bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil chemistry turned upside down: a meta‐analysis of invasive earthworm effects on soil chemical properties
Authors: Ferlian Olga , Thakur Madhav P. , Castañeda González Alejandra , San Emeterio Layla M. , Marr Susanne , da Silva Rocha Barbbara , Eisenhauer Nico 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRecent studies have shown that invasive earthworms can dramatically reduce native biodiversity, both above and below the ground. However, we still lack a synthetic understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind these changes, such as whether earthworm effects on soil chemical properties drive such relationships. Here, we investigated the effects of invasive earthworms on soil chemical properties (pH, water content, and the stocks and fluxes of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) by conducting a meta‐analysis. Invasive earthworms generally increased soil pH, indicating that the removal of organic layers and the upward transport of more base‐rich mineral soil caused a shift in soil pH. Moreover, earthworms significantly decreased soil water content, suggesting that the burrowing activities of earthworms may have increased water infiltration of and/or increased evapotranspiration from soil. Notably, invasive earthworms had opposing effects on organic and mineral soil for carbon and nitrogen stocks, with decreases in organic, and increases in mineral soil. Nitrogen fluxes were higher in mineral soil, whereas fluxes in organic soil were not significantly affected by the presence of invasive earthworms, indicating that earthworms mobilize and redistribute nutrients among soil layers and increase overall nitrogen loss from the soil. Invasive earthworm effects on element stocks increased with ecological group richness only in organic soil. Earthworms further decreased ammonium stocks with negligible effects on nitrate stocks in organic soil, whereas they increased nitrate stocks but not ammonium stocks in mineral soil. Notably, all of these results were consistent across forest and grassland ecosystems underlining the generality of our findings. However, we found some significant differences between studies that were conducted in the field (observational and experimental settings) and in the lab, such as that the effects on soil pH decreased from field to lab settings, calling for a careful interpretation of lab findings. Our meta‐analysis provides strong empirical evidence that earthworm invasion may lead to substantial changes in soil chemical properties and element cycling in soil. Furthermore, our results can help explain the dramatic effects of invasive earthworms on native biodiversity, for example, shifts towards the dominance of grass species over herbaceous ones, as shown by recent meta‐analyses.
Defensive fruit metabolites obstruct seed dispersal by altering bat behavior and physiology at multiple temporal scales
Authors: Baldwin Justin W. , Dechmann Dina K. N. , Thies Wibke , Whitehead Susan R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe paradoxical presence of toxic chemical compounds in ripe fruits represents a balance between plant enemies and allies: chemical traits can defend seeds against antagonistic herbivores, seed predators, or fungal pathogens, but also can impose costs by repelling mutualistic seed dispersers, although the costs are often difficult to quantify. Seeds gain fitness benefits from traveling far from the parent plant, as they can escape from parental competition and elude specialized herbivores as well as pathogens that accumulate on adult plants. However, seeds are difficult to follow from their parent plant to their final destination. Thus, little is known about the factors that determine seed dispersal distance. We investigated this potential cost of fruit secondary compounds, reduced seed dispersal distance, by combining two data sets from previous work on a Neotropical bat‐plant dispersal system (bats in the genus Carollia and plants in the genus Piper). We used data from captive behavioral experiments, which show how amides in ripe fruits of Piper decrease the retention time of seeds and alter food choices. With new analyses, we show that these defensive secondary compounds also delay the time of fruit removal. Next, with a behaviorally annotated bat telemetry data set, we quantified post‐feeding movements (i.e., seed dispersal distances). Using generalized additive mixed models we found that seed dispersal distances varied nonlinearly with gut retention times as well as with the time of fruit removal. By interrogating the model predictions, we identified two novel mechanisms by which fruit secondary compounds can impose costs in terms of decreased seed dispersal distances: (1) small‐scale reductions in gut retention time and (2) causing fruits to forgo advantageous bat activity peaks that confer high seed dispersal distances.
Computational evaluation of the effect of processing on the trypsin and alpha‐amylase inhibitor from Ragi (Eleusine coracana) seed
Authors: Fenwick Shannon , Vanga Sai Kranthi , DiNardo Andrea , Wang Jin , Raghavan Vijaya , Singh Ashutosh 
Published: November 2019

Ragi, also known as Finger millet, has been promoted as a healthy alternative to major cereals such as rice and wheat. It is a well‐known source of various minerals, dietary fiber, and a primary source of carbohydrate in parts of Asia and Africa. Ragi is a drought resistant crop, hence, useful for adapting to the current climate change and depleting water resource conditions in various parts of the world. However, the Ragi is known to have poor digestibility, primarily due to the presence of antinutritional compounds like alpha‐amylase and trypsin inhibitor. We have studied temperature, static electric fields (SEFs) and oscillating electric fields (OEFs) to evaluate the secondary structure changes of alpha‐amylase and trypsin inhibitor molecule in Ragi. This was simulated at three temperatures: 300, 343, and 373 K with SEF and OEF at an intensity of 1 V/nm with a frequency of 2.45 GHz (for OEF). STRIDE analysis exhibits various changes in the secondary structure of the protein, especially the loop connecting the alpha helices together. Thermal processing alone has also affected the second alpha helix of the molecule. Overall, the SEFs of 1 V/nm are found to have resulted in the most secondary structure deviations in terms of root mean square deviation and radius of gyration.
Development characteristics and field detection of overburden fracture zone in multiseam mining: A case study
Authors: Tian Chenglin , Liu Yanbao , Yang Xuelin , Hu Qianting , Wang Bo , Yang Huiming 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDuring the multiseam mining process, the overlying strata were damaged due to different mining disturbances, where a large number of fractures were produced which were the main seepage paths of gas and water, easy to cause gas or water inrush accidents. Thus, it is necessary to explore the development characteristics of the fractured zone in the overlying strata from multiseam mining. In this paper, laboratory triaxial compression tests were firstly conducted on the rock specimens subjected to different mining disturbances. In these tests, the specimen was loaded to different stress before a regular test to simulate the different damage effects on the rock strata caused by different mining disturbances. And the corresponding values of m and s could be obtained through a calculation based on the test results. Subsequently, the numerical simulation was conducted to simulate the field situation, in which the m and s values were used in the numerical model combined with the Hoek‐Brown–modified criterion, and the results show that the overburden failure height was increased with the mining disturbances from 48 to 120 m, and then, the effects of mining height and interval thickness on the development height of fracture zone were studied by numerical simulation. Finally, the leakage of roof drilling at different stages was tested and calculated in the field. The results showed that the loss of leakage drilling can directly reflect the development degree of roof cracks, and the detection results were close to the development height of the numerical simulation fracture zone. It is verified that the simulation method used in this paper is feasible and can be used as a reference for similar research.
Development and characterization of ternary mixture series of medium‐ and long‐chain saturated fatty acids for energy applications
Authors: Anand Abhishek , Shukla Amritanshu , Kumar Anil , Sharma Atul 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe existing study concerned with the development and characterization of ternary eutectics prepared from medium‐chain fatty acids and long‐chain fatty acids. The acids used to prepare these blendings were commercial‐grade capric acid (CA), myristic acid (MA), stearic acid (SA), lauric acid (LA), and palmitic acid (PA). The different ternary groups using these acids were prepared, that is, CA‐LA‐MA, CA‐LA‐PA, CA‐LA‐SA, CA‐MA‐PA, CA‐MA‐SA, and CA‐PA‐SA having variable weight's compositions (90/5/5, 80/10/10, 70/15/15, 60/20/20, 50/25/25, 40/30/30, 30/35/35, 20/40/40, and 10/45/45). The various thermophysical properties such as melting temperature (MT) and latent heat of fusion (LHF) were measured calorimetrically using the differential scanning calorimeter. The MT obtained were in the range of 15°C‐50°C along with adequate LHF values, that is, 80‐200 kJ/kg, which are within the application range of different thermal systems. The various proportions of CA used in the blending have a decisive influence on determining the MT of the concerned ternary concoction. The data from the result authenticate that these developed materials can be useful for thermal regulation of buildings, photovoltaic, space, and solar water heating systems because of their enormous latent heat values and appropriate phase transition temperature.
Dietary Bioaccumulation and Biotransformation of Hydrophobic Organic Sunscreen Agents in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Saunders Leslie J. , Hoffman Alex D. , Nichols John W. , Gobas Frank A.P.C. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The present study investigated the dietary bioaccumulation and biotransformation of hydrophobic organic sunscreen agents, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and octocrylene (OCT), in rainbow trout using a modified Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 305 dietary bioaccumulation test that incorporated nonbiotransformed reference chemicals. Trout were exposed to 3 dietary concentrations of each chemical to investigate the relationship between dietary exposure concentration and observed accumulation and depuration. Both EHMC and OCT were significantly biotransformed, resulting in mean in vivo whole-body biotransformation rate constants (kMET) of 0.54 ± 0.06 and 0.09 ± 0.01 d–1, respectively. The kMET values generated for both chemicals did not differ between dietary exposure concentrations, indicating that chemical concentrations in the fish were not high enough to saturate biotransformation enzymes. Both somatic and luminal biotransformation substantially reduce EHMC and OCT bioaccumulation potential in trout. Biomagnification factors (BMFs) and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of EHMC averaged 0.0035 kg lipid kg lipid–1 and 396 L kg–1, respectively, whereas those of OCT averaged 0.0084 kg lipid kg lipid–1 and 1267 L kg–1. These values are 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower than the BMFs and BCFs generated for reference chemicals of similar log KOW. In addition, for both chemicals, derived BMFs and BCFs fell below established bioaccumulation criteria (1.0 kg lipid kg lipid–1 and 2000 L kg–1, respectively), suggesting that EHMC ad OCT are unlikely to bioaccumulate to a high degree in aquatic biota. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:574–586. © 2019 SETAC
Abstract
Natural logarithm transformed concentrations of EHMC and octocrylene (OCT) in rainbow trout soma throughout the dietary bioaccumulation experiment. EHMC and OCT were significantly biotransformed, resulting in biotransformation rate constants (kMET) of 0.54 and 0.09 d-1, respectively. Biomagnification factors (BMF) and bioconcentration factors (BCF) of EHMC averaged 0.0035 kg lipid kg lipid-1 and 396 L kg-1, respectively, and those of OCT averaged 0.0084 kg lipid kg lipid-1 and 1267 L kg-1.
HIT4Mal: Hybrid image transformation for malware classification
Authors: Vu Duc‐Ly , Nguyen Trong‐Kha , Nguyen Tam V. , Nguyen Tu N. , Massacci Fabio , Phung Phu H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractModern malware evolves various detection avoidance techniques to bypass the state‐of‐the‐art detection methods. An emerging trend to deal with this issue is the combination of image transformation and machine learning models to classify and detect malware. However, existing works in this field only perform simple image transformation methods. These simple transformations have not considered color encoding and pixel rendering techniques on the performance of machine learning classifiers. In this article, we propose a novel approach to encoding and arranging bytes from binary files into images. These developed images contain statistical (eg, entropy) and syntactic artifacts (eg, strings), and their pixels are filled up using space‐filling curves. Thanks to these features, our encoding method surpasses existing methods demonstrated by extensive experiments. In particular, our proposed method achieved 93.01% accuracy using the combination of the entropy encoding and character class scheme on the Hilbert curve.
An analysis of overlapping Schwarz method for a weakly coupled system of singularly perturbed convection‐diffusion equations
Authors: Christy Roja J. , Tamilselvan A. , Geetha N. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryIn this article, we have developed an overlapping Schwarz method for a weakly coupled system of convection‐diffusion equations. The method splits the original domain into two overlapping subdomains. A hybrid difference scheme is proposed in which on the boundary layer region, we use the central finite difference scheme on a uniform mesh, whereas on the nonlayer region, we use the mid‐point difference scheme on a uniform mesh. It is shown that the numerical approximations converge in the maximum norm to the exact solution. We have proved that, when appropriate subdomains are used, the method produces almost second‐order convergence. Furthermore, it is shown that two iterations are sufficient to achieve the expected accuracy. Numerical examples are presented to support the theoretical results. The main advantage of this method used with the proposed scheme is that it reduces iteration counts very much and easily identifies in which iteration the Schwarz iterate terminates.
Dorsal‐movement and ventral‐form regions are functionally connected during visual‐speech recognition
Authors: Borowiak Kamila , Maguinness Corrina , von Kriegstein Katharina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFaces convey social information such as emotion and speech. Facial emotion processing is supported via interactions between dorsal‐movement and ventral‐form visual cortex regions. Here, we explored, for the first time, whether similar dorsal–ventral interactions (assessed via functional connectivity), might also exist for visual‐speech processing. We then examined whether altered dorsal–ventral connectivity is observed in adults with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a disorder associated with impaired visual‐speech recognition. We acquired functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data with concurrent eye tracking in pairwise matched control and ASD participants. In both groups, dorsal‐movement regions in the visual motion area 5 (V5/MT) and the temporal visual speech area (TVSA) were functionally connected to ventral‐form regions (i.e., the occipital face area [OFA] and the fusiform face area [FFA]) during the recognition of visual speech, in contrast to the recognition of face identity. Notably, parts of this functional connectivity were decreased in the ASD group compared to the controls (i.e., right V5/MT—right OFA, left TVSA—left FFA). The results confirmed our hypothesis that functional connectivity between dorsal‐movement and ventral‐form regions exists during visual‐speech processing. Its partial dysfunction in ASD might contribute to difficulties in the recognition of dynamic face information relevant for successful face‐to‐face communication.
Association between immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Miguel Andressa F. P. , Mello Fernanda W. , Melo Gilberto , Rivero Elena R. C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this systematic review (SR) was to summarize and critically appraise available evidence on the association of the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with the occurrence of lymph node/distant metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsSearches were conducted in five main electronic and three gray literature databases.ResultsFrom 2128 records identified, 50 were included for qualitative analysis. A total of 12 MMPs were identified (‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐7, ‐8, ‐9, ‐10, ‐11, ‐13, ‐25, ‐26, and MT1‐MMP). Most included studies reported a positive association of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐7, ‐9, and MT1‐MMP with lymph node metastasis. MMP‐8, ‐25, and ‐26 were not associated with lymph node metastasis.ConclusionsAccording to this SR, MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐7, ‐9, and MT1‐MMP seem to play an important role in lymph node metastasis of OSCC.
Prognostic capacity of Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Valero Cristina , Pardo Laura , Sansa Aina , Garcia Lorenzo Jacinto , López Montserrat , Quer Miquel , León Xavier 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundInflammation and immune evasion are associated with carcinogenesis. Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) has been proposed as a pretreatment peripheral blood biomarker. The aim of this study is to analyze its prognostic capacity in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).MethodsWe performed a retrospective study in 824 patients with HNSCC. SIRI was calculated by neutrophils*monocytes/lymphocytes. Using a recursive‐partitioning analysis considering disease‐specific survival (DSS) as dependent variable, three categories were defined according to SIRI value.ResultsMales, patients with history of toxic consumption, oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal tumors, and advanced tumors had a significantly higher SIRI value. As SIRI increased, a significant decrease in DSS was observed. In a multivariable analysis, SIRI was an independent predictor of DSS. Moreover, SIRI was a significant predictor of local, regional, and distant recurrence‐free survival.ConclusionsSIRI has independent prognostic capacity in HNSCC. Patients with higher SIRI have a significant decrease in DSS.
Secondary school implementation of a healthy eating policy
Authors: Reilly Kathryn , Yoong Sze Lin , Sutherland Rachel , Wiggers John H. , Delaney Tessa , Reynolds Renee C. , Wrigley Jessica , Wolfenden Luke 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIssue addressedHealthy canteen policies regulating the sales of food and beverages are available across all the states and territories in Australia. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance with a newly updated healthy school canteen policy in New South Wales (NSW) among a sample of secondary schools.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of secondary school canteen menus was undertaken in selected regions across NSW (September 2017‐November 2017). Government and Catholic secondary schools with a canteen menu publicly available on school websites were eligible for inclusion. Menus were classified according to the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy using a Quick Menu Audit tool, previously validated in primary schools.ResultsOf 62 Catholic and 128 Government secondary schools located in the study region, 53 secondary schools (25 Catholic and 28 Government) were eligible to participate. The average percentage of “everyday” (healthy) items on secondary school menus was 54% (strategy criteria is >75%). Twenty‐eight per cent of menus had no “sugary drinks” (should not be sold). None of the 53 menus assessed met all strategy criteria regarding the availability of foods and beverages. There was no statistically significant difference in meeting; (a) 75% minimum “everyday” items and (b) no “sugary drinks,” by socio‐economic region, remoteness, school enrolments or school type.ConclusionsIf public health benefits of healthy eating policies are to be realised, secondary schools need to be supported to implement such policies.So what?Future research assessing the impact of intervention strategies to support policy implementation in secondary schools is recommended.
Temporal and spatial variation of infiltration in urban green infrastructure
Authors: Ebrahimian Ali , Sample‐Lord Kristin , Wadzuk Bridget , Traver Robert 
Published: November 2019

AbstractInfiltration is the primary mechanism in green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) systems to reduce the runoff volume from urbanized areas. Soil hydraulic conductivity is most important in influencing GSI infiltration rates. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) is a critical parameter for GSI design and post‐construction performance. However, Ksat measurement in the field is problematic due to temporal and spatial variability and measurement errors. This review paper focuses on a comparison of methods for in‐situ Ksat measurement and the causes of temporal and spatial variations of Ksat within GSI systems. Automated infiltration testing methods, such as the Modified Philip–Dunne (MPD) and SATURO infiltrometers, show promise for efficient Ksat measurements. Soil Ksat values can change over time and substantially vary throughout a GSI, which can be attributed to multiple factors, including but not limited to temperature changes, soil composition and properties, soil compaction level, plant root morphology and distribution, biological and macrofauna activities in the soil, inflow sediment characteristics, quality of infiltrating water, and measurement errors. There is evidence that infiltration rates in vegetated urban GSI systems are sustained given an appropriate GSI design, reasonable concentration of suspended sediments in the inflow runoff, and routine maintenance procedures. These observations indicate that clogging can be counteracted by processes that tend to increase the soil hydraulic conductivity (e.g., plant root and biological activities). This self‐sustainability underlines that infiltration‐based GSI systems are a reliable long‐term stormwater management solution. Recommendations on how to incorporate the temporal changes of Ksat in GSI design and on obtaining a spatially‐representative Ksat for the GSI design are presented.