bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of red deer (Cervus elaphus) administrative management units in a human-dominated landscape
Authors: Edelhoff Hendrik , Zachos Frank E. , Fickel Jörns , Epps Clinton W. , Balkenhol Niko 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRed deer (Cervus elaphus) throughout central Europe are influenced by different anthropogenic activities including habitat fragmentation, selective hunting and translocations. This has substantial impacts on genetic diversity and the long-term conservation of local populations of this species. Here we use genetic samples from 480 red deer individuals to assess genetic diversity and differentiation of the 12 administrative management units located in Schleswig Holstein, the northernmost federal state in Germany. We applied multiple analytical approaches and show that the history of local populations (i.e., translocations, culling of individuals outside of designated red deer zones, anthropogenic infrastructures) potentially has led to low levels of genetic diversity. Mean expected heterozygosity was below 0.6 and we observed on average 4.2 alleles across 12 microsatellite loci. Effective population sizes below the recommended level of 50 were estimated for multiple local populations. Our estimates of genetic structure and gene flow show that red deer in northern Germany are best described as a complex network of asymmetrically connected subpopulations, with high genetic exchange among some local populations and reduced connectivity of others. Genetic diversity was also correlated with population densities of neighboring management units. Based on these findings, we suggest that connectivity among existing management units should be considered in the practical management of the species, which means that some administrative management units should be managed together, while the effective isolation of other units needs to be mitigated.
Construction of a single nucleotide polymorphism marker based QTL map and validation of resistance loci to bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex in tomato
Authors: Shin Il Sheob , Hsu Jung-Ching , Huang Shu-Mei , Chen Jaw-Rong , Wang Jaw-Fen , Hanson Peter , Schafleitner Roland 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBacterial wilt (BW), caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex is one of the major biotic factors limiting tomato production in the humid tropics. Pyramiding of resistance genes through marker-assisted selection is an efficient way to develop durable BW resistant cultivars. Tomato line ‘Hawaii 7996’ (H7996) is a stable and robust resistance source against various strains of the species complex. Major BW resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) Bwr-12 and Bwr-6, and several minor or strain specific QTLs have been coarse-mapped in this line, but none has been fine-mapped and validated. The objective of the current study was to construct a high density genetic map using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from genotyping-by-sequencing, fine-map Bwr-12 and Bwr-6 and determine the effects of these QTLs using a near isogenic line (NIL) population. A high density genetic map using 1604 SNP markers with an average distance of 0.82 cM was developed for 188 F9 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross H7996 × WVa700. A total of seven QTLs associated with BW resistance to race 1-phylotype I (R. pseudosolanacearum) or/and race 3-phylotype II (R. solanacearum) strains were located on chromosomes 6 (Bwr-6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4) and 12 (Bwr-12.1, Bwr-12.2 and Bwr-12.3) with logarithm of odds (LOD) scores of 6.2–15.6 and 6.2–31.1, explaining 14.2–33.4% and 15.9–53.9% of the total phenotypic variation contributed from H7996, respectively. To validate the genetic effects of the two QTL regions, a set of 80 BC3F3 NILs containing different sections of Bwr-6 with or without Bwr-12 was phenotyped for disease severity after challenge with either race 1-phylotype I Pss4 or race 3-phylotype II Pss1632 BW strains over two seasons. Bwr-6.1 specific to Pss4 and Bwr-6.3 specific to Pss1632 were mapped to an interval of 5.0 cM (P < 0.05) between 6_33,444,000_SLM6-47 and 6_33,868,000_SLM6-124 SNP marker, and to 2.7 cM (P < 0.01) between positions 6_35,949,000 _SLM6-107 to 6_36,750,000_SLM6-82 marker, respectively. In addition, the specific effect of Bwr-12 for resistance to Pss4 (LOD score of 5.8-16.1, P < 0.01) was confirmed.
Effective Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluids: Measurement and Prediction
Authors: Berger Bioucas Francisco E. , Rausch Michael H. , Schmidt Jochen , Bück Andreas , Koller Thomas M. , Fröba Andreas P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the present study, the effective thermal conductivity of nanoparticle dispersions, so-called nanofluids, is investigated experimentally and theoretically. For probing the influence of the nanoparticles on the effective thermal conductivity of dispersions with water as liquid continuous phase, nearly spherical and monodisperse titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles with strongly varying thermal conductivities were used as model systems. For the measurement of the effective thermal conductivity of the nanofluids with particle volume fractions up to 0.31, a steady-state guarded parallel-plate instrument was applied successfully at temperatures between (298 and 323) K. For the same systems, dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to analyze the collective translational diffusion, which provided information on the dispersion stability and the distribution of the particle size as essential factors for the effective thermal conductivity. The measurement results for the effective thermal conductivity show no temperature dependency and only a moderate change as a function of particle volume fraction, which is positive or negative for particles with larger or smaller thermal conductivities than the base fluid. Based on these findings, our theoretical model for the effective thermal conductivity originally developed for nanofluids containing fully dispersed particles of large thermal conductivities was revisited and also applied for a reliable prediction in the case of particles of relatively low thermal conductivities.
Convex optimization techniques in compliant assembly simulation
Authors: Stefanova Maria , Minevich Olga , Baklanov Stanislav , Petukhova Margarita , Lupuleac Sergey , Grigor’ev Boris , Kokkolaras Michael 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA special class of quadratic programming (QP) problems is considered in this paper. This class emerges in simulation of assembly of large-scale compliant parts, which involves the formulation and solution of contact problems. The considered QP problems can have up to 20,000 unknowns, the Hessian matrix is fully populated and ill-conditioned, while the matrix of constraints is sparse. Variation analysis and optimization of assembly process usually require massive computations of QP problems with slightly different input data. The following optimization methods are adapted to account for the particular features of the assembly problem: an interior point method, an active-set method, a Newton projection method, and a pivotal algorithm for the linear complementarity problems. Equivalent formulations of the QP problem are proposed with the intent of them being more amenable to the considered methods. The methods are tested and results are compared for a number of aircraft assembly simulation problems.
Fermentation of Cauliflower and White Beans with Lactobacillus plantarum – Impact on Levels of Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B12, and Amino Acid Composition
Authors: Thompson H. O. , Önning G. , Holmgren K. , Strandler H. S. , Hultberg M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAs diets change in response to ethical, environmental, and health concerns surrounding meat consumption, fermentation has potential to improve the taste and nutritional qualities of plant-based foods. In this study, cauliflower, white beans, and a 50:50 cauliflower-white bean mixture were fermented using different strains of Lactobacillus plantarum. In all treatments containing cauliflower, the pH was reduced to <4 after 18 h, while treatments containing only white beans had an average pH of 4.8 after 18 h. Following fermentation, the riboflavin, folate, and vitamin B12 content of the cauliflower-white bean mixture was measured, and compared against that of an unfermented control. The riboflavin and folate content of the mixture increased significantly after fermentation. Relative to control samples, riboflavin increased by 76–113%, to 91.6 ± 0.6 μg/100 g fresh weight, and folate increased by 32–60%, to 58.8 ± 2.0 μg/100 g fresh weight. For one bacterial strain, L. plantarum 299, a significant 66% increase in vitamin B12 was observed, although the final amount (0.048 ± 0.013 μg/100 g fresh weight) was only a small fraction of recommended daily intake. Measurements of amino acid composition in the mixture revealed small increases in alanine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, and valine in the fermented sample compared to the unfermented control.
Shading effect on physiological parameters and in vitro embryo production of tropical adapted Nellore heifers in integrated crop-livestock-forest systems
Authors: Leite da Silva Wilian Aparecido , Poehland Ralf , Carvalho de Oliveira Caroline , Ribeiro Ferreira Mariane Gabriela Cesar , Garcia de Almeida Ricardo , Cáceres Mirela Brochado Souza , Macedo Gustavo Guerino , da Costa e Silva Eliane Vianna , Alves Fabiana Villa , Nogueira Eriklis , de Andrade Melo-Sterza Fabiana 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increased shadow supply in integrated crop-livestock-forest systems on in vitro embryonic development and physiological parameters related to stress response in Nellore heifers (Bos indicus). For the study, animals (n = 16) were randomly divided into two groups and kept in areas with different afforestation systems, the integrated crop-livestock-forest (ICLF) and the integrated crop-livestock (ICL) system. The microclimate of the ICLF system provided better comfort conditions than ICL. No differences of respiratory rate, rectal temperature, cortisol, T3, T4, oocyte quality, and cleavage rate between the systems were verified. A higher blastocyst rate was observed in the ICLF (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that Nellore heifers managed in ICLF during summer in Midwest of Brazil showed higher production of in vitro embryos, without typical changes in its physiological parameters. The results observed in the present study indicate that zebu females are able to respond satisfactorily to the intense heat conditions; however, we believe that the long period to which these animals are exposed to these conditions interferes in the oocyte competence and embryo development.
Bee community response to local and landscape factors along an urban-rural gradient
Authors: Birdshire Kristen R. , Carper Adrian L. , Briles Christy E. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOver a third of the world’s crops require insect pollination, and reliance on pollination services for food continues to rise as human populations increase. Furthermore, as interest in urban agriculture has grown, so has a need for studies of urban pollinator ecology and pollination. Analyzing pollinator assemblages along a rural-urban gradient provides powerful mechanistic insight into how urbanization impacts pollinators. Yet, studies examining pollinators along urban-rural gradients are limited and results vary. Since pollinators vary tremendously in life history characteristics and respond to urbanization differently, studies from different regions would improve our understanding of pollinator response to urbanization. This study documents different bee assemblages along a high-plains semi-arid urban-rural gradient in Denver, Colorado, USA. Percent impervious surface was used to define the extent of urbanization at 12 sites and local and landscape characteristics were estimated using field assessments and geospatial analysis. Wild bees were collected and the relationships between urbanization and bee communities were explored using linear modeling. Overall, bee abundance and diversity decreased with increasing urbanization, suggesting that urban areas negatively impact bee communities. However, all bee guilds responded positively to local floral richness and negatively to the degree of landscape urbanization, suggesting that different types of bees responded similarly to urbanization. These findings suggest that providing a greater diversity of floral resources is key to mitigating the negative impacts of urbanization on pollinator communities.
Who Are the Nonusers of Sunscreen, and What Are Their Reasons? Development of a New Item Set
Authors: Diehl Katharina , Schneider Sven , Seuffert Svenja , Greinert Rüdiger , Görig Tatiana 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSunscreen use is an important aspect of sun protective behavior. Previous studies revealed deficits in sunscreen use. Our aim was to quantify sunscreen use in a nationwide representative study in Germany as well as to develop and test an item battery on reasons for none use of sunscreen. We analyzed data of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM; wave 4; n = 3000, aged 14–45). To describe those who only use sunscreen rarely or never, we used chi2 statistics and logistic regression analysis. In addition, we utilized a newly developed item battery on barriers to sunscreen use. Here, we used Cronbach’s alpha to investigate reliability. In total, 20.7% reported using sunscreen rarely or never. Infrequent or none use of sunscreen was associated with male sex, immigrant background, none or rare sunbathing in summer, and current or past use of sunbeds. Participants with higher skin cancer risk (e.g., pale skin) were less likely to use sunscreen infrequently or never. The major reasons for not using sunscreen were inconvenience and no perceived need for applying sunscreen. Overall, internal consistency of the item battery on potential barriers to sunscreen use was very good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.865). We found deficits in sunscreen use especially in sunbed users, men, and individuals with immigrant background. Our results give important implications for future prevention and health promotion campaigns on sunscreen use.
Development of Rapid, Sensitive, and Effective Plasmonic Nanosensor for the Detection of Vitamins in Infact Formula and Milk Samples
Authors: Çimen Duygu , Denizli Adil 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to develop a surface plasmon resonance sensor for the detection of vitamin B2, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 in food samples by using the molecular imprinting technique. The vitamin B2, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 imprinted and the non-imprinted surface plasmon resonance sensor chip surfaces were characterized by using contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance. The real-time detection of vitamin B2, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 was analyzed by using aqueous solutions in the concentration range of 0.01 ng/mL − 10 ng/mL for vitamin B2, 0.1 ng/mL − 8.0 ng/mL for vitamin B9, and 0.01 ng/mL − 1.5 ng/mL for vitamin B12. The limit of detection values was calculated as 1.6×10−4ng/mL for vitamin B2, 13.5×10−4ng/mL for vitamin B9, and 2.5×10−4ng/mL for vitamin B12, respectively. Selectivity experiments were performed by using vitamin B1 and vitamin B6. The reproducibility of surface plasmon resonance sensors was investigated both on the same day and on different days for four times. Validation studies of the prepared surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors were performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Combination of versatile platforms for the development of synthetic biology
Authors: Chen Baizhu , Dai Zhuojun 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundSynthetic biology has attracted enormous attention in recent years. A key focus of synthetic biology is to utilize modular biological building blocks to assemble the cell‐based circuits.ResultsScientists have programmed the living organisms using these circuits to attain multiple, delicate and well‐defined functions. With the integration of tools or technologies from other disciplines, these rewired cells can achieve even more complex tasks.ConclusionsIn this review, we will focus on the recent achievements in new materials and devices assembly, next generation therapeutics development and versatile manufacturing by combining the synthetic gene circuits, various tools and technologies from multiple fields, such as printing technology, material engineering and electronic engineering.
The relationship between malnutrition risk and inflammatory biomarkers in outpatient geriatric population
Authors: Fatyga Paulina , Pac Agnieszka , Fedyk-Łukasik Małgorzata , Grodzicki Tomasz , Skalska Anna 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeMalnutrition is an underestimated, but significant problem among older persons. It is described as a consequence of genetic and environmental factors, lack of physical activity, and co-morbidities. However, a key role of a geriatrician is to further explore the multidimensional complexity of this issue. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between nutritional status and different factors, particularly focusing on inflammatory biomarkers.MethodsNutritional status was assessed using Mini-Nutritional-Assessment with a score below 24 (out of 30) defined as malnutrition. Different serum biomarkers of inflammation were measured, such as High-Sensitivity-C-Reactive-Protein (hsCRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-18(IL-18), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and Soluble-Receptor-For-TNF-alfa(sTNFRII). Medical history, mental status (Mini-Mental-State-Examination, Geriatric-Depression-Scale) and activities of daily living (using Instrumental-Activities-of-Daily-Living-Scale) were used in the evaluation. The relationship between nutritional status and the factors listed was assessed.ResultsThe mean age of 76 examined persons (40.8% female) from the outpatient clinic was 71 years. Malnutrition risk was recognized in 29%. The following factors significant in univariate regression were used in stepwise regression analysis: age, sex, mental status (MMSE, GDS), valve disease, number of diseases, IADL. Stepwise regression revealed that the risk of malnutrition was increased by the presence of valve disease, number of diseases, and female sex. Factors that increased the risk of malnutrition were: logsTNFRII (OR = 3.09; 95% CI 1.07–8.96), IL-8 (OR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.00–1.18), and OPG (OR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.02–1.57). Risk of malnutrition was negatively associated with Il-18(OR = 0.995; 95% CI 0.991–0.999).ConclusionsChronic inflammation and immunologic process are likely contributors to the complex etiopathogenesis of malnutrition in older persons.
Considerable variability in antibiotic use among US children’s hospitals in 2017–2018
Authors: Griffith Hannah G. , Dantuluri Keerti , Thurm Cary , Williams Derek J. , Banerjee Ritu , Howard Leigh M. , Grijalva Carlos G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjective:To characterize the prevalence of and seasonal and regional variation in inpatient antibiotic use among hospitalized US children in 2017–2018.Design:We conducted a cross-sectional examination of hospitalized children. The assessments were conducted on a single day in spring (May 3, 2017), summer (August 2, 2017), fall (October 25, 2017), and winter (January 31, 2018). The main outcome of interest was receipt of an antibiotic on the study day.Setting:The study included 51 freestanding US children’s hospitals that participate in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS).Patients:This study included all patients <18 years old who were admitted to a participating PHIS hospital, excluding patients who were admitted solely for research purposes.Results:Of 52,769 total hospitalized children, 19,174 (36.3%) received antibiotics on the study day and 6,575 of these (12.5%) received broad-spectrum antibiotics. The overall prevalence of antibiotic use varied across hospitals from 22.3% to 51.9%. Antibiotic use prevalence was 29.2% among medical patients and 47.7% among surgical patients. Although there was no significant seasonal variation in antibiotic use prevalence, regional prevalence varied, ranging from 32.7% in the Midwest to 40.2% in the West (P< .001). Among units, pediatric intensive care unit patients had the highest prevalence of both overall and broad-spectrum antibiotic use at 58.3% and 26.6%, respectively (P< .001).Conclusions:On any given day in a national network of children’s hospitals, more than one-third of hospitalized children received an antibiotic, and 1 in 8 received a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Variation across hospitals, setting and regions identifies potential opportunities for enhanced antibiotic stewardship activities.
Current status in resistance to ACCase and ALS-inhibiting herbicides in rigid ryegrass populations from cereal crops in North of Tunisia
Authors: Khammassi Messaad , Hajri Haifa , Menchari Yosra , Chaabane Hanane , Souissi Touraya 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA survey of the prevalence of rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) resistant to ACCase and ALS herbicides was conducted in major-cereal growing regions in the north of Tunisia. Randomly collected ryegrass populations were assessed, using the Syngenta RISQ®test, for resistance to clodinafop-propargyl, iodosulphuron + mesosulphuron and pinoxaden. Of the 177 tested populations, 58% exhibited resistance to clodinafop-propargyl and 52% to iodosulphuron + mesosulphuron, with 40% exhibiting resistance to both herbicides. Significant variations in the frequencies of rigid ryegrass resistant to clodinafop-propargyl and/or iodosulphuron + mesosulphuron were observed between surveyed regions which may be the result of differences in the history of herbicide use. Over 50% of resistant populations contained 60% of resistant plants or more, indicating the extent of resistance evolution in these regions. Our study demonstrates that the extent of resistance to ACCase and ALS-inhibiting herbicides in rigid ryegrass is widespread in major cereal-growing regions of Tunisia. Therefore, weed management must be focused on reducing the frequency of herbicide application, using multiple herbicide mechanisms of action, rotating different modes of action and integrating alternative control options.
Description and phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal transcription units from species of Fasciolidae (Platyhelminthes: Digenea)
Authors: Le T.H. , Pham K.L.T. , Doan H.T.T. , Le T.K. Xuyen , Nguyen K.T. , Lawton S.P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMany members of Fasciolidae are common trematodes in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, elephants, pigs, with some capable of infecting humans also. In this study, the complete or near-complete sequences of ribosomal transcription unit (rTU or rDNA), each ofFasciola hepatica(Australia),Fascioloides jacksoni(Sri Lanka),Fasciolopsis buski(Vietnam) and three isolates ofF. gigantica(Vietnam), were obtained and characterized. The full length of rDNA for eachF. hepatica, ‘hybrid’Fasciolasp.,Fas. jacksoniandFa. Buski, was 7657 bp, 7966 bp, 7781 bp and 8361 bp, with the complete intergenic spacer region (IGS) (862 bp, 1170 bp, 987 bp and 561 bp), respectively. The rDNA of two ‘pure’F. giganticaisolates from Vietnam was 6794 bp with unsequenced IGS. For 28S rRNA genes theFasciolaspp. are equal, 1958 bp for 18S, 160 bp for 5.8S, 3863 bp and 454 bp for ITS1 but ITS2 differ by one nucleotide (Thymine) (359 or 360 bp). The ITS1 of thesensu lato Fa. buskihas some distinguishable features, 286 bp for ITS2, 3862 bp for 28S and four repeat units of 356–361 bp each found in ITS1. The 28S rDNA analysis showed the lowest level of divergence (0–0.57%) betweenF. hepaticaandF. giganticaand higher (2.23–2.62%) and highest (6–6.42%) forFas. jacksoniandFasciolopsis, respectively. The tree of 43 strains/species clearly produced a well-supported phylogeny, where 18 fasciolids consistently grouped, forming a discrete Fasciolidae clade, distinct from Philophthalmidae, Echinostomatidae and Echinochasmidae in Echinostomatoidea.Fascioloides jacksoniis outsideFasciolaspp.: basal withFas. magna, as previously demonstrated.