliferation
Authors: Tappe Kim A. , Budida Ramachandramouli , Stankov Metodi V. , Frenz Theresa , R. Shah Harshit , Volz Asisa , Sutter Gerd , Kalinke Ulrich , Behrens Georg M. N. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract“Immunogenic cell death” (ICD) is associated with the emission of so‐called damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) which trigger the immune response against dead‐cell associated antigens. The secretion of the DAMP, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been shown to be autophagy‐dependent. Here, we demonstrate that Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), a highly attenuated strain of vaccinia virus, induces both cell death and autophagy in murine bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), which in turn confer the (cross‐)priming of OVA‐specific cytotoxic T cells (OT‐I cells). Additionally, we show that MVA infection leads to increased extracellular ATP (eATP) as well as intracellular ATP (iATP) levels, with the latter being influenced by the autophagy. Furthermore, we show that the increased eATP supports the proliferation of OT‐I cells and inhibition of the P2RX7 receptors results in an abrogation of the proliferation. These data reveal novel mechanisms on how MVA enhances adaptive immunity in vaccine strategies.
Ag/ZnO Catalysts with Different ZnO Nanostructures for Non‐enzymatic Detection of Urea
Authors: Yoon Jaesik , Lee Doohee , Lee Eunji , Yoon Young Soo , Kim Dong‐Joo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSilver coated ZnO nanorods and nanoflakes with different crystallographic orientations were synthesized by a combination of sputter deposition and solution growth process. Catalytic properties of morphology‐dependent Ag/ZnO nanostructures were then investigated for urea sensors without enzyme. Ag/ZnO nanorods on carbon electrodes exhibit a higher catalytic activity and an improved efficiency than Ag/ZnO nanoflakes on carbon electrodes. Ag/ZnO nanorod catalysts with more electrochemically surface area (169 cm2 mg−1) on carbon electrode facilitate urea electrooxidation due to easier electron transfer, which further promotes the urea electrolysis. The Ag/ZnO nanorod catalysts also show a significant reduction in the onset voltage (0.410 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and an increase in the current density (12.0 mA cm−2 mg−1) at 0.55 V vs Ag/AgCl. The results on urea electrooxidation show that Ag/ZnO nanostructures can be a potential catalyst for non‐enzymatic biosensors and fuel cells.
Capillary electrophoresis study of systemin peptides spreading in tomato plant
Authors: Mucha Piotr , Ruczynski Jaroslaw , Dobkowski Michal , Backtrog Ewelina , Rekowski Piotr 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSystemin (Sys) is an 18‐aa plant peptide hormone involved in the regulation of plant's defensive response. Sys is considered as a fast‐spreading systemic wound signal. We developed a simple and rapid CE method to monitor the spreading of Sys peptides through tomato plant. A 1,2,3‐triazole‐linked AZT‐systemin conjugate was designed as a model to study the possibility of translocating small cargo molecules 3'‐Azido‐2',3'‐dideoxythymidine by systemin. The Sys peptides (Sys, N‐propiolyl Sys, and AZT‐systemin conjugate) were injected into the stem and leaves of mature tomato plant. Its transportation throughout the plant tissue was traced by CE. The peptides were clearly visible in the crude tomato exudates and an optimum separation was achieved in 25 mM phosphate “buffer” at pH 2.5 and a voltage of 20 kV using uncoated fused silica capillary. CE analysis showed that Sys peptides are well separated from tomato plant exudates ingredients and are stable in tomato stem and leaf exudates for up to 24 h. CE study revealed that the Sys peptides are effectively spreading throughout tomato stem and leaves and the peptides could be directly detected in the crude plant matrixes. The translocation was strongly inhibited by sodium azide. The results showed that the established CE method can be used to characterize plant peptides spreading under plant physiological conditions.
Recent advances in capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry: Instrumentation, methodology and applications
Authors: Stolz Alexander , Jooß Kevin , Höcker Oliver , Römer Jennifer , Schlecht Johannes , Neusüß Christian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCapillary electrophoresis (CE) offers fast and high‐resolution separation of charged analytes from small injection volumes. Coupled to mass spectrometry (MS), it represents a powerful analytical technique providing (exact) mass information and enables molecular characterization based on fragmentation. Although hyphenation of CE and MS is not straightforward, much emphasis has been placed on enabling efficient ionization and user‐friendly coupling. Though several interfaces are now commercially available, research on more efficient and robust interfacing with nano‐electrospray ionization (ESI), matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP) continues with considerable results. At the same time, CE‐MS has been used in many fields, predominantly for the analysis of proteins, peptides and metabolites. This review belongs to a series of regularly published articles, summarizing 248 articles covering the time between June 2016 and May 2018. Latest developments on hyphenation of CE with MS as well as instrumental developments such as two‐dimensional separation systems with MS detection are mentioned. Furthermore, applications of various CE‐modes including capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE), capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) and capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) coupled to MS in biological, pharmaceutical and environmental research are summarized.
Compulsive “grazing” and addictive tendencies towards food
Authors: Bonder Revi , Davis Caroline , Kuk Jennifer L. , Loxton Natalie J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEvidence suggests that palatable foods can promote an addictive process akin to drugs of abuse. To date, research in the field of food addiction has focused largely on binge eating as a symptom of this condition. The present study investigated relationships between food addiction and other patterns of overeating, such as compulsive grazing—a behaviour with high relevance to bariatric surgery outcomes. Adults between the ages of 20 and 50 years (n = 232) were recruited for the study. Participants completed questionnaires to assess various eating behaviours and related personality measures. Regression analysis employed the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) as the dependent variable. Results indicated that addictive personality traits, reward‐driven eating, and compulsive grazing each contributed unique variance to the YFAS symptom score. These findings provide novel insight into the association between a grazing pattern of overeating and food addiction, and emphasize that similar to traditional addiction disorders such as alcoholism, binge consumption is not the only pattern of compulsive intake.
Bioenergetics-adverse outcome pathway: Linking organismal and suborganismal energetic endpoints to adverse outcomes
Authors: Goodchild Christopher G. , Simpson Adam M. , Minghetti Matteo , DuRant Sarah E. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) link toxicity across levels of biological organization, and thereby facilitate the development of suborganismal responses predictive of whole-organism toxicity and provide the mechanistic information necessary for science-based extrapolation to population-level effects. Thus far AOPs have characterized various acute and chronic toxicity pathways; however, the potential for AOPs to explicitly characterize indirect, energy-mediated effects from toxicants has yet to be fully explored. Indeed, although exposure to contaminants can alter an organism's energy budget, energetic endpoints are rarely incorporated into ecological risk assessment because there is not an integrative framework for linking energetic effects to organismal endpoints relevant to risk assessment (e.g., survival, reproduction, growth). In the present analysis, we developed a generalized bioenergetics-AOP in an effort to make better use of energetic endpoints in risk assessment, specifically exposure scenarios that generate an energetic burden to organisms. To evaluate empirical support for a bioenergetics-AOP, we analyzed published data for links between energetic endpoints across levels of biological organization. We found correlations between 1) cellular energy allocation and whole-animal growth, and 2) metabolic rate and scope for growth. Moreover, we reviewed literature linking energy availability to nontraditional toxicological endpoints (e.g., locomotor performance), and found evidence that toxicants impair aerobic performance and activity. We conclude by highlighting current knowledge gaps that should be addressed to develop specific bioenergetics-AOPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:27–45. © 2018 SETAC
Investigating the relationship between age of onset of depressive disorder and cognitive function
Authors: Eraydin Irem Ece , Mueller Christoph , Corbett Anne , Ballard Clive , Brooker Helen , Wesnes Keith , Aarsland Dag , Huntley Jonathan 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesDepressive disorder is commonly associated with impaired cognitive function; however, it is unclear whether the age of onset of the first episode of depression, current depression severity, or historical severity of depressive episodes are associated with cognitive performance.MethodsThis study examined baseline cross‐sectional data from the ongoing online PROTECT study. A total of 7344 participants, 50 years or older, with a history of depression and no diagnosis of dementia were divided into three groups according to age of onset of their first depressive episode: early‐onset, midlife‐onset, and late‐onset. Performance on measures of visuospatial episodic memory, executive function, verbal working, and visual working memory were evaluated. Demographic and clinical characteristics such as age, education, and severity of symptoms during their worst previous depressive episode and current depression severity were included in multivariate regression models.ResultsThe late‐onset depression group scored significantly lower on the verbal reasoning task than the early‐onset group while there were no significant differences found on the other tasks. Midlife‐onset depression participants performed better in the visual episodic memory task, but worse on the verbal reasoning task, than early‐onset depression participants. Current depression severity was negatively correlated with all four cognitive domains, while historical severity score was found to be significantly associated with cognitive performance on the verbal reasoning and spatial working memory tasks.ConclusionsThe most important indicator of cognitive performance in depression appears to be current, rather than historic depression severity; however, late‐onset depression may be associated with more executive impairment than an early‐onset depression.
Positive and neutral effects of forest cover on dry‐season stream flow in Costa Rica identified from Bayesian regression models with informative prior distributions
Authors: Krishnaswamy Jagdish , Kelkar Nachiket , Birkel Christian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe influence of forest cover on dry‐season stream flow in the humid tropics has been of enduring interest to eco‐hydrologists and policy makers. We used data from eight nested gauging stations in the Terraba river basin (4774 km2) of Costa Rica to demonstrate how a Bayesian regression approach could be applied to test hypotheses on “infiltration‐evapotranspiration trade‐offs”, between the “sponge effect” and evapotranspiration demands of forests on dry‐season flows. We summarized three competing hypotheses as informative prior distributions for regression slopes as 1) positive, 2) zero, and 3) negative effect of forest cover, and combined them with dry‐season flow data (response), and annual rainfall and per cent forest cover (as covariates) to obtain posterior estimates. The time series (1962–2002) included a deforestation phase until the 1980s and subsequent forest recovery from the 1990s. The sign, magnitude, and uncertainty of posterior slopes showed that forest cover effects on dry‐season flow were generally positive or neutral, influenced by both forest loss and recovery. Forest cover effect on dry‐season flow for the entire basin was strongly positive. Four sub‐catchments showed weakly positive and two showed neutral effects, and only one indicated a weakly negative effect. Mean effect size of forest cover diminished with increase in basin size. Our results predict a gain of 3.3 mm in dry‐season flow for every 1% increase of forest cover, corresponding to 48 km2 of basin area. Enhanced infiltration and wet‐season groundwater recharge dominating evapotranspiration can be attributed partly to deep soils and cloud forests. We demonstrate how informative prior distributions can represent different hypotheses in Bayesian regression models offers advantages in investigating complex hydrological processes. The rigorous evidence for positive and neutral effects of forest cover on dry‐season flow, reported by our study, potentially contributes to ecohydrology‐based management of tropical landscapes undergoing rapid change.
Toward endothelialization via vascular endothelial growth factor immobilization on cell‐repelling functional polyurethanes
Authors: Liao Shurui , He Qiang , Yang Lie , Liu Shuai , Zhang Ze , Guidoin Robert , Fu Qiang , Xie Xingyi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe screened a family of nonspecific cell‐repelling polyurethanes (PUs) whose backbones are attached with epoxy group‐terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains. Water incubation of the PU films (with 9.2–31.1 wt % PEG) caused a surface enrichment of PEG chains where vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was grafted by forming secondary amine linkages between VEGF molecules and the PEG spacer. These linkages are still ionizable similar to original primary amines in VEGF, thereby retaining the original charge distribution on VEGF macromolecules. This charge conservation together with PEG steric repulsion helped to preserve VEGF conformation and bioactivity. The PU substrates with suitable hard segments contents and VEGF surface densities can selectively induce endothelial cells (ECs) adhesion and proliferation toward endothelialization. Moreover, the PU substrates, even grafted with fibrinogen (Fg), cannot trigger platelet adhesion and deformation, suggesting an inactive conformation of the grafted Fg. Thus enough antithrombogenicity of the PU substrates could be expected before full endothelialization. These PU materials might be applied onto the lumens of vascular grafts, potentially stimulating luminal endothelialization in vivo. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 965–977, 2019.
Stable composite of bacterial nanocellulose and perforated polypropylene mesh for biomedical applications
Authors: Ludwicka Karolina , Kolodziejczyk Marek , Gendaszewska‐Darmach Edyta , Chrzanowski Michal , Jedrzejczak‐Krzepkowska Marzena , Rytczak Przemyslaw , Bielecki Stanislaw 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe article presents the method of preparation of new, stable bacterial cellulose composites with perforated solid materials for biomedical applications, comprising reconstructive surgery of soft and hard tissues. The composites were obtained in specially designed bioreactors equipped with a set of perforated mesh stripes threaded vertically to the culture medium, ensuring perpendicular growth of bacterial nanocellulose synthesized by Komagataeibacter xylinus E25 in stationary culture. The developed biocomposites have been tested for stability and mechanical strength, as well as for their in vitro inflammatory responses shown as mast cell degranulation with N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐hexosaminidase release and mast cell adhesion. The obtained results indicate that the composites components are well integrated after the process of cultivation and purification. Bacterial nanocellulose does not negatively influence mechanical properties of the polypropylene porous mesh, preserving its tensile strength, elasticity, and load. Moreover, application of bacterial cellulose makes the composites less immunogenic as compared to polypropylene itself. Therefore, the composites have the great potential of application in medicine, and depending on the applied porous material, might be used either in hernioplasty (if porous hernia mesh is used), cranioplasty (if perforated metal or polymeric cranial implant is applied), or as a protective barrier in any application that requires biocompatibility or antiadhesive properties improvement. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 978–987, 2019.
Collagen/β‐TCP nerve guidance conduits promote facial nerve regeneration in mini‐swine and the underlying biological mechanism: A pilot in vivo study
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhang Chengyao , Li Zheyi , Zhang Shijian , Liu Jiannan , Bai Yuxing , Pan Juli , Zhang Chenping 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of new nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) in bridging facial nerve gaps, and investigate the underlying biological mechanisms implicated in the regeneration process. A collagen/β‐TCP conduit was prepared and applied to a facial nerve gap in a mini‐swine model. Functional recovery and axonal regeneration were further evaluated by electrophysiological and histological examinations at 3 months after surgery. Furthermore, the global transcriptomic profiles of regenerated and normal tissues were analyzed by gene microarray to identify the differentially expressed genes at day three and seven, postoperatively. Subsequently, associated biological processes were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. The electrophysiological examination and morphological analysis revealed that significant nerve regeneration effects were achieved in the Col/β‐TCP group (p < 0.05). Transcriptional analysis revealed that at day three post‐surgery, the majority of overexpressed genes were associated with inflammatory, immune and stimuli response, accompanied by angiogenesis, while at day seven, the majority of overexpressed genes were associated with cell, tissue and organ regeneration and development, synaptic transmission, neurogenesis, and neuronal differentiation, as well as the WNT, MAPK/ERK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. In conclusion, the present results suggest that collagen/β‐TCP NGCs provide a promising tubular micro‐environment for nerve regeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1122–1131, 2019.
Ideal scaffold design for total ear reconstruction using a three‐dimensional printing technique
Authors: Jung Bok Ki , Kim Jae Yoon , Kim Young Seok , Roh Tai Suk , Seo Anna , Park Keun‐Ho , Shim Jin‐Hyung , Yun In Sik 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEar reconstruction using three‐dimensional (3D) printing technique has been considered as a good substitute for conventional surgery, because it can provide custom‐made 3D framework. However, there are difficulties with its application in clinical use. Researchers have reported 3D scaffolds for ear cartilage regeneration, but the designs of the 3D scaffolds were not appropriate to be used in surgery. Hence, we propose the design of an ideal 3D ear scaffold for use in ear reconstruction surgery. Facial computed tomography (CT) images of the unaffected ear were extracted using a “segmentation” procedure. The selected data were converted to a 3D model and mirrored to create a model of the affected side. The design of 3D model was modified to apply to Nagata's two‐stage surgery. Based on the 3D reconstructed model, a 3D scaffold was 3D printed using polycaprolactone. The 3D scaffold closely resembled the real cartilage framework used in current operations in terms of ear anatomy. To account for skin thickness, the 3D scaffold was made 4 mm smaller than the real ear. Furthermore, 2 mm pores were included to allow the implantation of diced cartilage to promote regeneration of the cartilage. 3D printing technology can overcome the limitations of previous auricular reconstruction methods. Further studies are required to achieve a functional and stable substitute for auricular cartilage and to extend the clinical use of the 3D‐printed construct. Additionally, the ethical and legal issues regarding the transplantation of 3D‐printed constructs and cell culture technologies using human stem cells remain to be solved. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1295–1303, 2019.