bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foundation species across a latitudinal gradient in China
Authors: Qiao Xiujuan , Zhang Jiaxin , Wang Zhong , Xu Yaozhan , Zhou Tianyang , Mi Xiangcheng , Cao Min , Ye Wanhui , Jin Guangze , Hao Zhanqing , Wang Xugao , Wang Xihua , Tian Songyan , Li Xiankun , Xiang Wusheng , Liu Yankun , Shao Yingnan , Xu Kun , Sang Weiguo , Zeng, Fuping , Ren Haibao , Jiang Mingxi , Ellison Aaron M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFoundation species structure forest communities and ecosystems but are difficult to identify without long‐term observations or experiments. We used statistical criteria––outliers from size‐frequency distributions and scale‐dependent negative effects on alpha diversity and positive effects on beta diversity––to identify candidate foundation woody plant species in 12 large forest‐dynamics plots spanning 26 degrees of latitude in China. We used these data (1) to identify candidate foundation species in Chinese forests, (2) to test the hypothesis––based on observations of a midlatitude peak in functional trait diversity and high local species richness but few numerically dominant species in tropical forests––that foundation woody plant species are more frequent in temperate than tropical or boreal forests, and (3) to compare these results with data from the Americas to suggest candidate foundation genera in northern hemisphere forests. Using the most stringent criteria, only two species of Acer, the canopy tree Acer ukurunduense and the shrubby treelet Acer barbinerve, were identified in temperate plots as candidate foundation species. Using more relaxed criteria, we identified four times more candidate foundation species in temperate plots (including species of Acer, Pinus, Juglans, Padus, Tilia, Fraxinus, Prunus, Taxus, Ulmus, and Corlyus) than in (sub)tropical plots (the treelets or shrubs Aporosa yunnanensis, Ficus hispida, Brassaiopsis glomerulata, and Orophea laui). Species diversity of co‐occurring woody species was negatively associated with basal area of candidate foundation species more frequently at 5‐ and 10‐m spatial grains (scale) than at a 20‐m grain. Conversely, Bray‐Curtis dissimilarity was positively associated with basal area of candidate foundation species more frequently at 5‐m than at 10‐ or 20‐m grains. Both stringent and relaxed criteria supported the hypothesis that foundation species are more common in mid‐latitude temperate forests. Comparisons of candidate foundation species in Chinese and North American forests suggest that Acer be investigated further as a foundation tree genus.
Regional protein expression changes within the left ventricle in a mouse model of dyssynchronous and resynchronized heart failure
Authors: Nordin Hugo , Nakagawa Ryo , Wallin Marita , Pernow John , Kass David A. , Ståhlberg Marcus 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsThe biological mechanisms conveying the salutary effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure remain elusive. We have recently developed a mouse model of heart failure with dyssynchrony/resynchronization. The aim of this study was to characterize regional left ventricular heterogeneity in protein expression comparing early (septum) and late (lateral) activated left ventricular wall segments in synchronous (SHF), dyssynchronous (DHF), and resynchronized heart failure (RHF).Methods and resultsMice subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion were divided into three groups: sinus rhythm for 4 weeks (SHF), right ventricular pacing for 4 weeks (DHF), and right ventricular pacing for 2 weeks and 2 weeks of sinus rhythm (RHF). Relative concentrations of 92 proteins from septal and lateral left ventricular wall segments (n = 10 per group) were compared within each group. We also analysed the effect of DHF vs. SHF and RHF vs. DHF on protein expression pattern comparing the same left ventricular segments between the groups. Proteins with significantly differential expression between left ventricular segments were analysed for protein–protein correlations, protein–protein interactions, and biological and signalling pathways. Eight proteins were significantly down‐regulated in the late activated (compared with early activated) lateral wall uniquely in RHF (P < 0.05 adjusted for a 5% false discovery rate): Erbb4, Ntf3, Pdgfb, Tnf, Notch3, Qdpr, Tpp1, and Itgb6. Protein correlation matrix showed that six of these were strongly and positively correlated and five had known protein–protein interactions. Biological pathways mainly down‐regulated in late activated myocardium in RHF were MAPK signalling and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. There were no significantly differentially expressed proteins comparing the same left ventricular segments between the DHF and SHF (range of P‐values: 0.05–1.00) and RHF and DHF (range of P‐values: 0.32–1.00).ConclusionsIn a mouse model of heart failure with dyssynchrony and resynchronization, we observed down‐regulation of several proteins in the late activated lateral wall, compared with the septum, in resynchronized mice. These proteins display significant protein–protein correlation and share biological signalling pathways, including MAPK activation and hypertrophy signalling.
Delayed acute myocarditis and COVID‐19‐related multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Nicol Martin , Cacoub Lea , Baudet Mathilde , Nahmani Yoram , Cacoub Patrice , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Henry Patrick , Adle‐Biassette Homa , Logeart Damien 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPrecise descriptions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related cardiac damage as well as underlying mechanisms are scarce. We describe clinical presentation and diagnostic workup of acute myocarditis in a patient who had developed COVID‐19 syndrome 1 month earlier. A healthy 40‐year‐old man suffered from typical COVID‐19 symptoms. Four weeks later, he was admitted because of fever and tonsillitis. Blood tests showed major inflammation. Thoracic computed tomography was normal, and RT–PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 on nasopharyngeal swab was negative. Because of haemodynamic worsening with both an increase in cardiac troponin and B‐type natriuretic peptide levels and normal electrocardiogram, acute myocarditis was suspected. Cardiac echographic examination showed left ventricular ejection fraction at 45%. Exhaustive diagnostic workup included RT–PCR and serologies for infectious agents and autoimmune blood tests as well as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsies. Cardiac magnetic resonance with T2 mapping sequences showed evidence of myocardial inflammation and focal lateral subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement. Pathological analysis exhibited interstitial oedema, small foci of necrosis, and infiltrates composed of plasmocytes, T‐lymphocytes, and mainly CD163+ macrophages. These findings led to the diagnosis of acute lympho‐plasmo‐histiocytic myocarditis. There was no evidence of viral RNA within myocardium. The only positive viral serology was for SARS‐CoV‐2. The patient and his cardiac function recovered in the next few days without use of anti‐inflammatory or antiviral drugs. This case highlights that systemic inflammation associated with acute myocarditis can be delayed up to 1 month after initial SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and can be resolved spontaneously.
Ordered array structures for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Cao Fengren , Wang Min , Sun Haoxuan , Tian Wei , Li Liang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the past few years, metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted widespread attention in the photovoltaic field, and their power conversion efficiency has rapidly exceeded 25%. Among the adopted effective strategies to realize the high efficiency, the introduction and utilization of ordered array structure in the PSCs are particularly prominent, which can simultaneously enhance light harvesting efficiency and carrier transport properties by manipulating the light paths (reflection, scattering, extraction, and propagation) and constructing direct charge transport paths. The full utilization of sunlight contributes to high short‐circuit current density (Jsc), and strong carriers transport is favorable for high charge collection and reducing charge recombination. Moreover, for flexible PSCs, ordered array structured device can be greatly relaxed during bending, thereby suppressing the formation of cracks in PSCs. Herein, this article focuses on the ordered array structure design, reviews the recent research progress of the ordered array structures in PSCs, and provides some promising perspectives for further improvement.
Lysimachia christinae Hance as an anticancer agent against breast cancer cells
Authors: Kim Hyun A. , Lee Dong‐Sung , Lee Hwan , Lee Joomin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and metastasis is the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients. Although chemoprevention is widely employed to treat breast cancer, anticancer drugs can cause significant adverse effects. Lysimachia christinae Hance (LH) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic effects. However, its potential anticancer activity has not been fully investigated in breast cancers to date. Using high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, we found that the main constituent of LH extract (LHE) was rutin. Our results indicated that LHE or rutin markedly decreased the proliferation and viability of estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive MCF‐7 and ER‐negative HCC38 human breast cancer cells. LHE treatment induced morphological changes in apoptotic nuclei using 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) propidium iodide (PI) staining assay revealed that apoptosis significantly increased in both breast cancer cell types after LHE treatment. Additionally, the expression of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), Bcl‐2, and phospho‐Akt decreased, while that of cleaved PARP and p53 increased, in both cell types. Furthermore, LHE treatment inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). LHE treatment significantly upregulated E‐cadherin level in MCF‐7 and HCC38 cells, while vimentin level was downregulated in HCC38 cells. In addition, transwell and wound‐healing assays revealed that LHE or rutin inhibited breast cancer cell migration. Overall, these findings demonstrate that LHE is a promising therapeutic agent that acts by promoting apoptosis and reducing cell proliferation, EMT, and cell migration in ER‐positive and ER‐negative breast cancer cells.
A Long‐term Energy Management Strategy for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhou Y. F. , Huang L. J. , Sun X. X. , Li L. H. , Lian J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe two power sources of a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) are proton electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and Li‐ion battery (LIB). The health status of PEMFC and LIB decreases with the use of FCEV, so the energy management strategy (EMS) needs to give an optimal power distribution based on the health status of power sources throughout the lifetime. However, rule‐based control strategies cannot achieve this. To prolong the service lifetime of two power sources by optimizing power distribution, this article proposes a long‐term energy management strategy (LTEMS) for FCEV, which contains a reinforcement learning module and an improved thermostat controller. By designing a reward function, the reinforcement learning module outputted various LIB state of charge (SOC) boundary which changes with power source attenuation. Based on SOC boundary, the improved thermostat controller will control the fuel cell current under specific driving conditions. Simulation was carried out based on different LIB state of health (SOH) and external temperature, and the simulation results were compared with the data collected from FCEV under rule‐based (RB) strategies. It can be found that the proposed LTEMS can effectively reduce fuel cell and LIB attenuation, and meet the FCEV power demand.
Enhancement of intrinsic neuronal excitability‐mediated by a reduction in hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (Ih) in hippocampal CA1 neurons in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Karimi Seyed Asaad , Hosseinmardi Narges , Sayyah Mohammad , Hajisoltani Razieh , Janahmadi Mahyar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with epileptiform activity in the hippocampus; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully determined. The goal was to understand what changes take place in intrinsic neuronal physiology in the hippocampus after blunt force trauma to the cortex. In this context, hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (Ih) currents may have a critical role in modulating the neuronal intrinsic membrane excitability; therefore, its contribution to the TBI‐induced hyperexcitability was assessed. In a model of TBI caused by controlled cortical impact (CCI), the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of pyramidal neurons were examined 1 week after TBI induction in rats. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were performed under current‐ and voltage‐clamp conditions following ionotropic receptors blockade. Induction of TBI caused changes in the intrinsic excitability of pyramidal neurons, as shown by a significant increase and decrease in firing frequency and in the rheobase current, respectively (p < .05). The evoked firing rate and the action potential time to peak were also significantly increased and decreased, respectively (p < .05). In the TBI group, the amplitude of instantaneous and steady‐state Ih currents was both significantly smaller than those in the control group (p < .05). The Ih current density was also significantly decreased (p < .001). Findings indicated that TBI led to an increase in the intrinsic excitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons and changes in Ih current could be, in part, one of the underlying mechanisms involved in this hyperexcitability.
Thermal radiation effects on oscillatory squeeze flow with a particle‐fluid suspension
Authors: Abbas W. , Mekheimer Kh. S. , Ghazy M. M. , Moawad A. M. A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe study of squeezing flow has attracted considerable interest in recent years for its important applications in industrial, biomedical and engineering domains such as fibre‐reinforced, cell squeeze technology. The aim of this study is to analyze the flow and heat transfer of a squeezed particle fluid with thermal radiation effects between parallel plates. The governing partial differentials are reduced to ordinary differential equations by a similarity transformation and solved numerically using the finite difference method. The effects of different physical parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles are discussed with the help of graphs coupled with comprehensive discussions. The results indicate that the thermal radiation parameter enhanced the fluid and particle temperature distribution and for the plate oscillation case, reverse flow is observed. To show the biological relevance of the analysis, the results obtained analyzed the influence of the squeezed artery wall on the suspension blood flow for normal and diseased blood using the experimental data from the published literature. Finally, a comparison between the present similarity solutions and previously published results shows the accuracy of the current results.
Alterations in pulsatile bloodstream with the heat and mass transfer through asymmetric stenosis artery: Erythrocytes suspension model
Authors: Sweed N. S. , Mekheimer Kh. S. , EL‐Kholy A. , Abdelwahab A. M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the present study, blood is considered as a two‐phase flow system that consists of red blood cells and blood plasma. Effects of pulsatile flow of blood in stenosis artery (atherosclerosis) are studied. The mathematical model of suspension (two phases) is represented for momentum and energy. The coupled differential equations for the fluid phase (plasma) and particles (red cells, also called erythrocytes) are solved for the relevant quantities in the reasonable limits. The characteristics of the flow such as volumetric flow rate, wall shear stress (WSS), flow resistance (impedance), WSS at throat, and wall shear stress gradient are calculated. The numerical cases for various parametric values are discussed. The results reflect a positive impact of the various parameters on the flow. The shear stress at the stenosis throat is discussed and represented for different value of parameters. A comparative study is presented between the steady and unsteady state. Finally, the results obtained may be relevant to the transport of physiological fluids and their industrial applications.
Credit rating and competition
Authors: Camanho Nelson , Deb Pragyan , Liu Zijun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe analyze the effect of competition between credit rating agencies (RA) which trade‐off reputation (future income) and rating inflation (current income). We find that relative to monopoly, RA are more likely to inflate ratings under duopoly. Moreover, competition reduces welfare (the net income of the projects that are rated good) if the new entrant has low reputation and increases it if the new entrant has high reputation. Therefore, our results suggest that lowering barriers to entry (thus, allowing low‐reputation credit RA to enter the market) might increase the level of rating inflation and reduce welfare.
Early detection of melanoma images using gray level co‐occurrence matrix features and machine learning techniques for effective clinical diagnosis
Authors: Thiyaneswaran B. , Anguraj K. , Kumarganesh S. , Thangaraj K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMelanoma is an early stage of skin cancer. The objective of the proposed work is to detect the symptoms of melanoma early through images of the moles obtained from image processing device and classify the types. The procedure involves converting raw melanoma skin image initially into hue, saturation, and intensity for digital processing. The required information for detecting melanoma is available in the intensity part of the color image. The intensity of the image is down sampled to decrease the bit depth. If the illumination of the down sampled image is not uniform, then gamma correction is applied to get the uniform illumination. A K‐means clustering is applied on gamma corrected image which segments the melanoma part from the skin. Textural features are extracted from the segmented image using gray level co‐occurrence matrix. Machine learning technique is applied to classify the melanoma images into types like lentigo, acral, nodular, and superficial. Melanoma is detected in this process with an accuracy of 90%.
Design aspects of electrolytes for fast charge of Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Sheng S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe electrolytes of Li‐ion batteries consist mainly of a LiPF6 salt dissolved in a carbonate‐based solvent mixture. Such electrolytes cannot support fast charge without detrimental impacts on performance and lifetime. Fast charge aggravates parasitic reactions of the electrolyte solvents and structural degradation of the lithium layered transition metal oxide cathode materials. This leads to not only the depletion of electrolyte solvents but also the loss of cyclable Li+ ions, accompanied by impedance growth and volumetric swelling of the battery. In this perspective, the design aspects of the electrolytes for fast charge of Li‐ion batteries are discussed and proposed.image
The potential therapeutic effects of curcumin on pregnancy complications: Novel insights into reproductive medicine
Authors: Ghaneifar Zahra , Yousefi Zahra , Tajik Fatemeh , Nikfar Banafsheh , Ghalibafan Fatemeh , Abdollahi Elham , Momtazi‐Borojeni Amir Abbas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPregnancy complications including preeclampsia, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and gestational diabetes are the main adverse reproductive outcomes. Excessive inflammation and oxidative stress play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of pregnancy disorders. Curcumin, the main polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, is mainly known by its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There are in vitro and in vivo reports revealing the preventive and ameliorating effects of curcumin against pregnancy complications. Here, we aimed to seek mechanisms underlying the modulatory effects of curcumin on dysregulated inflammatory and oxidative responses in various pregnancy complications.
On the many‐body nature of intramolecular forces in FFLUX and its implications
Authors: Konovalov Anton , Symons Benjamin C.B. , Popelier Paul L.A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFFLUX is a biomolecular force field under construction, based on Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT) and machine learning (kriging), with a minimalistic and physically motivated design. A detailed analysis of the forces within the kriging models as treated in FFLUX is presented, taking as a test example a liquid water model. The energies of topological atoms are modeled as 3Natoms‐6 dimensional potential energy surfaces, using atomic local frames to represent the internal degrees of freedom. As a result, the forces within the kriging models in FFLUX are inherently N‐body in nature where N refers to Natoms. This provides a fuller picture that is closer to a true quantum mechanical representation of interactions between atoms. The presented computational example quantitatively showcases the non‐negligible (as much as 9%) three‐body nature of bonded forces and angular forces in a water molecule. We discuss the practical impact on the pressure calculation with N‐body forces and periodic boundary conditions (PBC) in molecular dynamics, as opposed to classical force fields with two‐body forces. The equivalence between the PBC‐related correction terms in the general virial equation is shown mathematically.
Analytical performance evaluation of five RT‐PCR kits for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Chen Dayang , Wu Wei , Tang Huamei , Kan Lijuan , Zong Zengyan , Dou Xiaowen , Ji Xiang , Xiong Dan , Zhang Xiuming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of five commercial RT‐PCR kits (Genekey, Daan, BioGerm, Liferiver, and Yaneng) commonly used in China, since such comparison data are lacking.MethodsA total of 20 COVID‐19 confirmed patients and 30 negative nasopharyngeal swab specimens were analyzed by five kits. The detection ability of five RT‐PCR kits was evaluated with 5 concentration gradients diluted by a single positive sample. The limit of detection was evaluated by N gene fragment solid standard. Two positive clinical specimens were used to evaluate the repeatability and imprecision. Finally, we used six human coronaviruses plasmid and four respiratory pathogens plasmid to check for cross‐reactivity.ResultsThe positive detection rate was 100% for Genekey, Daan, and BioGerm,and 90% for Liferiver and Yaneng in 20 clinical SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The coincidence rate of five kits in 10 negative samples was 100%. The detection rate of target genes for Daan, BioGerm, Liferiver, and Yaneng was 100% from Level 1 to Level 3. In Level 4, only Daan detection rate was 100%. In Level 5, five kits presented poor positive rate. The limit of detection declared by each manufacturer was verified. The repeatability for target genes was less than 5% and so did the total imprecision. There is no cross‐reactivity of five kits with six human coronaviruses and four respiratory pathogens for ORF1ab and N gene.ConclusionsFive RT‐PCR kits assessed in this study showed acceptable analytical performance characteristics and are useful tools for the routine diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2.