bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information in morphological characters
Authors: Yu Congyu , Jiangzuo Qigao , Tschopp Emanuel , Wang Haibing , Norell Mark 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe construction of morphological character matrices is central to paleontological systematic study, which extracts paleontological information from fossils. Although the word information has been repeatedly mentioned in a wide array of paleontological systematic studies, its meaning has rarely been clarified nor specifically defined. It is important, however, to establish a standard to measure paleontological information because fossils are hardly complete, rendering the recognition of homologous and homoplastic structures difficult. Here, based on information theory, we show the deep connections between paleontological systematic study and communication system engineering. Information is defined as the decrease of uncertainty and it is the information in morphological characters that allows distinguishing operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and reconstructing evolutionary history. We propose that concepts in communication system engineering such as source coding and channel coding, correspond to the construction of diagnostic features and the entire character matrices in paleontological studies. The two coding strategies should be distinguished following typical communication system engineering, because they serve dual purposes. With character matrices from six different vertebrate groups, we analyzed their information properties including source entropy, mutual information, and channel capacity. Estimation of channel capacity shows character saturation of all matrices in transmitting paleontological information, indicating that, due to the presence of noise, oversampling characters not only increases the burden in character scoring, but also may decrease quality of matrices. We further test the use of information entropy, which measures how informative a variable is, as a character weighting criterion in parsimony‐based systematic studies. The results show high consistency with existing knowledge with both good resolution and interpretability.
Plant functional types broadly describe water use strategies in the Caatinga, a seasonally dry tropical forest in northeast Brazil
Authors: Wright Cynthia L. , de Lima André L. A. , de Souza Eduardo S. , West Jason B. , Wilcox Bradford P. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

In seasonally dry tropical forests, plant functional type can be classified as deciduous low wood density, deciduous high wood density, or evergreen high wood density species. While deciduousness is often associated with drought‐avoidance and low wood density is often associated with tissue water storage, the degree to which these functional types may correspond to diverging and unique water use strategies has not been extensively tested.

We examined (a) tolerance to water stress, measured by predawn and mid‐day leaf water potential; (b) water use efficiency, measured via foliar δ13C; and (c) access to soil water, measured via stem water δ18O.

We found that deciduous low wood density species maintain high leaf water potential and low water use efficiency. Deciduous high wood density species have lower leaf water potential and variable water use efficiency. Both groups rely on shallow soil water. Evergreen high wood density species have low leaf water potential, higher water use efficiency, and access alternative water sources. These findings indicate that deciduous low wood density species are drought avoiders, with a specialized strategy for storing root and stem water. Deciduous high wood density species are moderately drought tolerant, and evergreen high wood density species are the most drought tolerant group.

Synthesis. Our results broadly support the plant functional type framework as a way to understand water use strategies, but also highlight species‐level differences.
Long‐term changes in occurrence, relative abundance, and reproductive fitness of bat species in relation to arrival of White‐nose Syndrome in West Virginia, USA
Authors: Johnson Catherine , Brown Donald J. , Sanders Chris , Stihler Craig W. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWhite‐nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans which has resulted in the deaths of millions of bats across eastern North America. To date, hibernacula counts have been the predominant means of tracking the spread and impact of this disease on bat populations. However, an understanding of the impacts of WNS on demographic parameters outside the winter season is critical to conservation and recovery of bat populations impacted by this disease. We used long‐term monitoring data to examine WNS‐related impacts to summer populations in West Virginia, where WNS has been documented since 2009. Using capture data from 290 mist‐net sites surveyed from 2003 to 2019 on the Monongahela National Forest, we estimated temporal patterns in presence and relative abundance for each bat species. For species that exhibited a population‐level response to WNS, we investigated post‐WNS changes in adult female reproductive state and body mass. Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat), M. septentrionalis (northern long‐eared bat), and Perimyotis subflavus (tri‐colored bat) all showed significant decreases in presence and relative abundance during and following the introduction of WNS, while Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat) and Lasiurus borealis (eastern red bat) responded positively during the WNS invasion. Probability of being reproductively active was not significantly different for any species, though a shift to earlier reproduction was estimated for E. fuscus and M. septentrionalis. For some species, body mass appeared to be influenced by the WNS invasion, but the response differed by species and reproductive state. Results suggest that continued long‐term monitoring studies, additional research into impacts of this disease on the fitness of WNS survivors, and a focus on providing optimal nonwintering habitat may be valuable strategies for assessing and promoting recovery of WNS‐affected bat populations.
Green‐Emissive Zn2+ Complex Supported by a Macrocyclic Schiff‐Base/Calix[4]arene‐Ligand: Crystallographic and Spectroscopic Characterization
Authors: Ullmann Steve , Börner Martin , Kahnt Axel , Abel Bernd , Kersting Berthold 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe macrocyclic calix[4]arene ligand H2L comprises two non‐fluorescent 2,6‐bis‐(iminomethyl)phenolate chromophores, which show a chelation‐enhanced fluorescence enhancement upon Zn2+ ion complexation. Macrocyclic [ZnL] complexes aggregate in the absence of external coligands via intermolecular Zn−N bonds to give dimeric [ZnL]2 structures comprising two five‐coordinated Zn2+ ions. The absorption and emission wavelengths are bathochromically shifted upon going from the liquid (λmax,abs (CH2Cl2)=404 nm, λmax,em (CH2Cl2)=484 nm) to the solid state (λmax,abs=424 nm (4 wt%, BaSO4 pellet), λmax,em=524 nm (neat solid)). Insights into the electronic nature of the UV‐vis transitions were obtained with time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations for a truncated model complex.
Hierarchical Ni2P@NiFe LDH Heterostructural Nanosheet Arrays for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Jin Xin , Li Jing , Xu Tingting , Cui Yuting , Usoltseva Natalia , An Vladimir , Zhang Xinglai , Liu Baodan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDeveloping efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has been one of the key research topics for overall water splitting due to the increasing demand for regenerated and clean energy. Herein, we report Ni2P@NiFe LDH hierarchical heterostructures in‐situ grown on nickel foam with good conductivity, strong substrate adhesion, special interface engineering and synergistic effects, which enables superior OER performance with a low overpotential of 204 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 33 mV dec−1 in 1 M KOH solution. This peculiar hierarchical hybrid electrode also possesses excellent electrochemical stability and long‐term durability at the current density of 50 mA cm−2 in an alkaline medium. More importantly, the proposed synthetic strategy of hierarchical heterostructures in this work will provide a general path to the preparation of various metal hydroxide catalysts for highly efficient OER.
Nickel(II) Dihydrogen and Hydride Complexes as the Intermediates of H2 Heterolytic Splitting by Nickel Diazadiphosphacyclooctane Complexes
Authors: Kireev Nikolay V. , Kiryutin Alexey S. , Pavlov Alexander A. , Yurkovskaya Alexandra V. , Musina Elvira I. , Karasik Andrey A. , Shubina Elena S. , Ivanov Konstantin L. , Belkova Natalia V. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe interaction of a series of [Ni(PR12NR22)2]2+ complexes 1–4 (where PR12NR22=1,5‐R2‐3,7‐R1‐1,5‐diaza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctane; R1=o‐Py, Ph; R2=CHPh2, p‐Tol) with H2 is reversible yielding the products of heterolytic splitting of dihydrogen in the metal coordination sphere ‐ [NiH(PR12NR22)(PR12NR22H)]2+. Experiments conducted with parahydrogen allowed to see the signal at about −4 ppm corresponding to the metal‐bound H2 in the nickel dihydrogen complex [Ni(η2−H2)(PPh2NCHPh22)2]2+ (3‐H2) – the short‐living non‐classical intermediate, which so far has been revealed only computationally.
Mechanically Interlocked Molecules for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Riebe Jan , Niemeyer Jochen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) carry great potential in different fields of chemistry, based on their specific structures, their internal dynamics, their stimuli‐responsive behavior, and other unique features of the mechanical bond. This minireview presents some of the most recent developments in their use for medical and biological applications. For example, they have been used to influence, enhance or block the action of therapeutic agents to enable targeted drug delivery. The dynamic structural properties have been used to generate switches and transporters, as well as sensors for various medically relevant species. Building MIMs by incorporating biomolecules like DNA and proteins has served as a novel way to control their properties.
Sustainable Cascades to Difluoroalkylated Polycyclic Imidazoles
Authors: Lin Sheng‐Nan , Chen Yu , Luo Xiao‐Dong , Li Yi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe reported herein a visible light promoted difluoroalkylated cascade of imidazoles and alkenes to afford highly functionalized polycyclic imidazoles. This method features a direct radical cyclization of imidazoles with alkenes using BrCF2R as radical sources. The reaction conditions tolerate a wide range of substrate scope and afford the desired products with up to 95 % isolated yield under mild conditions. Radical‐trapping and light‐on/off experiments indicated a photocatalytic radical mechanism.
Dielectrophoresis applications in biomedical field and future perspectives in biomedical technology
Authors: Mohd Maidin Nur Nasyifa , Buyong Muhamad Ramdzan , A. Rahim Ruslinda , Mohamed Mohd Ambri 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDielectrophoresis (DEP) is a technique to manipulate trajectories of polarisable particles in nonuniform electric fields by utilizing unique dielectric properties. The manipulation of a cell using DEP has been demonstrated in various modes, thereby indicating potential applications in the biomedical field. In this review, recent DEP applications in the biomedical field are discussed. This review is intended to highlight research work that shows significant approach related to DEP application in biomedical field reported between 2016 and 2020. First, single‐shell model and multiple‐shell model of cells are introduced. Current device structures and recently introduced electrode patterns for DEP applications are discussed. Second, the biomedical uses of DEP in liquid biopsies, stem cell‐based therapies, and diagnosis of infectious diseases due to bacteria and viruses are presented. Finally, the challenges in DEP research are discussed, and the reported solutions are explained. DEP's potential research directions are mentioned.
The Weight-of-Evidence Approach and the Need for Greater International Acceptance of Its Use in Tackling Questions of Chemical Harm to the Environment
Authors: Johnson Andrew C. , Sumpter John P. , Depledge Michael H. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
As we attempt to manage chemicals in the environment we need to be sure that our research efforts are being directed at the substances of greatest threat. All too often we focus on a chemical of concern and then cast around for evidence of its effects in an unstructured way. Risk assessment based on laboratory ecotoxicity studies, combined with field chemical measurements, can only take us so far. Uncertainty about the range and sufficiency of evidence required to take restorative action often puts policymakers in a difficult situation. We review this conundrum and reflect on how the “Hill criteria,” used widely by epidemiologists, have been applied to a weight-of-evidence approach (a term sometimes used interchangeably with ecoepidemiology) to build a case for causation. While using a set of such criteria to address sites of local environmental distress has been embraced by the US Environmental Protection Agency, we urge a wider adoption of weight-of-evidence approaches by policymakers, regulators, and scientists worldwide. A simplified series of criteria is offered. Progress will require a sustained commitment to long-term wildlife and chemical monitoring over a sufficient geographic spread. Development of a comprehensive monitoring network, coupled with assembling evidence of harm in a structured manner, should be the foundation for protecting our ecosystems and human health. This will enable us to not only judge the success or failure of our efforts but also diagnose underlying causes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2968–2977. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Abstract
Weight of evidence.
Energetic and endurance constraints on great ape quadrupedalism and the benefits of hominin bipedalism
Authors: Raichlen David A. , Pontzer Herman 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBipedal walking was one of the first key behavioral traits that defined the evolution of early hominins. While it is not possible to identify specific selection pressures underlying bipedal evolution, we can better understand how the adoption of bipedalism may have benefited our hominin ancestors. Here, we focus on how bipedalism relaxes constraints on nonhuman primate quadrupedal limb mechanics, providing key advantages during hominin evolution. Nonhuman primate quadrupedal kinematics, especially in our closest living relatives, the great apes, are dominated by highly flexed limb joints, often associated with high energy costs, and are constrained by the need to reduce loads on mobile, but less stable forelimb joints. Bipedal walking would have allowed greater hind limb joint extension, which is associated with reduced energy costs and increased endurance. We suggest that relaxing these constraints provided bipedal hominins important benefits associated with long distance foraging and mobility.
Investigation on the antimicrobial properties of cerium‐doped bioactive glasses
Authors: Raimondi Stefano , Zambon Alfonso , Ranieri Raffaella , Fraulini Francesca , Amaretti Alberto , Rossi Maddalena , Lusvardi Gigliola 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCerium‐doped bioactive glasses (Ce‐BGs) are implant materials that present high biocompatibility, modulate the levels of reactive oxygen species, and exert antimicrobial activity. The potential of BGs, 45S5, and K50S derived glasses doped with CeO2 (1.2, 3.6, and 5.3 mol%) to inhibit the growth of pathogen microbes was thoroughly investigated according to the ISO 22196:2011 method properly adapted. A significant reduction of the E. coli charge was detected in all glasses, including the BGs without cerium. The evolution of pH of the medium not inoculated following the immersion of the Ce‐BGs was monitored. The presence of cerium did not affect markedly the pH trend, which increased rapidly for both compositions. The change of pH was strongly mitigated by the presence of 200 mM phosphate buffer pH 7.0 (PB) in the medium. In media buffered by PB, the growth of E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and C. albicans was not affected by the presence of BGs doped or not with cerium, suggesting that the antibacterial activity of Ce‐BGs is linked to the increase of environmental pH rather than to specific ion effects. However, Ce‐BGs resulted promising biomaterials that associate low toxicity to normal cells to a considerable antimicrobial effect, albeit the latter is not directly associated with the presence of cerium.
The biotin interference within interference suppressed immunoassays
Authors: Kabiri Payam , Weiskirchen Ralf , van Helden Josef 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundReports of false laboratory findings due to a biotin supplementation have raised concerns about the safety of immunoassays. According to current research, biotin is known to cause interference in immunoassays. Since up to 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory results and the significantly increased intake of biotin supplements in the recent years, the reliability of immunoassays is essential.MethodsTo evaluate this reliability two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment 59 interference suppressed immunoassays of the manufacturer Roche Diagnostics were examined regarding their sensitivity to a biotin interference. In the second experiment the pharmacokinetic of biotin was examined by supplementing volunteers with biotin.ResultsA combination of the results of both experiments suggests that a biotin interference in laboratory findings is probable. Contrary to the current state of research on sandwich immunoassays, falsely elevated test results occur more frequently than falsely low results.ConclusionThe interference suppressed immunoassays have shown in the experiment that they are susceptible to a biotin interference. Therefore, laboratory institutions, medical staff and patients must be aware of the possibility of a biotin interference. As a result, Roche Diagnostics may consider reviewing the interference suppression and their indications of the tests.
Electrochemical recovery of low concentration of palladium from palladium(II) chloride of electroplating wastewater
Authors: Mansor Nadia , Mohamed Norita , Mohd Suah Faiz B 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAn electrochemical recovery of low concentration of palladium from a diluted palladium(II) chloride electroplating wastewater is presented. The electrochemical method used was an electrogenerative system which operated with a batch reactor.RESULTSA three‐dimensional cathode material of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) appeared to give the reactor less polarization compared to a three‐dimensional porous graphite and two‐dimensional stainless steel. Mass transport study confirmed RVC as the most suitable cathode in this electrogenerative system. The generated flow current of this system was supported by high performance of zinc as anode, compared to aluminium. Sulfuric acid served as the best cathode activation solution, having the highest recovery rate, with >90% of palladium being recovered in 5 h. Low concentrations of palladium(II) chloride solutions (100–500 mg L−1) were recovered at pH 5. Scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of deposited palladium on the cathode. It was shown that a pure metallic palladium deposits from chloride solution were obtained. Finally, the developed electrochemical reactor was also used to recover palladium from diluted electroplating wastewaters, and the results were satisfactory (>90% recovery).CONCLUSIONThis research shows that the electrogenerative system has the potential to recover palladium from diluted electroplating wastewaters.
Offering preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT‐M) for conditions with reduced penetrance or variants of uncertain significance: Ethical insight from U.S. laboratory genetic counselors
Authors: Porto Anthony , Gaber Caffrey Rikki , Crowley‐Matoka Megan , Spencer Sara , Li Mindy , Propst Lauren 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPreimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT‐M) was originally developed to identify embryos affected with serious childhood‐onset disorders, but its use has recently broadened. Guidance on the use of PGT‐M in the United States (U.S.) is currently limited, with no formal laws or guidelines established on its use. The goals of this study were to determine for which types of conditions U.S. laboratories currently do not offer PGT‐M, to explore ethical considerations U.S. laboratory genetic counselors (GCs) take into consideration when deciding to accept or reject a PGT‐M request, and to explore whether U.S. laboratory GCs believe PGT‐M should be offered for conditions with reduced penetrance or for variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Qualitative analysis of semi‐structured interviews with nine genetic counselors, from five different PGT‐M laboratories, was conducted. Participants were required to be GCs working at a PGT‐M laboratory in the U.S. and either actively counsel patients on PGT‐M or determine a patient's eligibility for PGT‐M. Two participants reported their separate laboratories have no limitations for allowable PGT‐M testing, while the other seven participants representing three other laboratories reported having limitations. The main ethical consideration GCs reported considering when deciding to accept or reject a PGT‐M request was patient autonomy, with a focus on the patient understanding risks of the testing. All participants reported believing PGT‐M should be allowable for conditions with reduced penetrance and VUS, with all participants stating their respective laboratories allow for this currently. However, all participants reported a lack of sufficient guidelines and that having guidelines from a professional organization would be beneficial to their practice. In conclusion, lack of current guidelines in the United States has created discrepancies between PGT‐M laboratories. PGT‐M laboratory GCs support the use of PGT‐M for conditions with reduced penetrance and VUS with informed consent. The need for guidelines is supported.
Facile synthesis of benzobisimidazole and bibenzimidazole‐based bisnitriles as potential precursors for DNA minor groove binders
Authors: Farahat Abdelbasset A. , Iwamoto Satori , Roche Michael , Boykin David W. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe synthesis of bisnitrile derivatives of benzobisimidazole and bibenzimidazole in a good yield is described in detail for the first time. Nucleophilic substitution of 1,5‐difluoro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene using different amines produced the intermediate diamines that were reduced using sodium borohydride/Pd(C) to produce the tetramines. These tetramines were allowed to couple with different aldehydes to produce the final benzimidazoles. In a different investigation, these bisnitrile derivatives will be used to make benzimidazole diamidines that could be used as potential mixed sequence minor groove binders.