bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of fan‐shaped tracker for single particle tracking
Authors: Jin Luhong , Zhao Fengqiang , Lin Wanni , Zhou Xiaoxu , Kuang Cuifang , Nedzved Alexander , Ablameyko Sergey , Liu Xu , Xu Yingke
Published: April 2020

With the development of super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy, complex dynamic processes in living cells can be observed and recorded with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Single particle tracking (SPT) is the most important step to explore the relationship between the spatio‐temporal dynamics of subcellular molecules and their functions. Although previous studies have developed SPT algorithms to quantitatively analyze particle dynamics in cell, traditional tracking methods have poor performance when dealing with intersecting trajectories. This can be attributed to two main reasons: (a) they do not have point compensation process for overlapping objects; (b) they use inefficient motion prediction models. In this paper, we present a novel fan‐shaped tracker (FsT) algorithm to reconstruct the trajectories of subcellular vesicles in living cells. We proposed a customized point compensation method for overlapping objects based on the fan‐shaped motion trend of the particles. Furthermore, we validated the performance of the FsT in both simulated time‐lapse movies with variable imaging quality and in real vesicle moving images. Meanwhile, we compared the performance of FsT with other five state‐of‐the‐art tracking algorithms by using commonly defined measures. The results showed that our FsT achieves better performance in high signal‐to‐noise ratio conditions and in tracking of overlapping objects. We anticipate that our FsT method will have vast applications in tracking of moving objects in cell.
High‐resolution mass spectrometry for bioanalytical applications: Is this the new gold standard?
Authors: Kaufmann Anton
Published: April 2020

Liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole‐based tandem mass spectrometry (QqQ) is termed the “gold standard” for bioanalytical applications because of its unpreceded selectivity, sensitivity, and the ruggedness of the technology. More recently, however, high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has become increasingly popular for bioanalytical applications. Nonetheless, this technique is still viewed, either as a screening technology or as a research tool. Although HRMS is actively discussed during scientific conferences, it is yet to be widely utilised in routine laboratory settings and there remains a reluctance to use HRMS for quantitative measurements in regulated environments. This paper does not aim to comprehensively describe the potential of the latest HRMS technology, but rather, it focuses on what results can be obtained and outlines the author's experiences over a period of many years of the routine application of various forms of HRMS instrumentation. Fifteen years ago, some nine different QqQ methods were used in the author's laboratory to analyse a variety of different veterinary drug resides. Today, many more analytes are quantified by seven HRMS methods and just three QqQ methods remain in use for the analysis of a small set of compounds yet to be upgraded to HRMS analysis. This continual upgrading and migration of analytical methods were accompanied by regularly participating in laboratory proficiency tests (PTs). The PT reports (covering a range of analytes and analytical methods) were used to compare the accuracy of HRMS‐ versus QqQ‐based measurements. In the second part of this paper, the particular strengths and limitations of HRMS for both method development and routine measurements are critically discussed. This also includes some anecdotal experiences encountered when replacing QqQ assays with HRMS methods.
Southern hemisphere tropical cyclones: A critical analysis of regional characteristics
Authors: Pillay Micheal T. , Fitchett Jennifer M.
Published: April 2020

The destructive nature of tropical cyclones poses a risk to the regions where they occur during and after landfall. Southern hemisphere countries are usually more vulnerable to these risks and impacts due to their lower adaptive capacity. Research for the northern hemisphere has comprehensively explored the nature of tropical cyclones. This information has since been applied to long‐term adaptation plans and short‐term evacuation plans. This study interrogates the characteristics and nature of Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclones and critically explores their differences to Northern Hemisphere storm characteristics. The differences found between the hemispheric storm activities include seasonality, number of storms and the latitudinal position at which these storms undergo genesis and intensification. Similarities were found in storm intensity, which was observed to increase with the time taken to reach maximum lifetime intensity. Higher sea surface temperatures were similarly found to be a major factor associated with increased intensity and lifetime of Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclones. Tropical cyclone seasonality is also centred around the warmer months within each hemisphere. Compared to the Northern Hemisphere the tropical cyclone seasonal length indicates no increase. The magnitude of sea surface temperature increase is also lower in the Northern Hemisphere. These fundamental links observed with temperature in both hemispheres implicates climate warming and its impact on tropical cyclones in both hemispheres, regardless of their seasonality and frequency.
Raman and SEM‐EDS insights into technological aspects of Medieval and Renaissance ceramics from Southern Italy
Authors: Caggiani Maria Cristina , Barone Germana , de Ferri Lavinia , Laviano Rocco , Mangone Annarosa , Mazzoleni Paolo
Published: April 2020

An analytical investigation performed on Southern Italy pottery highlighted the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy to give answers to archaeological questions. It can provide important information concerning the production technology and raw materials constituting the glassy coatings. Raman spectroscopy was supported by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) for observations and elemental analysis. The studied samples, ranging from the 13th century lead‐tin‐glazed protomajolica to the 15th –16th enamelled pottery, come from the Castles of Montella and Ariano Irpino (Campania), from the castles of Scicli and Modica and from surveys carried out in Buscemi and Caltagirone (Sicily). Glassy matrices, opacifying agents, colour‐related raw materials and body‐coating interface crystalline phases were investigated. Though the coatings resulted all typically lead‐rich glass types, lumps showing a different Raman profile suggested that at least in one case, the batch was adultered with recycled glass waste. Furthermore, samples coming from Montella, belonging to the three main classes of ceramics defined by archaeological hypothesis, could be grouped according to their cassiterite content. The crystallization of lead–potassium feldspars at the coating‐body interface in a group of samples was ascertained. With regard to the origin of colours, the spectra of blue coatings highlighted phases that can be traced back to the use of Co‐based and Co–As‐based raw materials, while turquoise decorations were found to contain malayaite.
Raw and roasted pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.) are ‘good’ sources of protein based on their digestible indispensable amino acid score as determined in pigs
Authors: Bailey Hannah M , Stein Hans H
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Pistachio nuts may be consumed as raw nuts or as roasted nuts. However, there is limited information about the protein quality of the nuts, and amino acid (AA) digestibility and protein quality have not been reported. Therefore, the objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that raw and roasted pistachio nuts have a digestible indispensable AA score (DIAAS) and a protein digestibility corrected AA score (PDCAAS) greater than 75, thereby qualifying them as a good source of protein.

RESULTS

The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of all indispensable AAs, except arginine and phenylalanine, was less in roasted pistachio nuts than in raw pistachio nuts (P < 0.05). Raw pistachio nuts had a PDCAAS of 73, and roasted pistachio nuts had a PDCAAS of 81, calculated for children 2–5 years, and the limiting AA in the PDCAAS calculation was threonine. The DIAAS values calculated for children older than 3 years, adolescents, and adults was 86 and 83 for raw and roasted pistachio nuts respectively. The limiting AA in both raw and roasted pistachio nuts that determined the DIAAS for this age group was lysine.

CONCLUSION

The results of this research illustrate that raw and roasted pistachio nuts can be considered a good quality protein source with DIAAS greater than 75; however, processing conditions associated with roasting may decrease the digestibility of AAs in pistachio nuts. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Formulating protein‐based beverages for the dysphagia diets of the elderly: viscosity, protein quality, in vitro digestion, and consumers acceptability
Authors: Štreimikytė Paulina , Keršienė Milda , Eisinaitė Viktorija , Jasutienė Ina , Lesauskaitė Vita , Damulevičienė Gytė , Knašienė Jurgita , Leskauskaitė Daiva
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is defined as a disorder of the swallowing mechanism. The most common management of dysphagia is diet modification by thickening food and beverages. This study aimed to obtain protein‐based beverages for the dysphagia diets of the elderly, corresponding to the ‘honey’ (III) level of dysphagia fluids according to the National Dysphagia Diet classifications, and containing 100 g kg−1 of good‐quality proteins with a high rate of hydrolysis during digestion.

RESULTS

Four protein formulations made from pea proteins, milk proteins, a mixture of milk and pea proteins, and milk proteins with added konjac glucomannan, were evaluated on the basis of rheological characterization and proteolysis kinetics during in vitro digestion. The mixture of milk proteins and pea proteins, and the mixture of milk proteins with added konjac glucomannan, showed typical yielding pseudoplastic fluid behavior with similar apparent viscosity but different structural characteristics. These differences were the reason for the differences in proteolysis kinetics during digestion. The mixture of milk and pea proteins showed viscous liquid behavior and was more rapidly hydrolyzed under gastrointestinal conditions than mixtures containing milk proteins and konjac glucomannan acting as a weak gel system.

CONCLUSION

We presume that geriatric consumers with swallowing difficulties may benefit from ‘honey’‐level viscosity, protein‐based beverages containing pea and milk proteins through faster proteolysis and better bioaccessibility of amino acids during digestion. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Advances in automotive interior lighting concerning new LED approach and optical performance
Authors: Blankenbach Karlheinz , Hertlein Franziska , Hoffmann Stefan
Published: April 2020

Automotive interior lighting has to follow general trends in lighting and will therefore evolve toward hundreds and even thousands of RGB LEDs per car. Creating mood at day and night, pixelated sign‐like information, and theater‐like effects like welcome and goodbye messages are examples for outstanding user experience. Furthermore, safety features such as warnings and driving state are a must for autonomous cars. It requires new concepts for the whole interior lighting system to reach premium quality such as data rate (beyond today's bus standard for lighting), support for safety rules, compensation of temperature effects, daylight performance (including huge dimming range for night drive), uniformity in terms of luminance and color along the light guide, and mixing of red, green, and blue (RGB) with white. We report a new automotive RGB light‐emitting diode (LED) system that fulfills the above requirements and saves effort as well as cost by calibration before integration. Extensive studies were performed for daylight threshold evaluation with subjects and methods for judging on uniformity for direct‐lit RGB light guides based on the contrast sensitivity function and Gaussian fit of the LED luminance profile.
Study of Rocuronium–Sugammadex as an Alternative to Succinylcholine–Cisatracurium in Microlaryngeal Surgery
Authors: Aragón‐Benedí Cristian , Visiedo‐Sánchez Sara , Pascual‐Bellosta Ana , Ortega‐Lucea Sonia , Fernández‐Liesa Rafael , Martínez‐Ubieto Javier ,   Research Group in Anesthesia, Resuscitation AND Perioperative Medicine of Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón)
Published: April 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Microlaryngeal surgery (ML) is a short procedure that requires a deep neuromuscular blockade to provide optimum surgical conditions. Succinylcholine is a relaxant widely used but involves numerous complications. One valid alternative is rocuronium, with a specific antagonist, sugammadex. The primary objective was to assess the surgical conditions in ML according to the relaxant. The secondary objectives were to assess intubation conditions and intraoperative and immediate postoperative adverse events.

Study Design

Prospective randomized study.

Methods

This was a prospective study of patients scheduled for ML randomized into two groups according to relaxant. Neuromuscular blockade was recorded after administration and during ML surgery. Surgical conditions were assessed using the ML Rating Scale, intubation conditions, remifentanil doses, intraoperative complications, surgery time, emergence time, and complications in the postanesthesia care unit.

Results

Two hundred five patients were included (rocuronium = 103, succinylcholine = 102). Train‐of‐four values were higher for rocuronium, though the otorhinolaryngology surgical conditions were significantly better in that group (rocuronium = 5.54 ± 1.39 points; succinylcholine = 9.13 ± 1.99 points). Intubation conditions were similar in both groups. Remifentanil doses were higher for succinylcholine (P < .001) (rocuronium = 0.102 ± 0.05 μg/kg/min; succinylcholine = 0.201 ± 0.05 μg/kg/min). There were no differences in the duration of surgery, but the time to awakening was significantly longer for succinylcholine (rocuronium = 3.82 ± 1.38 minutes, succinylcholine = 9.18 ± 2.04 minutes, P < .001).

Conclusions

Rocuronium provides better surgical conditions and allows for the use of lower doses of remifentanil as compared to succinylcholine and cisatracurium in ML. This makes it possible to decrease the time to awakening and the complications associated with high doses of remifentanil.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 131:E212–E218, 2021
Cloudy with a chance of mesopredator release: Turbidity alleviates top‐down control on intermediate predators through sensory disruption
Authors: Reustle Joseph W. , Smee Delbert L.
Published: April 2020

Mesopredator release following top predator loss may reduce biodiversity and harm foundation species. We investigated the potential for moderate environmental changes to trigger mesopredator release by disrupting the foraging ability of top predators without affecting their abundance by performing an in situ experiment designed to isolate the magnitude of mesopredator effects on oyster reefs (Crassostrea virginica). In estuaries, fishes occupy upper trophic levels. Most are visual foragers and become less effective predators in high turbidity. Communities were 10% more diverse, fish predation was 20% higher, and oyster recruitment four times higher in low turbidity. Crab mesopredators were 10% larger and 260% more abundant in high turbidity. Caging treatments to exclude mesopredators significantly affected communities in high but not low turbidity. Oysters had 150% stronger shells in turbid areas, a known response to crabs that was indicative of higher crab abundance. These findings indicated that increased turbidity attenuated fish foraging ability without disrupting the foraging ability of mesopredators (e.g., crabs) that forage by chemoreception. Larger and more numerous crab mesopredators significantly affected oyster reef community structure as well as the survival and growth of oysters in turbid environments. In environments where apex predators and mesopredators utilize different sensory mechanisms, sensory‐mediated mesopredator release may occur when conditions affect the foraging ability of higher order predators but not their prey.
Liouville type theorems for Hardy–Hénon equations with concave nonlinearities
Authors: Dai Wei , Qin Guolin
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we are concerned with the Hardy–Hénon equations
with and . Inspired by Serrin and Zou [25], we prove Liouville theorems for nonnegative solutions to the above Hardy–Hénon equations (Theorem 1.1 and Theorem 1.3), that is, the unique nonnegative solution is .
A dual‐process model of how incorporating audio‐visual sensory cues in video advertising promotes active attention
Authors: Simmonds Lucy , Bogomolova Svetlana , Kennedy Rachel , Nenycz‐Thiel Magda , Bellman Steven
Published: April 2020

Capturing consumers’ attention to video advertising is a key marketing challenge. Using real video advertising viewed by a sample of consumers matching the US population on age and gender, the authors examined attention to audio‐visual and visual sensory cues identifying the brand using a biometric measure, phasic heart rate. The findings show differences in attention type depending on which senses are stimulated by the sensory cue. This research uncovers a mechanism (internal processing) for how consumers process multisensory cues (audio‐visual) in video advertising and confirms visual sensory cues can elicit automatic attention through the orienting response. In addition to the dual‐coding explanation for the superiority of audio‐visual sensory cues, the present research suggests a second reason: that audio‐visual sensory cues can elicit additional internal processing of the brand name, resulting in active attention and better storage of the brand in memory. This has implications for the limited capacity model of motivated mediated message processing, as well as for marketers relating to the type of content recommended to follow an audio‐visual or visual sensory cue in video advertising.
A novel non‐invasive wearable sensor for intraocular pressure measurement
Authors: Campigotto Angelica , Lai Yongjun
Published: April 2020

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease where an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) permanently damaging the optic nerve leading to irreversible vision loss. Intraocular pressure is the main factor for monitoring the progression of glaucoma and has been found to fluctuate throughout the day. A continuous monitoring system can track the fluctuations in the intraocular pressure throughout the day, improving the management of the disease. A novel non‐invasive wearable sensor was created to monitor the fluctuating corneal curvature of the eye and directly relate the deformation to the intraocular pressure. The wearable sensor was able to capture on average 40.8 µm/mmHg with a standard deviation of 29.4 in fluid location per increase in intraocular pressure with an ability to return over 80% back to its original position indicating a good ability to accurately track the fluctuations in the IOP.
Untargeted Metabolomics to Reveal Red versus White Meat–Associated Gut Metabolites in a Prudent and Western Dietary Context
Authors: Goethals Sophie , Rombouts Caroline , Hemeryck Lieselot Y. , Van Meulebroek Lieven , Van Hecke Thomas , Vossen Els , Van Camp John , De Smet Stefaan , Vanhaecke Lynn
Published: April 2020

Scope

To improve understanding of the epidemiological link between red and processed meat consumption and chronic diseases, more insight into the formation of metabolites during meat digestion is warranted.

Methods and results

Untargeted mass‐spectrometry‐based metabolomics is applied to explore the impact of red and processed meat consumption (compared to chicken), combined with a prudent or Western dietary pattern. A pig feeding study (n = 32), as a sentinel for humans, is conducted in a 2 × 2 factorial design for 4 weeks. The luminal content of the small intestine and colon are collected to determine their metabolic fingerprints. Seventy‐six metabolites (38 in the small intestine, 32 in the colon, and 6 in both intestinal compartments) contributing to the distinct gut metabolic profiles of pigs fed either chicken or red and processed meat are (tentatively) identified. Consumption of red and processed meat results in higher levels of short‐ and medium‐chain acylcarnitines and 3‐dehydroxycarnitine, irrespective of dietary context, whereas long‐chain acylcarnitines and monoacylglycerols are associated with the red and processed Western diet.

Conclusion

The identification of red and processed meat–associated gut metabolites in this study contributes to the understanding of meat digestion in a complex but controlled dietary context and its potential health effects.
Improvement of measuring range in fiber interferometric liquid level sensor by employing digital filter for mode selectivity
Authors: Azmi Asrul Izam , Abdullah Ahmad Sharmi , Mohd Noor Muhammad Yusof , Ibrahim Mohd Haniff , Sheikh Usman Ullah , Raja Ibrahim Raja Kamarulzaman , Tan Tao , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: April 2020

A liquid level sensor system based on dual tapers all‐fiber Mach‐Zehnder interferometer incorporating digital filtering is proposed for extended measurement range. Digital filtering technique is employed to selectively isolate beating of a particular dominant cladding mode, resulting a more consistent response in terms of spectra quality and wavelength shift. Sensing characteristics of cladding modes also are studied theoretically and experimentally. From experiment, continuous measurement of water level is demonstrated over 1016‐mm range with sensitivity of −0.0021 nm/mm and R2 of 0.9972. To our knowledge, this is the highest measurement range and linearity for liquid level sensor based on interferometric sensing system has been reported. The proposed technique can be very useful to enhance sensing performance for various fiber interferometric sensor applications.
Factors associated with urinary incontinence in a community sample of young nulligravid women
Authors: Kowalik Casey G. , Daily Adam , Goodridge Sophia D. , Hartigan Siobhan M. , Kaufman Melissa R. , Fowke Jay H. , Dmochowski Roger R. , Reynolds William S.
Published: April 2020

Aims

The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with urinary incontinence (UI) in a community sample of young nulligravid women.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis from a cross‐sectional survey‐based study of cisgender women aged 18 to 25 years recruited through a national registry of research volunteers. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing toileting behaviors, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and bowel symptoms. Women were excluded from analysis if currently pregnant, any prior pregnancy, cystectomy, or any neurologic disease including spinal cord injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Analyses determined the prevalence of symptoms and evaluated candidate risk factors for UI.

Results

Final analyses included 964 women (mean age, 22.6 ± 2.0). Monthly UI was identified in 295 (30.6%) subjects, with mixed UI being the most common (56.9%; n = 168). Seventy‐two women (7.4%) reported fecal incontinence (FI) and 24 (3.5%) women reported both UI and FI. After multivariable regression modeling, UI was associated with an intermittent urine stream and the delayed voiding toileting behavior subscale.

Conclusions

UI in this cohort of young nulliparous women was highly prevalent and warrants further study as to the cause. Therapeutic guidelines to prevent UI and LUTS may need to be adjusted by targeting populations earlier than traditionally considered.
A minimum time control problem for aerobic degradation processes in biocell composting plants
Authors: Martalò G. , Bianchi C. , Buonomo B. , Chiappini M. , Vespri V.
Published: April 2020

We introduce a mathematical model for the composting process in biocells. The model includes several phenomena, like the aerobic biodegradation of the soluble substrate by means of a bacterial population, the hydrolysis of insoluble substrate, and the biomass decay. We investigate the best strategies to reduce substrate components in minimal time by controlling the effects of cell oxygen concentration on the degradation phenomenon. It is shown that singular controls are not optimal for this model and the optimal control time profiles are of bang or bang‐bang type. The occurrence of switching curves is discussed. In the case of a bang‐bang control we prove that optimal control profiles have a unique switching time and the corresponding switching curve is determined.
Differences in body mass index based on self‐reported versus measured data from women veterans
Authors: Breland Jessica Y. , Joyce Vilija R. , Frayne Susan M. , Phibbs Ciaran
Published: April 2020

Objective

The objective was to compare differences in body mass index (BMI) calculated with self‐reported versus clinically measured pre‐conception data from women veterans in California.

Methods

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and California state birth certificate data were used to develop a cohort of women who gave birth from 2007–2012 and had VHA data available to calculate BMI (N = 1,326 mothers, 1,473 births). Weighted Kappa statistics assessed concordance between self‐reported and measured BMI. A linear mixed‐effects model with maximum likelihood estimation, adjusted for mother as a random effect, assessed correlates of differences in BMI.

Results

Mean BMI was in the overweight range based on self‐reported (26.2 kg/m2, SD: 5.2) and measured (26.8 kg/m2, SD: 5.2) data. Weighted Kappa statistics indicated good agreement between self‐reported and measured BMI (0.73, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.76). Compared to the normal weight group, groups with overweight or obesity were significantly more likely to have lower BMIs when calculated using self‐reported versus measured heights and weights, in unadjusted and adjusted models. The finding was pronounced for class 3 obesity, which was associated with a BMI underestimation of 6.4 kg/m2.

Conclusions

Epidemiologic research that guides the clinical care of pregnant women should account for potential under‐estimation of BMI in heavier women, and perform direct measurement where feasible.
Effects of voluntary activities of university students on reputation management strategies of universities: Sample of public university
Authors: Akova Sibel , Kantar Gökmen
Published: April 2020

Reputation and reputation management, referred to as evaluations related to organizations, are a compilation of perceptual descriptions that are in relation with nearly all of the concepts included within public relations field at national and international levels, that are impossible to be characterized independently from the notion of society they exist in, that are determined by West centered frameworks, whose conceptual structures change relatively at social and cultural levels, and that are included in social sciences disciplines which have the nature to create the agenda especially after 1990s. In the era of change where preferences, tastes, needs, desires, and daily routines change, reputation and reputation management are considered as a prescription including crucial elements in reaching target groups and having the nature of a key to institutional approach whose conceptual framework cannot be drawn by sharp lines. In today's cyclical structure in which every element the institutions face together with their competitors change rapidly and the process of decision making turns into a complex structure, the efforts of interpreting the complex structures that exceed the national level and tend to institutionalize at global scale have been an issue of discussion questioned, framed, and followed by many social sciences disciplinary, from sociology to anthropology, from marketing to communication sciences. In this manner, reputation and reputation management concepts including emotional and rational aspects are descriptions of information and opinions of individuals with relation to institutions and organizations as well as values. In today's world, in which we experience the age of information, it is impossible to reach the speed and density of communication networks, basic marketing strategies, the fact of globalization, every doctrine, concept and thesis change radically, the reputation and reputation management concepts take over a key role in enabling the institutions to make the highest level of profit, to increase recognition and productivity in terms of products and services they introduce, and they are considered as long term processes composing the whole of current and potential perceptions. The thesis of reputation and reputation management, forming the basic subject of the study and considered as successor of Public Relations disciplinary, have been studies within the scope of public institutions, especially Universities providing Higher Education, questioned within the framework of culture, intercultural communication and organizational culture concepts and theories, and examined in parallel with Public Relations context.
Historic herbarium specimens as biocultural assets: An examination of herbarium specimens and their in situ plant communities of the Agulhas National Park, South Africa
Authors: Cowell Carly R. , Anderson Pippin M. L. , Annecke Wendy A.
Published: April 2020

Globally there is a need for protected areas to conserve both biodiversity and heritage. Historic specimen localities, although significant to botanists, are not known or recognized under the global heritage umbrella; yet they form an important component of the protected area landscape.

We aimed to articulate the conservation and heritage value of herbarium specimens, and make the links between people, botanical culture and nature explicit in order to argue the case that historic specimens and their associated in situ plant populations are biocultural heritage assets.

This paper bridges the gap between biodiversity conservation and culture by confirming the presence of historic plant localities in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, from collections made prior to 1914.

Once confirmed, present historic plant localities can be included into protected area conservation management and heritage portfolios and ensure a continued contribution to knowledge generation through conservation of these historic sites.

Historic specimens and their associated in situ localities are valuable to both ecological study and conservation around the world and this paper highlights an emerging facet to science of the influence of people on the natural landscape.

We found this to be the case not only in an ecologically transformative way, but from a heritage aspect regarding the social nature of botanizing and discovering.

Historic specimen localities thus link the past with the current and future management of a protected area.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Studies on heterocyclic amines based cardanol‐benzoxazine for oil‐water separation
Authors: Hariharan Arumugam , Prabunathan Pichaimani , Manoj Manickam , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: April 2020

The present work describes the development of sustainable bio‐benzoxazines for oil water separation and its composites for applications where a low dielectric constant is required. In addition, cardanol benzoxazine monomers (C‐ida and C‐pyta) with low curing temperature were designed with inbuilt catalytic core using two different heterocyclic amines, namely tetra aryl imidazole diamine (ida) and pyridine core triamine (pyta). Cotton fabric coated with poly(C‐ida) and poly(C‐pyta) show water contact angle values of 160° and 164°, respectively. The oil‐water separation efficiency of the polybenzoxazines coated cotton fabrics was 95%. Further, the poly(C‐ida) and poly(C‐pyta) matrices were reinforced with varying weight percentages (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt%) of glycidylpropoxytrimethylsilane‐functionalized biosilica. The benzoxazine matrices and composites obtained were characterized using different analytical techniques in order to assess their molecular structure, cure behavior, thermal stability, morphology, surface, and dielectric behavior. Data obtained from different studies suggest that these matrices and composites can be used as coatings for oil‐water separation and high‐performance micro‐electronics insulation applications under adverse environmental conditions.
Addressing violence against teachers: A social‐ecological analysis of teachers' perspectives
Authors: McMahon Susan D. , Peist Eric , Davis Jacqueline O. , McConnell Elizabeth , Reaves Samantha , Reddy Linda A. , Anderman Eric M. , Espelage Dorothy L.
Published: April 2020

Much research has been dedicated to supporting school communities in combating the problem of school violence. However, violence directed toward teachers is under‐investigated, and knowledge of how to support teachers is limited. This qualitative study used conventional content analysis to assess teachers' recommendations for preventing and improving the response to teacher‐directed violence. The sample included 245 prekindergarten through 12th grade teachers, all of whom experienced school violence and participated in a larger national survey study on violence against teachers. Using a social‐ecological framework and conventional content analysis, teacher recommendations for addressing teacher victimization were identified and organized at the individual, school, community, and society levels. Themes around conflict resolution strategies; improving policies, resources, and relationships with administrators; increasing parental involvement; and changing culture and laws were highlighted. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.
Energetic contributions of amino acid residues and its cross‐talk to delineate ligand‐binding mechanism
Authors: Kumar Sivakumar Prasanth , Patel Chirag N. , Rawal Rakesh M. , Pandya Himanshu A.
Published: April 2020

Receptor‐based QSAR approaches can enumerate the energetic contributions of amino acid residues toward ligand binding only when experimental binding affinity is associated. The structural data of protein‐ligand complexes are witnessing a tremendous growth in the Protein Data Bank deposited with a few entries on binding affinity. We present here a new approach to compute the Energetic CONTributions of Amino acid residues and its possible Cross‐Talk (ECONTACT) to study ligand binding using per‐residue energy decomposition, molecular dynamics simulations and rescoring method without the need for experimental binding affinity. This approach recognizes potential cross‐talks among amino acid residues imparting a nonadditive effect to the binding affinity with evidence of correlative motions in the dynamics simulations. The protein‐ligand interaction energies deduced from multiple structures are decomposed into per‐residue energy terms, which are employed as variables to principal component analysis and generated cross‐terms. Out of 16 cross‐talks derived from eight datasets of protein‐ligand systems, the ECONTACT approach is able to associate 10 potential cross‐talks with site‐directed mutagenesis, free energy, and dynamics simulations data strongly. We modeled these key determinants of ligand binding using joint probability density function (jPDF) to identify cross‐talks in protein structures. The top two cross‐talks identified by ECONTACT approach corroborated with the experimental findings. Furthermore, virtual screening exercise using ECONTACT models better discriminated known inhibitors from decoy molecules. This approach proposes the jPDF metric to estimate the probability of observing cross‐talks in any protein‐ligand complex. The source code and related resources to perform ECONTACT modeling is available freely at https://www.gujaratuniversity.ac.in/econtact/.
The Electronic, Optical, and Thermoelectric Properties of Monolayer PbTe and the Tunability of the Electronic Structure by External Fields and Defects
Authors: Bafekry Asad , Stampfl Catherine , Peeters Francois M.
Published: April 2020

First‐principles calculations, within the framework of density functional theory, are used to investigate the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of monolayer PbTe. The effect of layer thickness, electric field, strain, and vacancy defects on the electronic and magnetic properties is systematically studied. The results show that the bandgap decreases as the layer thickness increases from monolayer to bulk. With application of an electric field on bilayer PbTe, the bandgap decreases from 70 meV (0.2 V Å−1) to 50 meV (1 V Å−1) when including spin–orbit coupling (SOC). Application of uniaxial strain induces a direct‐to‐indirect bandgap transition for strain greater than +6%. In addition, the bandgap decreases under compressive biaxial strain (with SOC). The effect of vacancy defects on the electronic properties of PbTe is also investigated. Such vacancy defects turn PbTe into a ferromagnetic metal (single vacancy Pb) with a magnetic moment of 1.3 μB, and into an indirect semiconductor with bandgap of 1.2 eV (single Te vacancy) and 1.5 eV (double Pb + Te vacancy). In addition, with change of the Te vacancy concentration, a bandgap of 0.38 eV (5.55%), 0.43 eV (8.33%), and 0.46 eV (11.11%) is predicted.
Output feedback finite‐time stabilization of a class of nonlinear time‐delay systems in the p‐normal form
Authors: Wang Xuhuan , Huang Shipei , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: April 2020

This article investigates the finite‐time output feedback stabilization problem for a class of nonlinear time‐varying delay systems in the p‐normal form. First, a reduced‐order state observer is designed to estimate the unmeasurable state. Then, an output feedback controller is constructed, with the help of the finite‐time Lyapunov stability theorem, it is proved that the state of the resulting closed‐loop system converges to the origin in finite time. Two simulation examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Self‐ion irradiation on hydrogenated amorphous carbon films at depth of adhesion interlayer: Radiation‐induced atomic intermixing and degraded film properties
Authors: Xu Jiao , Qiao Li , Duan Zewen , Guo Dengji , Chai Liqiang , Zhao Xiaoyu , Wang Peng , Liu Weimin
Published: April 2020

Hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a‐C:H) films consisting of a top a‐C:H layer, a gradient transient a‐C:H:Ti layer, and a bottom Ti layer were irradiated by 1.1‐MeV C+ ions, resulting in a maximum displacement damage of 1.0 dpa and a projected range inside the Ti layer. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, electron energy loss spectroscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses were performed to investigate the compositional and structural transitions of a‐C:H films after self‐ion irradiation. The results revealed that C+ ions passing through the top a‐C:H layer induced C–H fracture and hydrogen diffusion in this layer and then resulted in atomic intermixing in the multilayered adhesion interlayer. After local energy deposition of C+ ions, the initial sharp interfaces in the a‐C:H:Ti layer became ambiguous due to interfacial mixing. In addition, titanium carbides formed in the Ti layer, with a gradual phase transition from TiCx to TiC with a diffusion depth of 200 nm. The broken compositional gradients of the adhesion interlayer resulted in a significant decrease in the adhesion strength of the films, which eventually resulted in degraded antiwear properties of the irradiated film in dry sliding tribotests.
Combined Replenishment of miR‐34a and let‐7b by Targeted Nanoparticles Inhibits Tumor Growth in Neuroblastoma Preclinical Models
Authors: Di Paolo Daniela , Pastorino Fabio , Brignole Chiara , Corrias Maria Valeria , Emionite Laura , Cilli Michele , Tamma Roberto , Priddy Leslie , Amaro Adriana , Ferrari Davide , Marotta Roberto , Ferretti Elisa , Pfeffer Ulrich , Ribatti Domenico , Sementa Angela Rita , Brown David , Ikegaki Naohiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Ponzoni Mirco , Perri Patrizia
Published: April 2020

Neuroblastoma (NB) tumor substantially contributes to childhood cancer mortality. The design of novel drugs targeted to specific molecular alterations becomes mandatory, especially for high‐risk patients burdened by chemoresistant relapse. The dysregulated expression of MYCN, ALK, and LIN28B and the diminished levels of miR‐34a and let‐7b are oncogenic in NB. Due to the ability of miRNA‐mimics to recover the tumor suppression functions of miRNAs underexpressed into cancer cells, safe and efficient nanocarriers selectively targeted to NB cells and tested in clinically relevant mouse models are developed. The technology exploits the nucleic acids negative charges to build coated‐cationic liposomes, then functionalized with antibodies against GD2 receptor. The replenishment of miR‐34a and let‐7b by NB‐targeted nanoparticles, individually and more powerfully in combination, significantly reduces cell division, proliferation, neoangiogenesis, tumor growth and burden, and induces apoptosis in orthotopic xenografts and improves mice survival in pseudometastatic models. These functional effects highlight a cooperative down‐modulation of MYCN and its down‐stream targets, ALK and LIN28B, exerted by miR‐34a and let‐7b that reactivate regulatory networks leading to a favorable therapeutic response. These findings demonstrate a promising therapeutic efficacy of miR‐34a and let‐7b combined replacement and support its clinical application as adjuvant therapy for high‐risk NB patients.
Defects Engineering Leads to Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution on Graphitic Carbon Nitride–Covalent Organic Framework Nanosheet Composite
Authors: Luo Maolan , Yang Qing , Yang Wenbin , Wang Junhui , He Fangfang , Liu Kewei , Cao Hongmei , Yan Hongjian
Published: April 2020

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (CNS) represents an attractive candidate for solar fuel production. However, the abundant defects in CNS lead to serious charge recombination and limit the photocatalytic performance. Herein, the synthesis of a CNS–covalent organic framework (CNS–COF) nanosheet composite is presented for the first time. CNS with significantly reduced defects is first obtained by rationally tuning the thermal exfoliation conditions of bulk carbon nitride. Subsequent modification of the CNS with trace COF nanosheet through chemical imine bonding can not only passivate the surface termination of carbon nitride in the boundary region, but also establish strong electronic coupling between these two components. As a consequence, enhanced charge separation and photocatalytic activity are realized on the resulting CNS–COF nanosheet composite. Under optimum conditions, hydrogen is evolved at a rate of 46.4 mmol g−1 h−1. This corresponds to an apparent quantum efficiency of 31.8% at 425 nm, which is among the best values ever reported for carbon nitride‐based materials.
Efficient Se‐Rich Sb2Se3/CdS Planar Heterojunction Solar Cells by Sequential Processing: Control and Influence of Se Content
Authors: Vidal-Fuentes Pedro , Placidi Marcel , Sánchez Yudania , Becerril-Romero Ignacio , Andrade-Arvizu Jacob , Jehl Zacharie , Pérez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Izquierdo-Roca Víctor , Saucedo Edgardo
Published: April 2020

Quasi‐1D chalcogenides are under the spotlight due to their unique properties for several technological applications including computing, photonic, sensing, and energy conversion. In particular, antimony chalcogenides have recently experienced incredible progresses as emerging photovoltaic materials. Herein, the fabrication by a sequential process of Sb2Se3 solar cells is addressed, and the annealing temperature is found to be the main parameter controlling the composition of the Se‐rich absorbers. Building on this, a systematic study of the evolution of the optoelectronic parameters of the solar cells as a function of the Se excess is presented together with a thorough characterization of the devices that sheds light on their main limiting factors. A record power conversion efficiency of 5.7% is achieved, the highest reported value using reactive annealing on a metallic precursor for this material.
Inverse changes in raphe and cortical 5‐HT1B receptor availability after acute tryptophan depletion in healthy human subjects
Authors: Baldassarri Stephen R. , Park Eunkyung , Finnema Sjoerd J. , Planeta Beata , Nabulsi Nabeel , Najafzadeh Soheila , Ropchan Jim , Huang Yiyun , Hannestad Jonas , Maloney Kathleen , Bhagwagar Zubin , Carson Richard E.
Published: April 2020

Serotonergic neurotransmission plays a key role in the pathophysiology and treatment of various neuropsychiatric diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in serotonergic neurotransmission after acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) using positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]P943, a 5‐HT1B receptor radioligand previously shown to be sensitive to changes in 5‐HT. Five healthy subjects were scanned on a high resolution PET scanner twice on the same day, before and approximately 5 hours after ingesting capsules containing an amino acid mixture that lacks tryptophan. For each scan, emission data were acquired for 120 min after intravenous bolus injection of [11C]P943. Binding potential (BPND) values were estimated from parametric images using the second version of the multilinear reference tissue model (MRTM2, t* = 20 min) with cerebellar grey matter used as a reference region. The change in [11C]P943 binding (ΔBPND, %) was calculated as (BPND,post − BPND,pre)/(BPND,pre) × 100, and correlation analysis was performed to measure linear associations of ΔBPND between raphe and other regions of interest (ROIs). ΔBPND ranged from −6% to 45% in the raphe, with positive values indicating reduced competition from 5‐HT. In cortical regions, ΔBPND ranged from −28% to 7%. While these changes did not reach significance, there were significant negative correlations of ΔBPND of the raphe with those of cerebral cortical regions and the thalamus (e.g., r = −.96, p = .011 for average cortex). These findings support the hypothesis that raphe serotonin is a critical modulator of cortical serotonin release via projecting neurons in healthy human subjects.
Clouded skies: How digital technologies could reshape “Loss and Damage” from climate change
Authors: Bettini Giovanni , Gioli Giovanna , Felli Romain
Published: April 2020

As dangerous climate change becomes more and more likely, a consensus has been reached on the importance of addressing Loss and Damage (L&D) residual to mitigation (i.e., preventing climate change) and adaptation (i.e., adjusting in order to avert adverse impacts). In spite of sharp divisions in terms of how to understand and operationalize L&D, most approaches draw on classic environmental governance, with discrete analogic interventions implemented by States and international actors. L&D is mainly envisioned as an “international court of climate justice” that identifies the culprits (emitters), quantifies harm, and compensates victims. While digital technologies and algorithmic governance have colonized many germane policy fields and virtually all economic sectors, in the L&D field a substantive discussion on the use of information and communication technologies, algorithms, and user‐generated data has been conspicuously absent. By taking the prospect of a “digitalization” of L&D seriously, this advanced review identifies the seeds of emerging digitalized approaches to L&D through an overview of literature. We focus on examples in three key domains associated with L&D—insurance, disaster responses and risk management, and human displacement. These empirical cases are used to investigate the modes of governance that accompany the digital tools through which L&D could be implemented, and the profound changes in climate politics and justice that would accompany a digitalization/algorithmization of L&D.

This article is categorized under:

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making