bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of chilli pepper genotypes against anthracnose (Colletotrichum brevisporum)
Authors: Silva Souza Leonor Cristina , Guimarães Assis Luiz Alberto , Catarino Aricléia de Moraes , Hanada Rogério Eiji
Published: March 2020

Anthracnose is the most important disease of chili pepper pimenta-de-cheiro (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). This species is widely cultivated in dryland areas in the Amazon, presenting high genetic diversity. Therefore, it presents a high potential for use in breeding. The objective of this study was to select pepper genotypes with potential resistance to anthracnose (Colletotrichum brevisporum). For this purpose, ripe fruits of pepper were acquired from the producing farms in the municipalities of Iranduba, Manacapuru, Rio Preto da Eva and Presidente Figueiredo. The experiments were conducted in seedlings (Phase I) and in mature and immature fruits (Phase II). The evaluation of the disease severity was performed using a scale of scores. The morphoagronomic characterization of the genotypes considered the fruits in the immature and mature stages and plant growth habit. The injured areas in the immature fruits ranged from 0.3 to 9.7 cm2 and in the mature areas, it ranged from 0.2 to 9.9 cm2. The genotypes RPE41 and MPU29 indicated resistance to anthracnose in both stages. The morphoagronomic characterization of the fruits revealed variability for mass (5.58 to 13.74 g), length [C] (4.08 to 8.16 cm), diameter [D] (1.74 to 2.54 cm), L/D ratio (1.88 to 4.70) and color of the fruit.
Bioactive constituents of red and green lettuce grown under colour shade nets
Authors: Ilić Zoran S. , Milenković Lidija , Šunić Ljubomir , Barać Saša , Cvetković Dragan , Stanojević Ljiljana , Kevrešan Žarko , Mastilović Jasna
Published: March 2020

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of coloured shade-nets (pearl, blue, or red all with a 50% shade index) compared to non-shaded plants on quality traits on the Discoa and ICE 40102 (green-leaf) and Eglantine (red-leaf) lettuce cultivars. Total chlorophyll content depended on the shading and lettuce genotype. The chlorophyll a and b contents were higher in shaded than unshaded plants. The cv. Eglantine had the highest total chlorophylls (637.03 μg∙g-1 F.M.) content. The highest carotenoid content was in leaves of cv. Discoa under pearl nets (208.89 μg∙g-1 F.M). The highest total phenols content (76.70±1.9 mg∙g-1 GAE D.M.) was in cv. Discoa under red shade; the highest flavonoids content was for cvs. Discoa (42.97) and Eglantine (42.91 mg∙g-1 RU D.M.) under blue shade. The blue and pearl shade nets resulted in slightly higher flavonoid contents in lettuce leaves compared to unshaded plants. The cv. Eglantine, under blue shade had the highest antioxidant capacity (EC50 - 0.197 mg∙mL-1). Red lettuce cv. Eglantine could be recommended for production due to its higher antioxidant properties. Generally blue shade can be used to retain antioxidant capacity.
Effects of terpenes administration on fatty acid profile and coagulation properties of ewes’ milk
Authors: Ioanna Poulopoulou , Evangelos Zoidis , Styliani Avramidou , Theofilaktos Massouras , Ioannis Hadjigeorgiou
Published: March 2020

The presence of lipids in animal products have attracted scientific and consumers’ attention due to the health beneficial effects of mono- (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Various factors may affect their concentration, while plant components, such as terpenes, can possibly modify their concentration in milk, as well as other milk characteristics. The aim of the present study was to test the effects of a mixture of three terpenes, α-pinene, limonene and β-caryophyllene that was orally administered to ewes, on milk fatty acids profile and coagulation properties. Eight ewes were divided in two groups, control (C) and treatment (T), where the T-group received orally a mixture of the three aforementioned terpenes. Rate of firming (K20) was longer for the T-group, while other coagulation parameters were not affected. The concentration of C14:1 and C16:0 decreased significantly, while C18:0, C18:1, C18:3 increased significantly in T-group. The concentration of MUFA and PUFA increased significantly, while SFA decreased in the T-group of ewes. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that terpene intake could affect the proportion of FA and coagulation properties of ewes’ milk.
Cooperative Switching in Large‐Area Assemblies of Magnetic Janus Particles
Authors: Hwang Sangyeul , Nguyen Trung Dac , Bhaskar Srijanani , Yoon Jaewon , Klaiber Marvin , Lee Kyung Jin , Glotzer Sharon C. , Lahann Joerg
Published: March 2020

Magnetic Janus particles (MJPs) have received considerable attention for their rich assembly behavior and their potential technological role in applications ranging from simple magnetophoretic displays to smart cloaking devices. However, further progress is hampered by the lack of predictive understanding of the cooperative self‐assembly behavior of MJPs and appropriate dynamic control mechanisms. In this paper, a detailed experimental and theoretical investigation into the magnetically directed spatiotemporal self‐assembly and switching of MJPs is presented. For this purpose, a novel type of MJPs with defined hemispherical compartments carrying superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as well as a novel simulation model to describe their cooperative switching behavior is established. Combination of the theoretical and experimental work culminates in a simple method to direct assemblies of MJPs, even at high particle concentrations. In addition, a magnetophoretic display with switchable MJPs is developed on the basis of the theoretical findings to demonstrate the potential usefulness of controlled large‐area assemblies of magnetic Janus particles.
Vertically Coated Graphene Oxide Micro‐Well Arrays for Highly Efficient Cancer Spheroid Formation and Drug Screening
Authors: Kim Cheol‐Hwi , Suhito Intan Rosalina , Angeline Novi , Han Yoojoong , Son Hyungbin , Luo Zhengtang , Kim Tae‐Hyung
Published: March 2020

Research on the 3D culturing of cancer cells that better mimic in vivo solid tumors is important for efficient drug screening. Herein, a new platform that effectively facilitates the formation of cancer spheroids for anticancer drug screening is reported. Cytophilic graphene oxide (GO), when selectively coated on the sidewalls of micro‐wells fabricated from a cell‐adhesion‐resistive polymer, is found to efficiently initiates distinct donut‐like formation of cancer cell spheroids. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman mapping are used to analyze vertically coated GO micropatterns (vGO‐MPs) of different sizes (100–250 µm) on polymer platforms, and human liver cancer cells (HepG2), as a model cancer, are seeded on these platforms. Remarkably, the 150 µm‐sized platform is found to easily and rapidly generate 3D spheroids in the absence of cell‐adhesion proteins. In addition, owing to the unique characteristics of GO, vGO‐MPs are highly stable for long periods of time (≈1 month), even under harsh conditions (>70 °C). Moreover, the anticancer effects of two drugs (hydroxyurea and cisplatin) and the potential anticancer compound (curcumin) on HepG2 cells are demonstrated by simply measuring decreases in spheroid sizes. Hence, this new platform is highly promising as a cancer spheroid‐forming material for rapid drug screening.
Materials as Machines
Authors: McCracken Joselle M. , Donovan Brian R. , White Timothy J.
Published: March 2020

Machines are systems that harness input power to extend or advance function. Fundamentally, machines are based on the integration of materials with mechanisms to accomplish tasks—such as generating motion or lifting an object. An emerging research paradigm is the design, synthesis, and integration of responsive materials within or as machines. Herein, a particular focus is the integration of responsive materials to enable robotic (machine) functions such as gripping, lifting, or motility (walking, crawling, swimming, and flying). Key functional considerations of responsive materials in machine implementations are response time, cyclability (frequency and ruggedness), sizing, payload capacity, amenability to mechanical programming, performance in extreme environments, and autonomy. This review summarizes the material transformation mechanisms, mechanical design, and robotic integration of responsive materials including shape memory alloys (SMAs), piezoelectrics, dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), ionic electroactive polymers (IEAPs), pneumatics and hydraulics systems, shape memory polymers (SMPs), hydrogels, and liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) and networks (LCNs). Structural and geometrical fabrication of these materials as wires, coils, films, tubes, cones, unimorphs, bimorphs, and printed elements enables differentiated mechanical responses and consistently enables and extends functional use.
Potential Link between Cu Surface and Selective CO2 Electroreduction: Perspective on Future Electrocatalyst Designs
Authors: Tomboc Gracita M. , Choi Songa , Kwon Taehyun , Hwang Yun Jeong , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: March 2020

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) product distribution has been identified to be dependent on various surface factors, including the Cu facet, morphology, chemical states, doping, etc., which can alter the binding strength of key intermediates such as *CO and *OCCO during reduction. Therefore, in‐depth knowledge of the Cu catalyst surface and identification of the active species under reaction conditions aid in designing efficient Cu‐based electrocatalysts. This progress report categorizes various Cu‐based electrocatalysts into four main groups, namely metallic Cu, Cu alloys, Cu compounds (Cu + non‐metal), and supported Cu‐based catalysts (Cu supported by carbon, metal oxides, or polymers). The detailed mechanisms for the selective CO2RR are presented, followed by recent relevant developments on the synthetic procedures for preparing Cu and Cu‐based nanoparticles. Herein, the potential link between the Cu surface and CO2RR performance is highlighted, especially in terms of the chemical states, but other significant factors such as defective sites and roughened morphology of catalysts are equally considered during the discussion of current studies of CO2RR with Cu‐based electrocatalysts to fully understand the origin of the significant enhancement toward C2 formation. This report concludes by providing suggestions for future designs of highly selective and stable Cu‐based electrocatalysts for CO2RR.
A Stimulus‐Responsive Zinc–Iodine Battery with Smart Overcharge Self‐Protection Function
Authors: Wang Faxing , Tseng Jochi , Liu Zaichun , Zhang Panpan , Wang Gang , Chen Guangbo , Wu Weixing , Yu Minghao , Wu Yuping , Feng Xinliang
Published: March 2020

Zinc–iodine aqueous batteries (ZIABs) are highly attractive for grid‐scale energy storage due to their high theoretical capacities, environmental friendliness, and intrinsic non‐flammability. However, because of the close redox potential of Zn stripping/platting and hydrogen evolution, slight overcharge of ZIABs would induce drastic side reactions, serious safety concerns, and battery failure. A novel type of stimulus‐responsive zinc–iodine aqueous battery (SR‐ZIAB) with fast overcharge self‐protection ability is demonstrated by employing a smart pH‐responsive electrolyte. Operando spectroelectrochemical characterizations reveal that the battery failure mechanism of ZIABs during overcharge arises from the increase of electrolyte pH induced by hydrogen evolution as well as the consequent irreversible formation of insulating ZnO at anode and soluble Zn(IO3)2 at cathode. Under overcharge conditions, the designed SR‐ZIABs can be rapidly switched off with capacity degrading to 6% of the initial capacity, thereby avoiding continuous battery damage. Importantly, SR‐ZIABs can be switched on with nearly 100% of capacity recovery by re‐adjusting the electrolyte pH. This work will inspire the development of aqueous Zn batteries with smart self‐protection ability in the overcharge state.
A Robust Methodology for the Synthesis of Phosphorothioates, Phosphinothioates and Phosphonothioates
Authors: Jones David J. , O'Leary Eileen M. , O'Sullivan Timothy P.
Published: March 2020

A robust methodology for the synthesis of phosphorothioates, phosphinothioates and phosphonothioates, including those bearing low molecular weightS‐alkyl side‐chains, is presented. Application of the “caesium effect” in conjunction with the disulfide 3,3’‐dithiobis(propionitrile), which acts as a shelf‐stable sulfur source, avoids recourse to malodorous alkanethiols and toxic P−Cl precursors. A diverse range of sulfur‐containing organophosphorus targets, including phosphorus‐based heterocycles, may be prepared in consistently high yields. This chemistry also provides ready access to the corresponding DBU salts which are potential substrates for Pd‐catalysed coupling reactions.

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Loss‐of‐function of Endothelin receptor type A results in Oro‐Oto‐Cardiac syndrome
Authors: Pritchard Amanda Barone , Kanai Stanley M. , Krock Bryan , Schindewolf Erica , Oliver‐Krasinski Jennifer , Khalek Nahla , Okashah Najeah , Lambert Nevin A. , Tavares Andre L.P. , Zackai Elaine , Clouthier David E.
Published: March 2020

Craniofacial morphogenesis is regulated in part by signaling from the Endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA). Pathogenic variants in EDNRA signaling pathway components EDNRA, GNAI3, PCLB4, and EDN1 cause Mandibulofacial Dysostosis with Alopecia (MFDA), Auriculocondylar syndrome (ARCND) 1, 2, and 3, respectively. However, cardiovascular development is normal in MFDA and ARCND individuals, unlike Ednra knockout mice. One explanation may be that partial EDNRA signaling remains in MFDA and ARCND, as mice with reduced, but not absent, EDNRA signaling also lack a cardiovascular phenotype. Here we report an individual with craniofacial and cardiovascular malformations mimicking the Ednra
−/− mouse phenotype, including a distinctive micrognathia with microstomia and a hypoplastic aortic arch. Exome sequencing found a novel homozygous missense variant in EDNRA (c.1142A>C; p.Q381P). Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays revealed that this amino acid substitution in helix 8 of EDNRA prevents recruitment of G proteins to the receptor, abrogating subsequent receptor activation by its ligand, Endothelin‐1. This homozygous variant is thus the first reported loss‐of‐function EDNRA allele, resulting in a syndrome we have named Oro‐Oto‐Cardiac Syndrome. Further, our results illustrate that EDNRA signaling is required for both normal human craniofacial and cardiovascular development, and that limited EDNRA signaling is likely retained in ARCND and MFDA individuals. This work illustrates a straightforward approach to identifying the functional consequence of novel genetic variants in signaling molecules associated with malformation syndromes.
Preparation of slow release encapsulated insecticide and fertilizer based on superabsorbent polysaccharide microbeads
Authors: Joshi Prutha P. , Van Cleave Ashleigh , Held David W. , Howe Julie A. , Auad Maria L.
Published: March 2020

The use of encapsulated fertilizers and pesticides is a key approach for slowing the release of agrochemicals, while simultaneously reducing costs and environmental problems. The use of hybrid systems for encapsulation in organic‐based agriculture, which enables the release of agrochemicals in a single application, has been a growing field. In this approach, a formulation of Bacillus‐thuringiensis as bio‐pesticide and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (fish emulsion, potassium nitrate, and potassium phosphate) were formulated using superabsorbent polymers microbeads based on sodium alginate (ALG) then evaluated for release. Different formulations were prepared using 15 wt% of Bt, fish emulsion, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The encapsulated microbeads were prepared by wet‐extrusion processing using sodium alginate as the superabsorbent polymer and calcium chloride as the gelling agent. The resulting beads were characterized in terms of size, morphology, water uptake, and biodegradability. The results showed that the prepared microbeads have narrow size distributions (1.2 to 2.1 mm) and increased water uptake (1,200–3,200%). Moreover, loaded microbeads were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy and Elementar CHNS analyzer to obtain the fertilizer grades as (6.2–0.8–1.05), (0–6.3–6.4), and (0.62–0–2.4) for the one loaded with fish emulsion, for potassium phosphate loaded beads, and for potassium nitrate loaded beads, respectively.
Systematization, description, and territory of arteries that promote vascularization of the midbrain and rhombencephalon in the ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Nazer Manoel B. , Campos Rui , Voll Juliana
Published: March 2020

Brain specimens from 30 ostriches were injected with red‐dyed latex via the internal carotid arteries (Aa.). The ventral tectal mesencephalic artery (a.), invariably a medium‐sized single vessel, was, on the right side, a collateral branch of the caudal branch of the carotid artery (53.4%), a direct branch of the carotid artery (43.3%) and a direct branch of the basilar artery (3.3%) and on the left side, a collateral branch of the caudal branch of the carotid artery (66.7%), a direct branch of the carotid artery (30%), and a direct branch of the basilar artery (3.3%). It vascularized only the ventral half of the optic lobe, with no involvement in cerebellar vascularization on the right (93.3%) and left (80%) sides, extending to the ventrorostral‐most cerebellar lobules, which were vascularized on the right (6.7%) and left (20%) sides. The caudal ventral cerebellar arteries were a single vessel on the right (96.7%) and left (93.3%) sides. Its first branch was a common trunk: dorsal spinal—caudal cerebellar on the right (60%) and left (56.6%) sides. Its second branch was the caudal cerebellar artery on the right (76.7%) and left (86.7%) sides. Its third branch was the second component of the caudal cerebellar artery on the right (6.7%) and left (3.3%) sides. The midbrain was vascularized by dorsal and ventral tectal mesencephalic arteries. The cerebellum was vascularized by branches of the caudal ventral cerebellar artery and by the dorsal cerebellar artery.
Morphological effects of whole‐body vibration on remobilization of the tibialis anterior muscle of Wistar rats
Authors: Zazula Matheus Felipe , Wutzke Maria Luiza Serradourada , da Costa Juliana Roncini Gomes , Guimarães Ana Tereza Bittencourt , Costa Rose Meire , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor , Ribeiro Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko
Published: March 2020

Therapeutic immobilization is a common treatment for the locomotor system; however, it causes loss of muscle due to disuse, leading to protein degradation and generating atrophy of muscle cells, ultimately changing functionality. In this sense, it is important for remobilization to be initiated early and performed with appropriate therapeutic strategies that enable tissue and functional recovery. One method of remobilization is physical exercise, among which whole body vibration (WBV) has been highlighted and mainly applied in people with reduced mobility. However, there are gaps on the morphological effects WBV has on muscle tissue, so in this study we analyzed the histomorphometry of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) of Wistar rats remobilized using WBV. For the experiment, 32 male Wistar rats were used and divided into four groups (n = 8/group). Groups consisted of: control (CG), immobilized (IG), immobilized and remobilized freely (FG), and immobilized and remobilized with WBV (WG). After the experimental period, the TA was collected and processed for analysis in light microscopy. When compared to the control group, significant morphological changes were observed, which characterize muscle atrophy and reduction of all histomorphometric parameters of the TA of the immobilized animals. Remobilized animals showed improvement in all parameters, and the WBV was not different from the free remobilization, except for the reduction of central nuclei, which can be related to acceleration of the process of tissue regeneration. Thus, we can conclude that the WBV can have an impact on the acceleration of the muscle regenerative process, and may be beneficial in people with reduced mobility.
Gestational exposure to valproic acid upregulates total Stat3 protein expression while downregulating phosphorylated Stat3 in CD‐1 mouse embryos with neural tube defects
Authors: Shafique Sidra , Winn Louise M.
Published: March 2020

Valproic acid (VPA), a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug and an effective treatment for psychiatric disorders, is teratogenic causing neural tube defects (NTDs) and other defects in the exposed embryo. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a transcription factor that is activated via tyrosine phosphorylation. Stat3, as well as its active form (pYStat3), is expressed during neural tube closure in murine development. This study investigated the effects of in utero VPA exposure on embryonic Stat3 mRNA and protein expression during the critical period of neural tube closure in CD‐1 mouse embryos. Following the exposure of CD‐1 pregnant mice to the teratogenic dose of 400 mg/kg VPA or saline on gestational day (GD) 9, embryos were harvested at 1, 3, 6, or 24 hr and on GD13. Stat3 mRNA levels remained unchanged at all time points. Total Stat3 protein levels were significantly (p < .05) increased in GD9 embryos at 1 and 6 hr post‐exposure and in GD13 exposed nonexencephalic and exencephalic embryo heads. In contrast, phosphorylated Stat3 levels were significantly (p < .05) downregulated in GD9 embryos at the 3 and 6 hr time points with an overall trend of downregulation in the GD10 and GD13 groups. Total and phosphorylated Stat3 protein levels remained unchanged in nuclear extracts of the exposed nonexencephalic and exencephalic GD13 embryo heads. The reported significant downregulation of phosphorylated Stat3 levels suggests its possible role in VPA‐induced NTDs in mouse embryos.
Metal‐organic framework‐derived Fe/Cu‐substituted Co nanoparticles embedded in CNTs‐grafted carbon polyhedron for Zn‐air batteries
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Zhang Yelong , Zhang Qinghua , Liang Zibin , Gu Lin , Guo Wenhan , Zhu Bingjun , Guo Shaojun , Zou Ruqiang
Published: March 2020

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF‐derived materials have attracted great attention as alternatives to noble‐metal based electrocatalysts owing to their intriguing structure properties, especially for high efficiency and stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we employed a one‐pot reaction to make a multimetal (Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn) mixed zeolitic imidazolate framework (MM‐ZIF) via adopting a simple in situ redox reaction. Further pyrolysis of the target MM‐ZIF, a highly porous carbon polyhedron (FC‐C@NC) grafted with abundant carbon nanotubes was obtained, in which ultrasmall Co nanoparticles with partial lattice sites substituted by Fe and Cu were embedded. The obtained FC‐C@NC possessed large surface area, highly porous structure, widely‐spread metal active sites, and conductive carbon frameworks, contributing to outstanding ORR activity and long‐term stability. It displayed superior tolerance to methanol crossover and exceeded the commercial Pt/C catalyst and most previously reported non‐noble‐metal catalysts. Impressively, the as‐produced FC‐C@NC‐based zinc‐air battery afforded an open‐circuit potential of 1.466 V, a large specific capacity of 659.5 mAh/g, and a high gravimetric energy density of 784.3 Wh/kgZn, significantly outperforming the Pt/C‐based cathode.
In a Quest for Selectivity Paired with Activity: A Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalyst Bearing an Unsymmetrical Phenanthrene‐Based N‐Heterocyclic Carbene
Authors: Dąbrowski Michał , Wyrębek Przemysław , Trzybiński Damian , Woźniak Krzysztof , Grela Karol
Published: March 2020

Robust, selective, and stable in the presence of ethylene, ruthenium olefin metathesis pre‐catalyst, {[3‐benzyl‐1‐(10‐phenyl‐9‐phenanthryl)]‐2‐imidazolidinylidene}dichloro(o‐isopropoxyphenylmethylene)ruthenium(II), Ru‐3, bearing an unsymetrical N‐heterocyclic carbene (uNHC) ligand, has been synthesized. The initiation rate of Ru‐3 was examined by ring‐closing metathesis and cross‐metathesis reactions with a broad spectrum of olefins, showing an unprecendented selectivity. It was also tested in industrially relevant ethenolysis reactions of olefinic substrates from renewable feedstock with very good yields and selectivities.
Poly‐γ‐S‐perillyl‐l‐glutamate and Poly‐γ‐S‐perillyl‐d‐glutamate: Diastereomeric Alignment Media Used for the Investigation of the Alignment Process
Authors: Alcaraz Janßen Marcel , Thiele Christina M.
Published: March 2020

Residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) offer additional information for structure elucidation by NMR spectroscopy. They are measured in anisotropic media, such as lyotropic liquid crystalline phases of polypeptides. Today, some suitable polypeptides are known. Nevertheless, structural influences of these polypeptides on the alignment properties are not really understood. Thus, which influence a chiral side chain has on enantiodiscrimination and whether we can improve the enantiodifferentiation significantly by adding an additional chiral center in the side chain are questions of interest. Therefore, new diastereomeric polypeptide‐based alignment media with an additional chiral center in the side chain derived from perillyl alcohol were synthesized and their properties were investigated (secondary structure, liquid crystallinity, etc.). The enantiomers of isopinocampheol and β‐pinene were used as model analytes for the study of enantiodiscrimination. Additionally, the usage of 1H–1H‐RDCs to improve the alignment tensor quality is demonstrated.
Sensory systems in birds: What we have learned from studying sensory specialists
Authors: Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Wylie Douglas R.
Published: March 2020

“Diversity” is an apt descriptor of the research career of Jack Pettigrew as it ranged from the study of trees, to clinical conditions, to sensory neuroscience. Within sensory neuroscience, he was fascinated by the evolution of sensory systems across species. Here, we review some of his work on avian sensory specialists and research that he inspired in others. We begin with an overview of the importance of the Wulst in stereopsis and the need for further study of the Wulst in relation to binocularity across avian species. Next, we summarize recent anatomical, behavioral, and physiological studies on optic flow specializations in hummingbirds. Beyond vision, we discuss the first evidence of a tactile “fovea” in birds and how this led to detailed studies of tactile specializations in waterfowl and sensorimotor systems in parrots. We then describe preliminary studies by Pettigrew of two endemic Australian species, the plains‐wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) and letter‐winged kite (Elanus scriptus), that suggest the evolution of some unique auditory and visual specializations in relation to their unique behavior and ecology. Finally, we conclude by emphasizing the importance of a comparative and integrative approach to understanding avian sensory systems and provide an example of one system that has yet to be properly examined: tactile facial bristles in birds. Through reviewing this research and offering future avenues for discovery, we hope that others also embrace the comparative approach to understanding sensory system evolution in birds and other vertebrates.
Panel Design and Optimization for High‐Dimensional Immunophenotyping Assays Using Spectral Flow Cytometry
Authors: Ferrer‐Font Laura , Pellefigues Christophe , Mayer Johannes U. , Small Sam J. , Jaimes Maria C. , Price Kylie M.
Published: March 2020

Technological advances in fluorescence flow cytometry and an ever‐expanding understanding of the complexity of the immune system have led to the development of large (20+ parameters) flow cytometry panels. However, as panel complexity and size increase, so does the difficulty involved in designing a high‐quality panel, accessing the instrumentation capable of accommodating large numbers of parameters, and analyzing such high‐dimensional data. A recent advancement is spectral flow cytometry, which in contrast to conventional flow cytometry distinguishes the full emission spectrum of each fluorophore across all lasers, rather than identifying only the peak of emission. Fluorophores with a similar emission maximum but distinct off‐peak signatures can therefore be accommodated within the same flow cytometry panel, allowing greater flexibility in terms of panel design and fluorophore detection. Here, we highlight the specific characteristics of spectral flow cytometry and aim to guide users through the process of building, designing, and optimizing high‐dimensional spectral flow cytometry panels using a comprehensive step‐by‐step protocol. Special considerations are also given for using highly overlapping dyes, and a logical selection process for optimal marker‐fluorophore assignment is provided. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Salix dormant bud cryotolerance varies by taxon, harvest year, and stem‐segment length
Authors: Jenderek Maria M. , Ambruzs Barbara D. , Holman Gregory E. , Carstens Jeffrey D. , Ellis David D. , Widrlechner Mark P.
Published: March 2020

Willow (Salix L.) species have good qualities for becoming a biomass crop for production of biofuels. They grow on marginal soils, produce high yields of wood in a short period of time, and are easily propagated. Salix is one of the few genera that may be cryopreserved as dormant winter buds (DBs) instead of using tissue culture techniques. The objective of our study was to evaluate selected factors that affect cryotolerance of nine Salix germplasm accessions in the USDA‐ARS National Plant Germplasm System collection. One‐year‐old branches harvested in January over 3 yr were cut into either 6‐ to 7‐ or 10‐cm segments containing at least two DBs. Segments were treated with a slow‐cooling procedure and stored in vapor‐phase liquid N (LNV). Control segments were stored at −5 °C until planting. The LNV‐exposed and the −5 °C‐stored nodal segments were warmed and directly planted in a cold greenhouse. Six weeks later, the material was evaluated for shoot and root development. Segments that developed a shoot were considered viable. Average viability varied among years (0–35.1%) even for the same accession, species (4.2–51.4%), and segment length. Dormant buds on 10‐cm segments had higher average viability (82.2%) than did DBs on 6‐ to 7‐cm segments (43.9%), suggesting higher suitability for cryopreservation. In the material studied, Salix DB viability was correlated with branch diameter, DB density, and the ability to develop shoots and roots prior to cryopreservation.
Corporate social responsibility and earnings transparency: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Park Hee‐Jin , Ha Mi‐Hye
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and earnings transparency of Korean companies. Transparency is one of key principles of CSR activities. We will focus on accounting transparency as accounting provides fundamental financial information about a company. Our results showed that companies with superior CSR activities had higher earnings transparency. This suggests that the more a company performs CSR, the more it gets trust from market participants on earnings information. We tested whether continuance of CSR commitments could affect the level of transparency. Our results revealed found that a company with a longer period of CSR activities had higher earnings transparency. This implies that CSR activities on ongoing‐basis encourage a company to disclose its information to outside stockholders in an open way.
Efficient implementation of mixed‐precision multiply‐accumulator unit for AI algorithms
Authors: Mounica Chandana , Krishna Sagar , Veeramachaneni Sreehari , Mahammad S Noor
Published: March 2020

Many of the modern deep learning, machine learning, and artificial intelligence algorithms use adders, multipliers, and multiply‐accumulators (MACs) with mixed precisions. In general, fixed‐point and floating‐point adders, multipliers, and MACs are used in mixed‐precision hardware, such that the above algorithm can choose appropriate hardware for its processing. This paper proposes an efficient mixed‐precision MAC circuit that can perform fixed‐point and floating‐point operations. The proposed design uses Han‐Carlson adder with late carry or end‐around carry in its accumulator design; as a result, delay and energy of the circuit reduce by
and
respectively, when compared with the existing designs from the literature.
Current/voltage mode full‐wave rectifier based on a single CCCII
Authors: Petrović Predrag B.
Published: March 2020

A novel full‐wave rectifier (or inverting full‐wave rectifier) based on a single second‐generation current controlled conveyor (CCCII) having no external passive components and diodes, conducive to IC implementation, is proposed in this paper. The circuits are capable of precisely processing the input signals of up to 30 MHz frequency, while in the situation when the circuits are operating in a voltage mode (VM), the allowed range of possible changes in the input voltage signal is ±500 mV compared with ±1 mA in the current mode (CM). In order to more fully perceive the performance of the proposed full‐wave rectifier, the influence of nonidealities and parasitic impedances effects on its work was analyzed. The simulation results using 0.35‐μm parameters confirm the feasibility of the proposed solutions.
Splintered tubercular granuloma—A consistent cytological findings in drug defaulters
Authors: Zaheer Sufian , Sharma Rohit , Beg Farzana , Sherwani Rana K.
Published: March 2020

Background

Tuberculosis remains a major health problem in the less developed nations and is now a major health problem in developed countries, owing to the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and (AIDS). However, despite the availability of effective chemotherapy, patient noncompliance with regimens is the most common reason for therapeutic failures. The aim of this study is to describe the cytological features of drug defaulters on lymph node fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

Objective

Due to the common problem of drug defaulters in developing countries like India, we had carried out a study to see the cytological features of drug defaulters on FNAC of the lymph node.

Method

Three hundred fifty tuberculosis cases, diagnosed based on Mantoux (Mx) test, acid‐fast bacilli and/or culture, were followed up for drug compliance by cervical lymph node FNAC.

Result

Forty cases were found to be drug defaulters on detailed and meticulous follow‐up. These patients were found to have splintered epithelioid cell granuloma with some viable epithelioid cells enmeshed in fibrous tissue elements. Other findings were degenerating epithelioid cells with or without surrounding eosinophilic infiltration and leaching of the degenerating lymphoid and epithelioid cells.

Conclusion

Lymph node FNAC can be used to identify tubercular drug defaulters, which may be time consuming and/or expensive by culture or other ancillary means.
Spatial variability of hosts, parasitoids and their interactions across a homogeneous landscape
Authors: Torné‐Noguera Anna , Arnan Xavier , Rodrigo Anselm , Bosch Jordi
Published: March 2020

Species assemblages and their interactions vary through space, generating diversity patterns at different spatial scales. Here, we study the local‐scale spatial variation of a cavity‐nesting bee and wasp community (hosts), their nest associates (parasitoids), and the resulting antagonistic network over a continuous and homogeneous habitat. To obtain bee/wasp nests, we placed trap‐nests at 25 sites over a 32 km2 area. We obtained 1,541 nests (4,954 cells) belonging to 40 host species and containing 27 parasitoid species. The most abundant host species tended to have higher parasitism rate. Community composition dissimilarity was relatively high for both hosts and parasitoids, and the main component of this variability was species turnover, with a very minor contribution of ordered species loss (nestedness). That is, local species richness tended to be similar across the study area and community composition tended to differ between sites. Interestingly, the spatial matching between host and parasitoid composition was low. Host β‐diversity was weakly (positively) but significantly related to geographic distance. On the other hand, parasitoid and host‐parasitoid interaction β‐diversities were not significantly related to geographic distance. Interaction β‐diversity was even higher than host and parasitoid β‐diversity, and mostly due to species turnover. Interaction rewiring between plots and between local webs and the regional metaweb was very low. In sum, species composition was rather idiosyncratic to each site causing a relevant mismatch between hosts and parasitoid composition. However, pairs of host and parasitoid species tended to interact similarly wherever they co‐occurred. Our results additionally show that interaction β‐diversity is better explained by parasitoid than by host β‐diversity. We discuss the importance of identifying the sources of variation to understand the drivers of the observed heterogeneity.
Weed species, not mulching, affect web‐building spiders and their prey in organic fruit orchards in South Africa
Authors: Arvidsson F. , Addison P. , Addison M. , Haddad C. R. , Birkhofer K.
Published: March 2020

Weed infestation affects economically relevant orchard properties, including tree performance, yield, and fruit quality negatively, and weeds are therefore often controlled by herbicide application in conventional farming. The addition of organic mulch below tree canopies has been proposed as an alternative reliable practice to suppress weeds and preserve soil moisture in organic farming. Mulching, however, may also affect arthropod pest and natural enemy populations, which highlights the need for simultaneously assessing weed, natural enemy, and animal pest communities in mulch experiments. This study addresses the limited knowledge about nonchemical ground cover management strategies for the control of plant and animal pests in orchards as a major constraint for organic growers. Here, we hypothesize that decisions about ground cover management practices in organic temperate fruit orchards affect the composition of web‐building spider communities and their functional role as natural enemies of pest arthropods through effects on weed and insect pest communities. We studied weed, prey, and spider communities, as well as spider diet composition, in four temperate fruit types (apricot, peach, plum, and quince) on a single farm in the Western Cape, South Africa. We established experimental plots with and without addition of dead organic mulch under fruit tree canopies. Addition of organic mulch did not significantly affect weed cover under trees or the taxonomic composition of weed or spider communities over the eight‐month study period. However, independent of mulching, the taxonomic composition of weed communities was significantly related to the composition of potential prey and spider communities. These relationships indirectly affected the prey composition of web‐building spiders. These results suggest that the identity of weed species in the study orchards had a pronounced effect on the diet composition and functional role of web‐building spiders. Future research should focus on the value of individual plant species for the promotion of pest control services provided by spiders across larger spatial scales and with higher levels of replication to allow for wider generalizations. The expected results would not only be relevant for weed control but could also be considered during the development of future flower strips in orchards.
Testing the effects of anthropogenic pressures on a diverse African herbivore community
Authors: Vinks Milan A. , Creel Scott , Schuette Paul , Rosenblatt Elias , Matandiko Wigganson , Sanguinetti Carolyn , Banda Kambwiri , Goodheart Ben , Becker Matthew , Chifunte Clive , Simukonda Chuma
Published: March 2020

Large herbivore communities around the world have declined steeply in recent decades. Although excessive bushmeat harvesting is thought to be the primary cause of herbivore declines in many ecosystems, the direct effects of anthropogenic pressures on large herbivore populations remain poorly described in most of the systems experiencing decline. To test the extent to which large herbivores are impacted by ecological and anthropogenic factors in a protected area (PA) thought to be experiencing human‐caused decline, we fit distance sampling models to seven years of data from systematic ground‐based surveys in Kafue National Park (KNP) to estimate the population densities and distributions of 10 species of large herbivores, and to test what factors affect these parameters. Population densities of the ten most abundant large herbivores in KNP were substantially lower than those reported for an ecologically similar PA with less poaching pressure. Low densities were consistent across species and areas, though there was ecologically important variation among species and size classes. Densities of larger‐bodied herbivores were greatly depressed relative to smaller species. This pattern has direct and indirect effects on large carnivore populations, with broad implications for the ecotourism and trophy hunting industries. Statistically and methodologically rigorous methods to test the effects of anthropogenic and environmental variables on density and distribution exist, but are rarely applied to large herbivores. To quantify trends in herbivore populations and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation actions, our results show that distance sampling with stratified ground‐based monitoring is an efficient and effective method. In the Greater Kafue Ecosystem (GKE), continued increases in resource protection are needed to facilitate the recovery of an economically and ecologically important large herbivore guild. More broadly, our results confirm that anthropogenic effects on large herbivore distribution and abundance can be strong over wide areas for all species (particularly the larger members of the guild), even in very large PAs.
How to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the HFA–PEFF diagnostic algorithm: a consensus recommendation from the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Authors: Pieske Burkert , Tschöpe Carsten , de Boer Rudolf A. , Fraser Alan G. , Anker Stefan D. , Donal Erwan , Edelmann Frank , Fu Michael , Guazzi Marco , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Lancellotti Patrizio , Melenovsky Vojtech , Morris Daniel A. , Nagel Eike , Pieske-Kraigher Elisabeth , Ponikowski Piotr , Solomon Scott D. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Rutten Frans H. , Voors Adriaan A. , Ruschitzka Frank , Paulus Walter J. , Seferovic Petar , Filippatos Gerasimos
Published: March 2020

Making a firm diagnosis of chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a challenge. We recommend a new stepwise diagnostic process, the ‘HFA–PEFF diagnostic algorithm’. Step 1 (P=Pre‐test assessment) is typically performed in the ambulatory setting and includes assessment for heart failure symptoms and signs, typical clinical demographics (obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, elderly, atrial fibrillation), and diagnostic laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. In the absence of overt non‐cardiac causes of

breathlessness, HFpEF can be suspected if there is a normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, no significant heart valve disease or cardiac ischaemia, and at least one typical risk factor. Elevated natriuretic peptides support, but normal levels do not exclude a diagnosis of HFpEF. The second step (E: Echocardiography and Natriuretic Peptide Score) requires comprehensive echocardiography and is typically performed by a cardiologist. Measures include mitral annular early diastolic velocity (e′), LV filling pressure estimated using E/e′, left atrial volume index, LV mass index, LV relative wall thickness, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, LV global longitudinal systolic strain, and serum natriuretic peptide levels. Major (2 points) and Minor (1 point) criteria were defined from these measures. A score ≥5 points implies definite HFpEF; ≤1 point makes HFpEF unlikely. An intermediate score (2–4 points) implies diagnostic uncertainty, in which case Step 3 (F1: Functional testing) is recommended with echocardiographic or invasive haemodynamic exercise stress tests. Step 4 (F2: Final aetiology) is recommended to establish a possible specific cause of HFpEF or alternative explanations. Further research is needed for a better classification of HFpEF.
Fuzzy vault‐based three‐factor authentication and key exchange for 5G‐integrated wireless sensor networks
Authors: Sun Junshuai , Jiang Qi , Ma Jianfeng , Cheng Qingfeng , I Chih‐Lin , Yin Chengguang
Published: March 2020

The integration of the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and the advanced 5G networks has greatly enriched applications of the Internet of Things. However, the open access to sensor nodes whose resources are limited makes the entire WSNs potentially insecure. It is impending to authenticate the identities of the communication participants to prevent various attacks such as eavesdropping, capturing, and tampering. Recently, an authentication and key exchange protocol for 5G‐integrated WSNs was proposed by Shin et al. However, we have found that the scheme cannot defend against offline password guessing attacks and de‐synchronization attacks. Therefore, we put forward an enhanced authentication and key exchange protocol, which can resist known attacks and shows more fitness for the scenario of 5G‐integrated WSNs. In addition, we have analyzed that our scheme is provably secure under the random oracle model with a strict adversarial hypothesis and possesses a better performance than Shin et al's scheme.
Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer in patient with previous bilateral salpingectomy: A case report
Authors: Le My T. , Huynh Mi H. , Cao Cuong H. , Hoang Y M. , Le Khanh C. , Dang Vinh Q.
Published: March 2020

When common sites of ectopic pregnancy do not have any positive findings, even in bilateral salpingectomy patients, retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy must be ruled out.