bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quaternary climatic fluctuations and resulting climatically suitable areas for Eurasian owlets
Authors: Koparde Pankaj , Mehta Prachi , Mukherjee Shomita , Robin V. V. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimThe nested pattern in the geographical distribution of three Indian owlets, resulting in a gradient of endemicity, is hypothesized to be an impact of historical climate change. In current time, the Forest Owlet Athene blewitti is endemic to central India, and its range is encompassed within the ranges of the Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum (distributed through South Asia) and Spotted Owlet Athene brama (distributed through Iran, South and Southeast Asia). Another phylogenetically close species, Little Owl Athene noctua, which is largely Palearctic in distribution, is hypothesized to have undergone severe range reduction during the Last Glacial Maximum, showing a postglacial expansion. The present study tests hypotheses on the possible role of Quaternary climatic fluctuations in shaping geographical ranges of owlets.MethodsWe used primary field observations, open access data, and climatic niche modeling to construct climatic niches of four owlets for four periods, the Last Interglacial (~120–140 Ka), Last Glacial Maximum (~22 Ka), Mid‐Holocene (~6 Ka), and Current (1960–1990). We performed climatic niche extent, breadth, and overlap analyses and tested if climatically suitable areas for owlets are nested in a relatively stable climate.ResultsClimatically suitable areas for all owlets examined underwent cycles of expansion and reduction or a gradual expansion or reduction since the Last Interglacial. The Indian owlets show significant climatic niche overlap in the current period. Climatically suitable areas for Little Owl shifted southwards during the Last Glacial Maximum and expanded northwards in the postglaciation period. For each owlet, the modeled climatic niches were nested in climatically stable areas.Main ConclusionsThe study highlights the impact of Quaternary climate change in shaping the present distribution of owlets. This is relevant to the current scenario of climate change and global warming and can help inform conservation strategies, especially for the extremely range‐restricted Forest Owlet.
Two‐Step Direct Transesterification as a Rapid Method for the Analysis of Fatty Acids in Microalgae Biomass
Authors: Safafar Hamed , Ljubic Anita , Møller Per , Jacobsen Charlotte 
Published: March 2019

A rapid and routine direct transesterification (DT) method for the evaluation of the relative fatty acid composition of microalgae biomass is presented in this paper. The method is optimized on Lake Superior Fish Tissue (SRM 1946), as standard reference material and then the proposed DT procedure is tested on various microalgae species, and the results are compared to a validated microwave assisted esterification (MAE) as a reference (R2 = 0.99). Total DT time is very fast (14 min), while the fatty acid compositions are virtually identical to those prepared by MAE for various species of microalgae as well as fish and krill biomasses.Practical Applications: Microalgae are known as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds such as fatty acids, and their implementation is growing. Application of microalgae biomass as a source of fatty acids requires fast and reliable methods of analysis of fatty acids. The DT method developed in this study can be used as a powerful tool for the monitoring of the variations in fatty acid composition during the cultivation, processing, formulation, and storage.The fatty acid composition of microalgae has been proven as a potential tool for the identification of microalgal taxa. Application of fatty acid composition as a fingerprinting tool requires fast, reliable, and precise methods. A rapid and routine direct transesterification method for the evaluation of the fatty acid composition of microalgae biomass is presented in this paper. The transesterification is being done in two steps as sonication assisting base‐catalyzed methanolysis followed by BF3 methylation reactions. Heating in boiling water bath for 2 min is required at both steps to improve the reactions.
Characterization of Key Odorants in Moroccan Argan Oil by Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis
Authors: Sevindik Onur , Amanpour Armin , Tsouli Sarhir Salwa , Kelebek Hasim , Selli Serkan 
Published: March 2019

The aroma‐active compounds of Moroccan argan oil are sensorily and instrumentally analyzed via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (GC‐MS‐O). The purge and trap extraction (PTE) method is used for the extraction of volatile components. A total of 35 aroma compounds are determined including mostly alcohols and pyrazines, and some carboxylic acids, pyrroles, furans, lactones, volatile phenols, an aldehyde, and a ketone. An aroma extract dilution analysis of the aromatic fraction of argan oil isolated by the PTE method reveals 19 key odorants with flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 4 to 512, among which nonanal, 2,5‐dimethyl‐3‐ethylpyrazine and 2,3‐diethyl‐5‐methylpyrazine show the highest FD factors of 512. As for the principal scents perceived by all panelists, characteristic odor notes in argan oil are found to be roasty, nutty, fatty, earthy, and cheesy.Practical Applications: Nut oil is one of the most widely consumed oils in many countries. The outcomes of this investigation provide valuable information for elucidation of the key odorants and aroma composition of the well‐known and expensive Moroccan argan oil. Aroma is a crucial quality parameter of a foodstuff which directly influences customer preferences. Therefore, determining the key odorants of argan oil's aromatic extract isolated by purge and trap methodology is of major importance for the argan oil sector. The purge and trap extraction set for separation followed by analysis and characterization of those compounds via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (GC‐MS‐O) is an effective practical application tool for aroma description in valuable and expensive oil samples. It is observed that the characteristic odor notes of argan oil are related to the few most powerful aroma‐active compounds using the aroma extract dilution analysis technique.The aroma‐active compounds of Moroccan argan oil are sensorily and instrumentally analyzed via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (GC‐MS‐O). The purge and trap extraction (PTE) method is used for the extraction of volatile components. A total of 19 aroma compounds are detected as aroma active by AEDA method among 35 volatiles. Characteristic odor notes in argan oil are found to be roasty, nutty, fatty, earthy, and cheesy.
Analysis of Edible Oil Oxidation Based on Changes in the Electrical Conductivity of the Extracted Aqueous Phase
Authors: Wang Mengzhu , Huyan Zongyao , Jing Bingyu , Mao Xiaohui , Yu Xiuzhu 
Published: March 2019

A novel and rapid method is developed to analyze oxidation in edible oils by using electrical conductivity (EC). The extent of edible oil oxidation is confirmed using the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) standard method as a reference. Analytical conditions, including temperature, oscillating time, and water–oil (v/v) ratio, are optimized to determine ECs. A model is established based on EC changes in the aqueous phase extracted from several water–oil mixtures. This model is used to predict the oxidation degree of the samples, and its results are validated by the AOCS standard methods. Results show that the analytical conditions exert no significant effects on EC determination. The model is developed using a water–oil (v/v) ratio of 5. Three regions are classified according to the ECs of the samples. Oils with ECs less than 6.9 µS cm−1 are found to be non‐oxidized oils, samples with ECs within 6.9–8.9 µS cm−1 are suspected oils, and samples with ECs exceeding 8.9 µS cm−1 correspond to oxidized oils. The total identification rate of the model in validation samples is 94.1%. The results of the present study clearly indicate that the proposed method can be used as an alternative to conduct qualitative discrimination of the oxidation degree of edible oils. Practical applications: A method based on EC changes in the aqueous phase is used to determine the extent of edible oil oxidation. A total of 151 oil samples are used and assigned to two groups for calibration (n = 83) and validation (n = 68) oil samples. In the EC method, determination of ECs is independent of analytical conditions, which provides great flexibility in the selection process. The method requires no spectral pre‐treatments or data processing methods, which simplifies the experiment process. Furthermore, the EC instrument is less than 40 $ USD, which is more affordable and portable in a small scale. These characteristics make the proposed method convenient for inspection departments to accomplish on‐site testing of edible oils. The EC method can be applied to determine edible oil oxidation.A method based on EC changes in the aqueous phase extracted from water–oil mixture is used to determine the extent of edible oil oxidation. At a water–oil (v/v) ratio of 5, the EC model can be divided into three regions: ECs of less than 6.9 µS cm−1 representing non‐oxidized oils, ECs within 6.9–8.9 µS cm−1 representing suspected oils, and ECs of over 8.9 µS cm−1 representing oxidized oils. The total identification rate of the model in validation samples is 94.1%.
Genesis of the Meishan iron oxide–apatite deposit in the Ningwu Basin, eastern China: Constraints from apatite chemistry
Authors: Yu Jin‐Jie , Chen Bao‐Yun , Che Lin‐Rui , Wang Tie‐Zhu , Liu Shuai‐Jie 
Published: March 2019

The Meishan iron oxide–apatite deposit is located in the Ningwu volcanic basin in eastern China. The deposit comprises massive and brecciated ores in the main orebody, located at the contact between a gabbro–diorite porphyry and biotite–pyroxene andesites, and sub‐economic stockwork and disseminated ores. Among the four stages of alteration and mineralization, apatite coexists with magnetite, andradite, and quartz in massive magnetite ore and occurs in disseminated magnetite ore, coexisting with magnetite, siderite (after diopside), and quartz for Stage 2 iron mineralization. Apatite is also present in the altered gabbro–diorite porphyry. The apatites from the massive and disseminated magnetite–apatite ores are fluor‐ and hydroxyl‐ variety. Those from the altered gabbro–diorite porphyry show extensive solid solution between the hydroxyl‐apatite, fluor‐apatite, and chlor‐apatite end members. The apatites at Meishan record oxidized states during formation of the mineral deposit. The SO3 contents of apatite in the Meishan deposit mostly vary from 0.4 to 1.2 wt%, with the highest value of 4.97 wt%. MnO contents in apatites from our study are less than 0.17 wt%, and most values are below detection limit, indicating that the apatite formed in a high ƒO2 magmatic–hydrothermal fluid. The strong Eu depletion in apatites at Meishan resulted from the fractionation of plagioclase. The gabbro–diorite porphyry, magnetite, and apatite show similar LREE‐enriched patterns with significant negative Eu anomalies for apatite and magnetite, and no Eu anomaly for the gabbro–diorite porphyry. The gabbro–diorite porphyry and Stage 2 apatite associated with iron mineralization have also similar primitive mantle‐normalized trace element patterns, suggesting that the mineralization was related to gabbro–diorite porphyry. The REE pattern with significant negative Eu anomalies in apatite from the Meishan deposit is comparable with that of other Kiruna‐type deposits elsewhere in the world.
The influence of social support on loneliness and depression among older elderly people in China: Coping styles as mediators
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Alston Max , Guo Wei 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study examines the direct effect of social support and the mediating effects of coping styles on loneliness and depression of older elderly people in China using data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Our sample includes 905 males and 741 females aged 75 years and over. The mean age of the sample is 79.71 (standard deviation = 4.01). We use structural equation modeling to show that social support is significantly negatively associated with the incidence of loneliness and depression among older elderly people. Higher levels of social support are also significantly negatively associated with the use of negative coping styles and consequently predict fewer symptoms of loneliness and depression. A higher level of social support is significantly positively associated with positive coping styles and consequently predicts fewer depressive symptoms. However, positive coping styles are not significantly associated with loneliness. These findings emphasize the importance of social networks in resilience and have significant implications for gerontological social work practice in China.
Loss of MCL1 function sensitizes the MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells to rh‐TRAIL by increasing DR4 levels
Authors: De Blasio Anna , Pratelli Giovanni , Drago‐Ferrante Rosa , Saliba Christian , Baldacchino Shawn , Grech Godfrey , Tesoriere Giovanni , Scerri Christian , Vento Renza , Di Fiore Riccardo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a form of BC characterized by high aggressiveness and therapy resistance probably determined by cancer stem cells. MCL1 is an antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 family member that could limit the efficacy of anticancer agents as recombinant human tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (rh‐TRAIL). Here, we investigated MCL1 expression in TNBC tissues and cells. We found
MCL1 differentially expressed (upregulated or downregulated) in TNBC tissues. Furthermore, in comparison to the human mammary epithelial cells, we found that MDA‐MB‐231 cells show similar messenger RNA levels but higher MCL1 protein levels, whereas it resulted downregulated in MDA‐MB‐436 and BT‐20 cells. We evaluated the effects of rh‐TRAIL and A‐1210477, a selective MCL1 inhibitor, on cell viability and growth of MDA‐MB‐231 cells. We demonstrated that the drug combination reduced the cell growth and activated the apoptotic pathway. Similar effects were observed on three‐dimensional cultures and tertiary mammospheres of MDA‐MB‐231 cells. In MDA‐MB‐231 cells, after MCL1 silencing, rh‐TRAIL confined the cell population in the sub‐G0/G1 phase and induced a drop in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. To understand the molecular mechanism by which the loss of MCL1 function sensitizes the MDA‐MB‐231 cells to rh‐TRAIL, we analyzed by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the expression of genes related to apoptosis, stemness, cell cycle, and those involved in epigenetic regulation. Interestingly, among the upregulated genes through MCL1 silencing or inhibition, there was TNFRSF10A (DR4). Moreover, MCL1 inhibition increased DR4 protein levels and its cell surface expression. Finally, we demonstrated MCL1‐DR4 interaction and dissociation of this complex after A‐1210477 treatment. Overall, our findings highlight the potential MCL1‐roles in MDA‐MB‐231 cells and suggest that MCL1 targeting could be an effective strategy to overcome TNBC's rh‐TRAIL resistance.
lncRNA B4GALT1‐AS1 promotes colon cancer cell stemness and migration by recruiting YAP to the nucleus and enhancing YAP transcriptional activity
Authors: Zhang Yang , Fang Zhixue , Guo Xiong , Dong Hongyu , Zhou Ke , Huang Zhongcheng , Xiao Zhigang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHere, an RNA‐sequencing assay revealed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with an ectopic expression between colon cancer (CC) and normal colon epithelial cells, in which lncRNA B4GALT1‐AS1 exhibited the highest change. A 3‐(4,5‐dimethythiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay indicated that B4GALT1‐AS1 knockdown had no effect on CC cell viability, however, cell clone formation analysis showed that B4GALT1‐AS1 knockdown attenuated the capacity of cell clone formation. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis of this data set revealed that positive enrichment of stem cell‐differentiated signatures and negative embryonic stem cell function and adult tissue stem module were observed in CC cells with B4GALT1‐AS1 knockdown. Furthermore, B4GALT1‐AS1 knockdown suppressed the stemness‐marker expression, the ability of cell spheroid formation, and ALDH1 activity in CC cells. Mechanistically, RNA‐sequencing data found that the Hippo pathway in cancer was shown on pathways mostly upregulated by B4GALT1‐AS1 knockdown, and B4GALT1‐AS1 directly bound to the yes‐associated protein (YAP), a downstream executor of the Hippo pathway, and B4GALT1‐AS1 knockdown promoted the nuclear cytoplasm translocation of YAP and decreased YAP transcriptional activity. Notably, YAP overexpression attenuated the inhibitory effects mediated by B4GALT1‐AS1 knockdown. Our results identify the direct binding of lncRNA B4GALT1‐AS1 to YAP, which is responsible for CC cell stemness.
Circulating microparticles as biomarkers of stroke: A focus on the value of endothelial‐ and platelet‐derived microparticles
Authors: El‐Gamal Heba , Parray Aijaz S. , Mir Fayaz A. , Shuaib Ashfaq , Agouni Abdelali 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Numerous pathophysiological mechanisms involving blood vessels, coagulation and inflammation contribute to the vascular occlusion. Perturbations in these pathways can be detected by numerous methods including changes in endoplasmic membrane remodeling and rearrangement leading to the shedding of microparticles (MPs) from various cellular origins in the blood. MPs are small membrane‐derived vesicles that are shed from nearly all cells in the body in resting state or upon stimulation. MPs act as biological messengers to transfer information to adjacent and distant cells thus regulating various biological processes. MPs may be important biomarkers and tools for the identification of the risk and diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases. Endothelial activation and dysfunction and altered thrombotic responses are two of the main features predisposing to stroke. Endothelial MPs (EMPs) have been recognized as both biomarkers and effectors of endothelial cell activation and injury while platelet‐derived MPs (PMPs) carry a strong procoagulant potential and are activated in thrombotic states. Therefore, we reviewed here the role of EMPs and PMPs as biomarkers of stroke. Most studies reported high circulating levels of EMPs and PMPs in addition to other cell origins in stroke patients and have been linked to stroke severity, the size of infarction, and prognosis. The identification and quantification of EMPs and PMPs may thus be useful for the diagnosis and management of stroke.
Generation of neural stem cells from adult astrocytes by using a single reprogramming factor
Authors: Zarei‐Kheirabadi Masoumeh , Hesaraki Mehdi , Shojaei Amir , Kiani Sahar , Baharvand Hossein 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGenerating neural stem cells (NSCs) from astroglia as an abundant cell type in the mammalian brain has a promising outlook to be used in cell‐replacement therapy for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and neuronal trauma. However, little is known about a single reprogramming factor that may lead to the generation of induced NSCs (iNSCs) from adult brain‐derived astrocytes in the absence of extrinsic inductive signals. Here, we show that zinc‐finger nuclear protein Zfp521 alone is sufficient for converting the adult mouse brain‐derived astrocytes into iNSCs. In vitro, Zfp521‐iNSCs demonstrated long‐term self‐renewal and multipotency and expressed related markers. Moreover, single‐seeded iNSCs were able to produce NSC colonies. These results suggest that application of Zfp521 to generate iNSCs could be regarded as a new approach for conversion of resident astrocytes into iNSCs in cell therapy for in vivo treatment of neural injuries.
Fleet sizing for UNHCR country offices
Authors: Kunz Nathan , Van Wassenhove Luk N. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractVehicles are important assets generating significant costs. Relief organizations frequently struggle to define the appropriate number of vehicles to support their operations. The high level of decentralization giving country offices the autonomy to decide on the size of their fleet complicates the issue. This study follows a design science approach in collaboration with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). We develop a prediction model to support UNHCR's fleet sizing problem. A stepwise linear regression approach is used to construct a model able to predict the number of vehicles required by each country office based on data from comparable countries. Three variables have the best predictive accuracy: the number of locations, small partners, and large partners working for UNHCR. We validate our findings with different regression methods and by applying our approach to another organization. Our model has provided UNHCR with valuable indications on how to help determine the appropriate number of vehicles in many countries. We develop three design propositions that show how our approach can be generalized to other humanitarian operations. These propositions offer insights on how to implement a fleet sizing decision process in highly decentralized humanitarian operations with limited information on optimal fleet sizes.
Assessment of iron status and interplay between lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity in common hemoglobin variants in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ajibola Kabiru A. , Adedokun Kamoru A. , Oduola Taofeeq , Oparinde Dolapo P. , Ayelagbe Olubunmi G. , Ojokuku Hammed O. 
Published: March 2019

INTRODUCTIONHemoglobin (Hb) and iron are prooxidants in nature and sources of free radicals in the biological system of all Hb phenotypes. Recent evidence linked abnormal hemoglobin S and C (HbSC) in sickle cell disease (SCD) to various complications in multiple oxidative processes. However, similar studies in relation to abnormal Hb traits are sparse. Besides, reports on activities of antioxidant enzymes and iron status in SCDs are still contradictory. This study assessed the interplay between lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense capacity in various Hb variants. We enrolled 193 participants with different Hb phenotypes. They were consecutive patients with sickle cell anemia (HbSS, n = 32) and hemoglobin SC (HbSC) disease (n = 28) regularly followed up in a steady state. Other participants were subjects with abnormal Hb traits (HbAS, n = 50; HbAC, n = 33) and normal controls (HbAA, n = 50). The hematocrit (Hct) level, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, iron status, and biochemical parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes were investigated simultaneously. The MDA and SOD levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Hb variants in order of HbSS>HbSC>HbAC>HbAS when compared with controls. Conversely, GPx and TAS levels showed significant reductions (P < 0.05). Similarly, Hct, Hb, and iron concentrations showed significant reductions (P < 0.05) sequentially following HbAC > HbAS > HbSC > HbSS compared with controls. The results suggest that both SCDs and the carriers were relatively more vulnerable to systemic oxidative stress against normal phenotype, and may be owing to ineffective antioxidant mechanisms needed for keeping spontaneous generations of free radicals in control without necessarily iron‐mediated.