bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explaining the birds and the bees: deriving habitat restoration targets from multi‐species occupancy models
Authors: Cole Jerry S. , Siegel Rodney B. , Loffland Helen L. , Tingley Morgan W. , Elsey Erin A. , Johnson Matthew 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRiparian corridors can be highly biodiverse but are often degraded by human activities, and are therefore frequent targets of restoration actions. Yet managers often lack clear guidance on how to conserve or restore riparian vegetation structure and composition to promote wildlife biodiversity, due to the difficulty of balancing the needs of multiple species and taxonomic groups. We used independent multi‐species occupancy models to assess the response of riparian bird and bumble bee assemblages, respectively, to variation in vegetation structure and composition in montane riparian corridors. We sought to identify vegetation characteristics associated with relatively high richness across each taxonomic group to define target conditions for habitat restoration. Riparian bird occupancy increased with more willow (Salixspp.) cover and less overstory cover, while bumble bee occupancy increased with greater flowering plant richness, more forb cover, and less shrub cover. Relatively distinct habitat preferences of bumble bees and riparian birds emphasize the value of managing for habitat heterogeneity to promote biodiversity across multiple taxonomic groups. Multi‐species modeling distills the responses of numerous species down to a single estimate of a covariate effect for an assemblage of species and can provide land managers with empirically derived targets for habitat restoration that will benefit many species.
Migration of soil microbes may promote tree seedling tolerance to drying conditions
Authors: Allsup Cassandra , Lankau Richard 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSoil–microbe interactions have the potential to mediate the ability of tree populations to persist in their current location or establish in new areas. Immigration of microbial taxa from drier conditions may promote seedling tolerance to drying climates. In a greenhouse experiment, we determined seedling performance of Ostrya virginiana and Betula nigra seedlings after experimentally swapping sterilized soils and local and foreign microbial inocula from nine sites over a gradient of precipitation and soil types, in well‐watered and water reduced conditions. Swapping microbial inocula relative to abiotic soils along latitudinal, but not longitudinal, gradients resulted in reduced seedling biomass. Additionally, growth in water reduced conditions was maximized when pots were inoculated with microbes from drier sites. These results suggest that extirpation of local microbial taxa, and/or immigration of novel microbial taxa to a site may be detrimental to plant growth due to mismatches between microbes and soil conditions. However, immigration of drought adapted microbial taxa may provide additional drought tolerance to plant populations facing drying conditions. This work contributes to the understanding of how microbial interactions may potentially exacerbate or mitigate challenges to plant populations caused by climate change.
An additive approximate Gaussian process model for large spatio‐temporal data
Authors: Ma Pulong , Konomi Bledar A. , Kang Emily L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMotivated by a large ground‐level ozone data set, we propose a new computationally efficient additive approximate Gaussian process. The proposed method incorporates a computational‐complexity‐reduction method and a separable covariance function, which can flexibly capture various spatio‐temporal dependence structures. The first component is able to capture nonseparable spatio‐temporal variability, whereas the second component captures the separable variation. Based on a hierarchical formulation of the model, we are able to utilize the computational advantages of both components and perform efficient Bayesian inference. To demonstrate the inferential and computational benefits of the proposed method, we carry out extensive simulation studies assuming various scenarios of an underlying spatio‐temporal covariance structure. The proposed method is also applied to analyze large spatio‐temporal measurements of ground‐level ozone in the Eastern United States.
Temporal and spatial variation of soil erosion in wooded rangelands of southwest Spain
Authors: Rubio‐Delgado Judit , Schnabel Susanne , Gómez‐Gutiérrez Álvaro , Lavado‐Contador Joaquín Francisco 
Published: April 2019

AbstractChanges in land use are common in Mediterranean areas and are reported as having produced changes in the intensity of soil erosion. Dehesas are rangelands with a disperse tree cover, widespread in the south‐western part of the Iberian Peninsula and similar ecosystems are also common in other areas with a Mediterranean climate. The aim of the present study is to analyse temporal and spatial variations of soil erosion rates estimated along three hillsides, located in two farms (Buitrera and Parapuños) in southwest Spain. To understand the temporal variation, soil erosion rates were studied in light of land use‐management changes that took place during the last few centuries. Results indicate very low erosion rates prior to the 18th century in both farms. In Buitrera, a first increase of soil loss rates was identified during the period 1831‐1897, amounting to 7.4 t ha‐1 y‐1. A further increase took place during the 20th century, reaching a mean erosion rate of 29.1 t ha‐1 y‐1. In Parapuños, data points to a significant increase from 1881 onwards, with an estimated mean erosion rate of 18.5 t ha‐1 y‐1. Those increases were presumably connected with an intensification of land use, such as cultivation and excessive livestock populations. Regarding spatial variation, the bare surface and the erosive power of run‐off along the hillsides accounts for 76% of the soil erosion rates dispersion. At a local scale, the variability of erosion rates could not be explained, because of (i) uncertainty related to the micromorphology of the past soil surface and (ii) the role of tillage erosion in the past. However, the results obtained offer valuable data on the temporal and spatial variation of erosion rates in dehesas at the hillslope scale and a similar approach could be used for other rangelands with a disperse tree cover. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of genetic modification and genome editing for developing climate‐smart banana
Authors: Tripathi Leena , Ntui Valentine Otang , Tripathi Jaindra Nath 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBanana is a major staple food crop feeding more than 500 million people in tropical and subtropical countries. Its production is largely constrained by diseases and pests in addition to other factors such as declining soil fertility, narrow genetic diversity in germplasm, and inadequate availability of clean planting material. The impact of climate change, particularly a rise in temperature and drought, is predicted to affect production adversely due to direct effect on plant agronomy and also influence on pathogens, pests, and their interactions with host plants. There is need to develop climate‐smart varieties of banana with multiple and durable resistance to combat abiotic stresses such as extreme temperature and drought, and biotic stresses such as pathogens and pests. Modern breeding tools, including genetic modification and genome editing, can be applied for the improvement of banana bypassing the natural bottlenecks of traditional breeding. Intensive efforts using genetic modification have been made to develop improved banana varieties with resistance to biotic stresses; however, these need to be coupled with tolerance to abiotic stresses. Genome editing, an emerging powerful tool, can be applied for developing sustainable solutions to adapt to climate change by resisting biotic and abiotic stresses. CRISPR/Cas9‐based genome editing has been lately established for banana, paving the way for functional genomics allowing identification of genes associated with stress‐tolerant traits, which could be used for the improvement of banana for adaptation to a changing climate. This article presents an overview of recent advancements and prospective on the application of genetic modification and genome editing for developing climate‐smart banana.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress, a novel significant mechanism responsible for DEHP‐induced increased distance between seminiferous tubule of mouse testis
Authors: Pan Junlin , Yao YuanYuan , Guo Xiuxiu , Kong Fengyun , Zhou Jun , Meng Xiaoqian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDi(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely existed endocrine disruptor, has been concerned for many years owing to its toxicity in male reproductive development. In this study, we investigated the reproductive effects and the mechanism of mouse testis after in uterus exposure to the plasticizer DEHP. We found that the UPR signaling pathway could be fully activated after DEHP treatment. In uterus DEHP exposure significantly increased abnormal morphology seminiferous tubules, expanded the distance between the tubules as well as caused abnormal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) ultrastructure, which could be reversed by 4‐phenylbutyrate (4‐PBA), an ER stress inhibitor. In addition, DEHP‐induced ER stress pathway promoted a decline in protein expression, including cadherin protein N‐cadherin in testis, which could also be reversed by 4‐PBA. Taken together, our results provide compelling evidence that the ER stress would be a novel significant mechanism responsible for DEHP‐induced the increased the distance between seminiferous tubule by reducing the N‐cadherin expression.
Identification of the potential key genes for adipogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells by RNA‐Seq
Authors: Yi Xia , Wu Ping , Liu Jianyun , Gong Ying , Xu Xiaoyuan , Li Weidong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAdipogenesis, a physiological process initiated with the committed preadipocytes expressing adipocyte‐specific genes and terminated in mature, differentiated and functional adipocytes, mainly involved with energy homeostasis. Abnormal distribution‐changes and dysfunctions in adipogenesis may lead to complex physiopathological disorders. However, it remains unclear for the key players working for the whole complex differentiating process of adipogenesis. Here, it investigated transcriptional profiling of adipogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) by RNA‐Seq transcriptome technique. Oil Red O staining assays were performed to assess adipogenic potential. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and lentivirus transfection assays by small interference RNA (siRNA) were conducted to confirm the function of the candidate genes. A total of 1,078 differentially expressed genes shared at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days during adipogenesis from hMSCs, and 706 genes were significantly differentially expressed. It identified 20 potential key genes responsible for adipogenesis with four genes downregulating. The candidate gene, coagulation factor II thrombin receptor (F2R), encoding coagulation factor II thrombin receptor involving with a 7‐transmembrane receptor involved in the regulation of thrombotic response, also known as proteinase‐activated receptor‐1, contributed to adipogenesis, especially at Day 14, by Oil Red O staining, qRT‐PCR, and western blot after siRNA. A unique discovery shed new light to understand the key players of the whole processes of adipogenesis from hMSCs. The gene F2R might be used as an adipogenic marker to provide a potential target for understanding the metabolic syndromes like obesity, type‐2 diabetes, steatosis, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis.
Exosome‐based intercellular communication in female reproductive microenvironments
Authors: Ranjbaran Ali , Latifi Zeinab , Nejabati Hamid Reza , Abroon Sina , Mihanfar Aynaz , Sadigh Aydin Raei , Fattahi Amir , Nouri Mohammad , Raffel Nathalie 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDifferent strategies are applied for cellular cross‐talk and organization in multicellular organisms. Exosomes are a homogenous population of biological nanoparticles (30–100 nm), originated from multivesicular bodies. The exosomes (Exos) could regulate and affect both cellular physiology and pathophysiology in various organs, such as the female reproductive tract, by altering gene pathways and/or epigenetic programming. Besides, engineered Exos have the potential to be used as a novel drug and gene delivery tools. Here in this review, we discussed various aspects of exosome‐based intercellular communication in female reproductive microenvironments. Furthermore, we addressed the findings and issues related to Exos in reproductive biology to give a better view of the involved molecular mechanisms. Moreover, clinical applications of the Exos and their isolation source/methods have been considered to throw some light on the progression of new biological, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches in clinical embryology.
An Integrated Population Pharmacokinetic Model Versus Individual Models of Depatuxizumab Mafodotin, an Anti‐EGFR Antibody Drug Conjugate, in Patients With Solid Tumors Likely to Overexpress EGFR
Authors: Mittapalli Rajendar K. , Stodtmann Sven , Friedel Anna , Menon Rajeev M. , Bain Earle , Mensing Sven , Xiong Hao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDepatuxizumab mafodotin (depatux‐m) is an antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC) designed for the treatment of tumors expressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), consisting of a veneered “humanized” recombinant IgG1κ antibody that has binding properties specific to a unique epitope of human EGFR with noncleavable maleimido‐caproyl linkers each attached to a potent antimitotic cytotoxin, monomethyl auristatin F. We aimed to describe the development and comparison of 2 population pharmacokinetic modeling approaches. Data from 2 phase 1 studies enrolling patients with glioblastoma multiforme or advanced solid tumors were included in the analysis. Patients in these studies received doses of depatux‐m ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 mg/kg as monotherapy, in combination with temozolomide, or radiation plus temozolomide depending on the study and/or arm. First, an integrated ADC model to simultaneously describe the concentration‐time data for ADC, total antibody, and cys‐mafodotin was built using a 2‐compartment model for ADC for each drug‐to‐antibody ratio. Then, 3 individual models were developed for ADC, total antibody, and cys‐mafodotin separately using 2‐compartment models for ADC and total antibody and a 1‐compartment model for cys‐mafodotin. Visual predictive checks suggested accurate model fitting across a range of concentrations. The analysis showed that both an integrated complex ADC model and the individual models that have shorter computational time would result in similar outcomes.
Highly Efficient One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of 2‐Amino‐4H‐chromene Derivatives
Authors: Aminkhani Ali , Talati Mina , Sharifi Roholah , Chalabian Firouzeh , Katouzian Fatemeh 
Published: April 2019

A remarkably efficient three‐component reaction to synthesize 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes derivatives from malononitrile, various aromatic aldehydes, and orcinol was described at room temperature in CH2Cl2 in the presence of catalytic amount of triethylamine. In a facile one‐pot procedure, excellent yields of products were achieved in less than 1 h. Some of the synthesized 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes derivatives demonstrated potent antibacterial activities against Gram‐positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis, indicated by disk method, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration approaches. However, none of the tested compounds expressed any antibacterial activities against Enterococcus faecalis and Gram‐negative bacteria.
Cardiovascular risk factors among ART‐experienced people with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Hyle Emily P , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Martey Emily B , Huang Mingshu , Xu Ai , Parker Robert A , Walensky Rochelle P , Middelkoop Keren 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionPeople with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Screening for CVD risk factors is recommended but not routine in South African HIV clinics. We sought to describe the prevalence of CVD risk factors among antiretroviral treatment (ART)‐experienced patients in South Africa.MethodsWe performed a prospective, observational cross‐sectional study of PWH (>21 years, excluding pregnant women) on ART in South Africa. We interviewed patients regarding CVD risk factors, and obtained two blood pressure (BP) measurements and random/fasting glucose via a point‐of‐care glucometer. Standardized chart reviews provided individuals' HIV‐specific data. We defined hypertension as: self‐reported use of antihypertensives or mean systolic BP (SBP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥90 mmHg (Stage 1) or SBP ≥160 mmHg or DBP ≥100 mmHg (Stage 2). We defined diabetes as self‐reported use of insulin/oral hypoglycaemics or fasting (random) glucose ≥7.0 (≥11.1) mmol. We obtained risk ratios (RR) for hypertension from a multivariable log‐binomial regression model, adjusting for age, sex and diabetes.ResultsFrom March 2015 to February 2016, 458 participants enrolled with median age 38 years (interquartile range (IQR) 33 to 44 years) and median CD4 466/μL (IQR 317 to 638/μL); 78% were women. Participants were on ART for a median of four years, with 33% on ART ≥6 years. Almost a quarter (106/458) met the study definition for hypertension, of whom 45/106 (42%) were previously diagnosed, 23/45 (51%) were on medication and 4/23 (17%) were controlled. Eight participants had asymptomatic hypertensive urgency (BP≥180/110 mmHg). Of the 458 participants, 26 (6%) met the study definition for diabetes, half of whom (13/26) were already diagnosed; 11/13 (85%) were on treatment, of whom 4/11 (36%) had normal glucose. Age was the only significant predictor of hypertension (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.06, p < 0.0001) in the multivariable model.ConclusionsHypertension and diabetes were prevalent among PWH prescribed ART in South Africa with less than half diagnosed, and still fewer treated and controlled. Hypertension was independently associated with age but not with HIV‐specific factors. Screening for and treatment of CVD risk factors could decrease future morbidity and mortality, especially as this population ages.
18F‐Labeled benzylpiperazine derivatives as highly selective ligands for imaging σ1 receptor with positron emission tomography
Authors: Ye Jiajun , Wang Liang , Deuther‐Conrad Winnie , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhang Jinming , Huang Yiyun , Brust Peter , Jia Hongmei 
Published: April 2019

We report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a new series of benzylpiperazine derivatives as selective σ1 receptor ligands. All seven ligands possessed low nanomolar affinity for σ1 receptors (Ki(σ1) = 0.31‐4.19 nM) and high subtype selectivity (Ki(σ2)/Ki(σ1) = 50‐2448). The fluoroethoxy analogues also exhibited high selectivity toward the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (Ki(VAChT)/Ki(σ1) = 99‐18252). The corresponding radiotracers [18F]13, [18F]14, and [18F]16 with high selectivity (Ki(σ2)/Ki(σ1) > 100, Ki(VAChT)/Ki(σ1) > 1000) were prepared in 42% to 55% radiochemical yields (corrected for decay), greater than 99% radiochemical purity (RCP), and molar activity of about 120 GBq/μmol at the end of synthesis (EOS). All three radiotracers showed high initial brain uptake in mouse (8.37‐11.48% ID/g at 2 min), which was not affected by pretreatment with cyclosporine A, suggesting that they are not substrates for permeability‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). Pretreatment with SA4503 or haloperidol resulted in significantly reduced brain uptake (35%‐62% decrease at 30 min). In particular, [18F]16 displayed high brain‐to‐blood ratios and high in vivo metabolic stability. Although it may not be an optimal neuroimaging agent because of its slow kinetics in the mouse brain, [18F]16 can serve as a lead compound for further structural modifications to explore new potential radiotracers for σ1 receptors.
Effects of signal averaging, gradient encoding scheme, and spatial resolution on diffusion kurtosis imaging: An empirical study using 7T MRI
Authors: Chiang Chia‐Wen , Lin Shih‐Yen , Cho Kuan‐Hung , Wu Kuo‐Jen , Wang Yun , Kuo Li‐Wei 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundAlthough diffusion gradient directions and b‐values have been optimized for diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), little is known about the effect of signal averaging on DKI reliability.PurposeTo evaluate how signal averaging influences the reliability of DKI indices using two gradient encoding schemes with three spatial resolutions.Study TypeProspective.Animal ModelFifteen naïve Sprague–Dawley rats.Field Strength/SequenceDKI was performed at 7T using two schemes (30 directions with three b‐values [30d‐3b] and six directions with 15 b‐values [6d‐15b]), three resolutions, and eight repetitions.AssessmentDKI reliability was assessed using voxelwise relative error (σ) and test–retest error of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and mean kurtosis (MK) within gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM). The number of excitations (NEX) was optimized by considering DKI reliability. The influence of the partial volume effect (PVE) was also assessed.Statistical TestOne‐way analysis of variance.ResultsThe 30d‐3b scheme, compared with the 6d‐15b scheme, exhibited apparently smaller σFA and σMK (eg, at NEX 1, in GM, for three resolutions, σFA: 19.9–38.2% vs. 34.2–61.4%, σMK: 6.9–11.4% vs. 14.1–15.4%) and similar σMD (all differences between two schemes <1.6%). The optimal NEX was determined as 2 for enabling a reliable measurement of DKI‐derived indices. The PVE at the lowest resolution apparently increased σFA for both schemes (19.9% for 30d‐3b and 34.2% for 6d‐15b) and σMK for the 6d‐15b scheme (14.7%) in GM, and exerted lower effects on MK values for the 30d‐3b scheme (P > 0.05).Data ConclusionA higher number of diffusion directions would benefit FA and MK estimation. A higher spatial resolution helps to reduce PVE. By using the 30d‐3b scheme, MK is considered a robust index to reflect microstructural changes in GM and WM. We propose a systematic approach to determine the optimal DKI protocols for appropriate preclinical settings.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1593–1603.
Physico‐Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties of Pine Gum/Epoxy Composites with/without Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Negi Ripudaman Singh , Bisht Rajendra Singh , Singh Raj K. , Prasad Lalta 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSilver nanoparticles/polymer composite (Ag‐NPs/PC) may eventually be biodegradable, sustainable, or burned without production of lethal by‐products and can be utilized as packaging and biomedical device applications. Nanoparticles engaged in pine gum (resin and rosin) are preserved for months without any significant effect on particle size and distribution. This paper focuses on the pine gum/epoxy composites with and without silver nanoparticles fabricated by a hand lay‐up technique. Silver nanoparticles are fixed at 0.37% and pine gum varies from 2 to 24% by weight to acquire the best mechanical and wear properties. The result indicates that Ag‐NPs with pine gum (23.7 wt% resin &13.3 wt% rosin) has the best tensile and impact strength reaching a gain of 51.34% and 53.68% simultaneously. Hardness is noted most extreme 17.92% at Ag‐NPs sample (7.4 wt% resin and 3.7 wt% rosin) and wear resist behavior is best noted with neat pine gum/epoxy composite. The antibacterial assay of the Ag‐NPs is done against Escherichia coli and noted that the zone of inhibition is found to be 1.6 cm as compared to inhibition of 0.4 cm for pine gum reaching an advance of 75%. The various arrangements are enhanced and sited on the basis of TOPSIS technique.