bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local adaptation in island populations of Plectritis congesta that differ in historic exposure to ungulate browsers
Authors: Skaien Cora L. , Arcese Peter 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSpatial variation in the occurrence of browsing ungulates can drive local adaptation in plant traits but also lead to trade‐offs among traits potentially enhancing competitive ability versus resistance or tolerance to browsing. Plectritis congesta populations co‐occurring on islands with and without ungulates offer striking examples of population‐level variation in traits, such as plant height and fruit morphology, which may also affect fitness. We monitored split‐plot common gardens exposed to and protected from browsing ungulates for 5 yr to test for local adaptation (local vs. foreign comparison) in P. congesta by comparing the survival and fecundity of 4,392 sown fruits from six island populations where ungulates were present (“historically exposed”) and six where they were absent (“historically naïve”). Our results indicate that local adaptation to browsing in P. congesta favored rosette formation, delayed flowering, reduced height, and the production of wingless fruits, all of which appeared to enhance survival, fecundity, and population growth in plants from populations historically exposed to ungulate browsers, as compared to plants from historically naïve populations. In contrast, plants from historically naïve populations displayed higher relative fitness in the absence of ungulates, increased in height, flowered earlier, and produced fewer but larger, winged fruits, often in large terminal inflorescences. Our results support the hypothesis that variation in the occurrence of ungulate browsers has led to (1) spatial heterogeneity in natural selection and rapid adaptation in P. congesta populations on islands, and (2) context‐dependent trade‐offs in the fitness value of traits linked to the resistance or tolerance of browsing versus success in competition for light, pollinators, or other resources. Because patterns of selection in plant communities will vary with the introduction or extirpation of top predators or browsers, we suggest historical context, local adaptation, and the capacity for rapid adaptation should be a focal concern of those aiming to maximize or predict population persistence under environmental change in conservation plans.
Contrasting effects of plant diversity on β‐ and γ‐diversity of grassland invertebrates
Authors: Ebeling A. , Lind E. W. , Meyer S. T. , Barnes A. D. , Borer E. T. , Eisenhauer N. , Weisser W. W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe diversity of primary producers strongly affects the structure and diversity of species assemblages at other trophic levels. However, limited knowledge exists of how plant diversity effects at small spatial scales propagate to consumer communities at larger spatial scales. We assessed arthropod community β and γ‐diversity in response to experimentally manipulated plant community richness in two long‐term grassland biodiversity experiments (Jena, Germany and Cedar Creek, USA) replicated over two years. We calculated arthropod species turnover among all plot combinations (β‐diversity), and accumulated number of arthropod species occurring on (1) all pairwise plot combinations and (2) 40 randomly selected six‐plot combinations (γ‐diversity). The components of arthropod diversity were tested against two measures of plant diversity, namely average plant α‐diversity () and the average difference in plant α‐diversity between plots (ΔPSR). Whereas points to the overall importance of plant α‐diversity for arthropod community turnover and diversity on a larger scale, ΔPSR represents the role of habitat heterogeneity. We demonstrate that arthropod γ‐diversity is supported by high, homogeneous plant α‐diversity, despite lower arthropod β‐diversity among high‐ compared to low‐diversity plant communities. We also show that, in six‐plot combinations, average plant α‐diversity has a positive influence on arthropod γ‐diversity only when homogeneity in plant α‐diversity is also high. Varying heterogeneity in six‐plot combinations showed that combinations consisting solely of plots with an intermediate level of plant α‐diversity support a higher number of arthropod species compared to combinations that contain a mix of high‐ and low‐diversity plots. In fact, equal levels of arthropod diversity were found for six‐plot combinations with only intermediate or high plant α‐diversity, due to saturating benefits of local and larger‐scale plant diversity for higher trophic levels. Our results, alongside those of recent observational studies, strongly suggest that maintaining high α‐diversity in plant communities is important for conserving multiple components of arthropod diversity. As arthropods carry out a range of essential ecosystem functions, such as pollination and natural pest‐control, our findings provide crucial insight for effective planning of human‐dominated landscapes to maximize both ecological and economic benefits in grassland systems.
An efficient CoMoS2 nanosheets on nitrogen, sulfur dual doped reduced graphene oxide as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Kumaran Yamini , Maiyalagan Thandavarayan , Yi Sung Chul 
Published: April 2020

SummaryAn increase in the necessity for clean and renewable energy leads to the production of hydrogen by several methods. Splitting of water by electrolysis is catching up to be a productive method to produce pure hydrogen with low cost and high efficiency using highly active non‐noble metal electrocatalysts. MoS2 has been widely studied for energy conservation devices for its 2D layered structure, excellent electronic conductivity, and high specific surface area. Incorporating transition metals (Co or Ni) will alter the intrinsic characteristic of MoS2 by enhancing its electrocatalytic property for hydrogen evolution reaction. Hence MoS2, CoMoS2, Co0.5MoS2 and a composite of Co0.5MoS2 with nitrogen sulfur doped graphene oxide were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. Better performance was observed for the composite of Co0.5MoS2 with N, S‐rGO compared to other prepared catalysts with a low onset potential of 85 mV, overpotential (at 10 mA/cm2) of 178 mV and Tafel slope of 63.8 mV/dec. Further, the stability of the catalyst evaluated by chronoamperometric analysis demonstrated steady electrochemical performance for 12 hours.
Physicochemical parameter based estimation of discarding points for frying oil using data interpolation and principal component transformation
Authors: Li Yumei , Cao Xianbing , Cao Yanping , Feng Yuxu , Ji Jingjun , Xie Jiuying , Wang Xin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractData interpolation and principal component transformation (PCT) were used to compute the discarding points of a frying oil by measuring the physicochemical parameters—acid value, carbonyl value, and total polar compounds. Herein, the discarding point refers to the time point (associated with the value of each physicochemical parameter) at which the frying oil should be discarded. First, a primary visual analysis was performed for the obtained data by using line charts. Second, a curve interpolation method was used to compute the discarding points for each parameter and thus determine the discarding points for the frying oil. At 190, 205, and 220°C, the frying oil reached the discarding points at 22.1, 17.7, and 13 hr, respectively. The discarding area was also visualized on the corresponding surfaces for the originally obtained data and the interpolated data to investigate the discarding points. Third, the PCT was conducted for the three parameters at each temperature; the discarding point estimation for the three parameters could be reduced to the estimation from the first principal component (FPC), thereby simplifying this process. At 190, 205, and 220°C, the frying oil reached the discarding points when the FPCs were 10.4524, 6.2881, and −1.7629 at the time points 22.1, 17.7, and 13 hr, respectively. Finally, a verification experiment revealed that the correlation between the results obtained by our interpolation method or PCT and the verified data was higher than 0.98, which demonstrates the effectiveness of our method.
Weight loss reduces head motion: Revisiting a major confound in neuroimaging
Authors: Beyer Frauke , Prehn Kristin , Wüsten Katharina A. , Villringer Arno , Ordemann Jürgen , Flöel Agnes , Witte A. Veronica 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHead motion during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) induces image artifacts that affect virtually every brain measure. In parallel, cross‐sectional observations indicate a correlation of head motion with age, psychiatric disease status and obesity, raising the possibility of a systematic artifact‐induced bias in neuroimaging outcomes in these conditions, due to the differences in head motion. Yet, a causal link between obesity and head motion has not been tested in an experimental design. Here, we show that a change in body mass index (BMI) (i.e., weight loss after bariatric surgery) systematically decreases head motion during MRI. In this setting, reduced imaging artifacts due to lower head motion might result in biased estimates of neural differences induced by changes in BMI. Overall, our finding urges the need to rigorously control for head motion during MRI to enable valid results of neuroimaging outcomes in populations that differ in head motion due to obesity or other conditions.
Trajectory on‐the‐fly molecular dynamics approach to tunneling splitting in the electronic excited state: A case of tropolone
Authors: Ootani Yusuke , Satoh Aya , Harabuchi Yu , Taketsugu Tetsuya 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe semiclassical tunneling method is applied to evaluate the tunneling splitting of tropolone due to the intramolecular proton transfer in the electronic excited state, first time, in a framework of the trajectory on‐the‐fly molecular dynamics (TOF‐MD) approach. To prevent unphysical zero‐point vibrational energy transfer among the normal modes of vibration, quantum zero‐point vibrational energies are assigned only to the vibrational modes related to intramolecular proton transfer, whereas the remaining modes are treated as bath modes. Practical ways to determine the tunnel‐initiating points and tunneling path are introduced. It is shown that the tunneling splitting decreases as the bath‐mode energy increases. The experimental tunneling splitting value is well reproduced by the present TOF‐MD approach based on the Wentzel‐Kramers‐Brillouin (WKB) approximation.
Role of tumor microenvironment in the regulation of PD‐L1: A novel role in resistance to cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kalantari Khandani Nirvana , Ghahremanloo Atefeh , Hashemy Seyed Isaac 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTumor evasion from the host immune system is a substantial strategy for tumor development and survival. The expression of many immune checkpoint proteins in cancer cells is a mechanism by which tumor cells escape from the immune system. Among the well‐known immune checkpoints that can tremendously affect tumor development and cancer therapy are the programmed death‐ligand‐1/programmed death‐1 (PD‐L1/PD‐1). To tackle this phenomenon and improve the therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment, the blockade of the PD‐L1/PD‐1 pathway is introduced as a target, but the therapeutic advantage of PD L1/PD‐1 blockade has not fulfilled the expectations. This condition may be associated with a different type of resistance in a considerable number of patients. A crucial issue to conquer resistance against immune checkpoint blockade therapy is to understand how PD‐L1 level is regulated. However, the mechanisms by which the PD‐L1 expression is regulated are complicated, and they can occur at different levels from signaling pathways to posttranscriptional levels. For example, various transcriptional factors, such as hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1, nuclear factor‐κΒ, interferon‐γ, STAT3, MYC, and AP‐1 can regulate the PD‐L1 distribution at the transcriptional level. Herein, we tried to focus on the most important regulatory mechanisms of PD‐L1 by inducible agents in the tumor cells, such as signaling pathways, transcriptional factors, and posttranscriptional factors. Finally, these approaches may open up new windows for targeting tumor immune evasion and suggest the novel suppressors of PD‐L1 for efficient therapeutics.
Long noncoding RNA 2193 regulates meiosis through global epigenetic modification and cytoskeleton organization in pig oocytes
Authors: Yang Cai‐Xia , Wang Pei‐Chao , Liu Shuai , Miao Jia‐Kun , Liu Xiao‐Man , Miao Yi‐Liang , Du Zhi‐Qiang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate a variety of physiological and pathological processes. However, the biological function of lncRNAs in mammalian germ cells remains largely unexplored. Here we identified one novel lncRNA (lncRNA2193) from single‐cell RNA sequencing performed on porcine oocytes and investigated its function in oocyte meiosis. During in vitro maturation (IVM), from germinal vesicle (GV, 0 hr), GV breakdown (GVBD, 24 hr), to metaphase II stage (MII, 44 hr), the transcriptional abundance of lncRNA2193 remained stable and high. LncRNA2193 interference by small interfering RNA microinjection into porcine GV oocytes could significantly inhibit rates of GVBD and the first polar body extrusion, but enhance the rates of oocytes with a nuclear abnormality. Moreover, lncRNA2193 knockdown disturbed cytoskeletal organization (F‐actin and spindle), and decreased DNA 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) and histone trimethylation (H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and H3K36me3) levels. The lncRNA2193 downregulation induced a decrease of 5mC level could be partially due to the reduction of DNA methyltransferase 3A and 3B, and the elevation of 5mC‐hydroxylase ten‐11 translocation 2 (TET2). After parthenogenetic activation of MII oocytes, parthenotes exhibited higher fragmentation but lower cleavage rates in the lncRNA2193 downregulated group. However, lncRNA2193 interference performed on mature MII oocytes and parthenotes at 1‐cell stage did not affect the cleavage and blasctocyst rates of pathenotes. Taken together, lncRNA2193 plays an important role in porcine oocyte maturation, providing more insights for relevant investigations on mammalian germ cells.
Ketone Bodies Attenuate Wasting in Models of Atrophy
Authors: Koutnik Andrew P. , Poff Angela M. , Ward Nathan P. , DeBlasi Janine M. , Soliven Maricel A. , Romero Matthew A. , Roberson Paul A. , Fox Carl D. , Roberts Michael D. , D'Agostino Dominic P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundCancer Anorexia Cachexia Syndrome (CACS) is a distinct atrophy disease negatively influencing multiple aspects of clinical care and patient quality of life. Although it directly causes 20% of all cancer‐related deaths, there are currently no model systems that encompass the entire multifaceted syndrome, nor are there any effective therapeutic treatments.MethodsA novel model of systemic metastasis was evaluated for the comprehensive CACS (metastasis, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue wasting, inflammation, anorexia, anemia, elevated protein breakdown, hypoalbuminemia, and metabolic derangement) in both males and females. Ex vivo skeletal muscle analysis was utilized to determine ubiquitin proteasome degradation pathway activation. A novel ketone diester (R/S 1,3‐Butanediol Acetoacetate Diester) was assessed in multifaceted catabolic environments to determine anti‐atrophy efficacy.ResultsHere, we show that the VM‐M3 mouse model of systemic metastasis demonstrates a novel, immunocompetent, logistically feasible, repeatable phenotype with progressive tumor growth, spontaneous metastatic spread, and the full multifaceted CACS with sex dimorphisms across tissue wasting. We also demonstrate that the ubiquitin proteasome degradation pathway was significantly upregulated in association with reduced insulin‐like growth factor‐1/insulin and increased FOXO3a activation, but not tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced nuclear factor‐kappa B activation, driving skeletal muscle atrophy. Additionally, we show that R/S 1,3‐Butanediol Acetoacetate Diester administration shifted systemic metabolism, attenuated tumor burden indices, reduced atrophy/catabolism and mitigated comorbid symptoms in both CACS and cancer‐independent atrophy environments.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the ketone diester attenuates multifactorial CACS skeletal muscle atrophy and inflammation‐induced catabolism, demonstrating anti‐catabolic effects of ketone bodies in multifactorial atrophy.
Flexibility of planar graphs of girth at least six
Authors: Dvořák Zdeněk , Masařík Tomáš , Musílek Jan , Pangrác Ondřej 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLet be a planar graph with a list assignment . Suppose a preferred color is given for some of the vertices. We prove that if has girth at least six and all lists have size at least three, then there exists an ‐coloring respecting at least a constant fraction of the preferences.
SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein favors ACE2 from Bovidae and Cricetidae
Authors: Luan Junwen , Jin Xiaolu , Lu Yue , Zhang Leiliang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes the recent COVID‐19 public health crisis. Bat is the widely believed original host of SARS‐CoV‐2. However, its intermediate host before transmitting to humans is not clear. Some studies proposed pangolin, snake, or turtle as the intermediate hosts. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2, which determines the potential host range for SARS‐CoV‐2. On the basis of structural information of the complex of human ACE2 and SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain (RBD), we analyzed the affinity to S protein of the 20 key residues in ACE2 from mammal, bird, turtle, and snake. Several ACE2 proteins from Primates, Bovidae, Cricetidae, and Cetacea maintained the majority of key residues in ACE2 for associating with SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD. The simulated structures indicated that ACE2 proteins from Bovidae and Cricetidae were able to associate with SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD. We found that nearly half of the key residues in turtle, snake, and bird were changed. The simulated structures showed several key contacts with SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD in turtle and snake ACE2 were abolished. This study demonstrated that neither snake nor turtle was the intermediate hosts for SARS‐CoV‐2, which further reinforced the concept that the reptiles are resistant against infection of coronavirus. This study suggested that Bovidae and Cricetidae should be included in the screening of intermediate hosts for SARS‐CoV‐2.
Lipid profile and growth of black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens, Stratiomyidae) reared on by‐products from different food chains
Authors: Hadj Saadoun Jasmine , Montevecchi Giuseppe , Zanasi Luca , Bortolini Sara , Macavei Laura Ioana , Masino Francesca , Maistrello Lara , Antonelli Andrea 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe total amount of bio‐waste produced annually in the EU by the food and beverage chains is estimated at 37 billion kg. The use of insects for the valorization of by‐products from these value chains may represent a sustainable solution. This study aimed to investigate the by‐products obtained from different food chains and used for the rearing of black soldier fly (BSF) prepupae, and to evaluate the content and profile of the lipid extracted from the prepupae and outline its possible applications. The substrates used in this experiment were: (i) industrial by‐products (brewery spent grains, cows’ milk whey, grape stalks, and tomato peels and seeds) and (ii) by‐products from retailers (bread dough, fish scraps, and spent coffee ground). Fat extracted from prepupae using an adjusted Folch method was used for total lipid content and fatty acid profile.RESULTSThe best larval performances were obtained from beer (0.22 gweightper prepupa), tomato (0.19 gweightper prepupa), and cheese (0.14 gweightper prepupa) food‐chain by‐products. The extremely different compositions of the substrates were reflected in the differentiated lipid profile of the BSF prepupae and in the range of ratios between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, which varied from 0.37 for cows’ milk whey to 1.34 for tomato peels and seeds.CONCLUSIONThe lipids, proteins, and chitin extracted from prepupae are high‐value bio‐based products that could be used in the feed / food industry or for the development of innovative biomaterials, such as biodiesel. These results suggest that food‐chain by‐products are the best candidates for insect‐bioconversion purposes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Dimensioning a full color LED microdisplay for augmented reality headset in a very bright environment
Authors: Quesnel Etienne , Lagrange Alexandre , Vigier Margaux , Consonni Marianne , Tournaire Myriam , Le Marchand Valentin , Suhm Aurélien , Demars Patrick , Pillet Jean‐Christophe , Ben Bakir Badhise , Olivier Nicolas , Feltin Eric , Lamy Jean Michel , D'Amico Michele , Cao Edgar , Haas Gunther , Charrier Laurent , Coni Philippe 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper focuses on the dimensioning of a very bright full color 10 μm‐pitch light‐emitting device (LED) microdisplay for avionics application. Starting from the specifications of head‐mounted display to be used in an augmented reality optical system, a theoretical approach is proposed that enables predicting the specifications of the main technology building blocks entering into the microdisplay manufacturing process flow. By taking into account various material and technological parameters, kept as realistic as possible, it is possible to assess the feasibility of a very bright LED microdisplay (1 Mcd/m2 full white) and to point out the main limitations. The theoretical specifications are then compared with the technical results obtained so far in the framework of the H2020 Clean Sky “HILICO” project. It shows that 350 000 cd/m2 of white emission may be accessible with the present gallium nitride (GaN)‐micro‐LED technology provided a color conversion solution with stable external quantum efficiency of 30% is available. Beyond such level of luminance, the inherent limitations of driving circuit (4 V, 15 μA per pixel) commands working with materials enabling higher external quantum efficiency (EQE). In particular, 10‐μm‐pitch micro‐LEDs with electroluminescence EQE of 15% and color conversion EQE approaching 60% are needed, opening the way to future challenging material and technology research developments.
Evaluation of matrix effect in one‐dimensional and comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography for the determination of the phenolic fraction in extra virgin olive oils
Authors: Arena Katia , Cacciola Francesco , Rigano Francesca , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOlea europaea, meaning “European olive,” is a small tree belonging to the family Oleaceae, occurring in the Mediterranean Basin. Olive oil is an essential component of a balanced diet because of its nutritional value. Among micronutrients, phenolic compounds did show important beneficial effects for human health. The majority of the research studies on the phenol content are carried out by liquid chromatography combined to photodiode array and/or mass spectrometry detection; however, because of matrix complexity, one‐dimensional liquid chromatography cannot be sometimes sufficient to obtain rewarding separations, requiring more advanced analytical techniques. In this work, comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography, incorporating RP‐Amide and C18 stationary phases, in the first and second dimension, respectively, both under reversed phase conditions, was investigated for the determination of the phenolic fraction in extra virgin olive oil samples. As far as detection is concerned, triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was employed under multi reaction monitoring mode offering superior selectivity and sensitivity. The reduction of matrix effects, when using comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography with respect to conventional one‐dimensional liquid chromatography, was assessed by comparing the slopes of calibration curves built from standard solutions and spiked olive oil samples.