bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postmating reproductive barriers contribute to the incipient sexual isolation of the United States and Caribbean Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kao Joyce Y. , Lymer Seana , Hwang Sea H. , Sung Albert , Nuzhdin Sergey V. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe nascent stages of speciation start with the emergence of sexual isolation. Understanding the influence of reproductive barriers in this evolutionary process is an ongoing effort. We present a study of Drosophila melanogaster admixed populations from the southeast United States and the Caribbean islands known to be a secondary contact zone of European‐ and African‐derived populations undergoing incipient sexual isolation. The existence of premating reproductive barriers has been previously established, but these types of barriers are not the only source shaping sexual isolation. To assess the influence of postmating barriers, we investigated putative postmating barriers of female remating and egg‐laying behavior, as well as hatchability of eggs laid and female longevity after mating. In the central region of our putative hybrid zone of American and Caribbean populations, we observed lower hatchability of eggs laid accompanied by increased resistance to harm after mating to less‐related males. These results illustrate that postmating reproductive barriers act alongside premating barriers and genetic admixture such as hybrid incompatibilities and influence early phases of sexual isolation.
Migrating songbirds on stopover prepare for, and recover from, oxidative challenges posed by long‐distance flight
Authors: Skrip Megan M. , Bauchinger Ulf , Goymann Wolfgang , Fusani Leonida , Cardinale Massimiliano , Alan Rebecca R. , McWilliams Scott R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractManaging oxidative stress is an important physiological function for all aerobic organisms, particularly during periods of prolonged high metabolic activity, such as long‐distance migration across ecological barriers. However, no previous study has investigated the oxidative status of birds at different stages of migration and whether that oxidative status depends on the condition of the birds. In this study, we compared (1) energy stores and circulating oxidative status measures in (a) two species of Neotropical migrants with differing migration strategies that were sampled at an autumn stopover site before an ecological barrier; and (b) a species of trans‐Saharan migrant sampled at a spring stopover site after crossing an ecological barrier; and (2) circulating oxidative measures and indicators of fat metabolism in a trans‐Saharan migrant after stopovers of varying duration (0–8 nights), based on recapture records. We found fat stores to be positively correlated with circulating antioxidant capacity in Blackpoll Warblers and Red‐eyed Vireos preparing for fall migration on Block Island, USA, but uncorrelated in Garden Warblers on the island of Ponza, Italy, after a spring crossing of the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea. In all circumstances, fat stores were positively correlated with circulating lipid oxidation levels. Among Garden Warblers on the island of Ponza, fat anabolism increased with stopover duration while oxidative damage levels decreased. Our study provides evidence that birds build antioxidant capacity as they build fat stores at stopover sites before long flights, but does not support the idea that antioxidant stores remain elevated in birds with high fuel levels after an ecological barrier. Our results further suggest that lipid oxidation may be an inescapable hazard of using fats as the primary fuel for flight. Yet, we also show that birds on stopover are capable of recovering from the oxidative damage they have accrued during migration, as lipid oxidation levels decrease with time on stopover. Thus, the physiological strategy of migrating songbirds may be to build prophylactic antioxidant capacity in concert with fuel stores at stopover sites before a long‐distance flight, and then repair oxidative damage while refueling at stopover sites after long‐distance flight.
Night‐time electromechanical activation time, pulsatile hemodynamics, and discharge outcomes in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Chang Chun‐Chin , Sung Shih‐Hsien , Yu Wen‐Chung , Cheng Hao‐Min , Chen Chen‐Huan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsBoth electromechanical activation time (EMAT) and pulsatile hemodynamics measured during the hospitalization course are useful in the prediction of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS). We investigated whether night‐time monitoring of EMAT with the ambulatory acoustic cardiography is superior to the measures of pulsatile hemodynamics for prediction of AHFS post‐discharge outcomes.Methods and resultsA total of 97 patients (71.1 ± 15.4 years old, 81% male, and 73.8% systolic heart failure) hospitalized for AHFS were included. Before discharge, 24 h ambulatory acoustic cardiography and a comprehensive echocardiographic and pulsatile hemodynamic study were performed to assess the mean 24 h, daytime, and night‐time EMAT, carotid systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP), amplitude of the reflected pressure wave from a decomposed carotid pressure wave (Pb), and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), in addition to measurement of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels. During a mean follow‐up of 389 ± 281 days, 49 patients (50.5%) experienced events including re‐hospitalization for heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, or death. Pulsatile hemodynamics, including carotid SBP and PP and Pb, but not cfPWV, and night‐time EMAT, but not daytime EMAT, significantly predicted post‐discharge events when age and NT‐proBNP were accounted for (all P < 0.05). In a final model with adjustment for age and NT‐proBNP, night‐time EMAT, but not Pb, significantly predicted post‐discharge events [hazard ratio per 1 SD and 95% confidence intervals: 1.33 (1.05–1.69), P < 0.05].ConclusionPre‐discharge night‐time EMAT may be a better predictor for post‐discharge adverse events than the measures of the pulsatile hemodynamics in patients with AHFS.
The impact of cisplatinum‐based chemotherapy on ventricular function and cardiovascular risk factors in female survivors after malignant germ cell cancer
Authors: Murbraech Klaus , Solheim Olesya , Aulie Hanne M. , Fossa Sophie D. , Aakhus Svend 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsAmong male cancer survivors, cisplatinum‐based chemotherapy (CBCT) is associated with impaired left ventricle (LV) diastolic function, increased risk of metabolic syndrome, and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Comparable data in females are limited. The long‐term effects of cisplatin on right ventricle (RV) function are unknown in both genders. We aimed to investigate the impact of CBCT on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac function in female survivors after malignant ovarian germ cell tumour (MOGCT).Methods and resultsThis national cross‐sectional follow‐up study recruited MOGCT survivors, diagnosed from 1980–09 (n = 153). Seventy‐four (48%) participated in out‐patient visit, of whom 41 had received CBCT (62% of all CBCT): median age, 35 years (range, 18–64 years); median time since CBCT, 14 years (range, 5–31 years). Participants were categorized into high‐CBCT (n = 19) and low‐CBCT (n = 22) groups and compared with age‐matched healthy females. All participants underwent laboratory tests and echocardiography to determine cardiac function. Compared with low‐CBCT participants, the high‐CBCT group showed significantly impaired RV function, as evaluated by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (22.6 ± 2.4 mm vs. 26.3 ± 3.6 mm; P < 0.001); RV S' (10.7 ± 1.9 cm/s vs. 12.4 ± 2.3 cm/s; P = 0.01); RV global longitudinal strain (−23.4 ± 2.4% vs. −25.7 ± 3.7%; P = 0.02), and tricuspid annular displacement (21 ± 2 mm vs. 24 ± 3 mm; P = 0.001). LV diastolic function was impaired in the high‐CBCT group compared with controls. Patients and controls exhibited similar metabolic syndrome prevalences.ConclusionsAmong long‐term survivors of MOGCT, CBCT was associated with impaired RV function and LV diastolic function. Unlike men, women do not appear to have an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome after CBCT.
Hematopoietic plakophilin‐3 regulates acute tissue‐specific and systemic inflammation in mice
Authors: Sklyarova Tatyana , van Hengel Jolanda , Van Wonterghem Elien , Libert Claude , van Roy Frans , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E. 
Published: July 2015

Plakophilin‐3 (PKP3) is a member of the armadillo protein family, which is important in cell−cell contacts and signaling during development and tumorigenesis. In conventional facilities, PKP3‐deficient mice (PKP3−/−) develop spontaneous dermatitis, indicating a possible involvement of PKP3 in inflammatory responses. Here, we show that PKP3 deficiency sensitizes mice to irritant contact dermatitis induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). This sensitization occurred in mice with PKP3 deficiency in the hematopoietic system (PKP3−/−hem), but not if the deficiency was specific to skin keratinocytes (PKP3−/−ker). In a model of dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis, ubiquitous PKP3 deletion, but not intestinal epithelial PKP3 deficiency (PKP3−/−IEC), impaired survival from disease. Interestingly, PKP3−/−hem mice also displayed increased sensitivity to dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis. Finally, PKP3−/− mice were more sensitive to the lethality of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection than wild‐type (WT) mice, and this phenotype was associated with increased intestinal permeability. PKP3−/−IEC mice did not reproduce the enhanced endotoxin reactivity of PKP3−/− mice, in contrast to PKP3−/−hem mice. Finally, in vitro stimulation of WT neutrophils with LPS or PMA increased Pkp3 expression.In conclusion, our data highlight a novel role for hematopoietic PKP3 in the regulation of both locally and systemically induced immune responses. Nonetheless, further research is needed to unravel the underlying mechanism.
Dual identity, in‐group projection, and out‐group feelings among ethnic minority groups
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Martinovic Borja 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study extends research on dual identity and in‐group projection by considering category prototypicality and indispensability, and by focusing on ethnic minority members and their attitudes towards the native majority and minority out‐groups. Among a sample of 491 participants of the three largest immigrant‐origin groups in the Netherlands, it was found that the minority in‐group was seen as relatively more prototypical and relatively more indispensable for the national category in comparison with minority out‐groups, but not in comparison with the native majority. In support of the in‐group projection model, stronger dual identity was associated with higher relative in‐group prototypicality and relative in‐group indispensability in comparison with the majority and, via both these relative perceptions, to a less positive attitude towards the native Dutch. In addition and in support of the common in‐group identity model, dual identity was associated with more positive minority out‐group feelings via higher minority out‐group prototypicality and indispensability. It is concluded that dual identity can have both positive and negative consequences for intergroup relations depending on perceived (relative) prototypicality and indispensability, and depending on whether the out‐group is the majority or other minorities.
Graphene‐Based Nanohybrids for Advanced Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Li Fenghua , Gan Shiyu , Han Dongxue , Niu Li 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA ‘gold rush’ has been triggered for functionalization of graphene and application of graphene‐based nanohybrids. The application fields involve physics, chemistry, biology and medicine as well as their interdisciplinarities. In this review, we highlight the recent progress of graphene based nanohybrids for electrochemical sensing applications toward a few representative biological analytes including DNA, glucose, dopamine, ascorbic acid, uric acid, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and biological metal ions. The specific interactions of these substances with graphene and the transduction of target recognition are illustrated. Future challenges and prospects of graphene based nanohybrids applications in electrochemical sensing are discussed.
Voltammetric Behaviour of 7‐Methylguanine Using Screen‐printed Graphite Electrodes: towards a Guanine Methylation Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Brotons Ariadna , Sanjuan Ignacio , Banks Craig E. , Vidal‐Iglesias Francisco José , Solla‐Gullón José , Iniesta Jesús 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe determination of 7‐methylguanine (7mG) is an interesting analytical target since its quantification can be correlated with the methylation of cytosine which is one of the most relevant epigenetic modification of DNA. In this work, screen‐printed graphite electrodes were used to study the electrochemical characterization of 7mG by cyclic and square wave voltammetry. 7mG concentration and pH were examined, as well as the repeatability of the measurements. The electrochemical response of 7mG in the presence of guanine and adenine was also investigated. Results aim to the future development of an electrochemical sensor for the methylation degree in DNA.
TiO2‐modified Carbon Paste Electrode as a Sensor for the Assay of Weak Organic Acids/Bases and Complex Matrix Samples
Authors: Simić Zoran , Stanić Zorka D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe construction, general performance characteristics and analytical application of a titanium dioxide–modified carbon paste electrode sensitive to hydrogen ions, based on incorporation of titanium dioxide in a carbon paste matrix, is described. The proposed electrochemical sensor exhibits a linear response in the pH range from 2 to 10, at 25 °C, with a sub‐Nernstian slope. The value of a slope is in a direct correlation with the electrode composition – the optimum content of a titanium dioxide in carbon paste is 30 %. Titanium dioxide‐modified carbon paste electrode shows fast response time and reproducibility, confirmed by different compounds determination in both, individual and complex material, namely, in synthetic and real samples. Besides, the electrode shows high selectivity in the presence of the alkali and the alkaline earth ions as Na+, K+, Ca2+or Mg2+. The standard deviation of the investigated acids (acetic, oxalic, 5‐sulfosalicylic,p‐toluensulfonic acid, and amino acid‐glycine) and bases (N,N′‐diphenylguanidine and collidine) is less than 1.3 %. The obtained data are compared with those obtained by using a conventional glass pH‐electrode under the same experimental conditions and indicate a high correlation between them.
An Electrochemical Sensor for Determination of Ultratrace Cd, Cu and Hg in Water Samples by Modified Carbon Paste Electrode Base on a New Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Nourifard Farzaneh , Payehghadr Mahmood , Kalhor Mehdi , Nejadali Azizallah 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper describes the preparation and electrochemical application of a new chemically modified electrode for simple and highly sensitive simultaneous determination of copper, mercury and cadmium using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Firstly, a new bis‐Schiff base ligand, 2,2′‐((pyridine‐2,6‐diylbis (azanylylidene)) bis (methanylylidene))bis(4‐bromophenol) (ligand L) has been synthesized by reaction of the 2,6‐diamino pyridine with 5‐bromo salicylaldehyde or salicylaldehyde at ethanol under refluxing. The structure of the synthesized compound resulted from the IR, 1HNMR, MS, UV spectroscopy and elemental analysis data. Afterwards, a novel, simple and effective chemically modified carbon paste electrode with ligand L was prepared. The electrochemical properties and applications of the modified electrode, including the pH, percentage of modifier, the electron transfer, optimized conditions, linear response and detection limit were investigated. High sensitivity and reproducibility, together with the ease of preparation and regeneration of the electrode surface by simple polishing, make the electrode very suitable for the voltammetric determination of copper, mercury and cadmium in several Merck samples and water samples.
Determination of Total PSA Using Magnetic Beads and a Re‐usable Screen Printed Carbon Electrode Array
Authors: Biscay Julien , González García María Begoña , García Agustín Costa 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA total PSA (tPSA) assay using magnetic beads (1 µm) and a re‐usable 8‐channel screen printed electrochemical array is here reported. The reaction scheme is based on a one step sandwich assay. The linear range obtained is comprised between 5 and 100 ng/mL of tPSA and have a limit of detection of 1.86 ng/mL. This methodology was validated, performing determination of tPSA in serum and the results were compared with a commercial ELISA kit.
Characterization and application of biomass gasifier waste material for adsorptive removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution
Authors: Narayan Ram , Meena Rameshwar Prasad , Patel Amit Kumar , Prajapati Anuj Kumar , Srivastava Shalini , Mondal Monoj Kumar 
Published: July 2015

This study was performed to investigate the latent potential of biomass gasifier waste material (BGWM) as an adsorbent for removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution. The present work also proposes an alternate use of gasifier refuge BGWM with great economic feasibility. The effects of initial pH, BGWM concentration, Cr(VI) concentration, temperature and contact time were investigated on the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution. The maximum removal of Cr (VI) was found to be 99.67% at optimum condition of initial pH 2, contact time 80 min, initial Cr (VI) concentration 10 mg L−1, adsorbent dose 5 g L−1, agitation speed 120 rpm, and temperature 35°C. The adsorbent was characterised by SEM, EDX, XRD, BET and FTIR analysis to get important information about its effective application for Cr (VI) removal. The BET surface area of 165.287 m2 g−1 for BGWM was found comparable to that of commercial silica. Batch adsorption experiments showed that pseudo‐second‐order kinetics model and Langmuir isotherm model fitted the adsorption data very well. Thermodynamic parameters revealed the feasibility, spontaneity and endothermic nature of Cr (VI) adsorption onto BGWM. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 95–102, 2016
Framework of aftershock fragility assessment–case studies: older California reinforced concrete building frames
Authors: Jeon Jong‐Su , DesRoches Reginald , Lowes Laura N. , Brilakis Ioannis 
Published: July 2015

SummaryCurrent seismic design codes and damage estimation tools neglect the influence of successive events on structures. However, recent earthquakes have demonstrated that structures damaged during an initial event (mainshock) are more vulnerable to severe damage and collapse during a subsequent event (aftershock). This increased vulnerability to damage translates to increased likelihood of loss of use, property, and life. Thus, a reliable risk assessment tool is required that characterizes the risk of the undamaged structure subjected to an initial event and the risk of the damaged structure under subsequent events. In this paper, a framework for development of aftershock fragilities is presented; these aftershock fragilities define the likelihood that a building damaged during a mainshock will exhibit a given damage state following one or more aftershocks. Thus, the framework provides a method for characterizing the risk associated with damage accumulation in the structure. The framework includes the following: (i) creation of a numerical model of the structure; (ii) characterization of building damage states; (iii) generation of a suite of mainshock–aftershocks; (iv) mainshock–aftershock analyses; and (v) development of aftershock fragility curves using probabilistic aftershock demand models, defined as a linear regression of aftershock demand–intensity pairs in a logarithmic space, and damage‐state prediction models. The framework is not limited to a specific structure type but requires numerical models defining structural response and linking structural response with damage. In the current study, non‐ductile RC frames (low‐rise, mid‐rise, and high‐rise) are selected as case studies for the application of the framework. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sorption kinetics of TNT and RDX in anaerobic freshwater and marine sediments: Batch studies
Authors: Ariyarathna Thivanka , Vlahos Penny , Tobias Craig , Smith Richard 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Examination of the partitioning of explosives onto sediment in marine environments is critical to predict the toxicological impacts of worldwide explosive-contaminated sites adjacent to estuaries, wetlands, and the coastal ocean. Marine sediments have been identified as sites of enhanced munitions removal, yet most studies addressing these interactions focus on soils and freshwater sediments. The present study measured the kinetics of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) sorption onto 2 marine sediments of varying grain sizes (silt vs sand) and organic carbon (OC) content. Abiotic sediment sorption tests were performed at 23 °C, 15 °C, and 4 °C by spiking TNT and RDX solutions directly into anaerobic sediment slurries. Marine sediments showed significantly higher compound uptake rates (0.30–0.80 h−1) than freshwater silt (0.0046–0.0065 h−1) for both compounds, probably because of lower compound solubilities and a higher pH in marine systems. Equilibrium partition constants are on the same order of magnitude for marine silt (1.1–2.0 L kg−1 sediment) and freshwater silt (1.4–3.1 L kg−1 sediment) but lower for marine sand (0.72–0.92 L kg−1 sediment). Total organic carbon content in marine sediments varied linearly with equilibrium partition constants for TNT and was moderately linear for RDX. Uptake rates and equilibrium constants of explosives are inversely correlated to temperature regardless of sediment type because of kinetic barriers associated with low temperatures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:47–55. © 2015 SETAC
Fluoroquinolones in the Wenyu River catchment, China: Occurrence simulation and risk assessment
Authors: Hao Xuewen , Cao Yan , Zhang Lai , Zhang Yongyong , Liu Jianguo 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Concern is increasing regarding the environmental impact of the high usage rate and intensive release of antibiotics used for human and animal therapy in major urban areas of China. In the present study, regional environmental distribution simulations and risk assessments for 3 commonly used fluoroquinolones in the Wenyu River catchment were conducted using a typical catchment model widely used in Europe. The fluoroquinolone antibiotics investigated (ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin) are consumed at high levels for personal health care in China. These antibiotics were simulated in the aquatic environment of the Wenyu River catchment across the Beijing City area for annual average concentrations, with regional predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) of approximately 711 ng/L, 55.3 ng/L, and 22.2 ng/L and local PECs up to 1.8 µg/L, 116 ng/L, and 43 ng/L, respectively. Apart from hydrological conditions, the concentrations of fluoroquinolones were associated closely with the sewage treatment plants (STPs) and their serving population, as well as hospital distributions. The presence of these fluoroquinolones in the catchment area of the present study showed significant characteristics of the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment in an urban river, with typical “down-the-drain” chemicals. Significantly high concentrations of specific antibiotics indicated non-negligible risks caused by the intensive use in the local aquatic environment in a metropolitan area, particularly ofloxacin in upstream Shahe Reservoir, middle stream and downstream Qing River, and Liangma River to the Ba River segment. Specific treatment measures for these pharmaceuticals and personal care products in STPs are required for such metropolitan areas. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2764–2770. © 2015 SETAC