bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pre‐Miocene Irano‐Turanian cradle: Origin and diversification of the species‐rich monocot genus Gagea (Liliaceae)
Authors: Peterson Angela , Harpke Dörte , Peterson Jens , Harpke Alexander , Peruzzi Lorenzo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe Irano‐Turanian (IT) floristic region is considered an important center of origin for many taxa. However, there is a lack of studies dealing with typical IT genera that also occur in neighboring areas. The species‐rich monocot genus Gagea Salisb. shows a center of diversity in IT region and a distribution in adjacent regions, therefore representing a good study object to investigate spatial and temporal relationships among IT region and its neighboring areas (East Asia, Euro‐Siberia, Himalaya, and Mediterranean). We aimed at (a) testing the origin of the genus and of its major lineages in the IT region, (b) reconstructing divergence times, and (c) reconstructing colonization events. To address these problems, sequences of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of 418 individuals and chloroplast intergenic spacers sequences (psbA‐trnH, trnL‐trnF) of 497 individuals, representing 116 species from all sections of the genus and nearly its entire distribution area were analyzed. Divergence times were estimated under a random molecular clock based on nrITS phylogeny, which was the most complete data set regarding the representation of species and distribution areas. Ancestral distribution ranges were estimated for the nrITS data set as well as for a combined data set, revealing that Gagea most likely originated in southwestern Asia. This genus first diversified there starting in the Early Miocene. In the Middle Miocene, Gagea migrated to the Mediterranean and to East Asia, while migration into Euro‐Siberia took place in the Late Miocene. During the Pleistocene, the Arctic was colonized and Gagea serotina, the most widespread species, reached North America. The Mediterranean basin was colonized multiple times from southwestern Asia or Euro‐Siberia. Most of the currently existing species originated during the last 3 Ma.
Strong patterns of intraspecific variation and local adaptation in Great Basin plants revealed through a review of 75 years of experiments
Authors: Baughman Owen W. , Agneray Alison C. , Forister Matthew L. , Kilkenny Francis F. , Espeland Erin K. , Fiegener Rob , Horning Matthew E. , Johnson Richard C. , Kaye Thomas N. , Ott Jeff , St. Clair John Bradley , Leger Elizabeth A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractVariation in natural selection across heterogeneous landscapes often produces (a) among‐population differences in phenotypic traits, (b) trait‐by‐environment associations, and (c) higher fitness of local populations. Using a broad literature review of common garden studies published between 1941 and 2017, we documented the commonness of these three signatures in plants native to North America's Great Basin, an area of extensive restoration and revegetation efforts, and asked which traits and environmental variables were involved. We also asked, independent of geographic distance, whether populations from more similar environments had more similar traits. From 327 experiments testing 121 taxa in 170 studies, we found 95.1% of 305 experiments reported among‐population differences, and 81.4% of 161 experiments reported trait‐by‐environment associations. Locals showed greater survival in 67% of 24 reciprocal experiments that reported survival, and higher fitness in 90% of 10 reciprocal experiments that reported reproductive output. A meta‐analysis on a subset of studies found that variation in eight commonly measured traits was associated with mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature at the source location, with notably strong relationships for flowering phenology, leaf size, and survival, among others. Although the Great Basin is sometimes perceived as a region of homogeneous ecosystems, our results demonstrate widespread habitat‐related population differentiation and local adaptation. Locally sourced plants likely harbor adaptations at rates and magnitudes that are immediately relevant to restoration success, and our results suggest that certain key traits and environmental variables should be prioritized in future assessments of plants in this region.
Fatty Acid Composition and Lipid Profile of Oral/Enteral Nutrition Supplements Available on the Brazilian Market
Authors: Neia Vanessa Javera Castanheira , da Silva dos Santos Patrícia Daniele , Galuch Marília Bellanda , dos Santos Pizzo Jessica , Ito Adriela Albino Rydlewski , Santos Oscar Oliveira , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila , Visentainer Jesuí Vergílio 
Published: April 2019

Oral/enteral nutrition supplements enriched with fish oil are widely used for the recovery of the nutritional status of hospitalized patients, due to the omega‐3 fatty acids content. However, they are targets of adulteration. This study evaluates the lipid quality of five brands of oral/enteral nutrition supplements incorporated with fish oil, available on the Brazilian market (Brazil, Holland, and Germany). The fatty acids are quantified by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection, and the lipid profile is acquired by direct electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry, to assess how fatty acids are present in those samples. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents found ranged from 1.54 to 19.36% and 4.34 to 27.29%, respectively, in the form of triacylglycerols. However, brand 1 presents the lowest levels of EPA + DHA in its lipid composition, and in three brands, the addition of medium chain triglycerides is identified. The lipid quality assessment of these supplements allows an informed choice of appropriate supplements for the nutritional support of patients.Practical Applications: The study highlights and provides information of the lipid composition and fatty acids of oral/enteral nutrition supplements enriched with fish oil, indicated for malnourished patients. The findings allow health professionals to make a more informed choice of oral/enteral nutrition for the adequate treatment of patients.Fatty acids of five brands of oral/enteral nutrition supplements enriched with fish oil and available on the Brazilian marketare quantified by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection, and the lipid profile is acquired by electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry. No lipid pattern among the samples is identified.
A Structured Pine Nut Oil Has Hypocholesterolemic Activity by Increasing LDLR Gene Expression in the Livers of Obese Mice
Authors: Chung Min‐Yu , Kim Jiwon , Choi Hyo‐Kyoung , Choi Hee‐Don , Noh Sang K. , Kim Byung Hee 
Published: April 2019

A structured pine nut oil (SPNO) is previously developed with pinolenic acid (PLA) evenly distributed at all sn positions on the glycerol backbone, whereas natural pine nut oil (NPNO) has PLA positioned mostly at the sn‐3 position. This SPNO exhibited greater lymphatic PLA absorption than NPNO, although SPNO and NPNO contained equal amounts (≈13 wt%) of PLA. In this study, SPNO containing ≈13 wt% PLA (SPNO13) and ≈44 wt% PLA (SPNO44) is produced via Novozym 435‐catalyzed esterification of glycerol with the free fatty acids containing ≈13 wt% and ≈44 wt% PLA from NPNO (from Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc.). Five‐week‐old C57/BL6J mice are fed either a low‐ or high‐fat diet (HFD) containing NPNO, SPNO13, or SPNO44 for 15 weeks. Supplementation with SPNO44, but not NPNO or SPNO13, significantly attenuates HFD‐induced increases in final body weight, weight gain, and retroperitoneal and liver masses in diet‐induced obese mice, without affecting food intake. SPNO44 also significantly reduces serum total and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as serum triacylglycerol levels and hepatic lipid accumulation. The hypocholesterolemic activity of SPNO44 is attributed to the greater hepatic accumulation of PLA from it causing increased SREBP2 levels and upregulation of LDL receptor gene expression in the livers of obese mice.Practical Applications: PLA has received much attention due to its anti‐obesity and anti‐dyslipidemia effects. NPNO is the sole source of PLA, but it can be converted into SPNO. The authors hypothesized that SPNO should improve PLA's health benefits due to the enhanced lymphatic absorption of PLA from SPNO. When compared to NPNO, SPNO44 may provide several advantages, such as enhanced anti‐obesity and anti‐dyslipidemia effects for food and nutraceutical applications. In future studies, the lymphatic absorption of SPNO44 and NPNO or SPNO13 should be compared.SPNO44, a structured pine nut oil containing ≈44 wt% pinolenic acid (PLA) and an even distribution of PLA on the glycerol backbone, has hypocholesterolemic activity by increasing sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (SREBP2) levels and upregulating LDLR gene expression in the livers of obese mice.
Pt NPs catalyzed chemiluminescence method for Hg2+ detection based on a flow injection system
Authors: Zheng Fangjie , Ke Wei , Zhao Yuan , Xu Chuanlai 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEstablishing a simple and accurate method for Hg2+ detection is of great importance for the environment and human health. In this work, platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) with different capped agents and morphologies were synthesized. It was found that Pt NPs exhibited peroxidase‐like activity that can catalyze the chemiluminescence (CL) of the luminol system without H2O2. The most intensive CL signals were obtained by using PVP‐capped Pt NPs as catalysis. Based on the fact that Hg2+ could further enhance the CL intensity in the Pt NPs‐luminol CL system, a Pt NPs‐catalyzed CL method based on a flow injection system is developed for the sensitive analysis of Hg2+. When the concentration of Hg2+ in the system increases, the CL intensity would together increase, thereby achieving sensitive Hg2+ detection. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 8.6 nM. This developed method provides a simple and rapid approach for the sensitive detection of Hg2+ and shows great promise for applications in other complex systems.
Mobile‐aware dynamic resource management for edge computing
Authors: Filiposka Sonja , Mishev Anastas , Gilly Katja 
Published: April 2019

AbstractShifting cloud computing capabilities close to the edge enables provisioning of low latency location‐based internet services that are adapted to user behaviour. However, this can be achieved neither with a simple move of the physical hosts closer to edge networks, nor continuing to abide by the same principles as the ones implemented in traditional cloud computing approaches. In order to accomplish the promised high quality of service, changes must be made to the resource management techniques so that they are adapted to the requirements of fog computing. This paper introduces a novel location‐based handoff management and its corresponding implementation of dynamic resource management modules that introduce resource allocation and migration strategies adapted specifically to fog computing. The aim is the implementation of the follow‐me behaviour of edge resources considering a tightly coupled perspective with the user location. The proposal is based on the concept of mapping physical areas to logical resource communities where the node mobility triggers migrations to the corresponding community. The results analysis from the simulation scenarios shows that the effectiveness of our community‐based dynamic resource management proposal in following the geographical trajectory of mobile users with wearable devices is over 80% even in highly saturated environments. The comparison with traditional resource management techniques clearly presents the advantages of our proposal, while the parameter wise in‐depth analysis discusses dependencies on the number of nodes, speed, and available resources.
Superhydrophobic Polypropylene Functionalized with Nanoparticles for Efficient Fast Static and Dynamic Separation of Spilled Oil from Water
Authors: Baig Nadeem , Saleh Tawfik A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFrequent oil spills not only threaten the ecosystem, but they are also a waste of a valuable source of energy. There is an urgent need to develop materials that can readily remove spilled oil from water bodies and also have the capacity to collect it for energy applications. Herein, a superhydrophobic fiber of functionalized polypropylene is engineered with the help of palmitic acid interaction with incorporated copper oxide nanoparticles. The successful development of functionalized polypropylene is confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The scanning electron microscopy images reveal that the surface roughness of the polypropylene is enhanced after functionalization. The optimized functionalized polypropylene displays an ultrahydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 162.42°. The functionalized polyprolyene displays good absorption capacity. It has the capacity to take 30 to 40 times its own weight in oils and nonpolar organic solvents, which makes it useful for small spills. With a flux of 11 204 Lm−2 h−1, functionalized polypropylene is as an ideal material for the dynamic separation of oil spills from water. It also has excellent selectivity towards oil, water rejection, and oil absorption capacity.
Subregional differences in astrocytes underlie selective neurodegeneration or protection in Parkinson's disease models in culture
Authors: Kostuk Eric Wildon , Cai Jingli , Iacovitti Lorraine 
Published: April 2019

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the selective degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN), while the neighboring ventral tegmental area (VTA) is relatively spared. The mechanisms underlying this selectivity are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate a vital role for subregional astrocytes in the protection of VTA DA neurons. We found that elimination of astrocytes in vitro exposes a novel vulnerability of presumably protected VTA DA neurons to the PD mimetic toxin MPP+, as well as exacerbation of SN DA neuron vulnerability. Conversely, VTA astrocytes protected both VTA and SN DA neurons from MPP+ toxicity in a dose dependent manner, and this protection was mediated via a secreted molecule. RNAseq analysis of isolated VTA and SN astrocytes demonstrated a vast array of transcriptional differences between these two closely related populations demonstrating regional heterogeneity of midbrain astrocytes. We found that GDF15, a member of the TGFβ superfamily which is expressed 230‐fold higher in VTA astrocytes than SN, recapitulates neuroprotection of both rat midbrain and iPSC‐derived DA neurons, whereas its knockdown conversely diminished this effect. Neuroprotection was likely mediated through the GRFAL receptor expressed on DA neurons. Together; these results suggest that subregional differences in astrocytes underlie the selective degeneration or protection of DA neurons in PD.
Effects of nonpharmacological interventions on functioning of people living with dementia at home: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Scott Iona , Cooper Claudia , Leverton Monica , Burton Alex , Beresford‐Dent Jules , Rockwood Kenneth , Butler Laurie , Rapaport Penny 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveSlowing functional decline could enable people living with dementia to live for longer and more independently in their own homes. We aimed to update previous syntheses examining the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions in reducing functional decline (activities of daily living, activity‐specific physical functioning, or function‐specific goal attainment) in people living in their own homes with dementia.MethodsWe systematically searched electronic databases from January 2012 to May 2018; two researchers independently rated risk of bias of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) fitting predetermined inclusion criteria using a checklist; we narratively synthesised findings, prioritising studies judged to have a lower risk of bias.ResultsTwenty‐nine papers (describing 26 RCTs) met eligibility criteria, of which we judged 13 RCTs to have a lower risk of bias. Study interventions were evaluated in four groups: physical exercise, occupational, multicomponent, and cognition‐oriented interventions. Four out of 13 RCTs reported functional ability as a primary outcome. In studies judged to have a lower risk of bias, in‐home tailored exercise, individualised cognitive rehabilitation, and in‐home activities‐focussed occupational therapy significantly reduced functional decline relative to control groups in individual studies. There was consistent evidence from studies at low risk of bias that group‐based exercise and reminiscence therapies were ineffective at reducing functional decline.ConclusionWe found no replicated evidence of intervention effectiveness in decreasing functional decline. Interventions associated with slower functional decline in individual trials have been individually delivered and tailored to the needs of the person with dementia. This is consistent with previous findings. Future intervention trials should prioritise these approaches.
Comparison of nutrient loss pathways: Run‐off and seepage flow in Vertisols
Authors: Harmel Robert Daren , Smith Douglas R. , Haney Rick L. , Allen Peter M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRecent studies have highlighted the agronomic and environmental importance of phosphorus (P) movement through the soil profile. Thus, faced with challenges such as high‐profile cases of P enrichment of surface water, better understanding of nutrient movement through soil is needed to better manage agricultural fertilizers and manures and their contribution to water quality degradation. In particular, field‐scale research is especially needed in soils with preferential flow transport pathways. Thus, we collected nitrogen (N) and P transport data in run‐off and seepage (lateral subsurface return flow) from 13 field‐ and farm‐scale watersheds on Vertisols in Central Texas for a 14‐year period. For 2004–2017, seepage accounted for ~20% of the total surface flow, and nutrient concentrations were generally similar in run‐off and seepage. As surface run‐off contributed ~80% of the flow, it follows that median annual N and P loads in run‐off were significantly greater than in seepage for every watershed. N loads in both run‐off and seepage flow from cultivated land were an order of magnitude greater than in native prairie and improved pasture, and the highest run‐off and seepage P loads both occurred on cultivated land with organic fertilizer sources. Increasing watershed scale (size) did not to produce consistent patterns in N or P loss in run‐off or seepage. Land use and watershed scale produced significant differences in seepage volume but did not affect run‐off volumes or total surface flow/rainfall. Although less significant in terms of total offsite flux, nutrient movement in vadose zones has important agronomic and environmental implications as considerable N and P are transported through and within the root zone and eventually offsite. And in terms of P, this contradicts the traditionally held scientific viewpoint that P movement through the vadose zone is unimportant agronomically and environmentally.
Root‐zone moisture replenishment in a native vegetated catchment under Mediterranean climate
Authors: Xu Xiang , Guan Huade , Skrzypek Grzegorz , Simmons Craig T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe root‐zone moisture replenishment mechanisms are key unknowns required to understand soil hydrological processes and water sources used by plants. Temporal patterns of root‐zone moisture replenishment reflect wetting events that contribute to plant growth and survival and to catchment water yield. In this study, stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopes of twigs and throughfall were continuously monitored to characterize the seasonal variations of the root‐zone moisture replenishment in a native vegetated catchment under Mediterranean climate in South Australia. The two studied hillslopes (the north‐facing slope [NFS] and the south‐facing slope [SFS]) had different environmental conditions with opposite aspects. The twig and throughfall samples were collected every ~20 days over 1 year on both hillslopes. The root‐zone moisture replenishment, defined as percentage of newly replenished root‐zone moisture as a complement to antecedent moisture for plant use, calculated by an isotope balance model, was about zero (±25% for the NFS and ± 15% for the SFS) at the end of the wet season (October), increased to almost 100% (±26% for the NFS and ± 29% for the SFS) after the dry season (April and May), then decreased close to zero (±24% for the NFS and ± 28% for the SFS) in the middle of the following wet season (August). This seasonal pattern of root‐zone moisture replenishment suggests that the very first rainfall events of the wet season were significant for soil moisture replenishment and supported the plants over wet and subsequent dry seasons, and that NFS completed replenishment over a longer time than SFS in the wet season and depleted the root zone moisture quicker in the dry season. The stable oxygen isotope composition of the intraevent samples and twigs further confirms that rain water in the late wet season contributed little to root‐zone moisture. This study highlights the significant role of the very first rain events in the early wet season for ecosystem and provides insights to understanding ecohydrological separation, catchment water yield, and vegetation response to climate changes.
TERT promoter mutation in primary papillary thyroid carcinoma lesions predicts absent or lower 131i uptake in metastases
Authors: Meng Zhaowei , Matsuse Michiko , Saenko Vladimir , Yamashita Shunichi , Ren Peng , Zheng Xiangqian , Jia Qiang , Tan Jian , Li Ning , Zheng Wei , Zhao Li , Mitsutake Norisato 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGenetic mutations play important roles in not only development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but also determination of its properties. The radioactive iodine refractory (RAIR) state is a harbinger of poor outcomes for PTC. We used various statistical models to investigate the significance of TERT promoter, BRAF, and RAS mutations in distinguishing the RAIR state and their associations with 131I uptake. Mutations were examined in primary lesions of 33 RAIR cases and 34 age‐ and sex‐matched 131I‐treated cases with disease‐free status. Thyrotropin‐stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) change, 131I uptake ability, and RAIR categories were evaluated in the RAIR cases. The prevalence of TERT mutation in the RAIR group was 24.24% (8/33), which was significantly higher than that in the disease‐free group (0/34). BRAF mutation showed a similar high prevalence in both the RAIR group (69.70%) and disease‐free group (64.71%). Among the eight TERT mutation‐positive cases, six carried both TERT and BRAF mutations. RAS mutation was detected in only one disease‐free case and in two RAIR cases. Despite a significantly higher prevalence of TERT mutations in the RAIR group, only tumor size and N1b lymph node involvement were independently associated with RAIR status. In the RAIR group, all patients carrying a TERT mutation showed maximum or increased sTg. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the TERT mutation was associated with decreased 131I uptake and the RAIR categories of absent or weaker 131I uptake. TERT mutation constitutes a novel genetic biomarker indicating absent or weaker 131I‐avid lesions in RAIR PTC patients. It is worth evaluating the TERT status in all DTC patients undergoing 131I therapy. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019