bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of Multiclass Chiral Pesticide Residues Analysis Method in Tea by QuEChERS Combined Liquid Chromatography Quadruple-Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Hongcheng , Lin Tao , Li Qiwan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
No single pure enantiomeric pesticide residues was investigated and set regulations for tea quality safety and risk assessment.

Objective
Due to lack of chiral pesticide analysis method and data, the Maximum residue limits (MRLs) about the chiral pesticides in tea was unknown.

Method
An analytical method for the determination of chiral pesticide residues by QuEChERS combined chiral liquid chromatography quadruple/linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS-Qtrap) was developed and applied to the analysis of various teas.

Results
The mean recoveries for pesticides enantiomers ranged from 75.9% to 112.4%. Reproducibility represented by relative standard deviation percentage was 10% or less. Good linearity was achieved for all enantiomers with determination coefficients (r2) greater than 0.99. The detection of limit (CCα) and quantification of limit (CCβ) were 0.2 ∼1 µg/kg and 0.5∼5 µg/kg, respectively.

Conclusions
The method was suitable for monitoring the enantiomeric pesticide residues in various teas.

Highlights
Enantioselective multiclass pesticide residues were determined in various teas by LC-MS/MS-Qtrap, additional Qtrap scan functions greatly enhance the performance of screening, confirmation, and identification of chiral pesticides.
Like Parents, Like Offspring? Susceptibility to Bt Toxins, Development on Dual-Gene Bt Cotton, and Parental Effect of Cry1Ac on a Nontarget Lepidopteran Pest
Authors: Rabelo Marcelo M , Matos João Marcus L , Orozco-Restrepo Silvana M , Paula-Moraes Silvana V , Pereira Eliseu José G 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
An important step to devise appropriate pest management strategies for armyworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) crops is to determine the lethal, sublethal, and parental effects of Bt toxins on target and nontarget pest species. Here we documented the susceptibility of black armyworm, Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker), to three Cry toxins and its life-history traits feeding on dual-toxin Bt cotton and an artificial diet containing sublethal concentrations of Cry1Ac. In concentration–response bioassays, black armyworm larvae showed low susceptibility to Cry toxins, with 853 ng/cm2 as the lowest value estimated for the median lethal concentration (LC50). The decreasing rank of toxicity was Cry1F, Cry2Aa, and Cry1Ac. Foliage of dual-toxin Bt cotton varieties (Cry1Ac + Cry1F and Cry1Ab + Cry2Ae) caused higher larval mortality than Cry1Ac-expressing cotton. Black armyworms showed reduced larval weight when growing on the Cry1Ac-treated diet, yet they reached adulthood and produced offspring. Interestingly, these larvae were grown on the control diet and showed reduced weight gain associated with the toxin exposure of the previous generation, indicating a parental effect of the exposure to Cy1Ac. The reduced larval weight was recovered in later instars, and there was no significant change in the population fitness of the parental armyworms or their offspring. To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting the parental effects of Bt toxins in insects. These results advance our understanding of potential responses of nontarget species when exposed to Bt toxins and contribute to design pest management programs for armyworms and other nontarget lepidopteran species exposed to Bt crops.
Insecticide Resistance Status of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in California by Biochemical Assays
Authors: Yang Fan , Schildhauer Samuel , Billeter Sarah A , Hardstone Yoshimizu Melissa , Payne Robert , Pakingan Mary Joyce , Metzger Marco E , Liebman Kelly A , Hu Renjie , Kramer Vicki , Padgett Kerry A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes poses a major threat to public health worldwide. There are two primary biological mechanisms that can lead to insecticide resistance, target site and metabolic resistance, both of which confer resistance to specific classes of insecticides. Due to the limited number of chemical compounds available for mosquito control, it is important to determine current enzymatic profiles among mosquito populations. This study assessed resistance profiles for three metabolic pathways, α-esterases, β-esterases, and mixed-function oxidases (MFOs), as well as insensitivity of the acetylcholinesterase (iAChE) enzyme in the presence of propoxur, among Ae. aegypti from the Central Valley and southern California. All field-collected Ae. aegypti demonstrated elevated MFOs and iAChE activity, indicating potential development of pyrethroid and organophosphate resistance, respectively. Although regional variations were found among α-esterase and β-esterase activity, levels were generally elevated, further suggesting additional mechanisms for developing organophosphate resistance. Furthermore, mosquito samples from southern California exhibited a higher expression level to all three metabolic enzymes and iAChE activity in comparison to mosquitoes from the central region. These results could help guide future mosquito control efforts, directing the effective use of insecticides while limiting the spread of resistance.
Enzyme-based protein-tagging systems for site-specific labeling of proteins in living cells
Authors: Sueda Shinji 
Published: March 2020

AbstractVarious protein-labeling methods based on the specific interactions between genetically encoded tags and synthetic probes have been proposed to complement fluorescent protein-based labeling. In particular, labeling methods based on enzyme reactions have been intensively developed by taking advantage of the highly specific interactions between enzymes and their substrates. In this approach, the peptides or proteins are genetically attached to the target proteins as a tag, and the various labels are then incorporated into the tags by enzyme reactions with the substrates carrying those labels. On the other hand, we have been developing an enzyme-based protein-labeling system distinct from the existing ones. In our system, the substrate protein is attached to the target proteins as a tag, and the labels are incorporated into the tag by post-translational modification with an enzyme carrying those labels followed by tight complexation between the enzyme and the substrate protein. In this review, I summarize the enzyme-based protein-labeling systems with a focus on several typical methods and then describe our labeling system based on tight complexation between the enzyme and the substrate protein.
Concomitant aortic valve replacement and retrosternal goitre resection via mini-sternotomy: a novel case
Authors: Karsan Rickesh B , Nanjaiah Prakash , Hogan John , Mehta Dheeraj , Stetchman Michael 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Median sternotomy has been used to aide thyroidectomies demonstrating good outcomes; however no cases have been documented to show the use of mini-sternotomy to perform simultaneous thyroidectomy and valve surgery. We present a novel case of an 83-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis and retrosternal goitre extending to the aortic arch deemed unsuitable for TAVI. Due to co-morbid status and anatomical position preventing routine thyroidectomy, we elected to perform a combined procedure to excise the goitre and perform an aortic valve replacement through a mini-J sternotomy, utilizing 3D-reconstructed imaging to plan our approach. This case shows that mini-sternotomy is a safe and effective method to perform concomitant thyroidectomy and aortic valve surgery.
Pneumomediastinum following spontaneous vaginal delivery: report of a rare phenomenon
Authors: Badran Dania , Ismail Safiyah , Ashcroft James 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Pneumomediastinum is the presence of mediastinal air, which raises concern for life-threatening conditions such as esophageal perforation and mediastinitis. Here, we described the case of a young female with no previous past medical history, who developed spontaneous pneumomediastinum following uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) giving birth to a healthy newborn at full term. The incidence of benign pneumomediastinum following SVD is estimated at 1 in 100 000 deliveries. This case explores the etiology of this rare presentation, recommends essential investigations and advises on pertinent clinical considerations.
Traumatic Brain Injury, Working Memory, and Violent Crime in a Sample of U.S. Service Members Involved in the Military Justice System
Authors: Umbrasas Karl V 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Introduction
This study examined working memory impairment following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) among active duty service members charged with criminal offenses. The prevalence of mTBI among service members involved in the military justice system is unknown. Impairments associated with mTBI may affect cognitive processes related to psycholegal capacities, and history of mTBI may have a persuasive appeal when explaining questions of culpability. The degree to which mTBI affects psycholegal abilities through cognitive impairment, however, is unknown.

Materials and Methods
This was a retrospective study of U.S. service members who presented for forensic evaluation (n = 80). Completed forensic evaluations (eg, criminal responsibility, competence to stand trial, risk assessment) were the source of data. Working Memory Index (WMI) score of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition was used as an index of sequelae after brain injury.

Results
A history of mTBI was present in 20% of the sample. The mean time from mTBI diagnosis to presentation for forensic evaluation was 3.96 years. The mTBI-positive group had a mean WMI = 98 and the mTBI-negative group had a mean WMI = 103. The difference in WMI scores between groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusions
This study suggests that a history of mTBI is common among service members charged with criminal offenses. The findings that working memory scores were in the average range among service members with mTBI history may suggest that history of mTBI does not impair psycholegal relevant cognition. More research is needed to clarify how history of mTBI affects service member psycholegal capacities.
Venturing beyond the ISCO: detecting X-ray emission from the plunging regions around black holes
Authors: Wilkins D R , Reynolds C S , Fabian A C 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
We explore how X-ray reverberation around black holes may reveal the presence of the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO), predicted by general relativity, and probe the dynamics of the plunging region between the ISCO and the event horizon. Being able to directly detect the presence of the ISCO and probe the dynamics of material plunging through the event horizon represents a unique test of general relativity in the strong field regime. X-ray reverberation off of the accretion disc and material in the plunging region is modelled using general relativistic ray tracing simulations. X-ray reverberation from the plunging region has a minimal effect on the time-averaged X-ray spectrum and the overall lag-energy spectrum, but is manifested in the lag in the highest frequency Fourier components, above $0.01\, c^{3}\, (GM)^{-1}$ (scaled for the mass of the black hole) in the 2–4 keV energy band for a non-spinning black hole or the 1–2 keV energy band for a maximally spinning black hole. The plunging region is distinguished from disc emission not just by the energy shifts characteristic of plunging orbits, but by the rapid increase in ionization of material through the plunging region. Detection requires measurement of time lags to an accuracy of 20 per cent at these frequencies. Improving accuracy to 12 per cent will enable constraints to be placed on the dynamics of material in the plunging region and distinguish plunging orbits from material remaining on stable circular orbits, confirming the existence of the ISCO, a prime discovery space for future X-ray missions.
The star formation histories of z ∼ 1 post-starburst galaxies
Authors: Wild Vivienne , Taj Aldeen Laith , Carnall Adam , Maltby David , Almaini Omar , Werle Ariel , Wilkinson Aaron , Rowlands Kate , Bolzonella Micol , Castellano Marco , Gargiulo Adriana , McLure Ross , Pentericci Laura , Pozzetti Lucia 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
We present the star formation histories of 39 galaxies with high-quality rest-frame optical spectra at 0.5 &lt; z &lt; 1.3 selected to have strong Balmer absorption lines and/or Balmer break, and compare to a sample of spectroscopically selected quiescent galaxies at the same redshift. Photometric selection identifies a majority of objects that have clear evidence for a recent short-lived burst of star formation within the last 1.5 Gyr, i.e. ‘post-starburst’ galaxies, however we show that good quality continuum spectra are required to obtain physical parameters such as burst mass fraction and burst age. Dust attenuation appears to be the primary cause for misidentification of post-starburst galaxies, leading to contamination in spectroscopic samples where only the [O ii] emission line is available, as well as a small fraction of objects lost from photometric samples. The 31 confirmed post-starburst galaxies have formed 40–90 per cent of their stellar mass in the last 1–1.5 Gyr. We use the derived star formation histories to find that the post-starburst galaxies are visible photometrically for 0.5–1 Gyr. This allows us to update a previous analysis to suggest that 25–50 per cent of the growth of the red sequence at z ∼ 1 could be caused by a starburst followed by rapid quenching. We use the inferred maximum historical star formation rates of several 100–1000 M⊙ yr−1 and updated visibility times to confirm that sub-mm galaxies are likely progenitors of post-starburst galaxies. The short quenching time-scales of 100–200 Myr are consistent with cosmological hydrodynamic models in which rapid quenching is caused by the mechanical expulsion of gas due to an acive galactic neucleus.
Stimulated emission–based model of fast radio bursts
Authors: Doğan Mustafa , Ekşi Kazım Yavuz 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are bright, short-duration radio transients with very high brightness temperatures implying highly coherent emission. We suggest that the FRBs are caused by the self-focusing of an electron beam interacting with an ambient plasma right beyond the light cylinder radius of a neutron star. The magnetic field at the light cylinder radius is relatively high that can accommodate both young Crab-like systems and old millisecond pulsars addressing the diverse environments of FRBs. At the first stage, the intense pulsed-beam passing through the background plasma causes instabilities such that the trapped particles in local Buneman-type cavitons saturate the local field. The beam is then radially self-focused due to the circular electric field developed by the two-stream instability that leads to Weibel instability in the transverse direction. Finally, the non-linear saturation of the Weibel instability results in the self-modulational formation of solitons due to plasmoid instability. The resonant solitary waves are the breather-type solitons hosting relativistic particles with self-excited oscillations. The analytical solutions obtained for non-linear dispersion and solitons suggest that, near the current sheets, the relativistic bunches are accelerated/amplified by klystron-like structures due to self-excited oscillations by the induced local electric field. Boosted coherent radio emission propagates through a narrow cone with strong focusing due to radial electric field and magnetic pinching. The non-linear evolution of solitons and the stimulated emission are associated with the Buneman instability and the possibility of the presence of nanosecond shots in FRBs are investigated.
Evidence for cosmic acceleration with next-generation surveys: a model-independent approach
Authors: Bengaly Carlos A P 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
We quantify the evidence for cosmic acceleration using simulations of H(z) measurements from SKA- and Euclid-like surveys. We perform a non-parametric reconstruction of the Hubble parameters and its derivative to obtain the deceleration parameter q(z) using the Gaussian Processes method. This is a completely model-independent approach, so we can determine whether the Universe is undergoing accelerated expansion regardless of any assumption of a dark energy model. We find that Euclid-like and SKA-like band 1 surveys can probe cosmic acceleration at over 3 and 5σ confidence level, respectively. By combining them with an SKA-like band 2 survey, which reaches lower redshift ranges, the evidence for a current accelerated phase increases to over 7σ. This is a significant improvement from current H(z) measurements from cosmic chronometers and galaxy redshift surveys, showing that these surveys can underpin cosmic acceleration in a model-independent way.
The explosion energy of the type IIP supernova SN 2013fs with a confined dense circumstellar shell
Authors: Chugai N N 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
The recent study of the SN 2013fs flash spectrum suggests an enormous explosion energy for SNe IIP, far beyond the possibilities of the neutrino mechanism. The issue of the explosion energy of SN 2013fs is revisited, making use of the effects of the early supernova interaction with the dense circumstellar shell. The velocity of the cold dense shell between reverse and forward shocks is inferred from the analysis of the broad He ii 4686 Å on day 2.4. This velocity, alongside other observables, provides us with an alternative energy estimate of ∼1.8 × 1051 erg for the preferred mass of ∼10 M⊙. The inferred value is within the range of neutrino-driven explosions.
Barking Up the Wrong Tree: On Control, Transformative Experiences, and Turning Over a New Leaf
Authors: Herdova Marcela 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
I argue that we do not intentionally and rationally shape our character and values in major ways. I base this argument on the nature of transformative experiences, that is, those experiences which are transformative from personal and epistemological points of view. The argument is roughly this. First, someone who undergoes major changes in her character or values thereby undergoes a transformative experience. Second, if she undergoes such an experience, her reasons for changing in a major way are inaccessible to her beforehand. Third, if such reasons are inaccessible beforehand, she cannot act on them and thus cannot rationally and intentionally shape her character or values. I also explore some consequences of my argument, especially those related to control and responsibility.
Cancer-specific mutation of GATA3 disrupts the transcriptional regulatory network governed by Estrogen Receptor alpha, FOXA1 and GATA3
Authors: Takaku Motoki , Grimm Sara A , De Kumar Bony , Bennett Brian D , Wade Paul A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ER) are activated by the steroid hormone 17β-estradiol. Estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) forms a regulatory network in mammary epithelial cells and in breast cancer with the transcription factors FOXA1 and GATA3. GATA3 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in breast cancer and is capable of specifying chromatin localization of FOXA1 and ER-α. How GATA3 mutations found in breast cancer impact genomic localization of ER-α and the transcriptional network downstream of ER-α and FOXA1 remains unclear. Here, we investigate the function of a recurrent patient-derived GATA3 mutation (R330fs) on this regulatory network. Genomic analysis indicates that the R330fs mutant can disrupt localization of ER-α and FOXA1. Loci co-bound by all three factors are enriched for genes integral to mammary gland development as well as epithelial cell biology. This gene set is differentially regulated in GATA3 mutant cells in culture and in tumors bearing similar mutations in vivo. The altered distribution of ER-α and FOXA1 in GATA3-mutant cells is associated with altered chromatin architecture, which leads to differential gene expression. These results suggest an active role for GATA3 zinc finger 2 mutants in ER-α positive breast tumors.
Selective targeting of mutually exclusive DNA G-quadruplexes: HIV-1 LTR as paradigmatic model
Authors: Tassinari Martina , Zuffo Michela , Nadai Matteo , Pirota Valentina , Sevilla Montalvo Adriana Carolina , Doria Filippo , Freccero Mauro , Richter Sara N 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTargeting of G-quadruplexes, non-canonical conformations that form in G-rich regions of nucleic acids, has been proposed as a novel therapeutic strategy toward several diseases, including cancer and infections. The unavailability of highly selective molecules targeting a G-quadruplex of choice has hampered relevant applications. Herein, we describe a novel approach, based on naphthalene diimide (NDI)-peptide nucleic acid (PNA) conjugates, taking advantage of the cooperative interaction of the NDI with the G-quadruplex structure and hybridization of the PNA with the flanking region upstream or downstream the targeted G-quadruplex. By biophysical and biomolecular assays, we show that the NDI-PNA conjugates are able to specifically recognize the G-quadruplex of choice within the HIV-1 LTR region, consisting of overlapping and therefore mutually exclusive G-quadruplexes. Additionally, the conjugates can induce and stabilize the least populated G-quadruplex at the expenses of the more stable ones. The general and straightforward design and synthesis, which readily apply to any G4 target of choice, together with both the red-fluorescent emission and the possibility to introduce cellular localization signals, make the novel conjugates available to selectively control G-quadruplex folding over a wide range of applications.
Small circRNAs with self-cleaving ribozymes are highly expressed in diverse metazoan transcriptomes
Authors: Cervera Amelia , de la Peña Marcos 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Ribozymes are catalytic RNAs present in modern genomes but regarded as remnants of a prebiotic RNA world. The paradigmatic hammerhead ribozyme (HHR) is a small self-cleaving motif widespread from bacterial to human genomes. Here, we report that most of the classical type I HHRs frequently found in the genomes of animals are contained within a novel family of non-autonomous non-LTR retrotransposons of the retrozyme class. These retroelements are expressed as abundant linear and circular RNAs of ∼170-400 nt in different animal tissues. Bioinformatic and in vitro analyses indicate an efficient self-cleavage of the HHRs harboured in most invertebrate retrozymes, whereas HHRs in retrozymes of vertebrates, such as the axolotl and other amphibians, require to act as dimeric motifs to reach higher self-cleavage rates. Ligation assays of retrozyme RNAs with a protein ligase versus HHR self-ligation indicate that, most likely, tRNA ligases and not the ribozymes are involved in the step of RNA circularization. Altogether, these results confirm the existence of a new and conserved pathway in animals and, likely, eukaryotes in general, for the efficient biosynthesis of RNA circles through small ribozymes, which opens the door for the development of new tools in the emerging field of study of circRNAs.