bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Densities of Bornean orang‐utans (Pongo pygmaeus morio) in heavily degraded forest and oil palm plantations in Sabah, Borneo
Authors: Seaman Dave J.I. , Bernard Henry , Ancrenaz Marc , Coomes David , Swinfield Thomas , Milodowski David T. , Humle Tatyana , Struebig Matthew J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe conversion of forest to agriculture continues to contribute to the loss and fragmentation of remaining orang‐utan habitat. There are still few published estimates of orang‐utan densities in these heavily modified agricultural areas to inform range‐wide population assessments and conservation strategies. In addition, little is known about what landscape features promote orang‐utan habitat use. Using indirect nest count methods, we implemented surveys and estimated population densities of the Northeast Bornean orang‐utan (Pongo pygmaeus morio) across the continuous logged forest and forest remnants in a recently salvage‐logged area and oil palm plantations in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. We then assessed the influence of landscape features and forest structural metrics obtained from LiDAR data on estimates of orang‐utan density. Recent salvage logging appeared to have a little short‐term effect on orang‐utan density (2.35 ind/km
2), which remained similar to recovering logged forest nearby (2.32 ind/km
2). Orang‐utans were also present in remnant forest patches in oil palm plantations, but at significantly lower numbers (0.82 ind/km
2) than nearby logged forest and salvage‐logged areas. Densities were strongly influenced by variation in canopy height but were not associated with other potential covariates. Our findings suggest that orang‐utans currently exist, at least in the short‐term, within human‐modified landscapes, providing that remnant forest patches remain. We urge greater recognition of the role that these degraded habitats can have in supporting orang‐utan populations, and that future range‐wide analyses and conservation strategies better incorporate data from human‐modified landscapes.
Squaramate‐Modified Nucleotides and DNA for Specific Cross‐Linking with Lysine‐Containing Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Ivancová Ivana , Pohl Radek , Hubálek Martin , Hocek Michal 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSquaramate‐linked 2′‐deoxycytidine 5′‐O‐triphosphate was synthesized and found to be good substrate for KOD XL DNA polymerase in primer extension or PCR synthesis of modified DNA. The resulting squaramate‐linked DNA reacts with primary amines to form a stable diamide linkage. This reaction was used for bioconjugations of DNA with Cy5 and Lys‐containing peptides. Squaramate‐linked DNA formed covalent cross‐links with histone proteins. This reactive nucleotide has potential for other bioconjugations of nucleic acids with amines, peptides or proteins without need of any external reagent.
Lead Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots To Enhance the Power Conversion Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Guijarro Néstor , Yao Liang , Le Formal Florian , Wells Rebekah A. , Liu Yongpeng , Darwich Barbara Primera , Navratilova Lucie , Cho Han‐Hee , Yum Jun‐Ho , Sivula Kevin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe facile synthesis, solution‐processability, and outstanding optoelectronic properties of emerging colloidal lead halide perovskite quantum dots (LHP QDs) makes them ideal candidates for scalable and inexpensive optoelectronic applications, including photovoltaic (PV) devices. The first demonstration of integrating CsPbI3 QDs into a conventional organic solar cell (OSC) involves embedding the LHP QDs in a donor–acceptor (PTB7‐Th:PC71BM) bulk heterojunction. Optimizing the loading amount at 3 wt %, we demonstrate a power conversion efficiency of 10.8 %, which is a 35 % increase over control devices, and is a record amongst hybrid ternary OSCs. Detailed investigation into the mechanisms behind the performance enhancement shows that increased light absorption is not a factor, but that increased exciton separation in the acceptor phase and reduced recombination are responsible.
Preparation and Pb (II) adsorption in aqueous of 2D/2D g‐C3N4/MnO2 composite
Authors: Guo Jing , Chen Tao , Zhou Xiaohui , Zheng Tao , Xia Wenning , Zhong Chubin , Liu Yaochi 
Published: July 2019

A novel g‐C3N4/MnO2 composite was prepared by in situ deposition of MnO2 on graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets, and its adsorption properties were evaluated for removal of Pb (II) in aqueous. Fourier transform‐infrared, spectrometer scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterization showed the g‐C3N4/MnO2 composite had a two‐dimensional/two‐dimensional (2D/2D) structure with ample active sites. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area of g‐C3N4/MnO2 composites (234.9 m2/g) was 13.5 times larger than that of g‐C3N4 (17.37 m2/g), providing better conditions for adsorption. The adsorption kinetic data were better fitted with the pseudo‐second‐order model. The Langmuir model was more suitable for describing the experimental equilibrium data of g‐C3N4/MnO2, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 204.1 mg/g for Pb (II). The adsorption of g‐C3N4/MnO2 composite for Pb (II) was an endothermic and spontaneous process, and reached adsorption equilibrium rapidly within initial 150 min. This composite was an excellent adsorbent because of its higher adsorption capacity and facile preparation progress.
A comparison of freshwater mussel assemblages along a land‐use gradient in Minnesota
Authors: Hornbach Daniel J. , Hove Mark C. , MacGregor Kelly R. , Kozarek Jessica L. , Sietman Bernard E. , Davis Mike 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Intensive agricultural land use may have adverse impacts on freshwater mussel assemblages.
Before European settlement, the Minnesota River Basin (MRB) was home to dense and diverse assemblages of freshwater mussels. Of the 40 species that occurred there, 43% have been extirpated. the St. Croix Basin (SCB) in Minnesota/Wisconsin, in contrast, has maintained a dense and diverse mussel assemblage, probably owing to the maintenance of a higher‐quality ecosystem.
Mussels were sampled in four rivers representing an agricultural land‐use gradient. Timed searches were conducted in each of three rivers of the MRB, and in one river in the SCB in 2015. These were previously sampled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (1998–2008).
Mussel abundance and richness were lower in the MRB compared with the SCB. There were negligible changes in mussel density in the SCB, whereas abundances declined 17–83% in the MRB over the same period. Rates of decline were greatest for rivers with higher agricultural land use. Individuals of species that inhabited both basins were larger in tributaries with higher agricultural land use.
MRB rivers with increased agricultural land use harboured a greater proportion of individuals displaying opportunistic (low life‐span, age and high fecundity) and periodic life‐history traits (moderate to high growth rates, low to intermediate fecundity, life span and age at maturity), whereas SCB assemblages had a greater percentage of mussels displaying equilibrium life‐history traits (long life‐span, late maturity and low reproductive effort). Also, rivers with higher amounts of suspended sediment contained more individuals classified as disturbance tolerant.
This study provides evidence that agricultural land use contributes to the loss of mussel diversity and abundance, especially in mussel species that are long lived or slow to reproduce. These life‐history traits may be correlated with increased sensitivity to disturbances commonly observed in agricultural basins, including more and larger flood events.
An omega‐class glutathione S‐transferase in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens exhibits glutathione transferase and dehydroascorbate reductase activities
Authors: Saruta Fumiko , Yamada Naotaka , Yamamoto Kohji 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA complementary DNA that encodes an omega‐class glutathione S‐transferase (GST) of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (nlGSTO), was isolated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A recombinant protein (nlGSTO) was obtained via overexpression in the Escherichia coli cells and purified. nlGSTO catalyzes the biotransformation of glutathione with 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene, a general substrate for GST, as well as with dehydroascorbate to synthesize ascorbate. Mutation experiments revealed that putative substrate‐binding sites, including Phe28, Cys29, Phe30, Arg176, and Lue225, were important for glutathione transferase and dehydroascorbate reductase activities. As ascorbate is a reducing agent, nlGSTO may participate in antioxidant resistance.
Battery‐Type Electrode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Zhang Yingbing , Wang Yanfei , Wei Huige 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSodium‐ion capacitors (NICs), as a new type of hybrid energy storage devices, couples a high capacity bulk intercalation based battery‐style negative (or positive) electrode and a high rate surface adsorption based capacitor‐style positive (or negative) electrode, delivering high energy density, high power density, and long lifespan. Since the first NICs have been proposed in year 2012, numerous efforts have been put into searching for appropriate electrode materials to compose NICs devices with improved performance. Especially, battery‐type electrode materials carry greater responsibility on performance improvement of NICs. This review provides an overview of electrode materials for NICs according to energy storage mechanisms with an emphasis on battery‐type electrode materials design and improved NICs performance. Further, future challenges and perspectives of NICs are also discussed.
How much risk can you stomach? Individual differences in the tolerance of perceived risk across gender and risk domain
Authors: Rolison Jonathan J. , Shenton Jeordie 
Published: July 2019

AbstractResearch within the psychological risk–return framework, namely, using the Domain‐Specific Risk‐Taking scale, has led to a conclusion that risk attitude—measured as an individual's sensitivity to the risk they perceive—is stable across people (e.g., gender) and domains (e.g., recreational, social, financial, & health). Risk taking differences across gender and domain have been interpreted in terms of differences in the magnitude of risk perceived (and expected benefit). Yet the Domain‐Specific Risk‐Taking scale items, contrived by researchers rather than decision makers themselves, may have failed to detect differences in perceived risk attitude by failing to adequately represent all combinations of risks and benefits across gender and domains. In Study 1, participants generated their own examples of activities, which we selected among in Studies 2 and 3 to construct a new scale representing various levels of perceived risk and expected benefit. Our findings reveal that women are more sensitive than men to risk they perceive (i.e., are less tolerant of risk) in the recreational, social, and financial domains but not in the health domain. Risk attitude also differed across domains, with participants tolerating more risk in some domains than in others. We conclude that gender and domain differences in risk taking stem partly from gender and domain differences in people's sensitivity to perceived risks. Our findings have theoretical implications for the psychological risk–return framework and bridge with other theoretical approaches, such as the expected utility framework. Our studies also provide a new scale for assessing differences in attitudes toward risk that overcomes shortcomings of existing scales.
Exome sequencing of family trios from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study: Tapping into a rich resource of genetic and environmental data
Authors: Jenkins Mary M. , Almli Lynn M. , Pangilinan Faith , Chong Jessica X. , Blue Elizabeth E. , Shapira Stuart K. , White Janson , McGoldrick Daniel , Smith Joshua D. , Mullikin James C. , Bean Christopher J. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Lou Xiang‐Yang , Shaw Gary M. , Romitti Paul A. , Keppler‐Noreuil Kim , Yazdy Mahsa M. , Kay Denise M. , Carter Tonia C. , Olshan Andrew F. , Moore Kristin J. , Nascone‐Yoder Nanette , Finnell Richard H. , Lupo Philip J. , Feldkamp Marcia L. ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program,   The University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics, Nickerson Deborah A. , Bamshad Michael J. , Brody Lawrence C. , Reefhuis Jennita ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) is a multisite, population‐based, case–control study of genetic and nongenetic risk factors for major structural birth defects. Eligible women had a pregnancy affected by a birth defect or a liveborn child without a birth defect between 1997 and 2011. They were invited to complete a telephone interview to collect pregnancy exposure data and were mailed buccal cell collection kits to collect specimens from themselves, their child (if living), and their child's father. Over 23,000 families representing more than 30 major structural birth defects provided DNA specimens.MethodsTo evaluate their utility for exome sequencing (ES), specimens from 20 children with colonic atresia were studied. Evaluations were conducted on specimens collected using cytobrushes stored and transported in open versus closed packaging, on native genomic DNA (gDNA) versus whole genome amplified (WGA) products and on a library preparation protocol adapted to low amounts of DNA.ResultsThe DNA extracted from brushes in open packaging yielded higher quality sequence data than DNA from brushes in closed packaging. Quality metrics of sequenced gDNA were consistently higher than metrics from corresponding WGA products and were consistently high when using a low input protocol.ConclusionsThis proof‐of‐principle study established conditions under which ES can be applied to NBDPS specimens. Successful sequencing of exomes from well‐characterized NBDPS families indicated that this unique collection can be used to investigate the roles of genetic variation and gene–environment interaction effects in birth defect etiologies, providing a valuable resource for birth defect researchers.
Development of target‐tunable P22 VLP‐based delivery nanoplatforms using bacterial superglue
Authors: Kim Hansol , Choi Hyukjun , Bae Yoonji , Kang Sebyung 
Published: July 2019

AbstractProtein cage nanoparticles are widely used as targeted delivery nanoplatforms, because they have well‐defined symmetric architectures, high biocompatibility, and enough plasticity to be modified to produce a range of different functionalities. Targeting peptides and ligands are often incorporated on the surface of protein cage nanoparticles. In this research, we adopted the SpyTag/SpyCatcher protein ligation system to covalently display target‐specific affibody molecules on the exterior surface of bacteriophage P22 virus‐like particles (VLP) and evaluated their modularity and efficacy of targeted delivery. We genetically introduced the 13 amino acid SpyTag peptide into the C‐terminus of the P22 capsid protein to construct a target‐tunable nanoplatform. We constructed two different SpyCatcher‐fused affibody molecules as targeting ligands, SC‐EGFRAfb and SC‐HER2Afb, which selectively bind to EGFR and HER2 surface markers, respectively. We produced target‐specific P22 VLP‐based delivery nanoplatforms for the target cell lines by selectively combining SpyTagged P22 VLP and SC‐fused affibody molecules. We confirmed its target‐switchable modularity through cell imaging and verified the target‐specific drug delivery efficacy of the affibody molecules displaying P22 VLP using cell viability assays. The P22 VLP‐based delivery nanoplatforms can be used as multifunctional delivery vehicles by ligating other functional proteins, as well as affibody molecules. The interior cavity of P22 VLP can be also used to load cargoes like enzymes and therapeutic proteins. We anticipate that the nanoplatforms will provide new opportunities for developing target‐specific functional protein delivery systems.
Clients' perceptions of unhelpful factors in CBT in IAPT serving a deprived area of the UK
Authors: Omylinska‐Thurston Joanna , McMeekin Aaron , Walton Peter , Proctor Gillian 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAim/PurposeImproving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) is a main provider of psychological therapy for adults within the NHS. NHS Digital (2016) reported the dropout rate in IAPT to be as high as 43%. Proctor (2014) found that unhelpful factors in therapy could contribute to the dropout rate. As CBT is the main modality in IAPT, it is important to explore unhelpful factors in CBT as they might be contributing to the dropout rate in IAPT.Design/MethodologyNine clients (five men and four women) for whom CBT was not helpful were interviewed using a semi‐structured protocol. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.Results/FindingsSix themes have been identified: 1) Difficulties with CBT itself (e.g. identifying and challenging negative thoughts and finding alternative evidence as well as homework); 2) Negative perception of therapists (e.g. queried if therapists were committed and had empathy); 3) Clients’ unhelpful internal patterns (e.g. unrealistic expectations or feeling self‐critical); 4) Physical health, mental health and psychosocial barriers (e.g. feeling too depressed or anxious to undertake CBT); 5) Unhelpful IAPT processes (e.g. difficulties with outcome measures and assessments); and 6) Consequences of unhelpful treatment (e.g. not addressing core underlying issues and clients feeling worse).Conclusions/Implications (including practice implications)The findings indicate that all practitioners should consider unhelpful factors in therapy, as they have potentially detrimental effects on clients' outcomes. Additionally, this research found that therapeutic interventions need to be tailored to clients' goals, internal patterns and preferences. Importantly, it was found that unhelpful factors extend to health and psychosocial issues which should be addressed prior to therapy.
Suppressive effects of N‐bisphosphonate in osteoblastic cells mitigated by non‐N‐bisphosphonate but not by sodium‐dependent phosphate cotransporter inhibitor
Authors: Baba Tomomi T. , Miyazaki Toshihiro , Ohara‐Nemoto Yuko , Nemoto Takayuki K. 
Published: July 2019

There are two types of bisphosphonates (BPs), nitrogen‐containing (N‐BPs) and those free from nitrogen (non‐N‐BPs). Although N‐BPs show greater inhibition of bone resorption than non‐N‐BPs, their effects are likely accompanied with inflammation, which non‐N‐BPs mitigate. We examined the competitive effects of zoledronate (ZOL), an N‐BP, and etidronate (ETI), a non‐N‐BP, in osteoblasts. ZOL, but not ETI, markedly reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and cell viability in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 and Saos2 cells, while that inhibition was relieved by simultaneous administration of ETI, possibly because of competition with ZOL for cellular uptake. However, phosphonoformate, an inhibitor of the phosphonate transporters SLC20A and SLC34A, did not mitigate the reducing effects of ZOL, suggesting that those transporters are not involved in BP uptake in osteoblastic cells. Additionally, ZOL reduced fibroblastic NIH3T3 and C3H10T1/2 cell viability, which was relieved by administration of both ETI and phosphonoformate. Transporter gene expression levels were significantly lower in osteoblasts as compared with fibroblasts, which may account for the distinct effects of phosphonoformate with different cell types. Together, our results suggest existence of a common uptake route of N‐BPs and non‐N‐BPs into osteoblastic cells that is unrelated to the SLC20A and SLC34A families.Significance of the studyN‐BP ZOL was shown to suppress differentiation and viability of osteoblasts. ZOL‐induced cell viability suppression was also observed in fibroblasts, which was markedly relieved by addition of the non‐N‐BP ETI. Additionally, mitigation of the effects of ZOL was achieved with phosphonoformate, a sodium‐phosphate cotransporter inhibitor, in fibroblastic cells but not osteoblasts. Expression levels of SLC20A and SLC34A family genes were significantly lower in osteoblasts as compared with fibroblasts. These observations suggest that incorporation of N‐BPs and non‐N‐BPs in osteoblasts is mediated via common transporters that appear to be distinct from SLC20A and 34A, which operate in fibroblasts.
Tripartite motif protein 52 (TRIM52) promoted fibrosis in LX‐2 cells through PPM1A‐mediated Smad2/3 pathway
Authors: Zhou Ju , Lan Qing , Li Wu , Yang Lin , You Jing , Zhang Yan‐Mei , Ni Wei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTo investigate the roles of tripartite motif containing 52 (TRIM52) in human hepatic fibrosis in vitro, human hepatic stellate cell line LX‐2 cells were transfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicon to establish HBV‐induced fibrosis in LX‐2 cells, and then treated with small interfering RNA‐mediated knockdown of TRIM52 (siTRIM52). LX‐2 cells without HBV replicon transfection were treated with lentiviruses‐mediated overexpression of TRIM52 and phosphatase magnesium dependent 1A (PPM1A). Fibrosis response of LX‐2 cells were assessed by the production of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and collagen I/III, as well as protein levels of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). PPM1A and phosphorylated (p)‐Smad2/3 were measured to assess the mechanism. The correlation between TRIM52 and PPM1A was determined using co‐immunoprecipitation, and whether and how TRIM52 regulated the degradation of PPM1A were determined by ubiquitination assay. Our data confirmed HBV‐induced fibrogenesis of LX‐2 cells, as evidenced by significant increase in Hyp and collagen I/III and α‐SMA, which was associated with reduction of PPM1A and elevation of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), p‐Smad2/3, and p‐Smad3L. However, those changes induced by HBV were significantly attenuated with additional siTRIM52 treatment. Similar to HBV, overexpression of TRIM52 exerted promoted effect in the fibrosis of LX‐2 cells. Interestingly, TRIM52 induced the fibrogenesis of LX‐2 cells and the activation of TGF‐β/Smad pathway were significantly reversed by PPM1A overexpression. Furthermore, our data confirmed TRIM52 as a deubiquitinase that influenced the accumulation of PPM1A protein, and subsequently regulated the fibrogenesis of LX‐2 cells. TRIM52 was a fibrosis promoter in hepatic fibrosis in vitro, likely through PPM1A‐mediated TGF‐β/Smad pathway.
The Effect of Solvent Polarity on Autocatalytic Furfural Production Confirmed by Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Romo Joelle E. , Miller Kyle C. , Sundsted Tara L. , Job Adam L. , Hoo Karlene A. , Wettstein Stephanie G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAutocatalytic dehydration of xylose to furfural was studied in pure aqueous and monophasic organic/water mixtures to determine the effect reaction media and conditions have on conversion and yield. This study identified that the severity (Ro) of the reaction and polarity, as determined by the Hansen Solubility Parameter, δP, strongly correlate with xylose conversion and furfural yield. Increasing the Ro and δP increased both conversion and yield in pure aqueous and organic/water mixtures of sulfolane, γ‐butyrolactone, γ‐valerolactone, γ‐hexalactone, and tetrahydrofuran. Additionally, it was found that at a specified Ro and δP, similar conversions and yields were achieved using different combinations of time, temperature, and solvent mixture. Using principal component analysis and projection to latent structures, a semi‐empirical model was developed that provided estimates of xylose conversion and furfural yield over a range of experimental Ro and δP values.