bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant invasion alters trait composition and diversity across habitats
Authors: Sodhi Darwin S. , Livingstone Stuart W. , Carboni Marta , Cadotte Marc W. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIncreased globalization has accelerated the movement of species around the world. Many of these nonnative species have the potential to profoundly alter ecosystems. The mechanisms underpinning this impact are often poorly understood, and traits are often overlooked when trying to understand and predict the impacts of species invasions on communities. We conducted an observational field experiment in Canada's first National Urban Park, where we collected trait data for seven different functional traits (height, stem width, specific leaf area, leaf percent nitrogen, and leaf percent carbon) across an abundance gradient of the invasiveVincetoxicum rossicumin open meadow and understory habitats. We assessed invasion impacts on communities, and associated mechanisms, by examining three complementary functional trait measures: community‐weighted mean, range of trait values, and species’ distances to the invader in trait space. We found thatV. rossicuminvasion significantly altered the functional structure of herbaceous plant communities. In both habitatsV. rossicumchanged the community‐weighted means, causing invaded communities to become increasingly similar in their functional structure. In addition,V. rossicumalso reduced the trait ranges for a majority of traits indicating that species are being deterministically excluded in invaded communities. Further, we observed different trends in the meadow and understory habitats: In the understory, resident species that were more similar toV. rossicumin multivariate trait space were excluded more, however this was not the case in the meadow habitat. This suggests thatV. rossicumalters communities uniquely in each habitat, in part by creating a filter in which only certain resident species are able to persist. This filtering process causes a nonrandom reduction in species' abundances, which in turn would be expected to alter how the invaded ecosystems function. Using trait‐based frameworks leads to better understanding and prediction of invasion impacts. This novel framework can also be used in restoration practices to understand how invasion impacts communities and to reassemble communities after invasive species management.
Modelling the possible impacts of climate change on the thermal regime and macroinvertebrate species of a regulated prairie river
Authors: Carr Meghan , Li Lin , Sadeghian Amir , Phillips Iain David , Lindenschmidt Karl‐Erich 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe thermal regime is a key consideration for instream flow management as the ecological integrity of river ecosystems relies on the natural dynamics of temperature range and spatiotemporal characteristics. Climate change can alter thermal regimes and influence water temperatures. This study aims to investigate probable impacts of climate change (predicted changes in meteorological forcing variables) on the thermal regime and macroinvertebrate species of a regulated prairie river. A 2D laterally averaged CE‐QUAL‐W2 hydrodynamic thermal lake model for Lake Diefenbaker was coupled with a Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program Version 7 (WASP7) river temperature model and applied to the lower South Saskatchewan River in Canada. Three decades, 2001–2010, 2041–2050, and 2081–2090, were modelled using atmospheric forcing data (relative humidity, dew point, daily mean near‐surface wind velocity, near‐surface air temperature, total cloud fraction, and surface air pressure) from the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis experiments (CORDEX). To estimate future climate change impacts on the resident macroinvertebrate species, the known temperature tolerances of various macroinvertebrate species were compared with modelled temperature regimes. The WASP model calibration (2011–2012) and validation (2013) outputs produced an acceptable visual fit, whereby predicted values overlap sampled values, to observed water temperatures at Clarkboro and Muskoday sample sites. Major effects on the thermal regime were simulated due to the increase in water temperature induced by Gardiner Dam, which in turn indicated a possible effect on macroinvertebrate species. Gardiner Dam was also shown to be highly sensitive to inflow variations as well as to temperature changes. These findings contribute to the understanding of how future climate‐induced river water temperature changes may influence macroinvertebrate species in temperate river systems. This valuable information can inform further laboratory studies of temperature impacts on current macroinvertebrate communities and the development of future mitigation strategies.
Thermal abiotic emission of CO2 and CH4 from leaf litter and its significance in a photodegradation assessment
Authors: Day Thomas A. , Bliss Michael S. , Placek Sarah K. , Tomes Alexander R. , Guénon René 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPhotodegradation has been recognized as a significant driver of plant litter decomposition in drylands. Another potential driver is the thermal emission of trace gases that occurs in the absence of solar radiation and microbial activity. Most field assessments documenting photodegradation have employed filters that absorb solar radiation, along with transparent filter controls; faster litter decay under transparent filters is taken as evidence of photodegradation. However, the temperature of litter under transparent filters is often higher, and its faster decay might conceivably stem from greater thermal emission, rather than photodegradation. If true, the growing consensus that photodegradation is a significant driver of litter decay needs rethinking. We assessed the contribution of thermal emission of CO2 and CH4 to the C loss of 12 litter types over a 34‐month photodegradation study in the Sonoran Desert by quantifying thermal emission responses and using field litter temperatures to estimate emissions. Emission of both gases from litter increased exponentially with temperature. Emission of CO2 was much greater than CH4, but their rates were strongly correlated. Concentrations of surface waxes and dissolved organic C in litter were strong predictors of emission of both gases. Emission declined from dried green leaves to naturally senesced litter, and as litter decayed. Diurnal litter temperature averaged 39.8°C under transparent filters over the field experiment and averaged 1.7°C higher than that of litter under filters that absorbed UV through blue solar wavelengths. Through all mechanisms, litter lost an average of 77.8% of its original C under transparent filters and 60.8% under filters that absorbed UV through blue wavelengths. However, thermal emission of these gases accounted for only 0.8% of the original C in litter under transparent filters and 1.0% under filters that absorbed UV through blue wavelengths, corresponding to only 1.2% and 2.0% of the total C lost from litter. While litter temperatures were higher under transparent filters, thermal emission losses from this litter were lower because emission from this litter declined faster with decay. We conclude that thermal abiotic emission was a minor C loss pathway and that photodegradation was responsible for the faster decay of litter in sunlight.
Testing Novel Nickel and Cobalt Infiltrated STN Anodes for Carbon Tolerance using In Situ Raman Spectroscopy and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Drasbæk D. B. , Traulsen M. L. , Walker R. A. , Holtappels P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractConventional SOFCs use Nickel Yttria‐doped Zirconia cermet anodes, which are susceptible to degradation due to coking when operating with carbon containing fuels. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for investigating surface chemistry and, when combined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under in situ conditions, the technique can report the real‐time material composition of the electrode during the EIS measurements. Studies described in this work used in situ Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to examine the carbon tolerance of novel ceramic anode materials comprised of niobium doped strontium titanate infiltrated with nickel or cobalt nanoparticles. The susceptibility of these electrodes to coking were tested with CO/CO2 mixtures and pure methane at 850 °C. Data show that nickel‐infiltrated STN electrodes are still prone to coking from methane. In contrast to STN electrodes infiltrated with nickel, cobalt‐infiltrated STN electrodes showed no susceptibility to carbon deposition during methane exposure within the detection limit of the Raman measurements. Neither anode showed evidence of coking from the CO/CO2 mixtures. Coking correlated closely with changes in EIS measurements, with the most noticeable effects appearing in the low frequency part of the spectrum. Ex situ SEM analysis of samples before and after operation illustrates the growth of the nanoparticles.
Promotion of PTEN on apoptosis through PI3K/Akt signal in vascular smooth muscle cells of mice model of coronary heart disease
Authors: Wang Sheng , Cheng Zhaoyun , Chen Xianjie 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) are key regulators of the development of many malignant tumors and other diseases. However, its regulatory effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) has rarely been reported. Therefore, the regulatory effect of PTEN on the survival and cell death of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in CHD mice was elucidated in this study. It was found that the protein and messenger RNA expressions of PTEN in VSMCs of 10 CHD mice were lower than those of normal mice. Then PTEN was overexpressed in VSMCs. It was suggested that the upregulation of PTEN was not conducive to the proliferation and survival of VSMCs in the 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assay. The flow cytometry (Annexin V‐Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide) and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay were used to detect the apoptotic rate of overexpressing PTEN cells. Some data showed that the expression of PTEN could lead to increased apoptotic rate. It was shown that antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 levels were decreased, but cleaved caspase‐3 and proapoptotic Bax levels were promoted by SIRT6 overexpression in Western blot analysis. Moreover, PI3K/Akt expression and phosphorylation were significantly decreased in cells expressing PTEN. Recovery of PI3K expression inhibited the suppressive influence of PTEN on VSMC survival, as evidenced by the activated PI3K/Akt pathway, increased cell proliferative rate, reduced the apoptotic level, and reversed expression patterns of Bcl‐2 and Bax. Therefore, the findings in this study provide a new idea on the occurrence and development mechanism of CHD and may promote the discovery of innovative therapies.
LncRNA NEAT1 promotes hypoxia‐induced renal tubular epithelial apoptosis through downregulating miR‐27a‐3p
Authors: Jiang Xinxin , Li Daoting , Shen Wei , Shen Xiaogang , Liu Yueming 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common kidney disorder that affects public health and the incidence of AKI. Sepsis, acute ischemia or hypoxia is the main reason for the occurrence of AKI. Recently, noncoding RNA that include microRNA and long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) were reported to play important roles in AKI as well as have the potential to serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target for the development of the diagnostic and prognostic strategies of AKI. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the expression and biological function of lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in ischemia‐induced AKI in patients' sample and in vitro. The expressions of NEAT1 and miR‐27a‐3p in ischemia/reperfusion‐induced AKI patients were examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cell injury was induced by treatment of human kidney tubular cells (HK‐2) with CoCl2. After treatment, the influences of NEAT1 and miR‐27a‐3p on the cell apoptosis in the CoCl2‐stimulated HK‐2 were tested by flow cytometry. The flow analysis results showed that the expression of NEAT1 was markedly higher in the ischemia‐induced AKI patients compared with normal control. Moreover, repression the expression of NEAT1 decreased CoCl2‐induced injury in HK‐2. The expression of miR‐27a‐3p was negatively regulated by NEAT1. Inhibition the expression of NEAT1 attenuated overexpression of miR‐27a‐3p enhanced CoCl2‐induced injury. In summary, an ischemia‐induced injury may be enhanced by a high level of NEAT1 through targeting miR‐27a‐3p. Thus, NEAT1 has the potential to be explored as a biomarker for diagnosis and target for therapeutic strategies in ischemia‐induced AKI.
Association of peripheral blood neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin levels with bone marrow neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin levels and neutrophil count in hematologic malignancy
Authors: Cho Chi‐Hyun , Yoon Jung , Kim Deok‐Su , Kim Shin‐Jong , Sung Hwa Jung , Lee Se Ryeon 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker for acute kidney injury, recently, high NGAL levels have been reported in hematologic malignancies. Given the mechanism underlying NGAL synthesis and secretion in neutrophilic series, it is speculated that NGAL levels are higher in bone marrow (BM) than in peripheral blood (PB). Additionally, PB NGAL levels are thought to be associated with neutrophilic parameters. We aimed to test both hypotheses in hematologic malignancies.MethodsPaired BM and PB samples were collected from 41 patients undergoing BM examination for hematologic malignancies. NGAL levels were measured using immunoassays. Data on hematologic parameters were collected from medical records. Single and multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the relationship.ResultsPB and BM NGAL (n = 41) levels were significantly different (163.0 ± 258.3 and 413.1 ± 616.2 ng/mL [mean ± standard deviation], respectively; P < 0.05). Simple regression analysis and multicollinearity assessment showed that BM NGAL levels, BM neutrophil%, and neutrophil count were significant predictors of PB NGAL. Two multiple regression models were developed (model 1, PB NGAL = 21.467* neutrophil count ‐ 0.785*BM neutrophil%; model 2, PB NGAL = 21.202*neutrophil count‐ 0.915*BM neutrophil% +0.10*BM NGAL). Akaike's information criterion and adjusted R2 values showed that model 1 had higher predictive accuracy for PB NGAL. In both models, neutrophil count was the only significant predictor.ConclusionBM NGAL was significantly higher than PB NGAL in hematologic malignancy. In addition, PB NGAL could be expressed as a multiple regression model including neutrophil count and BM neutrophil%, being significantly influenced by neutrophil count.
β2‐Adrenergic Receptor Gene Affects the Heart Rate Response of β‐Blockers: Evidence From 3 Clinical Studies
Authors: Shahin Mohamed H. , Rouby Nihal El , Conrado Daniela J. , Gonzalez Daniel , Gong Yan , Lobmeyer Maximilian T. , Beitelshees Amber L. , Boerwinkle Eric , Gums John G. , Chapman Arlene , Turner Stephen T. , Pepine Carl J. , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M. , Johnson Julie A. 
Published: May 2019

Abstractβ‐Blockers’ heart rate (HR)‐lowering effect is an important determinant of the effectiveness for this class of drugs, yet it is variable among β‐blocker–treated patients. To date, genetic studies have revealed several genetic signals associated with HR response to β‐blockers. However, these genetic signals have not been consistently replicated across multiple independent cohorts. Here we sought to use data from 3 hypertension clinical trials to validate single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with the HR response to β‐blockers. Using linear regression analysis, we investigated the effects of 6 SNPs in 3 genes, including ADRB1, ADRB2, and GNB3, relative to the HR response following β‐blocker used in the PEAR (n = 757), PEAR‐2 (n = 368), and INVEST (n = 1401) trials, adjusting for baseline HR, age, sex, and ancestry. Atenolol was used in PEAR and INVEST, and metoprolol was used in PEAR‐2. We found that rs1042714 and rs1042713 in ADRB2 were significantly associated with HR response to both β‐blockers in whites (rs1042714 C‐allele carriers, meta‐analysis β = –0.95 beats per minute [bpm], meta‐analysis P = 3×10–4; rs1042713 A‐allele carriers, meta‐analysis β = –1.15 bpm, meta‐analysis P = 2×10–3). In conclusion, the results of our analyses provide strong evidence to support the hypothesis that rs1042714 and rs1042713 in the ADRB2 gene are important predictors of HR response to cardioselective β‐blockade in hypertensive patient cohorts.
Fast enzymatic synthesis of n.c.a. 6‐[18F]fluorodopamine (FDA) from n.c.a. 6‐[18F]FDOPA and the fate of 6‐FDOPA and 6‐FDA in neuroblastoma and Caki‐1 cells after their uptake
Authors: Kuçi Zyrafete , Ehrlichmann Walter , Sauer Jörg , Handgretinger Rupert , Bruchelt Gernot , Reischl Gerald 
Published: May 2019

The catecholamine analogue [123I]mIBG has been used for scintigraphic imaging of neuroblastoma since 1984. It is taken up by the noradrenaline transporter (NAT), which is present in most neuroblastoma cells. An alternative imaging method could be PET with 6‐[18F]fluorodopamine, which is also taken up by NAT, but—in contrast to mIBG—also by dopamine transporter (DAT), present in neuroblastoma cells (NAT > DAT). An enzymatic method was established allowing a rapid, quantitative transformation of FDOPA to FDA by DOPA decarboxylase within 25 minutes. This strategy was applied to [18F]FDOPA, which was produced via nucleophilic synthesis (RCY 15%, 10 GBq, 50 GBq/μmol) and subsequently converted to [18F]FDA (RCY 35%‐50%, n = 5). Uptake and metabolism of FDOPA and FDA were analyzed in human Kelly and SK‐N‐SH neuroblastoma cell lines and in human Caki‐1 kidney cells that can take up catecholamines and mIBG via an organic cation transporter (OCT). FDOPA and FDA were taken up by all three cells, but FDOPA could only be converted to FDA in neuroblastoma cells. As today, [18F]FDOPA is well available in high yields, efficient enzymatic conversion to [18F]FDA to be used for NAT/DAT PET imaging in neuroendocrine tumors is an attractive, alternative synthesis route.
Hyperbranched Multicyclic Polymer Built from Tailored Multifunctional Monocyclic Prepolymer
Authors: Liu Chao , Xu Wen , Zhang Hua‐Long , Pan Cai‐Yuan , Hong Chun‐Yan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA simple and efficient method to construct a hyperbranched multicyclic polymer is introduced. First, a tailored trithiocarbonate with two terminal anthracene units and three azide groups is successfully synthesized, and this multifunctional trithiocarbonate is used as chain transfer agent (CTA) to afford anthracene‐telechelic polystyrene (PS) via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. After that, linear PS is irradiated under 365 nm UV light to achieve the cyclization process. The monocyclic polymer further reacts with sym‐dibenzo‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene‐3,7‐diyne via “A2+B3” strategy based on a self‐accelerating click reaction to produce hyperbranched multicyclic polymer. The structures and properties of the polymers are characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV–vis spectrophotometry, and triple‐detection size‐exclusion chromatography (TD‐SEC). The number of monocyclic units of the resultant hyperbranched multicyclic polymer reaches about 21 based on multi‐angle laser light scattering (MALLS) measurements. The plot of intrinsic viscosity versus molecular weight reveals that the α value of the unique hyperbranched multicyclic polymer is lower than both hyperbranched polymers and cyclic polymers.
Wave reflection and cut‐off frequencies in coupled FE‐peridynamic grids
Authors: Giannakeas Ilias N. , Papathanasiou Theodosios K. , Bahai Hamid 
Published: May 2019

SummaryReflections are typically observed when pulses propagate across interfaces. Accordingly, spurious reflections might occur at the interfaces between different models used to simulate the same medium. Examples of such coupled models include classical continuum descriptions with molecular dynamics or peridynamic (PD) grids. In this work, three different coupling approaches are implemented to couple bond‐based PDs with finite element (FE) solvers for solid mechanics. It is observed that incorporation of an overlapping zone, over which the coupling between FE and PD occurs, can lead to minimization of the reflected energy compared to a standard force coupling at the FE domain/PD grid interface. However, coupling with other existing methodologies, like the addition of ghost particles, achieves comparable accuracy at lower computational cost. Furthermore, the prudent selection of the discretization parameters is of pivotal importance as they control the high frequency cut‐off limit. Mismatch between the cut‐off frequencies of the different descriptions can lead to unrealistic results.
Recent Advances in Quantum Effects of 2D Materials
Authors: Yi Ya , Chen Zhanxu , Yu Xue‐Feng , Zhou Zhang‐Kai , Li Jia 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe celebrated discovery of graphene has spurred tremendous research interest in two‐dimensional layered materials (2DLMs) with unique attributes in the quantum regime. In 2DLMs, each layer is composed of a covalently bonded lattice and is weakly coupled to its neighboring layers by van der Waals interactions. There are abundant members in this 2DLM family beyond graphene, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (MX2, M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te), semimetal chalcogenide (InSe), black phosphorus, etc. The 2DLMs afford rich and ideal material platforms for studying quantum effects and their corresponding applications in the two‐dimensional (2D) limit. In this review, the emerging quantum effects in 2DLMs are examined with particular focus on their band structure evolvement, valleytronics, and quantum Hall/quantum spin Hall effects. Based on the summary of quantum effects discovered in 2DLMs, the future research directions and prospective applications are also discussed.
Sexual health experiences, knowledge and understanding in low SES female teenagers: A diary approach
Authors: McKellar Kerry , Sillence Elizabeth , Smith Michael A. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionUnderstanding how teenagers think about sexual health and assessing the ways in which they engage with sexual health information are important issues in the development of appropriate sexual health education programmes. Sexual health education programs in the UK are inconsistent and is not possible to assume that teenagers' information needs are being met by such programs. Teenagers often feel uncomfortable discussing sexual health making it difficult to assess teenagers' understanding and engagement with the topic.Methodswe used qualitative diaries to explore how thoughts about and exposure to sexual health information features in teenagers' day‐to‐day lives. Thirty‐three low SES female teenagers aged 13 and 14 from schools in the UK kept a daily note of any sexual health related thoughts and feelings, and any sexual health information they encountered.Results & conclusionsThematic analysis indicated three themes (1) Knowledge gaps and a desire for factual information (2) The social and emotional context of sexual health and (3) limited access to reliable information. Teenagers showed poor understanding of the biological aspects of sexual health and were concerned about the social and emotional context of sexual health. The teenagers' did not actively seek out sexual health information and access to information resources was limited. Although teenagers showed gaps in their knowledge they were curious about sexual health and were open to receiving sexual health information. Being aware of the ways that low SES female teenagers are thinking about sexual health is useful in developing education programs and other resources that will help fill gaps in knowledge and understanding.