bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of reproductive output on divorce rates in polar seabirds
Authors: Mercier Guillaume , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Descamps Sébastien 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe high occurrence of social monogamy in birds has led to questions about partner fidelity, or the perennial nature of monogamy from one breeding season to another. Despite the evolutionary advantages of partner fidelity, divorce occurs among 95% of bird species. We aimed to describe patterns of divorce and partner fidelity in five seabird species breeding in Arctic and Antarctic regions and investigated the influence of breeding status on pair bond maintenance. For four out of the five species considered, we observed low divorce rates (respectively 1.9%, 3.3%, 2.5%, and 0.0% for Brünnich's guillemot, glaucous gull, Antarctic petrel, and south polar skua), while the divorce rate was much higher (19.1%) for the black‐legged kittiwake. For kittiwakes, the divorce rate was lower for pairs that managed to raise their chick to 15 days of age, while the effect of breeding success on divorce in the four other species could not be tested due to the rareness of divorce events. Our results emphasize the potentially large temporal (interannual) variations that should be taken into account in understanding divorce and partner fidelity in seabirds.
Identifying existing management practices in the control of Striga asiatica within rice–maize systems in mid‐west Madagascar
Authors: Scott Donald , Scholes Julie Diane , Randrianjafizanaka Meva Tahiry , Randriamampianina Jean Augustin , Autfray Patrice , Freckleton Robert P. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractInfestations by the parasitic weed genus Striga result in significant losses to cereal crop yields across sub‐Saharan Africa. The problem disproportionately affects subsistence farmers who frequently lack access to novel technologies. Effective Striga management therefore requires the development of strategies utilizing existing cultural management practices. We report a multiyear, landscape‐scale monitoring project for Striga asiatica in the mid‐west of Madagascar, undertaken over 2019–2020 with the aims of examining cultural, climatic, and edaphic factors currently driving abundance and distribution. Long‐distance transects were established across the middle‐west region of Madagascar, over which S. asiatica abundance in fields was estimated. Analysis of the data highlights the importance of crop variety and legumes in driving Striga density. Moreover, the dataset revealed significant effect of precipitation seasonality, mean temperature, and altitude in determining abundance. A composite management index indicated the effect of a range of cultural practices on changes in Striga abundance. The findings support the assertion that single measures are not sufficient for the effective, long‐term management of Striga. Furthermore, the composite score has potential as a significant guide of integrated Striga management beyond the geographic range of this study.
Neutral theory reveals the challenge of bending the curve for the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
Authors: Buschke Falko T. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn October, nations of the world will begin negotiations for the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity. An influential ambition is “bending the curve of biodiversity loss,” which aims to reverse the decline of global biodiversity indicators. A second relevant, yet less prominent, milestone is the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography. Here, I apply neutral theory to show how global biodiversity indicators for population size (Living Planet Index) and extinction threat (Red List Index) decline under neutral ecological drift. This demonstrates that declining indicators are not solely caused by deterministic species‐specific or geographical patterns of biodiversity loss. Instead, indicators are sensitive to nondirectional stochasticity. Thus, “bending the curve” could be assessed relative to a counterfactual based on neutral theory, rather than static baselines. If used correctly, the 20‐year legacy of neutral theory can be extended to make a valuable contribution to the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
Population structure of chum salmon and selection on the markers collected for stock identification
Authors: Kitada Shuichi , Kishino Hirohisa 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGenetic stock identification (GSI) is a major management tool of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus Spp.) that has provided rich genetic baseline data of allozymes, microsatellites, and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the Pacific Rim. Here, we analyzed published data sets for adult chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), namely 10 microsatellites, 53 SNPs, and a mitochondrial DNA locus (mtDNA3, control region, and NADH‐3 combined) in samples from 495 locations in the same distribution range (n = 61,813). TreeMix analysis of the microsatellite loci identified the greatest convergence toward Japanese/Korean populations and suggested two admixture events from Japan/Korea to Russia and the Alaskan Peninsula. The SNPs had been purposively collected from rapidly evolving genes to increase the power of GSI. The largest expected heterozygosity was observed in Japanese/Korean populations for microsatellites, whereas it was largest in Western Alaskan populations for SNPs, reflecting the SNP discovery process. A regression of SNP population structures on those of microsatellites indicated the selection of the SNP loci according to deviations from the predicted structures. Specifically, we matched the sampling locations of the SNPs with those of the microsatellites and performed regression analyses of SNP allele frequencies on a 2‐dimensional scaling (MDS) of matched locations obtained from microsatellite pairwise FST values. The MDS first axis indicated a latitudinal cline in American and Russian populations, whereas the second axis showed differentiation of Japanese/Korean populations. The top five outlier SNPs included mtDNA3, U502241 (unknown), GnRH373, ras1362, and TCP178, which were identified by principal component analysis. We summarized the functions of 53 nuclear genes surrounding SNPs and the mtDNA3 locus by referring to a gene database system and propose how they may influence the fitness of chum salmon.
Prevalence, clinical and instrumental features of left bundle branch block‐induced cardiomyopathy: the CLIMB registry
Authors: Sanna Giuseppe D. , De Bellis Annamaria , Zecchin Massimo , Beccu Eleonora , Carta Patrizia , Moccia Eleonora , Canonico Mario E. , Parodi Guido , Sinagra Gianfranco , Merlo Marco 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsAlthough increasingly recognized as a distinct pathological entity, left bundle branch block‐induced cardiomyopathy (LBBB‐ICMP) is not included among the possible aetiologies of acquired dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM). While diagnostic criteria have been proposed, its recognition remains principally retrospective, in the presence of clinical and instrumental red flags. We aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical and instrumental features of LBBB‐ICMP in a large cohort of patients with DCM.Methods and resultsWe analysed a cohort of 242 DCM patients from a two‐centre registry. Inclusion criteria were age > 18, non‐ischaemic or non‐valvular DCM, and LBBB on electrocardiogram. LBBB‐ICMP was defined according to previously proposed diagnostic criteria: (i) neither family history nor clinically identifiable potential causes for DCM; (ii) negative genetic testing; (iii) echocardiographic features including non‐severe chamber dilation, normal absolute and relative wall thickness, marked dyssynchrony, and normal right ventricular function; and (iv) absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). From the entire cohort, we identified 30 subjects (similar in terms of New York Heart Association class I or II in 80% vs. 75%, P = 0.56; QRS width of 150 ± 22 vs. 151 ± 24 ms, P = 0.82; and cardiac remodelling of baseline end‐diastolic diameter 66 ± 8 vs. 65 ± 10 mm, P = 0.53) with a comprehensive dataset including CMR and genetic testing, required to verify the presence of the diagnostic criteria proposed for LBBB‐ICMP. The main characteristics of this subgroup were 73% males, age 45 ± 13 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 30 ± 10%, LGE in 38% of patients, and QRS complex of 150 ± 22 ms. Patients were under guideline‐directed medical therapy, and 57% of them were treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Two patients (6.67%, 50% males, age 53 ± 13 years) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria proposed for LBBB‐ICMP. After a follow‐up of 44 (12–76) months, LVEF was normal and QRS width significantly reduced (from 154 ± 25 to 116 ± 52 ms) in patients with LBBB‐ICMP. Both patients were under optimal medical treatment, and one was implanted with CRT‐D. Neither of the two patients experienced death, malignant ventricular arrhythmia, or heart failure hospitalization at follow‐up.ConclusionsLeft bundle branch block‐induced cardiomyopathy emerges as a distinct pathological entity, promptly identifiable in a minority but not negligible proportion of patients with newly diagnosed DCM and LBBB, using a series of diagnostic criteria including CMR and genetic testing. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the clinical course of LBBB‐ICMP.
Peripheral microvascular dysfunction is associated with plaque progression and adverse long‐term outcomes in heart transplant patients
Authors: Ozcan Ilke , Toya Takumi , Corban Michel T. , Ahmad Ali , Lerman Lilach O. , Kushwaha Sudhir S. , Lerman Amir 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsCardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is the major cause of increased morbidity and mortality after heart transplantation. Peripheral endothelial dysfunction (PED) is associated with early atherosclerosis and future risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in non‐heart transplant population. We aimed to investigate the association of PED with future MACE, and plaque progression assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) after heart transplantation.Methods and resultsWe included 66 transplant patients who underwent serial IVUS surveillance for CAV and baseline assessment of peripheral endothelial function using reactive hyperaemia peripheral arterial tonometry. PED was defined as reactive hyperaemia index < 2. The primary endpoint of the study was to investigate the association of PED with CAV progression assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). CAV progression was assessed as the change (Δ) in plaque volume divided by segment length, and Δ plaque index (plaque volume/vessel volume), adjusted for the time between IVUS measurements (median 3.0 [2.2, 3.1] years). The secondary endpoint was to investigate the association between PED and future MACE, which was defined as any incident of revascularization, heart failure hospitalization, stroke, myocardial infarction, re‐transplantation, and death. Patients with PED (n = 27) had more yearly plaque progression (0.50 ± 0.66 vs. 0.15 ± 0.50 mm3/mm/year, P = 0.02) and a higher Δ plaque index (2.41 ± 2.53% vs. 0.69 ± 2.22%, P = 0.01). Patients with PED were more likely to experience MACE during a median follow‐up of 8.2 years (interquartile range [7.6, 8.4]), after adjustment for potential cofounders such as age, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, total rejection score, baseline International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation CAV grade, and indication of transplantation. (hazard ratio 2.15, 95% confidence interval [1.09, 4.23], P = 0.03).ConclusionsPeripheral endothelial dysfunction is associated with increased plaque progression and adverse long‐term cardiovascular outcomes in transplant patients. PED assessment might be a useful clinical tool for risk stratification after heart transplantation.
Highly Emissive Cerium(III) Thiocyanate Complexes Reevaluated Using a Silane‐Treated Quartz Cell
Authors: Kuramochi Yusuke , Ohminato Kotaro , Sayama Shunsuke , Satake Akiharu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe found that Ce(III) ion is oxidized to form Ce(IV) ion on a quartz cell in air‐saturated organic solvents, causing a strong absorption that overlaps with the absorption of the Ce(III) complex. Due to the strong absorption, the emission quantum yield (Φem) of the luminescent Ce(III) complex was underestimated. A silane treatment on the quartz cell, which prevents the formation of the Ce(IV) species even in air, and titration experiments under an Ar atmosphere enabled correct evaluation of the luminescent properties where the Φem of an electrically neutral Ce(SCN)3 reached 91 % in acetonitrile.
Artificial Chemical Nuclease and Cytotoxic Activity of a Mononuclear Copper(I) Complex and a Related Binuclear Double‐Stranded Helicate
Authors: Levín Pedro , Balsa Lucía M. , Silva Carlos P. , Herzog Austin E. , Vega Andrés , Pavez Jorge , León Ignacio E. , Lemus Luis 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCopper complexes are promising candidates for anticancer drugs, because of their redox properties and the ability to generate ROS (reactive oxygen species) in the cellular media. Most of the reported complexes with anticancer properties are based on Cu(II), which must be reduced to Cu(I) to exert the therapeutic action. Here, we report on the synthesis and characterization of two novel copper(I) complexes, a mononuclear complex [Cu(L1)2](ClO4) (1) and a binuclear helicate [Cu2(L2)2](ClO4)2 (2) (L1=2‐ethoxy‐1,10‐phenanthroline, L2=1,2‐bis((1,10‐phenanthrolin‐2‐yl)oxy)ethane), which were designed to be structurally comparable, in order to evaluate the effect of nuclearity on the artificial nuclease activity. The activity of helicate (2) was higher than that of the monometallic (1), and the DNA cleavage mechanism is through the generation of hydroxyl radical in a Fenton‐like reaction, which occurs after oxidation of Cu(I) by O2. Also, helicate (2) showed a higher cytotoxic effect against different cancer cells lines, while both complexes are more active than cisplatin.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Functional Properties of Seed Oil from Four Different Cultivars of S. Wilsoniana
Authors: Wen Shasha , Sun Yiwen , Li Yonglin , Wen Yuxiu , Gao Yuan , Sagymbek Altayuly , Yu Xiuzhu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA study is conducted to explore the under‐utilized resources of Swida wilsoniana seed oil (SWSO). Physicochemical properties of four cultivars of SWSO and their fatty acid composition, phytochemicals, oxidation stabilities, and antioxidant capacities are evaluated. The results indicate that SWSO is abundant in unsaturated fatty acids (76.02–82.43%) and contained a high phytochemical content. Gamma‐tocotrienol (206.03 ± 0.21–215.84 ± 0.17 mg kg−1), β‐amyrin (107.12 ± 0.27–192.30 ± 1.17 mg kg−1), and betulin (32.82 ± 0.59–88.20 ± 0.37 mg kg−1) are major components of SWSO compared to familiar oils. The induction period (5.08–5.80 h) is negatively correlated with unsaturated fatty acid content (r = −0.948**, P < 0.01), particularly linoleic acid (r = −0.938**, P < 0.01). A high antioxidant capacity is observed in SWSO which is primarily attributed to tocopherol/tocotrienol content (0.832*–0.963**). SWSO can be regarded as a new resource and a high‐quality ingredient for dietary foods and other applications.Practical applications: The favorable physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of SWSO indicate that it may be used as a novel and daily edible oil through moderate refining. It also exhibits promise to protect the artery and liver as a special oil for use as shortening and frying because of its ideal FAC and antioxidant capacity. In addition, SWSO may be suitable for the cosmetics industry. Furthermore, more varieties should be obtained to verify and refine the correlations between chemical composition and antioxidant properties. In addition, the specific phenolics in SWSO should be identified to better characterize the relationship between polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity.
Regiochemical Effects on the Carbohydrate Binding and Selectivity of Flexible Synthetic Carbohydrate Receptors with Indole and Quinoline Heterocyclic Groups
Authors: Thakur Khushabu , Shlain Milan A. , Marianski Mateusz , Braunschweig Adam B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSynthetic carbohydrate receptors (SCRs) that bind cell‐surface carbohydrates could be used for disease detection, drug‐delivery, and therapeutics, or for the site‐selective modification of complex carbohydrates, but their potential has not been realized because of remaining challenges associated with binding affinity and substrate selectivity. We have reported recently a series of flexible SCRs based upon a biaryl core with four pendant heterocyclic groups that bind glycans selectively through noncovalent interactions. Here we continue to explore the role of heterocycles on substrate selectivity by expanding our library to include a series of indole and quinoline heterocycles that vary in their regiochemistry of attachment to the biaryl core. The binding of these SCRs to a series of biologically‐relevant carbohydrates was studied by 1H NMR titrations in CD2Cl2 and density‐functional theory calculations. We find SCR030, SCR034 and SCR037 are selective, SCR031, SCR032, and SCR039 are strong binders, and SCR033, SCR035, SCR036, and SCR038 are promiscuous and bind weakly. Computational analysis reveals the importance of C−H⋅⋅⋅π and H‐bonding interactions in defining the binding properties of these new receptors. By combining these data with those obtained from our previous studies on this class of flexible SCRs, we develop a series of design rules that account for the binding of all SCRs of this class, and anticipate the binding of future, not‐yet imagined tetrapodal SCRs.
Organic Transformation of Benzothiophenes by C−S Bond Cleavage Beyond Reductive Desulfurization
Authors: Huang Jirong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAs the analogues of indole bicyclic system, benzothiophenes are often overlooked in organic transformation, and synthetic methods developed mostly rely on the acidic protons at C2 or C3 position, known as C−H functionalization. Complementary to the structural modification of benzothiophenes, C−S bond cleavage can realize the skeleton reconstruction. Reduction of benzothiophenes always involves the C−S bond cleavage, especially in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of petroleum products. Beyond reductive desulfurization, although C−S bond cleavage of benzothiophenes has been achieved by diverse methodologies, there is no systematic review on such topic. Herein, transformation of benzothiophenes via C−S bond cleavage in organic synthesis will be presented along with briefly delineated mechanism.
Synthesis of Aryl Methyl Sulfides from Arysulfonyl Chlorides with Dimethyl Carbonate as the Solvent and C1 Source
Authors: Miao Ren‐Guan , Qi Xinxin , Wu Xiao‐Feng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA new procedure for the synthesis of aryl methyl sulfides from dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and arylsulfonyl chlorides has been achieved. In this strategy, DMC plays a dual role as both, C1 building block and green solvent. Arylsulfonyl chlorides served as the sulfur precursors, and a variety of aryl methyl sulfides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields with good functional group tolerance. Additionally, alkylsulfonyl chloride and dibenzyl carbonate are proven to be suitable substrates as well.
How Lewis Acids Catalyze Ene Reactions
Authors: Tiekink Eveline H. , Vermeeren Pascal , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Hamlin Trevor A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe catalytic effect of various Lewis acids (LAs) on the ene reaction between propene (ene) and but‐3‐en‐2‐one (enophile) was studied quantum chemically using density functional theory and with coupled‐cluster theory. The studied LAs efficiently accelerate the ene reaction by lowering the reaction barrier up to 12 kcal mol−1compared to the uncatalyzed reaction. Our detailed activation strain and Kohn‐Sham molecular orbital analyses reveal that coordination of a LA catalyst to the enophile decreases the reaction barrier of the ene reaction by inducing an asymmetry in the π‐electronic system, which increases the asynchronicity and hence relieves the otherwise highly destabilizing activation strain and Pauli repulsion between the closed‐shell filled π‐orbitals of the ene and enophile. In all, these findings further demonstrate the generality of thePauli‐lowering catalysisconcept.
Fabrication of Translucid Gold‐Nanocellulose Electrodes and their Potential Application as Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor
Authors: Kroff Macarena , Fornazari Ana Luiza , Correa‐Encalada Daniel , Rubio Maria José , Hevia Samuel A. , del Río Rodrigo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this work, we describe the fabrication of a transparent gold electrode based on nanocellulose. The electrode was prepared via electron beam evaporation of gold onto nanocellulose films previously spread over a glass slip. Electrodes with different thickness of Au was fabricated, and the material's optical, morphological and electrical properties were assessed. Finally, as a proof of concept, a possible application of this electrode in hydrogen peroxide sensing was performed. The results show that a thin layer of gold on a nanocellulose translucid film allows obtaining a conductive transparent surface that could be used to design a transparent electrode.
A “Clickable” Electrodeposited Polymer Films Based on 3‐Ethynylthiophene for the Covalent Immobilization of Proteins. Application to a Label‐free Electrochemical Immunosensor for Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus Determination
Authors: Svalova T. S. , Medvedeva M. V. , Kozitsina A. N. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAn original electrodeposited polymer film, based on 3‐ethynylthiophene, for covalent immobilization of proteins via “click” reaction of copper catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition was developed. The best characteristics have demonstrated the layer‐by‐layer immobilized 3,4‐ethylendioxythiophene‐3‐ethynylthiophene composite film. The bovine serum albumin and antibodies have been successfully immobilized on the surface of planar platinum electrode. The approach has been applied to label‐free electrochemical immunosensors for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus determination. The immunosensors demonstrated LODs 7.2 CFU/mL for Escherichia coli and 15.9 CFU/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, linear range 102–106 CFU/mL and could be promising for environmental and food control.
High resolution and rapid separation of bacteria from blood using elasto‐inertial microfluidics
Authors: Narayana Iyengar Sharath , Kumar Tharagan , Mårtensson Gustaf , Russom Aman 
Published: September 2021

AbstractImproved sample preparation has the potential to address unmet needs for fast turnaround sepsis tests. In this work, we report elasto‐inertial based rapid bacteria separation from diluted blood at high separation efficiency. In viscoelastic flows, we demonstrate novel findings where blood cells prepositioned at the outer wall entering a spiral device remain fully focused throughout the channel length while smaller bacteria migrate to the opposite wall. Initially, using microparticles, we show that particles above a certain size cut‐off remain fully focused at the outer wall while smaller particles differentially migrate toward the inner wall. We demonstrate particle separation at 1 μm resolution at a total throughput of 1 mL/min. For blood‐based experiments, a minimum of 1:2 dilution was necessary to fully focus blood cells at the outer wall. Finally, Escherichia coli spiked in diluted blood were continuously separated at a total flow rate of 1 mL/min, with efficiencies between 82 and 90% depending on the blood dilution. Using a single spiral, it takes 40 min to process 1 mL of blood at a separation efficiency of 82%. The label‐free, passive, and rapid bacteria isolation method has a great potential for speeding up downstream phenotypic and genotypic analysis.