bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simple and noninvasive method for assessment of digestive efficiency: Validation of fecal steatocrit in greenfinch coccidiosis model
Authors: Meitern Richard , Lind Mari‐Ann , Karu Ulvi , Hõrak Peeter 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Animals’ capability to absorb energy and nutrients from food poses a major internal constraint that affects the amount of resources available for allocation to maintenance, growth, signaling, and reproduction. Intestinal surface is the largest area of contact between immune system and microbial antigens; gut thus appears the main arena where trade‐offs between immune function and other components of fitness arise. Assessment of the integrity of digestive machinery should therefore be of high priority in ecophysiological research. Traditional methods of digestive physiology, however, appear unsuitable for most ecological applications due to lethality or complexity of the procedure.

Here, we test the reliability of a simple, cheap, and noninvasive procedure, an acid steatocrit that assesses fat content in feces. It is based on centrifugation of a fecal sample, diluted in acid medium, in hematocrit capillary tube and quantifying the percentage of fat in fecal matter. The method has been previously validated in humans and mice; here, we apply it for the first time in birds.

When applied to captive wild‐caught greenfinches, the method showed reasonable internal consistency (rs = 0.71 for steatocrit values, sampled from the same fecal aliquot in duplicate but processed separately). Individual steatocrit values were significantly repeatable in time in different intervals from eight to at least 20 days (rs = 0.32–0.49). The relationship between intestinal health and steatocrit values was tested by experimental manipulations. Medication against coccidiosis (a naturally pervasive intestinal infection) reduced, and experimental infection with heterologous coccidian strains increased steatocrit. Individual changes in steatocrit correlated negatively with changes of two markers of nutritional state—plasma triglyceride levels and body mass.

Findings of this study suggest that steatocrit has a wide application potential as a marker of intestinal health in ecophysiological research. In particular, we see the perspective of this method for increasingly popular immunoecological research, conservation medicine, and studies of animal coloration.
Patterns of population structure at microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers in the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)
Authors: Gariboldi María Constanza , Túnez Juan Ignacio , Failla Mauricio , Hevia Marta , Panebianco María Victoria , Paso Viola María Natalia , Vitullo Alfredo Daniel , Cappozzo Humberto Luis 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe franciscana dolphin, Pontorporia blainvillei, is an endemic cetacean of the Atlantic coast of South America. Its coastal distribution and restricted movement patterns make this species vulnerable to anthropogenic factors, particularly to incidental bycatch. We used mitochondrial DNA control region sequences, 10 microsatellites, and sex data to investigate the population structure of the franciscana dolphin from a previously established management area, which includes the southern edge of its geographic range. F‐statistics and Bayesian cluster analyses revealed the existence of three genetically distinct populations. Based on the microsatellite loci, similar levels of genetic variability were found in the area; 13 private alleles were found in Monte Hermoso, but none in Claromecó. When considering the mitochondrial DNA control region sequences, lower levels of genetic diversity were found in Monte Hermoso, when compared to the other localities. Low levels of gene flow were found between most localities. Additionally, no evidence of isolation by distance nor sex‐biased dispersal was detected in the study area. In view of these results showing that populations from Necochea/Claromecó, Monte Hermoso, and Río Negro were found to be genetically distinct and the available genetic information for the species previously published, Argentina would comprise five distinct populations: Samborombón West/Samborombón South, Cabo San Antonio/Buenos Aires East, Necochea/Claromecó/Buenos Aires Southwest, Monte Hermoso, and Río Negro. In order to ensure the long‐term survival of the franciscana dolphin, management and conservation strategies should be developed considering each of these populations as different management units.
A Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA)‐DNA Ferrocenyl Intercalator for Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Gaiji Houda , Jolly Pawan , Ustuner Serife , Goggins Sean , Abderrabba Manef , Frost Christopher G. , Estrela Pedro 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA ferrocenyl intercalator was investigated to develop an electrochemical DNA biosensor employing a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) sequence as capture probe. After hybridization with single strand DNA sequence, a naphthalene diimide intercalator bearing ferrocene moieties (FND) was introduced to bind with the PNA‐DNA duplex and the electrochemical signal of the ferrocene molecules was used to monitor the DNA recognition. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to characterize the different modification steps. Differential pulse voltammetry was employed to evaluate the electrochemical signal of the FND intercalator related to its interaction with the complementary PNA‐DNA hybrid. The ferrocene oxidation peaks were utilised for the target DNA quantification.The developed biosensor demonstrated a good linear dependence of FND oxidation peak on DNA concentration in the range 1 fM to 100 nM of target DNA, with a low detection limit of 11.68 fM. Selectivity tests were also investigated with a non‐complementary DNA sequence, indicating that the FND intercalator exhibits a selective response to the target PNA‐DNA duplex.
Processing–Structure–Property Relationships for Lignin‐Based Carbonaceous Materials Used in Energy‐Storage Applications
Authors: García‐Negrón Valerie , Phillip Nathan D. , Li Jianlin , Daniel Claus , Wood David , Keffer David J. , Rios Orlando , Harper David P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLignin, an abundant organic polymer and a byproduct of pulp and biofuel production, has potential applications owing to its high carbon content and aromatic structure. Processing–structure relationships are difficult to predict because of the heterogeneity of lignin. This work discusses the roles of unit operations in the carbonization process of softwood lignin, and their resulting impacts on the material structure and electrochemical properties in application as the anode in lithium‐ion cells. The processing variables include the lignin source, temperature, and duration of thermal stabilization, pyrolysis, and reduction. Materials are characterized at the atomic and microscales. High‐temperature carbonization, at 2000 °C, produces larger graphitic domains than at 1050 °C, but results in a reduced capacity. Coulombic efficiencies over 98 % are achieved for extended galvanostatic cycling. Consequently, a properly designed carbonization process for lignin is well suited for the generation of low‐cost, high‐efficiency electrodes.
Rapid adjustment of shoreline behavior to changing seasonality of storms: observations and modelling at an open‐coast beach
Authors: Splinter Kristen D. , Turner Ian L. , Reinhardt Mika , Ruessink Gerben 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAn 8‐year time series of weekly shoreline data collected at the Gold Coast, Australia, is used to examine the temporal evolution of a beach, focusing on the frequency response of the shoreline to time‐varying wave height and period. Intriguingly, during 2005 the movement of the shoreline at this site changed from a seasonally‐dominated mode (annual cycle) to a storm‐dominated (~monthly) mode. This unexpected observation provides the opportunity to explore the drivers of the observed shoreline response. Utilizing the calibration of an equilibrium shoreline model to explore the time‐scales of underlying beach behavior, the best‐fit frequency response (days−1) is shown to be an order of magnitude higher post‐2004, suggesting that a relatively subtle change in wave forcing can drive a significant change in shoreline response. Analysis of available wave data reveals a statistically significant change in the seasonality of storms, from predominantly occurring at the start of the year pre‐2005 to being relatively consistent throughout the year after this time. The observed change from one mode of shoreline variability to another suggests that beaches can adapt relatively quickly to subtle changes in the intra‐annual distribution of wave energy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Option Pricing with the Realized GARCH Model: An Analytical Approximation Approach
Authors: Huang Zhuo , Wang Tianyi , Hansen Peter Reinhard 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe derive a pricing formula for European options for the Realized GARCH framework based on an analytical approximation using an Edgeworth expansion for the density of cumulative return. Existing approximations in this context are based on a Gram–Charlier expansion while the proper Edgeworth expansion is more accurate. In relation to existing discrete‐time option pricing models with realized volatility, our model is log‐linear, non‐affine, with a flexible leverage effect. We conduct an extensive empirical analysis on S&P500 index options and the results show that our computationally fast formula outperforms competing methods in terms of pricing errors, both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:328–358, 2017
Single nucleotide polymorphisms within MicroRNAs, MicroRNA targets, and MicroRNA biogenesis genes and their impact on colorectal cancer survival
Authors: Mullany Lila E. , Herrick Jennifer S. , Wolff Roger K. , Slattery Martha L. 
Published: November 2016

We have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA (miRNA) genes, miRNA target genes, and miRNA biogenesis genes minimally contribute to colon cancer risk. It is possible that these SNPs alter survival. We analyzed 565 SNPs in or adjacent to microRNAs, target genes, or biogenesis genes, using 1,115 cases and 1,173 controls; 837 cases had survival information. We tested SNPs for associations with colorectal cancer (CRC) survival using a Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for age, study center, gender, AJCC disease stage, and MSI tumor status. Multiple comparison adjustments were made using the step‐down Bonferroni correction. SNPs associated with survival (Praw < 0.05) also were assessed with messenger RNA (mRNA). Seven of the 565 SNPs analyzed were associated significantly with CRC survival after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Six of these increased risk of dying, and one, rs12140 (ADAMTS1) decreased risk of dying from CRC (HRR = 0.44, 95% CI (0.24, 0.83; PHolm = 0.011). Six SNPs altered colon cancer risk and five were associated with altered mRNA expression across genotypes. One SNP, rs2059691 (PRKRA), was associated with increased mRNA expression and worse survival, and one SNP, rs6598964 (LIN28A), decreased risk of developing colon cancer [OR = 0.77 95% CI (0.61, 0.98)] and increased risk of dying from CRC (HRR = 2.26 95% CI (1.52, 3.36). PHolm = 0.003). The few SNPs associated with CRC survival, colon cancer risk, or with mRNA expression, resided in genes that influence metastasis and angiogenesis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of CO2‐wettability on CO2 migration and trapping capacity in deep saline aquifers
Authors: Al‐Khdheeawi Emad A. , Vialle Stephanie , Barifcani Ahmed , Sarmadivaleh Mohammad , Iglauer Stefan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCO2 migration and trapping capacity in deep saline aquifers are highly influenced by various rock and fluid parameters. One of the key parameters, which has received little attention, is CO2‐wettability. We thus simulated the behavior of a CO2 plume in a deep saline aquifer as a function of rock wettability and predicted various associated CO2 migration patterns and trapping capacities. We clearly show that CO2‐wet reservoirs are most permeable for CO2; CO2 migrates furthest upwards and the plume has a candle‐like shape, while in a water‐wet reservoir the plume is more compact and rain‐drop shaped. Furthermore, higher residual trapping capacities are achieved in water‐wet rock, while solubility trapping is more efficient in CO2‐wet rock. We thus conclude that rock wettability has a highly significant impact on both CO2 migration and trapping capacities and that water‐wet reservoirs are preferable CO2 sinks due to their higher storage capacities and higher containment security. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deuterium‐excess determination of evaporation to inflow ratios of an alpine lake: Implications for water balance and modeling
Authors: Cui Jiangpeng , Tian Lide , Biggs Trent W. , Wen Rong 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe numerous lakes on the Tibetan Plateau play an important role in the regional hydrological cycle and water resources, but systematic observations of the lake water balance are scarce on the Tibetan Plateau. Here, we present a detailed study on the water cycle of Cona Lake, at the headwaters of the Nujiang‐Salween River, based on 3 years (2011–2013) of observations of δ18O and δ2H, including samples from precipitation, lake water, and outlet surface water. Short‐term atmospheric water vapor was also sampled for isotope analyses. The δ2H–δ18O relationship in lake water (δ2H = 6.67δ18O − 20.37) differed from that of local precipitation (δ2H = 8.29δ18O + 12.50), and the deuterium excess (d‐excess) in the lake water (−7.5‰) was significantly lower than in local precipitation (10.7‰), indicating an evaporative isotope enrichment in lake water. The ratio of evaporation to inflow (E/I) of the lake water was calculated using both d‐excess and δ18O. The E/I ratios of Cona lake ranged from 0.24 to 0.27 during the 3 years. Observations of atmospheric water vapor isotopic composition (δA) improved the accuracy in E/I ratio estimate over a simple precipitation equilibrium model, though a correction factor method provided nearly identical estimates of E/I ratio. The work demonstrates the feasibility of d‐excess in the study of the water cycle for lakes in other regions of the world and provides recommendations on sampling strategies for accurate calculations of E/I ratio.
Engineering specific chemical modification sites into a collagen‐like protein from Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Stoichevska Violet , Peng Yong Y. , Vashi Aditya V. , Werkmeister Jerome A. , Dumsday Geoff J. , Ramshaw John A. M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRecombinant bacterial collagens provide a new opportunity for safe biomedical materials. They are readily expressed in Escherichia coli in good yield and can be readily purified by simple approaches. However, recombinant proteins are limited in that direct secondary modification during expression is generally not easily achieved. Thus, inclusion of unusual amino acids, cyclic peptides, sugars, lipids, and other complex functions generally needs to be achieved chemically after synthesis and extraction. In the present study, we have illustrated that bacterial collagens that have had their sequences modified to include cysteine residue(s), which are not normally present in bacterial collagen‐like sequences, enable a range of specific chemical modification reactions to be produced. Various model reactions were shown to be effective for modifying the collagens. The ability to include alkyne (or azide) functions allows the extensive range of substitutions that are available via “click” chemistry to be accessed. When bifunctional reagents were used, some crosslinking occurred to give higher molecular weight polymeric proteins, but gels were not formed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 806–813, 2017.
Osteosarcoma in a Patient With Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1b Due to Paternal Uniparental Disomy of Chromosome 20q
Authors: Park Hye-Sun , Kim Chang Gon , Hong Namki , Lee Seok Joo , Seo Da Hea , Rhee Yumie 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACT

It is assumed that a persistent high level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) might have a relation with bone malignancy. However, there has been no report of osteosarcoma associated with pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1b (PHP1b), which is accompanied by high PTH. PHP1b is the result of resistance to PTH in certain end-organ tissues, especially the kidney; the response in bone is unaffected because it normally expresses stimulatory G protein equally from both parental alleles. A 21-year-old male, presenting with gum swelling at the right mandible, was referred to a dental clinic. A curative surgical resection by segmental mandibulectomy was performed and the pathologic findings of the mass were consistent with osteoblastic osteosarcoma. His laboratory results showed a low calcium level despite high PTH, and he did not have any features of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy; therefore, PHP1b was suspected. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and microsatellite marker analyses of chromosome 20 confirmed the diagnosis and identified paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 20q (patUPD20). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of osteosarcoma in a patient with PHP1b due to patUPD20. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Abstract
Chronically high level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) might be associated with the development of bone tumor. A patient in this report had a pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1b (PHP1b) by paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 20q who developed a mandibular osteosarcoma. PHP1b is characterized by specific resistances in the proximal renal tubule but sensitive responses in the bone to the persistent PTH elevation. It is possible that persistently elevated PTH could have been pernicious to the bone tumor cells.
Effect of tropical Indian Ocean thermal condition during preceding winter on summer high temperature anomalies over the southern Yangtze River valley
Authors: Liu Ge , Wu Renguang , Wang Huimei , Ji Liren 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThe present study investigates signals of summer high temperature anomalies over the southern Yangtze River valley (SYRV) region. The results show that summer high temperature anomalies over the SYRV region are associated with preceding winter sea surface temperature (SST) and surface air temperature (SAT) anomalies over the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO), particularly the tropical northwestern (5°–15°N, 55°–75°E) and southwestern (15°S–0°N, 40°–55°E) Indian Ocean regions. Coupled with SST, positive SAT anomalies over the TIO region may persist from preceding winter to summer, leading to more summer precipitation over the northwestern India and Arabian Sea (IAS) region. More summer precipitation (increased condensational heating) over the IAS region can regulate the strength and location of the western Pacific subtropical high and the South Asian high and result in their vertical superposition over the SYRV region. As such, a deep and stable high‐pressure anomaly forms over the SYRV region and results in high temperature anomalies. In this process, anomalous precipitation over the IAS region may to some degree act as a ‘bridge’ in providing a delayed impact of the preceding winter TIO SAT on summer SAT over the SYRV region. The effect of the preceding winter TIO SAT on summer SYRV SAT becomes weaker after removing the variability of IAS precipitation.
Shift of grain protein composition in bread wheat under summer drought events
Authors: Zörb Christian , Becker Elisabeth , Merkt Nikolaus , Kafka Stephanie , Schmidt Sarina , Schmidhalter Urs 
Published: November 2016

AbstractClimate change bears the risk of more frequent drought stress in the northern hemisphere with more frequent early summer drought events affecting main grain crops. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is susceptible for such drought events at the flowering and grain filling stages. After drought, the grain yield decrease of three hybrids was about 20% lower compared to three wheat lines analyzed. Wheat grain proteins are classified into four main components such as albumin and globulin, gliadin, and glutenin. The latter two are closely related to the baking quality of flour and might be affected by drought. However, detailed knowledge about the influence of drought on the synthesis of specific storage protein fractions is scarce. By analyzing the grain protein fractions by means of SDS‐PAGE technique, we detected an increase in grain protein content as well as in HMW and some LMW glutenin sub‐fractions. The glutenin fraction seems to be most variable in gene expression under different environmental scenarios such as drought. However, the protein yield as well as the grain yield may be strongly decreased, which might be not acceptable in practice.
Impact of pecan nut shell aqueous extract on the oxidative properties of margarines during storage
Authors: Engler Ribeiro Paula Cristina , de Britto Policarpi Priscila , Dal Bo Andrea , Barbetta Pedro Alberto , Block Jane Mara 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe oxidative properties of margarines supplemented with pecan nut shell extract, rosemary extract and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were investigated.RESULTSThe extracts of pecan nut shell and rosemary showed a high content of total phenolics and condensed tannins (93 and 102.9 mg GAE g−1 and 46 and 38.9 mg CE g−1 respectively) as well as a high antioxidant activity (1257 and 2306 µmol TEAC g−1 and 293 and 856 mg TEAC g−1 by ABTS and DPPH methods respectively). Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, epicatechin and epicatechin gallate were identified in the pecan nut shell extract. Peroxide and p‐anisidine values of 3.75–4.43 meq kg−1 and 1.22–2.73 respectively, Totox values of 9.88–10.8 and specific extinction values of 4.38–4.59 and 0.92–0.94 at 232 and 268 nm respectively were observed after 8 months of storage in the studied samples.CONCLUSIONMargarines supplemented with pecan nut shell extract, rosemary extract or BHT during prolonged storage were found to be of equal quality within the degree of confidence limits. The extract of pecan nut shell may be considered as a natural product replacement for the synthetic antioxidant BHT. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Exogenous nitric oxide induces disease resistance against Monilinia fructicola through activating the phenylpropanoid pathway in peach fruit
Authors: Li Guangjin , Zhu Shuhua , Wu Wenxue , Zhang Chang , Peng Yong , Wang Qingguo , Shi Jingying 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDNitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional signaling molecule involved in plant‐induced resistance to disease. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between disease resistance induced by NO and the phenylpropanoid pathway in peach fruit. The present study investigated the effect of NO on the main enzymes and metabolites of the phenylpropanoid pathway of harvested peach, which are probably related to disease resistance against Monilinia fructicola.RESULTSThe results showed that treatment with 15 µmol L−1 NO significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the activities of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, cinnamate‐4‐hydroxylase, 4‐coumaroyl‐CoA ligase, chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase and the expression of their genes. Furthermore, NO treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased the contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and lignin over the entire storage period and maintained higher total anthocyanin, phenolic acid and anthocyanin contents during the earlier storage period.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that NO treatment could activate the phenylpropanoid pathway to enhance the activity of related enzymes and the contents of phenylpropanoid metabolites in peach to improve disease resistance and prevent pathogenic invasion. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry