bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Drought Stress on Certain Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of a Resistant and a Sensitive Canola Cultivar
Authors: Khodabin Ghorban , Tahmasebi‐Sarvestani Zeinolabedin , Rad Amir Hossein Shirani , Modarres‐Sanavy Seyed Ali Mohammad
Published: January 2020

Water stress is one of the main abiotic factors that reduces plant growth, mainly due to high evaporative demand and low water availability. In order to evaluate the effects of drought stress on certain morphological and physiological characteristics of two canola cultivars, we conducted a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design. The findings show that drought stress exacerbations result in the plant's response to stress due to increased canola resistance caused by changes in plant pigments, proline, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde, glucose, galactose, rhamnose and xylose. These in turn ultimately influence the morphological characteristics of canola. Drought stress reduces the concentration of carotenoids, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophylls; however, glucose, galactose, rhamnose, xylose, proline, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde (in leaves and roots) and the chlorophyll a and b ratios were increased. Reduction of plant height, stem height, root length, fresh and dry weight of canola treated with 300 g/l PEG compared to non‐treatment were 0.264, 0.236, 0.394, 0.183 and 0.395, respectively. From the two canola cultivars, the morphological characteristics of the NIMA increased compared to the Ks7 cultivar. Interaction effects of cultivar and drought stress showed that NIMA cultivar without treatment had the highest number of morphological characteristics such as carotenoid concentration, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophylls a and b, whereas the cultivar with 300 g/l PEG (drought stress) had the highest amount of proline, malondialdehyde, soluble sugars and enzymes in leaves and roots. Increasing activity of oxidative enzymes and soluble sugars in canola under drought stress could be a sign of their relative tolerance to drought stress.
Cytotoxic Activity of Cunila angustifolia Essential Oil
Authors: de Sousa Matheus H. O. , Morgan Jessica M. S. , Cesca Karina , Flach Adriana , de Moura Neusa F.
Published: January 2020

The Cunila angustifolia essential oil was obtained from fresh leaves by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC‐FID and GC‐MS to determine its chemical composition. The essential oil presented pulegone (29.5 %) and isomenthol (27.0 %) as major components, and other compounds such as menthone (8.6 %), neomenthol (7.2 %), menthyl acetate (2.5 %) and caryophyllene oxide (2.0 %) were identified. The cytotoxic activity of the essential oil was evaluated by MTS assay, with the human cancer cell lines of the lung (A549), breast (MCF‐7) and skin melanoma (SK‐Mel‐28). The assay showed the highest selectivity, to MCF‐7 cell lines, with IC50 equal to 34.0 μg mL−1, low selectivity for SK‐Mel‐28 cell lines, with IC50 equal to 279.9 μg mL−1, and no mortality to A549 cell lines.
A modified predilation, sizing, and postdilation scoring system for patients undergoing metallic drug‐eluting stent implantations
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Guan Changdong , Yuan Jinqing , Xie Lihua , Wang Huan , Hou Shuang , Zhang Min , Zhang Xinbo , Gao Runlin , Xu Bo
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study sought to assess whether the predilation, scaffold/stent sizing, and postdilation (PSP) score for bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) implantation was associated with outcomes following metallic drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Background

The PSP score is associated with patients' prognoses after BRS implantation.

Methods

This study involved 2,348 patients who underwent biodegradable polymer DES implantations during the PANDA III trial. The optimal PSP technique was defined according to previous studies of BRS implantations. The main outcome was target lesion failure (TLF) that comprised cardiac death, target‐vessel myocardial infarction, or ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization.

Results

Twenty‐five (1.1%) patients fulfilled all the PSP criteria. The BRS‐derived PSP score was of limited prognostic value for 2‐year TLF after metallic DES implantation; optimal sizing was a protective factor, but optimal predilation was a risk factor. We built a new PSP model for DESs by identifying the following risk factors: predilation performed with a residual stenosis ≥70% or a balloon‐to‐quantitative coronary angiography (QCA)‐determined reference vessel diameter (RVD) ratio >1:1, sizing performed with an RVD <2.25 mm or a stent diameter >0.25 mm wider than the QCA‐RVD, a postprocedural stenosis diameter ≥30%, age, and the baseline SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score. The new PSP scoring system predicted 2‐year TLF (area under the curve, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.73); a cutoff value of 19.2 points identified high‐risk patients.

Conclusions

The new PSP scoring system, based on redefined PSP criteria, age, and the SYNTAX score, could help optimize metallic DES implantations.
Experimental, Simulation, and Computational Study of the Interaction of Reduced Forms of N‐Methyl‐4,4’‐Bipyridinium with CO2
Authors: Singh Poonam , Tarakeshwar Pilarisetty , Buttry Daniel A.
Published: January 2020

N‐methyl‐4,4’‐bipyridinium (Mebipy+) can be reduced in two separate one‐electron steps in 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMPTFSI). The first reduction product Mebipy, a radical species, is shown to have no significant interaction with dissolved CO2. In contrast, the second reduction product, Mebipy−, forms an adduct with CO2. This adduct has a relatively strong C−N bond from nucleophilic interaction of the non‐quaternized nitrogen of the anion with the electrophilic carbon of CO2. These interactions are characterized using density functional theory (DFT). During electrochemical reduction of Mebipy+ in the presence of dissolved CO2, this strong interaction of Mebipy− drives a disproportionation reaction in which two Mebipy radicals react to produce Mebipy+ and Mebipy−, which subsequently reacts with CO2 to form the nitrogen‐bound adduct, Mebipy‐CO2−, a type of carbamate. This electrochemical DISP mechanism is simulated, providing a good fit with experimental results. The overall stoichiometry for the electrochemical capture and release of CO2 in this system is that two electrons are required to bind one equivalent of CO2.
Excellent Rate and Low Temperature Performance of Lithium‐Ion Batteries based on Binder‐Free Li4Ti5O12 Electrode
Authors: Hu Bingqing , Zhou Xiaoshuang , Xu Jiang , Wang Xi , Yuan Ningyi , Ge Shanhai , Ding Jianning
Published: January 2020

Achieving lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with ultrahigh rate at ambient‐temperature and excellent low temperature‐tolerant performances is still a tremendous challenge. In this paper, we design a binder‐free Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) electrode to achieve an excellent rate performance (∼75 % of its theoretical capacity at 200 C), in which, aligned CNT nanosheets were used to load LTO nanosheets decorated with silver nanocrystals. With combination of 1,3‐Dioxlane‐based electrolyte, there is nearly no initial voltage drop happen, and the capacity can be greater than 140 mAh g−1 (∼85 % of its specific capacity at room temperature) at −60 °C and 0.2 C. This study provides a practical guidance of the design of LIBs with outstanding rate performances and low temperature resistance.
A Combined Theory‐Experiment Analysis of the Surface Species in Lithium‐Mediated NH3 Electrosynthesis
Authors: Schwalbe Jay A. , Statt Michael J. , Chosy Cullen , Singh Aayush R. , Rohr Brian A. , Nielander Adam C. , Andersen Suzanne Z. , McEnaney Joshua M. , Baker Jon G. , Jaramillo Thomas F. , Norskov Jens K. , Cargnello Matteo
Published: January 2020

Electrochemical processes for ammonia synthesis could potentially replace the high temperature and pressure conditions of the Haber‐Bosch process, with voltage offering a pathway to distributed fertilizer production that leverages the rapidly decreasing cost of renewable electricity. However, nitrogen is an unreactive molecule and the hydrogen evolution reaction presents a major selectivity challenge. An electrode of electrodeposited lithium in tetrahydrofuran solvent overcomes both problems by providing a surface that easily reacts with nitrogen and by limiting the access of protons with a nonaqueous electrolyte. Under these conditions, we measure relatively high faradaic efficiencies (ca. 10 %) and rates (0.1 mA cm−2) toward NH3. We observe the development of a solid electrolyte interface layer as well as the accumulation of lithium and lithium‐containing species. Detailed DFT studies suggest lithium nitride and hydride to be catalytically active phases given their thermodynamic and kinetic stability relative to metallic lithium under reaction conditions and the fast diffusion of nitrogen in lithium.
Intrinsic Turn‐On Response of Thioflavin T in Complexes
Authors: Kung Jocky C. K. , Vurgun Nesrin , Chen JoAnn C. , Nitz Mark , Jockusch Rebecca A.
Published: January 2020

The fluorescence enhancement (“turn‐on”) response of the amyloid‐sensing dye thioflavin T (ThT) is examined in vacuo, where solvent interactions are absent. Upon the complexation of ThT with a derivatized β‐cyclodextrin, heptakis‐[6‐deoxy‐6‐(3‐sulfanylpropanoic acid)]‐β‐cyclodextrin, turn‐on responses in both the gas phase and solution phase were observed. In contrast, turn‐on response was not detected when ThT was bound to gaseous cucurbit[7]uril or human telomeric DNA 22AG, whereas clear turn‐on response occurs in solution. The observed difference in turn‐on response in the gas phase emphasizes the key interplay between chromophore, host and solvent and demonstrates the utility of gas‐phase spectroscopy to tease out the balance among intermolecular forces driving the behavior of important chromophores in solution.
Coordinating Ability of Anions, Solvents, Amino Acids, and Gases towards Alkaline and Alkaline‐Earth Elements, Transition Metals, and Lanthanides
Authors: Alvarez Santiago
Published: January 2020

After briefly reviewing the applications of the coordination ability indices proposed earlier for anions and solvents toward transition metals and lanthanides, a new analysis of crystal structures is applied now to a much larger number of coordinating species: anions (including those that are present in ionic solvents), solvents, amino acids, gases, and a sample of neutral ligands. The coordinating ability towards s‐block elements is now also considered. The effect of several factors on the coordinating ability will be discussed: (a) the charge of an anion, (b) the chelating nature of anions and solvents, (c) the degree of protonation of oxo‐anions, carboxylates and amino carboxylates, and (d) the substitution of hydrogen atoms by methyl groups in NH3, ethylenediamine, benzene, ethylene, pyridine and aldehydes. Hit parades of solvents and anions most commonly used in the areas of transition metal, s‐block and lanthanide chemistry are deduced from the statistics of their presence in crystal structures.
Single‐walled carbon nanotube absolute‐handedness chirality assignment confirmation using metalized porphyrin's supramolecular structures via STM imaging technique
Authors: Abd El‐Mageed Ahmed I. A. , Ogawa Takuji
Published: January 2020

This work reports confirmation of the experimental assignment of the absolute‐handedness chirality of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). This was achieved by applying the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging technique to a supramolecular composite consisting of a metalized porphyrin derivative (nickel‐5,15‐bisdodecylporphyrin [Ni‐BDP]) affixed to the surfaces of chiral‐concentrated SWNTs (with right‐handed helix P‐ and left‐handed helix M‐). On the basis of the handedness chirality, different chiral supramolecular structures of Ni‐BDP were observed on the surfaces of the two SWNT enantiomers. The incorporation of a metal center into the porphyrin ring did not significantly affect the SWNT absolute‐handedness chirality assignment, the large pi‐system porphyrin ring being the crucial factor. These findings will effectively pave the way towards the clear selective synthesis, separation, chemistry, and applications of SWNT enantiomers.
Online visual tracking via cross‐similarity‐based siamese network
Authors: Wang Luyao , Lu Huchuan , Zhang Pingping
Published: January 2020

Among deep‐learning‐based trackers, the siamese‐based method inspires many researchers due to its effectiveness and simplicity. However, the traditional siamese tracker has not achieved satisfactory performance due to the limited representation ability and the lack of appropriate model update strategy. To cover the shortage of siamese models, we proposed a cross‐similarity‐based siamese network with three contributions. First, we introduce a novel cross similarity module into the SiameseFC framework, which could improve the matching ability of fully convolutional networks during the tracking process. Second, we propose a novel attention weighting layer to emphasize various contributions of matching scores in different positions. This adaptive attention weighting scheme makes our tracker well adapt to the appearance change caused by pose variation, partial occlusion, and so on. Third, we develop a simple yet effective model update strategy, which exploits an independent classification model to invoke the model fine‐tuning process. Experimental results on the standard tracking benchmark show that our tracker performs much better than the baseline SiameseFC method and also achieves promising results in comparisons to other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
Specializing parallel data structures for Datalog
Authors: Jordan Herbert , Subotić Pavle , Zhao David , Scholz Bernhard
Published: January 2020

We see a resurgence of Datalog in a variety of applications, including program analysis, networking, data integration, cloud computing, and security. The large‐scale and complexity of these applications need the efficient management of data in relations. Hence, Datalog implementations require new data structures for managing relations that (1) are parallel, (2) are highly specialized for Datalog evaluation, and (3) can accommodate different workloads depending on the applications concerning memory consumption and computational efficiency. In this article, we present a data structure framework for relations that is specialized for shared‐memory parallel Datalog implementations such as the soufflé Datalog compiler. The data structure framework permits a portfolio of different data structures depending on the workload. We also introduce two concrete parallel data structures for relations, designed for various workloads. Our benchmarks demonstrate a speed‐up of up to 6× by using a portfolio of data structures compared with using a B‐tree alone, showing the advantage of our data structure framework.
A Scoping Review of the Evidence Behind Cytochrome P450 2D6 Isoenzyme Inhibitor Classifications
Authors: Cicali Emily J. , Smith D. Max , Duong Benjamin Q. , Kovar Lukas G. , Cavallari Larisa H. , Johnson Julie A.
Published: January 2020

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists 22 medications as clinical inhibitors of cytochrome P450 2D6 isoenzyme, with classifications of strong, moderate, and weak. It is accepted that strong inhibitors result in nearly null enzymatic activity, but reduction caused by moderate and weak inhibitors is less well characterized. The objective was to identify if the classification of currently listed FDA moderate and weak inhibitors is supported by publicly available primary literature. We conducted a literature search and reviewed product labels for area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) fold‐changes caused by inhibitors in humans and identified 89 inhibitor–substrate pairs. Observed AUC fold‐change of the substrate was used to create an observed inhibitor classification per FDA‐defined AUC fold‐change thresholds. We then compared the observed inhibitor classification with the classification listed in the FDA Table of Inhibitors. We found 62% of the inhibitors within the pairs matched the listed FDA classification. We explored reasons for discordance and suggest modifications to the FDA table of clinical inhibitors for cimetidine, desvenlafaxine, and fluvoxamine.
Identification of wheat germplasm resistant to major Russian wheat aphid biotypes in the United States
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Li Genqiao , Carver Brett F. , Puterka Gary
Published: January 2020

Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov [RWA]) is one of the most invasive and detrimental pests, and host plant resistance is the most efficient approach to manage RWA. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accessions resistant to RWA biotype 1 (RWA1) and biotype 2 (RWA2) were previously identified by screening wheat accessions available at the USDA‐ARS National Small Grains Collection. However, RWA biotypic variation necessitates a continuous search for sources of resistance to new RWA biotypes. The objective of this study was to identify wheat accessions resistant to all major RWA biotypes in the United States. A set of 172 RWA‐resistant wheat accessions, mainly Iranian landraces, were evaluated for responses to five predominant U.S. biotypes—RWA1, RWA2, RWA3, RWA6, and RWA8—in controlled environments. Of these, 137 accessions showed homogeneous or heterogeneous resistance to at least one biotype, and 14 of them were resistant or highly resistant to all five biotypes. Another set of 19 accessions were resistant or highly resistant to two to four biotypes. These RWA‐resistant accessions are valuable sources for RWA resistance improvement, and further purification of some accessions and characterization of the underlying RWA resistance genes are imperative for their utilization in wheat breeding.
The effect of the size of the board of directors on corporate social performance: A meta‐analytic approach
Authors: Zubeltzu‐Jaka Eugenio , Álvarez‐Etxeberria Igor , Ortas Eduardo
Published: January 2020

This paper examines the influence of the size of firms' board of directors on corporate social performance through a meta‐analytic perspective. To that end, a sample of 80 articles that draw on evidence from more than 80,000 international companies, published between 1997 and 2018, was examined. This paper analyzes the moderating effect of a set of corporate governance mechanisms such as board composition and corporate governance systems on the hypothesized relationship between the size of firms' board and corporate social performance. Our central results reveal that larger and more independent boards better represent stakeholders' sensitivities and allow companies to achieve their social objectives. Moreover, that connection is more positive and stronger in companies with more independent boards and in countries that have codified law, which often have fewer mechanisms to protect shareholders' interests.
Literacies and identities in transnational education: a case study of literacy curricula in a Canadian transnational education programme in China
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Heydon Rachel , Li Wanjing , Malins Pam
Published: January 2020

This ethnographic case study focused on a transnational education programme in an inner city in Mainland China that used both Chinese high school curriculum and Canadian provincial curriculum from New Brunswick. The goal of the study was to capture the desires and power relations that shaped literacy and identity options in the school's hybrid curriculum. Findings revealed the affordances of the programme in expanding students' cultural and linguistic knowledge and capabilities in two languages and the constraints to their literacy and identity options. Notable constraints included the compartmentalization of English and Chinese curricula, standardized literacy tests, and the school policies that limited teachers' incorporation of new media literacies and critical literacy. The study contributes to extant knowledge of transformative transnational literacy education that could help educators provide pedagogical opportunities for students to construct fluid and multi‐layered identities that connect to their complex, multilingual literacy practices.
miR‐199 plays both positive and negative regulatory roles in Xenopus eye development
Authors: Ritter Ruth A. , Ulrich Christina H. , Brzezinska Bogna N. , Shah Vrutant V. , Zamora Melissa J. , Kelly Lisa E. , El‐Hodiri Heithem M. , Sater Amy K.
Published: January 2020

To investigate microRNA (miR) functions in early eye development, we asked whether eye field transcription factors (EFTFs) are targets of miR‐dependent regulation in Xenopus embryos. Argonaute (AGO) ribonucleoprotein complexes, including miRs and targeted mRNAs, were coimmunoprecipitated from transgenic embryos expressing myc‐tagged AGO under the control of the rax1 promoter; mRNAs for all EFTFs coimmunoprecipitated with Ago in late neurulae. Computational predictions of miR binding sites within EFTF 3′UTRs identified miR‐199a‐3p (“miR‐199”) as a candidate regulator of EFTFs, and miR‐199 was shown to regulate rax1 in vivo. Targeted overexpression of miR‐199 led to small eyes, a reduction in EFTF expression, and reduced cell proliferation. Inhibition of interactions between mir‐199 and the rax1 3′UTR reversed the small eye phenotype. Although targeted knockdown of miR‐199 left the eye field intact, it reduced optic cup outgrowth and disrupted eye formation. Computational identification of candidate miR‐199 targets within the Xenopus transcriptome led to the identification of ptk7 as a candidate regulator. Targeted overexpression of ptk7 resulted in abnormal optic cup formation and a reduction or loss of eye development, recapitulating the range of eye phenotypes seen following miR‐199 knockdown. Our results indicate that miR‐199 plays both positive and negative regulatory roles in eye development.
Habitat of the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris) in San Francisco Bay
Authors: Marcot Bruce G. , Woo Isa , Thorne Karen M. , Freeman Chase M. , Guntenspergen Glenn R.
Published: January 2020

Understanding habitat associations is vital for conservation of at‐risk marsh‐endemic wildlife species, particularly those under threat from sea level rise. We modeled environmental and habitat associations of the marsh‐endemic, Federally endangered salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris, RERA) and co‐occurrence with eight associated small mammal species from annual trap data, 1998–2014, in six estuarine marshes in North San Francisco Bay, California. Covariates included microhabitat metrics of elevation and vegetation species and cover; and landscape metrics of latitude–longitude, distance to anthropogenic features, and habitat patch size. The dominant cover was pickleweed (Salicornia pacifica) with 86% mean cover and 37 cm mean height, and bare ground with about 10% mean cover. We tested 38 variants of Bayesian network (BN) models to determine covariates that best account for presence of RERA and of all nine small mammal species. Best models had lowest complexity and highest classification accuracy. Among RERA presence models, three best BN models used covariates of latitude–longitude, distance to paved roads, and habitat patch size, with 0% error of false presence, 20% error of false nonpresence, and 20% overall error. The all‐species presence models suggested that within the pickleweed marsh environment, RERA are mostly habitat generalists. Accounting for presence of other species did not improve prediction of RERA. Habitat attributes compared between RERA and the next most frequently captured species, California vole (Microtus californicus), suggested substantial habitat overlap, with RERA habitat being somewhat higher in marsh elevation, greater in percent cover of the dominant plant species, closer to urban areas, further from agricultural areas, and, perhaps most significant, larger in continuous size of marsh patch. Findings will inform conservation management of the marsh environment for RERA by identifying best microhabitat elements, landscape attributes, and adverse interspecific interactions.
Continent‐wide population genomic structure and phylogeography of North America’s most destructive conifer defoliator, the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana)
Authors: Lumley Lisa M. , Pouliot Esther , Laroche Jérôme , Boyle Brian , Brunet Bryan M. T. , Levesque Roger C. , Sperling Felix A. H. , Cusson Michel
Published: January 2020

The spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana, is presumed to be panmictic across vast regions of North America. We examined the extent of panmixia by genotyping 3,650 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci in 1975 individuals from 128 collections across the continent. We found three spatially structured subpopulations: Western (Alaska, Yukon), Central (southeastern Yukon to the Manitoba–Ontario border), and Eastern (Manitoba–Ontario border to the Atlantic). Additionally, the most diagnostic genetic differentiation between the Central and Eastern subpopulations was chromosomally restricted to a single block of SNPs that may constitute an island of differentiation within the species. Geographic differentiation in the spruce budworm parallels that of its principal larval host, white spruce (Picea glauca), providing evidence that spruce budworm and spruce trees survived in the Beringian refugium through the Last Glacial Maximum and that at least two isolated spruce budworm populations diverged with spruce/fir south of the ice sheets. Gene flow in the spruce budworm may also be affected by mountains in western North America, habitat isolation in West Virginia, regional adaptations, factors related to dispersal, and proximity of other species in the spruce budworm species complex. The central and eastern geographic regions contain individuals that assign to Eastern and Central subpopulations, respectively, indicating that these barriers are not complete. Our discovery of previously undetected geographic and genomic structure in the spruce budworm suggests that further population modelling of this ecologically important insect should consider regional differentiation, potentially co‐adapted blocks of genes, and gene flow between subpopulations.
Gut microbiota in reintroduction of giant panda
Authors: Tang Jingsi , Wang Chengdong , Zhang Hemin , Zhao Jiangchao , Guo Wei , Mishra Sudhanshu , Kong Fanli , Zeng Bo , Ning Ruihong , Li Desheng , Yang Jiandong , Yang Mingyao , Zhang Mingwang , Ni Qingyong , Li Yan , Li Ying
Published: January 2020

Reintroduction is a key approach in the conservation of endangered species. In recent decades, many reintroduction projects have been conducted for conservation purposes, but the rate of success has been low. Given the important role of gut microbiota in health and diseases, we questioned whether gut microbiota would play a crucial role in giant panda's wild‐training process. The wild procedure is when captive‐born babies live with their mothers in a wilderness enclosure and learn wilderness survival skills from their mothers. During the wild‐training process, the baby pandas undergo wilderness survival tests and regular physical examinations. Based on their performance through these tests, the top subjects (age 2–3 years old) are released into the wild while the others are translocated to captivity. After release, we tracked one released panda (Zhangxiang) and collected its fecal samples for 5 months (January 16, 2013 to March 29 2014). Here, we analyzed the Illumina HiSeq sequencing data (V4 region of 16S rRNA gene) from captive pandas (n = 24), wild‐training baby pandas (n = 8) of which 6 were released and 2 were unreleased, wild‐training mother pandas (n = 8), one released panda (Zhangxiang), and wild giant pandas (n = 18). Our results showed that the gut microbiota of wild‐training pandas is significantly different from that of wild pandas but similar to that of captive ones. The gut microbiota of the released panda Zhangxiang gradually changed to become similar to those of wild pandas after release. In addition, we identified several bacteria that were enriched in the released baby pandas before release, compared with the unreleased baby pandas. These bacteria include several known gut‐health related beneficial taxa such asRoseburia,Coprococcus,Sutterella, Dorea,andRuminococcus. Therefore, our results suggest that certain members of the gut microbiota may be important in panda reintroduction.
Relationships between plant diversity and soil microbial diversity vary across taxonomic groups and spatial scales
Authors: Liu Lan , Zhu Kai , Wurzburger Nina , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2020

Plant diversity has long been assumed to predict soil microbial diversity. However, contradictory results have been found when examining their relationships, particularly at broad spatial scales. To address this issue, we conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the patterns in the correlation between plant diversity and soil microbial diversity and the underlying factors driving the relationship. We collected correlation data from 84 studies covering more than 3900 natural terrestrial samples globally. Using the hierarchical mixed‐effects model, we investigated factors including targeted taxonomic group, microbial examination method, sampling extent, biome type, soil type, and environmental factors to assess the patterns of the plant–microbial correlation and the determinants of their variations. We found that microbial richness displayed a modest but positive correlation with plant diversity (r = 0.333, CI = 0.220–0.437). In spite of variability among taxonomic groups and their relationship with plant diversity, positive correlations were more pronounced in the intermediate sampling extent of latitude and elevation coverage, and tropical forests. Among examined environmental factors, soil pH was negatively associated with the plant and soil microbial relationships at large spatial scales. The plant–microbial correlation appears more sensitive to edaphic factor variation in the poor nutrients and soil less compact systems. Collectively, our results point to key differences across taxonomic groups, spatial scales and biomes, and the modulating effects of climate and soil. The findings shed light on our deep understanding in plant–microbial diversity relationships at broad spatial scales and ecosystem sensitivity to biodiversity loss and environmental change.
Environmental DNA detection of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in Irish lakes: Development and application of a species‐specific molecular assay
Authors: Mirimin Luca , Hickey Aaron , Barrett Dylan , DeFaoite Fergus , Boschetti Simona , Venkatesh Shraveena , Graham Conor T.
Published: January 2020

Populations of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) inhabiting Irish lakes are undergoing a rapid decline. In order to aid monitoring of this species in Irish lakes, a species‐specific qPCR assay was designed and subsequently tested for the detection of Arctic char's environmental DNA (eDNA) in an indoor mesocosm and in natural habitats (six lakes). Specifically, the mesocosm experiment revealed that sample volume can have significant effects on the application of eDNA approaches, whereby probability of detection depends from proximity to the source organism and volume of water filtered. When tested in the wild, positive amplification of Arctic char eDNA was observed in four of the six lakes sampled, proving that this approach can be successfully implemented in natural conditions. However, findings from the present study also showed that suboptimal sampling strategies can lead to false‐negative results (e.g., failure to detect the species when it is present). This study corroborates findings from other research on eDNA detection of fish species, showing that despite its current limitations, this approach can be a fast, noninvasive, and effective tool in aid to the conservation and management of freshwater fish species.
Evaluation of kidney function throughout the heart failure trajectory – a position statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Mullens Wilfried , Damman Kevin , Testani Jeffrey M. , Martens Pieter , Mueller Christian , Lassus Johan , Tang W.H. Wilson , Skouri Hadi , Verbrugge Frederik H. , Orso Francesco , Hill Loreena , Ural Dilek , Lainscak Mitcha , Rossignol Patrick , Metra Marco , Mebazaa Alexandre , Seferovic Petar , Ruschitzka Frank , Coats Andrew
Published: January 2020

Appropriate interpretation of changes in markers of kidney function is essential during the treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. Historically, kidney function was primarily assessed by serum creatinine and the calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate. An increase in serum creatinine, also termed worsening renal function, commonly occurs in patients with heart failure, especially during acute heart failure episodes. Even though worsening renal function is associated with worse outcome on a population level, the interpretation of such changes within the appropriate clinical context helps to correctly assess risk and determine further treatment strategies. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly recognized that assessment of kidney function is more than just glomerular filtration rate alone. As such, a better evaluation of sodium and water handling by the renal tubules allows to determine the efficiency of loop diuretics (loop diuretic response and efficiency). Also, though neurohumoral blockers may induce modest deteriorations in glomerular filtration rate, their use is associated with improved long‐term outcome. Therefore, a better understanding of the role of cardio–renal interactions in heart failure in symptom development, disease progression and prognosis is essential. Indeed, perhaps even misinterpretation of kidney function is a leading cause of not attaining decongestion in acute heart failure and insufficient dosing of guideline‐directed medical therapy in general. This position paper of the Heart Failure Association Working Group on Cardio‐Renal Dysfunction aims at improving insights into the interpretation of renal function assessment in the different heart failure states, with the goal of improving heart failure care.
Mechanistic Aspects of Methanol Electro‐Oxidation Reaction through Cyclic Voltammetry: Is It Correct to Blame Carbon Monoxide for Catalyst Poisoning?
Authors: Deshpande Pooja S. , Chaudhari Vijay R. , Prasad Bhagavatula L. V.
Published: January 2020

Many previously unknown facts have been revealed by the reinvestigation of the cyclic voltammetric (CV) response of the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in acidic medium using Pt/C as the electrocatalyst. Systematic CV analysis clearly suggests that the peak during the cathodic scan in the CV of MOR belongs mainly to electro‐oxidation of the carbon monoxide (CO) species, which is not truly adsorbed on the electrode surface and hence has less possibility to poison the electrode surface. Interestingly, an additional peak is observed in the anodic scan at higher scan rates and the results suggest that this peak is associated with surface‐confined electrochemical processes related to the oxidative desorption of leftover CO. This clearly highlights the necessity to relook at the notion of correlating the ratio of the peak currents in the anodic versus cathodic directions to CO poisoning, which is routinely used for the evaluation of the electrode performance in MOR. Through simple but accurate CV experiments, this report clearly brings out the important criteria that should be looked into while evaluating the electrocatalyst performance in the MOR process.
Optimization of sorrel oil biodiesel production by base heterogeneous catalyst from kola nut pod husk: Neural intelligence‐genetic algorithm versus neuro‐fuzzy‐genetic algorithm
Authors: Betiku Eriola , Ishola Niyi B.
Published: January 2020

The conversion of sorrel oil to biodiesel through transesterification was conducted in the presence of calcined kola nut husk pod ash as a base heterogeneous catalyst. Thus, to predict the biodiesel production yield, two models based on neural intelligence and neuro‐fuzzy techniques were established. The predictive capability and accuracy of the models were compared using various statistics. The neuro‐fuzzy‐based model (adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system, ANFIS) obtained for the transesterification process had a lower (0.32%) mean relative percent deviation (MRPD) and a higher coefficient of determination—R2 (0.9991) compared to the neural intelligence‐based model (artificial neural network, ANN) with MRPD of 0.42% and R2 of 0.9971. Also, the models developed were coupled with genetic algorithm (GA) in order to maximize the sorrel oil biodiesel (SOB) yield at optimum values of the process input parameters. SOB yield of >99.0 wt% was obtained when both developed models were subjected to optimization. The results of the process modeling confirm that neuro‐fuzzy model performed slightly better than neural intelligence model. The sensitivity analysis performed on both models shows that reaction time was the most important input variable while other input variables could not be neglected. The characteristics of the synthesized SOB demonstrate that it satisfied the biodiesel standard limits.
A novel safety assurance method based on the compound equivalent modeling and iterate reduce particle‐adaptive Kalman filtering for the unmanned aerial vehicle lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Shunli , Fernandez Carlos , Fan Yongcun , Feng Juqiang , Yu Chunmei , Huang Kaifeng , Xie Wei
Published: January 2020

The safety assurance is very important for the unmanned aerial vehicle lithium ion batteries, in which the state of charge estimation is the basis of its energy management and safety protection. A new equivalent modeling method is proposed for the mathematical expression of different structural characteristics, and an improved reduce particle‐adaptive Kalman filtering model is designed and built, in which the incorporate multiple featured information is absorbed to explore the optimal representation by abandoning the redundant and abnormal information. And then, the multiple parameter identification is investigated that has the ability of adapting the current varying conditions, according to which the hybrid pulse power characterization test is accommodated. As can be known from the experimental results, the polynomial fitting treatment is carried out by conducting the curve fitting treatment and the maximum estimation error of the closed‐circuit‐voltage is 0.48% and its state of charge estimation error is lower than 0.30% in the hybrid pulse power characterization test, which is also within 2.00% under complex current varying working conditions. The iterate calculation process is conducted for the unmanned aerial vehicle lithium ion batteries together with the compound equivalent modeling, realizing its adaptive power state estimation and safety protection effectively.
Performance analysis of cooperative power‐line communication system with signal space diversity
Authors: Sikri Aman , Mathur Aashish , Srinivas K. V.
Published: January 2020

Power‐line communication (PLC) is a cost‐effective and promising communication technology for many smart grid applications. However, the presence of additive and multiplicative power line noises deteriorate the performance of a PLC system. In this paper, we propose signal space diversity (SSD) technique for a cooperative PLC system. The additive PLC channel noise is assumed to be Bernoulli‐Gaussian–distributed. The multiplicative PLC channel noise gain is characterized by log‐normal distribution. The closed‐form expressions of the average symbol error rate (SER) and outage probability of cooperative PLC system with SSD have been derived in this paper. It has been shown that the proposed cooperative PLC system results in achieving better spectral efficiency, as well as the reliability of the received signal.
Continuous evaluation of participants’ perceptions of impact: Applying a boundary object in organizational‐level interventions
Authors: Ipsen Christine , Poulsen Signe , Gish Liv , Kirkegaard Marie Louise
Published: January 2020

Workplaces across Europe experience increasing problems with work‐related strain and stress. Consequently, they are confronted with the need for stress‐preventive interventions that target the sources of stress. A matter of current debate is how to continuously evaluate an organizational‐level intervention and gain insight into progress and participants’ perceptions of its impact; however, empirical data are lacking. Therefore, we conducted a qualitative study in three workplaces—two in information technology (IT) and one in manufacturing—to explore the design, evaluation process, perceived impact, and employees’ experiences with the continuous use of a physical evaluation tool (visualization object) during an organizational‐level intervention process. We conducted observations, surveys, semi‐structured interviews and chronicle workshops across all three workplaces. Overall, the results showed that the visualization object proved successful as a tool to explicate and combine participants’ perceptions of impact. The evaluation process also clarified that participants initially had different understandings of the intervention's purpose. However, the study also showed that the visualization object facilitated a dialog among participants, converging the different understandings to create a shared understanding and compliance of purpose. Finally, the respondents reported that the evaluation tool acted as a collective reminder of the intervention and the related changes. We conclude the study by providing recommendations for future evaluations of participatory organizational‐level interventions.
Do online applications for free assistive technology devices by individuals with disabilities introduce moral hazard? Evidence from Shanghai, China
Authors: Huang Xiaojing , Sun Mei , Song Yu , Li Chengyue , Jin Rong , Sun Heqi , Wang Weili , Zhang Qi , Lu Jun
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To examine whether moral hazard may exist under unsupervised home‐based online applications, leading to more assistive technology devices (ATDs) and larger per capita expenditures on ATDs than under supervised community center–based online applications.

Methods

Using the data from the Assistive Devices Resource Centre in Shanghai, descriptive statistics were estimated for the sociodemographics of applicants. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were used to test the effect of the introduction of home‐based online applications.

Results

In 2015‐2016, there were marked increases of 22.3% in the total number of ATDs and 27.2% in the total expenditure on ATDs compared with 2013‐2014. The per capita number and expenditure also demonstrated an increasing trend. More devices were applied for in 2015‐2016 than in 2013‐2014, yielding a higher expenditure per capita (P < .001). Interestingly, with an invisible price, more devices were applied for at home than in community centers (P < .001), but the expenditure per capita was smaller (P < .001).

Conclusions

The introduction of online applications increased the number of ATDs per capita. The home‐based applications induced the purchase of more ATDs but not higher expenditures on ATDs. Individuals with disabilities tend to request the maximum number of ATDs allowed by the application rules, which is an indicator of moral hazard. The prices of ATDs were not visible for individuals with disabilities, which may cause individuals to order costlier ATDs when applying at home. Stricter review may be needed to reign in the potential moral hazard among online applicants with disabilities.
Review of Computational Studies of NCM Cathode Materials for Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Chakraborty Arup , Kunnikuruvan Sooraj , Dixit Mudit , Major Dan T.
Published: January 2020

Lithium‐ion based rechargeable batteries are considered among the most promising battery technologies because of the high energy‐ and power‐densities of these electrochemical devices. Computational studies on lithium ion batteries (LIBs) facilitate rationalization and prediction of many important experimentally observed properties, including atomic structure, thermal stability, electronic structure, ion diffusion pathways, equilibrium cell voltage, electrochemical activity, and surface behavior of electrode materials. In recent years, Ni, Co and Mn‐based (NCM) layered transition metal oxide positive electrode materials (LiNi1‐x‐yCoxMnyO2) have shown tremendous promise for high‐energy density LIBs, and these NCM‐based batteries are effectively commercialized. Here, we present an overview of recent theoretical work performed using first principles density functional theory on these layered cathode materials. This short review focuses on recent computational efforts of popular NCMs with increasing Ni content, ranging from NCM333 to NCM811.
High‐resolution 3D imaging of microvascular architecture in human glioma tissues using X‐ray phase‐contrast computed tomography as a potential adjunct to histopathology
Authors: Zhang Wenxue , Jian Jianbo , Sun Cuiyun , Chen Jie , Lv Wenjuan , Sun Mengyu , Zhao Yuqing , Zhao Qi , Hu Chunhong
Published: January 2020

Gliomas are rich in blood vessels, and the generation of tumor‐associated vessels plays an important role in glioma growth and transfer. Histology can directly depict microvascular architecture in the tumor, but it just provides two‐dimensional (2D) images obtained by destroying three‐dimensional (3D) tissue specimens. There is a lack of high‐resolution 3D imaging methods for observing the microvasculature throughout the entire specimens. X‐ray phase‐contrast computed tomography (PCCT) which is an emerging imaging method has demonstrated its outstanding potential in imaging soft tissues. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the potential of PCCT as an adjunct to histopathology in nondestructive and 3D visualization of the microvascular architecture in human glioma tissues. In this study, seven resected glioma tissues were scanned via PCCT and then processed histologically. The obtained PCCT data was analyzed and compared with corresponding histological results. Significant anatomical structures of the glioma such as microvessels, thrombi inside the microvessels, and areas of vascular proliferation could be clearly presented via PCCT, confirmed by the histological findings. Moreover, PCCT data also provided additional 3D information such as morphological alterations of the microvasculature, 3D distribution of the thrombi and stenosis severity of the vessels in glioma tissues, which cannot be fully analyzed in 2D histological slices. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that PCCT can offer excellent images at a near‐histological level and additional valuable information in screening gliomas, without impeding further histological investigations. Thus, this technique could be potentially used as an adjunct to conventional histopathology in 3D nondestructive characterization of glioma vasculature.