bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study finds MAT combined with 12‐Step residential treatment is effective
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2019

What program better than Hazelden Betty Ford to test out the feasibility of combining 12‐Step residential treatment with medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) — in particular, buprenorphine? This program was the first to introduce buprenorphine many years ago, because so many patients were overdosing after they left (see ADAW, Nov. 12, 2012).
NAATP focuses on ‘uniform quality practices’
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2019

It's not enough to rid the treatment field of the “unscrupulous few,” which has been largely done, at least in terms of membership in the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). The problem is that the opportunity for marketing and other ethics abuses still exists in the substance use disorder treatment field, said Marvin Ventrell, NAATP CEO, in a Sept. 24 message to members.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of a Powder Metallurgy Ti‐22Al‐25Nb Alloy Processed through Isothermal Rolling and Solution and Aging Treatment
Authors: Jia Jianbo , Lu Chao , Zhong Xiaoxiao , Yang Zhigang , Xu Yan , Sun Wei , Luo Junting
Published: September 2019

Isothermal rolling is conducted at 1050 °C (α2 + B2 phase region) and 1100 °C (B2 phase region) for a spark plasma sintering (SPS)‐processed Ti‐22Al‐25Nb alloy. The effects of rolling temperature, pass, reduction per pass, and solution and aging on microstructure evolution, phase transformation, and tensile property at ambient temperature are systematically investigated. The results show that as the alloy is rolled at 1050 °C for 1 pass (P), the optimal tensile strength (TS) and the yield strength (YS) are 964.78 and 935.16 MPa, respectively, and the elongation (δ) reaches 23.65%. Then, followed by a subsequent solution and aging at 940 °C/30 min/water quenching (WQ)  + 760 °C/24 h/air cooling (AC), it exhibits a decrease in mechanical properties. Moreover, a mixed fracture mechanism dominated by ductile fracture is shown for the as‐rolled alloy. However, after a solution and aging, it is transformed to a mixed fracture mechanism dominated by brittle fracture, which attributes to the void aggregation and the development of the discontinuous brittle α2 precipitates along B2 matrix grains during the solution and aging treatment. Finally, fracture models of the as‐rolled alloy and the solution and aging‐treated alloy are established.
3D Printing of Micro‐Architected Al/CuO‐Based Nanothermite for Enhanced Combustion Performance
Authors: Mao Yaofeng , Zhong Lin , Zhou Xu , Zheng Dawei , Zhang Xingquan , Duan Tao , Nie Fude , Gao Bing , Wang Dunju
Published: September 2019

The booming development of 3D printing offers unprecedented hope for the construction of functional materials. However, it is still challenging to fabricate nano energetic materials due to the high sensitivity of energetic materials and the difficulty of high loading of materials. Recently, ink‐based direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing process for the preparation of reactive materials has attracted worldwide attention because of the simplicity in design of micro architecture and the possibility of low‐cost manufacturing. Herein, a novel strategy for printing Al/CuO nanothermite is successfully achieved by DIW 3D printing of nanothermite inks with good rheology shear‐thinning properties using F2311 as a binder. The loading of nanothermite in this ink formula is up to 90 wt.%, and the burning rate can be as high as 352 mm s−1. This approach provides new routes for achieving the applications in micro energetic device by printing high resolution and precise patterns of nanothermite with enhanced combustion performance.
Orthogonal Nanoparticle Catalysis with Organogermanes
Authors: Fricke Christoph , Sherborne Grant J. , Funes‐Ardoiz Ignacio , Senol Erdem , Guven Sinem , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: September 2019

Although nanoparticles are widely used as catalysts, little is known about their potential ability to trigger privileged transformations as compared to homogeneous molecular or bulk heterogeneous catalysts. We herein demonstrate (and rationalize) that nanoparticles display orthogonal reactivity to molecular catalysts in the cross‐coupling of aryl halides with aryl germanes. While the aryl germanes are unreactive in LnPd0/LnPdII catalysis and allow selective functionalization of established coupling partners in their presence, they display superior reactivity under Pd nanoparticle conditions, outcompeting established coupling partners (such as ArBPin and ArBMIDA) and allowing air‐tolerant, base‐free, and orthogonal access to valuable and challenging biaryl motifs. As opposed to the notoriously unstable polyfluoroaryl‐ and 2‐pyridylboronic acids, the corresponding germanes are highly stable and readily coupled. Our mechanistic and computational studies provide unambiguous support of nanoparticle catalysis and suggest that owing to the electron richness of aryl germanes, they preferentially react by electrophilic aromatic substitution, and in turn are preferentially activated by the more electrophilic nanoparticles.
Characterization of the active fragments of Spodoptera litura Lebocin‐1
Authors: Yang Li‐Ling , Zhan Ming‐Yue , Zhuo Yu‐Li , Dang Xiang‐Li , Li Mao‐Ye , Xu Yang , Zhou Xiu‐Hong , Yu Xiao‐Qiang , Rao Xiang‐Jun
Published: September 2019

Insects can produce various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) upon immune stimulation. One class of AMPs are characterized by their high proline content in certain fragments. They are generally called proline‐rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs). We previously reported the characterization of Spodoptera litura lebocin‐1 (SlLeb‐1), a PrAMP proprotein. Preliminary studies with synthetic polypeptides showed that among the four deductive active fragments, the C‐terminal fragment SlLeb‐1 (124‐158) showed strong antibacterial activities. Here, we further characterized the antibacterial and antifungal activities of 124‐158 and its four subfragments: 124‐155, 124‐149, 127‐158, and 135‐158. Only 124‐158 and 127‐158 could agglutinate bacteria, while 124‐158 and four subfragments all could agglutinate Beauveria bassiana spores. Confocal microscopy showed that fluorescent peptides were located on the microbial surface. Fragment 135‐158 lost activity completely against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and partially against Bacillus subtilis. Only 124‐149 showed low activity against Serratia marcescens. Negative staining, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy of 124‐158 treated bacteria showed different morphologies. Flow cytometry analysis of S. aureus showed that 124‐158 and four subfragments changed bacterial subpopulations and caused an increase of DNA content. These results indicate that active fragments of SlLeb‐1 may have diverse antimicrobial effects against different microbes. This study may provide an insight into the development of novel antimicrobial agents.
Mediating Role of Bone Marrow Lesions, Synovitis, Pain Sensitization, and Depressive Symptoms on Knee Pain Improvement Following Substantial Weight Loss
Authors: Jafarzadeh S. Reza , Neogi Tuhina , Stefanik Joshua J. , Li Jing‐Sheng , Guermazi Ali , Apovian Caroline M. , Felson David T.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Massive weight loss leads to marked knee pain reduction in individuals with knee pain, but the reason for the reduction in pain is unknown. This study was undertaken to quantify the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–evidenced changes in pain‐sensitive structures, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and synovitis, and changes in pain sensitization or depressive symptoms, to knee pain improvement after substantial weight loss.

Methods

Morbidly obese patients with knee pain on most days were evaluated before bariatric surgery or medical weight management and at 1‐year follow‐up for BMLs and synovitis seen on MRI, the pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the patella and the right wrist, depressive symptoms (using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale [CES‐D]), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain survey. Natural‐effects models were used to quantify the extent that achieving a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of ≥18% on the WOMAC pain scale could be mediated by weight loss–induced changes in BMLs, synovitis, PPT, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Of 75 participants, 53.3% lost ≥20% of weight by 1 year. Of these, 75% attained the MCID for pain improvement, compared with 34.3% in those who had <20% weight loss. Mediation analyses suggested that, in those with at least 20% weight loss, the odds of pain improvement increased by 62%, 15%, and 22% through changes in patella PPT, wrist PPT, and CES‐D, respectively, but pain improvement was not mediated by MRI changes in BMLs or synovitis.

Conclusion

Weight loss–induced knee pain improvement is partially mediated by changes in pain sensitization and depressive symptoms but is independent of MRI changes in BMLs and synovitis.
Recent Advances in Chiral Guanidine‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Reactions
Authors: Chou Hsiao‐Chieh , Leow Dasheng , Tan Choon‐Hong
Published: September 2019

Chiral guanidines have been widely used as Brønsted base catalysts and phase transfer catalysts in enantioselective reactions. Due to their amendable structure and powerful catalytic ability, they have attracted much interest. Several new catalysts containing a guanidinium moiety have been reported over the past decade and many promising outcomes have been achieved. This article illustrates the progress of chiral guanidine catalysis in asymmetric synthesis from 2009 to 2018. It is an update of a review of the same title published in 2009.
Dimethoxycarbonyl Groups Surrounding a Symmetric Diaminobistetrazole Ring: Exploring New Green Energetic Materials
Authors: He Piao , Liu Jiahao , Wu Jinting , Mei Haozheng , Zhang Jianguo
Published: September 2019

A novel oxygen‐containing dimethoxycarbonyl diaminobistetrazole (1) was synthesized via a facile strategy. The sodium salt (2) based on this ligand was prepared and these two compounds were fully characterized by using elemental analysis, IR and mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Their density, heats of formation, thermal stability and sensitivity, as well as the energetic properties from EXPLO5 code were investigated. These newly synthesized compounds possess high positive heats of formation and detonation heats. Compound 1 exhibits good detonation performance and acceptable stability, and might be a potential eco‐friendly alternative of lead azide. The present study contributes to the development of tetrazole derivatives as new energetic materials.
Prenatal ultrasound‐based diagnosis of fetal OEIS complex associated with lower limb polymelia and cardiac, hepatic dysplasia: A case report
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Liu Yu , Xue Yafang , Guo Yanli
Published: September 2019

OEIS complex is a type of congenital malformation syndrome. Here, we report a case of fetal OEIS complex combined with lower limb polymelia, cardiac defects, and hepatic dysplasia. It was easily misdiagnosed when oligoamnios and the liver bulged. This case will provide reference information for early diagnosis of similar cases.
Central and peripheral dysmyelination in a 3‐year‐old girl with ring chromosome 18
Authors: Lammert Dawn Brianna , Miedema David , Ochotorena Josiree , Dosa Nienke , Petropoulou Kalliopi , Lebel Roger Robert , Sakonju Ai
Published: September 2019

Myelin basic protein (MBP) contributes to peripheral and central nervous system myelin. Developmental myelinopathies exist on a clinical spectrum, but MBP is not included on leukodystrophy or CMT gene panels. This ring chromosome 18 case presents serial MRI and EMG/NCS, shedding light on the early clinical course of the disorder.
Noncirrhotic hyperammonemia: A factor behind dementia to alter mental status
Authors: Leo Christopher , Wang Yun , Mold Alexander , Quintana Junik , Shi Hong , Abdullah Mahdi , Alaie Dariush , Petrillo Richard
Published: September 2019

Healthcare givers were recommended to check serum ammonia level for elderly patients with acute‐on‐chronic alteration of mental status. Early initiation of antihyperammonemia therapy may benefit improvement of alteration of mental status. Baseline mental status becomes necessary for diagnose the acute alteration of mental status and monitor the therapeutic process.
Diagnosis and treatment of a boy with IPEX syndrome presenting with diabetes in early infancy
Authors: Kadakia Sejal , Farnaes Lauge , Dimmock David , Chowdhury Shimul , Ding Yan , Anderson Eric J. , Kingsmore Stephen , Newfield Ron S.
Published: September 2019

IPEX syndrome (Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, X‐linked) should be tested for in males under 6 months old presenting with diabetes, even without other IPEX features. Early diagnosis and bone marrow transplantation can improve outcomes.
Infliximab‐induced autoimmune hepatitis requiring liver transplantation
Authors: Wong Frederick , Al Ibrahim Bashaar , Walsh Joanna , Qumosani Karim
Published: September 2019

Autoimmune hepatitis is an infrequent but significant side effect of infliximab treatment. Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis is based on clinical, laboratory, and histological findings. Initial treatment involves cessation of infliximab and trial of prednisone. We present a rare case of infliximab‐induced autoimmune hepatitis leading to liver failure requiring transplantation.
Salvage therapy with azacitidine for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia with t(16;21)(p11;q22)/FUS‐ERG and early relapse after allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation: A case report
Authors: Keino Dai , Mori Takashi , Morimoto Mizuho , Kondo Kensuke , Mori Tetsuya , Kinoshita Akitoshi
Published: September 2019

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FUS‐ERG has a poor prognosis regardless of allo‐hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Maintenance therapy such as azacitidine after allo‐HSCT for AML with FUS‐ERG may be clinically meaningful.
Palladium Nanocatalysts Encapsulated on Porous Silica @ Magnetic Carbon‐Coated Cobalt Nanoparticles for Sustainable Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes, Alkenes and Alkynes.
Authors: Purohit Gunjan , Rawat Diwan S. , Reiser Oliver
Published: September 2019

Palladium nanoparticles were impregnated on porous silica shell carbon‐coated cobalt nanoparticles, resulting in a magnetically retrievable material that was evaluated in the catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes, alkenes and alkynes. The prepared material was characterized by HR‐XRD, HR‐TEM, elemental mapping EDX, ICP‐OES and XPS analyses, revealing highly dispersed palladium nanoparticles within the porous platform that could account for the high activity observed. Mild reaction conditions, easy retrievability of the catalyst with the aid of an external magnet, recycling in four runs with a total leaching of 19 ppm (1.2 % of the initially employed Pd amount), and high stability makes this material attractive for sustainable and environmentally benign applications.
Cobalt Carbodiimide as Negative Electrode for Li‐Ion Batteries: Electrochemical Mechanism and Performance
Authors: Jiju Arayamparambil Jeethu , Mann Markus , Fraisse Bernard , Iadecola Antonella , Dronskowski Richard , Stievano Lorenzo , Sougrati Moulay Tahar
Published: September 2019

Cobalt carbodiimide, CoNCN, shows outstanding performance as negative electrode material for Li‐ion batteries, maintaining a reversible capacity of 530 mAh g−1 over 140 cycles at a current density of 540 mA g−1. The electrochemical lithiation/delithiation mechanism of cobalt carbodiimide was investigated using complementary in situ X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Upon lithiation, CoNCN undergoes a reversible conversion reaction, forming Li2NCN and fcc Co metal nanoparticles, which are transformed back into CoNCN upon delithiation. However, the CoNCN obtained electrochemically after delithiation do not recover the local structure of the pristine phase, and might contain the NCN2− ligand in the cyanamide isomer form (N−C≡N2−). It would be the first time that a transition metal cyanamide isomer is obtained at ambient conditions.
Two‐Dimensional Germanium Sulfide Nanosheets as an Ultra‐Stable and High Capacity Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Bo , Du Wencheng , Yang Yang , Zhang Yufei , Zhang Qi , Rui Xianhong , Geng Hongbo , Li Cheng Chao
Published: September 2019

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) at present still suffer from low rate capability and poor cycle life during fast ion insertion/extraction processes. Searching for high‐capacity and stable anode materials is still an ongoing challenge. Herein, a facile strategy for the synthesis of ultrathin GeS2 nanosheets with the thickness of 1.1 nm is reported. When used as anodes for LIBs, the two‐dimensional (2D) structure can effectively increase the electrode/electrolyte interface area, facilitate the ion transport, and buffer the volume expansion. Benefiting from these merits, the as‐synthesized GeS2 nanosheets deliver high specific capacity (1335 mAh g−1 at 0.15 A g−1), extraordinary rate performance (337 mAh g−1 at 15 A g−1) and stable cycling performance (974 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1). Importantly, our fabricated Li‐ion full cells manifest an impressive specific capacity of 577 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and a high energy density of 361 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 346 W kg−1. Furthermore, the electrochemical reaction mechanism is investigated by the means of ex‐situ high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. These results suggest that GeS2 can use to be an alternative anode material and encourage more efforts to develop other high‐performance LIBs anodes.
Post‐Synthetic Modification of ZIF‐8 Crystals and Films through UV Light Photoirradiation: Impact on the Physicochemical Behavior of the MOF
Authors: Papurello Rocío L. , Lozano Luis A. , Ramos‐Fernández Enrique V. , Fernández José L. , Zamaro Juan M.
Published: September 2019

The physicochemical modification of Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is a current challenge in the search to improve their performance in different technological applications. In this work we analyze the post‐synthetic modification of ZIF‐8 crystals and films through a simple and clean treatment that involves the exposure to a UV lamp under environmental conditions. It is demonstrated that a short treatment alters the MOF structure and chemistry, providing a modified ZIF‐8 due to partial disconnections of its structure which increase the amount of terminal surface species such as Zn−OH and −C=N‐H, but without compromising the overall MOF structure, specific surface area or thermal stability. Additionally, it leads to changes in several properties of the ZIF‐8, such as its capacity to accumulate charge through pseudocapacitive processes, its interaction with nitric oxide and its light absorption behavior. This strategy of modifying ZIF‐8 without the use of chemicals through a gentle disconnection of its own structure could open new perspectives of post‐functionalization of crystals and films of ZIF‐8 to be used in a wide range of applications.
The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium: 10 Years Later
Authors: Relling Mary V. , Klein Teri E. , Gammal Roseann S. , Whirl‐Carrillo Michelle , Hoffman James M. , Caudle Kelly E.
Published: September 2019

In 2009, the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC, www.cpicpgx.org), a shared project between Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base (PharmGKB, http://www.pharmgkb.org) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was created to provide freely available, evidence‐based, peer‐reviewed, and updated pharmacogenetic clinical practice guidelines. To date, CPIC has published 23 guidelines (of which 11 have been updated), covering 19 genes and 46 drugs across several therapeutic areas. CPIC also now provides additional resources to facilitate the implementation of pharmacogenetics into routine clinical practice and the electronic health record. Furthermore, since its inception, CPIC's interactions with other resources, databases, websites, and genomic communities have grown. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the progress of CPIC over the past 10 years.
Colonization history and population differentiation of the Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) in Puerto Rico
Authors: Acevedo‐Gonzalez Jenny P. , Galindo‐Cardona Alberto , Avalos Arian , Whitfield Charles W. , Rodriguez Dania M. , Uribe‐Rubio Jose L. , Giray Tugrul
Published: September 2019

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are the primary commercial pollinators across the world. The subspecies A. m. scutellata originated in Africa and was introduced to the Americas in 1956. For the last 60 years, it hybridized successfully with European subspecies, previous residents in the area. The result of this hybridization was called Africanized honey bee (AHB). AHB has spread since then, arriving to Puerto Rico (PR) in 1994. The honey bee population on the island acquired a mosaic of features from AHB or the European honey bee (EHB). AHB in Puerto Rico shows a major distinctive characteristic, docile behavior, and is called gentle Africanized honey bees (gAHB). We used 917 SNPs to examine the population structure, genetic differentiation, origin, and history of range expansion and colonization of gAHB in PR. We compared gAHB to populations that span the current distribution of A. mellifera worldwide. The gAHB population is shown to be a single population that differs genetically from the examined populations of AHB. Texas and PR groups are the closest genetically. Our results support the hypothesis that the Texas AHB population is the source of gAHB in Puerto Rico.
Distribution and human‐caused mortality of Persian leopards Panthera pardus saxicolor in Iran, based on unpublished data and Farsi gray literature
Authors: Parchizadeh Jamshid , Adibi Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2019

Gray literature and data from unpublished sources can provide important scientific information that has not been published scientifically. The Persian leopard (hereafter leopard) Panthera pardus saxicolor is classed as endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and also is one of the least‐studied subspecies of leopard. It occurs in the Caucasus and Central and Southwest Asia. Iran contains more than 75% of the leopard's extant range, and the leopard population in this country serves as a source for neighboring countries. In this study, we determined the distribution and human‐caused mortality of leopards in Iran, by reviewing unpublished data and Farsi gray literature (which includes government reports) between 1 January 2010 and 30 December 2018. We created the most recent distribution map of the leopard in Iran. Our data display that human‐caused mortality of leopard in Iran mostly includes poaching and intentional poisoning, and roadkill.
Alternative responses to rare selection events are differentially vulnerable to changes in the frequency, scope, and intensity of environmental extremes
Authors: Haaland Thomas R. , Botero Carlos A.
Published: September 2019

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, severe, and/or widespread as a consequence of anthropogenic climate change. While the economic and ecological implications of these changes have received considerable attention, the role of evolutionary processes in determining organismal responses to these critical challenges is currently unknown. Here we develop a novel theoretical framework that explores how alternative pathways for adaptation to rare selection events can influence population‐level vulnerabilities to future changes in the frequency, scope, and intensity of environmental extremes. We begin by showing that different life histories and trait expression profiles can shift the balance between additive and multiplicative properties of fitness accumulation, favoring different evolutionary responses to identical environmental phenomena. We then demonstrate that these different adaptive outcomes lead to predictable differences in population‐level vulnerabilities to rapid increases in the frequency, intensity, or scope of extreme weather events. Specifically, we show that when the primary mode of fitness accumulation is additive, evolution favors ignoring environmental extremes and lineages become highly vulnerable to extinction if the frequency or scope of extreme weather events suddenly increases. Conversely, when fitness accumulates primarily multiplicatively, evolution favors bet‐hedging phenotypes that cope well with historical extremes and are instead vulnerable to sudden increases in extreme event intensity. Our findings address a critical gap in our understanding of the potential consequences of rare selection events and provide a relatively simple rubric for assessing the vulnerabilities of any population of interest to changes in a wide variety of extreme environmental phenomena.
Conserved visual sensitivities across divergent lizard lineages that differ in an ultraviolet sexual signal
Authors: Dong Caroline M. , McLean Claire A. , Moussalli Adnan , Stuart‐Fox Devi
Published: September 2019

The sensory drive hypothesis predicts the correlated evolution of signaling traits and sensory perception in differing environments. For visual signals, adaptive divergence in both color signals and visual sensitivities between populations may contribute to reproductive isolation and promote speciation, but this has rarely been tested or shown in terrestrial species. We tested whether opsin protein expression differs between divergent lineages of the tawny dragon (Ctenophorus decresii) that differ in the presence/absence of an ultraviolet sexual signal. We measured the expression of four retinal cone opsin genes (SWS1, SWS2, RH2, and LWS) using droplet digital PCR. We show that gene expression between lineages does not differ significantly, including the UV wavelength sensitive SWS1. We discuss these results in the context of mounting evidence that visual sensitivities are highly conserved in terrestrial systems. Multiple competing requirements may constrain divergence of visual sensitivities in response to sexual signals. Instead, signal contrast could be increased via alternative mechanisms, such as background selection. Our results contribute to a growing understanding of the roles of visual ecology, phylogeny, and behavior on visual system evolution in reptiles.
Nest site availability and niche differentiation between two cavity‐nesting birds in time and space
Authors: Ye Ping , Yang Canchao , Liang Wei
Published: September 2019

Niche differentiation is a key concept in the field of ecology and refers to the process by which competing species within an ecological community partition utilization of environmental resources to achieve coexistence. The existence of niche differentiation is uniquely difficult to prove on account of the fact that historical interaction among species, which plays a key role in elucidating the current state of coexistence among species, is not well known. We created continuous niche gradients in nest‐site resources between two sympatric secondary cavity‐nesting birds, the green‐backed tit (Parus monticolus) and the russet sparrow (Passer cinnamomeus), and investigated whether nesting site is a factor contributing to limiting breeding overlap by regular inspection and 388,160 min of film recording. Our results indicate that although we manipulated nest site availability to be uniformly high along the habitat gradient, the two bird species have little overlap in nest sites and rarely compete for them. Furthermore, the green‐backed tit possessed a wide range of fundamental niche that covered that of the russet sparrow, while their reproductive time was largely segregated. The sparrow was more aggressive and outcompeted the tit in their overlapped range. These results suggest that even though nesting sites are crucial to the reproduction of cavity‐nesting birds, some other factor plays a more important role in limiting niche overlap between sparrows and tits in space and time. Given that these two cavity‐nesting birds continued to use different habitats and breed in segregated time after our manipulation, their relationship is better explained by the ghost of competition past theory.
Chloroplast population genetics reveals low levels of genetic variation and conformation to the central–marginal hypothesis in Taxus wallichiana var. mairei, an endangered conifer endemic to China
Authors: Liu Li , Wang Zhen , Huang Lijie , Wang Ting , Su Yingjuan
Published: September 2019

The central–marginal hypothesis predicts that geographically peripheral populations should exhibit reduced genetic diversity and increased genetic differentiation than central populations due to smaller effective population size and stronger geographical isolation. We evaluated these predictions in the endangered conifer Taxus wallichiana var. mairei. Eight plastid simple sequence repeats (cpSSRs) were used to investigate plastid genetic variation in 22 populations of Taxus wallichiana var. mairei, encompassing nearly its entire distribution range. Low levels of plastid genetic variation and differentiation were detected in the populations, and the findings were attributed to low mutation rates, small population sizes, habitat fragmentation and isolation, and effective pollen or seed dispersal. Hunan and Hubei were identified as major refugia based on the number of private haplotypes and species distribution modeling. Trends in plastid genetic diversity and genetic differentiation from central to peripheral populations supported the predictions of the central–marginal hypothesis. In scenarios wherein the future climate becomes warmer, we predict that some peripheral populations will disappear and southern and southeastern regions will become significantly less habitable. Factors that include the levels of precipitation during the driest month, annual precipitation level, and annual temperature range will be decisive in shaping the future distribution of these populations. This study provides a theoretical basis for the conservation of T. wallichiana var. mairei.
Effects of earthworms and white‐tailed deer on roots, arbuscular mycorrhizae, and forest seedling performance
Authors: Dobson Annise , Richardson Justin , Blossey Bernd
Published: September 2019

Changes in understory plant composition and biodiversity declines in northeastern North American forests are widespread. Preserving species and ecosystem function requires appropriate identification and management of important stressors. Coexistence of stressors, among them earthworm invasions and white‐tailed deer, makes correct identification of mechanisms that cause diversity declines challenging. We used an established factorial experiment to assess survival and growth of native seedlings (Actaea pachypoda, Aquilegia canadensis, Cornus racemosa, Quercus rubra, and Prenanthes alba) in response to presence/absence of deer and earthworms. We expected deer and earthworms to reduce seedling survival and biomass, and we evaluated potential pathways to explain this impact (soil N and P concentrations and pools, root architecture, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [AMF] colonization). We developed structural equation models (SEM) to identify specific pathways through which earthworms and deer were impacting plant species with different life histories. Seedling survival was not affected by our treatments nor the plant and soil variables we tested. Actaea biomass was smaller in earthworm‐invaded plots, and with larger total N pools. In contrast, both deer and earthworm treatments were associated with lower soil nutrient concentrations, and earthworm‐invaded plots had smaller N and extractable P pools. Actaea, Cornus, Prenanthes, and Quercus seedlings had a lower proportion of fine roots in earthworm‐invaded plots, while fine roots in Aquilegia made up a higher proportion of the root system. AMF colonization in Quercus was reduced in sites colonized by earthworms, but AMF in other species were unaffected. Our SEMs showed high correlation among soil variables, but because we do not know which variables are drivers of this change and which are passengers, we can only conclude that they are changing together as deer and earthworms exert their respective influence. Different plant species responded in idiosyncratic ways to earthworm and deer effects on soil fertility, root architecture and limited effects on AMF colonization. While earthworm and deer‐mediated changes to fine roots, soil nutrients, and AMF may lead to changes in plant performance over time, these changes rarely translated to lower plant performance in our seedlings.
Disturbance size and frequency mediate the coexistence of benthic spatial competitors
Authors: Castorani Max C. N. , Baskett Marissa L.
Published: September 2019

Disturbance plays a key role in structuring community dynamics and is central to conservation and natural resource management. However, ecologists continue to debate the importance of disturbance for species coexistence and biodiversity. Such disagreements may arise in part because few studies have examined variation across multiple dimensions of disturbance (e.g., size, frequency) and how the effects of disturbance may depend on species attributes (e.g., competitiveness, dispersal ability). In light of this gap in understanding and accelerating changes to disturbance regimes worldwide, we used spatial population models to explore how disturbance size and frequency interact with species attributes to affect coexistence between seagrass (Zostera marina) and colonial burrowing shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis) that compete for benthic space in estuaries throughout the west coast of North America. By simulating population dynamics under a range of ecologically relevant disturbance regimes, we discovered that intermediate disturbance (approximately 9–23% of landscape area per year) to short‐dispersing, competitively dominant seagrass can foster long‐term stable coexistence with broad‐dispersing, competitively inferior burrowing shrimp via the spatial storage effect. When holding the total extent of disturbance constant, the individual size and annual frequency of disturbance altered landscape spatial patterns and mediated the dominance and evenness of competitors. Many small disturbances favored short‐dispersing seagrass by hastening recolonization, whereas fewer large disturbances benefited rapidly colonizing burrowing shrimp by creating temporary refugia from competition. As a result, large, infrequent disturbances generally improved the strength and stability of coexistence relative to small, frequent disturbances. Regardless of disturbance size or frequency, the dispersal ability of the superior competitor (seagrass), the competitive ability of the inferior competitor (burrowing shrimp), and the reproduction and survival of both species strongly influenced population abundances and coexistence. Our results show that disturbance size and frequency can promote or constrain coexistence by altering the duration of time over which inferior competitors can escape competitive exclusion, particularly when colonization depends on the spatial pattern of disturbance due to dispersal traits. For coastal managers and conservation practitioners, our findings indicate that reducing particularly large disturbances may help conserve globally imperiled seagrass meadows and control burrowing shrimp colonies that can threaten the viability of oyster aquaculture.
Linking inter‐annual variation in environment, phenology, and abundance for a montane butterfly community
Authors: Stewart James E. , Illán Javier Gutiérrez , Richards Shane A. , Gutiérrez David , Wilson Robert J.
Published: September 2019

Climate change has caused widespread shifts in species’ phenology, but the consequences for population and community dynamics remain unclear because of uncertainty regarding the species‐specific drivers of phenology and abundance, and the implications for synchrony among interacting species. Here, we develop a statistical model to quantify inter‐annual variation in phenology and abundance over an environmental gradient, and use it to identify potential drivers of phenology and abundance in co‐occurring species. We fit the model to counts of 10 butterfly species with single annual generations over a mountain elevation gradient, as an exemplar system in which temporally limited availability of biotic resources and favorable abiotic conditions impose narrow windows of seasonal activity. We estimate parameters describing changes in abundance, and the peak time and duration of the flight period, over ten years (2004–2013) and across twenty sample locations (930–2,050 m) in central Spain. We also use the model outputs to investigate relationships of phenology and abundance with temperature and rainfall. Annual shifts in phenology were remarkably consistent among species, typically showing earlier flight periods during years with warm conditions in March or May–June. In contrast, inter‐annual variation in relative abundance was more variable among species, and generally less well associated with climatic conditions. Nevertheless, warmer temperatures in June were associated with increased relative population growth in three species, and five species had increased relative population growth in years with earlier flight periods. These results suggest that broadly coherent interspecific changes to phenology could help to maintain temporal synchrony in community dynamics under climate change, but that the relative composition of communities may vary due to interspecific inconsistency in population dynamic responses to climate change. However, it may still be possible to predict abundance change for species based on a robust understanding of relationships between their population dynamics and phenology, and the environmental drivers of both.
Rationale and design of the IRON‐CRT trial: effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on reverse remodelling following cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Martens Pieter , Dupont Matthias , Dauw Jeroen , Somers Frauke , Herbots Lieven , Timmermans Philippe , Verwerft Jan , Mullens Wilfried
Published: September 2019

Aims

Iron deficiency is common in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), it is associated with a diminished reverse remodelling response and poor functional improvement. The latter is partially related to a loss in contractile force at higher heart rates (negative force–frequency relationship).

Methods and results

The effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on reverse remodelling following cardiac resynchronization therapy (IRON‐CRT) trial is a multicentre, prospective, randomized, double‐blind controlled trial in HFrEF patients who experienced incomplete reverse remodelling (defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction below <45%) at least 6 months after CRT. Additionally, patients need to have iron deficiency defined as a ferritin below 100 μg/L irrespective of transferrin saturation or a ferritin between 100 and 300 μg/L with a transferrin saturation <20%. Patients will be randomized to either intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (dose based according to Summary of Product Characteristics) or intravenous placebo. The primary objective is to evaluate the effect of ferric carboxymaltose on metrics of cardiac reverse remodelling and contractility, measured by the primary endpoint, change in left ventricular ejection fraction assessed by three‐dimensional (3D) echo from baseline to 3 month follow‐up and the secondary endpoints change in left ventricular end‐systolic and end‐diastolic volume. The secondary objective is to determine if ferric carboxymaltose is capable of improving cardiac contractility in vivo, by assessing the force–frequency relationship through incremental biventricular pacing. A total of 100 patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion.

Conclusions

The IRON‐CRT trial will determine the effect of ferric carboxymaltose on cardiac reverse remodelling and rate‐dependent cardiac contractility in HFrEF patients.
Negotiating inclusion: Revealing the dynamic interplay between individual and group inclusion goals
Authors: Jansen Wiebren S. , Meeussen Loes , Jetten Jolanda , Ellemers Naomi
Published: September 2019

We aim to improve our understanding of how perceptions of social inclusion come about, unfold over time, and relate to individual and group outcomes. To do so, we draw on the MARGINI model, which offers a novel theoretical account of inclusion by delineating that inclusion is the result of a dynamic interplay between the individual's motivation to be included in the group (individual inclusion goal) and the group's willingness to include the individual (group inclusion goal). In a longitudinal field study (3 waves) following project teams (n = 304, divided into 46 teams) working on an eight‐week consultancy project, we found that individual and group inclusion goals (a) mutually influenced each other over time and (b) in conjunction determined group members' individual outcomes as well as overall group performance. Together, this research sheds new light on the dynamics and effects of inclusion on individuals and groups.
Research on the joint fluctuation laws between locational marginal price and renewables based on complex networks: A case study in Independent System Operator New England
Authors: Liu Ding , Li Cunbin , Zhao Defu , Wang Qiqing
Published: September 2019

The growing share of renewable energy has an increasingly significant impact on the electricity market. Locational marginal price (LMP), as a sensitive price signal, has a potential but considerable correlation with renewable energy generation. In this context, this paper focuses on the joint fluctuation laws between LMP and renewables consumed to generate electricity. At first, LMP and renewables consumption data from Independent System Operator New England (ISO‐NE) are collected and preprocessed. Then, through highly comparative time‐series analysis (hctsa), it is found that discrete symbolization features have effective description ability. Therefore, a coarse‐grained method is conducted to convert the real matrix data into a symbol vector based on numerical distribution analysis. Next, joint fluctuation complex networks are constructed according to the symbol vector. From a global perspective, the joint fluctuation network follows an exponential distribution and exhibits hierarchical modularity. From a local perspective, the joint fluctuation network follows a power‐law distribution. The research results of this paper provide a new perspective to understand the evolution of the electricity market with large‐scale renewable energy and have reference value for identifying the valuable joint fluctuation patterns and improving the LMP forecast results.
Exergoeconomic optimization and sensitivity analysis of a commercial parabolic trough collector for the climate of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Hoseinzadeh Hamed , Kasaeian Alibakhsh , Shafii Mohammad Behshad
Published: September 2019

The exergoeconomic analysis is a powerful tool to study an energy system and provide rational decision‐making for it. This paper is aimed at exergoeconomic optimization and sensitivity analysis evaluation of the results of a commercial parabolic trough collector (PTC). First, an analysis of optical, thermal, exergy, and economic equations of the PTC system is presented. Then, the objective function and variables are optimized through MATLAB software using the hybrid algorithm code. The objective function as the exergy loss rate is a combination of exergy loss and system cost. The evaluation of the results has been carried out considering the radiation intensity in different months of the year for Tehran, Iran. The commercial parabolic trough solar collector has been selected as the case study. Sensitivity analysis of exergy loss rate and exergy efficiency was conducted for important variables, namely collector length, the glass cover diameter, the outer diameter of absorber tube, the inner diameter of absorber, the fluid inlet temperature, the receiver aperture width, and fluid flow rate. The obtained results show that the exergy loss rate is 0.1905 kW/$, and the exergy efficiency is equal to 15.2% for the highest direct solar radiation of 674 .
Experimental study on the overburden movement and stress evolution in multi‐seam mining with residual pillars
Authors: Tian Chenglin , Yang Xuelin , Sun Haitao , Liu Yanbao , Hu Qianting
Published: September 2019

When faced with multi‐seam mining, some coal pillars are left to support the overlying strata when mining the lower seam, where stress concentration usually occurs. When the working face in the lower seam advances to the area influenced by these coal pillars, high ground pressure behavior occurs. Furthermore, the instability of coal pillars under the participation of the roof may induce rock burst, which threaten the safe production of coal mine. To study the roof strata movement and coal pillar instability in multi‐seam mining, a coal mine in Datong was taken as an example. Firstly, the bursting liability of coal and rock stratum was tested. The test results show that the 7#, 8#, and 11# coal seams in the mining area all have strong bursting liability. And the roof was dominated by siltstone and firestone, which also have strong bursting liability. Then, based on the geological conditions of the coal mine, we investigated roof movement and instability of the coal pillar during multi‐seam mining through physical simulation. The simulation results indicate that multi‐seam mining aggravates the roof damage, which leads to the increase in the fracture range of overlying strata, and that the failure height increases from 46 to 121 m. In addition, the detailed distribution of stress on residual coal pillars and its influence on the lower working face were studied through numerical simulation. The results show that, when the working face 8707 of the 8# coal seam advances to a horizontal distance of 20 m from the coal pillar, it enters the influence zone. As the working face advances beneath the coal pillar, the stress reached to 24 MPa. Moreover, when the working face passes by the coal pillar, the coal pillar is cutoff, thus affecting the working face.