bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Land snails as experimental animals: a study of the variability and distribution of individual weights in Helix aspersa snails born from the same clutch
Authors: Sampelayo R. Sanz , Fonolla J. , Extremera F. Gil 
Published: June 2007

A study was carried out to examine the distribution of individual weights in Helix aspersa snails, the aims being to establish the best estimate of the ponderal growth and also to obtain a model growth curve. Four groups of 20 snails from the same clutch were analysed and kept under experimental conditions from birth up to 6 months. The variability of their individual weights within groups was studied by calculating the coefficients of variation every 15 days. At the same time, the assumed normal distribution of those weights was being tested. The coefficients of variation increased with age and the assumed normal distribution of individual weights had to be rejected. By means of a log transformation of the original data, a model growth curve was constructed, and was used to assess the possibility of estimating age from weight. We finally reached the conclusion that median weight, rather than the mean, would be a better measure of central tendency to use until it is possible to obtain selected populations. The difficulty of estimating age from weight is emphasized.
Expanded Instrument Comparison of Amplicon DNA Melting Analysis for Mutation Scanning and Genotyping
Authors: Herrmann Mark G , Durtschi Jacob D , Wittwer Carl T , Voelkerding Karl V 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Background: Additional instruments have become available since instruments for DNA melting analysis of PCR products for genotyping and mutation scanning were compared. We assessed the performance of these new instruments for genotyping and scanning for mutations.
Methods: A 110-bp fragment of the β-globin gene including the sickle cell anemia locus (HBB c. 20A&gt;T) was amplified by PCR in the presence of LCGreen Plus or SYBR Green I. Amplicons of 4 different genotypes [wild-type, homozygous, and heterozygous HBB c. 20A&gt;T and double-heterozygote HBB c. (9C&gt;T; 20A&gt;T)] were melted on 7 different instruments [Applied Biosystems 7300, Corbett Life Sciences Rotor-Gene 6500HRM, Eppendorf Mastercycler RealPlex4S, Idaho Technology LightScanner (384 well), Roche LightCycler 480 (96 and 384 well) and Stratagene Mx3005p] at a rate of 0.61 °C/s or when this was not possible, at 0.50 °C steps. We evaluated the ability of each instrument to genotype by melting temperature (Tm) and to scan for heterozygotes by curve shape.
Results: The ability of most instruments to accurately genotype single-base changes by amplicon melting was limited by spatial temperature variation across the plate (SD of Tm = 0.020 to 0.264 °C). Other variables such as data density, signal-to-noise ratio, and melting rate also affected heterozygote scanning.
Conclusions: Different instruments vary widely in their ability to genotype homozygous variants and scan for heterozygotes by whole amplicon melting analysis. Instruments specifically designed for high-resolution melting, however, displayed the least variation, suggesting better genotyping accuracy and scanning sensitivity and specificity.
Previously Undocumented Two‐Year Freshwater Residency of Juvenile Coho Salmon in Prairie Creek, California
Authors: Bell Ethan , Duffy Walter G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOver 2,000 juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch were tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags during the fall of 1998 and 1999 in Prairie Creek, California, as part of a study on individual winter growth rates and movement of juvenile coho salmon. During this study, age‐2 out‐migrants were incidentally observed. Previously, it had been generally assumed that all juvenile coho salmon in northern California streams spend only 1 year in freshwater before out‐migrating at age 1 and that a 2‐year freshwater life history pattern was found only in the more northerly portions of the species' range. Subsequently, scale analysis of PIT‐tagged fish recaptured during spring out‐migration was used as a basis for estimating the proportion of out‐migrants displaying a 1‐ or 2‐year freshwater residency life history. Twenty‐eight percent (28%) of out‐migrants captured in spring 2000 displayed a 2‐year freshwater residency life history, apparently related to low winter growth rates documented in related research in the study stream.
Greenbeard Mechanism and the Evolution of Cooperation
Authors: Sathe Santosh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Explaining the origin and maintenance of cooperation through Darwin's theory of biological evolution by natural selection is one of the most challenging but now widely studied problems in evolutionary biology. A genetic mechanism that enhances the inclusive fitness of a cooperative gene, proposed by Hamilton and later popularised by Dawkins as the greenbeard mechanism, suggests that cooperation can evolve even without genealogical relatedness (between nonkin) if the social partners share greenbeard genes. These genes encode a phenotypic marker (metaphorically, a green beard) and cause their bearers to cooperate with those who have the marker (cooperators) and avoid or harm those who do not (defectors). The marker and the cooperative trait are encoded either by a single gene or by a group of linked genes that co‐inherit. Thus, cooperation is maintained by direct and indirect reciprocity between individuals that are unrelated elsewhere in the genome but possess copies of the greenbeard genes.

Key Concepts

The evolution of cooperation implies the evolution of a trait (or behaviour) that is costly to the actor but beneficial to the recipient; starvation‐induced fruiting body formation in
Dictyostelium
, for example, involves the altruistic death of the amoebae that form the stalk.

Since natural selection works by selecting individuals that survive longer and reproduce more than their competitors, how do cooperative behaviours, which reduce the chances of survival and reproduction of individuals who cooperate, evolve through natural selection?

In 1964, Hamilton proposed a genetic mechanism (now called the greenbeard mechanism, after Dawkins' colourful analogy) for the evolution of altruistic cooperation.

In the greenbeard mechanism, a gene or a group of linked genes encodes for a cooperative trait, a perceptible marker (the hypothetical green beard) and the ability to recognise this marker in other individuals and behave cooperatively towards those with the marker or harm those without the marker.

The greenbeard mechanism can mediate cooperation between genealogically unrelated individuals (no kinship), such as those from different species, as long as they share a greenbeard gene (kind selection).

Depending on their effect on the recipient, the greenbeard genes can be helping or harming types, and each can be either facultative or obligatory.

The greenbeard effect can be mediated by a single gene or by multiple genes.

The greenbeard genes can be monomorphic or polymorphic and they can cause the greenbeard effect directly (e.g. by encoding cell adhesion proteins) or indirectly (e.g. by activating the downstream behavioural genes).

Individuals with falsebeards can evolve and reap the benefits of cooperation without paying the costs of cooperation. The long‐term stability of greenbeard‐mediated cooperation, therefore, requires polychromatic or diverse greenbeards.
Design and Synthesis of Dibenzothiadiazolopyrrolothiophene (DBTPT)‐Based Acceptors for Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Wenxuan , Cui Yong , Ren Junzhen , Chen Zhihao , Wang Jianqiu , Li Hao , Li Jiayao , Hou Jianhui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe central core in non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. To further advance the development of OPV cells, it is crucial to synthesize novel central cores for constructing high‐performance NFAs. Here, dibenzothiadiazolopyrrolothiophene (DBTPT) is introduced, a ladder‐type [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐e]indole‐fused pentacyclic thiophene unit, into photovoltaic materials. By employing the DBTPT unit as the rigid molecular backbone and modifying the side chain of the thiophene π‐bridge, two new acceptor‐π‐acceptor’‐donor‐acceptor’‐π‐acceptor (A‐π‐A'DA’‐π‐A)‐type acceptors (T6 and T9) are synthesized. The effects of lateral alkyl and alkoxy side chains on the optoelectronic properties, charge transport, and molecular packing order are systematically investigated. When blended with polymer donor Poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1',3'‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5'7'‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1',2'‐c:4',5'‐c']dithiophene‐4,8‐dione))] (PBDB‐T), the blend film based on T9 with alkoxy side chains shows favorable molecular stacking and phase separation, resulting in excellent charge transfer performance. Benefiting low energetic disorder, PBDB‐T:T9‐based cell achieves an efficiency of 12.6% with a markedly low energy loss of 0.568 eV. The preliminary results demonstrate that the DBTPT unit has great potential for the construction of novel NFAs for high‐performance OPV cells.
A Responsive DNA Hydrogel Containing Poly‐Aptamers as Dual‐Target Inhibitors for Localized Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Rui , Lv Zhaoyue , Chang Lele , Wang Jing , Tang Jianpu , Wang Ziqing , Li Siqi , Guo Jianfeng , Yao Chi , Yang Dayong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractImmune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is emerging as an efficient strategy for cancer immunotherapy, which highly relies on the controlled loading and release of immune checkpoints inhibitors. Herein, a responsive DNA hydrogel containing polyvalent aptamers as dual‐target inhibitors is reported to achieve ICB for localized cancer immunotherapy. This DNA hydrogel is constructed by two ultralong DNA chains generated via rolling circle amplification (RCA), which contained two polyvalent aptamers (PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 aptamers), and is loaded with inflammatory‐responsive nanoparticles that encapsulated restriction endonuclease. The DNA hydrogel achieved the specific enrichment of T cells. The restriction endonuclease is specifically released by responding to the inflammatory microenvironment, which subsequently cleaved the DNA hydrogel at the cutting sites of DNA chains. The released PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 aptamers executed the biological functions as immune checkpoint inhibitors, successfully blocking immune checkpoints to activate T cells in tumor sites; as a result, the killing efficacy toward tumor cells is significantly enhanced. In a melanoma tumor‐bearing mouse model, the DNA hydrogel activated the immune response in tumor tissues and showed notable therapeutic efficacy for the inhibition of tumor progression (≈65%). This responsive DNA hydrogel is expected to be a promising formulation for immunotherapeutic medicines.
NIR‐II Excitable Semiconducting Polymers with AIE Characteristics for Fluorescence‐Photoacoustic Imaging‐Guided Synergistic Phototherapy
Authors: Li Jiangao , Zhang Zhijun , Jiang Shanshan , Kang Miaomiao , Wang Deliang , Li Xue , Huang Peng , Gao Xike , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe development of semiconducting polymers (SPs) with simultaneous second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) absorption and multimodal phototheranostic functions is highly desired in the field of oncotherapy. Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have been acknowledged to possess unique potential in integrating multiple diagnostic and therapeutic modalities into one organic molecule. Nevertheless, SPs are hard to achieve AIE activity due to their extended π‐conjugated skeletons as well as the large and planar configuration of commonly‐used electrophilic acceptor moieties. Herein, an ingenious acceptor dimerization‐based acceptor distortion strategy is proposed in current work by taking advantage of the sterically encumbered acceptors with large and planar structure for the successful construction of AIE‐active SPs. Through further finely adjusting the molecular donor–acceptor interaction strength, one of the obtained AIE‐active SPs named SP3 bearing the highest intramolecular charge transfer effect presented desired NIR‐II absorption and aggregation‐induced NIR‐II fluorescence emission, good reactive oxygen species production ability, as well as superior photothermal conversion performance. Accordingly, SP3 is selected to fabricate into nanoparticles and successfully applied in the NIR‐II laser‐triggered fluorescence‐photoacoustic imaging‐guided photodynamic‐photothermal therapy of tumors. This study represents the first NIR‐II excitable AIE‐active SP, and offers a new perspective on designing advanced multimodal phototheranostic polymers for efficient treatment of malignant tumor.
I2‐Promoted sp3 C−H Oxidation/Annulation Sequences for the Synthesis of Indoloquinolines from 2‐(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)anilines and Aryl Methyl Ketones
Authors: Arockiaraj Mariyaraj , Rajeshkumar Venkatachalam 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAn iodine/DMSO‐promoted approach has been developed for the synthesis of indoloquinolines via a sequential sp3 C−H oxidation/intramolecular cyclization using 2‐(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)anilines and aryl methyl ketones. A wide range of aryl methyl ketones, including drugs and complex bioactive molecule‐derived substrates were compatible in the present reaction with yields in the range of 30–96%. This protocol proceeds through sp3 C−H oxidation of aryl methyl ketones to phenylglyoxals, subsequent imine formation, and cyclization to furnish the indoloquinolines. Further, the reaction is applicable for gram‐scale synthesis and is operationally simple.
Study of triglyceride changes during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight and adverse outcomes
Authors: Wei Hongjuan , Tang Yinyan , Xia Yu , Yu Yang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundChanges of maternal triglyceride concentrations are closely associated with intrauterine fetal growth and development, but the effect of mid‐ to late‐term triglyceride changes on birth weight is uncertain. This study investigated the association between changes in triglycerides in mid to late in pregnant women gestational age ≥ 35 weeks on neonatal birth weight and adverse outcomes.MethodsThis cohort study was based on 931 pregnant women with a singleton delivery at gestational age ≥ 35 weeks from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 at Nanjing Lishui People's Hospital (NJLSPH) in China, with all maternal triglyceride concentrations measured at mid‐term and late‐term before delivery. The primary outcomes were neonatal birth weight and the risk of macrosomia.ResultsLate term triglyceride levels were positively associated with birth weight (β = 126.40, 95% CI: 61.95, 190.84, p < .001) and risk of macrosomia (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.98, p = .022). Late mid‐term triglyceride was positively associated with birth weight (β = 27.58, 95% CI: 9.67, 45.50, p = .003), and no correlation with risk of macrosomia (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.31, p = .178). Mid‐term triglyceride was not associated with birth weight (β = 45.79, 95% CI: −28.73, 120.30, p = .229) and risk of macrosomia (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 0.89, 3.78, p = .101).ConclusionLate triglyceride levels were associated with birth weight and risk of macrosomia, while late to mid‐term triglyceride were associated with birth weight but not with risk of macrosomia. This suggests that maternal triglyceride changes may affect fetal growth and development, and more studies focusing on the effects of gestational triglyceride profiles are warranted.
ELMO2 biallelic pathogenic variants in a patient with gingival hypertrophy and cherubism phenotype: Case report and molecular review
Authors: Perrone Eduardo , Coelho Antonio Victor Campos , Virmond Luiza do Amaral , Espolaor Jessica Grasiela de Araujo , Filho João Bosco de Oliveira , Nascimento Amanda Thamires Batista do , Matta Marina Cadena da , Meira Joanna Goes Castro , Cardoso—Júnior Laércio Moreira , Andrade Ana Camila Mendes , Chaves Ricardo Zantieff Topolski , Acosta Angelina Xavier 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRamon syndrome (OMIM #266270) was first described in a patient with cherubism, gingival fibromatosis, epilepsy, intellectual disability, hypertrichosis, and stunted growth. In 2018, Mehawej et al. described a patient with Ramon syndrome in whom a homozygous variant in ELMO2 was identified, suggesting that this gene may be the causative for this syndrome. ELMO2 biallelic pathogenic variants were also described in patients with a primary intraosseous vascular malformation (PIVM; OMIM #606893). These patients presented gingival bleeding and cherubism phenotype. Herein, a patient with gingival hypertrophy, neurodevelopmental delay, and cherubism phenotype with a novel homozygous predicted loss‐of‐function (LOF) variant in the ELMO2 gene and family recurrence was reported. A surgical approach to treat gingival bleeding and mandible vascular malformation was also described. Furthermore, this study includes a comprehensive literature review of molecular data regarding the ELMO2 gene. All the variants, except one described in the ELMO2, were predicted as LOF, including our patient's variant. There is an overlapping between PIVM, also caused by LOF biallelic variants in the ELMO2 gene, and Ramon syndrome, which can suggest that they are not different entities. However, due to a limited number of cases described with molecular evaluation, it is hard to establish a genotype–phenotype correlation. Our study supports that LOF pathogenic biallelic variants in the ELMO2 gene cause a phenotype that has cherubism and gingival hypertrophy as main characteristics.
Beyond skeletal studies: A computational analysis of nasal airway function in climate adaptation
Authors: Bastir Markus , Sanz‐Prieto Daniel , Burgos Manuel A. , Pérez‐Ramos Alejandro , Heuzé Yann , Maréchal Laura , Evteev Andrej , Toro‐Ibacache Viviana , Esteban‐Ortega Francisco 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesEcogeographic variation in human nasal anatomy has historically been analyzed on skeletal morphology and interpreted in the context of climatic adaptations to respiratory air‐conditioning. Only a few studies have analyzed nasal soft tissue morphology, actively involved in air‐conditioning physiology.Materials and MethodsWe used in vivo computer tomographic scans of (N = 146) adult individuals from Cambodia, Chile, Russia, and Spain. We conducted (N = 438) airflow simulations during inspiration using computational fluid dynamics to analyze the air‐conditioning capacities of the nasal soft tissue in the inflow, functional, and outflow tract, under three different environmental conditions: cold–dry; hot–dry; and hot–humid. We performed statistical comparisons between populations and sexes.ResultsSubjects from hot–humid regions showed significantly lower air‐conditioning capacities than subjects from colder regions in all the three conditions, specifically within the isthmus region in the inflow tract, and the anterior part of the internal functional tract. Posterior to the functional tract, no differences were detected. No differences between sexes were found in any of the tracts and under any of the conditions.DiscussionOur statistical analyses support models of climatic adaptations of anterior nasal soft tissue morphology that fit with, and complement, previous research on dry skulls. However, our results challenge a morpho‐functional model that attributes air‐conditioning capacities exclusively to the functional tract located within the nasal cavity. Instead, our findings support studies that have suggested that both, the external nose and the intra‐facial soft tissue airways contribute to efficiently warming and humidifying air during inspiration. This supports functional interpretations in modern midfacial variation and evolution.
Cyclopropene als Chemische Reporter für die Duale Bioorthogonale und Orthogonale Metabolische Markierung von DNA
Authors: Seul Nicola , Lamade Dennis , Stoychev Petko , Mijic Michaela , Michenfelder Rita T. , Rieger Lisa , Geng Philipp , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDie duale bioorthogonale Markierung ermöglicht die Untersuchung und das Verständnis von Wechselwirkungen in der biologischen Umgebung, die mit einer einzigen Markierung nicht zugänglich sind. Eine Herausforderung bleibt jedoch die Anwendung von zwei bioorthogonalen Reaktionen in der gleichen Umgebung aufgrund von Kreuzreaktivität. Um dieses Problem für die duale und orthogonale Markierung von DNA zu lösen, haben wir zwei unterschiedlich modifizierte 2′‐Desoxynukleoside entwickelt. Mit Hilfe der Diels‐Alder‐Reaktion mit inversem Elektronenbedarf und Photoklick‐Reaktion wurde genomische DNA in Zellen mit zwei verschiedenen fluorogenen Markern verknüpft. Aus einer kleinen synthetischen Bibliothek aus 1‐ und 3‐methylcyclopropenyl‐modifizierten 2′‐Desoxynukleosiden wurden zwei 2′‐Desoxyuridine identifiziert, die am schnellsten in jeweils einer der beiden bioorthogonalen Reaktionen reagieren. Ihre orthogonale Reaktivität konnte in vitro nachgewiesen werden. Ihre Replikationseigenschaften als Ersatz für Thymidin wurden in Primerverlängerungsexperimenten untersucht, um die anschließenden Markierungsreaktionen an DNA abzuschätzen. Schließlich wurde eine duale, orthogonale und metabolische Fluoreszenzmarkierung von genomischer DNA in HeLa‐Zellen nachgewiesen. Es wurde ein experimentelles Protokoll entwickelt, das den intrazellulären Transport und den metabolischen DNA‐Einbau der beiden 2′‐Desoxyuridine mit der anschließenden dualen bioorthogonalen Markierung unter Verwendung eines fluorogenen Cyanin‐Styryl‐Tetrazins und eines fluorogenen Pyren‐Tetrazols kombiniert. Diese Ergebnisse sind von grundlegender Bedeutung für fortgeschrittene metabolische Markierungsstrategien für Nukleinsäuren in der Zukunft, insbesondere in lebenden Zellen.
Photo‐Switchable Peroxidase/Catalase‐Like Activity of Carbon Quantum Dots
Authors: Yang Wei , Leng Tianchi , Miao Weicheng , Cao Xiao , Chen Haoran , Xu Feifei , Fang Yimin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNanozymes possess multi‐enzyme activities over the natural enzymes, which produce multi‐pathway synergistic effects for varies of biomedical applications. Unfortunately, their multi‐enzyme activities are in fighting, significantly reducing the synergistic effects. Dynamic regulation of their multi‐enzyme activities is the bottleneck for intelligent therapies. Herein, we construct a novel oxygen‐nitrogen functionalized carbon quantum dots (O/N‐CQDs) with peroxidase‐like (Reactive oxygen species (ROS) producer) activity. Interestingly, the peroxidase‐like activity can be reversibly converted to catalase‐like (ROS scavenger) activity under visible light irradiation. It is found that both the peroxidase/catalase‐like activity of O/N‐CQDs can be precisely manipulated by the light intensity. The mechanism of switchable enzyme activities is attributed to the polarization of quinoid nitrogen in polyaniline (PANI) precursor retained on O/N‐CQDs under visible light, which consumes the ROS to produce O2 and H2O. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, we are able to non‐intrusively up and down regulate the ROS level in cells successfully by simply switching off and on the light respectively, potentially facilitating the precise medicine based on the development of the disease. Indeed, the photo‐switchable peroxidase/catalase‐like activity of O/N‐CQDs opens a non‐invasive strategy for better manipulations of the multi‐activity of nanozymes, promising their wider and more intelligent biomedical applications.