bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Close and distant: Contrasting the metabolism of two closely related subspecies of Scots pine under the effects of folivory and summer drought
Authors: Rivas‐Ubach Albert , Sardans Jordi , Hódar José Antonio , Garcia‐Porta Joan , Guenther Alex , Paša‐Tolić Ljiljana , Oravec Michal , Urban Otmar , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMetabolomes, as chemical phenotypes of organisms, are likely not only shaped by the environment but also by common ancestry. If this is the case, we expect that closely related species of pines will tend to reach similar metabolomic solutions to the same environmental stressors. We examined the metabolomes of two sympatric subspecies of Pinus sylvestris in Sierra Nevada (southern Iberian Peninsula), in summer and winter and exposed to folivory by the pine processionary moth. The overall metabolomes differed between the subspecies but both tended to respond more similarly to folivory. The metabolomes of the subspecies were more dissimilar in summer than in winter, and iberica trees had higher concentrations of metabolites directly related to drought stress. Our results are consistent with the notion that certain plant metabolic responses associated with folivory have been phylogenetically conserved. The larger divergence between subspecies metabolomes in summer is likely due to the warmer and drier conditions that the northern iberica subspecies experience in Sierra Nevada. Our results provide crucial insights into how iberica populations would respond to the predicted conditions of climate change under an increased defoliation in the Mediterranean Basin.
Seasonal variation in daily patterns of social contacts in the European badger Meles meles
Authors: Silk Matthew J. , Weber Nicola , Steward Lucy C. , Delahay Richard J. , Croft Darren P. , Hodgson David J. , Boots Mike , McDonald Robbie A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSocial interactions among hosts influence the persistence and spread of infectious pathogens. Daily and seasonal variation in the frequency and type of social interactions will play an important role in disease epidemiology and, alongside other factors, may have an influence on wider disease dynamics by causing seasonal forcing of infection, especially if the seasonal variation experienced by a population is considerable. We explored temporal variation in within‐group contacts in a high‐density population of European badgers Meles meles naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis (the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis). Summer contacts were more likely and of longer duration during the daytime, while the frequency and duration of winter contacts did not differ between day and night. In spring and autumn, within‐group contacts peaked at dawn and dusk, corresponding with when they were of shortest duration with reduced potential for aerosol transmission of pathogens. Summer and winter could be critical for transmission of M. bovis in badgers, due to the high frequency and duration of contacts during resting periods, and we discuss the links between this result and empirical disease data. This study reveals clear seasonality in daily patterns of contact frequency and duration in species living in stable social groups, suggesting that changes in social contacts could drive seasonal forcing of infection in wildlife populations even when the number of individuals interacting remains similar.
Unexpected mosaic distribution of two hybridizing sibling lineages in the teleplanically dispersing snail Stramonita haemastoma suggests unusual postglacial redistribution or cryptic invasion
Authors: El Ayari Tahani , Trigui El Menif Najoua , Saavedra Carlos , Cordero David , Viard Frédérique , Bierne Nicolas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMolecular approaches have proven efficient to identify cryptic lineages within single taxonomic entities. Sometimes these cryptic lineages maybe previously unreported or unknown invasive taxa. The genetic structure of the marine gastropod Stramonita haemastoma has been examined in the Western Mediterranean and North‐Eastern Atlantic populations with mtDNA COI sequences and three newly developed microsatellite markers. We identified two cryptic lineages, differentially fixed for alternative mtDNA COI haplogroups and significantly differentiated at microsatellite loci. The mosaic distribution of the two lineages is unusual for a warm‐temperate marine invertebrate with a teleplanic larval stage. The Atlantic lineage was unexpectedly observed as a patch enclosed in the north of the Western Mediterranean Sea between eastern Spain and the French Riviera, and the Mediterranean lineage was found in Macronesian Islands. Although cyto‐nuclear disequilibrium is globally maintained, asymmetric introgression occurs in the Spanish region where the two lineages co‐occur in a hybrid zone. A first interpretation of our results is mito‐nuclear discordance in a stable postglacial hybrid zone. Under this hypothesis, though, the location of genetic discontinuities would be unusual among planktonic dispersers. An alternative interpretation is that the Atlantic lineage, also found in Senegal and Venezuela, has been introduced by human activities in the Mediterranean area and is introgressing Mediterranean genes during its propagation, as theoretically expected. This second hypothesis would add an additional example to the growing list of cryptic marine invasions revealed by molecular studies.
Microsite and elevation zone effects on seed pilferage, germination, and seedling survival during early whitebark pine recruitment
Authors: Pansing Elizabeth R. , Tomback Diana F. , Wunder Michael B. , French Joshua P. , Wagner Aaron C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTree recruitment is a spatially structured process that may undergo change over time because of variation in postdispersal processes. We examined seed pilferage, seed germination, and seedling survival in whitebark pine to determine whether 1) microsite type alters the initial spatial pattern of seed caches, 2) higher abiotic stress (i.e. higher elevations) exacerbates spatial distribution changes, and 3) these postdispersal processes are spatially clustered. At two study areas, we created a seed distribution pattern by burying seed caches in microsite types frequently used by whitebark pine's avian seed disperser (Clark's nutcracker) in upper subalpine forest and at treeline, the latter characterized by high abiotic environmental stress. We monitored caches for two years for pilferage, germination, and seedling survival. Odds of pilferage (both study areas), germination (northern study area), and survival (southern study area) were higher at treeline relative to subalpine forest. At the southern study area, we found higher odds of 1) pilferage near rocks and trees relative to no object in subalpine forest, 2) germination near rocks relative to trees within both elevation zones, and 3) seedling survival near rocks and trees relative to no object at treeline. No microsite effects were detected at the northern study area. Findings indicated that the microsite distribution of seed caches changes with seed/seedling stage. Higher odds of seedling survival near rocks and trees were observed at treeline, suggesting abiotic stress may limit safe site availability, thereby shifting the spatial distribution toward protective microsites. Higher odds of pilferage at treeline, however, suggest rodents may limit treeline recruitment. Further, odds of pilferage were higher near rocks and trees relative to no object in subalpine forest but did not differ among microsites at treeline, suggesting pilferage can modulate the spatial structure of regeneration, a finding supported by limited clustering of postdispersal processes.
Effect of pollen and resource limitation on reproduction of Zygophyllum xanthoxylum in fragmented habitats
Authors: Chen Min , Zhao Xue‐Yong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLimitations on pollen and resources may significantly affect plant reproduction in fragmented habitats. In this study, phenology and pollinator frequency and activity were investigated to estimate the role of pollinators in Zygophyllum xanthoxylum reproduction, and this species is ecologically important in northwest China. In addition, the relative impact of restrictive amounts of pollen and resources on the seed set per flower was evaluated. It was found that adding pollen boosted the size of the seed set per flower, but had no significant effect on the number of flowers. By contrast, the addition of resources increased flower numbers as well as had a slight impact on the seed set per flower. These results indicate the amount of available pollen is a limiting factor for reproductive success. Moreover, Apis mellifera was identified as the most effective pollinator of Z. xanthoxylum, and there were more overall pollinators and visitations in the control than in the fragmented habitats. Furthermore, the limitations in pollen were more restrictive in the fragmented area than in the control. This was due to increased pollinator visitations in the control that could ameliorate the effects of lower pollen levels. When there is a limited availability of suitable pollinators, self‐pollination is critical in fragmented habitats. Z. xanthoxylum has reproductive strategies that aid in adapting to harsh environments, including protogyny and delayed selfing.
Effect of expanding evidence and evolving clinical guidelines on the prevalence of indication for cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure
Authors: Lund Lars H. , Svennblad Bodil , Dahlström Ulf , Ståhlberg Marcus 
Published: September 2017

AimsTo assess the prevalence of indication for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (EF) when recommendations from evolving European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines are considered.Methods and resultsUnique patients (n=17 193) with EF ≤39% and key data available for evaluation of CRT indication from the Swedish HF Registry were included. Indication for CRT was defined as either CRT implanted or CRT device absent but fulfilling criteria for class I–IIa recommendations in ESC guidelines published between 2005/2007 and 2016. Prevalence was calculated as the ratio of patients with CRT indication to the study population. The prevalence of CRT indication increased from 24.5% when the 2005/2007 ESC guidelines were considered to a peak of 30.0% when the 2013 ESC guidelines were considered (P<0.001, 22.4% relative increase). Compared to the 2013 ESC guidelines, the prevalence declined significantly when the 2016 ESC guidelines were used as determinant for CRT indication (26.8%, 10.7% relative reduction, P<0.001). Actual CRT utilization was 6.8%.ConclusionAmong patients with HF and reduced EF, the prevalence of CRT indication increased significantly comparing recommendations from ESC guidelines published between 2005/2007 and 2013, but then declined when the 2016 ESC guidelines were considered. The 2005–2013 increase may reflect the expansion of documented CRT efficacy to New York Heart Association class II, whereas the subsequent drop likely results from the more stringent criteria for QRS duration in the 2016 ESC guidelines. Actual CRT utilization is lower than indicated, regardless of which guidelines are considered.
Serially measured circulating microRNAs and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: van Boven Nick , Kardys Isabella , van Vark Laura C. , Akkerhuis K. Martijn , de Ronde Maurice W.J. , Khan Mohsin A.F. , Merkus Daphne , Liu Zhen , Voors Adriaan A. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , van den Bos Ewout‐Jan , Boersma Eric , Hillege Hans , Duncker Dirk J. , Pinto Yigal M. , Postmus Douwe 
Published: September 2017

AimsPrevious studies have identified candidate circulating microRNAs (circmiRs) as biomarkers for heart failure (HF) using relatively insensitive arrays, validated in small cohorts. The present study used RNA sequencing to identify novel candidate circmiRs and compared these with previously identified circmiRs in a large, prospective cohort of patients with acute HF (AHF).Methods and resultsRNA sequencing of plasma from instrumented pigs was used to identify circmiRs produced by myocardium. Production of known myomiRs and microRNA (miR)‐1306‐5p was identified. The prognostic values of this and 11 other circmiRs were tested in a prospective cohort of 496 AHF patients, from whom blood samples were collected at up to seven time‐points during the study's 1‐year follow‐up. The primary endpoint was the composite of all‐cause mortality and HF rehospitalization. In the prospective AHF cohort, 188 patients reached the primary endpoint, and higher values of repeatedly measured miR‐1306‐5p were positively associated with risk for reaching the primary endpoint at the same time‐point [hazard ratio (HR) 4.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.18–10.06], independent of clinical characteristics and NT‐proBNP. Baseline miR‐1306‐5p did not improve model discrimination/reclassification significantly compared with NT‐proBNP. For miR‐320a, miR‐378a‐3p, miR‐423‐5p and miR‐1254, associations with the primary endpoint were present after adjustment for age and sex (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12–1.70; HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.04–1.74; HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.10–1.92; HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.00–1.50, respectively). Rates of detection of myomiRs miR‐208a‐3p and miR‐499a‐5p were very low.ConclusionsRepeatedly measured miR‐1306‐5p was positively associated with adverse clinical outcome in AHF, even after multivariable adjustment including NT‐proBNP. However, baseline miR‐1306‐5p did not add significant discriminatory value to NT‐proBNP. Low‐abundance, heart‐enriched myomiRs are often undetectable, which mandates the development of more sensitive assays.
Enrichment of Hydrogen Production from Biomass‐Gasification‐Derived Syngas over Spinel‐Type Aluminate‐Supported Nickel Catalysts
Authors: Chuang Kui‐Hao , Chen Bing‐Nan , Wey Ming‐Yen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSynthesis gas produced through biomass gasification can be converted into H2‐rich gas by catalytic methane decomposition or reforming reactions. In this study, we investigate the promotion of hydrogen production by the catalytic reforming of a model biomass‐gasification‐derived syngas over Ni/MAl2O4 (M=Mg, Ni, and Ca) catalysts. Three mesoporous spinel supports were synthesized by solution combustion. Ni/NiAl2O4 and Ni/CaAl2O4 exhibited better catalytic activities and stabilities for syngas reforming than the other catalysts. These results are ascribable to interactions between the metallic catalyst and spinel supports, and stronger interactions lead to smaller catalyst particles. The formation of coke deposits is associated with CH4 decomposition during the syngas reforming reaction. Clearly, H2 production is lower at 900 °C because of increased competition from the reverse water–gas shift reaction that shifts the reaction between CO2 and H2 toward the generation of CO and H2O.
Harvesting Energy from Human Activity: Ferroelectric Energy Harvesters for Portable, Implantable, and Biomedical Electronics
Authors: Zhang Guangzu , Li Mingyu , Li Honglang , Wang Qing , Jiang Shenglin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEnergy harvesters based on ferroelectric materials, which are capable of converting mechanical and thermal energies into electric power, have drawn unprecedented attention in both academic and industrial fields because of their great potential in harvesting human‐activity‐induced and other energies of the human body to drive low‐power, personal, portable, and implantable electronics. Based on previous works that uncovered the features of advanced materials and the nanotechnologies for the fabrication of ferroelectric generators, we emphasize the potential of ferroelectric energy harvesters in biomedical applications, with not only traditional ferroelectrics but also newly developed ferroelectric biomaterials. In addition, the latest representative integration schemes of hybrid generators with ferroelectric materials are outlined, which could markedly extend the functions of energy harvesters, especially for implantable and biomedical applications.
Anti‐Freezing Aqueous Electrolyte for High‐Performance Co(OH)2 Supercapacitors at −30 °C
Authors: Deng Ting , Zhang Wei , Zhang Hengbin , Zheng Weitao 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2) is a promising electrode material for hybrid devices because of its intrinsic battery‐mimic mechanism for energy storage. However, conventional electrolytes suitable for Co(OH)2 will lead to performance failure in a harsh environment, which hinders its industrial application at ambient temperature. Here, we propose an anti‐freezing aqueous electrolyte composed of NaOH and a high concentration of NaClO4 for Co(OH)2 electrode, which can still fully function at −30 °C. At this temperature, the energy density of a Co(OH)2–active carbon hybrid capacitor can reach 16.52 Wh kg−1, which has a 72 % energy‐density retention at 20 °C. The hybrid capacitor shows excellent cyclability with the anti‐freezing electrolyte at −30 °C, presenting only 3.5 % drop of the capacitance after 500 cycles. This designed anti‐freezing electrolyte may put more pseudocapacitive materials into more practical use, particularly in northern harsh climates.
Simulation and 4D seismic studies of pressure management and CO2 plume control by means of brine extraction and monitoring at the Devine Test Site, South Texas, USA
Authors: Goudarzi Ali , Hosseini Seyyed A. , Sava Diana , Nicot Jean‐Philippe 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWithin the context of CO2 geological storage, excessive pressure build‐up is undesirable because it increases the risks of CO2 plume leaks into unwanted zones, reduces the storage capacity of the formation, and can limit the life of a storage project. In this study, we designed a brine extraction field pilot project for pressure management and plume control in the Hosston Formation at the Devine Test Site (DTS) in Texas. We investigated the possibility of using seismic and tracer data to monitor pressure front and injected fluids plume. Seismic surveys provide the volumetric coverage needed to understand the 3D subsurface fluid and pore pressure front movement; however, the limit of seismic detectability may be influenced by Hosston Formation initial pore pressure. The range of minimum pore pressure increase needed to produce detectable P‐wave and S‐wave seismic velocities is investigated. Simulation study of active pressure management system (APMS) and passive pressure management system (PPMS) at the DTS is performed using the numerical simulator CMG‐STARS to demonstrate the possibility of controlling pressure build up in the storage formation. The estimation of pore pressure increase from flow simulations will help us to understand if the pressure changes during brine injection and extraction can be detected using seismic response. Study findings show that 4D seismic is an appropriate monitoring tool considering the level of expected increase in pressure at the DTS and that, as expected, brine extraction is successful in controlling the pressure build up and potentially can steer the plume at the DTS. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential hazards of fenvalerate in massive pollution influence the apoptosis sensitivity
Authors: Cui Zheng‐Guo , Jin Yu‐Jie , Sun Lu , Zakki Shahbaz Ahmad , Li Meng‐Ling , Feng Qian‐Wen , Kondo Takashi , Ogawa Ryohei , Inadera Hidekuni 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFenvalerate (Fen), a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, is widely used in agricultural, domestic and veterinary applications. Fen induces abnormal cell proliferation and apoptosis, which are linked to its hazardous effects. However, this view is controversial and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, the effects of Fen on cadmium (Cd)‐induced apoptosis and the associated molecular mechanisms were investigated in human myeloid leukemia U937 cells. U937 cells were treated with 50 μm cadmium chloride (CdCl2) with or without Fen pretreatment at 1–50 μm. Apoptosis was evaluated by externalization of phosphatidylserine on the plasma membrane. The expression levels of apoptosis‐related proteins, including Bcl‐2 family members were determined by western blot analysis. The results revealed that pretreatment with Fen at 20 μm for 12 hours significantly inhibited Cd‐induced apoptosis. Decreased expression of pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins (Noxa and Bid) and increased expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins (Bcl‐xL, Mcl‐1 and XIAP) were observed after combined treatment with Fen and CdCl2. Phosphorylation of ERK and AKT was increased, while phosphorylation of JNK was decreased by the combined treatment, compared with CdCl2 treatment alone. In conclusion, Fen decreased apoptotic sensitivity induced by Cd in U937 cells. This effect was associated with activation of ERK and AKT, suppression of JNK and changes in expression of Bcl‐2 family proteins and XIAP. The present findings suggest a potential influence of Fen on Cd toxicity via suppression of apoptosis. Fen decreased apoptotic sensitivity induced by Cd, and thus it may contribute carcinogenic risk and influence on cancer therapy.
Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy for ex‐vivo diagnosis of melanocytic and non‐melanocytic skin tumors: A pilot study
Authors: Hartmann Daniela , Krammer Sebastian , Vural Secil , Bachmann Mario Raphael , Ruini Cristel , Sárdy Miklós , Ruzicka Thomas , Berking Carola , von Braunmühl Tanja 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundEx‐vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (ex‐vivo CLSM) offers rapid examination of freshly excised tissue. During the conventional examination immunohistochemistry enables to distinguish various cell types. The possibility of immunofluorescent techniques could enhance the accuracy of the diagnosis performed by ex‐vivo CLSM.MethodsThe tissue probes from various skin tumors were stained with FITC‐labeled S‐100A10, Melan‐A and anti‐Ber‐EP4 antibodies before examination with ex‐vivo CLSM in the fluorescence and reflectance modes. Results were compared to negative controls and conventional histopathology. The staining protocols were evaluated by establishing a scoring system according to the signal intensity found in ex‐vivo CLSM.ResultsS100 immunostaining was successful in 55.6%. Dilution of 1:200 resulted in the best possible evaluation of the tumor. The best suitable protocol was protocol B (phosphate buffered saline [PBS], without blocking agent). Melan A immunostaining was positive in 66.7%, the best dilution was 1:500 and protocol B (PBS, without blocking agent) was the most suitable. Ber‐EP4 immunostaining presented a signal in 85.7%, the best dilutions were 1:200 and 1:500 and protocol A (PBS, with blocking agent) showed most optimal results.ConclusionThe use of fluorescent‐labeled antibodies in ex‐vivo CLSM is possible and could improve intraoperative diagnostics of skin tumors.