bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of the historical distribution ranges of imperilled stream fishes from a global endemic hotspot based on molecular data: Implications for conservation of threatened taxa
Authors: Chakona Albert , Gouws Gavin , Kadye Wilbert T. , Jordaan Martine S. , Swartz Ernst R. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Understanding historical distribution patterns of freshwater fishes prior to human impacts is crucial for informing effective strategies for biodiversity conservation. However, incomplete information on species occurrence records, the existence of cryptic species and sensitivity to small sample sizes limit the application of historical records in natural history collections as well as conventional species distribution modelling algorithms to infer past distributions of species.
This study used molecular data as an alternative and objective approach to reconstruct the historical distribution ranges of four stream fishes from the Breede River system in the Cape Fold Ecoregion, a global hotspot of imperilled endemic freshwater biodiversity in southern Africa.
The study used 249 occurrence records and 208 mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences to reconstruct the potential historical ranges of four taxa: Galaxias sp. ‘zebratus nebula', Galaxias sp. ‘zebratus Riviersonderend', Pseudobarbus sp. ‘burchelli Breede' and Pseudobarbus skeltoni.
All four taxa historically had broader distribution ranges across the Breede River system before human impacts, but they have suffered severe attrition as the main‐stem populations have been extirpated.
The severe decline in the historical ranges of these four taxa is a result of multiple impacts, particularly hydrological modification, habitat degradation and the introduction of non‐native species, which are also global challenges for freshwater ecosystems.
The approach presented in this study has great potential for reconstructing historical ranges of stream‐dwelling taxa from disparate regions where fragmentation has resulted from human‐mediated impacts. This information is crucial for identifying appropriate conservation strategies such as river rehabilitation and eradication of non‐native species, as well as guiding reintroductions and informing assisted gene flow where these are deemed necessary interventions.
Optimization of dietary RNA interference delivery to western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis and onion thrips Thrips tabaci
Authors: Andongma Awawing A. , Greig Carolyn , Dyson Paul J. , Flynn Natasha , Whitten Miranda M. A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn insect reverse genetics, dietary delivery of interfering RNAs is a practical approach in nonmodel species, such as thrips, whose small size, and feeding behavior restricts the use of other delivery methods. In a laboratory context, an unsuitable diet could confound the interpretation of an RNA interference (RNAi) phenotype, however well‐formulated artificial diets can minimize experimental variability, reduce the need for insect handling, and can further be used for roles, such as delivering double‐strand RNA (dsRNA)‐expressing recombinant bacteria. In this study, artificial diets for oral delivery of dsRNA were developed for two important pest thrips species, western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), with the goal of (a) stimulating feeding behavior, (b) supporting optimal growth rates of dsRNA‐expressing symbiotic bacteria, and (c) nutritionally supporting the thrips for sufficient periods to observe RNAi phenotypes. The efficacy of artificial diets for ingesting “naked” dsRNA or dsRNA‐expressing symbionts and dsRNA delivery via host plant uptake was evaluated. Compared with previously published diet formulations, new combinations based on tryptone, yeast, and soy were superior for enhancing feeding and longevity. However, simply adding “naked” dsRNA to an artificial diet was an unreliable form of RNAi delivery in our hands due to dsRNA degradation. Delivery via host plants was more successful, and the new diet formulation was suitable for symbiont‐mediated dsRNA delivery, which we believe is the most convenient approach for large‐scale knockdown experiments. This study, therefore, provides alternative methodologies for thrips rearing, dietary RNAi delivery, and insights into the challenges of performing dietary RNAi in nonmodel insects.
Integrated Transcriptome Analyses Revealed Key Target Genes in Mouse Models of Autism
Authors: Duan Weicheng , Wang Kang , Duan Yijie , Chu Xufeng , Ma Ruoyun , Hu Ping , Xiong Bo 
Published: November 2019

Genetic mutations are the major pathogenic factor of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In recent years, more and more ASD risk genes have been revealed, among which there are a group of transcriptional regulators. Considering the similarity of the core clinical phenotypes, it is possible that these different factors may regulate the expression levels of certain key targets. Identification of these targets could facilitate the understanding of the etiology and developing of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Therefore, we performed integrated transcriptome analyses of RNA‐Seq and microarray data in multiple ASD mouse models and identified a number of common downstream genes in various brain regions, many of which are related to the structure and function of the synapse components or drug addiction. We then established protein–protein interaction networks of the overlapped targets and isolated the hub genes by 11 algorithms based on the topological structure of the networks, including Sdc4, Vegfa, and Cp in the Cortex‐Adult subgroup, Gria1 in the Cortex‐Juvenile subgroup, and Kdr, S1pr1, Ubc, Grm2, Grin2b, Nrxn1, Pdyn, Grin3a, Itgam, Grin2a, Gabra2, and Camk4 in the Hippocampus‐Adult subgroup, many of which have been associated with ASD in previous studies. Finally, we cross compared our results with human brain transcriptional data sets and verified several key candidates, which may play important role in the pathology process of ASD, including SDC4, CP, S1PR1, UBC, PDYN, GRIN2A, GABRA2, and CAMK4. In summary, by integrated bioinformatics analysis, we have identified a series of potentially important molecules for future ASD research. Autism Res 2020, 13: 352–368. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryAbnormal transcriptional regulation accounts for a significant portion of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this study, we performed transcriptome analyses of mouse models to identify common downstream targets of transcriptional regulators involved in ASD. We identified several recurrent target genes that are close related to the common pathological process of ASD, including SDC4, CP, S1PR1, UBC, PDYN, GRM2, NRXN1, GRIN3A, ITGAM, GRIN2A, GABRA2, and CAMK4. These results provide potentially important targets for understanding the molecular mechanism of ASD.
An LC–MS/MS method for determination of O6‐benzylguanine and its metabolite O6‐benzyl‐8‐oxoguanine in human plasma
Authors: Mannem Chandana , Xu Yan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractO6‐benzylguanine (O6BG) is an inhibitor of O6‐alkylguanine‐DNA alkyltransferase (AGT). It binds to AGT by transferring its benzyl moiety to the cysteine residue at the active site of the enzyme. O6BG synergizes the cytotoxic effects of alkylating agents by halting AGT‐mediated DNA repair. O6‐benzyl‐8‐oxoguanine (8‐oxo‐O6BG) is a metabolite of O6BG, which is an equally potent inhibitor of AGT. In this work, we report the development and validation of an LC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of O6BG and 8‐oxo‐O6BG in human plasma. O6BG and 8‐oxo‐O6BG along with the analog internal standard, pCl‐O6BG, were extracted from alkalinized human plasma by liquid–liquid extraction using ethyl acetate, dried under nitrogen and reconstituted in the mobile phase. Reverse‐phase chromatographic separation was achieved using isocratic elution with a mobile phase containing 80% acetonitrile and 0.05% formic acid in water at a flow rate of 0.600 ml/min. Quantification was performed using multiple‐reaction‐monitoring mode with positive ion‐spray ionization. The linear calibration ranges of the method for O6BG and 8‐oxo‐O6BG were 1.25–250 ng/ml and 5.00–1.00 × 103 ng/ml, respectively, with acceptable assay accuracy, precision, recovery and matrix factor. This method was applied to the measurement of O6BG and 8‐oxo‐O6BG in patient plasma samples from a prior phase I clinical trial.
Validation of l‐Tellurienylalanine as a Phenylalanine Isostere
Authors: Vurgun Nesrin , Nitz Mark 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMass cytometry (MC) and imaging mass cytometry (IMCTM) have emerged as important tools for the study of biological heterogeneity. We recently demonstrated the use of l‐2‐tellurienylalanine (TePhe), a mimic of phenylalanine (Phe), as an MC‐ and IMC‐compatible protein synthesis reporter. In this work, the biochemical similarity of TePhe and its cognate analogue, Phe, are examined in the context of the RNase S complex. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies show that incorporation of TePhe preserves the interaction of S‐peptide with S‐protein, and the dissociation constants for the interaction of the Phe and TePhe peptides are within a factor of two. The resulting RNase S complex is catalytically active without significant alterations in the enzyme's kinetic parameters. Furthermore, circular dichroism spectroscopy does not reveal any changes to the secondary structure of TePhe‐substituted RNase S. These findings provide strong evidence that TePhe functions as a Phe isostere in the context of a folded protein. It is anticipated that incorporation of TePhe into peptides or peptidomimetic scaffolds will enable facile generation of MC and IMCTM probes.
Spontaneous reduction of a minimally complex cyst mimicking a renal cancer
Authors: Cicero Giuseppe , Blandino Alfredo , Italiano Fabio , Micalizzi Martina Francesca , Mazziotti Silvio 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRenal cyst shrinkage is a rare finding. Since the collapsed cystic walls may mimic soft tissue components, this scenario has to be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant renal cysts.
Spin–Orbit Charge‐Transfer Intersystem Crossing (ISC) in Compact Electron Donor–Acceptor Dyads: ISC Mechanism and Application as Novel and Potent Photodynamic Therapy Reagents
Authors: Wang Zhijia , Ivanov Mikhail , Gao Yuting , Bussotti Laura , Foggi Paolo , Zhang Huimin , Russo Nino , Dick Bernhard , Zhao Jianzhang , Di Donato Mariangela , Mazzone Gloria , Luo Liang , Fedin Matvey 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSpin–orbit charge‐transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT‐ISC) is useful for the preparation of heavy atom‐free triplet photosensitisers (PSs). Herein, a series of perylene‐Bodipy compact electron donor/acceptor dyads showing efficient SOCT‐ISC is prepared. The photophysical properties of the dyads were studied with steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopies. Efficient triplet state formation (quantum yield ΦT=60 %) was observed, with a triplet state lifetime (τT=436 μs) much longer than that accessed with the conventional heavy atom effect (τT=62 μs). The SOCT‐ISC mechanism was unambiguously confirmed by direct excitation of the charge transfer (CT) absorption band by using nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and time‐resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectroscopy. The factors affecting the SOCT‐ISC efficiency include the geometry, the potential energy surface of the torsion, the spin density for the atoms of the linker, solvent polarity, and the energy matching of the 1CT/3LE states. Remarkably, these heavy atom‐free triplet PSs were demonstrated as a new type of efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) reagents (phototoxicity, EC50=75 nm), with a negligible dark toxicity (EC50=78.1 μm) compared with the conventional heavy atom PSs (dark toxicity, EC50=6.0 μm, light toxicity, EC50=4.0 nm). This study provides in‐depth understanding of the SOCT‐ISC, unveils the design principles of triplet PSs based on SOCT‐ISC, and underlines their application as a new generation of potent PDT reagents.
Establishing Radiolanthanum Chemistry for Targeted Nuclear Medicine Applications
Authors: Aluicio‐Sarduy Eduardo , Thiele Nikki A. , Martin Kirsten E. , Vaughn Brett A. , Devaraj Justin , Olson Aeli P. , Barnhart Todd E. , Wilson Justin J. , Boros Eszter , Engle Jonathan W. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe report the first targeted nuclear medicine application of the lanthanum radionuclides 132/135La. These isotopes represent a matched pair for diagnosis via the positron emissions of 132La and therapy mediated by the Auger electron emissions of 135La. We identify two effective chelators, known as DO3Apic and macropa, for these radionuclides. The 18‐membered macrocycle, macropa, bound 132/135La with better molar activity than DO3Apic under similar conditions. These chelators were conjugated to the prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐targeting agent DUPA to assess the use of radiolanthanum for in vivo imaging. The 132/135La‐labeled targeted constructs showed high uptake in tumor xenografts expressing PSMA. This study validates the use of these radioactive lanthanum isotopes for imaging applications and motivates future work to assess the therapeutic effects of the Auger electron emissions of 135La.
Clustering‐Triggered Efficient Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence from Nonconventional Luminophores
Authors: Zheng Shuyuan , Hu Taiping , Bin Xin , Wang Yunzhong , Yi Yuanping , Zhang Yongming , Yuan Wang Zhang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPure organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and luminescence from nonconventional luminophores have gained increasing attention. However, it remains challenging to achieve efficient RTP from unorthodox luminophores, on account of the unsophisticated understanding of the emission mechanism. Herein, we propose a strategy to realize efficient RTP in nonconventional luminophores through incorporation of lone pairs together with clustering and effective electronic interactions. The former promotes spin‐orbit coupling and boosts the consequent intersystem crossing, whereas the latter narrows energy gaps and stabilizes the triplets, thus synergistically affording remarkable RTP. Experimental and theoretical results of urea and its derivatives verify the design rationale. Remarkably, RTP from thiourea solids with unprecedentedly high efficiency of up to 24.5 % is obtained. Further control experiments testify the crucial role of through‐space delocalization on the emission. These results will spur the future fabrication of nonconventional phosphors and advance the understanding of the underlying emission mechanism.
Automated Growth of Si1−xGex Single Crystals with Constant Axial Gradient by Czochralski Technique
Authors: Abrosimov Nikolay V. , Kurlov Vladimir N. , Schewski Robert , Winkler Jan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis contribution presents the growth of Si1−xGex crystals with constant gradient of composition for X‐ray or γ‐ray diffraction optics using automated control of the crystal shape during the growth process. The key idea is to achieve a constant concentration gradient by continuously decreasing the crystal diameter during the main crystal growth phase. For this purpose a concept has been developed for a proper planning of the radius trajectory matching all technological requirements. Si1−xGex single crystals with constant gradients between 0.10 and 0.16 at% cm−1 have been grown using an automated control system.
The Limits of Three‐Dimensionality: Systematic Assessment of Effective Anode Macrostructure Dimensions for Mixed‐Culture Electroactive Biofilms
Authors: Moß Christopher , Behrens Andreas , Schröder Uwe 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study analyzes the biofilm growth and long‐term current production of mixed‐culture, electrochemically active biofilms (EABs) on macrostructured electrodes under low‐shear‐force conditions. The channel dimensions were altered systematically in the range 400 μm to 2 mm, and the channel heights were varied between 1 and 4 mm to simulate macrostructures of different scales. Electrodes with finer‐structured surfaces produced higher current densities in the short term owing to their large surface area but were outperformed in the long term because the accumulation of biomass led to limitations of mass transfer into the structures. The best long‐term performance was observed for electrodes with channel dimensions of 1×4 mm, which showed no significant decrease in performance in the long term. Channels with a diameter of 400 μm were overgrown by the biofilm, which led to a transition from 3 D to 2 D behavior, indicating that structures of this scale might not be suitable for long‐term operation under low‐shear‐stress conditions.
Evolutionary impacts differ between two exploited populations of northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus)
Authors: Feyrer Laura Joan , Bentzen Paul , Whitehead Hal , Paterson Ian G. , Einfeldt Anthony 
Published: November 2019

AbstractInterpretation of conservation status should be informed by an appreciation of genetic diversity, past demography, and overall trends in population size, which contribute to a species' evolutionary potential and resilience to genetic risks. Low genetic diversity can be symptomatic of rapid demographic declines and impose genetic risks to populations, but can also be maintained by natural processes. The northern bottlenose whaleHyperoodon ampullatushas the lowest known mitochondrial diversity of any cetacean and was intensely whaled in the Northwest Atlantic over the last century, but whether exploitation imposed genetic risks that could limit recovery is unknown. We sequenced full mitogenomes and genotyped 37 novel microsatellites for 128 individuals from known areas of abundance in the Scotian Shelf, Northern and Southern Labrador, Davis Strait, and Iceland, and a newly discovered group off Newfoundland. Despite low diversity and shared haplotypes across all regions, both markers supported the Endangered Scotian Shelf population as distinct from the combined northern regions. The genetic affinity of Newfoundland was uncertain, suggesting an area of mixing with no clear population distinction for the region. Demographic reconstruction using mitogenomes suggests that the northern region underwent population expansion following the last glacial maximum, but for the peripheral Scotian Shelf population, a stable demographic trend was followed by a drastic decline over a temporal scale consistent with increasing human activity in the Northwest Atlantic. Low connectivity between the Scotian Shelf and the rest of the Atlantic likely compounded the impact of intensive whaling for this species, potentially imposing genetic risks affecting recovery of this population. We highlight how the combination of historical environmental conditions and modern exploitation of this species has had very different evolutionary impacts on structured populations of northern bottlenose whales across the western North Atlantic.
The Hofmeister Anion Effect on Ionophore‐based Ion‐selective Nanospheres Containing Solvatochromic Dyes
Authors: Li Xiaoang , Zhai Jingying , Xie Xiaojiang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRecently reported ionophore‐based ion‐selective nanospheres contained pH‐independent and positively charged solvatochromic dyes. Here, we evaluate systematically the effect of anions to the fluorescence response of the nanospheres. The anion interference was found significant for anion concentrations above 10 mM. The sensor responses in the presence of various anion background was studied. While target ion (K+) causes the fluorescence of the nanospheres to decrease, increasing anion background also leads to lower fluorescence intensity. Lipophilic anions such as ClO4−, SCN−, and I− exhibited much more interference than hydrophilic anions (e. g., NO3−, Cl−, F−, SO42−). The trend of the anion interference followed the Hofmeister series. A theoretical model was also demonstrated based on anion adsorption on the surface of the nanospheres.
Mass transfer of a neutral solute in polyelectrolyte grafted soft nanochannel with porous wall
Authors: Roy Debashis , Bhattacharjee Saikat , De Sirshendu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA soft nanochannel involves a soft interface that contains a polyelectrolyte layer (PEL) sandwiched between a rigid surface and a bulk electrolyte solution. Mass transfer of a neutral solute in a combined electroosmotic and pressure driven flow through a polyelectrolyte grafted charged nanochannel with porous wall is presented in this work. Assuming the PEL as fixed charged layer and PEL‐electrolyte interface as a semi‐penetrable membrane, analytical solutions were obtained for potential distributions (for small wall potential). Velocity profiles were also derived in the same domains, for both inside and outside the PEL. Convective‐diffusive species balance equation was semi‐analytically solved inside the PEL. Expression of length averaged Sherwood number was also obtained and effects of different parameters, namely, drag parameter (α), Debye parameter , and PEL thickness were studied in detail. The variation of permeate concentration and permeation flux across the porous wall was obtained.
One‐step preparation of organic‐inorganic hybrid capsules based on simultaneous gelation and silicification
Authors: Kurayama Fumio , Bahadur Newaz Mohammed , Sato Masahide , Furusawa Takeshi , Suzuki Noboru 
Published: November 2019

Enzyme encapsulation within alginate capsules usually suffers from low encapsulation efficiency and leakage of enzyme. In this study, alginate‐aminosilane hybrid capsules with high encapsulation efficiency, good retention and high storage stability of enzyme have been prepared by a novel method, in which viscous solution containing enzyme, calcium chloride as a crosslinker, and 3‐(2‐aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane as an aminosilane was dripped into alginate solution, facilitating the formation of alginate‐aminosilane hybrid shell at alginate/droplet interface. Results showed that the hybrid capsules could encapsulate formate dehydrogenase with molecular weight of 74 kDa with encapsulation efficiency of 98% and have the ability to protect the enclosed enzyme from denaturation by chaotropic effect of calcium ion. Furthermore, the capsules were reused efficiently for 20 cycles without loss of the enzyme activity. The approach developed in this study could evolve as a generic platform of enzyme immobilization for various biotechnological applications.
Atmospheric Deposition of Coal-Related Pollutants in the Pacific Northwest of the United States from 1950 to 2016
Authors: Sousa Matthew , Benson Bryce , Welty Connor , Price Dylan , Thirkill Ruth , Erickson William , Cummings Mackenzie , Dunnivant Frank M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Coal-related elements are toxic and persistent pollutants that have spread globally since the industrial revolution, mainly from point-source emissions. A sediment core was collected from Deep Lake in northeastern Washington State (USA) by the Washington State Department of Ecology, with the aim of assessing recent changes in atmospheric deposition in the US Pacific Northwest. The core was divided into depth intervals and dated by lead-210. A sample from each cross section was digested and analyzed for toxic metals and metalloids using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Data show recent increases in the concentrations of arsenic, barium, selenium, and mercury. Comparison with 1993 US Geological Survey ice core data from the Upper Fremont Glacier in Wyoming (USA), Asian coal consumption data, and weather patterns suggests that pollutant inputs to Deep Lake sediments are the result of coal-burning activities in the Asia–Pacific region. Most notably, mercury deposition in Deep Lake has increased from approximately 20 ppb in 1996 to 9470 ppb in 2014 (an ~400-fold increase), and since 1993 when the ice core was analyzed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:335–342. © 2019 SETAC