bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data‐rich textbook figures promote core competencies: Comparison of two textbooks
Authors: Finby Brooks , Heyer Laurie J. , Malcolm Campbell A.
Published: January 2021

Many molecular biology and biochemistry instructors have altered their classroom behavior in favor of evidence‐based, active learning instructional strategies. Overwhelming evidence confirms that lecture‐only classrooms are detrimental to student learning outcomes, but we know less about the impact textbooks have on students outside the classroom. Two influential projects, the AP Biology redesign and Vision and Change, called for extensive restructuring of course content and hoped that textbooks would be restructured accordingly. This study evaluated all figures and tables from two introductory biology textbooks to quantify how well they implement recommendations from Vision and Change and AP Biology redesign. We documented significant differences among figures and tables when looking for experimental data, questions for students to answer, and quantitative interpretation. Using think‐aloud interviews, we interrogated whether students engage differently with figures from the two textbooks. When figures provided take‐home messages, students relied on written text rather than analyzing the graphical information for their understanding. Students frequently employed words from summaries within the figures to construct “inflated explanations” that mimicked comprehension.
Investigation of the Effects of Primary Structure Modifications within the RRE Motif on the Conformation of Synthetic Bovine Herpesvirus 1‐Encoded UL49.5 Protein Fragments
Authors: Karska Natalia , Graul Małgorzata , Sikorska Emilia , Ślusarz Magdalena J. , Zhukov Igor , Kasprzykowski Franciszek , Kubiś Agnieszka , Lipińska Andrea D. , Rodziewicz‐Motowidło Sylwia
Published: January 2021

Herpesviruses are the most prevalent viruses that infect the human and animal body. They can escape a host immune response in numerous ways. One way is to block the TAP complex so that viral peptides, originating from proteasomal degradation, cannot be transported to the endoplasmic reticulum. As a result, a reduced number of MHC class I molecules appear on the surface of infected cells and, thus, the immune system is not efficiently activated. BoHV‐1‐encoded UL49.5 protein is one such TAP transporter inhibitor. This protein binds to TAP in such a way that its N‐terminal fragment interacts with the loops of the TAP complex, and the C‐terminus stimulates proteasomal degradation of TAP. Previous studies have indicated certain amino acid residues, especially the RRE(9–11) motif, within the helical structure of the UL49.5 N‐terminal fragment, as being crucial to the protein's activity. In this work, we investigated the effects of modifications within the RRE region on the spatial structure of the UL49.5 N‐terminal fragment. The introduced RRE(9–11) variations were designed to abolish or stabilize the structure of the α‐helix and, consequently, to increase or decrease protein activity compared to the wild type. The terminal structure of the peptides was established using circular dichroism (CD), 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and molecular dynamics (MD) in membrane‐mimetic or membrane‐model environments. Our structural results show that in the RRE(9–11)AAA and E11G peptides the helical structure has been stabilized, whereas for the RRE(9–11)GGG peptide, as expected, the helix structure has partially unfolded compared to the native structure. These RRE modifications, in the context of the entire UL49.5 proteins, slightly altered their biological activity in human cells.
Aggregometry and thromboelastography to identify the timing to trach a COVID‐19 patient receiving both antiplatelet therapy and enoxaparin
Authors: Tescione Marco , Vadalà Eugenio , Marano Graziella , Bruni Andrea , Garofalo Eugenio , Lavalle Ovidia , Longhini Federico , Battaglia Enzo , Polimeni Nicola , Labate Demetrio , Caracciolo Sarah , Giordano Francesco , Caracciolo Massimo , Macheda Sebastiano
Published: January 2021

In COVID‐19 patients receiving enoxaparin and antiplatelets therapy, aggregometry and thromboelastography might be considered an adjunctive tool to identify the time to perform procedures at risk of bleeding, such as tracheostomy.
Severe cervical compressive polydiscopathic myelopathy with features of motor neuron disease: A case report
Authors: Văcăraș Vitalie , Hapca Elian , Drăghici Nicu Cătălin , Mureșanu Dafin Fior
Published: January 2021

Cervical myelopathy is part of ALS mimic syndrome and should be considered in patients with clinical signs of motor neuron disease.
Open heart mitral valve replacement using the Edwards‐Sapien 3 for severe mitral annular calcification prevents left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Authors: Morita Shohei , Takahashi Shinya , Pernot Mathieu , Leroux Lionel , Labrousse Louis
Published: January 2021

Open heart transcatheter mitral valve implantation using the Edwards‐Sapien 3 for mitral annular calcification is a safe procedure, because surgeons do not have to decalcify. And also, surgeons can resect the anterior mitral leaflet to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and deploy the valve under direct visualization.
Distributions of Fiber Mass, Air Permeability, and Filter Efficiency in Nonwoven Fabric Bag Filters
Authors: Fukasawa Tomonori , Kanaoka Chikao , Kimura Isao , Bao Li , Ishigami Toru , Fukui Kunihiro
Published: January 2021

The accurate determination of physical properties of filtration media is essential for predicting their performance for bag filtration use. The spatial distributions of fiber mass, air permeability, and thickness of three commercially available filtration media were evaluated and compared with the manufacturer's indicated values. The fiber mass and air permeability were distributed over a wide range, resulting in a large deviation from the indicated values. The filter efficiencies were measured for ten randomly sampled pieces from each filter, and the filter efficiency of the whole filtration media and particle emission rate were estimated. Even for filters with a fiber mass and air permeability close to the indicated values, their filter performances differed by approximately 15 %.
Gas velocity distribution in conical spouted beds with high‐density particles
Authors: Dogan Neslin , Koksal Murat , Kulah Gorkem
Published: January 2021

Local gas velocity measurements were conducted utilizing a Pitot tube in two small‐scale (Dc = 150 mm, γ = 30°, 60°) and one large‐scale (Dc = 250 mm, γ = 66°) conical spouted beds. Three different types of particles, zirconia (ρp = 6050 kg/m3), zirconia‐toughened alumina (ρp = 3700 kg/m3), and glass beads (ρp = 2460 kg/m3), were used in the experiments. Careful calibration of the Pitot tube for determination of gas velocities in the annulus section was carried out in a separate, loosely packed‐bed set‐up, which represents the flow conditions in the annulus section of the spouted bed. Solids hold‐up profiles were used to calculate the superficial gas velocities and determine the amount of air flowing through the spout, interface, and annulus. Effects of axial position, conical angle, bed size, and particle density on gas velocity profiles were investigated. It is shown that the amount of air flow through the annulus increases as the axial distance and particle density increases; however, it decreases with increasing cone angle. Dispersion of the gas into the annulus is found to be significantly higher in the large‐scale unit than the small‐scale unit.
Phase Engineering of CoMoO4 Anode Materials toward Improved Cycle Life for Li+ Storage†
Authors: Huang Xiaoqing , Li Junhao , Zhang Wenbiao , Huang Wenjie , Yang Lichun , Gao Qingsheng
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Anode materials based on conversion reactions usually possess high energy densities for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, they suffer from poor rate performance and cycle life due to serious volume changes. Herein, α/β‐CoMoO4 heterogeneous nanorods are synthesized via a facile co‐precipitation method, and further are phase‐engineered through varying calcination temperature, accomplishing the obviously improved cycle life and rate performance as anodes for LIBs. When evaluated at a current density of 1.0 A·g–1, the optimal nanorods with an α/β phase ratio of 6.0 afford the reversible capacity of 1143.6 mAh·g–1 after 200 cycles, outperforming most of recently reported bimetal oxides. Li+ storage mechanism is further analyzed by using in‐situ X‐ray diffraction and ex‐situ transition electronic microscopy. It's revealed that β‐CoMoO4 follows a one‐step conversion reaction; while α‐CoMoO4 proceeds an intercalation pathway before the conversion reaction. Grading storage of Li+ would alleviate the volume effect of heterostructured α/β‐CoMoO4, forming electronically conductive network evenly composed of Co and Mo nanograins to enable the reversible electrochemical conversion. This work is anticipated to give some hints for the rational design of high‐performance energy materials.
Rapid generation cycling transforms pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium) into an annualized perennial
Authors: Anderson Neil O. , Suranyi Robert A. , Gullickson Steven M.
Published: January 2021

Pyrethrum [Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Vis.] is an important “green pesticide” crop widely used for insect control on plants and for humans. Pyrethrum flowers have the highest Pyrethrin I/Pyrethrin II ratio (%Py) and are harvested at specific stages to maximize yield. Selection for correlative early seed germination and flowering in first year pyrethrum seedlings is challenging and has not been accomplished previously. The breeding objectives for this study were to sample a wide germplasm base to select for rapid generation cycling (RGC) traits of early and high germination in Weeks 1–4, earliness of visible bud date (VBD) and flowering, accelerated growth, high leaf unfolding rates per week, number of shoots, and %Py in the 1st–12th flowers. Seven seed lots were evaluated for germination rate and timing (N = 141,120 seeds) in Year 1 for RGC traits. Seedling germination was recorded weekly with toothpicking to identify germination weeks with successive selection occurring at transplanting. Grand mean percentage germination was low (24.5%), whereas individual seed lots varied (18.4–38.9%). Seedling death was 0.0–6.8%. On average, it took 34–39 wk to reach VBD and an additional 3–4 wk to flower. Thus, flowering in <1 yr without vernalization is a new trait (annualized perennial) selected in this crop. Germination week was significantly correlated with VBD and flowering dates and is an important trait to use for selecting early‐flowering genotypes in plug trays. Pyrethrum breeding programs could select the earliest germinating seedlings (Weeks 1–4 after sowing) at transplanting to enhance the likelihood of selecting early‐flowering genotypes in the first year and provide an additional year of harvest to increase yield.
Genome‐wide association analysis of resistance to aluminum toxicity in the roots of common bean seedlings
Authors: Siamasonta Farai , Njobvu Justine , Hamabwe Swivia M. , Munyinda Kalaluka , Kamfwa Kelvin
Published: January 2021

Aluminum toxicity is a major production constraint of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Here, we conducted a genome‐wide association study with an Andean diversity panel comprising 411 genotypes to identify genotypes with superior seedling Al resistance, and detect genomic regions associated with Al resistance in the Andean gene pool. The Andean diversity panel was evaluated for seedling Al resistance in a screen house with a hydroponic system with two nutrient solutions containing 0 μM (control solution) or 15 μM Al (Al stress solution). Seedling root length (RL) and root dry weight (RDW) were measured. Percentage reductions in RL (RL%) and in RDW (RDW%)were calculated as indices for Al resistance. Genome‐wide association analyses were conducted with 24,772 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Three genotypes [‘Msafiri’ (ADP70), ‘G5686’ (ADP566), and ‘Drake’ (ADP623)] showed high seedling Al resistance among the 411 genotypes. These genotypes could be used as sources of Al resistance to develop Al‐resistant varieties. Single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with Al resistance were identified on chromosomes Pv01, Pv02, Pv03, Pv05, Pv06, and Pv10. Phenotypic variation explained by significant SNPs ranged from 7.1 to 21.1%, suggesting that genetic control for Al resistance in the Andean gene pool is under both minor‐ and major‐effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with additive action. The most significant SNP on Pv02, which explained 21.1% of the phenotypic variation, overlapped with two previously reported QTLs for Al resistance. This major‐effect QTL on Pv02 is a strong candidate for use in marker‐assisted selection to accelerate the development of Al‐resistant bean varieties.
Overexpression of MeH1.2 gene inhibited plant growth and increased branch root differentiation in transgenic cassava
Authors: Zhao Pingjuan , Guo Xin , Wang Bin , Zhang Xiuchun , Sun Jianbo , Ruan Mengbin , Peng Ming
Published: January 2021

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important tropical crop with extraordinary tolerance to drought stress. Under drought stress, the histone H1 (named MeH1.2) protein of cassava leaf is significantly induced. In this study, the MeH1.2 gene was cloned from cassava to investigate the role of MeH1.2 protein in transcriptional regulation during the development of a multicellular organism in vivo. The MeH1.2 protein was localized to the cell nucleus. The expression of MeH1.2 gene was induced by polyethylene glycol, abscisic acid, and drought stress. Transgenic cassava overexpressing MeH1.2 gene (HOE) was generated from wild type cv.60444 (WT) by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. The 60‐d‐old HOE seedlings were significantly smaller and weaker than the WT in Murashige and Skoog medium. Moreover, they exhibited yellow leaves and senescence, and the number of branch roots increased significantly. We found a total of 1,670 down‐regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 891 up‐regulated DEGs in HOE leaves as indicated by RNA‐seq. Many DEGs were associated with metabolism and stress response, such as amino acid metabolic genes, wound‐responsive family genes, and peroxidase superfamily genes. We hypothesized that MeH1.2 overexpression may retard the growth of HOE plants. The increased proline content and root/shoot ratio of HOE seedlings also supported this hypothesis. Our findings will provide an important basis for further research on the function of the H1.2 gene and its role in drought resistance of cassava.
Monomers from CO2: Superbases as Catalysts for Formate‐to‐Oxalate Coupling
Authors: Schuler Eric , Ermolich Pavel A. , Shiju N. Raveendran , Gruter Gert‐Jan M.
Published: January 2021

An interesting contribution to solving the climate crisis involves the use of CO2 as a feedstock for monomers to produce sustainable plastics. In the European Horizon 2020 project “OCEAN” a continuous multistep process from CO2 to oxalic acid and derivatives is developed, starting with the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to potassium formate. The subsequent formate‐to‐oxalate coupling is a reaction that has been studied and commercially used for over 150 years. With the introduction of superbases as catalysts under moisture‐free conditions unprecedented improvements were shown for the formate coupling reaction. With isotopic labelling experiments the presence of carbonite as an intermediate was proven during the reaction, and with a unique operando set‐up the kinetics were studied. Ultimately, the required reaction temperature could be dropped from 400 to below 200 °C, and the reaction time could be reduced from 10 to 1 min whilst achieving 99 % oxalate yield.
Efficient Sulfur Host Based on Yolk‐Shell Iron Oxide/Sulfide‐Carbon Nanospindles for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xie Dongjiu , Mei Shilin , Xu Yaolin , Quan Ting , Härk Eneli , Kochovski Zdravko , Lu Yan
Published: January 2021

Numerous nanostructured materials have been reported as efficient sulfur hosts to suppress the problematic “shuttling” of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) in lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. However, direct comparison of these materials in their efficiency of suppressing LiPSs shuttling is challenging, owing to the structural and morphological differences between individual materials. This study introduces a simple route to synthesize a series of sulfur host materials with the same yolk‐shell nanospindle morphology but tunable compositions (Fe3O4, FeS, or FeS2), which allows for a systematic investigation into the specific effect of chemical composition on the electrochemical performances of Li−S batteries. Among them, the S/FeS2−C electrode exhibits the best performance and delivers an initial capacity of 877.6 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C with a retention ratio of 86.7 % after 350 cycles. This approach can also be extended to the optimization of materials for other functionalities and applications.
Cold electrons acceleration in TNSA laser‐generated plasma using a low‐contrast fs laser
Authors: Torrisi L. , Cutroneo M. , Torrisi A.
Published: January 2021

The fs laser facility in Bordeaux, delivering an intensity of 1018 W/cm2 at normal incidence on thin foils, has been used to induce forward electron and ion acceleration in target‐normal‐sheath‐acceleration (TNSA) regime. Micrometric thin foils with different composition, thickness, and electron density, were prepared to promote the charge particle acceleration in the forward direction. The plasma electron and ion emission monitoring were performed on‐line using SiC semiconductor detectors in time‐of‐flight (TOF) configuration and gaf‐chromics films both covered by thin absorber filters. The experiment has permitted to accelerate electrons and protons. A special attention was placed to detect relativistic hot electrons escaping from the plasma and cold electrons returning to the target position. The electron energies of the order of 100 keV and of about 1 keV were detected as representative of hot and cold electrons, respectively. A high cold electron contribution was measured using low‐contrast fs laser, while it is less evident using high‐contrast fs lasers. The charge particle acceleration depends on the laser parameters, irradiation conditions, and target properties, as will be presented and discussed.
Small amplitude dust‐acoustic soliton energy in dusty plasmas with suprathermal polarization force
Authors: Mayout Saliha , Benzekka Moufida , Amour Rabia
Published: January 2021

The effect of suprathermal polarization force on both linear and weakly nonlinear dust‐acoustic solitary structures in a three‐component dusty plasma is investigated. For this purpose, a new expression of the polarization force acting on dust particles that include the electronic suprathermal effect is derived. The results are applied to two different experimental dusty plasmas. We have found that the polarization force acting on the dust grains decreases as the electron suprathermality becomes more significant. In addition, we have shown that, for a given value of the spectral index κ, the polarization force magnitude fluctuates from one plasma to another. The changes arising in the propagation of small‐amplitude dust‐acoustic (DA) solitons due to the presence of this suprathermal polarization force are also analysed. Interestingly, an increase in the magnitude of the polarization force leads to an increase in the amplitude and width of DA soliton and provides more energy to the motion of this soliton.
Excitation of kinetic Alfvén waves by streaming ions in a dusty magnetoplasma with generalized (r, q) distribution function
Authors: Rubab Nazish , Riaz Farrukh , Zaheer Sadia , Noreen Naila , Shah Hassan A.
Published: January 2021

We investigate the parallel streaming effects on the dispersion characteristics of a kinetic Alfvén wave (KAW) in a low β dusty magnetoplasma. To analyse the influence of streaming ions obeying generalized (r, q) distribution function, hot and magnetized electrons, and mobile charged dust, a theoretical approach has been used for the instability analysis by employing two potential theories. A linear kinetic dispersion relation of Alfvén waves is derived, whose solutions are used to interpret the numerical and analytical results. The solutions of dispersion relation indicate that the characteristics of KAWs are transformed when generalized (r, q) distribution function is employed instead of its Maxwellian counterpart. We also found that the unstable modes have a strong dependence on spectral indices r and q, dust parameters, and plasma β. For the excitation of KAWs, the streaming velocity has been observed to be within the sub‐Alfvén range, whereas when it extends to the super‐Alfvén range, the growth rates are significantly suppressed. The observations further show that an ambient magnetic field and superthermal particles inhibit the growth of an electromagnetic wave to a significant degree and have a stabilizing effect on the wave mode, whereas an increasing concentration of low‐energy particles contributes to enhancing growth rates.
A pharmacokinetic study of morphine‐6‐O‐sulfate in rat plasma and brain
Authors: Yadlapalli Jai Shankar K. , Albayati Zaineb A. F. , Breen Philip J. , Dobretsov Maxim , Penthala Narsimha R. , Hendrickson Howard P. , Crooks Peter A.
Published: January 2021

Morphine‐6‐O‐sulfate (M6S), a polar, zwitterionic sulfate ester of morphine, is a powerful and safe analgesic in several rat models of pain. A sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry bioanalytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of M6S and morphine (MOR) in rat plasma and brain after M6S administration. Morphine‐d6 was used as internal standard. Multiple reaction monitoring was used for detection and quantitation of M6S, MOR, and morphine‐d6 in the turbo ion spray positive mode. The chromatographic separation was carried out on an Alltech Altima C18 column. The analytical method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, and stability over a concentration range of 3–8000 ng/ml in rat plasma and 10–10,000 ng/ml in brain samples for both M6S and MOR. The validated method was applied to determine the PK profile of M6S in plasma after i.v., i.p., and oral dosing in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were administered M6S by i.p. administration (5.6 and 10.0 mg/kg) or orally (10 and 30 mg/kg) and bioavailability compared to an i.v. injection (1 mg/kg) of M6S. The in vivo results indicate that M6S is not a prodrug of morphine, since M6S is not biotransformed into MOR in plasma after either i.p. or oral administration, and MOR was not detected in brain. The bioavailability of M6S was >93% and about 5% after i.p. and oral dosing, respectively. The low oral bioavailability of M6S may be due to poor permeation of the intestinal epithelial membrane. After i.p.‐administration, M6S appears to reach brain tissues in low, but significant, concentrations.
An approach to quantify climate–productivity relationships: an example from a widespreadNothofagusforest
Authors: Salas‐Eljatib Christian
Published: January 2021

Unique combinations of geographic and environmental conditions make quantifying the importance of factors that influence forest productivity difficult. I aimed to model the height growth of dominantNothofagus alpinatrees in temperate forests of Chile, as a proxy for forest productivity, by building a dynamic model that accounts for topography, habitat type, and climate conditions. Using stem analysis data of 169 dominant trees sampled throughout south‐central Chile (35°50′ and 41°30′ S), I estimated growth model parameters using a nonlinear mixed‐effects framework that takes into account the hierarchical structure of the data. Based on the proposed model, I used a system‐dynamics approach to analyze growth rates as a function of topographic, habitat type, and climatic variability. I found that the interaction between aspect, slope, and elevation, as well as the effect of habitat type, play an essential role in determining tree height growth rates ofN. alpina. Furthermore, the precipitation in the warmest quarter, precipitation seasonality, and annual mean temperature are critical climatic drivers of forest productivity. Given a forecasted climate condition for the region by 2100, where precipitation seasonality and mean annual temperature increase by 10% and 1°C, respectively, and precipitation in the warmest quarter decreases by 10 mm, I predict a reduction of 1.4 m in height growth of 100‐yr‐old dominant trees. This study shows that the sensitivity ofN. alpina‐dominated forests to precipitation and temperature patterns could lead to a reduction of tree height growth rates as a result of climate change, suggesting a decrease in carbon sequestration too. By implementing a system dynamics approach, I provide a new perspective on climate‐productivity relationships, bettering the quantitative understanding of forest ecosystem dynamics under climate change. The results highlight that while temperature rising might favor forest growth, the decreasing in both amount and distribution within a year of precipitation can be even more critical to reduce forest productivity.
Experimental simulation of environmental warming selects against pigmented morphs of land snails
Authors: Köhler Heinz‐R. , Capowiez Yvan , Mazzia Christophe , Eckstein Helene , Kaczmarek Nils , Bilton Mark C. , Burmester Janne K. Y. , Capowiez Line , Chueca Luis J. , Favilli Leonardo , Florit Gomila Josep , Manganelli Giuseppe , Mazzuca Silvia , Moreno‐Rueda Gregorio , Peschke Katharina , Piro Amalia , Quintana Cardona Josep , Sawallich Lilith , Staikou Alexandra E. , Thomassen Henri A. , Triebskorn Rita
Published: January 2021

In terrestrial snails, thermal selection acts on shell coloration. However, the biological relevance of small differences in the intensity of shell pigmentation and the associated thermodynamic, physiological, and evolutionary consequences for snail diversity within the course of environmental warming are still insufficiently understood. To relate temperature‐driven internal heating, protein and membrane integrity impairment, escape behavior, place of residence selection, water loss, and mortality, we used experimentally warmed open‐top chambers and field observations with a total of >11,000 naturally or experimentally colored individuals of the highly polymorphic species Theba pisana (O.F. MÜLLER, 1774). We show that solar radiation in their natural Mediterranean habitat in Southern France poses intensifying thermal stress on increasingly pigmented snails that cannot be compensated for by behavioral responses. Individuals of all morphs acted neither jointly nor actively competed in climbing behavior, but acted similarly regardless of neighbor pigmentation intensity. Consequently, dark morphs progressively suffered from high internal temperatures, oxidative stress, and a breakdown of the chaperone system. Concomitant with increasing water loss, mortality increased with more intense pigmentation under simulated global warming conditions. In parallel with an increase in mean ambient temperature of 1.34°C over the past 30 years, the mortality rate of pigmented individuals in the field is, currently, about 50% higher than that of white morphs. A further increase of 1.12°C, as experimentally simulated in our study, would elevate this rate by another 26%. For 34 T. pisana populations from locations that are up to 2.7°C warmer than our experimental site, we show that both the frequency of pigmented morphs and overall pigmentation intensity decrease with an increase in average summer temperatures. We therefore predict a continuing strong decline in the frequency of pigmented morphs and a decrease in overall pigmentation intensity with ongoing global change in areas with strong solar radiation.
Disentangling the links between habitat complexity and biodiversity in a kelp‐dominated subantarctic community
Authors: Velasco‐Charpentier Catalina , Pizarro‐Mora Felipe , Navarro Nelso P. , Valdivia Nelson
Published: January 2021

Habitat complexity is one of the most important factors modulating species diversity. This feature comprises several interrelated attributes, such as number, size, and spatial arrangement of complexity‐forming elements. However, the separate and joint effects of these attributes on diversity and community structure are still not well understood. Here, we assess the relationships between several structural‐complexity attributes of the subantarctic kelp Lessonia flavicans and species richness, total abundance, and structure of kelp‐associated macrobenthic communities. We predicted that longer thalli and larger holdfasts favor greater species richness and total abundance of invertebrate organisms. To test the prediction, an observational sampling program was established in two sites of the Strait of Magellan. Uni‐ and multivariate analyses revealed both positive and negative effects of kelp structural‐complexity attributes on diversity. Holdfast diameter and maximum frond length, followed by thallus wet weight, had the strongest positive fits to species richness and total abundance; the number of stipes, on the other hand, was negatively associated with both response variables. Longer fronds were associated with greater abundances of spirorbid polychaetes. Larger holdfasts supported larger abundances of Nereididae and Terebelidae polychaetes and the limpet Nacella mytilina. Contrarily, kelps with longer fronds and more stipes supported fewer amphipods. In this way, we demonstrate that different dimensions of habitat complexity can have contrasting effects on diversity and community structure, highlighting the fundamental role of multiple dimensions of kelp habitat complexity for local biodiversity.
Virtual Electrode Design for Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Joos Jochen , Buchele Alexander , Schmidt Adrian , Weber André , Ivers-Tiffée Ellen
Published: January 2021

Microstructural characteristics of lithium‐ion battery cathodes determine their performance. Thus, modern simulation tools are increasingly important for the custom design of multiphase cathodes. This work presents a new method for generating virtual, yet realistic cathode microstructures. A precondition is a 3D template of a commercial cathode, reconstructed via focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography and appropriate algorithms. The characteristically shaped micrometer‐sized active material (AM) particles and agglomerates of nano‐sized carbon‐binder (CB) particles are individually extracted from the voxel‐based templates. Thereby, a library of roughly 1100 AM particles and 20 CB agglomerates is created. Next, a virtual cathode microstructure is predefined, and representative sets of AM particles and CB agglomerates are built. The following re‐assembly of AM particles within a predefined volume box works using dropping and rolling algorithms. Thereby, one can generate cathodes with specified characteristics, such as the volume fraction of AM, CB and pore space, particle‐size distributions, and gradients thereof. Naturally, such a virtual twin is a promising starting point for physics‐based electrochemical performance models. The workflow from the commercial cathode microstructure through to a full virtual twin will be explained and assessed for a blend cathode made of the two AMs, LiNiCoAlO2 (NCA) and LiCoO2 (LCO).
A Novel Receiver Design for Energy Packet‐Based Dispatching
Authors: Wiegel Friedrich , De Din Edoardo , Monti Antonello , Wehrle Klaus , Hiller Marc , Zitterbart Martina , Hagenmeyer Veit
Published: January 2021

A steadily growing share of renewable energies with fluctuating and decentralized generation as well as rising peak loads require novel solutions to ensure the reliability of electricity supply. More specifically, grid stability is endangered by equally relevant line constraints and battery capacity limits. In this light, energy packet‐based dispatching with power signal dual modulation has recently been introduced as an innovative solution. However, this approach assumes a central synchronicity provision unit for energy packet (EP) dispatching. To overcome this assumption, the present article's main contribution is a design of an EP receiver which recovers the required synchronicity information directly from the received signal itself. Key implementation aspects are discussed in detail. By means of a direct current (DC) grid example, simulation results show the performance and applicability of the proposed novel receiver for packet‐based energy dispatching.
High performance fully paper‐based all‐solid‐state supercapacitor fabricated by a papermaking process with silver nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide‐modified pulp fibers
Authors: Huang Quanbo , Yang Yang , Chen Ruwei , Wang Xiaohui
Published: January 2021

Herein, a fully paper‐based all‐solid‐state supercapacitor with functionalized cellulose paper as electrodes, carboxymethyl cellulose gel as solid electrolyte and cellulose paper as separator was fabricated. The electrode was fabricated by a conventional papermaking process with silver‐modified fibers and graphene oxide (GO)‐modified fibers followed by reduction of GO. The Ag‐modified fibers and GO‐modified fibers were obtained by in situ growth of Ag nanoparticles and self‐assembly of GO sheets on cellulose fibers, respectively. Ag‐modified fibers act as a flexible current collector with rich three‐dimensional interconnected electron transport pathways to make the reduced GO‐modified fibers as electrode materials to achieve high conductivity (1.93 Ω sq−1) and high‐rate capability. Simple drying can reduce 40% weight of the supercapacitor to facilitate transportation and storage, and its capacitance efficiency can be recovered by wetting when needed. This work opens up a new way of developing cheap, green and high performance full‐paper flexible electronics by conventional papermaking process.

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DPS1 regulates cuticle development and leaf senescence in rice
Authors: Adeel Zafar Syed , Uzair Muhammad , Ramzan Khan Muhammad , Patil Suyash B. , Fang Jingjing , Zhao Jinfeng , Lata Singla‐Pareek Sneh , Pareek Ashwani , Li Xueyong
Published: January 2021

Leaves are the primary food‐producing organs for a plant that carry out photosynthesis and contribute to biomass and grain yield. Leaf senescence is a developmentally regulated physiological process but early leaf senescence is known to negatively affect plant yield. The cuticle is an outer waxy protective layer on the leaf surface which protects plants from pathogens attack as well as dehydration. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cuticle development and leaf senescence is still immature. The present study reports the role of the DEGENERATED PANICLE AND PARTIAL STERILITY 1 (DPS1) gene encoding a cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) domain‐containing protein in cuticle development and leaf senescence in rice. The dps1 loss‐of‐function mutant showed leaf senescence phenotype with twisted leaves, significantly reduced chlorophyll content and degenerated chloroplasts characterized by a reduced number of starch granules and an abundance of osmiophilic bodies. Furthermore, dps1 leaves displayed defective cuticle development, reduced wax and cutin compounds, and lower relative water content as compared with wild type. Physiological assays showed significantly higher accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accompanied by enhanced DNA fragmentation in dps1 leaves, which could be associated with chloroplast degeneration and defective cuticle development. Transcriptome analysis revealed altered expression of several critical genes related to photosynthesis and wax/cutin pathway. This study revealed a crucial role of DPS1 in regulating leaf cuticle development and senescence by affecting the expression of several genes. Thus, a moderate expression of DPS1 is necessary for better plant growth and productivity.
A flexible gradient method for unstructured‐grid solvers
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroaki
Published: January 2021

In this short note, we introduce a flexible explicit gradient method for efficient and robust unstructured‐grid computations. As shown, the method serves as a memory‐efficient alternative to the multiple least‐squares gradients needed by conflicting requirements for inviscid, viscous, and turbulence‐model source terms (e.g., vorticity), in practical computational‐fluid‐dynamics solvers. The flexible method computes the gradient of a numerical solution in a cell by averaging the face gradients defined by the alpha‐damped formula with a parameter based on a single set of least‐squares gradients. We show that a small gives less‐accurate gradients similar to unweighted least‐squares gradients, and a large produces accurate gradients similar to weighted least‐squares gradients. Therefore, it allows us to obtain two types of gradients by changing the value of without storing more than one set of least‐squares coefficients. Moreover, the method yields fourth‐order accurate gradients with on a regular grid. The method is demonstrated for two‐dimensional inviscid and viscous flows on unstructured grids.
Strategic bias and popularity effect in the prediction of economic surprises
Authors: Félix Luiz , Kräussl Roman , Stork Philip
Published: January 2021

Professional forecasters of economic data are remunerated based on accuracy and positive publicity generated for their firms. This remuneration structure incentivizes them to stick to the median forecast but also to make bold forecasts when they perceive to have superior private information. We find that skewness in the distribution of expectations, potentially created by bold forecasts, predicts economic surprises across a wide range of US economic indicators in‐sample and out‐of‐sample, confirming our hypothesis that forecasters behave strategically and possess private information. This strategic bias found in US economic forecasts is also exhibited in individual forecasters' data as well as in continental Europe, the United Kingdom, and Japan. We show that it has been increasing both through time and in relation to the behavioral anchor bias. Our results suggest that the pervasiveness of the biases depends on the popularity of the economic indicator being released, both in the United States and internationally.
Effect of Preparation Parameters on the Catalytic Performance of Solid Acid Catalyst SO42−/ZrO2‐CeO2 in Biodiesel Production▴
Authors: Li X. F. , Ma W. H. , Bao G. R. , Lv G. Q. , Wan X. H. , Li Q. J.
Published: January 2021

A new solid acid catalyst SO42−/ZrO2‐CeO2 (SZC) was prepared by co‐precipitation method and used in biodiesel production. Different from considering several parameters in available literatures, the effect of all 10 parameters in the preparation process on the catalytic activities of SZC were studied systematically and comprehensively. The catalytic performance was tested by the conversion of Jatropha oil fatty acids (CFA) in esterification. TG, XRD, BET, TEM, NH3‐TPD, FTIR were used to characterize the catalyst aiming to analyze the influence mechanisms of each factor. The results indicated that the surface area and acidity of sulfated zirconia increased by doping of Ce. The most important preparation parameters included loading amounts of CeO2, aging time, and calcination temperature, their proper values were 5%, 21 h, 773 K, respectively. Moreover, novel findings included: the ammonia concentration influences the acid strength of catalyst which was more important than the amount of acid sites for the catalytic activities and drying before calcination was a necessary step.
Nonlinear analysis of the effect of viscoelasticity on ferroconvection
Authors: Melson Anthony C. , Siddheshwar Pradeep G. , Sekhar Gummadi N.
Published: January 2021

This paper concerns a nonlinear analysis of the effects of viscoelasticity on convection in ferroliquids. We consider the Oldroyd model for the constitutive equation of the liquid. The linear stability analysis yields the critical value of the Rayleigh number for the onset of oscillatory convection in Maxwell and Jeffrey ferroliquids. The use of a minimal mode double Fourier series in the nonlinear perturbation equations yields a Khayat–Lorenz model for the ferromagnetic liquid, and that is scaled further to get the classical Lorenz model as a limiting case. The scaled Khayat–Lorenz model thus obtained is solved numerically and the solution is used to compute the time‐dependent Nusselt number, which quantifies the heat transport. The results are analyzed for the dependence of the time‐averaged Nusselt number on different parameters.
Banks' holdings of and trading in government bonds
Authors: Manna Michele , Nobili Stefano
Published: January 2021

In this paper we examine the holdings of government securities by domestic banks along those of the foreign banks/non‐banks/official sector as well as the domestic central bank and domestic non‐banks, using data for 21 advanced economies from 2004Q1 to 2016Q2. The research offers four main insights. Firstly, banks are reluctant to undertake large changes in their holdings of domestic bonds but do accept frequent changes of more intermediate size. Secondly, the foreign official sector emerges as the clearest example of contrarian investor, which buys when prices fall and sells when prices rise. Thirdly, the yields of 10‐year benchmark sovereign bonds tend to be lower the larger the holdings by domestic and foreign banks are. Finally, we find in all countries of the sample a positive home bias in banks' sovereign holdings while foreign banks hold less than predicted by a neutral portfolio measure. These results suggest that banks regard domestic government bonds as a special asset class (hence the positive bias and the avoidance of large changes in inventories) which they manage in a flexible manner (hence the frequent intermediate changes and the lack of systematic timing of transactions) probably to meet requests from their customers. All in all, this behavior by domestic banks provides a positive contribution to the liquidity of the market as a whole.
Economic and demographic determinants of premium reserve in Western Balkan countries during and after the crisis
Authors: Novovic Buric Milijana , Kascelan Ljiljana , Kascelan Vladimir
Published: January 2021

This article aims at investigating the impact of economic and demographic factors on premium reserve and thus the possibility for life insurers to invest in the financial market of Western Balkan countries. Using the data panel including economic and demographic trends in the countries of this region in the period from year 2006 to 2016, it is determined that price stability and higher deposit rates may cause faster development of insurance market. Contrary to previous findings, which indicate wages and population ageing as key driving factors in developed countries, in this region these are the youth dependency and care for their schooling. This indicates that a higher significance is given to the component of insurance of death risk than the savings one. However, during crisis period, more than post‐crisis period, higher demand for this type of savings was determined due to the decline in confidence in banking sector.
The role of umbilical artery velocities in the clinical assessment of twin‐twin transfusion syndrome at stage
Authors: Liu Hong‐Li , Huang Shuai , Wang Xing , Qi Hong‐Bo , Li Jun‐Nan , Zhang Lan
Published: January 2021

Objective

To analyze the discordances of the umbilical artery velocities between pregnancies with twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) at stage I and those with normal monochorionic‐diamniotic (MCDA) twins, and investigate the value of their discordances in predicting TTTS at stage I.

Methods

We recruited 58 twin pregnancies with TTTS at stage I and 60 normal MCDA twin pregnancies in a tertiary referral center retrospectively. The umbilical artery velocities and their discordances were compared between the normal and TTTS twins.

Results

The discordances of umbilical artery mean diastolic velocity (UA‐MDV), umbilical artery time‐averaged maximum velocity (UA‐TAmax), umbilical artery peak systolic velocity (UA‐PSV), and umbilical artery end‐diastolic velocity (UA‐EDV) were higher in the TTTS group than in the normal group. In TTTS co‐twins, the UA‐MDV, UA‐TAmax, UA‐PSV, and UA‐EDV in recipients were higher than those in donors. The discordances of UA‐TAmax and UA‐PSV were found to be independent predicting factors for TTTS at stage I.

Conclusion

Co‐twin umbilical artery velocity discordances were significantly associated with stage I TTTS. The results suggest that UA‐TAmax and UA‐PSV might be new parameters for predicting TTTS at stage I.
Unifying Loss‐Driven Systems Engineering Activities
Authors: Brtis John , McEvilley Michael
Published: January 2021

Systems, by definition, deliver desired capability. Not surprisingly—much of systems engineering is capability‐driven; it focuses on developing systems to deliver desired capability. There are, however, non‐capability‐driven areas of systems engineering. Loss‐driven systems engineering is an example. Loss‐driven systems engineering concerns itself with addressing the possible losses associated with system development and use. This paper explores loss‐driven systems engineering's meaning, identify the existing systems engineering specialty areas under the loss‐driven systems engineering umbrella, and discuss the potential for unifying those specialty areas along the attributes they share. We believe the attributes for possible unification include: asset types, loss types, adversity types, requirements, and architecture and design solutions. We identify the likely benefits expected from such a unification, and we explore the effect such a unification will have on systems engineering throughout the system life cycle.
Duration-Dependent Increase of Human Bone Matrix Mineralization in Long-Term Bisphosphonate Users with Atypical Femur Fracture
Authors: Farlay Delphine , Rizzo Sébastien , Ste-Marie Louis-Georges , Michou Laëtitia , Morin Suzanne N , Qiu Shijing , Chavassieux Pascale , Chapurlat Roland D , Rao Sudhaker D , Brown Jacques P , Boivin Georges
Published: January 2021

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the most widely used drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis but prolonged use of BPs might increase the risk of atypical femur fracture (AFF). There are only a few studies that address the bone material quality in patients on long-term BP treatment with or without AFFs. We analyzed 52 trans-iliac bone biopsies from patients on long-term BP therapy with (n = 26) and without (n = 26) AFF. At the microscopic level, the degree of mineralization of bone (DMB) was assessed on whole bone by X-ray digitized microradiography while microhardness by Vickers microindentation, and bone matrix characteristics by Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM) (mineral/organic ratio, mineral maturity and crystallinity, and collagen maturity) were measured at random focal areas. The AFF patients were treated longer than non-AFF patients (9.7 ± 3.3 years versus 7.9 ± 2.7 years). As expected, bone remodeling was low in both groups, without difference between them. The AFF group had significantly higher DMB in cortical bone (+2.9%, p = .001), which remained so after adjusting for treatment duration (p = .007), and showed a trend in cancellous bone (+1.6%, p = .05). Consistent with higher DMB, heterogeneity index (HI) was lower in the AFF than in the non-AFF group, illustrating lower heterogeneity of mineralization in the AFF group. A significant positive correlation between the duration of treatment and DMB in cortical bone was found in AFF, and not in the non-AFF group. Microhardness and bone matrix characteristics were similar between groups. We conclude that the AFF group had a duration-dependent increase in DMB leading to a significantly higher DMB than the non-AFF. Because BPs have high affinity to bone mineral and lining the walls of the osteocyte lacunae, the accumulation of matrix-bound BPs in AFF could lead to inhibition of the osteocyte cytoskeleton blunting their response to mechanical strains, a hypothesis to be further investigated. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).