bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the molecular basis of coat color in a nocturnal primate family (Lorisidae)
Authors: Munds Rachel A. , Titus Chelsea L. , Moreira Lais A. A. , Eggert Lori S. , Blomquist Gregory E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOrganisms use color for camouflage, sexual signaling, or as a warning sign of danger. Primates are one of the most vibrantly colored Orders of mammals. However, the genetics underlying their coat color are poorly known, limiting our ability to study molecular aspects of its evolution. The role of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) in color evolution has been implicated in studies on rocket pocket mice (Chaetodipus intermediusi), toucans (Ramphastidae), and many domesticated animals. From these studies, we know that changes in MC1R result in a yellow/red or a brown/black morphology. Here, we investigate the evolution of MC1R in Lorisidae, a monophyletic nocturnal primate family, with some genera displaying high contrast variation in color patterns and other genera being monochromatic. Even more unique, the Lorisidae family has the only venomous primate: the slow loris (Nycticebus). Research has suggested that the contrasting coat patterns of slow lorises are aposematic signals for their venom. If so, we predict the MC1R in slow lorises will be under positive selection. In our study, we found that Lorisidae MC1R is under purifying selection (ω = 0.0912). In Lorisidae MC1R, there were a total of 75 variable nucleotides, 18 of which were nonsynonymous. Six of these nonsynonymous substitutions were found on the Perodicticus branch, which our reconstructions found to be the only member of Lorisidae that has predominantly lighter coat color; no substitutions were associated with Nycticebus. Our findings generate new insight into the genetics of pelage color and evolution among a unique group of nocturnal mammals and suggest putative underpinnings of monochromatic color evolution in the Perodicticus lineage.
The importance of environmental conditions in maintaining lineage identity in Epithelantha (Cactaceae)
Authors: Aquino David , Moreno‐Letelier Alejandra , González‐Botello Miguel A. , Arias Salvador 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The use of environmental variables to explain the evolution of lineages has gained relevance in recent studies. Additionally, it has allowed the recognition of species by adding more characters to morphological and molecular information. This study focuses on identifying environmental and landscape variables that have acted as barriers that could have influenced the evolution of Epithelantha species and its close genera.

Our results show that soil pH, isothermality, temperature seasonality, and annual precipitation have a significant phylogenetic signal for Epithelantha. Soil type and landforms are also relevant as ecological barriers that maintain the identity of Epithelantha species.

The variables associated with the soil (pH) have influenced the evolution of Epithelantha and probably in other genera of Cactaceae. Additionally, Epithelantha is frequent in the piedmont and haplic kastanozems. Bioclimatic variables reinforce the recognition of E. micromeris, and E. cryptica as independent species. Therefore, ecology can be considered as a factor to explain the high level of endemism in Cactaceae.
Estimates of resource transfer via winged adult insects from the hyporheic zone in a gravel‐bed river
Authors: Rahman Mirza A. T. M. Tanvir , Negishi Junjiro N. , Akasaka Takumi , Nakamura Futoshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHyporheic zone (HZ) locates below the riverbed providing habitat for macroinvertebrates from where the winged adult insects (i.e., hyporheic insects, HIs) emerge and bring out aquatic resources to the riparian zone. This study estimated mean daily flux as dry biomass (BM), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) deriving from the dominant HI species Alloperla ishikariana (Plecoptera, Chloroperlidae) for a 4th‐order gravel‐bed river during the early‐summer to summer periods. We hypothesized that HIs were an important contributor in total aquatic resources to the riparian zone. In 2017 and 2018, we set parallelly (May to August) and perpendicularly (June to October) oriented Malaise traps to catch the lateral and longitudinal directional dispersing winged adults of A. ishikariana, and other Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Diptera from the river and estimated the directional fluxes of them. We further split the directional fluxes as moving away or back to the channel (for lateral) and from down‐ to upstream or up‐ to downstream (for longitudinal). Alloperla ishikariana was similar to other Plecoptera species and differed clearly from Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera in directional characteristics of resources flux, suggesting that the extent and directions of HZ‐derived resource transfer depend on taxon‐specific flight behaviors of HIs. Contributions of A. ishikariana to the riparian zone in total aquatic C and N transfer seasonally varied and were lower in May (5%–6%) and August (2%–4%) and the highest in July (52%–70%). These conservative estimates largely increased (9% in May) after the supplementary inclusion of Diptera (Chironomidae and Tipulidae), part of which were considered HIs. We demonstrated that HZ could seasonally contribute a significant portion of aquatic resources to the riparian zone and highlighted the potential importance of HZ in nutrient balance in the river‐riparian ecosystem.
One year prognostic value of B‐lines in dyspnoeic patients
Authors: Bidaut Auriane , Hubert Arnaud , Charton Marion , Paven Elise , Leclercq Christophe , Galli Elena , Donal Erwan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsStudies have demonstrated the reliability of B‐lines evaluated by lung ultrasonography to identify pulmonary congestion, but information is lacking about its utility as a prognostic marker of heart failure (HF). We sought to assess the prognostic midterm value of B‐lines in ambulatory patients presenting with dyspnoea, as an additive tool for patient management and to avoid acute HF exacerbations.Methods and resultsA total of 93 patients presenting with dyspnoea (New York Heart Association ≥2) were prospectively recruited in an outpatient clinic, and underwent clinical and echocardiographic evaluation, as well as B‐line evaluation with lung ultrasonography in eight zones. Primary endpoint was HF hospitalization at 1 year. A total of 88 patients were included, age 72.3 ± 9.6, with left ventricular ejection 47.7 ± 28.6%; E/e' 16.9 ± 10.9, left atrial volume 51.9 ± 22.5 mL/m2; peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity 2.6 ± 0.5 m/s, average B‐line count 7.7 ± 10. 8 (9%) patients were hospitalized for HF, seven of which had ≥6 B‐lines. B‐line cut‐off ≥6 (specificity = 66.2%; sensitivity = 87.5%) was predictive for HF hospitalization, with an odds ratio at 13.7 for HF hospitalization at 1 year [IC95% (1.6–117.4), P = 0.017].ConclusionsAmbulatory patients with ≥6 B‐lines have a higher risk of HF hospitalization at 1 year. This study highlights the prognostic value of B‐lines in evaluating HF risk in dyspnoeic patients.
Constant regulation for stable CD8 T‐cell functional avidity and its possible implications for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Gilfillan Connie B. , Hebeisen Michael , Rufer Nathalie , Speiser Daniel E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe functional avidity (FA) of cytotoxic CD8 T cells impacts strongly on their functional capabilities and correlates with protection from infection and cancer. FA depends on TCR affinity, downstream signaling strength, and TCR affinity‐independent parameters of the immune synapse, such as costimulatory and inhibitory receptors. The functional impact of coreceptors on FA remains to be fully elucidated. Despite its importance, FA is infrequently assessed and incompletely understood. There is currently no consensus as to whether FA can be enhanced by optimized vaccine dose or boosting schedule. Recent findings suggest that FA is remarkably stable in vivo, possibly due to continued signaling modulation of critical receptors in the immune synapse. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and hypothesize that in vivo, codominant T cells constantly “equalize” their FA for similar function. We present a new model of constant FA regulation, and discuss practical implications for T‐cell‐based cancer immunotherapy.
Development of a New Voltammetric Methodology for the Determination of Ciprofloxacin in Beef Samples Using a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Nafion and Fullerenes
Authors: Hernández P. , Aguilar‐Lira G. Y. , Islas G. , Rodriguez J. A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA sensitive, selective, and low cost electrochemical new methodology was developed for the quantification of ciprofloxacin (Cip) in beef samples by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry, using a CPE electrode modified with Nafion and Fullerenes (N−F/CPE). The optimum parameters for the composition of the N−F/CPE electrode are 0.19 g mineral oil, 0.01 g Nafion, 50 μL fullerene, and graphite powder 0.3 g. The electrochemical characterization was carried out by obtaining maximum anodic peak current associated with the oxidation of ciprofloxacin at 1.1 V, where the electrochemical process resulted to be irreversible and diffusion‐controlled. The analytical characterization of the proposed methodology was carried out resulting in a LOD of 1.0 μmol L−1, a LOQ of 3.0 μmol L−1, a sensitivity of 0.37±0.006 μA/μmolL−1, and repeatability of 5.38 %.
Disposable and Flexible Electrochemical Paper‐based Analytical Devices Using Low‐cost Conductive Ink
Authors: Fonseca Wilson Tiago , Castro Karla Ribeiro , de Oliveira Tássia Regina , Faria Ronaldo Censi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this work, a simple procedure for construction of disposable electrochemical paper‐based analytical devices (ePADs) by screen‐printing using low‐cost materials and a home craft electronic printer is proposed. The devices were constructed using liner paper as a substrate and carbon ink prepared with graphite powder and wood glue. The ePAD was evaluated as an electrochemical sensor and biosensor. The proposed conductive carbon‐based ink can be easily prepared and is an eco‐friendly and non‐toxic material. The developed ePAD was simple to produce and can be used as a low‐cost electrochemical sensor, at less than US $0.20 per device.
Conductive 2D Metal‐organic Framework (Co, NiCo, Ni) Nanosheets for Enhanced Non‐enzymatic Detection of Urea
Authors: Wang Xiaoya , Liu Bingbing , Li Jie , Zhai Yunyun , Liu Haiqing , Li Lei , Wen Herui 
Published: March 2021

Abstract2D metal‐organic framework (MOF) has potential applications in electrocatalysis owing to fast mass transfer, charge transfer and large specific surface area. Here, we had prepared three conductive 2D MOF based on Ni, NiCo and Co in a simple and rapid way. The 2D nanostructure of MOF was confirmed by SEM and TEM. The chemical composition was studied by XRD, Raman and XPS spectrum. The electrochemical oxidation and detection was investigated through cyclic voltammetry and current‐time method. Their sensing performance for urea was determined by varying oxidation potentials and metal sites. The non‐enzymatic Ni‐, NiCo‐ and Co‐MOF sensors had good catalytic activity for urea. Compared with NiCo‐ and Co‐MOF, Ni‐MOF had a wider linear range (0.5–832.5 μM), high sensitivity (1960 μA mM−1 cm−2), low detection limit (0.471 μM), and fast response time. The sensors had well repeatability, reproducibility, and selectivity to specific interfering species. Furthermore, Ni‐ and NiCo‐MOF modified electrode was also applied to detection of milk samples. The results showed that the recovery was satisfactory, which further confirmed the effectiveness of non‐enzyme sensor. In general, the highly‐sensitive 2D Ni‐ and NiCo‐MOF modified electrode has great potential as nonenzymatic urea sensors for real samples detection in hydrogen energy, clinical diagnostics, and environmental protection, et al.
Octahedral Cuprous Oxide Decorated Flexible Reduced Graphene Oxide Paper for Food Sensing Application
Authors: Song Runmin , Li Zhanhong , Mishra Rupesh K. , Wei Pengju , Zhao Xueling , Zhu Zhigang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis work presents a simple method to fabricate an octahedral cuprous oxide (Cu2O) decorated two‐dimensional (2D) flexible rGOP electrode with filtration and electrodeposition strategies. The characteristic of the Cu2O/rGOP electrodes was recorded by SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The results clearly showed that Cu2O was successfully electrodeposited on the surface of rGOP by controlling the electrodeposition potential without the introduction of any template or surfactant. The electrochemical characterizations of the Cu2O/rGOP exhibited high electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of H2O2. The linear detection range for the Cu2O/rGOP flexible sensor was 5.0 μM to 5.5 mM, with a limit of detection of 1.27 μΜ. Subsequently, the developed flexible rGOP sensor was extended for H2O2 detection in milk samples for avoiding milk spoilage. Such judicial preparation of rGOP as a sensing device will certainly pave the way for various other sensing applications including environmental and biomedical applications.
Characteristic landforms and geomorphic features associated with impact structures: Observations at the Dhala structure, north‐central India
Authors: Singh Anuj Kumar , Pati Jayanta Kumar , Sinha Rajiv , Reimold Wolf Uwe , Prakash Kuldeep , Nadeem Mohammad , Dwivedi Shivanshu , Mishra Dhananjay , Dwivedi Akhil Kumar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGeomorphological study of some of the just more than 200 known terrestrial impact structures has demonstrated that despite extensive degradation, important geomorphological keys, such as drainage pattern, topographic signatures, erosional landforms, and depositional features, can still be assessed. They can provide possible indicators to assist in the recognition of further impact structures, especially on Precambrian shields and cratonic landmasses. This study documents the surface features and landforms of the Paleoproterozoic, about 11 km diameter Dhala impact structure in India. The Dhala structure has an estimated age that is constrained stratigraphically between 1.7 and 2.5 Ga. This structure is deeply eroded, and barely has a morphological resemblance to other known terrestrial or extraterrestrial impact structures. We have analyzed the operative surface‐forming processes for the Dhala area.We demand to continue the in‐depth study of all terrestrial impact structures, especially the pre‐Paleozoic ones, so that geomorphological criteria can be rigorously constrained and applied in conjunction with a priori remote sensing and field data to support the identification of new structures prior to their ultimate confirmation using diagnostic evidence of shock metamorphism.
Setting a Protective Threshold Value for Silver Toward Freshwater Organisms
Authors: Arijs Katrien , Nys Charlotte , Van Sprang Patrick , De Schamphelaere Karel , Mertens Jelle 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Driven by Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 and the European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, we have re-evaluated the available chronic freshwater ecotoxicity data for ionic silver (Ag) using strict data quality criteria. In addition, we generated new chronic ecotoxicity data for species potentially sensitive to Ag (the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus, the cyanobacteria Anabaena flos-aquae, and the aquatic plant Lemna minor) using Ag nitrate as the test substance. The 10% effect concentrations for the most sensitive endpoint per test species were 0.31 µg dissolved Ag/L for B. calyciflorus (population size), 0.41 µg dissolved Ag/L for A. flos-aquae (growth rate), and 1.40 µg dissolved Ag/L for L. minor (root length). We included these values in the set of reliable chronic freshwater data, subsequently covering a total of 12 taxonomic groups and 15 species. Finally, we applied a species sensitivity distribution approach to the data set using various models. The best-fitting model (Rayleigh distribution) resulted in a threshold value protective for 95% of the species of 0.116 µg dissolved Ag/L. This value is considered reliable and conservative in terms of species protection and can be used as a solid basis for setting thresholds for Ag in freshwater after application of an appropriate assessment factor. Furthermore, this value represents reasonable worst-case conditions for bioavailability in European Union surface waters (low hardness and low dissolved organic carbon). Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1678–1693. © 2021 European Precious Metals Federation. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
The role of unmanned aerial vehicles and mmWave in 5G: Recent advances and challenges
Authors: Khan Shah Khalid , Naseem Usman , Siraj Haris , Razzak Imran , Imran Muhammad 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNext‐generation wireless communication networks, in particular, the densified 5G will bring many developments to the existing telecommunications industry. The key benefits will be the higher throughput and very low latency. In this context, the usage of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is becoming a feasible option for deploying 5G services on demand. At the same time, the immense bandwidth potential of mmWave has strengthened its performance in radio communication. In this article, we provide a consolidated synthesis on the role of UAVs and mmWave in 5G, emphasis on recent developments and challenges. The review focuses on UAV relay architectures, identifies the relevant problems and limitations in the deployment of UAVs using mmWave in both access and backhaul links simultaneously. There is a critical analysis of the optimum placement of the UAVs as a relay with a focus on the mmWave band. The distinctive rich characteristics of the mmWave propagation and scattering are presented. We also synthesis mmWave path loss models. Then, the scope of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques as an efficient solution for combating the dynamic and complex nature of UAV‐based cellular communication networks are discussed. In the end, security and privacy issues in UAV‐based cellular network are spotlighted. It is believed that the literature discussed, and the findings reached in this article are of significant importance to researchers, application engineers and decision‐makers in the designing and deployment of UAV‐supported 5G network.
International differences in interspousal health correlations
Authors: Banks James , Kesternich Iris , Smith James P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUsing objective measures of lung function, we document strong positive associations in health within couples in all European countries but large and significant differences in this correlation within broad European regions, with Southern Europe having by far stronger correlations than elsewhere. We analyze potential explanations for such differences, investigating the role of measures capturing current and past health behaviors, early life circumstances of each spouse, and measures capturing assortative mating in multiple dimensions. We show that marital sorting patterns by dimensions of early life health and socioeconomic position, as well as by geographical subregion within countries, are key to understanding the empirical patterns observed.
Dual‐Specificity Phosphatase 9 Regulates Cellular Proliferation and Predicts Recurrence After Surgery in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Kui , Gorgen Andre , Ding Avrilynn , Du Lulu , Jiang Keruo , Ding Yu , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Ghanekar Anand 
Published: March 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (CC) is a common and deadly cancer with complex molecular pathogenesis. Little is known about dual‐specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) in HCC. We investigated DUSP9 expression in human HCC, associations between DUSP9 and patient outcomes, and effects of altered DUSP9 expression on HCC biology. We studied public data sets as well as 196 patients at our institution who had HCC resections. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot demonstrated that DUSP9 expression was increased >10‐fold in HCC compared to adjacent liver and healthy controls (P = 0.005). Kaplan‐Meier and multivariable regression analyses revealed that higher DUSP9 expression was associated with shorter disease‐free survival (high DUSP9, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.9‐2.3 vs. low DUSP9, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.8‐5.0 years; P = 0.04) and increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratio 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.01‐2.67; P = 0.05) after resection. DUSP9 complementary DNA (cDNA) was cloned using rapid amplification of cDNA ends, revealing two DUSP9 isoforms in human HCC cells. Studies of transcriptional regulation using promoter‐luciferase reporter constructs suggested that DUSP9 transcription is regulated by E26 transformation‐specific transcription factors. Proliferation of hepatic cells in vitro was enhanced by lentiviral‐mediated overexpression of DUSP9. In contrast, DUSP9 knockout HCC cells generated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) demonstrated decreased HCC proliferation and doxorubicin resistance in vitro and impaired xenograft growth in vivo. RNA sequencing, gene set enrichment, and network/pathway analysis revealed that DUSP9 knockout is associated with activation of protein kinase activity and apoptosis. Conclusion: DUSP9 regulates cell proliferation and predicts recurrence after surgery in HCC. DUSP9 may represent a novel prognostic candidate and therapeutic target. Additional studies are warranted to further explore the role and regulation of DUSP9 in HCC.
Anionic Thia‐Fries Rearrangement at Ferrocene: A Computational and Experimental Study
Authors: Boston Geanne M. R. , Frank Irmgard , Butenschön Holger 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFerrocenyl triflate (1) and 1,1′‐ferrocenediyl ditriflate (5) undergo single and double anionic thia‐Fries rearrangements at low temperatures in high yields with the latter forming exclusively the respective meso product. The detailed mechanisms of the anionic thia‐Fries rearrangement of 1, as well as that of the double anionic thia‐Fries rearrangement of 5, are examined with the aid of DFT calculations. Functionals, basis set and pseudopotentials applied were selected in accordance with a benchmark using the crystal structure analysis of the prime product 3 of the reaction of 1 before hydrolysis for comparison, which has so far not been reported. The unprecedented meso diastereoselectivity of the double anionic thia‐Fries rearrangement of 5 is shown to be a result of a distinctive degree of chelation arising from two diastereomeric transition states.
Thermal conductivity enhancement for CuO nanoflakes in oil‐based and oil blend‐based nanofluids
Authors: Abutaleb Ahmed , Imran Mohd 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe report the synthesis and characterization of copper oxide (CuO) nanoflakes (Nflks) for thermal conductivity analysis. The synthesized Nflks were used for the preparation of oil‐based and oil blend‐based nanofluids. A dynamic light scattering study was carried out for aqueous suspension of CuO Nflks. The size distribution data show the two peaks emerged at 178.2 ± 31.77 nm and 861.7 ± 248.6 nm. The zeta potential was investigated, and the peak was observed at −46.4 ± 14.3 mV. The average thermal conductivity coefficients were calculated for mineral oil, sunflower oil, and oil blend, which were found to be 0.086, 0.105, and 0.099 W/mK, respectively. Furthermore, thermal conductivity enhancement was calculated, and the maximum percent enhancement was recorded for sunflower oil‐based nanofluid, which was found to be ~20.68% at 0.46 vol%. At similar vol%, the enhancement in thermal conductivity in oil blend‐based and mineral oil‐based nanofluids was found to be 16.14 and 15.73%, respectively. The oil‐based nanofluids are promising in electronics and modern computational devices to minimize the heating effect.