bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model evaluation and uncertainties in projected changes of drought over northern China based on CMIP5 models
Authors: Lu Xi , Rao Xiaoqiang , Dong Wenjie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn recent decades, severe and long duration drought events have serious impacts on northern China. Consequently, this study is motivated by investigating the projection and uncertainties of drought change over northern China based on 20 CMIP5 multi‐model ensemble (AMME) and best multi‐model ensemble (BMME) under middle and high emission scenarios. BMME selected in term of the spatial patterns and interannual variability of aridity index (AI) against the observations shows better performance on the simulation of dryland especially for hyper‐arid areas in Northwest China (NWC) and sub‐humid regions in North China (NC). In the middle of 21st century, the projections from two model ensembles illustrate the aggravation of drought in loess plateau and west of Xinjiang but reduction of acridity over NWC. Northeast China (NEC) becomes more arid under RCP8.5 that is sensitive with the high emission. The uncertainties increase between two model ensembles at the end of 21st century when the opposite trend can be found over NC under RCP4.5 and NEC under RCP8.5, respectively. The increasing rate of precipitation and PET is the key factor for AI change. The larger contribution of precipitation than PET results in the humid tendency over NWC. Moreover, the equivalent contributions of precipitation and PET induce the increased uncertainties in AI change over NC and NEC. Similarly, the temporal evaluation of AI indicates decreasing trend of drought over NWC but the large uncertainties can be found after middle of this century over NEC and in the early of the century over NC.
Evaluation of the dependence of the sensible heat flux trend on elevation over the Tibetan Plateau in CMIP5 models
Authors: Zhu Lihua , Huang Gang , Fan Guangzhou , Qü Xia , Wang Zhibiao , Hua Wei , Lai Xin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe evaluated the dependence of the sensible heat flux trend over the Tibetan Plateau on elevation by comparing the 29 climate models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) with ground observations in the time period 1980–2005. The sensible heat flux trend over the Tibetan Plateau shows an elevation‐dependent variation in both the observations and reanalysis datasets, with a larger negative trend at higher altitudes. Most of the models analysed in this study performed poorly in simulating the linear trend of the sensible heat flux, although two models (HadGEM2‐CC and HadGEM2‐ES) reasonably captured the elevation range and seasons with a prominent decreasing trend in the sensible heat flux over the Tibetan Plateau. These two models possess good skills in depicting both the sensible heat flux trend and the terrain of the plateau in every 1,000 m wide altitudinal band. The coherence of the elevation‐dependent variation in the sensible heat flux trend between the observations and models is therefore not fortuitous. The sensible heat flux trend in most models of CMIP5 is sensitive to variations in the surface wind speed and the difference in temperature between the ground surface and the air, although these two factors show large biases deviating from the reanalysis product in almost all models in this study. In the HadGEM2‐CC and HadGEM2‐ES models, which showed a good performance in capturing the elevation‐dependent sensible heat flux trend, the leaf area index was shown to be the predominant factor affecting the variation in the sensible heat flux trend with elevation. That maybe link with the dynamic vegetation scheme in these two models.
Potential complementary functions among bacteria, fungi, and archaea involved in carbon cycle during reversal of desertification
Authors: Wang Zengru , Wang Yansong , Zhang Wenli , Liu Yubing , Gao Tianpeng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDevelopment of biological soil crusts (BSCs) on bare land is a sign of reversal of desertification, and microbial communities of BSCs are the biogeochemical engineers of desert ecosystems. However, regulation of different microbial groups involved in the carbon (C) cycle is not clear. This study investigated the correlation between bacteria, fungi, and archaea of BSCs involved in the C cycle during reversal of desertification through community abundance analysis by quantitative PCR and functional gene detection using GeoChip 5.0. Among the known C cycle genes found in BSCs, 84.5% of C degradation genes, 95% of C fixation genes, and all of methane oxidation genes were derived from bacteria owing to their highest proportion among the total microbial abundance of BSCs; some recalcitrant C degradation genes were derived from fungi; and other C fixation pathway and methanogenesis genes originated from archaea. The increased abundance of bacteria and fungi and decreased abundance of archaea during reversal of desertification, as well as the difference in C cycle genes of the three microbial groups, indicated the functional complementarity among these microorganisms involved in C cycle. At the early stage of BSC development, archaea, and bacteria provide available C sources by autotrophic CO2 fixation pathway; bacteria play important roles in C degradation, C fixation, and methane oxidation during the entire BSC development process; and fungi mainly degrade lignin at the later stage of BSC development. Thus, cooperation among BSC microflora altered C cycle during reversal of desertification.
Sensitivity and specificity of single and combined clouds analyses compared with quantitative motor unit potential analysis
Authors: Li Chuqiao , Jiang Anqi , Ding Qingyun , Hu Youfang , Wang Yao , Tian Ge , Wang Honghao , Pan Suyue , Cui Liying , Peng Yu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionTurns‐amplitude, number of small segments (NSS)‐activity, and envelope‐activity clouds are three methods of electromyography (EMG) interference pattern analysis. Our objective was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of each individual cloud analysis and combined clouds analysis to compare with that of quantitative motor unit potential (QMUP) analysis.MethodsA total of 379 muscles from 100 patients were analyzed by both QMUP and clouds analyses. Calculation of sensitivity and specificity was based on the clinical diagnosis as the “gold standard.”ResultsFor discrimination of abnormal vs normal and neuropathic vs non‐neuropathic, combined clouds analysis had greater sensitivity than QMUP analysis and any single cloud analysis, but there were no differences in specificity. For discrimination of myopathic vs non‐myopathic, combined clouds analysis and single cloud analysis had greater sensitivity than QMUP analysis, but there were no differences in specificity.DiscussionCombined clouds analysis was superior to QMUP and each single cloud analysis for distinguishing normal, myopathic, and neuropathic muscles.
The arbitrary‐order virtual element method for linear elastodynamics models: convergence, stability and dispersion‐dissipation analysis
Authors: Antonietti Paola F. , Manzini Gianmarco , Mazzieri Ilario , Mourad Hashem M. , Verani Marco 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe design the conforming virtual element method for the numerical approximation of the two‐dimensional elastodynamics problem. We prove stability and convergence of the semidiscrete approximation and derive optimal error estimates under h‐ and p‐refinement in both the energy and the L2 norms. The performance of the proposed virtual element method is assessed on a set of different computational meshes, including nonconvex cells up to order four in the h‐refinement setting. Exponential convergence is also experimentally observed under p‐refinement. Finally, we present a dispersion‐dissipation analysis for both the semidiscrete and fully discrete schemes, showing that polygonal meshes behave as classical simplicial/quadrilateral grids in terms of dispersion‐dissipation properties.
Effects of internal service quality on nurses’ job satisfaction, commitment and performance: Mediating role of employee well‐being
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Ibrahim , Huang Dechun , Sarfraz Muddassar , Ivascu Larisa , Riaz Amir 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimThe attitudes and behaviours of nursing staff are critical to determine patients’ satisfaction and to have a competitive advantage for any healthcare organization. This study is set to investigate the effects of internal service quality (ISQ) on nurses’ job satisfaction, employee commitment, well‐being and job performance in the healthcare sector of Pakistan. Further, this study also examines the mediating role of nurses’ well‐being for the relationship of job satisfaction and commitment with their job performance.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional quantitative research. A self‐administered survey was used to collect data from 412 nursing employees of 20 private sector healthcare centres operating in Pakistan. Partial least square of structural equation model (PLS‐SEM) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed through Smart PLS 3.2.8 for data analysis.ResultsStudy results revealed that ISQ directly effects employees’ satisfaction, commitment, well‐being of the nursing employees. Moreover, employees’ well‐being has mediated job satisfaction and job performance relationship; however, well‐being did not mediate the relationship between commitment and job performance.
What are the patients' and health care professionals' understanding and behaviors towards adverse drug reaction reporting and additional monitoring?
Authors: Januskiene Justina , Segec Andrej , Slattery Jim , Genov Georgy , Plueschke Kelly , Kurz Xavier , Arlett Peter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe additional monitoring (AM)/black triangle concept is aimed to enhance ADR reporting for certain types of medicinal products for which the safety profile is less well established.PurposeThe objective of this survey was to assess (a) attitudes towards ADR reporting and reasons for not reporting an ADR and (b) awareness of AM among HCPs, patients or their careers in EU countries.MethodsAn online questionnaire which was available in all EU languages was completed by 2918 responders coming from all EEA countries.ResultsThe main factors motivating to report an ADR were severity or novelty of the reaction or novelty of the medicine. The main factors for not reporting an ADR was the fact that the ADR is already known (35%), the ADR was not serious (18%) or reporter was not sure if the ADR was related to the medicine (15%). Half of the respondents indicated that they have seen AM statement before. Thirty percent of the responders had correct understanding of the AM concept while 20 % misunderstood the concept.ConclusionUnderreporting occurs but it seems this is because of reporter's prioritisation towards certain type of ADRs. AM aims to increase reporting for certain medicines, however, approximately half of responders have seen the AM symbol before and 20% of all responders (independent of their previous awareness) misunderstood the concept.
High‐fracture‐toughness acrylic–polyurethane‐based graft‐interpenetrating polymer networks for transparent applications
Authors: Alizadeh Nima , Barde Mehul , Minkler Michael , Celestine Asha‐Dee , Agrawal Vinamra , Beckingham Bryan , Auad Maria L 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTransparent materials with robust mechanical properties are essential for numerous applications and require careful manipulation of polymer chemistry. Here, polyurethane (PU) and acrylic‐based copolymers out of styrene were utilized to synthesize transparent PU–acrylic graft‐interpenetrating polymer networks (graft‐IPNs) for the first time. In these materials, PU imparts greater flexibility, while the acrylic copolymer increases rigidity and glass transition temperature of the graft‐IPNs. Kinetics of the graft‐IPN synthesis was monitored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectroscopy through the conversion of the isocyanate group. System compatibility, degree of phase separation and material transparency were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy. Overall, higher compatibility is observed at a higher percentage of styrene in the acrylate copolymer. The thermomechanical properties of the IPNs were quantified using dynamic mechanical analysis to assess the effect of the acrylic copolymer content on fracture toughness of the resulting graft‐IPNs. The high fracture toughness of the graft‐IPNs, coupled with excellent transparency, demonstrates the potential of these systems for high‐performance applications. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Detailed thermal analysis of crystallization kinetics and band morphology for future blending of absorbable poly(p‐dioxanone) monofilament surgical suture with poly(ε‐caprolactone)
Authors: Mamun Al 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe thermal effects on crystallization kinetics and the band morphology of absorbable poly(p‐dioxanone) (PDS) were studied in detail with TGA, AFM, DSC and polarized optical microscopy techniques. The polymer film was crystallized with isothermal and non‐isothermal conditions over a wide temperature range, cooling from the melt at 140 °C (beyond the equilibrium melting temperature but below the degradation temperature). With the isothermal crystallization process, a well‐defined spherulitic morphology of the PDS polymer, linearly growing in all directions with time, was observed. A microstructure analysis by polarized optical microscopy and AFM revealed that the crystallized PDS shows large spherulites with band morphology, the nucleation density decreases and the spacing between the band increases with crystallization temperature. The periodic band morphology of the spherulites is related to edge‐on and flat‐on lamella orientation. The crystallization temperature dependent spherulite growth rate displayed a bell‐shaped curve, showing a highest spherulite growth rate at 60 °C, explained by classical nucleation theory. These results allowed a good understanding of the thermal and morphological properties of the PDS polymer over a wide temperatures range in both isothermal and non‐isothermal conditions. Additionally, the crystallization and melting behaviors of the PDS polymer were studied and compared for the future application of blending with other compatible polymers, e.g. poly(ε‐caprolactone). © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Current scenario of RNAi‐based hemipteran control
Authors: Jain Ritesh G , Robinson Karl E , Asgari Sassan , Mitter Neena 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) is an homology‐dependent gene silencing mechanism that is a feasible and sustainable avenue for the management of hemipteran pests. Commercial implementation of RNAi‐based control strategies is impeded by limited knowledge about the mechanism of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) uptake, the function of core RNAi genes and systemic RNAi mechanisms in hemipteran insects. This review briefly summarizes recent progress in RNAi‐based studies aimed to reduce insect populations, viral transmission and insecticide resistance focusing on hemipteran pests. This review explores RNAi‐mediated management of hemipteran insects and offers potential solutions, including in silico approaches coupled with laboratory‐based toxicity assays to circumvent potential off‐target effects against beneficial organisms. We further explore ways to mitigate degradation of dsRNA in the environment and the insect such as stacking and formulation of dsRNA effectors. Finally, we conclude by considering nontransformative RNAi approaches, concatomerization of RNAi sequences and pyramiding RNAi with active constituents to reduce dsRNA production and application cost, and to improve broad‐spectrum hemipteran pest control. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Phosphonic acid: a long‐standing and versatile crop protectant
Authors: Dann Elizabeth , McLeod Adéle 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPhosphonic acid‐based fungicides, also referred to as phosphonates, have been used extensively as crop protectants in horticulture since the late 1970s, and more recently in native ecosystems and forestry. Discovering that phosphonates are effective against foliar and soilborne oomycete diseases, such as those caused by species of Phytophthora, Pythium and Plasmopara, was a significant breakthrough, especially for soilborne pathogens that are notoriously difficult to manage. Phosphonates have played an important role in protection of forests and sensitive natural ecosystems, under threat from these pathogens. Since introduction, their increased application in management of non‐oomycete diseases, along with other functionalities, demonstrates their versatility in agriculture and more broadly. Continued use of phosphonic acid crop protectants will be underpinned by demonstrated efficacy and safety, and a better understanding of specific interactions within the plant, pathogen and environment. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel Bacillus thuringiensisCry9Ea‐like protein with high insecticidal activity towards Cydia pomonella larvae
Authors: Baranek Jakub , Banaszak Magdalena , Kaznowski Adam , Lorent Dagny 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe host specificity of known Bacillus thuringiensis Cry and Vip pesticidal proteins still needs extensive investigation and the proteins currently used in crop protection are not effective against many pest species. Cydia pomonella (L.) is a widespread and economically important pest of apples, very difficult to control, since the larvae spend most of their life inside a fruit. Currently, large amounts of broad‐spectrum, detrimental synthetic agents are used to combat this herbivore and therefore biopesticides with high activity against C. pomonella are very much needed.RESULTSThe toxicity of B. thuringiensis Cry9Ea along with five distinct pesticidal proteins (Cry1Aa, Cry1Ca, Cry1Ia, Cry2Ab and Vip3Aa) has been determined towards the first‐instar larvae of C. pomonella. Cry9Ea has much higher activity than the remaining tested proteins (30–1200‐fold lower LC50) and possibly is the most potent B. thuringiensis pesticidal protein bioassayed against C. pomonella so far. In contrast, Cry9Ea is not toxic towards Spodoptera exigua (Hübn.), indicating a potentially narrow spectrum of activity. Both insect species show high variability in susceptibility to the remaining Cry/Vip proteins.CONCLUSIONSThe obtained results extend the existing knowledge regarding B. thuringiensis pesticidal protein host range and indicate Cry9Ea as a promising candidate for successful biological control of C. pomonella. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of the one‐carbon metabolism on oocyte maturation, fertilization, embryo quality, and subsequent pregnancy
Authors: Akamine Kozue , Mekaru Keiko , Gibo Keiya , Nagata Chinatsu , Nakamura Rie , Oishi Sugiko , Miyagi Maho , Heshiki Chiaki , Aoki Yoichi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeTo investigate impact of the one‐carbon metabolism (OCM) on oocyte maturity and embryo development.MethodsThis prospective study analyzed 18 women who agreed to participate. We measured the OCM biomarkers’ concentrations including Vitamin B12 (VB12), folic acid (FA), and homocysteine (Hcy) in serum and follicular fluid (FF), and assessed their correlation. We also evaluated the influence of such OCM biomarker concentrations in mono‐FF on oocyte maturation, fertilization, embryo quality, and consequent pregnancy after embryo transfers.ResultsAll biomarkers showed a high concentration variability in different follicles of each woman, but their mean levels correlated with the serum levels. Among the 106 collected oocytes, 92 were mature, 59 were fertilized, and 16 yielded good‐quality embryos. We performed 26 single embryo transfers, and 7 patients achieved clinical pregnancies. VB12 concentration (FF) was significantly lower in fertilized than unfertilized oocytes by univariate analysis. In multivariate logistic analysis, a significant correlation was found between FA concentration (FF) <14.25 ng/mL and good‐quality embryos and between Hcy concentration (FF) <4.9 nmol/mL and clinical pregnancy.ConclusionOCM in FF may affect fertilization, embryo quality, and clinical pregnancy.
Development of Enhanced Lightning Protection System for a Wireless Base Station and its Performance Evaluation Using the FDTD Method
Authors: Tsuge Ryosuke , Baba Yoshihiro , Kudo Takeshi 
Published: October 2020

Parallel down conductors, which are connected with a lightning rod at the top and a grounding ring electrode (independent of the grounding electrode for internal equipment in a structure) at the bottom, are sometimes installed outside the structure to be protected. This system was proposed and named Surge Sheltering Perfection System (SSPS). In order to enhance its performance, an insulating layer or wall is installed to a depth of 1 m or so in the ground between the grounding electrode for internal equipment to be protected and the grounding ring electrode for down conductors. In this paper, the performance of this enhanced lightning protection system is examined using the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method, and its effectiveness is shown. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Improving Deep Coverage of 4G Network Based on Massive MIMO Beamforming Used in 5G
Authors: Zeng Tao , Ouyang Enshan 
Published: October 2020

Although 5G era has come, the comprehensive coverage of 5G will take a long time for the vast number of underdeveloped countries and regions. Therefore, it is still significant to improve the depth coverage of 4G network. Massive Multi‐in Multi‐out (MIMO) is an application of 5G key technology in 4G network. In this study, based on the theoretical principle of beamforming, a special beamforming was realized by combining precoding and direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation of sounding reference signal (SRS) in Massive MIMO antenna. Moreover, this beamforming antenna was applied to the existing 4G network. The building of deep coverage between indoor distribution and beamforming antenna was compared. It found that beamforming antenna can gain 6–8 dB beamforming gains and the overage coverage effect is better than indoor distribution. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Tubular Single‐Phase Linear Generator with an Axially Magnetized PM Mover for Free‐Piston Engines
Authors: Sun Ye , Xu Zhaoping , Zhang Qinglin , Lu Jinkang , Liu Liang 
Published: October 2020

A novel tubular single‐phase linear generator with an axially magnetized permanent magnets (PM) mover is proposed in this paper for the application of free‐piston engine, which is an alternative power generation system of next‐generation electric vehicle. The transient 3D with motion electromagnetic field finite element model is created to analyze the EMF and thrust force characteristics of the linear generator. A 1.4 kW prototype with the max stroke of 40 mm and the max thrust force of 1670 N is developed, and main performances of the prototype are tested and validated with the finite element simulation. The prototype generating efficiency of 84 and 91% can be obtained respectively when driving by the 35 and 50 Hz sinusoidal reciprocation motion. Compared with the existed moving coil linear generator with similar generating efficiency, the mass power density and the volumetric power density of the new linear generator increase by about 37 and 80%, respectively. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.