bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biopesticide-induced behavioral and morphological alterations in the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata
Authors: Barbosa Wagner F. , Tomé Hudson Vaner V. , Bernardes Rodrigo C. , Siqueira Maria Augusta L. , Smagghe Guy , Guedes Raul Narciso C. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Because of their natural origin, biopesticides are assumed to be less harmful to beneficial insects, including bees, and therefore their use has been widely encouraged for crop protection. There is little evidence, however, to support this ingrained notion of biopesticide safety to pollinators. Because larval exposure is still largely unexplored in ecotoxicology and risk assessment on bees, an investigation was performed on the lethal and sublethal effects of a diet treated with 2 bioinsecticides, azadirachtin and spinosad, on the stingless bee, Melipona quadrifasciata, which is one of the most important pollinators in the Neotropics. Survival of stingless bee larvae was significantly compromised at doses above 210 ng a.i./bee for azadirachtin and 114 ng a.i./bee for spinosad. No sublethal effect was observed on larvae developmental time, but doses of both compounds negatively affected pupal body mass. Azadirachtin produced deformed pupae and adults as a result of its insect growth regulator properties, but spinosad was more harmful and produced greater numbers of deformed individuals. Only spinosad compromised walking activity of the adult workers at doses as low as 2.29 ng a.i./bee, which is 1/5000 of the maximum field recommended rate. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that bioinsecticides can pose significant risks to native pollinators with lethal and sublethal effects; future investigations are needed on the likelihood of such effects under field conditions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2149–2158. © 2015 SETAC
Linking drugs of abuse in wastewater to contamination of surface and drinking water
Authors: Rodayan Angela , Afana Shadi , Segura Pedro A. , Sultana Tamanna , Metcalfe Chris D. , Yargeau Viviane 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

The concentrations of 17 drugs of abuse, including cocaine, several amphetamines, opioid drugs, and 2 metabolites—benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, and 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrolidine, a metabolite of methadone—were investigated in an urban watershed that is heavily impacted by discharges of municipal wastewater. The artificial sweetener sucralose was also monitored as a persistent tracer of contamination from municipal wastewater. Monitoring was conducted in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and at sites upstream and downstream of the WWTP discharge, as well as in a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) located 19 km downstream of the WWTP discharge that withdraws raw water from the river. Drug concentrations were monitored with polar organic chemical integrative samplers deployed for 2 wk in the river and in the WWTP and DWTP. Several of the investigated compounds exhibited a decrease in concentration with distance downstream from the wastewater discharge into the river, but there was little attenuation of sucralose, cocaine, benzoylecgonine, morphine, acetylmorphine, acetylcodeine, and oxycodone. Heroin and methadone were not detected at any sample locations. Amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, and 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrolidine were not detected in the samples collected at the drinking water intake. Many of the drugs of abuse were not removed effectively in the DWTP, including cocaine, benzoylecgonine, methylenedioxyamphetamine, ephedrine, and several prescription opioids, most probably because the DWTP was operating at or above its rated treatment capacity. These data indicate that there can be transport of drugs of abuse from wastewater sources into drinking water in urban watersheds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:843–849. © 2015 SETAC
Selenite supplementation reduces arsenate uptake greater than phosphate but compromises the phosphate level and physiological performance in hydroponically grown Oryza sativa L.
Authors: Kumar Navin , Dubey Arvind Kumar , Jaiswal Praveen Kumar , Sahu Nayan , Behera Soumit Kumar , Tripathi Rudra Deo , Mallick Shekhar 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

The present study evaluates the reduction of arsenate (As[V]) uptake in rice seedlings through individual and combined supplementation of phosphate (PO43–) and selenite (Se[IV]) in a hydroponic condition. The toxic response in seedlings receiving As(V) manifested as inhibition in physiological parameters such as water use efficiency, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic assimilation rate, transpiration rate, photochemical quenching, and electron transport rate, along with growth. Arsenic accumulation significantly decreased with Se(IV) treatment (0.5 μg mL−1, 1 μg mL−1, and 2 μg mL−1) in a dose-dependent manner (20%, 35%, and 53%, respectively); however, it compromised the PO43– level and physiological performance. The lower level of Se(IV), (0.5 μg mL−1), was relatively beneficial in terms of reduction in As accumulation than the higher level of Se(IV), (2 μg mL−1), which was rather toxic. Further, decrease in As uptake, replenished the level of PO43– and physiological performance in seedlings treated with As+Se+P compared with those treated with As+Se. However, supplementation with only PO43– (10 μg mL−1 and 20 μg mL−1) along with As(V) was less effective in reducing As accumulation compared with As+Se. Seedlings receiving As+Se+P also exhibited lower thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS) and electrical conductivity levels compared with both As+Se and As+P. Among all the treatments, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was highest in plants treated with As+Se+P. Hence, the higher antioxidant enzyme activity in As+Se+P along with lower levels of TBARS, H2O2, and As accumulation are attributed to the competitive reduction in As uptake in the presence of Se(IV) and PO43–. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:163–172. © 2015 SETAC
Colloidal stability and ecotoxicity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes: Influence of select organic matters
Authors: Cerrillo Cristina , Barandika Gotzone , Igartua Amaya , Areitioaurtena Olatz , Uranga Nerea , Mendoza Gemma 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

In the last few years, the release of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into the environment has raised serious concerns regarding their fate and potential impacts. Aquatic organisms constitute an important pathway for their entrance and transfer throughout the food web, and the current demand for standardization of methodologies to analyze the interactions of MWCNTs with them requires aquatic media that represent natural systems. However, the inherent hydrophobicity of MWCNTs and the substances present in natural waters may greatly affect their stability and bioavailability. The present study analyzes the influence of the most referenced synthetic and natural organic matters (Sigma-Aldrich humic acid and Suwannee River natural organic matter) in the agglomeration kinetics and ecotoxicity of MWCNTs, with the aim of determining their suitability to fulfill the current standardization requirements. Natural organic matter provides increased colloidal stability to the MWCNTs' dispersions, which results in higher adverse effects on the key invertebrate organism Daphnia magna. Furthermore, the results obtained with this type of organic matter allow for observation of the important role of the outer diameter and content impurities of MWCNTs in their stability and ecotoxicity on daphnids. Sigma-Aldrich humic acid appeared to alter the response of the organisms to carbon nanotubes compared with that observed in the presence of natural organic matter. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:74–83. © 2015 SETAC
Biomaterials use in Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda: Access and affordability
Authors: Bakwatanisa Bosco , Enywaku Alfred , Kiwanuka Martin , Lamunu Claire , Mbowa Nicholas , Mukiibi Denis , Namayega Catherine , Ngabirano Beryl , Ntambi Henry , Reichert William 
Published: July 2015

AbstractStudents in Biomaterials BBE3102 at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda were assigned semester long group projects in the first semester of the 2014‐15 academic year to determine the biomaterials type and usage in Mulago National Referral Hospital, which is emblematic of large public hospitals across East Africa. Information gathering was conducted through student interviews with Mulago physicians because there were no archival records. The students divided themselves into seven project groups covering biomaterials use in the areas of wound closure, dental and oral surgery, cardiology, burn care, bone repair, ophthalmology and total joint replacement. As in the developed world, the majority of biomaterials used in Mulago are basic wound closure materials, dental materials, and bone fixation materials, all of which are comparatively inexpensive, easy to store, and readily available from either the government or local suppliers; however, there were significant issues with the implant supply chain, affordability, and patient compliance and follow‐up in cases where specialty expertise and expensive implants were employed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 104–112, 2016.
Silk fibroin sponges with cell growth‐promoting activity induced by genetically fused basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Kambe Yusuke , Kojima Katsura , Tamada Yasushi , Tomita Naohide , Kameda Tsunenori 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTransgenic silkworm technology has enabled the biological properties of silk fibroin protein to be altered by fusion to recombinant bioactive proteins. However, few studies have reported the fabrication of genetically modified fibroin proteins into three‐dimensional spongy structures to serve as scaffolds for tissue engineering. We generated a transgenic silkworm strain that produces fibroin fused to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and processed the fibroin into a spongy structure using a simple freeze/thaw method. NIH3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts grown on bFGF‐fused fibroin sponges proliferated and spread out well, showing half the population doubling time of cells cultured on wild‐type fibroin sponges. Furthermore, the number of primary rabbit articular chondrocytes growing on bFGF‐fused fibroin sponges was around five‐times higher than that of the wild‐type control at 3‐days post cell‐seeding. As the physical properties of wild‐type and bFGF‐fused fibroin sponges were almost identical, it is suggested that bFGF fused to fibroin retained its biological activity, even after the bFGF‐fused fibroin was fabricated into the spongy structure. The bFGF‐fused fibroin sponge has the potential for widespread application in the field of tissue engineering, and the method of fabricating this structure could be applicable to other recombinant bioactive fibroin proteins. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 82–93, 2016.
Wnt Signaling Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation by Activating Canonical and Noncanonical cAMP/PKA Pathways
Authors: Weivoda Megan M , Ruan Ming , Hachfeld Christine M , Pederson Larry , Howe Alan , Davey Rachel A , Zajac Jeffrey D , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Williams Bart O , Westendorf Jennifer J , Khosla Sundeep , Oursler Merry Jo 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Although there has been extensive characterization of the Wnt signaling pathway in the osteoblast lineage, the effects of Wnt proteins on the osteoclast lineage are less well studied. We found that osteoclast lineage cells express canonical Wnt receptors. Wnt3a reduced osteoclast formation when applied to early bone-marrow macrophage (BMM) osteoclast differentiation cultures, whereas late addition did not suppress osteoclast formation. Early Wnt3a treatment inactivated the crucial transcription factor NFATc1 in osteoclast progenitors. Wnt3a led to the accumulation of nuclear β-catenin, confirming activation of canonical Wnt signaling. Reducing low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins (Lrp) 5 and Lrp6 protein expression prevented Wnt3a-induced inactivation of NFATc1; however, deletion of β-catenin did not block Wnt3a inactivation of NFATc1, suggesting that this effect was mediated by a noncanonical pathway. Wnt3a rapidly activated the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway and pharmacological stimulation of cAMP/PKA signaling suppressed osteoclast differentiation; Wnt3a-induced NFATc1 phosphorylation was blocked by inhibiting interactions between PKA and A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). These data indicate that Wnt3a directly suppresses osteoclast differentiation through both canonical (β-catenin) and noncanonical (cAMP/PKA) pathways in osteoclast precursors. In vivo reduction of Lrp5 and Lrp6 expressions in the early osteoclast lineage via Rank promoter Cre recombination reduced trabecular bone mass, whereas disruption of Lrp5/6 expression in late osteoclast precursors via cathepsin K (Ctsk) promoter Cre recombination did not alter the skeletal phenotype. Surprisingly, reduction of Lrp5/6 in the early osteoclast lineage decreased osteoclast numbers, as well as osteoblast numbers. Published studies have previously noted that β-catenin signaling is required for osteoclast progenitor proliferation. Our in vivo data suggest that Rank promoter Cre-mediated deletion of Lrp5/6 may similarly impair osteoclast progenitor proliferation. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Introduced reed canary grass attracts and supports a common native amphibian
Authors: Holzer Katie A. , Lawler Sharon P. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe control of introduced plants is frequently a demanding and expensive activity for wildlife managers. It can be difficult to suppress some well‐established species, and control measures may harm native organisms. Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a common wetland invader that can dominate and greatly alter wetlands. To examine the relationship between this plant and native amphibians, we analyzed field survey data and quantified amphibian‐plant relationships in constructed replicated experimental ponds. Surveys showed positive associations between reed canary grass and the abundance of 3 native amphibians in 62 natural and constructed urban and suburban ponds in Portland, Oregon. Experiments elucidated mechanisms whereby 2 native and 2 introduced plants influenced breeding habitat use and larval performance of the common native Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla). Males preferred to call from reed canary grass, and there was a strong trend for females to lay eggs on the invasive grass compared to other plants offered. Tadpoles had 7 times higher survival in reed canary grass. These patterns were likely due to the morphology of reed canary grass: it provides support for calling males, its leaves and shoots are of ideal size for oviposition, and its branching may provide effective refuges from predators. This study demonstrates that some introduced plants may be beneficial for some native amphibians. Improved understanding of the relationships between introduced plants and native wildlife can help guide management actions by recognizing that the control of introduced plants may not be a priority in all systems. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Diffusion MRI with concurrent magnetic field monitoring
Authors: Wilm Bertram J. , Nagy Zoltan , Barmet Christoph , Vannesjo S. Johanna , Kasper Lars , Haeberlin Max , Gross Simon , Dietrich Benjamin E. , Brunner David O. , Schmid Thomas , Pruessmann Klaas P. 
Published: July 2015

PurposeDiffusion MRI is compromised by unknown field perturbation during image encoding. The purpose of this study was to address this problem using the recently described approach of concurrent magnetic field monitoring.MethodsMagnetic field dynamics were monitored during the echo planar imaging readout of a common diffusion‐weighted MRI sequence using an integrated magnetic field camera setup. The image encoding including encoding changes over the duration of entire scans were quantified and analyzed. Field perturbations were corrected by accounting for them in generalized image reconstruction. The impact on image quality along with geometrical congruence among different diffusion‐weighted images was assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively.ResultsThe most significant field perturbations were found to be related to higher‐order eddy currents from diffusion‐weighting gradients and B0 field drift as well as gradual changes of short‐term eddy current behavior and mechanical oscillations during the scan. All artifacts relating to dynamic field perturbations were eliminated by incorporating the measured encoding in image reconstruction.ConclusionConcurrent field monitoring combined with generalized reconstruction enhances depiction fidelity in diffusion imaging. In addition to artifact reduction, it improves geometric congruence and thus facilitates image combination for quantitative diffusion analysis. Magn Reson Med 74:925–933, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fish and Birds in the Trypillya Economy and Culture (5.4–2.7 kya BC): Evidence from Ukraine
Authors: Kovalchuk O. , Gorobets L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe paper deals with the role of fish and birds in the Trypillya culture, which was one of the greatest Eneolithic cultures within Europe. Analysis of the osteological material (authors' own determination and literature data), as well as auxiliary material – fish and bird images in the Trypillya art – were used for this purpose. As in the case of mammals, the role of different fish and bird species varied greatly among the regions and cultures. Bones of sturgeon, roach, carp, catfish, pike, perch and other freshwater fish species were observed with different frequencies. Analysis of the skeletal remains and data on fishing gear from the archaeological literature indicates that the Trypillya fishing focused on large‐sized fish. The main birds hunted by the Trypillya people were waterfowl (ducks, geese and coot), large Galliformes (capercaillie and black grouse), grey crane and bustard. A characteristic feature of the Trypillya settlements was a large proportion of birds of prey and owls. Remains of domestic chicken from the Gorods'k settlement (late Trypillya or Gorods'k‐Usatove culture), dated as 3212 ± 100 CalBC, were the most ancient remains of domestic chicken found in Ukraine, and probably in Europe. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational scheme for pH‐dependent binding free energy calculation with explicit solvent
Authors: Lee Juyong , Miller Benjamin T. , Brooks Bernard R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe present a computational scheme to compute the pH‐dependence of binding free energy with explicit solvent. Despite the importance of pH, the effect of pH has been generally neglected in binding free energy calculations because of a lack of accurate methods to model it. To address this limitation, we use a constant‐pH methodology to obtain a true ensemble of multiple protonation states of a titratable system at a given pH and analyze the ensemble using the Bennett acceptance ratio (BAR) method. The constant pH method is based on the combination of enveloping distribution sampling (EDS) with the Hamiltonian replica exchange method (HREM), which yields an accurate semi‐grand canonical ensemble of a titratable system. By considering the free energy change of constraining multiple protonation states to a single state or releasing a single protonation state to multiple states, the pH dependent binding free energy profile can be obtained. We perform benchmark simulations of a host‐guest system: cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and benzimidazole (BZ). BZ experiences a large pKa shift upon complex formation. The pH‐dependent binding free energy profiles of the benchmark system are obtained with three different long‐range interaction calculation schemes: a cutoff, the particle mesh Ewald (PME), and the isotropic periodic sum (IPS) method. Our scheme captures the pH‐dependent behavior of binding free energy successfully. Absolute binding free energy values obtained with the PME and IPS methods are consistent, while cutoff method results are off by 2 kcal mol−1. We also discuss the characteristics of three long‐range interaction calculation methods for constant‐pH simulations.
Mass spectrometry based analysis of human plasma‐derived factor X revealed novel post‐translational modifications
Authors: Chevreux Guillaume , Tilly Nolwenn , Faid Valegh , Bihoreau Nicolas 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHuman coagulation factor X is a central component of the blood coagulation cascade that converts, under its activated form, prothrombin into thrombin. Generation of thrombin is the final step of the clotting cascade that leads to the clot by polymerization of fibrinogen molecules into a fibrin network. Today, research of new by‐passing agents of the coagulation may contribute to an increased interest for human factor X, which may, in consequence, lead to the need of a more exhaustive picture of its structural features. Several post‐translational modifications of human factor X such as γ‐carboxylation/β‐hydroxylation of the N‐terminal light chain and N‐/O‐glycosylation of the activation peptide have been described. But, so far as we know, no comprehensive studies of its post‐translational modifications have been reported. In this article we report an exhaustive structural analysis of human factor X by mass spectrometry using successive protein and peptide mapping. Surprisingly, human factor X was found to be mostly O‐glucosylated on its light chain at Ser106 position, Ser9 of its activation peptide is phosphorylated at about 30% and its C‐terminal heavy chain is fully O‐glycosylated at Thr249 by a mucin‐type O‐glycan (HexNAc‐Hex‐NeuAc). The knowledge of these post‐translational modifications is mandatory for the development of recombinant molecules.
Two Hexagonal Series of Lanthanoid(III) Oxide Fluoride Selenides: M6O2F8Se3 (M = La – Nd) and M2OF2Se (M = Nd, Sm, Gd – Ho)
Authors: Zimmermann Dirk D. , Grossholz Hagen , Wolf Sarah , Janka Oliver , Müller Alexander C. , Schleid Thomas 
Published: July 2015

Abstract Two hexagonal series of lanthanoid(III) oxide fluoride selenides with similar structure types can be obtained by the reaction of the components MF3, M2O3, M, and Se in sealed niobium tubes at 850 °C using CsI as fluxing agent. The compounds with the lighter and larger representatives (M = La – Nd) occur with the formula M6O2F8Se3, whereas with the heavier and smaller ones (M = Nd, Sm, Gd – Ho) their composition is M2OF2Se. For both systems single‐crystal determinations were used in all cases. The compounds crystallize in the hexagonal crystal system (space group: P63/m) with lattice parameters of a = 1394–1331 pm and c = 403–372 pm (Z = 2 for M6O2F8Se3 and Z = 6 for M2OF2Se). The (M1)3+ cations show different square antiprismatic coordination spheres with or without an extra capping fluoride anion. All (M2)3+ cations exhibit a ninefold coordination environment shaped as tricapped trigonal prism. In both structure types the Se2– anions are sixfold coordinated as trigonal prisms of M3+ cations, being first condensed by edges to generate trimeric units and then via faces to form strands running along [001]. The light anions reside either in threefold triangular or in fourfold tetrahedral cationic coordination. For charge compensation, both structures have to contain a certain amount of oxide besides fluoride anions. Since F– and O2– can not be distinguished by X‐ray diffraction, bond‐valence calculations were used to address the problem of their adjunction to the available crystallographic sites.