bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unprecedented herbivory threatens rear‐edge populations of Betula in southwestern Eurasia
Authors: Morales‐Molino César , Tinner Willy , Perea Ramón , Carrión José S. , Colombaroli Daniele , Valbuena‐Carabaña María , Zafra Elena , Gil Luis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMediterranean rear‐edge populations of Betula, located at the southwestern Eurasian margin of the distribution range, represent unique reservoirs of genetic diversity. However, increasing densities of wild ungulates, enhanced dryness, and wildfires threaten their future persistence. A historical perspective on the past responses of these relict populations to changing herbivory, fire occurrence and climatic conditions may contribute to assessing their future responses under comparable scenarios. We have reconstructed vegetation and disturbance (grazing, fire) history in the Cabañeros National Park (central‐southern Spain) using the paleoecological records of two small mires. We particularly focused on the historical range of variation in disturbance regimes, and the dynamics of rear‐edge Betula populations and herbivore densities. Changes in water availability, probably related to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, and land‐use history have played a crucial role in vegetation shifts. Our data suggest that heathlands (mainly Erica arborea and E. scoparia) and Quercus woodlands dominated during dry phases while Sphagnum bogs and Betula stands expanded during wet periods. Betula populations survived past moderately dry periods but were unable to cope with enhanced land use, particularly increasing livestock raising since ~1,100–900 cal. yr BP (850–1,050 CE), and eventually underwent local extinction. High herbivore densities not only contributed to the Betula demise but also caused the retreat of Sphagnum bogs. Ungulate densities further rose at ~200–100 cal. yr BP (1750–1850 CE) associated with the historically documented intensification of land use around the Ecclesiastical Confiscation. However, herbivory reached truly unprecedented values only during the last decades, following rural depopulation and subsequent promotion of big game hunting. For the first time in temperate and Mediterranean Europe, we have used the abundances of fossil dung fungal spores to assess quantitatively that current high herbivore densities exceed the historical range of variation. In contrast, present fire activity lies within the range of variation of the last millennia, with fires (mainly human‐set) mostly occurring during dry periods. Our paleodata highlight the need of controlling the densities of wild ungulates to preserve ecosystem composition and functioning. We also urge to restore Betula populations in suitable habitats where they mostly disappeared because of excessive human activities.
Assessing the role of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 in volume overload‐induced cardiac remodelling
Authors: Jochmann Svenja , Elkenani Manar , Mohamed Belal A. , Buchholz Eric , Lbik Dawid , Binder Lutz , Lorenz Kristina , Shah Ajay M. , Hasenfuß Gerd , Toischer Karl , Schnelle Moritz 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimsVolume overload (VO) and pressure overload (PO) induce differential cardiac remodelling responses including distinct signalling pathways. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), key signalling components in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, modulate cardiac remodelling during pressure overload (PO). This study aimed to assess their role in VO‐induced cardiac remodelling as this was unknown.Methods and resultsAortocaval fistula (Shunt) surgery was performed in mice to induce cardiac VO. Two weeks of Shunt caused a significant reduction of cardiac ERK1/2 activation in wild type (WT) mice as indicated by decreased phosphorylation of the TEY (Thr‐Glu‐Tyr) motif (−28% as compared with Sham controls, P < 0.05). Phosphorylation of other MAPKs was unaffected. For further assessment, transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte‐specific ERK2 overexpression (ERK2tg) were studied. At baseline, cardiac ERK1/2 phosphorylation in ERK2tg mice remained unchanged compared with WT littermates, and no overt cardiac phenotype was observed; however, cardiac expression of the atrial natriuretic peptide was increased on messenger RNA (3.6‐fold, P < 0.05) and protein level (3.1‐fold, P < 0.05). Following Shunt, left ventricular dilation and hypertrophy were similar in ERK2tg mice and WT littermates. Left ventricular function was maintained, and changes in gene expression indicated reactivation of the foetal gene program in both genotypes. No differences in cardiac fibrosis and kinase activation was found amongst all experimental groups, whereas apoptosis was similarly increased through Shunt in ERK2tg and WT mice.ConclusionsVO‐induced eccentric hypertrophy is associated with reduced cardiac ERK1/2 activation in vivo. Cardiomyocyte‐specific overexpression of ERK2, however, does not alter cardiac remodelling during VO. Future studies need to define the pathophysiological relevance of decreased ERK1/2 signalling during VO.
The Setup of the National Reference Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ‐Authent) in Germany
Authors: Kulling Sabine , Bunzel Diana , Frommherz Lara , Molkentin Joachim , Lehmann Iris , Engert Stefan , Steinberg Pablo 
Published: July 2019

The present report addresses the challenges in the fight against food fraud, discusses the definition of food fraud as a legal concept, the point in time at which policy makers in Europe became aware of food fraud, i.e., the horsemeat scandal in 2013, and the policy responses of the EU as well as Germany to that scandal. Moreover, the establishment, structure, and objectives of the recently established National Reference Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ‐Authent) in Germany are described.Practical Applications: The suggested structure of the German National Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ‐Authent) can be used as a blueprint when wanting to build up European Union centers for the authenticity and integrity of the agri‐food chain in the member states.Locations of the Max Rubner‐Institut across Germany and focus of food authenticity research at the different locations. The National Reference Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ‐Authent) headquarters are located in the city of Kulmbach.
Chitosan‐templated bio‐coloration of cotton fabrics via laccase‐catalyzed polymerization of hydroquinone
Authors: Bai Rubing , Yu Yuanyuan , Wang Qiang , Shen Jinsong , Yuan Jiugang , Fan Xuerong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThere is an increasing interest in the development of enzymatic coloration of textile fabrics as an alternative to conventional textile dyeing processes, which is successful for dyeing protein fibers. However, unmodified cotton fabrics are difficult to be dyed through enzyme catalysis due to the lack of affinity of biosynthesized dyes to cotton fibers. In order to improve the enzyme‐catalyzed dyeability of cotton fibers, chitosan was used to coat cotton fabrics as template. A novel and facile bio‐coloration technique using laccase catalysis of hydroquinone was developed to dye chitosan‐templated cotton fabrics. The polymerization of hydroquinone with the template of chitosan under the laccase catalysis was monitored by ultraviolet‐vis spectrophotometer on the absorbance of reaction solution. A significant peak of UV‐vis spectrum at 246 nm corresponding to large conjugated structures appeared and increased with increasing the duration of enzymatic catalysis. The effect of different treatment conditions on the laccase‐catalyzed dyeing of cotton fabric was investigated to determine their optimal parameters of laccase‐catalyzed coloration. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy spectra demonstrated the formation of H‐bond and Schiff base reaction between chitosan and polymerized hydroquinone. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the surface of dyed cotton fiber was much rougher than that of the control sample. Moreover, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy also revealed the existence of the chitosan/polymerized hydroquinone complex and polymerized hydroquinone on the dyed cotton fibers. This chitosan‐templated approach offers possibility for biological dyeing coloration of cotton fabrics and other cellulosic materials.
Vulnerability of multiple large‐scale brain networks in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Sala Arianna , Caminiti Silvia Paola , Iaccarino Leonardo , Beretta Luca , Iannaccone Sandro , Magnani Giuseppe , Padovani Alessandro , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi , Perani Daniela 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAberrations of large‐scale brain networks are found in the majority of neurodegenerative disorders. The brain connectivity alterations underlying dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) remain, however, still elusive, with contrasting results possibly due to the pathological and clinical heterogeneity characterizing this disorder. Here, we provide a molecular assessment of brain network alterations, based on cerebral metabolic measurements as proxies of synaptic activity and density, in a large cohort of DLB patients (N = 72). We applied a seed‐based interregional correlation analysis approach (p < .01, false discovery rate corrected) to evaluate large‐scale resting‐state networks' integrity and their interactions. We found both local and long‐distance metabolic connectivity alterations, affecting the posterior cortical networks, that is, primary visual and the posterior default mode network, as well as the limbic and attention networks, suggesting a widespread derangement of the brain connectome. Notably, patients with the lowest visual and attention cognitive scores showed the most severe connectivity derangement in regions of the primary visual network. In addition, network‐level alterations were differentially associated with the core clinical manifestations, namely, hallucinations with more severe metabolic dysfunction of the attention and visual networks, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder with alterations of connectivity of attention and subcortical networks. These multiple network‐level vulnerabilities may modulate the core clinical and cognitive features of DLB and suggest that DLB should be considered as a complex multinetwork disorder.
Digitization of local revenue collection in Ghana: An evaluation of Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA)
Authors: Adu Edmund Poku , Buabeng Thomas , Asamoah Kwame , Damoah Clement Mensah 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGovernment institutions in Ghana have initiated the use of information technologies to accomplish their objectives. Among these institutions is the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the local government institution that introduced the use of point of sale devices in the collection of rates in 2012. The purpose of the study was to evaluate this digital mode of rate collection at the AMA through the lenses of the concept of e‐government failure (Heeks, 2003) and the rational choice theory. Guided by the pragmatic paradigm of social research, a mixed method approach was adopted. Data consisted of recorded interviews with officials of AMA, as well as Annual Reports and Annual Composite Budgets from 2011 to 2017. It was found that the intervention was a partial failure because of its inability to block avenues for bribery and its inability to induce a significant rise in rate figures. However, the intervention had improved transparency and accountability in rate collection activities at AMA. The study also offers some recommendations for improving the effectiveness of similar interventions.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) of the Cesarean‐Scarred Uterus in vivo at 3T: Comparison Study of DTI Parameters Between Nonpregnant and Pregnant Cases
Authors: Zhang Wenting , Chen Juan 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundFiber architecture of the human uterus can be depicted in vivo using 3T MR‐DTI (diffusion tensor imaging).PurposeTo investigate the differences in fibrous structure and DTI‐related parameters between nonpregnant and pregnant cases in vivo.Study TypeProspective case–control study.SubjectsThirty‐one subjects were divided into two groups; 18 nonpregnant volunteers with previous cesarean deliveries (Group 1) and 13 patients in early pregnancy also with previous cesarean section (Group 2).Field Strength/Sequence3T Ssh‐EPI (single‐shot echo planar imaging) fast sequence with b values of 0 and 600 s/mm2 along 30 directions.AssessmentFiber density, fiber length, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and the fractional anisotropy (FA) value measured in the mid‐sagittal plane of the uterus were obtained from the outer myometrium (OM), junctional zone (JZ), and the cesarean section scar (CSS). Fiber architecture in vivo was depicted by 3D diffusion tensor tractography (DTT).Statistical TestsA t‐test of independent sample or Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for comparison.ResultsPregnant scarred‐uterus (Group 2) showed a decrease in fiber density, FA value, and an increase in fiber length, ADC value than the nonpregnant scarred‐uterus (Group 1) on OM, JZ, and CSS. Among the above parameters between the two groups, for OM, significant differences were found in fiber density (P < 0.001), length (P = 0.0306), and ADC (P = 0.0039). For JZ, significant differences were found in fiber density (P = 0.0093), FA (P = 0.0002), and ADC (P < 0.001). The scar's fiber density (P = 0.0794), length (P = 0.6167), FA (P = 0.6305), and ADC value (P = 0.1865) showed no statistically significant difference during early pregnancy.Data ConclusionOur results indicate considerable diffusional changes in uterine fiber architecture during pregnancy. The microenvironment of scar tissue appears to change little during early pregnancy.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:124–130.
Effect of heteroatom doping on the hydrogenation of volleyballene
Authors: Salas‐Zepeda M.G. , Tlahuice‐Flores Alfredo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this study, the heteroatom doping of volleyballene with N and P atoms and the hydrogenation of their related structures is addressed, with an emphasis on the displayed bonding, adsorption energies, and vibrational properties. It is determined that the doping with 12 phosphorus atoms ([Sc20C48P12]‐1] produces a tetrahedral‐like (T point group) structure. Conversely, the presence of 12 nitrogen atoms results in a structure (C2H‐Sc20C48N12) maintaining the parent volleyballene framework. The N‐doping structure displays a calculated hydrogen adsorption energy of ‐0.20 eV/H (Sc20C48N12H24), and it increases to ‐0.50 eV/H in the case of the structure doped with P atoms ([Sc20C48P12H36]‐1). The predicted four new structures are attested as true minima by their IR and Raman spectra. Finally, the assignment of their IR/Raman signals is carried out in order to facilitate their experimental detection.
Molecular mechanisms involved in postharvest chilling tolerance of pomegranate fruit
Authors: Kashash Yael , Holland Doron , Porat Ron 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCold storage of pomegranates is essential for prolonging postharvest storage and for the implementation of cold‐quarantine insect disinfestation treatments required for international trading. However, pomegranates are chilling sensitive; they may develop chilling injuries upon exposure to unfavorable low temperatures. In this mini‐review, we summarize molecular data obtained from three different RNA Seq transcriptome analyses of responses of pomegranate fruits to cold storage. These experiments included comparisons among the transcriptomic responses following a 2‐week exposure to 1 °C in three different model systems: 1) unconditioned chilling‐sensitive fruits versus relatively chilling‐tolerant low‐temperature‐conditioned fruits; 2) chilling‐sensitive early harvested fruits versus relatively chilling‐tolerant late‐harvested ones; and 3) chilling‐sensitive ‘Ganesh’ variety versus the relatively chilling‐tolerant ‘Wonderful’ variety. Comparisons among differentially expressed transcripts that were exclusively and significantly up‐regulated in the relatively chilling‐tolerant fruits in all three model systems enabled identification of 573 common chilling tolerance‐associated genes in pomegranates. Functional categorization and classification of the differentially expressed transcripts revealed several regulatory, metabolic, and stress‐adaptation pathways that were uniquely activated in response to cold storage in relatively chilling‐tolerant fruits. More specifically, we identified common up‐regulation of transcripts involved in activation of jasmonic acid and ethylene hormone biosynthesis and signaling, stress‐related transcription factors, calcium and MAPK signaling, starch degradation and galactinol and raffinose biosynthesis, phenol biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and heat‐shock proteins. We hypothesized these pathways to be involved in imparting chilling tolerance to pomegranate fruits. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Mediterranean sofrito home‐cooking technique enhances polyphenol content in tomato sauce
Authors: Rinaldi de Alvarenga José Fernando , Quifer‐Rada Paola , Westrin Victoria , Hurtado‐Barroso Sara , Torrado‐Prat Xavier , Lamuela‐Raventós Rosa M 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSofrito, a basic culinary technique widely used in the Mediterranean, may preserve dietary polyphenols and enhance their intake in the Mediterranean population. The aim of this study was to investigate if the sofrito technique improves the polyphenol extractability in a tomato‐based sofrito sauce.RESULTSA full factorial design was applied using mathematical models. The content of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid hexoside and naringenin was higher in the sofrito sauce than in raw tomato. The bioaccessibility of some tomato polyphenols was enhanced by the presence of olive oil and they were protected from oxidation during the cooking process by the use of onion.CONCLUSIONThe use of olive oil and onion in Mediterranean cooking as a base for sauces and dishes, with an appropriate cooking time, preserve the polyphenol content of food. Thus, Mediterranean cuisine may contribute to the health effects of the Mediterranean diet. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Compatibilization of biocomposites based on sponge‐gourd natural fiber reinforced poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Rahem Zahir , Mayouf Imane , Guessoum Melia , Delaite Christelle , Douibi Abdelmalek , Lallam Abdelaziz 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTo prepare fully biodegradable materials, variable concentrations of luffa fiber (LF) namely 1, 3, and 5 phr, were incorporated into a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. To counteract the poor adhesion of the LF to PLA, a compatibilizer which is maleic anhydride‐grafted poly(lactic acid) has been incorporated and the properties of the composites with and without compatibilizer noted, respectively, PLA/LF and PLA/PLA‐g‐maleic anhydride (MA)/LF, were compared. The final torque of PLA/LF was found to decrease with the LF content contrary to that of PLA/PLA‐g‐MA/LF composite which was seen to increase as a result of the interfacial reaction occurring between maleic anhydride groups of the compatibilizer and the hydroxyls of LF. This outcome has been evidenced from the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy which pointed out the disappearance of the vibration band owing to the anhydride groups of the compatibilizer from the spectra of the PLA/PLA‐g‐MA/LF composite and the better impregnation of LF by the matrix as it has been observed from scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, the Izod impact strength of the compatibilized composites was seen to increase, especially for 1 phr of LF, whereas the water uptake aptitude was considerably reduced. Also, PLA phase into the composites exhibited lower thermal stability and glass transition temperature compared to pristine PLA.
Charge delocalization mode and change in aromaticity of protonated 7‐phenylbenzo[k]fluoranthenes studied by experimental observation and DFT calculations
Authors: Okazaki Takao , Matsunaga Takuya , Kitagawa Toshikazu 
Published: July 2019

Abstract7‐Phenylbenzo[k]fluoranthene (4), which is one of non‐alternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was protonated at the C(12) position in neat CF3SO3H to give a persistent carbocation (4aH+). The cation was successfully observed by NMR measurements at rt. The most deshielded protons were observed as doublet signals at 8.92 and 8.71 ppm for H(1) and H(3). The most deshielded 13C signals appeared at 184.4 and 176.6 ppm for C(12a) and C(7). The positive charge was found to be delocalized to four carbons in a 1‐naphthalenium unit and to two other carbons according to Δδ13C from 4 to 4aH+. DFT calculations indicated that 4aH+ was the most stable among possible protonation carbocations. The NICS(1)zz values of 4aH+ suggested that the five‐membered π‐ring is nonaromatic and that the other benzenoid rings are aromatic. The influence of the 7‐phenyl group on aromaticity and on positive charge delocalization was limited. The next most stable cations were computed to be cations (4bH+ and 4cH+) that were generated by the protonation at the C(3) and C(4) positions, respectively. Their Gibbs energies were similar within 0.7 kcal/mol to that of 4aH+. Their five‐membered π‐rings were proved to be anti‐aromatic according to the NICS(1)zz criteria. 4bH+ and 4cH+ can be depicted by canonical structures with a cyclopentadienyl cation unit, which is suggested to be responsible for their anti‐aromaticity.
The sodium pump and digitalis drugs: Dogmas and fallacies
Authors: Askari Amir 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe sodium pump (Na/K‐ATPase) is a plasma membrane enzyme that transports Na+ and K+ against their physiological gradients in most eukaryotic cells. Besides pumping ions, the enzyme may also interact with neighboring proteins to activate cell signaling pathways that regulate cell growth. Digitalis drugs, useful for the treatment of heart failure and atrial arrhythmias, inhibit the pumping function of Na/K‐ATPase and stimulate its signaling function. In the current field of research on the sodium pump and digitalis drugs, some issues that are commonly accepted to be well established are not so, and this may impede progress. Here, several such issues are identified, their histories are discussed, and their open discussions are urged. The covered unsettled questions consist of (a) the suggested hormonal role of endogenous digitalis compounds; (b) the specificity of Na/K‐ATPase as the receptor for digitalis compounds; (c) the relevance of the positive inotropic action of digitalis to its use for the treatment of heart failure; (d) the conflicting findings on digitalis–induced signaling function of Na/K‐ATPase; and (e) the uncertainties about the structure of Na/K‐ATPase in the native cell membrane.
A Time‐Programmed Release of Dual Drugs from an Implantable Trilayer Structured Fiber Device for Synergistic Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Xilin , He Yang , Hou Jianwen , Yang Guang , Zhou Shaobing 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCombination chemotherapy with time‐programmed administration of multiple drugs is a promising method for cancer treatment. However, realizing time‐programmed release of combined drugs from a single carrier is still a great challenge in enhanced cancer therapy. Here, an implantable trilayer structured fiber device is developed to achieve time‐programmed release of combined drugs for synergistic treatment of breast cancer. The fiber device is prepared by a modified microfluidic‐electrospinning technique. The glycerol solution containing chemotherapy agent doxorubicin (Dox) forms the internal periodic cavities of the fiber, and poly(l‐lactic acid) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) containing the angiogenesis inhibitor apatinib (Apa) form the double walls of the fiber. Rapid release of Dox can be obtained by adjusting the wall thickness of the cavities, meanwhile sustained release of Apa is achieved through the slow degradation of the fiber matrix. After the fiber device is implanted subcutaneously near to the implanted solid tumor of mice, an excellent synergistic therapeutic effect is achieved through time‐programmed release of the combined dual drugs. The fiber device provides a platform to sequentially co‐deliver dual or multiple drugs for enhanced combined therapeutic efficacy.