bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeographic analysis and species distribution modelling of the wood frogBatrachyla leptopus(Batrachylidae) reveal interglacial diversification in south western Patagonia
Authors: Nuñez José J. , Suárez-Villota Elkin Y. , Quercia Camila A. , Olivares Angel P. , Sites Jr Jack W. 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe evolutionary history of southern South American organisms has been strongly influenced by Pleistocene climate oscillations. Amphibians are good models to evaluate hypotheses about the influence of these climate cycles on population structure and diversification of the biota, because they are sensitive to environmental changes and have restricted dispersal capabilities. We test hypotheses regarding putative forest refugia and expansion events associated with past climatic changes in the wood frogBatrachyla leptopusdistributed along ∼1,000 km of length including glaciated and non-glaciated areas in southwestern Patagonia.MethodsUsing three mitochondrial regions (D-loop,cyt b, andcoI) and two nuclear loci (pomcandcrybA1), we conducted multilocus phylogeographic analyses and species distribution modelling to gain insights of the evolutionary history of this species. Intraspecific genealogy was explored with maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and phylogenetic network approaches. Diversification time was assessed using molecular clock models in a Bayesian framework, and demographic scenarios were evaluated using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) and extended Bayesian skyline plot (EBSP). Species distribution models (SDM) were reconstructed using climatic and geographic data.ResultsPopulation structure and genealogical analyses support the existence of four lineages distributed north to south, with moderate to high phylogenetic support (Bootstrap > 70%; BPP > 0.92). The diversification time ofB. leptopus’ populations began at ∼0.107 mya. The divergence between A and B lineages would have occurred by the late Pleistocene, approximately 0.068 mya, and divergence between C and D lineages was approximately 0.065 mya. The ABC simulations indicate that lineages coalesced at two different time periods, suggesting the presence of at least two glacial refugia and a postglacial colonization route that may have generated two southern lineages (p = 0.93, type I error: <0.094, type II error: 0.134). EBSP, mismatch distribution and neutrality indexes suggest sudden population expansion at ∼0.02 mya for all lineages. SDM infers fragmented distributions ofB. leptopusassociated with Pleistocene glaciations. Although the present populations ofB. leptopusare found in zones affected by the last glacial maximum (∼0.023 mya), our analyses recover an older history of interglacial diversification (0.107–0.019 mya). In addition, we hypothesize two glacial refugia and three interglacial colonization routes, one of which gave rise to two expanding lineages in the south.
Concept of Outlier Study: The Management of Outlier Handling with Significance in Inclusive Education Setting
Authors: Mahapatra Abikesh Prasada Kumar , Nanda Anita , Mohapatra Bibhuti Bhusan , Padhy Archana Kumari , Padhy Indira 
Published: October 2020

Collection of data and to check its suitability is the first step in any statistical data analysis. In such analyses, the presence of outliers appears as an unavoidable important problem. Outliers are unexpected random values in dataset, and they can alter the statistical conclusion and also affect their assumptions. Thus, in order to manage the data properly, outliers must be defined and treated. So all statisticians have to confront the analysis and forced to take a decision. There is only being one of the two extreme choices left for the researcher or statistician during the analysis of outliers. First, either to reject the outlier with the risk of loss of genuine information and the second one is to include them with the risk of error in drawing conclusion. The study therefore summarize the various potential causes of extreme scores in a data set (e.g., data recording or entry errors, sampling errors, and legitimate sampling), how to detect them, and whether they should be removed or not. Another objective of this study was to explore how significantly a small proportion of outliers can affect even simple analyses. The study was explored with citing suitable examples including outlier value and also excluding the outlier data. The examples show a strong beneficial effect of repetition of the study based on extreme of scores. One way ANOVA test was performed and the significance of extreme outlier was described.
Modeling User Acceptance of Electronic Voting: An Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Approach
Authors: Okediran Oladotun O. , Oyediran Mayowa O. , Sijuade Adeyemi A. , Wahab Wajeed B. 
Published: October 2020

Election voting has emerged as a significant alternative to conventional voting methods with testimonials of its implementation showing various degrees of success in some countries of the western world. Lately, many developing countries are also looking at its prospects as a replacement or supplement for traditional paper balloting which is, the principal voting method in most of these countries. However, the voting populace’ acceptance of this technology is a major factor that needs to be considered before its actual introduction owning to factors that includes, digital divides, low literacy level, norms and beliefs, high poverty level and so on. From another viewpoint, due to the peculiarity of contextual ICT infrastructural challenges of developing countries, there is a need to investigate the factors that will influence adoption decision and eventual usage when planning to introduce electronic voting so that the evolving system will not end up being impractical for the target users. In this study, an empirical investigation of the factors influencing the adoption decision of electronic voting was carried out. More specifically, this study aimed at examining the possibilities and intents towards mobile voting (which is a type of electronic voting), among a selected sample population of electorates in Nigeria. In the study, an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that integrates Subjective norm, Perceived compatibility, Perceived privacy, Perceived security, Perceived price value and Perceived trust into the original TAM constructs was proposed. A total of 1364 sample data were collected from a selected population of electorates who had at one time or the other participated in at least an electioneering process in Nigeria. The data was then analyzed statistically using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results obtained show that all variables have significant effect on the electorates’ behavioural intention to use mobile voting except for perceived privacy.
Bacterial Analysis for Seminal Fluid befor In-vitro Fertilization Procedure
Authors: Noor S. O. , Albalawi A. , Abduljabbar H. , Alosaimi Ebtesam H. , Hassan Sabah M. , Najjar A. 
Published: October 2020

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most advanced technique of assisted reproductive where the sperm reach the eggs for fertilization in a laboratory tube. Seminal fluid often contains bacterial contaminants that decrease the quality and quantity of seminal fluids.
Aim: In this study we investigated the presence of bacteria in semen before IVF procedure.
Methodology: All samples were identified according to the morphological, biochemical, molecular, and antimicrobial tests.
Results: Microbial species were detected in 28% of semen samples, while 72% did not show any bacterial growth. The prevalent bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Catellicoccus spp., and Pseudomonas spp.
Conclusion: The use of microbiological analysis to identify resistant bacterial isolates is considered an effective method to reduce infertility in men by changing the contaminated semen.
Gastrodin alleviates bone damage by modulating protein expression and tissue redox state
Authors: Zheng Bowen , Shi Chunling , Muhammed Fenik K. , He Jia , Abdullah Adil O. , Liu Yi 
Published: October 2020

Fluorosis is a common disease characterized by disruptions in bone metabolism and enamel development. The production of reactive oxygen species is thought to play an important role in fluorosis. Gastrodin (4‐hydroxybenzylalcohol4‐O‐beta‐D‐glucopyranoside) has been reported to have antioxidative activity, and so here we examined whether gastrodin has protective effects against oxidative stress and bone tissue toxicity in rats with fluorosis. Wistar rats were given different doses of gastrodin 1 month after fluoride administration, and samples of blood, bone and teeth were collected after 2, 3 and 4 months; glutathione peroxidase glu, CAT and SOD levels in the fluorosis group were lower than those in the control group. Gastrodin treatment in rats ameliorated oxidative stress and fluoride accumulation that were induced by fluoride; treatment with 400 mg·kg−1 gastrodin protected trabecular bone structure and reduced femur and alveolar bone injury in rats with fluorosis. Enhanced expression of cysteinyl aspartate‐specific proteinase (caspase) 3, caspase‐9 and Bax and decreased expression of Bcl‐2 induced by fluoride were also reversed by gastrodin. In summary, the present data suggest that gastrodin, and in particular a dose of 400 mg·kg−1, can improve the antioxidative capacity of rats, reduce concentration of fluoride in tissues, alleviate bone damage and modulate expression of Bcl‐2, Bax, caspase‐3 and caspase‐9.
Localization of CDR2L and CDR2 in paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration
Authors: Herdlevær Ida , Kråkenes Torbjørn , Schubert Manja , Vedeler Christian A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveIdentify the subcellular location and potential binding partners of two cerebellar degeneration‐related proteins, CDR2L and CDR2, associated with anti‐Yo‐mediated paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration.MethodsCancer cells, rat Purkinje neuron cultures, and human cerebellar sections were exposed to cerebrospinal fluid and serum from patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration with Yo antibodies and with several antibodies against CDR2L and CDR2. We used mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, super‐resolution microscopy, proximity ligation assay, and co‐immunoprecipitation to verify the antibodies and to identify potential binding partners.ResultsWe confirmed the CDR2L specificity of Yo antibodies by mass spectrometry‐based proteomics and found that CDR2L localized to the cytoplasm and CDR2 to the nucleus. CDR2L co‐localized with the 40S ribosomal protein S6, while CDR2 co‐localized with the nuclear speckle proteins SON, eukaryotic initiation factor 4A‐III, and serine/arginine‐rich splicing factor 2.InterpretationWe showed that Yo antibodies specifically bind to CDR2L in Purkinje neurons of PCD patients where they potentially interfere with the function of the ribosomal machinery resulting in disrupted mRNA translation and/or protein synthesis. Our findings demonstrating that CDR2L interacts with ribosomal proteins and CDR2 with nuclear speckle proteins is an important step toward understanding PCD pathogenesis.
Potential Impacts of a Pandemic on the US Farm Labor Market
Authors: Charlton Diane , Castillo Marcelo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAn outbreak of COVID‐19 among farmworkers could have significant impacts on the workers, agricultural producers, and the consumers. Farmers are implementing new labor management practices to slow the spread of the virus among workers. Since immigration is temporarily restricted, farmers may have difficulty securing a sufficient workforce. We test whether changes in the unemployment rate affected H‐2A guest worker demand before the pandemic and find a statistically significant negative impact. Nevertheless, we expect that H‐2A recruitment will be vital to sustaining agricultural production. We conclude by discussing potential long‐term impacts of the pandemic on farm labor supply and demand.
Demetallization of heavy oil through pyrolysis: A reaction kinetics analysis
Authors: Chen Xue‐Feng , Da Zhi‐Jian , Gong Jian‐Hong , Zhang Hua‐Jie , Zhu Ya‐Kun , Yang Jing‐Yi , Yuan Pei‐Qing , Yuan Wei‐Kang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBy tracking the transfer of vanadium and nickel in pyrolysis products, a seven‐lump reaction kinetic model for pyrolysis‐based demetallization of heavy oil was established. During pyrolysis, the demetallization of heavy oil is achieved by condensing metal‐rich resins and asphaltenes to coke. The condensation of oil components originally contained in heavy oil differs greatly in reaction behavior, having the activation energy between 167 and 361 kJ/mol. As the pyrolysis progresses, the newly formed heavy components show a condensation behavior close to that of the light components. Limited by high activation energy and low initial fraction, the condensation of asphaltenes to coke and the resulting removal of metals contained in asphaltenes are hindered. Meanwhile, the condensation of light components has a major contribution to coke formation. An increase in reaction temperature accelerates the demetallization, but hardly changes the yield and component distribution of liquid products at the same metal removal rate.
Kinetic analysis of cellular internalization and expulsion of unstructured D‐chirality cell penetrating peptides
Authors: Vaithiyanathan Manibarathi , Hymel Hannah C. , Safa Nora , Sanchez Olivia M. , Pettigrew Jacob H. , Kirkpatrick Cole S. , Gauthier Ted J. , Melvin Adam T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMost cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are unstructured and susceptible to proteolytic degradation. One alternative is to incorporate D‐chirality amino acids into unstructured CPPs to allow for enhanced uptake and intracellular stability. This work investigates CPP internalization using a series of time, concentration, temperature, and energy dependent studies, resulting in a three‐fold increase in uptake and 50‐fold increase in stability of D‐chirality peptides over L‐chirality counterparts. CPP internalization occurred via a combination of direct penetration and endocytosis, with a percentage of internalized CPP expelling from cells in a time‐dependent manner. Mechanistic studies identified that cells exported the intact internalized D‐chirality CPPs via an exocytosis independent pathway, analogous to a direct penetration method out of the cells. These findings highlight the potential of a D‐chirality CPP as bio‐vector in therapeutic and biosensing applications, but also identify a new expulsion method suggesting a relationship between uptake kinetics, intracellular stability, and export kinetics.
High recovery, point‐of‐collection plasma separation from blood using electrospun polyacrylonitrile membranes
Authors: Gao Jie , Low Kwee Hiang Jackson , Chen Yang , Tai E. Shyong , Chung Tai‐Shung , Drum Chester Lee 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMicrovolume blood collection technologies are of intense interest in healthcare. Whereas dried blood spots collect all the blood components, the majority of clinical tests are performed on the noncellular, plasma component of blood. Thus, there is a critical need for a robust plasma‐collecting device, which can stabilize biomarkers of interest for clinical analysis. A dried plasma spot, which consists of a separation membrane for removing red blood cells (RBC) while avoiding cell lysis and an absorbing layer for collecting and stabilizing plasma biomarkers after separation may provide such a solution. We report a novel use of electrospun polyacrylonitrile membranes to achieve a very promising separation of RBCs with near‐zero retention of human albumin protein (MW: 66.5 kDa). Physicochemical qualities of the separation membranes can be further optimized through doping and refinement of electrospinning conditions. The membranes may have future potential in microvolume sample collecting applications.
Thermal hazard and reaction mechanism of the preparation of adipic acid through the oxidation with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Jiang Wei , Ni Lei , Jiang Juncheng , Chen Qiang , Chen Zhiquan , Ye Shuliang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, various calorimetric and analytical techniques were used to evaluate the thermodynamics of the preparation of adipic acid through the oxidation with hydrogen peroxide. The reaction exotherm was combined with the reaction mechanism. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the hydrogen peroxide was relatively stable when Na2WO4.2H2O and H2SO4 were used as cocatalysts. Reaction calorimetry, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) results indicated a possible macroscopic reaction pathway at 73 and 90°C stage. Furthermore, the results obtained through adiabatic calorimeter (Phi‐TEC II) and GC/MS indicated the possibility of catastrophic accidents if control of the target reaction was lost. The criticality classes of this reaction were of Grade 5. The results of this study can be further used to improve the inherent safety of its operating measures, as a result, this reaction process can be scaled up.
Overlapping phenotype comprising Kenny‐Caffey type 2 and Sanjad‐Sakati syndromes: The first case report
Authors: Cavole Thiago Rodrigues , Perrone Eduardo , de Faria Soares Maria de Fatima , Dias da Silva Magnus Régios , Maeda Sergio Setsuo , Lazaretti‐Castro Marise , Alvarez Perez Ana Beatriz 
Published: October 2020

AbstractKenny‐Caffey syndrome (KCS) is a rare hereditary skeletal disorder involving hypoparathyroidism. The autosomal dominant form (KCS2), caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the FAM111A gene, is distinguished from the autosomal recessive form (KCS1) and Sanjad‐Sakati syndrome (SSS), both caused by pathogenic variants in the tubulin folding cofactor E (TBCE) gene, by the absence of microcephaly and intellectual disability. We present a patient with KCS2 caused by a de novo pathogenic variant c.1706G>A (p.Arg569His) in FAM111A gene, presenting intellectual disability and microcephaly, which are considered to be typical signs of SSS. We suggest that KCS1, KCS2, and SSS may not represent mutually exclusive clinical entities, but possibly an overlapping spectrum.
Selective Synthesis of Non‐Aromatic Five‐Membered Sulfur Heterocycles from Alkynes by using a Proton Acid/N‐Chlorophthalimide System
Authors: Yu Wentao , Zhu Baiyao , Shi Fuxing , Zhou Peiqi , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA multicomponent strategy to achieve two different regioselectivities from alkynes, isothiocyanates and H2O with a proton acid/N‐chlorophthalimide (NCPI) system is described to selectively obtain non‐aromatic five‐membered sulfur heterocycles (1,3‐oxathiol‐2‐imines/thiazol‐2(3H)‐one derivatives) through multiple bond formations. The process features readily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, good functional‐group tolerance, high regio‐ and chemo‐ selectivities, gram‐scale synthesis and late‐stage modifications. Mechanistic studies support the proposal that the transformation process includes a combination of H2O and isothiocyanate, free‐radical formation, carbonation and intramolecular cyclization to give the products. Furthermore, the 1,3‐oxathiol‐2‐imine derivatives possess unique fluorescence characteristics and can be used as Pd2+ sensors with a “turn‐off” response, demonstrating potential applications in environmental and biological fields.
Photocatalytic Generation of π‐Allyltitanium Complexes via Radical Intermediates
Authors: Li Fusheng , Lin Shuangjie , Chen Yuqing , Shi Caizhe , Yan Huaipu , Li Chenchen , Wu Chao , Lin Luqing , Duan Chunying , Shi Lei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe addition of π‐allylmetal complexes to carbonyls is the most important route to homoallylic alcohols. This study reports the first photocatalytic generation of π‐allyltitanium complexes by a radical strategy. This novel strategy enables the three‐component allylation of carbonyls with 1,3‐butadiene, providing rapid access to valuable homoallylic alcohols (over 60 examples). The exceptional regio‐ and diastereoselectivity provided by dual photoredox/Ti catalysis is comparable to that of the Cr‐catalyzed Nozaki–Hiyama–Kishi allylation reaction.
Cationic Group VI Metal Imido Alkylidene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Nitrile Complexes: Bench‐Stable, Functional‐Group‐Tolerant Olefin Metathesis Catalysts
Authors: Benedikter Mathis J. , Musso Janis V. , Frey Wolfgang , Schowner Roman , Buchmeiser Michael R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDespite their excellent selectivities and activities, Mo‐and W‐based catalysts for olefin metathesis have not gained the same widespread use as Ru‐based systems, mainly due to their inherent air sensitivity. Herein, we describe the synthesis of air‐stable cationic‐at‐metal molybdenum and tungsten imido alkylidene NHC nitrile complexes. They catalyze olefin metathesis reactions of substrates containing functional groups such as (thio‐) esters, (thio‐) ethers and alcohols without the need for prior activation, for example, by a Lewis acid. The presence of a nitrile ligand was found to be essential for their stability towards air, while no decrease in activity and productivity could be observed upon coordination of a nitrile. Variations of the imido and anionic ligand revealed that alkoxide complexes with electron‐withdrawing imido ligands offer the highest reactivities and excellent stability compared to analogous triflate and halide complexes.
Suppression of Serum Interferon‐γ Levels as a Potential Measure of Response to Ustekinumab Treatment in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Cesaroni Matteo , Seridi Loqmane , Loza Matthew J. , Schreiter Jessica , Sweet Kristen , Franks Carol , Ma Keying , Orillion Ashley , Campbell Kim , M. Gordon Robert , Branigan Patrick , Lipsky Peter , van Vollenhoven Ronald , Hahn Bevra H. , Tsokos George C. , Chevrier Marc , Rose Shawn , Baribaud Frédéric , Jordan Jarrat 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveIn a previously reported phase II randomized, placebo‐controlled, interventional trial, we demonstrated that treatment with ustekinumab, an anti–interleukin‐12 (IL‐12)/IL‐23 p40 neutralizing monoclonal antibody, improved global and organ‐specific measures of disease activity in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Utilizing the biomarker data from this phase II clinical study, we sought to determine whether modulation of the expression of IL‐12, IL‐23, or both cytokines by ustekinumab is associated with clinical efficacy in patients with SLE.MethodsThis phase II randomized, placebo‐controlled study enrolled 102 patients with autoantibody‐positive SLE whose disease remained active despite standard‐of‐care therapy. Patients were randomized at a 3:2 ratio to receive ~6 mg/kg ustekinumab intravenously or placebo at week 0, followed by subcutaneous injections of 90 mg ustekinumab or placebo every 8 weeks, with placebo crossover to 90 mg ustekinumab every 8 weeks. The SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI‐4) at week 24 was used to determine which patients could be classified as ustekinumab responders and which could be classified as nonresponders. In addition to measurements of p40 and IL‐23, serum levels of interferon‐γ (IFNγ), IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐22, as a proxy for the IL‐12 and IL‐23 pathways, were quantified by immunoassay.ResultsChanges in the serum levels of IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐22 at different time points after treatment were not consistently significantly associated with an SRI‐4 clinical response to ustekinumab in patients with SLE. In contrast, an SRI‐4 response to ustekinumab was significantly associated (P < 0.01) with durable reductions in the serum IFNγ protein levels at several time points relative to baseline, which was not observed in ustekinumab nonresponders or patients who received placebo.ConclusionWhile not diminishing a potential role of IL‐23, these serum biomarker assessments indicate that IL‐12 blockade has an important role in the mechanism of action of ustekinumab treatment in patients with SLE.