bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of sequence length and charged residues on Swc5 binding with histone H2A‐H2B
Authors: Chu Wen‐Ting , Wang Jin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSWR is a member of chromatin remodeler family and participates the replacement of histone H2A with H2A.Z. One of the SWR subunits, Swc5, has an intrinsically disordered region and binds to H2A‐H2B dimer. Though the binding structure of Swc5 and H2A‐H2B has been resolved recently, it is still challenging to investigate the binding mechanism as well as the role of the charge interactions between Swc5 and H2A‐H2B. Here we developed a coarse‐grained structure‐based model and performed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the binding processes of two Swc5 regions with different lengths (swc5‐a and swc5‐b) to H2A‐H2B. The simulation results suggest a different role of electrostatic interactions between swc5‐a/swc5‐b and H2A‐H2B on binding. The electrostatic interactions between swc5‐a/swc5‐b and H2A‐H2B can not only accelerate the initial capture step of binding, but can also trap the swc5‐a/swc5‐b at the wrong binding site on H2A. Besides, the conserved DEF/Y‐2 motif of Swc5 is important for the binding affinity and the recognition with H2A‐H2B at the initial step. Both swc5‐a and swc5‐b undergo a structural shift before reaching the final bound state. This theoretical study provides important details and the underlying physical mechanisms of the binding processes of swc5‐a/swc5‐b and H2A‐H2B.
Pest management via endophytic colonization of tobacco seedlings by the insect fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Qin Xu , Zhao Xin , Huang Shuaishuai , Deng Juan , Li Xuebing , Luo Zhibing , Zhang Yongjun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDIt has been suggested that entomopathogenic fungi can be introduced into plants as endophytes potentially leading to insect control. Here, we sought to identify specific strains of the insect pathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana that would form endophytic associations with tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) benefitting host plant growth and/or resistance against insect pests and pathogens.RESULTSTobacco seeds were inoculated with six different B. bassiana strains and entophytic colonization, plant growth, and resistance to pathogens and insect pests were evaluated over a 50 day‐period. Although all the strains could colonize seedlings, 90% seedling colonization was seen for four strains. Fungal cells could be detected in stems more readily than in leaf and root tissues. Colonization by B. bassiana boosted plant growth with an increased photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, and stomatal and trichome density seen in fungal treated plants. Tobacco seedlings colonized by specific B. bassiana strains displayed significantly increased tolerance/resistance against bacterial and fungal pathogens. B. bassiana‐colonized seedlings also displayed higher resistance to aphids (Myzus persicae) as compared to untreated controls. Colonization by B. bassiana was shown to trigger both of the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonate acid (JA) defense pathways, but SA pathway was upregulated much more than JA pathway for some of the tested strains.CONCLUSIONSpecific strains of B. bassiana can be introduced into host plants as endophytes, resulting in promotion of host plant growth, increased resistance to microbial pathogens, and/or increased resistance to insect pests. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioactivity of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) on Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) eggs
Authors: Daquila Bruno V , Dossi Fábio CA , Moi Dieison A , Moreira Daiani R , Caleffe Ronaldo RT , Pamphile João A , Conte Helio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram‐positive bacterium that synthesizes specific protein toxins, which can be exploited for control of various insect pests, including Diatraea saccharalis, a lepidopteran that severely damages sugarcane crops. Although studies have described the effects of Bt in the larval phases of D. saccharalis, few have examined its effect on insect eggs. Herein, we studied the entomopathogenic potential of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar Aizawai GC‐91 (Bta) during D. saccharalis embryo development with the aim of understanding the entomopathogenic mechanism and developing new biological control techniques for target insects.RESULTSBta concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 g L–1 demonstrated the strongest bioactivity, reducing D. saccharalis egg viability by 28.69%, 33.91% and 34.98%, respectively. The lethal concentrations (LCs) were estimated as: LC50 = 28.07 g L–1 (CI 95% = 1.89–2.38) and LC90 = 65.36 g L–1 (CI 95% = 4.19–5.26). Alterations in egg coloration, melanization and granule accumulation were observed at 24 h, persisting until 144 h. The embryo digestive systems were severely damaged, including narrowing of the intestinal lumen, vesiculations and degenerated cells, causing embryonic death.CONCLUSIONThe toxicity caused by Bta in D. saccharalis embryos demonstrated its potential as a biological control agent and as a sustainable alternative for integrated management of D. saccharalis infestation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Glyphosate hormesis mitigates the effect of water deficit in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
Authors: dos Santos Jania Claudia Camilo , da Silva Dayane Mércia Ribeiro , Amorim Deoclecio Jardim , Sab Mariana Peduti Vicentini , de Almeida Silva Marcelo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe current climate change scenario may affect water availability in the soil, impacting the agricultural sector. Planting of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has increased because of its potential for cultivation under drought conditions during the off‐season in Brazil and its high potential for use in biofuel production. There are several reports about the potential of low doses of glyphosate to promote plant growth and development (hormesis). Despite the concept of glyphosate hormesis being well established, little is known about any mitigating effect on plants under water deficit conditions. The hypothesis raised is that low doses of glyphosate promote water stress tolerance during the growth and reproductive phases of C. tinctorius exposed to different water regimes.RESULTSIn regimes with and without water deficiency, growth of plants treated with low doses of glyphosate increased, reaching a maximum stimulus amplitude of ~ 131% of control. However, plants under water deficit required lower doses to achieve maximum growth and development. They maintained photosynthetic rates at the level of well‐watered plants because they had reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration. Gains in plant height and leaf area were the same as for controls.CONCLUSIONSLow doses of glyphosate can act as mitigators of water deficit in C. tinctorius, allowing plants to maintain their metabolism, reaching levels close to those of plants without water stress, as observed for plant height and leaf area. Our findings indicate that there are even greater implications for understanding glyphosate hormesis in plants under drought conditions, given the current climate change scenario. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Laboratory bioassay, greenhouse experiment and 3D‐QSAR studies on berberine analogues: a search for new herbicides based on natural products
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Zhu Tingfei , Bi Xiaoyang , Yang Sifan , Huang Jiguang , Zhou Lijuan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDBerberine is a herbicidal chemical that we isolated from Coptis chinensis. In continuation of our program aimed at discovering and developing natural botanical herbicides, we evaluated the herbicidal activities of 39 berberine analogues and developed a three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) model.RESULTSAmong these 39 analogs, the most active compounds were determined to be worenine chloride and coptisine chloride, with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values on all eight tested weed species of < 10 mg L−1. As a reference, the IC50 values of berberine on six weed species were < 10 mg L−1. Furthermore, the results of a greenhouse experiment showed that at 10 mg L−1, and 7 days after treatment, the effects of worenine chloride and coptisine chloride on Lemna minor and Ageratum conyzoides were significantly higher than those of glyphosate and sulcotrione. In the 3D‐QSAR analysis, the electrostatic field contour map indicated that introducing an electropositive group in the N‐7, C‐9 and C‐10 positions would potentially improve the inhibition rate. A positively charged nitrogen atom at the N‐7 position was important for activity. Replacement of ‐OCH3 by ‐OH at the C‐9 and C‐10 positions could decrease the inhibitory activity, while the hydrophobic field contour map revealed that the hydrophobicity of the C‐10 position was associated with high activity. Moreover, the hydrogen bond acceptor field contour map suggested that the existence of a hydrogen bond acceptor at the C‐3 and C‐9 positions might affect the inhibition rate.CONCLUSIONS3D‐QSAR provided meaningful clues to the structural features of berberine analogues that will assist the design of more potent herbicidal compounds in the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of non‐thermal plasma technology on Diaporthe longicolla cultures and mechanisms involved
Authors: Pérez‐Pizá María C , Grijalba Pablo E , Cejas Ezequiel , Chamorro Garcés Juan C , Ferreyra Matías , Zilli Carla , Vallecorsa Pablo , Santa‐Cruz Diego , Yannarelli Gustavo , Prevosto Leandro , Balestrasse Karina 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe Diaporthe/Phomopsis complex (D/P) is a group of soybean seed‐borne fungi. The use of chemical fungicides, either for seed treatment or during the crop cycle, is the most adopted practice for treating fungal diseases caused by this complex. Worldwide, there is a search for alternative seed treatments that are less harmful to the environment than chemicals. Non‐thermal plasma (NTP) is a novel seed treatment technology for pathogen removal. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of NTP on the in vitro performance of pure cultures of Diaporthe longicolla and elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects.RESULTSActive D. longicolla mycelium, growing in vitro, was exposed to different NTP treatments, employing a dielectric barrier discharge arrangement with different carrier gases (N2 or O2). Fungal growth, fresh biomass and colony appearance were negatively affected by plasma treatments (TN3 and TO3). Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities were higher in plasma‐treated colonies comparison with non‐exposed colonies (control). Fungal asexual spores (conidia) were also exposed to NTP, showing high susceptibility.CONCLUSIONExposure of D. longicolla colonies to NTP severely compromised fungal biology. Ozone production during treatment and lipid peroxidation of fungal cell membranes appeared to be involved in the observed effects. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of natural pathogens from wild Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Bing Xiao‐Li , Winkler Jessica , Gerlach Joseph , Loeb Gregory , Buchon Nicolas 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDDrosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (spotted wing drosophila), an invasive species, has recently become a significant global pest of soft‐skinned fruits such as berries. Unlike other Drosophila species, female D. suzukii have evolved a specialized sharp, serrated ovipositor that pierces and penetrates ripe and ripening fruits, causing them to lose commercial value and preventing their sale. A first step for the development of biological control agents for pest management may be achieved through the identification of microbes infectious for D. suzukii in the wild.RESULTSWe first determined that D. suzukii is susceptible to chemicals commonly used to rear Drosophilids in the laboratory and established a diet able to sustain healthy D. suzukii growth. Using this diet, we demonstrated that of 25 species of culturable bacteria and fungi isolated from field‐collected D. suzukii, eight microbes decreased host survival when injected. Three of the eight bacteria (Alcaligenes faecalis, Achromobacter spanius and Serratia marcescens) were acutely pathogenic to both D. suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster adults by injection. Feeding of these bacteria resulted in susceptibility only in larvae.CONCLUSIONWe successfully identified multiple microbes from field‐collected D. suzukii that are pathogenic to both larvae and adults through different routes of infection, some of which could be candidates for biocontrol of this species. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Beyond Ones and Zeros: Conceptualizing Cyber Crises
Authors: Prevezianou Maria F. 
Published: December 2020

The parallel universe of cyberspace, created by computer networks, ones, and zeros, has changed the rules of the game. It would be inevitable for crisis management research to remain unaffected by the new challenges arising. The present article delves into the underexplored concept of cyber crises, by initiating an academic problematization of crisis conceptualization. Drawing from transboundary crisis management theory, it examines two major cyberattacks, the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack and the 2016 hacking of the DNC, and explores an empirical puzzle: why are these cases not characterized as crises even though they fit already existing definitions? The article contributes to the theory of transboundary crises by shedding light on previously overlooked cyber crisis characteristics and attempting to propose a definition of cyber crises. The way we perceive crises has a direct impact on how we manage them. Broadening the research agenda and understanding the concept of a cyber crisis could pave the way for a more effective and proactive response to new threats, which is what the following pages attempt to demonstrate.
An adaptive nonparametric exponentially weighted moving average control chart with dynamic sampling intervals
Authors: Liu Liu , Peng Qing , Lai Xin , Deng Zepei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNonparametric statistical control charts have been widely studied over the past decade. The variable sampling intervals (VSIs) methods have been found to exhibit superior performance compared to the traditional fixed sampling policy in this area. In previous VSI studies, the sampling interval function d(·) realized only two distinct values. Limiting the selection of the sampling interval to two fixed values may not be reasonable, especially when the monitoring statistic value is at the edge or near the middle of these two intervals so that the advantages of VSI methods cannot be fully reflected. Therefore, we propose a nonparametric exponentially weighed moving average control chart with a dynamic sampling interval in this article, in which the dynamic sampling interval is an extension of two fixed sampling intervals. The dynamic sampling interval can be continuous valued and is determined by an indicator of the magnitude of the unknown shift. This chart can efficiently detect various magnitudes of shifts and performs robustly for different distributions according to simulation studies. The small computational cost indicates that the method is applicable for monitoring large data streams. Data from an aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufacturing process are used to illustrate the implementation of this chart.
Comparisons of zero‐augmented continuous regression models from a Bayesian perspective
Authors: Ye Tairan , Lachos Victor H. , Wang Xiaojing , Dey Dipak K. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryThe two‐part model and the Tweedie model are two essential methods to analyze the positive continuous and zero‐augmented responses. Compared with other continuous zero‐augmented models, the zero‐augmented gamma model (ZAG) demonstrates its performance on the mass zeros data. In this article, we compare the Bayesian model for continuous data of excess zeros by considering the ZAG and Tweedie model. We model the mean of both models in a logarithmic scale and the probability of zero within the zero‐augmented model in a logit scale. As previous researchers employed different priors in Bayesian settings for the Tweedie model, by conducting a sensitivity analysis, we select the optimal priors for Tweedie model. Furthermore, we present a simulation study to evaluate the performance of two models in the comparison and apply them to a dataset about the daily fish intake and blood mercury levels from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. According to the Watanabe‐Akaike information criterion and leave‐one‐out cross‐validation criterion, the Tweedie model provides higher predictive accuracy for the positive continuous and zero‐augmented data.
Analysis of RC structures with different design mistakes under explosive based demolition
Authors: Özmen Hakan , Soyluk Kurtuluş , Anil Özgür 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMost of the RC buildings in Turkey have reached the end of their economic lifespan, so urban transformation studies have been accelerated in recent years. Considering the fact that these buildings do not meet the construction regulations and have structural defects in terms of earthquake resistance is concluded the necessity of renewal of this building stock. For this reason, it is needed to study the explosive based demolition technique, which have been widely used in the future in Turkey. The aim of this study is to analyze the structural behavior of buildings planed for demolition by using explosive materials and demonstrating the effect of structural faults on the demolition process. In this context, the effect of structural defects on structural behavior is investigated under explosive based demolition for a typical RC framed building model. Within the scope of the study, it is aimed to investigate the effects of design errors frequently encountered in reinforced concrete structures during the demolition of the building using explosives. The main objective of the study is to determine the effects of design errors, which may be present in the building on important results such as demolition of reinforced concrete structures that are planned to be demolished in two different types using an explosive inside or towards a selected direction, distribution of the parts scattered after demolition and the demolition time. In this way, it is aimed to prevent accidents or unwanted demolition patterns that may occur in demolition works of reinforced concrete structures with design errors. A 12‐storey square building in plan with 6x6 axles (5 m axle opening) is selected as a structural system. The selected structure has been designed with Ide Static Structural Analysis Program. The same structure is also modeled with extreme loading for structures (ELS) program for low concrete strengths, reinforcement defects, and locally located structural defects considering inside and side demolition used explosives. All building models have been subjected to the same blast planning. It is observed that reduced the concrete strength and reinforcement faults shorten the time of destruction of buildings scheduled for demolition by using explosive materials and all the structural defects effect the debris affecting area. It is generally concluded that, all the structural defects are affective on the structural behavior of buildings under explosive based demolition.
Silica‐Based Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Vehicles for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Authors: Tiburcius Steffi , Krishnan Kannan , Yang Jae‐Hun , Hashemi Fatemeh , Singh Gurwinder , Radhakrishnan Deepika , Trinh Hoang Trung , Verrills Nicole M. , Karakoti Ajay , Vinu Ajayan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and is the fifth common cause of cancer‐related mortality in men. Current methods for PCa treatment are insufficient owing to the challenges related to the non‐specificity, instability and side effects caused by the drugs and therapy agents. These drawbacks can be mitigated by the design of a suitable drug delivery system that can ensure targeted delivery and minimise side effects. Silica based nanoparticles (SBNPs) have emerged as one of the most versatile materials for drug delivery due to their tunable porosities, high surface area and tremendous capacity to load various sizes and chemistry of drugs. This review gives a brief overview of the diagnosis and current treatment strategies for PCa outlining their existing challenges. It critically analyzes the design, development and application of pure, modified and hybrid SBNPs based drug delivery systems in the treatment of PCa, their advantages and limitations.
Talking About Books: Scaffolding Deep Discussions
Authors: Pierce Kathryn Mitchell , Gilles Carol 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEven though student‐led small‐group book discussions about fiction have been a curricular staple, teachers still contend with surface‐level discussions and students who have difficulty with creating meaning together. Based on their previous findings, the authors explore building a foundation for discussions (for teachers new to literature study) and scaffolding deeper discussions (for teachers working on deeper, dialogic discussions). Suggestions emphasize scaffolding students to expand their perspectives, become more metacognitive, and use transmediation to communicate the abstract. The activities/strategies taken together demonstrate that teachers have a dual responsibility in their classrooms: teaching students how to engage in deeper conversations and helping students value what can be accomplished through them. When teachers commit to this dual responsibility, students are more able to learn deeply.
Distribution and ultrastructural localization of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the rat brain
Authors: Farkas Erzsébet , Szilvásy-Szabó Anett , Ruska Yvette , Sinkó Richárd , Rasch Morten Grønbech , Egebjerg Thomas , Pyke Charles , Gereben Balázs , Knudsen Lotte Bjerre , Fekete Csaba 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGlucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) inhibits food intake and regulates glucose homeostasis. These actions are at least partly mediated by central GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R). Little information is available, however, about the subcellular localization and the distribution of the GLP-1R protein in the rat brain. To determine the localization of GLP-1R protein in the rat brain, immunocytochemistry was performed at light and electron microscopic levels. The highest density of GLP-1R-immunoreactivity was observed in the circumventricular organs and regions in the vicinity of these areas like in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). In addition, GLP-1R-immunreactive (IR) neuronal profiles were also observed in a number of telencephalic, diencephalic and brainstem areas and also in the cerebellum. Ultrastructural examination of GLP-1R-immunoreactivity in energy homeostasis related regions showed that GLP-1R immunoreactivity is associated with the membrane of perikarya and dendrites but GLP-1R can also be observed inside and on the surface of axon varicosities and axon terminals. In conclusion, in this study we provide a detailed map of the GLP-1R-IR structures in the CNS. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in addition to the perikaryonal and dendritic distribution, GLP-1R is also present in axonal profiles suggesting a presynaptic action of GLP-1. The very high concentration of GLP-1R-profiles in the circumventricular organs and in the ARC and NTS suggests that peripheral GLP-1 may influence brain functions via these brain areas.