bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local‐ and landscape‐scale variables shape insect diversity in an urban biodiversity hot spot
Authors: Adams Benjamin J. , Li Enjie , Bahlai Christine A. , Meineke Emily K. , McGlynn Terrence P. , Brown Brian V. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLocal community structure is shaped by processes acting at local and landscape scales. The relative importance of drivers operating across different spatial scales is difficult to test without observations across regional or latitudinal gradients. Cities exhibit strong but predictable environmental gradients overlaying a mosaic of highly variable but repeated habitat types within a constrained area. Thus, cities present a unique opportunity to explore how both local and landscape factors influence local biotic communities. We used insect communities to examine the interactions among local environmental variables (such as temperature and relative humidity), local habitat characteristics (such as plant community composition), and broad‐scale patterns of urbanization (including biophysical, human‐built, and socioeconomic variables) on local insect abundance, species richness, and species composition in Los Angeles, a hot, dry, near‐desert city. After accounting for seasonal trends, insect species richness and abundance were highest in drier and hotter sites, but the magnitude of local environmental effects varied with the degree of urbanization. In contrast, insect species composition was best predicted by broad‐scale urbanization trends, with the more native communities occurring in less urbanized sites and more cosmopolitan insects occurring in highly urbanized sites. However, insect species richness and abundance were >30% higher and insect composition was similar across sites that hosted either native or drought‐tolerant plants, regardless of the degree of urbanization. These results demonstrate that urban insect biodiversity is a product of interacting mechanisms working at both local and landscape scales. However, local‐scale changes to urban habitats, such as cultivating plants that are adapted to the natural environment nearest the city, can positively impact urban biodiversity regardless of location.
Maternal effects and urbanization: Variation of yolk androgens and immunoglobulin in city and forest blackbirds
Authors: Partecke Jesko , Hegyi Gergely , Fitze Patrick S. , Gasparini Julien , Schwabl Hubert 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWildlife inhabiting urban environments exhibit drastic changes in morphology, physiology, and behavior. It has often been argued that these phenotypic responses could be the result of micro‐evolutionary changes following the urbanization process. However, other mechanisms such as phenotypic plasticity, maternal effects, and developmental plasticity could be involved as well. To address maternal effects as potential mechanisms, we compared maternal hormone and antibody concentrations in eggs between city and forest populations of European blackbirds (Turdus merula), a widely distributed species for which previous research demonstrated differences in behavioral and physiological traits. We measured egg and yolk mass, yolk concentrations of androgens (androstenedione [A4], testosterone [T], 5α‐dihydrotestosterone [5α‐DHT], and immunoglobulins [IgY]) and related them to population, clutch size, laying order, embryo sex, and progress of breeding season. We show (a) earlier onset of laying in the city than forest population, but similar egg and clutch size; (b) higher overall yolk androgen concentrations in the forest than the city population (sex‐dependent for T); (c) greater among‐female variation of yolk T and 5α‐DHT concentrations in the forest than city population, but similar within‐clutch variation; (d) similar IgY concentrations with a seasonal decline in both populations; and (e) population‐specific positive (city) or negative (forest) association of yolk A4 and T with IgY concentrations. Our results are consistent with the hypotheses that hormone‐mediated maternal effects contribute to differences in behavioral and physiological traits between city and forest individuals and that yolk androgen and immunoglobulin levels can exhibit population‐specific relationships rather than trade‐off against each other.
Carbon Nanosheets Encapsulated NiSb Nanoparticles as Advanced Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pan Qichang , Wu Yanan , Zhong Wentao , Zheng Fenghua , Li Youpeng , Liu Yanzhen , Hu Junhua , Yang Chenghao 
Published: February 2020

Metallic antimony (Sb) has been attracted much attentions as anode for lithium‐ion batteries due to its high capacity. Nevertheless, the large volume expansion during the lithiation process leads to poor electrochemical performance, which seriously limits the practical application in lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, NiSb nanoparticles encapsulated by carbon nanosheets have been developed via a facile strategy and as anode for lithium‐ion batteries. In this attractive structure, the carbon nanosheets can effectively avoid volume change of NiSb nanoparticles and inhibit the direct contact of NiSb nanoparticles to the electrolyte during the lithiation/delithiation process. As a result, the NiSb/C nanosheets display an outstanding long cycling performance (405 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1) and excellent rate capability (305 mA h g−1 at 2.0 A g−1) when application in lithium‐ion batteries.
Sustainably‐derived hierarchical porous carbon from spent honeycomb for high‐performance lithium‐ion battery and ultracapacitors
Authors: Duraisamy Ezhumalai , Prasath Arul , Sankar Devi Vaithiyanathan , Ansari Mohamed N. M. , Elumalai Perumal 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSpent honeycomb biomass as sustainable source is used to generate value added product, such as activated carbon. The generated activated carbon is characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infra‐red spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscope, High‐resolution transmission electron microscope, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller analyses. The activated carbon is explored as intercalation anode material for lithium‐ion battery in half‐cell and full cell as electrodes for ultracapacitor in aqueous and non‐aqueous electrolytes. The coin‐type CR‐2032 full cell lithium‐ion battery consists of the honeycomb‐derived carbon as anode and commercial LiCoO2 as cathode delivers discharge capacity of 140 mAh/g at C/5 rate with excellent cycling stability. On the other hand, the symmetric ultracapacitor consists of the carbon electrode exhibits energy density of 72 Wh/kg at a power density of 4800 W/kg with excellent coulombic efficiency as well as stability. The laboratory proto‐type battery and ultracapacitor devices are demonstrated to power a consumer electronics, namely green light emitting diode bulb for more than 3 hours and 20 minutes, respectively.
The effects of dry cultivation on grain‐filling and chalky grains of upland rice and paddy rice
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Liu Gaosheng , Cheng Yadan , Xu Jingnan , Wang Chen , Yang Jianchang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAn important challenge facing rice production in China is to solve the problem of declining freshwater supply without affecting grain yield and quality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cultivation methods on the grain‐filling and chalk grains of Zhonghan 3 (Japonica) upland rice and Wuxiangjing 99–8 (Japonica) paddy rice. Both cultivars were cultivated in fields under three cultivation methods: continuous flooding (CF) as a control, bare dry cultivation (BC), and plastic film mulching dry cultivation (PFMC). Compared with CF, the yield of the upland rice decreased significantly, and the yield of paddy rice did not differ significantly under PFMC. The yields of both cultivars decreased significantly under BC. Superior and inferior grains of the two cultivars under PFMC had a greater mean grain‐filling rate (G) and a shorter active grain‐filling time (D). Under PFMC, the two cultivars had a higher export translocation rate of the matter from the stem and sheath and a slower decrease of the chlorophyll content in the flag leaves and nitrogen content in the plants after heading. Upland rice had a higher grain weight, and paddy rice had a lower grain weight compared to CF. The chalkiness of the two cultivars was significantly lower under dry cultivation than under CF. The correlation analysis showed that the percentage of chalky grains was negatively correlated with G and positively correlated with D, indicating that dry cultivation could improve the grain‐filling rate and appearance quality of the two cultivars.
Effect of red pepper (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.) leaf extract on volatile flavor compounds of salted silver carp
Authors: Li Junke , Liu Qiyi , Wang Jing , Liu Quanwen , Peng Zengqi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChinese red pepper (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.) leaf (ZML) extract was added to salted silver carp. The effect of ZML extract on volatile compounds formation of both dorsal and ventral muscle of salted fish was investigated. Lipid oxidation of salted fish with ZML extract was alleviated with lower peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values than that of the control. Therefore, the contents of some volatile compounds formed mainly by oxidation such as benzene, methylbenzene, 1‐octene‐3‐ol, hexanal, and methyl ketone, which attributed off‐odor of salted fish, were reduced. Principal component analysis results showed that the first principal component (PC1) and the second principal component (PC2) explained 62% and 31% of total variance, respectively, and volatile compounds of the dorsal and ventral of control group differentiated from treatment group. These results showed that ZML extract can be a source of natural antioxidants and food additives for improving flavor of salted fish.
Effects of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression on daily work‐related outcomes: Comparison between younger and older Chinese workers
Authors: Yeung Dannii Y. , Wong Sowan 
Published: February 2020

The existing models of emotion regulation (ER) do not make any specific prediction about the differential effects of the same ER strategy among individuals of different ages. However, such assumption may not be necessarily true, given that older adults emphasise emotional goals greater than their younger counterparts. Using a daily diary approach, this study investigated whether the effects of cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES) on daily work‐related outcomes would vary by age when individuals were experiencing negative events at work. A total of 141 Chinese managerial employees (Mage = 42.40, SD = 9.16) completed the diary report for 15 consecutive workdays by recording their daily work experiences. The results of the multilevel analyses showed that age moderated the effects of ES on daily negative emotions, perceived work stress, and job satisfaction. More beneficial effects were observed among older workers than among younger workers. By contrast, the use of CR significantly lowered the levels of negative emotions and perceived work stress for both younger and older workers. These findings revealed the importance of considering the role of age in evaluating the effects of ES on work‐related outcomes, which provides important implications for future research and training programs in ER.
Nanotoxicological study of downconversion Y2O3:Eu3+luminescent nanoparticles functionalized with folic acid for cancer cells bioimaging
Authors: Chávez‐García Dalia , Juarez‐Moreno Karla , Calderón‐Osuna Itamar , Navarro Patricia , Hirata Gustavo A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLuminescent lanthanide downconversion nanoparticles (DCNPs) provide a combination of high luminescence intensity, sharp emission peaks with narrow bandwidth and a large Stokes' shift, leading to high‐performance biomedical applications mainly for imaging. The purpose of this study is to present a nanotoxicological study of DCNPs Y2O3codoped with Eu3+and functionalized with folic acid (FA). These assessments include cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, hemocompatibility, and in vitro inflammatory studies. We demonstrated by flow cytometry and confocal microscope the internalization of FA‐DCNPs in breast cancer and melanoma cells. They were synthesized by sol–gel method and coated with a thin silica shell to make them biocompatible; also they were functionalized with amino groups and FA ligands that bind to the folate receptors (FR) located on the surface of the cancer cells studied. This functionalization enables the DCNPs to be internalized into the cancer cells via endocytosis by the conjugation FA‐FR. The DCNPs were characterized with transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence. The nanotoxicological assessments demonstrated that both nanoparticles (bare and functionalized) are no cytotoxic and no genotoxic at the tested concentrations (0.01–20 μg/mL) in three cell lines (breast, skin cancer, and osteoblasts). Also they are hemocompatible and do not exert nitric oxide productionin vitroby macrophages. The FA‐DCNPs were clearly localized into the cell cytoplasm with bright red luminescence. Thus, herein we present a complete nanotoxicological study of FA‐DCNPs Y2O3codoped with Eu3+and we conclude that these nanoparticles are biocompatible and can be further used for cancer cells bioimaging.
Improving the handling properties and long‐term stability of polyelectrolyte complex by freeze‐drying technique for low‐dose bone morphogenetic protein 2 delivery
Authors: Liu Ling , Lam Wing M. R. , Yang Zheng , Wang Ming , Ren Xiafei , Hu Tao , Li Jun , Goh James Cho‐Hong , Wong Hee‐Kit 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA variety of controlled release carriers for bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) delivery have been developed and tested in animal models. An alginate‐based polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) for controlled release of low‐dose BMP‐2 has shown promising results in preclinical research. However, the poor handling properties and long‐term stability of PEC need to be improved for translational applications. This study aimed to address these limitations of alginate‐based PEC by employing a freeze‐drying technique. The size and structure of freeze‐dried PEC (FD‐PEC) were maintained with the addition of a cryoprotectant, trehalose. The release profile of BMP‐2 from FD‐PEC was similar to that of freshly prepared PEC. In vitro bioactivity analysis of the released BMP‐2 showed that the carrier performance of PEC was not compromised by freeze‐drying up to three‐month storage at room temperature. BMP‐2‐bound FD‐PEC induced comparable bone formation to that using freshly prepared regular PEC in a rat posterolateral spinal fusion model. These results suggest that FD‐PEC is capable of delivering low‐dose BMP‐2 and could be developed as an off‐the‐shelf product for translational applications. The simplicity of this preservation method provides promise for the translational application of PEC.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of some novel 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium carboxylate ionic liquids as potential antifungal agents
Authors: Perez Ser John Lynon P. , Atayde Eduardo C. , Arco Susan D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn an effort to discover lead compounds that may be of importance as potent antifungal agents, a series of novel 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium carboxylate ionic liquids were efficiently synthesized through a solvent‐free ultrasound‐assisted quaternization reaction of 1‐methylimidazole and alkyl bromides RBr (R = hexyl, octyl) followed by an anion exchange process with selected carboxylate anions (cinnamate, salicylate, crotonate, and oxalate). Quantitative yields obtained were in the range of 86–94%. Structure characterization was done using FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopic techniques. All the synthesized compounds showed in vitro antifungal activity against the fungus Candida albicans with the minimum inhibitory concentrations found to be less than or equal to 1%. Preliminary cytotoxicity assays (trypan blue exclusion and MTT) were performed on all ionic liquids and findings revealed higher lymphocyte viability in 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium carboxylate ionic liquids than in 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium counterparts. No extensive toxicity effect was observed with the carboxylate anion variation. Among the tested compounds, 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium crotonate and 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium oxalate exhibited the lowest cytotoxicity in the trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays, respectively. Together, our results highlight the potential of carboxylate‐based ionic liquids in the development of next‐generation antifungal drugs.
High level of D‐dimer predicts ischemic stroke in patients with infective endocarditis
Authors: Xu Nan , Fu Yakun , Wang Shuanglin , Li Shenghui , Cai Dong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundIschemic stroke is one of the most prominent and serious neurological complications of infective endocarditis (IE). Our study was designed to evaluate the predictive value of higher level of plasma D‐dimer on admission for the development of ischemic stroke in patients with IE.MethodsIn this prospective study, a total of 173 consecutive patients with IE were recruited from January 2016 to December 2018. Plasma D‐dimer and other clinical indexes of IE patients were measured after admission. The number of patients who developed ischemic stroke during 6‐month follow‐up was recorded, as well as the occurrence time of ischemic stroke.ResultsIschemic stroke was observed in 38 (22%) patients during 6‐month follow‐up since definite diagnosis of IE. Patients with ischemic stroke had significantly higher levels of plasma D‐dimer than those of patients without stroke (4982 vs 2205 μg/L, P < .001). In addition, Staphylococcus aureus infection (HR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.51‐2.42), mitral valve vegetation (HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.32‐1.75), and higher levels of on‐admission plasma D‐dimer (HR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.27‐1.43) were significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Moreover, D‐dimer levels ≥3393 μg/L served as a strong predictor for ischemic stroke in patients with IE, and the sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 83%, respectively.ConclusionOur study suggested that higher level of D‐dimer on admission was an independent predictor for ischemic stroke in patients with IE. These patients may require special attention, in particular within the first trimester after IE diagnosis.
Decreased glucose bioavailability and elevated aspartate metabolism in prostate cancer cells undergoing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Chen Yule , Wang Ke , Liu Tianjie , Chen Jiaqi , Lv Wei , Yang Wenjie , Xu Shan , Wang Xinyang , Li Lei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is a common malignancy with a high tendency for metastasis. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in PCa metastasis. Metabolic reprogramming offers metabolic advantages for cancer development and could result in the discovery of novel targets for cancer therapy. However, the metabolic features of PCa cells undergoing EMT remain unclear. We used metabolome and transcriptome analyses and found that PCa cells undergoing EMT showed impaired glucose utilization. In vitro studies demonstrated that PCa cells undergoing EMT were less addicted to glucose than epithelial‐like PCa cells. However, cells that underwent EMT had higher levels of aspartate and its downstream metabolites, indicative of upregulated aspartate metabolism. As aspartate is a contributor for EMT and metastasis in human cancer cells, we conclude that this metabolic reprogramming may play a vital role in EMT and PCa progression.
CCL21/CCR7 interaction promotes EMT and enhances the stemness of OSCC via a JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yang , Shao Zhe , Jiang Erhui , Zhou Xiaocheng , Wang Lin , Wang Hui , Luo Xinyue , Chen Qingli , Liu Ke , Shang Zhengjun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChemokines and their receptors show a strong relationship with poor clinical outcomes in various cancers. However, their underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In our research, we found C‐C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) and its ligand chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) were abnormally abundant in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues, and CCR7 expression was correlated with poor prognosis of OSCC. After exogenous CCL21 stimulation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was promoted in OSCC cells, and cancer stem cell‐related markers CD133, CD44, BMI1, ALDH1A1, and OCT4 increased. The migration, invasion, tumorsphere formation, and colony formation abilities of OSCC cells were enhanced, indicating that the stemness of OSCC cells was also improved. The knockdown and overexpression of CCR7 efficiently affected the CCL21‐induced EMT and stemness of OSCC cells. When treated with CCL21, the phospho‐JAK2 and phospho‐STAT3 markedly increased. The inhibitor of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) significantly suppressed CCL21‐induced EMT and stemness of OSCC cells. In conclusion, CCL21/CCR7 axis regulated EMT progress and promoted the stemness of OSCC by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. CCL21/CCR7 might be an effective target for OSCC prevention and treatment.
Inhibition of HDAC6 by tubastatin A disrupts mouse oocyte meiosis via regulating histone modifications and mRNA expression
Authors: Sui Liyan , Huang Rong , Yu Hao , Zhang Sheng , Li Ziyi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHistone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) participates in mouse oocyte maturation by deacetylating α‐tubulin. However, how HDAC6 expression is regulated in oocytes remains unknown. In the present study, we discovered that mouse oocytes had a high level of HDAC6 expression and a low level of DNA methylation status in their promoter region. Then, a selective HDAC6 inhibitor, tubastatin A (Tub‐A) was chosen to investigate the role of HDAC6 in oocyte maturation. Our results revealed that inhibition of HDAC6 caused meiotic progression arrest, disturbed spindle/chromosome organization, and kinetochore–microtubule attachments without impairing spindle assembly checkpoint function. Moreover, inhibition of HDAC6 not only increased the acetylation of α‐tubulin but also elevated the acetylation status of H4K16 and decreased the phosphorylation level of H3T3 and H3S10. Conversely, depressed H3T3 phosphorylation by its kinase inhibitor increased the acetylation level of H4K16. Finally, single cell RNA‐seq analysis revealed that the cell cycle‐related genes CCNB1, CDK2, SMAD3, YWHAZ and the methylation‐related genes DNMT1 and DNMT3B were strongly repressed in Tub‐A treated oocytes. Taken together, our results indicate that HDAC6 plays important roles in chromosome condensation and kinetochore function via regulating several key histone modifications and messenger RNA transcription during oocyte meiosis.