bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic average gradient algorithm for multirate FIR models with varying time delays using self‐organizing maps
Authors: Chen Jing , Shen Qianyan , Ma Junxia , Liu Yanjun
Published: April 2020

A stochastic average gradient (SAG) algorithm is proposed for multirate (MR) finite impulse response (FIR) models with varying time delays in this article. The time delays at each sampling instant are computed through the self‐organizing maps technique, and then the parameters are estimated by using the SAG algorithm. Considering that the SAG algorithm updates the parameters using all the directions up to and including the current sampling instant, but only compute one gradient at each sampling instant, thus it has less computational efforts and quicker convergence rates. Furthermore, some modified SAG algorithms are also developed. Two simulation examples show that these algorithms identify MR FIR models with varying time delays correctly.
Emerging contaminants uptake by an Ultisol and a Vertisol from Puerto Rico
Authors: Flores‐Mangual Mario L. , Hernández‐Maldonado Arturo J. , Ortíz‐Martínez Krisiam , Quiñones Natasha P.
Published: April 2020

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceutical compounds, have been found in irrigation waters and have found their way into crops through the uptake of contaminated water. Many farms in Puerto Rico are irrigated with water that might have considerable levels of CECs. The objective of this study was to determine the quantity of commonly detected CEC adsorbed onto soil particles of two contrasting tropical soils of Puerto Rico (Fraternidad, basic Vertisol [fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic Typic Haplusterts], and Mariana series, acid Ultisol [fine, mixed, active, isohyperthermic Typic Haplohumults]). A CECs single point and multicomponent adsorption experiments were carried out using the batch equilibrium technique. The CECs were naproxen (NPX), O‐desmethylnaproxen (O‐DesNPX), caffeine (CFN), paraxanthine (PX), carbamazepine (CBZ), carbamazepine‐10, 11‐epoxide (Ep‐CBZ), clofibric acid (ClofA), and salicylic acid (SA). The CEC concentrations in water before and after adsorption were determined using a triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy liquid chromatography. The results showed that SA was highly adsorbed by both soils, although in greater concentrations in Fraternidad than Mariana, probably because of greater cation‐bridging. Paraxanthine was adsorbed only in the multicomponent test, probably as a co‐adsorbate. Caffeine, CBZ, and their metabolites were adsorbed in both soils in lesser concentrations than SA and PX. However, NPX and ClofA were not adsorbed by either soil type. Thus, these CECs could potentially move more freely through the soil matrix and reach soil roots in greater quantities than other contaminants.
Determination of the Orientation of Pendants on Rigid‐Rod Polymers
Authors: Luh Tien‐Yau , Lin Wei‐Yu , Lai Guoqiao
Published: April 2020

Bis‐norbornene and bis‐cyclobutene with different kinds of linkers have been extensively used for the synthesis of double stranded ladderphanes under ruthenium‐ or molybdenum‐catalyzed ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) conditions. The key to the success relies on the selective formation of comb‐like polynorbornenes or polycycloubtenes, where pendants are all aligned towards similar direction. This minireview summarizes various methods (chemical methods, spectroscopic means, and nonlinear optical measurements) for determining the comb‐like conformations of pendants on these rigid‐rod polymers. The approach is based on the proximal relationship between adjacent pendants. Interactions between these adjacent pendants would enable a change in chemical reactivity
Decentralized robust adaptive output‐feedback control for a class of large‐scale stochastic time‐delay nonlinear systems with dynamic interactions
Authors: Wang Qiangde , Wang Qian , Wei Chunling , Wang Hui , Liu Shaoning
Published: April 2020

The paper solves the problem of decentralized robust adaptive output‐feedback control for a class of large‐scale stochastic time‐delay nonlinear systems. Under the assumptions that the inverse dynamics of the subsystems are stochastic input‐to‐state stable, an adaptive output‐feedback controller is constructively designed by the back‐stepping method. It is shown that under some milder conditions, the closed‐loop system is globally stable in probability and the outputs can be regulated to an arbitrarily small neighborhood of the origin in probability and other signals in the closed‐loop system are global bounded in probability by selecting the design parameters and appropriate Lyapunov function. A simulation example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the designed controller.
The Impact of Child Autistic Symptoms on Parental Marital Relationship: Parenting and Coparenting Processes as Mediating Mechanisms
Authors: Chan Kevin Ka Shing , Leung Donald Chi Kin
Published: April 2020

Research shows that parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with increased marital conflicts and reduced marital love. Less is known, however, about the potential mechanism underlying these associations. The present study tested a family process model linking child autism to parental marriage. We hypothesized that child autistic symptoms would be associated with increased marital conflicts and reduced marital love among parents of children with ASD, and that these associations would be mediated by parenting stress and coparenting conflicts. A total of 382 parents of children with ASD from Hong Kong, China completed questionnaire measures of child autistic symptoms, parenting stress, coparenting conflicts, marital conflicts, and marital love. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and Bootstrap analyses were conducted to analyze the relations among the variables. SEM showed that child autistic symptoms were related to higher levels of parenting stress and coparenting conflicts, which were, in turn, related to increased marital conflicts and reduced marital love among parents of children with ASD. Bootstrap analyses further demonstrated that child autistic symptoms had significant indirect effects on marital conflicts and marital love via parenting stress and coparenting conflicts. Theoretically, this study revealed the potential pathways through which child autism symptomatology may adversely impact the family processes and compromise the marital relationships of parents of children with ASD. Practically, this study pointed to the utility of helping parents of children with ASD to manage child autistic symptoms, alleviate parenting stress, and reduce coparenting conflicts in improving their marital qualities.

Lay Summary

This study showed that child autistic symptoms were related to higher levels of parenting stress and coparenting conflicts, which were, in turn, related to increased marital conflicts and reduced marital love among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These findings pointed to the importance of helping parents of children with ASD to manage child autistic symptoms, alleviate parenting stress, and reduce coparenting conflicts in improving their marital qualities. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1516–1526. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New Steroids from the South China Sea Soft Coral Lobophytum sp.
Authors: Ye Fei , Zhou Yu‐Bo , Li Jia , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Guo Yue‐Wei , Li Xu‐Wen
Published: April 2020

Two new steroids, (22R,23S)‐3β‐hydroxy‐23‐methyl‐17,20‐epoxyergost‐5‐en‐22‐yl acetate and (22R,23S)‐5‐hydroperoxy‐23‐methyl‐5α‐17,20‐epoxyergost‐6‐ene‐3β,22‐diol, were isolated from the South China Sea soft coral Lobophytum sp., together with two related known ones. The structures of all compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparing their spectral data with those previously reported. The structure of (22R,23S)‐3β‐hydroxy‐23‐methyl‐17,20‐epoxyergost‐5‐en‐22‐yl acetate was further confirmed through chemical correlation. All the isolates were evaluated for the in vitro inhibitory activity against NF‐κB, a potential target for the treatment of cancer, and (22R,23S)‐5‐hydroperoxy‐23‐methyl‐5α‐17,20‐epoxyergost‐6‐ene‐3β,22‐diol exhibited moderate inhibition activity with IC50 value of 8.96 μg/mL.
Dual‐PKS Cluster for Biosynthesis of a Light‐Induced Secondary Metabolite Found from Genome Sequencing of Hyphodiscus hymeniophilus Fungus
Authors: Kramer Glenna J. , Pimentel‐Elardo Sheila , Nodwell Justin R.
Published: April 2020

Filamentous fungi are known producers of important secondary metabolites. In spite of this, the majority of these organisms have not been studied at the genome level, leaving many of the bioactive molecules they produce undiscovered. In this study, we explore the secondary metabolite potential of an understudied fungus, Hyphodiscus hymeniophilus. By sequencing and assembling the first genome from this genus, we show that this fungus has genes for at least 20 natural products and that many of these products are likely novel. One of these metabolites is identified: a new, red‐pigmented member of the azaphilone class, hyphodiscorubrin. We show that this metabolite is only produced when the fungus is grown in the light. Furthermore, the biosynthetic gene cluster of hyphodiscorubrin is identified though homology to other known azaphilone producing clusters.
Crossing the Border: From Keto‐ to Imine Reduction in Short‐Chain Dehydrogenases/Reductases
Authors: Roth Sebastian , Stockinger Peter , Steff Jakob , Steimle Simon , Sautner Viktor , Tittmann Kai , Pleiss Jürgen , Müller Michael
Published: April 2020

The family of NAD(P)H‐dependent short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) comprises numerous biocatalysts capable of C=O or C=C reduction. The highly homologous noroxomaritidine reductase (NR) from Narcissus sp. aff. pseudonarcissus and Zt_SDR from Zephyranthes treatiae, however, are SDRs with an extended imine substrate scope. Comparison with a similar SDR from Asparagus officinalis (Ao_SDR) exhibiting keto‐reducing activity, yet negligible imine‐reducing capability, and mining the Short‐Chain Dehydrogenase/Reductase Engineering Database indicated that NR and Zt_SDR possess a unique active‐site composition among SDRs. Adapting the active site of Ao_SDR accordingly improved its imine‐reducing capability. By applying the same strategy, an unrelated SDR from Methylobacterium sp. 77 (M77_SDR) with distinct keto‐reducing activity was engineered into a promiscuous enzyme with imine‐reducing activity, thereby confirming that the ability to reduce imines can be rationally introduced into members of the “classical” SDR enzyme family. Thus, members of the SDR family could be a promising starting point for protein approaches to generate new imine‐reducing enzymes.
Titania Morphology‐Dependent Catalysis of CuOx/TiO2 Catalysts in CO Oxidation and Water Gas Shift Reactions
Authors: Yu Zongyou , Zhang Zhenhua , Zhang Yunshang , Huang Weixin
Published: April 2020

CuOx/TiO2 nanocatalysts (x=0 or 1) with ∼11 % wt. Cu loading employing TiO2 nanocrystals with various morphologies predominantly exposing {001}, {100}, and {101} facets as supports have been synthesized as catalysts for CO oxidation with excess of O2 (oxidative atmosphere) and water gas shift (WGS) reaction (reductive atmosphere). Strong TiO2 morphology effects were observed. The strongest Cu2O−TiO2 interaction was observed in CuO−TiO2{001} nanocatalyst, while the strongest Cu‐TiO2 interaction occurred in Cu‐TiO2{100} nanocatalyst. Catalytic activities of various CuO/TiO2 nanocatalysts in CO oxidation and of various Cu/TiO2 nanocatalysts in WGS reaction follow the same order of CuOx/TiO2{100}>CuOx/TiO2{101}>CuOx/TiO2{001}, and all CuO/TiO2 nanocatalysts are stable in CO oxidation but all Cu/TiO2 nanocatalysts suffer from serious deactivation in WGS reaction. The active structure of CuO/TiO2 nanocatalysts in CO oxidation was found to be the CuO species, while the active structure of Cu/TiO2 nanocatalysts in WGS reaction to be the Cu‐TiO2 interface which is relevant to the Cu‐TiO2 interaction. The supported Cu nanoparticles in Cu/TiO2 nanocatalysts tend to agglomerate at high temperatures in 5 %CO/Ar atmosphere, responsible for the deactivation in WGS reaction. These results not only demonstrate the morphology‐dependent CuOx‐TiO2 interaction in CuOx/TiO2 nanocatalysts, but also reveal reaction‐dependent active structures of CuOx/TiO2 nanocatalysts.
Influence of Substrate Binding Residues on the Substrate Scope and Regioselectivity of a Plant O‐Methyltransferase against Flavonoids
Authors: Tang Qingyun , Vianney Yoanes M. , Weisz Klaus , Grathwol Christoph W. , Link Andreas , Bornscheuer Uwe T. , Pavlidis Ioannis V.
Published: April 2020

Methylation of free hydroxyl groups is an important modification for flavonoids. It not only greatly increases absorption and oral bioavailability of flavonoids, but also brings new biological activities. Flavonoid methylation is usually achieved by a specific group of plant O‐methyltransferases (OMTs) which typically exhibit high substrate specificity. Here we investigated the effect of several residues in the binding pocket of the Clarkia breweri isoeugenol OMT on the substrate scope and regioselectivity against flavonoids. The mutation T133M, identified as reported in our previous publication, increased the activity of the enzyme against several flavonoids, namely eriodictyol, naringenin, luteolin, quercetin and even the isoflavonoid genistein, while a reduced set of amino acids at positions 322 and 326 affected both, the activity and the regioselectivity of the methyltranferase. On the basis of this work, methylated flavonoids that are rare in nature were produced in high purity.
Activation of Sirtuin 2 Inhibitors Employing Photoswitchable Geometry and Aqueous Solubility
Authors: Grathwol Christoph W. , Wössner Nathalie , Behnisch‐Cornwell Steven , Schulig Lukas , Zhang Lin , Einsle Oliver , Jung Manfred , Link Andreas
Published: April 2020

Because isoenzymes of the experimentally and therapeutically extremely relevant sirtuin family show high similarity, addressing the unique selectivity pocket of sirtuin 2 is a promising strategy towards selective inhibitors. An unrelated approach towards selective inhibition of isoenzymes with varied tissue distribution is targeted drug delivery or spatiotemporal activation by photochemical activation. Azologization of two nicotinamide‐mimicking lead structures was undertaken to combine both approaches and yielded a set of 33 azobenzenes and azopyridines that have been evaluated for their photochemical behaviour and bioactivity. For some compounds, inhibitory activity reached the sub‐micromolar range in their thermodynamically favoured E form and could be decreased by photoisomerization to the metastable Z form. Besides, derivatization with long‐chain fatty acids yielded potent sirtuin 2 inhibitors, featuring another intriguing aspect of azo‐based photoswitches. In these compounds, switching to the Z isomer increased aqueous solubility and thereby enhanced biological activity by up to a factor of 21. The biological activity of two compounds was confirmed by hyperacetylation of sirtuin specific histone proteins in a cell‐based activity assay.
Congruence of patient‐ and clinician‐reported toxicity in women receiving chemotherapy for early breast cancer
Authors: Nyrop Kirsten A. , Deal Allison M. , Reeve Bryce B. , Basch Ethan , Chen Yi Tang , Park Ji Hye , Shachar Shlomit S. , Carey Lisa A. , Reeder‐Hayes Katherine E. , Dees Elizabeth C. , Jolly Trevor A. , Kimmick Gretchen G. , Karuturi Meghan S. , Reinbolt Raquel E. , Speca JoEllen C. , Lee Jordan T. , Wood William A. , Muss Hyman B.
Published: April 2020

Background

The National Cancer Institute's Patient‐Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, collected alongside the clinician‐reported Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, enables comparisons of patient and clinician reports on treatment toxicity.

Methods

In a multisite study of women receiving chemotherapy for early‐stage breast cancer, symptom reports were collected on the same day from patients and their clinicians for 17 symptoms; their data were not shared with each other. The proportions of moderate, severe, or very severe patient‐reported symptom severity were compared with the proportions of clinician‐rated grade 2, 3, or 4 toxicity. Patient‐clinician agreement was assessed via κ statistics. Chi‐square tests investigated whether patient characteristics were associated with patient‐clinician agreement.

Results

Among 267 women, the median age was 58 years (range, 24‐83 years), and 26% were nonwhite. There was moderate scoring agreement (κ = 0.413‐0.570) for 53% of symptoms, fair agreement for 41% (κ = 0.220‐0.378), and slight agreement for 6% (κ = 0.188). For example, patient‐reported and clinician‐rated percentages were 22% and 8% for severe or very severe fatigue, 41% and 46% for moderate fatigue, 32% and 39% for mild fatigue, and 6% and 7% for none. Clinician severity scores were lower for nonwhite patients in comparison with white patients for peripheral neuropathy, nausea, arthralgia, and dyspnea.

Conclusions

Although clinician reporting of symptoms is common practice in oncology, there is suboptimal agreement with the gold standard of patient self‐reporting. These data provide further evidence supporting the integration of patient‐reported outcomes into oncological clinical research and clinical practice to improve monitoring of symptoms as well as timely interventions for symptoms.
Surface Nanostructures Based on Assemblies of Polymer Brushes
Authors: Hou Wangmeng , Liu Yingze , Zhao Hanying
Published: April 2020

Studies on the fabrication of hierarchical surface nanostructures have significantly promoted the development of materials with new surface properties and functionalities. In this Minireview, progress on the fabrication of surface nanostructures based on surface organization of polymer brushes are outlined. In the past decades, self‐assemblies of polymer brushes, including homopolymer, block‐copolymer and mixed‐polymer brushes, have aroused great interest in the fields of chemistry and materials science. Recent studies demonstrate that surface co‐assemblies of polymer brushes and free polymer chains on solid surfaces are considered as an efficient approach to the preparation of hierarchical nanostructures. Some typical surface nanostructures and properties achieved through surface co‐assembly approach are reviewed in this article. Meanwhile, the fundamental problems in the co‐assembly approach are discussed and the potential applications of the hierarchical surface nanostructures are presented.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration of accessory spleen: Cytomorphologic features and diagnostic considerations
Authors: Gilani Syed M. , Muniraj Thiruvengadam , Farrell James J. , Aslanian Harry R. , Cai Guoping
Published: April 2020

Background

Accessory spleen/or splenule (AS) can involve pancreas/or peripancreatic tissue and present as a mass‐forming lesion, and on imaging studies, it stimulates concern for a neoplastic process. The current study reported the largest cohort of AS cases evaluated by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our data base system for cases underwent EUS‐FNA for pancreatic/or peripancreatic lesions, with “AS” in diagnosis or in note/or with a clinical concern in the history, from January 2010 to August 2019. Corresponding cytology slides were re‐reviewed to identify the key cytomorphologic features.

Results

We identified 25 AS cases from 15 female and 10 male patients with a mean age of 55 years. Most patients presented with non‐specific clinical symptoms or were identified as an incidental mass lesion. Majority of the lesions were located in or around the pancreatic tail region (68%) while the remainder in perisplenic region (32%). Rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) was performed in nearly half of the cases (48%). Cytologically, AS shows a mixed population of medium to small‐sized lymphocytes, clusters of lymphoid cells (LC), prominent vascularity (PV), scattered mixed inflammatory cells including eosinophils, and large platelet aggregates (LPAs). Among them, LC (P = .0079), PV and LPAs were the most helpful features for cytological diagnosis.

Conclusion

AS is a benign entity and may pose a diagnostic challenge due to its resemblance to a neoplastic process on imaging studies. EUS‐FNA is an important tool to recognize AS by identifying its key cytologic features, thus may help to avoid unnecessary surgical management.
Autonomy‐restrictive socialization of anger: Associations with school‐aged children’s physiology, trait anxiety, state distress, and relationship closeness
Authors: Smiley Patricia A. , Partington Lindsey C. , Cochran Caroline R. , Borelli Jessica L.
Published: April 2020

Parental socialization that infringes on children's autonomy may have consequences for physiological regulation, trait anxiety, and state distress. One such practice is the use of positive conditional regard (CR)—the provision of extra attention/affection when children meet parents’ expectations. Self‐determination theory proposes that CR thwarts satisfaction of children's basic needs for relatedness and autonomy by placing these needs in conflict. We evaluate associations among children's (N = 106, 51% male, Mage = 10.27 years, SD = 1.09) reports of their mothers’ use of positive CR to suppress anger expression (PCR‐anger), their physiological regulation (resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia, RSA), and their trait anxiety and state distress, in light of perceived relationship closeness. After controlling demographics, mothers’ reports of positive and negative CR‐anger, children's reports of mothers’ negative CR‐anger and depressive symptoms, greater child‐reported positive CR‐anger was significantly associated with greater child anxiety and with lower resting RSA. Resting RSA mediated associations of child‐reported positive CR‐anger with greater child anxiety and post‐failure distress. These indirect effects were significant for children low or moderate in closeness to mother. We conclude that autonomy‐restrictive socialization is a concurrent correlate of children's physiological regulation, anxiety, and state distress, with these associations dependent on relational distance.
Insulin glargine 300 U/mL and insulin degludec: A review of the current evidence comparing these two second‐generation basal insulin analogues
Authors: Cheng Alice , Bailey Timothy S. , Mauricio Didac , Roussel Ronan
Published: April 2020

For most people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), treatment intensification with the addition of basal insulin therapy is required to maintain glycaemic control. However, this often does not happen in real‐life practice promoting the development of long‐term diabetes‐related complications. The second‐generation basal insulin analogues glargine 300 U/mL (Gla‐300) and degludec (IDeg) provide pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic improvements that may allow them to be more effective in appropriately managing diabetes compared with first‐generation basal insulin analogues. Both Gla‐300 and IDeg have been extensively studied vs the first‐generation basal insulin glargine 100 U/mL, demonstrating comparable efficacy in terms of glycaemic control, and a lower risk of hypoglycaemia. The BRIGHT randomized controlled trial is the first direct comparison of the efficacy and safety profiles of Gla‐300 and IDeg in patients with T2D. Moreover, real‐world data have been used to assess the effectiveness of these basal insulins during routine clinical practice. Further research is required to determine if the properties of Gla‐300 and IDeg may lead to improvements in healthcare‐related costs and the quality of life of patients, which are important factors for informing clinical decisions.
Wound healing across the animal kingdom: Crosstalk between the immune system and the extracellular matrix
Authors: Arenas Gómez Claudia M. , Sabin Keith Z. , Echeverri Karen
Published: April 2020

Tissue regeneration is widespread in the animal kingdom. To date, key roles for different molecular and cellular programs in regeneration have been described, but the ultimate blueprint for this talent remains elusive. In animals capable of tissue regeneration, one of the most crucial stages is wound healing, whose main goal is to close the wound and prevent infection. In this stage, it is necessary to avoid scar formation to facilitate the activation of the immune system and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, key factors in promoting tissue regeneration. In this review, we will discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the role of the immune system and the interplay with the extracellular matrix to trigger a regenerative response.
Co‐occurrence of bobcats, coyotes, and ocelots in Texas
Authors: Lombardi Jason V. , MacKenzie Darryl I. , Tewes Michael E. , Perotto‐Baldivieso Humberto L. , Mata José M. , Campbell Tyler A.
Published: April 2020

Interspecific competition among carnivores has been linked to differences in behavior, morphology, and resource use. Insights into these interactions can enhance understanding of local ecological processes that can have impacts on the recovery of endangered species, such as the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). Ocelots, bobcats (Lynx rufus), and coyotes (Canis latrans) share a small geographic range overlap from South Texas to south‐central Mexico but relationships among the three are poorly understood. From May 2011 to March 2018, we conducted a camera trap study to examine co‐occurrence patterns among ocelots, bobcats, and coyotes on the East Foundation's El Sauz Ranch in South Texas. We used a novel multiseason extension to multispecies occupancy models with ≥2 interacting species to conduct an exploratory analysis to examine interspecific interactions and examine the potential effects of patch‐level and landscape‐level metrics relative to the occurrence of these carnivores. We found strong evidence of seasonal mutual coexistence among all three species and observed a species‐specific seasonal trend in detection. Seasonal coexistence patterns were also explained by increasing distance from a high‐speed roadway. However, these results have important ecological implications for planning ocelot recovery in the rangelands of South Texas. This study suggests a coexistence among ocelots, bobcats, and coyotes under the environmental conditions on the El Sauz Ranch. Further research would provide a better understanding of the ecological mechanisms that facilitate coexistence within this community. As road networks in the region expand over the next few decades, large private working ranches will be needed to provide important habitat for ocelots and other carnivore species.
Fitting functional response surfaces to data: a best practice guide
Authors: Uszko Wojciech , Diehl Sebastian , Wickman Jonas
Published: April 2020

Describing how resource consumption rates depend on resource density, conventionally termed “functional responses,” is crucial to understanding the population dynamics of trophically interacting organisms. Yet, accurately determining the functional response for any given pair of predator and prey remains a challenge. Moreover, functional responses are potentially complex surfaces in multidimensional space, where resource density is only one of several factors determining consumption rates. We explored how three sources of error can be addressed in the design and statistical analysis of functional response experiments: ill‐chosen spacing of prey densities, heteroscedastic variance in consumption rates, and non‐independence of parameters of the function describing prey consumption in relation to prey density and additional environmental factors. We generated extensive, virtual data sets that simulated feeding experiments in which both prey density and environmental temperature were varied, and for which the true, deterministic functional response surface was known and realistic variance had been added. We compared eight different methods of functional response fitting, one of which stood out as best performing. We subsequently tested several conclusions from the simulation study against experimental data of zooplankton feeding on algae across a broad range of temperatures. We summarize our main findings in three best practice guidelines for the experimental estimation of functional response surfaces, of which the second is the most important: (1) space prey densities logarithmically, starting from very low densities; (2) log‐transform prey consumption data prior to fitting; and (3) fit a multivariate functional response surface to all data (including all prey densities and other factors, in our case temperature) in a single step. We also observed that functional response surfaces were fitted more accurately and precisely than their component parameters. The latter occurred because parameter estimates were non‐independent, which is an inevitable feature of fitting complex nonlinear functions to data: A given response surface can often be described with near‐equal accuracy by multiple parameter combinations. We therefore conclude that fitted functional response models perform better at optimizing the fit of the overall response surface than at determining how component parameters, such as the attack rate or handling time, depend on environmental factors such as temperature.
Pollinator declines and the stability of plant–pollinator networks
Authors: Ramos‐Jiliberto Rodrigo , Moisset de Espanés Pablo , Vázquez Diego P.
Published: April 2020

Population declines of pollinators constitute a major concern for the fate of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in a context of global change. Massive declines of pollinator populations driven by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change have been reported, whose consequences at community and ecosystem levels remain elusive. We conducted a mathematical modeling and computer simulation study to assess the dynamic consequences of pollinator declines for the biodiversity of plants and pollinators. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of increased mortality and decreased carrying capacity of specialist vs. generalist and effective vs. ineffective pollinators visiting specialist vs. generalist plants on long‐term community biomass and species persistence. Our results reveal that increased larval mortality and increased competition for space among larvae had the greatest impacts on the decline of pollinator diversity. In contrast, the largest sustained decreases in pollinator biomass were driven by increased adult mortality in spite of a small increase in pollinator species persistence. Decreased pollinator diversity led in turn to decreased plant diversity. Attacking pollinators with high degree and connected mostly to low‐degree plants produced the greatest losses of plant diversity. Pollinator effectiveness had no noticeable effect on persistence. Our results illuminate our understanding of the consequences of pollinator declines for the maintenance of biodiversity.
Intra‐ and inter‐annual variation in gray whale body condition on a foraging ground
Authors: Soledade Lemos Leila , Burnett Jonathan D. , Chandler Todd E. , Sumich James L. , Torres Leigh G.
Published: April 2020

Baleen whales store energy gained on foraging grounds to support reproduction and other metabolic needs while fasting for long periods during migration. Whale body condition can be used to monitor foraging success, and thus better understand and anticipate individual‐ and population‐level trends in reproduction and survival. We assessed the body condition of eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) on their foraging grounds along the Oregon coast, USA, from June to October of three consecutive years (2016–2018). We used drone photogrammetry and applied the body area index (BAI) to measure and compare whale body condition, which is a continuous, unitless metric similar to the body mass index in humans. A total of 289 drone flights were carried out over 106 photo‐identified whales, which were grouped into demographic units by sex, maturity, and female reproductive status. Calves and pregnant females displayed the highest BAIs, followed by resting females, mature males, and, finally, lactating females, reflecting the significant energetic demands on reproductive females. In all three years, gray whale body condition improved with the progression of feeding seasons, demonstrating the accumulation of body energy reserves on the foraging grounds. Yet, body condition was significantly better in 2016 than in 2017 and 2018 when overall body depletion was observed, indicating a difference in prey availability and/or quality between years. We analyzed local upwelling patterns between 2013 and 2018 as an oceanographic proxy for prey and determined significantly greater upwelling between 2013 and 2015 than low upwelling years between 2016 and 2018. We hypothesize that these upwelling patterns created ecosystem shifts in primary productivity and zooplankton prey of gray whales, causing carry‐over effects between foraging success and body condition in subsequent years. This study demonstrates the value of monitoring whale body condition to better understand temporal variation in foraging success, and potentially detect and describe the causes of anomalous changes in whale population health, such as the 2019 gray whale mortality event.
Magnetic resonance‐based biomarkers in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Caussy Cyrielle , Johansson Lars
Published: April 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a growing epidemic affecting 30% of the adult population in the Western world. Its progressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is associated with an increased risk of advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver‐related mortality. Therefore, the detection of NAFLD and risk stratification according to the severity of the disease is crucial for the management of patients with NAFLD. Liver biopsy for such risk stratification strategies is limited by its cost and risks; therefore, noninvasive alternatives have been developed. Among noninvasive biomarkers developed in NAFLD, magnetic resonance (MR)‐based biomarkers have emerged as key noninvasive biomarkers in NAFLD with the ability to accurately detect hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis. The potential utility of MRI for the detection of NASH and functional liver assessment has also recently emerged. In the current review, we will discuss the data supporting the utility of MR‐based biomarker for the detection of features of NAFLD and its potential use in clinical practice and clinical research in NAFLD.
Magnetic Refrigeration with Recycled Permanent Magnets and Free Rare‐Earth Magnetocaloric La–Fe–Si
Authors: Benke Dimitri , Fries Maximilian , Specht Marius , Wortmann Jonas , Pabst Marc , Gottschall Tino , Radulov Iliya , Skokov Konstantin , Bevan Alex Ivor , Prosperi Davide , Tudor Catalina Oana , Afiuny Peter , Zakotnik Miha , Gutfleisch Oliver
Published: April 2020

Magnetic refrigeration is an upcoming technology that could be an alternative to the more than 100‐year‐old conventional gas–vapor compression cooling. Magnetic refrigeration might answer some of the global challenges linked with the increasing demands for readily available cooling in almost every region of the world and the global‐warming potential of conventional refrigerants. Important issues to be solved are, for example, the required mass and the ecological footprint of the rare‐earth permanent magnets and the magnetocaloric material, which are key parts of the magnetic cooling device. The majority of existing demonstrators use Nd–Fe–B permanent magnets, which account for more than 50% of the ecological footprint, and Gd, which is a critical raw material. This work shows a solution to these problems by demonstrating the world's first magnetocaloric demonstrator that uses recycled Nd–Fe–B magnets as the magnetic field source, and, as a Gd replacement material, La–Fe–Mn–Si for the magnetocaloric heat exchanger. These solutions show that it is possible to reduce the ecological footprint of magnetic cooling devices and provides magnetic cooling as a green solid‐state technology that has the potential to satisfy the rapidly growing global demands.
Forecasting the carbon price sequence in the Hubei emissions exchange using a hybrid model based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Wu Qunli , Liu Ziting
Published: April 2020

The prediction of carbon price is exceedingly essential for the regulators, investors, and participants of the carbon trading market. It is the basis for formulating market policies and improving risk management capabilities. China's carbon price series are nonlinear and nonstationary, so it is difficult to predict accurately with traditional models. This paper proposes a multiscale ensemble prediction model based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD‐ADD) to improve the prediction accuracy of carbon price. Firstly, EEMD is used to decompose the carbon price sequence into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), and these IMFs are divided into high‐frequency component, low‐frequency component and the trend component. Then, LSSVM, PSO‐LSSVM, and BA‐LSSVM are used to predict the three components respectively after comparative analysis. Finally, the results are combined to obtain the final prediction value. In the empirical analysis of the Hubei Emissions Exchange, the proposed model outperforms other comparative models. The RMSE, MAE, and MAPE values of the EEMD‐ADD model are 0.6180, 0.4726, and 1.6342, and the DS, CP, and CD values are 94.36, 92.16, and 96.48. In addition, the model performed best in other time periods. The results suggest that the proposed model is effective and could predict carbon prices more accurately.
Porous aluminosilicates catalysts for low and medium matured shale oil in situ upgrading
Authors: Meng Xianglong , Bian Junjie , Li Jing , Ma Zhongliang , Long Qiulian , Su Jianzheng
Published: April 2020

For medium and low matured shale oil exploration, in situ upgrading could promote the oil recovery. There are two main disadvantages herein, high exploration temperature and large energy consumption. The new approach has been proposed to apply porous aluminosilicate catalysts for shale oil highly efficient upgrading at 350°C, H‐clin and Ni‐clin catalysts were prepared with natural clinoptilolite. Al‐SBA‐15 catalysts were synthesized by following one‐step crystallization procedure, and firstly employed for shale oil in situ upgrading. Kinetic studies of pyrolysis showed that the activation energy of organic matter conversion in shale was reduced from 113.80 kJ mol−1 to 37.28 kJ mol−1. After the catalyst addition, shale oil conversion temperature was declined, the reaction rate was increased, and the energy consumption of in situ upgrading was reduced. In Sinopec patented testing instrument, hydrocarbon generation and hydrocarbon expulsion unit, shale oil catalytic conversion showed increased hydrocarbon generation by 2%‐16%. Under the same reaction conditions, the Al‐SBA‐15 (Si/Al = 5) revealed the best activity for hydrocarbon generation, and the efficiency was elevated to 32.67%, twice as that of thermal conversion. The quality of catalytically produced oil was promoted, by improving the further cracking of bitumen to light oil and gas. The results have a breakthrough significance for intensifying the high‐efficiency hydrocarbon generation and expulsion process of low and medium matured shale oil.
Frequent alternate wetting and drying irrigation mitigates the effect of low phosphorus on rice grain yield in a 4‐year field trial by increasing soil phosphorus release and rice root growth
Authors: Xu Feiyun , Song Tao , Wang Ke , Xu Weifeng , Chen Guanglei , Xu Min , Zhang Qian , Liu Jianping , Zhu Yiyong , Rensing Christopher , Zhang Jianhua , Yuan Wei
Published: April 2020

The nonrenewable nutrient phosphorus (P) has low mobility in soil and is often present in forms that are unavailable to crop plants. Alternate wetting and drying irrigation is one of the widely promoted water‐saving irrigation techniques and can increase mineral nutrient availability; however, its interaction with P in paddy fields remains unclear. We conducted a 4‐year field experiment to determine whether a specific regime of frequent alternate wetting and drying (FAWD15) irrigation and low P usage (P45) had synergistic effects on rice yield, rice growth, water use efficiency (WUE), agronomic P use efficiency (AEp), and soil residual fertilizer P. We found that compared to the continuously flooded (CF) irrigation, FAWD15 irrigation maintained rice yield under low P usage condition in a 4‐year field trial. Our results also showed that under low P usage, FAWD15 resulted in high AEp and WUE, and reduced residual fertilizer P. Further, FAWD15 irrigation increased labile P release and resulted in increased root growth by improving root sucrose distribution. These results suggest that FAWD15 irrigation can mitigate the effect of low P usage on rice grain yield by increasing soil P release and root growth in paddy fields.
Are industry‐level indicators more helpful to forecast industrial stock volatility? Evidence from Chinese manufacturing purchasing managers index
Authors: Wei Yu , Bai Lan , Yang Kun , Wei Guiwu
Published: April 2020

Effectively explaining and accurately forecasting industrial stock volatility can provide crucial references to develop investment strategies, prevent market risk and maintain the smooth running of national economy. This paper aims to discuss the roles of industry‐level indicators in industrial stock volatility. Selecting Chinese manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) and its five component PMI as the proxies of industry‐level indicators, we analyze the contributions of PMI on industrial stock volatility and further compare the volatility forecasting performances of PMI, macroeconomic fundamentals and economic policy uncertainty (EPU), by constructing the individual and combination GARCH‐MIDAS models. The empirical results manifest that, first, most of the PMI has significant negative effects on industrial stock volatility. Second, PMI which focuses on the industrial sector itself is more helpful to forecast industrial stock volatility compared with the commonly used macroeconomic fundamentals and economic policy uncertainty. Finally, the combination GARCH‐MIDAS approaches based on DMA technique demonstrate more excellent predictive abilities than the individual GARCH‐MIDAS models. Our major conclusions are robust through various robustness checks.
Local Fuel Starvation Degradation of an Automotive PEMFC Full Size Stack
Authors: Obermaier M. , Rauber M. , Bauer A. , Lochner T. , Du F. , Scheu C.
Published: April 2020

The achievement of durability targets is an important challenge for the commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). In order to meet the requirements, knowledge about the most severe degradation mechanisms of fuel cell stacks under automotive conditions is crucial. In the present work, degradation analysis of an automotive full size stack is performed. Herein, we focus on defects at the cathode catalyst layer and their interrelation including inhomogeneous adhesion of the microporous layer on the catalyst layer, crack formation, cathode catalyst layer thinning and wrinkling of the catalyst coated membrane. In addition, we report linear and circular Pt depositions on top of the cathode catalyst layer, which have to the best of our knowledge not been described in literature yet. For the latter, a degradation mechanism based on liquid water formation, local fuel starvation and current density distribution at the interface between microporous layer and cathode catalyst layer is postulated. Finally, a fast indication for stack degradation is suggested by correlating different degradation phenomena. This improved stack analysis approach allowed us to detect local differences in degradation on both cell and stack level.
Functional differentiation in the human ventromedial frontal lobe: A data‐driven parcellation
Authors: Chase Henry W. , Grace Anthony A. , Fox Peter T. , Phillips Mary L. , Eickhoff Simon B.
Published: April 2020

Ventromedial regions of the frontal lobe (vmFL) are thought to play a key role in decision‐making and emotional regulation. However, aspects of this area's functional organization, including the presence of a multiple subregions, their functional and anatomical connectivity, and the cross‐species homologies of these subregions with those of other species, remain poorly understood. To address this uncertainty, we employed a two‐stage parcellation of the region to identify six distinct structures within the region on the basis of data‐driven classification of functional connectivity patterns obtained using the meta‐analytic connectivity modeling (MACM) approach. From anterior to posterior, the derived subregions included two lateralized posterior regions, an intermediate posterior region, a dorsal and ventral central region, and a single anterior region. The regions were characterized further by functional connectivity derived using resting‐state fMRI and functional decoding using the Brain Map database. In general, the regions could be differentiated on the basis of different patterns of functional connectivity with canonical “default mode network” regions and/or subcortical regions such as the striatum. Together, the findings suggest the presence of functionally distinct neural structures within vmFL, consistent with data from experimental animals as well prior demonstrations of anatomical differences within the region. Detailed correspondence with the anterior cingulate, medial orbitofrontal cortex, and rostroventral prefrontal cortex, as well as specific animal homologs are discussed. The findings may suggest future directions for resolving potential functional and structural correspondence of subregions within the frontal lobe across behavioral contexts, and across mammalian species.
Hepatitis B Virus DNA Polymerase Restrains Viral Replication Through the CREB1/HOXA Distal Transcript Antisense RNA Homeobox A13 Axis
Authors: Zhao Xiaopei , Fan Hongxia , Chen Xi , Zhao Xiaoqing , Wang Xu , Feng Yujie , Liu Min , Li Shengping , Tang Hua
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with infection and hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related diseases, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Approach and Results

We obtained HBV‐HCC lncRNA profiles by deep sequencing and found HOXA distal transcript antisense RNA (HOTTIP) to be significantly up‐regulated. RT‐qPCR indicated that HOTTIP is highly expressed in HBV‐positive hepatoma tissue and induced by HBV in vitro. Virological experiments showed that HOTTIP significantly suppresses the generation of hepatitis B viral surface antigen, hepatitis B viral e antigen and HBV replication. Homeobox A13 (HOXA13), a downstream factor of HOTTIP, was found to bind to HBV enhancer I and X promotor to repress the production of HBV pregenome RNA (pgRNA) and total RNA as well as HBV replication, suggesting that HOXA13 mediates HOTTIP‐induced suppression of HBV replication. More interestingly, HBV DNA polymerase (DNA pol) binds to and stabilizes cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein 1 (CREB1) mRNA to facilitate translation of the protein, which, in turn, binds to the regulatory element of HOTTIP to promote its expression.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that HBV DNA pol attenuates HBV replication through activation of the CREB1‐HOTTIP‐HOXA13 axis. These findings shed light on the mechanism by which HBV restrains replication to contribute to persistent infection.