bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific diversity in prey body size influences survivorship by conferring resistance to predation
Authors: Gribben Paul E. , Bishop Melanie J. , O’Connor Wayne A. , Bradley Daniel J. , Hughes A. Randall 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntraspecific diversity can have as strong an effect on communities and ecosystems as more well‐studied effects of species diversity. Intraspecific variation in prey body size may have particularly strong effects on populations by influencing the outcome of predator–prey interactions, but this has received little attention. We tested the hypotheses that (1) body size of the Sydney Rock Oyster,Sacosstrea glomerata, influences predation risk; (2) increasing intraspecific variation in body size of the oyster will enhance total survivorship; (3) oyster size phenotypes will differ in the magnitude of survivorship benefits they incur from association with other phenotypes; and (4) size‐specific survivorship benefits of associating with other body sizes will vary with predator access. In a fully factorial field experiment, we manipulated the diversity ofS. glomerataoyster body sizes (1–3 size classes per treatment) and predator access to prey (small vs. large mesh cages). Oyster total and individual phenotype survivorship was documented over an 8‐week period. Overall, the relationship between diversity inS. glomeratabody size and survivorship was positive and was related to changes in density of individual body sizes when grown in mixtures. In fact, no phenotype had lower percent survivorship in mixtures than in monoculture. Nevertheless, individual phenotypes displayed differing responses to predator access treatments and phenotype mixing that reflected differences in the types of predators (e.g., shell drilling or removing) to which they were most susceptible. In general, the greatest survivorship benefits of phenotype mixing were seen in treatments where the most disparate (i.e., small, large) size classes were mixed. Our study adds to growing evidence of the importance of intraspecific diversity in mediating key population processes such as predation. Importantly, different oyster phenotypes benefit from increasing phenotypic diversity depending on the predators that can access the oysters, suggesting that flexible complementarity among oyster phenotypes may be a useful tool for increasing the resistance and resilience of oysters in a range of environments which vary in their predator composition. These results will help to inform strategies for enhancing survivorship of species transplants in restoration projects.
What happens in Europe stays in Europe: apparent evolution by an invader does not help at home
Authors: Pal Robert W. , Maron John L. , Nagy David U. , Waller Lauren P. , Tosto Ambra , Liao Huixuan , Callaway Ragan M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSome invasive plant species rapidly evolve greater size and/or competitive ability in their nonnative ranges. However, it is not well known whether these traits transfer back to the native range, or instead represent genotype‐by‐environment interactions where traits are context specific to communities in the new range where the evolution occurred. Insight into transferability vs. context specificity can be tested using experiments performed with individuals from populations from the native and nonnative ranges of exotic invasive species. Using a widespread invasive plant species in Europe, Solidago gigantea, we established reciprocal common garden experiments in the native range (Montana, North America; n = 4) and the nonnative range (Hungary, Europe; n = 4) to assess differences in size, vegetative shoot number, and herbivory between populations from the native and nonnative ranges. In a greenhouse experiment, we also tested whether the inherent competitive ability of genotypes from 15 native and 15 invasive populations differed when pitted against 11 common native North American competitors. In common gardens, plants from both ranges considered together produced five times more biomass, grew four times taller, and developed five times more rhizomes in the nonnative range garden compared to the native range garden. The interaction between plant origin and the common garden location was highly significant, with plants from Hungary performing better than plants from Montana when grown in Hungary, and plants from Montana performing better than plants from Hungary when grown in Montana. In the greenhouse, there were no differences in the competitive effects and responses of S. gigantea plants from the two ranges when grown with North American natives. Our results suggest that S. gigantea might have undergone rapid evolution for greater performance abroad, but if so, this response does not translate to greater performance at home.
Facet‐Dependent Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity on the Surfaces of Co3O4
Authors: Liu Qian , Yu Bin , Liao Xiaobin , Zhao Yan 
Published: April 2020

The mechanisms for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the naturally exposed (110) and (111) surfaces of Co3O4 have been investigated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Depending on the vertical cutting place, there are type A and B surfaces for each of the (110) and (111) surfaces of Co3O4. Our DFT calculations reveal that the Co3O4 (110) type B and (111) type B surfaces have ORR catalytic activities. In addition, the ORR activity on the (110) type B surface is better than the (111) type B surface. The rate‐determining step on both surfaces is thermodynamically depending on the *OH desorption process. If the solvation effects are taken into accounts, the chemically adsorbed water molecules enhance the ORR activity. According to the barrier heights calculations, O2 → *O2 → *OOH → *O + H2O → *OH → H2O route is the most favorable ORR pathway.
Minimization of artifact protein aggregation using tetradecyl sulfate and hexadecyl sulfate in capillary gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions
Authors: Guan Qian , Atsma Jennifer , Tulsan Rekha , Voronov Sergey , Ding Julia , Beckman Jeff , Li Zheng Jian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the biopharmaceutical industry, CE‐SDS assesses the purity, heterogeneity, and stability of therapeutic proteins. However, for mAb‐1 and mAb‐2, typical CE‐SDS under reducing conditions produced atypical protein peak profiles, which led to biased purity results, thus were not acceptable for biologics manufacturing. This bias was caused by the formation of method‐induced higher molecular weight artifacts, the levels of which correlated with protein concentration. Here we show that adding sodium tetradecyl and hexadecyl sulfates to the sample and the sieving gel buffer solutions was required to prevent formation of aggregate artifacts and to maintain detergent:protein uniformity, suggesting their importance during the sample preparation steps of heat denaturation and subsequent cooling as well as during capillary migration. For these proteins, we show that this uniformity was likely due to the ability of these detergents to bind proteins with markedly higher affinities compared to SDS. “CE‐SCXS” methods (where CE‐SCXS is CGE using detergent composed of a sodium sulfate head group and a hydrocarbon tail, with “CX” representing various tail lengths), were developed with a sodium tetradecyl sulfate sample buffer and a sodium hexadecyl sulfate containing sieving gel buffer that minimized artifacts and provided robust characterization and release results for mAb‐1 and mAb‐2.
Nano‐liquid chromatography combined with a sustainable microextraction based on natural deep eutectic solvents for analysis of phthalate esters
Authors: Santana‐Mayor Álvaro , Rodríguez‐Ramos Ruth , Socas‐Rodríguez Bárbara , Rodríguez‐Delgado Miguel Ángel , D'Orazio Giovanni 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe separation of 11 phthalic acid ester (PAEs) was carried out by nano‐liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet and MS detection. Preliminary experiments were achieved in order to select suitable stationary phases and chromatographic conditions. The baseline separation was obtained, for all compounds, with an XBridgeTM C18 column in less than 15 min, working in step gradient mode. The sensitivity of the method was improved by on‐column focusing. PAEs were extracted from alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages using vortex‐assisted emulsification dispersive liquid–liquid microextration and natural deep eutectic solvents. The whole method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, recovery, and repeatability. Combination of both off‐line sample preparation preconcentration and large injection volume led to obtain LOQs in the range 5–47 ng/mL. The developed nano‐LC‐UV method was extended to MS detection to confirm the presence of PAEs in some beverages commercialized in different types of packaging.
Image analysis of mechanistic protein biomarkers for the characterization of genotoxicants: Aneugens, clastogens, and reactive oxygen species inducers
Authors: Wilde Sabrina , Queisser Nina , Sutter Andreas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe early detection of genotoxicity contributes to cutting‐edge drug discovery and development, requiring effective identification of genotoxic hazards posed by drugs while providing mode of action (MoA) information in a high throughput manner. In other words, there is a need to complement standard genotoxicity testing according to the test battery given in ICH S2(R1) with new in vitro tools, thereby contributing to a more in‐depth analysis of genotoxic effects. Here, we report on a proof‐of‐concept MoA approach based on post‐translational modifications of proteins (PTMs) indicative of clastogenic and aneugenic effects in TK6 cells using imaging technology (with automated analysis). Cells were exposed in a 96‐well plate format with a panel of reference (geno)toxic compounds and subsequently analyzed at 4 and 24 hr to detect dose‐dependent changes in PTMs, relevant for mechanistic analysis. All tested compounds that interfere with the spindle apparatus yielded a BubR1 (S640) (3/3) and phospho‐histone H3 (S28) (7/9) positive dose–response reflecting aneugenicity, whereas compounds inducing DNA double‐strand‐breaks were associated with positive FANCD2 (S1404) and 53BP1 (S1778) responses pointing to clastogenicity (2/3). The biomarker p53 (K373) was able to distinguish genotoxicants from non‐genotoxicants (2/4), while the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially causing DNA damage, was associated with a positive Nrf2 (S40) response (2/2). This work demonstrates that genotoxicants and non‐genotoxicants induce different biomarker responses in TK6 cells which can be used for reliable classification into MoA groups (aneugens/clastogens/non‐genotoxicants/ROS inducers), supporting a more in‐depth safety assessment of drug candidates.
Renewable OME from biomass and electricity—Evaluating carbon footprint and energy performance
Authors: Bokinge Pontus , Heyne Stefan , Harvey Simon 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRenewable drop‐in fuels provide a short‐ to medium‐term solution to decreasing carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector. Polyoxymethylene ethers (OME) are among interesting candidates with production pathways both from biomass (bio‐OME) as well as electricity and CO2(e‐OME) proposed. In the present study, both bio‐ and e‐OME production via methanol are assessed for energy performance and carbon footprint. Process integration methods are applied to evaluate synergies from colocating methanol production with further conversion to OME. Even a hybrid process, combing bio‐ and e‐OME production is evaluated. The energy efficiency of bio‐OME is considerably higher than for the e‐OME pathway, and colocation synergies are more evident for bio‐OME. Carbon footprint is evaluated according to EUs recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). If renewable electricity and natural gas are used for power and heat supply, respectively, results indicate that all pathways may be counted toward the renewable fuel targets under RED II. The largest emissions reduction is 92.8% for colocated hybrid‐OME production. Carbon footprints of e‐ and hybrid‐OME are highly sensitive to the carbon intensity of electricity, and the carbon intensity of the heat supply has a major impact on results for all pathways except colocated bio‐ and hybrid‐OME.
Market timing using combined forecasts and machine learning
Authors: Mascio David A. , Fabozzi Frank J. , Zumwalt J. Kenton 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSuccessful market timing strategies depend on superior forecasting ability. We use a sentiment index model, a kitchen sink logistic regression model, and a machine learning model (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, LASSO) to forecast 1‐month‐ahead S&P 500 Index returns. In order to determine how successful each strategy is at forecasting the market direction, a “beta optimization” strategy is implemented. We find that the LASSO model outperforms the other models with consistently higher annual returns and lower monthly drawdowns.
Effect of Traditional Drying Methods on Proximate Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Oil Oxidation of Fish Species Consumed in the Far‐North of Cameroon
Authors: Tenyang Noël , Ponka Roger , Tiencheu Benard , Djikeng Fabrice Tonfak , Womeni Hilaire Macaire 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of two traditional drying methods on proximate composition, lipid oxidation, and fatty acid composition of two freshwater fish species from Maga Lake in Cameroon. As shown by the results, these two methods significantly (p < 0.05) decrease moisture content in the two fish species while ash and lipid content significantly increases (p < 0.05). The highest content of proteins is obtained for sun‐dried fish. Analysis also reveals that these two drying methods accelerate lipid oxidation by increasing peroxide value and total oxidation value. Smoking and sun drying decrease polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid and n‐3/n‐6 ratios of the two fish oils. The higher percentages of unsaturated fatty acid present in raw samples are responsible for the major changes in fatty acid profile occurring during drying methods. It is concluded that based on lipid oxidation, sun‐drying is found to be the better method to dry fish.
Atogepant Has No Clinically Relevant Effects on the Pharmacokinetics of an Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel Oral Contraceptive in Healthy Female Participants
Authors: Ankrom Wendy , Xu Jialin , Vallee Marie‐Helene , Dockendorf Marissa F. , Armas Danielle , Boinpally Ramesh , Min K. Chris 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe incidence of migraine is higher among women than men and peaks during the reproductive years, when contraceptive medication use is common. Atogepant, a potent, selective antagonist of the calcitonin gene‒related peptide receptor—in development for migraine prevention—is thus likely to be used by women taking oral contraceptives. This phase 1, open‐label, single‐center, 2‐period, fixed‐sequence study examined the effect of multiple‐dose atogepant 60 mg once daily on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of a combination oral contraceptive, ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg and levonorgestrel 0.15 mg (EE/LNG), in healthy postmenopausal or oophorectomized women. For participants in period 1, a single dose of EE/LNG was followed by a 7‐day washout. In period 2, atogepant was given once daily on days 1‐17; an oral dose of EE/LNG was coadministered with atogepant on day 14. Plasma pharmacokinetic parameters for EE and LNG were assessed following administration with and without atogepant. Twenty‐six participants aged 45‐64 years enrolled; 22 completed the study in accordance with the protocol. The area under the concentration‐time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0‐∞) of LNG was increased by 19% when administered with atogepant. Coadministration of atogepant and a single dose of EE/LNG did not substantially alter the pharmacokinetics of EE; the ∼19% increase in plasma AUC0‐∞ of LNG is not anticipated to be clinically significant. Overall, atogepant alone and in combination with EE/LNG was generally well tolerated, with no new safety signals identified.
Consumption of a palatable diet rich in simple sugars during development impairs memory of different degrees of emotionality and changes hippocampal plasticity according to the age of the rats
Authors: Altermann Torre Viviane , Machado Alessandra Gonçalves , de Sá Couto‐Pereira Natividade , Mar Arcego Danusa , dos Santos Vieira Aline , Salerno Pamela Silva Vitória , dos Santos Garcia Emily , Lazzaretti Camilla , Toniazzo Ana Paula , Nedel Fernanda , Noschang Cristie , Schmitz Felipe , Wyse Angela T. S. , Dalmaz Carla , Krolow Rachel 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe investigated the effect of a chronic palatable diet rich in simple sugars on memory of different degrees of emotionality in male adult rats, and on hippocampal plasticity markers in different stages of development. On postnatal day (PND) 21, 45 male Wistar rats were divided in two groups, according to their diet: (1‐Control) receiving standard lab chow or (2‐Palatable Diet) receiving both standard chow plus palatable diet ad libitum. At PND 60, behavioral tests were performed to investigate memory in distinct tasks. Hippocampal plasticity markers were investigated at PND 28 in half of the animals, and after the behavioral tests. Palatable diet consumption induced an impairment in memory, aversive or not, and increased Na+, K+‐ATPase activity, both at PND 28, and in the adulthood. Synaptophysin, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and protein kinase B (AKT), and phosphorylated AKT were reduced in the hippocampus at PND 28. However, at PND 75, this diet consumption led to increased hippocampal levels of synaptophysin, spinophilin/neurabin‐II, and decreased BDNF and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. These results showed a strongly association of simple sugars‐rich diet consumption during the development with memory impairments. Plasticity markers are changed, with results that depend on the stage of development evaluated.
miR‐129‐5p attenuates hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes by activating autophagy
Authors: Li Wenjia , Ren Yanping , Meng Tianyu , Yang Wei , Zhang Wei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAutophagy is closely associated with apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes as a result of hypoxia. The present study aimed to determine whether microRNAs (miRs) mediated apoptosis and autophagy in hypoxia‐stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes.MethodsmiR microarrays and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assays were used to detect differentially expressed miRs in H9c2 cardiomyocytes following hypoxia stimulation. Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate double staining was performed to evaluate hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis, and the protein expression levels of autophagy‐associated genes were detected using western blotting.ResultsmiR microarrays and qRT‐PCR assays showed that the expression of miR‐129‐5p is significantly decreased in hypoxia‐exposed H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Under hypoxic stimulation, miR‐129‐5p mimics alleviated hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis and also restored autophagy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. However, transfection with miR‐129‐5p inhibitors accelerated hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis and autophagy deficiency in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐129‐5p enhanced cell viability and reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase in hypoxia‐stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the protective effect of miR‐129‐5p against hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes through the activation of autophagy.
Synthesis of some new thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyridine, bi‐thiazole‐thiazole, bi‐thiazole‐pyrazole and bi‐thiazole‐thiophene derivatives
Authors: Raslan M. A. , Sayed S. M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe reported here reactions of 2‐bromo‐1‐(4‐methyl‐2‐(tosylamino)thiazol‐5‐yl)ethanone 1 with 2‐cyanoethanethioamide afforded new 2‐cyanomethylthiazole derivative. The reaction of the latter with arylidenemalononitrile derivatives afforded thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyridine derivatives. Also, compound 1 was subjected to a one‐pot four component Gewald reaction with molecular sulfur, malononitrile and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of L‐proline afforded 2‐aminothiophene derivatives. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds was established based on its elemental and spectral data.
Outcomes of second‐line antiretroviral therapy among children living with HIV: a global cohort analysis
Authors:   The Collaborative Initiative for Paediatric HIV Education and Research (CIPHER) Global Cohort Collaboration
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionLimited data describe outcomes on second‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART) among children globally. Our objective was to contribute data on outcomes among children living with HIV after initiation of second‐line ART in the context of routine care within a large global cohort collaboration.MethodsPatient‐level data from 1993 through 2015 from 11 paediatric HIV cohorts were pooled. Characteristics at switch and through two years of follow‐up were summarized for children who switched to second‐line ART after starting a standard first‐line regimen in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Southern Africa (South Africa & Botswana) and the rest of sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Cumulative incidences of mortality and loss to follow‐up (LTFU) were estimated using a competing risks framework.ResultsOf the 85,389 children on first‐line ART, 3,555 (4%) switched to second‐line after a median of 2.8 years on ART (IQR: 1.6, 4.7); 69% were from Southern Africa or SSA and 86% of second‐line regimens were protease inhibitor‐based. At switch, median age was 8.4 years and 50% had a prior AIDS diagnosis. Median follow‐up after switch to second‐line ranged from 1.8 years in SSA to 5.3 years in North America. Median CD4 counts at switch to second‐line ranged from 235 cells/mm3 in SSA to 828 cells/mm3 in North America. Improvements in CD4 counts were observed over two years of follow‐up, particularly in regions with lower CD4 counts at second‐line switch. Improvements in weight‐for‐age z‐scores were not observed during follow‐up. Cumulative incidence of LTFU at two years was <5% in all regions except SSA (7.1%) and Southern Africa (7.4%). Risk of mortality was <3% at two years of follow‐up in all regions, except Latin America (4.9%) and SSA (5.5%).ConclusionsChildren switched to second‐line ART experience CD4 count increases as well as low to moderate rates of LTFU and mortality within two years after switch. Severe immune deficiency at time of switch in some settings suggests need for improved recognition and management of treatment failure in children.