bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐related variation in the trophic characteristics of a marsupial carnivore, the Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii
Authors: Bell Olivia , Jones Menna E. , Ruiz‐Aravena Manuel , Hamede Rodrigo K. , Bearhop Stuart , McDonald Robbie A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAge‐related changes in diet have implications for competitive interactions and for predator–prey dynamics, affecting individuals and groups at different life stages. To quantify patterns of variation and ontogenetic change in the diets of Tasmanian devils Sarcophilus harrisii, a threatened marsupial carnivore, we analyzed variation in the stable isotope composition of whisker tissue samples taken from 91 individual devils from Wilmot, Tasmania from December 2014 to February 2017. Both δ13C and δ15N decreased with increasing age in weaned Tasmanian devils, indicating that as they age devils rely less on small mammals and birds, and more on large herbivores. Devils <12 months old had broader group isotopic niches, as estimated by Bayesian standard ellipses (SEAB mode = 1.042) than devils from 12 to 23 months old (mode = 0.541) and devils ≥24 months old (mode = 0.532). Devils <24 months old had broader individual isotopic niches (SEAB mode range 0.492–1.083) than devils ≥24 months old (mode range 0.092–0.240). A decrease in δ15N from the older whisker sections to the more recently grown sections in devils <24 months old likely reflects the period of weaning in this species, as this pattern was not observed in devils ≥24 months old. Our data reveal changes in the isotopic composition of devil whiskers with increasing age, accompanied by a reduction in isotopic variation both among population age classes and within individuals, reflecting the effect of weaning in early life, and a likely shift from an initially diverse diet of small mammals, birds, and invertebrates towards increasing consumption of larger herbivores in adulthood.
Trophic level and basal resource use of soil animals are hardly affected by local plant associations in abandoned arable land
Authors: Salamon Jörg‐Alfred , Wissuwa Janet , Frank Thomas , Scheu Stefan , Potapov Anton M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPlants provide resources and shape the habitat of soil organisms thereby affecting the composition and functioning of soil communities. Effects of plants on soil communities are largely taxon‐dependent, but how different functional groups of herbaceous plants affect trophic niches of individual animal species in soil needs further investigation. Here, we studied the use of basal resources and trophic levels of dominating soil meso‐ and macrofauna using stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in arable fallow systems 3 and 14–16 years after abandonment. Animals were sampled from the rhizosphere of three plant species of different functional groups: a legume (Medicaco sativa), a nonlegume herb (Taraxacum officinale), and a grass (Bromus sterilis). We found virtually no consistent effects of plant identity on stable isotope composition of soil animals and on thirteen isotopic metrics that reflect general food‐web structure. However, in old fallows, the carbon isotope composition of some predatory macrofauna taxa had shifted closer to that of co‐occurring plants, which was particularly evident forLasius, an aphid‐associated ant genus. Trophic levels and trophic‐chain lengths in food webs were similar across plant species and fallow ages. Overall, the results suggest that variations in local plant diversity of grassland communities may little affect the basal resources and the trophic level of prey consumed by individual species of meso‐ and macrofauna belowground. By contrast, successional changes in grassland communities are associated with shifts in the trophic niches of certain species, reflecting establishment of trophic interactions with time, which shapes the functioning and stability of soil food webs.
Seasonal variations on endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated vasodilation in adults with type 2 diabetes and nondiabetic adults with hypertension and/or dyslipidaemia who perform regular exercise
Authors: Honda Hiroto , Igaki Makoto , Komatsu Motoaki , Tanaka Shin‐ichiro 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionEndothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery often changes seasonally. We aimed to examine the association between the seasonal variation on FMD and regular exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nondiabetic adults with hypertension and/or dyslipidaemia (non‐T2D).MethodsThis retrospective study included 14 T2D and 17 non‐T2D adults, who started to perform moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise for 30‐40 min/d at a hospital gym in 2006‐2010 and maintained exercise performance at least 2 d/wk until the end of the observation period. We observed and analysed the data for 5 years (from March 2011 to February 2016). FMD, cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) and metabolic outcomes were compared among seasons in the T2D and non‐T2D groups.ResultsThe FMD values were lower in winter than in other seasons in both groups (all P < .01). The annual range of FMD was larger by 31% in the T2D group than in the non‐T2D group (P < .05). The systolic blood pressure (BP) values were higher in winter than in other seasons in both groups (all P < .01), and the diastolic BP values were higher in winter than in summer in both groups (T2D: P < .05; non‐T2D: P < .01). CAVI and other outcomes did not change seasonally.ConclusionsFlow‐mediated vasodilation showed seasonal variation in T2D adults, even if they performed exercise regularly for a long period of time. Additionally, we found that the annual range of FMD might increase with the presence of T2D.
Repot: Real‐time and privacy‐preserving online task assignment for mobile crowdsensing
Authors: Xia Yaobo , Zhao Bowen , Tang Shaohua , Wu Hao‐Tian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRecently, the development of Internet of Things and mobile sensor technology has facilitated mobile crowdsensing (MCS) as a popular data collection paradigm. In MCS, requesters publish tasks to the sensing platform, and then the sensing platform assigns tasks to workers who carry mobile sensing devices. In general, the sensing platform matches tasks and workers according to the location and time attributes of tasks and workers. However, most current studies rarely consider location and time attributes, simultaneously. In previous work, it is difficult to achieve real‐time task assignment while protecting worker's location privacy. To tackle the above problem, in this article, we propose a real‐time and privacy‐preserving online task assignment scheme, named Repot. In Repot, the location privacy of workers is protected by using geoindistinguishability. And we design a probabilistic method to quantify the reachability between the obfuscated worker and the task. In addition, the worker‐based distance comparison mechanism and the task‐based distance comparison mechanism are designed to reduce the overall distance of workers in Repot, respectively. The experimental evaluation is performed on a real‐world data set and the results show the feasibility and effectiveness of Repot.
Quality of experience‐driven resource allocation in vehicular cloud long‐term evolution networks
Authors: Wu Guilu , Li Zhengquan , Jiang Huilin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTo improve user experience and allocate reasonably spectrum resources, the quality of experience (QoE) for user is introduced as an indicator to express the user's satisfaction with the service provided. The QoE‐driven resource allocation optimization algorithm for orthogonal frequency‐division multiple is designed to maximize the user's QoE and optimize resource allocation in vehicular cloud (VC) long‐term evolution (LTE) networks. Therein, a novel QoE model which reflects delay, transmission rate, and service price by mean opinion score (MOS) is proposed to identify different services. Furthermore, the characteristics of delay, transmission rate, and service price are also analyzed specifically at different time slots, respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed resource allocation algorithm could achieve a better QoE in the field of user satisfaction and throughput compared with other traditional algorithms, especially when the number of vehicles is greater than 30 or 22, respectively. Meanwhile, the impact of fairness on QoE and throughput are also improved apparently when the number of vehicles is small. In end, the QoE‐mode brings performance improvements on delay, transmission rate, and service price compared with other single X mode.
Rethinking Ethical Categories in the Age of Technology
Authors: Wolpe Paul Root 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOver time, ethical judgments evolve, but so do the phenomena they are applied to. For example, plagiarism is a modern concept. Before the early eighteenth century, works did not generally have references or acknowledgments, and ideas were freely exchanged. As writing became an occupation, copying others' words became “unethical.” As cut and paste, music mash‐up, and other technological forms of exchange make copying the works of others simple, the idea of plagiarism is eroding, and perhaps will eventually even be discarded. The same may be true with privacy. As with plagiarism, it was not really until the eighteenth century that our modern idea of privacy was established. To younger generations, raised on social media, online life is predicated on trading personal information for access. The undermining of former standards of privacy may suggest that privacy may also eventually become an outmoded concept.
Primary care competition and quality of care: Empirical evidence from Medicare
Authors: Brunt Christopher S. , Hendrickson Joshua R. , Bowblis John R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the effects of primary care physician (PCP) practice competition on five distinct quality metrics directly tied to screening, follow‐up care, and prescribing behavior under Medicare Part B and D. Controlling for physician, practice, and area characteristics as well as zip code fixed effects, we find strong evidence that PCP practices in more concentrated areas provide lower quality of care. More specifically, PCPs in more concentrated areas are less likely to perform screening and follow‐up care for high blood pressure, unhealthy bodyweight, and tobacco use. They are also less likely to document current medications. Furthermore, PCPs in more concentrated areas have a higher amount of opioid prescriptions as a fraction of total prescriptions.
Evaluation and analysis of different regression models for estimation of ECe from EC1:5—With a case study from Buin‐Zahra, Iran*
Authors: Hassannia Mehrdad , Nazari Bijan , Kaviani Abbas , Sotoodehnia Abbas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSoil salinity is an important parameter in irrigation, drainage, and environmental studies. Determining the electrical conductivity of soil saturated paste extract (ECe) is a well‐known method, but its use is limited because its production process is time‐consuming and difficult. The 1:5 solution electrical conductivity (EC1:5) is an alternative simplified method. The aim of this study was to evaluate ECe‐from‐EC1:5 conversion models. A total of 123 samples from 3 soil layers were analysed. The research was planned in two phases: 1) model evaluation in soil layers, 2) model evaluation in ECe categorized data. Results show that the linear model was the best model in the second layer (R2 = .66, mean absolute percentage error [MAPE] = 0.058), and the exponential model was the best in the other layers (R2 = .65 to 0.67, MAPE = 0.085 to 0.060). Also, exponential and linear regressions were the best ECe estimation models in the ECe < 4 and ECe > 4 categories, respectively. In addition, the conversion factor (f) for converting ECe and EC1:5 was obtained as 3.7–13.9, 2.8–5.0, and 3.4–5.8 for three soil layers, respectively. Results show that the use of general recommendation tables for f will lead to considerable error, and the factor must be determined specifically for each region.
Quaternary ammonium hydroxide‐functionalized g‐C3N4 catalyst for aerobic hydroxylation of arylboronic acids to phenols
Authors: Muhammad Ibrahim , Mannathan Subramaniyan , Sasidharan Manickam 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA new and efficient metal‐free approach toward the synthesis of phenols via an aerobic hydroxylation of arylboronic acids by using a novel quaternary ammonium hydroxide g‐C3N4 catalyst has been described. The functionalized quaternary ammonium hydroxide (g‐C3N4‐OH) has been prepared from graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) scaffold by converting the residual –NH2 and –NH groups to quaternary methyl ammonium iodide by performing a methylation reaction with methyl iodide followed by ion‐exchange with 0.1 N KOH or anion exchange resin Amberlyst A26 (OH‐ form) by post‐synthetic modification. The resultant g‐C3N4‐OH was characterized by XRD, FTIR, field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, and acid–base titration. Tested as solid‐base catalysts, the g‐C3N4‐OH showed excellent catalytic activity in the aerobic hydroxylation reaction by converting a variety of arylboronic acids to the corresponding phenols in high yields. More importantly, the g‐C3N4‐OH solid‐base has been successfully reused four times with the minor loss of initial catalytic activity (10.5%).
Hydroxyl‐assisted nitrogen‐containing group modified persimmon tannin with enhanced recovery capacity for Mo(VI) in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Ren Fuqiang , Lou Zhenning , Shan Weijun , Wang Yuejiao , Xiong Ying 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPersimmon tannin, extracted from young astringent persimmons, is a cheap waste biomass material. The abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups in persimmon tannin are known to display excellent affinity to Mo(VI). In addition, ligands containing N donor atoms, as brilliant adsorption groups, can strongly interact with Mo(VI) when the groups are protonated under acidic conditions. Therefore, the introduction of nitrogen‐containing groups in persimmon tannin may be an effective method to improve the recovery capacity of biosorbent for Mo(VI) in aqueous solution. In this work, a series of adsorbents were prepared by immobilizing ethylenediamine or methylamine on the surface of persimmon tannin.RESULTSDue to the abundant nitrogen‐containing groups and hydroxyl groups, the ethylenediamine modified persimmon tannin exhibited excellent maximum uptake capacity to Mo(VI) (478.02 mg·g−1), which was superior to that of methylamine modified persimmon tannin. Further, the results of XPS and FT‐IR confirmed that Mo(VI) was adsorbed on the hydroxyl‐assisted nitrogen‐containing group modified persimmon tannin via coordination and electrostatic interaction.CONCLUSIONFurthermore, 99% of Mo(VI) was selectively recovered from coexisting ions by en‐CPT under appropriate acidic conditions (pH 1). Pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model best represented the adsorption process of Mo(VI) onto the en‐CPT. The adsorption equilibrium was achieved in a relatively short time (no more than 1 h). High recovery efficiency and excellent selective adsorption made the en‐CPT an ideal candidate for Mo(VI) recovery in practical applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
An update on cellular and molecular determinants of Parkinson's disease with emphasis on the role of the retromer complex
Authors: Macías‐Calvio Vania , Fuentealba Luz‐María , Marzolo María‐Paz 
Published: July 2020

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative condition. The disease involves the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Among late‐onset, familial forms of Parkinson are cases with mutations in the PARK17 locus encoding the vacuolar protein sorting 35 (Vps35), a subunit of the retromer complex. The retromer complex is composed of a heterotrimeric protein core (Vps26‐Vps35‐Vps29). The best‐known role of retromer is the retrieval of cargoes from endosomes to the Golgi complex or the plasma membrane. However, recent literature indicates that retromer performs roles associated with lysosomal and mitochondrial functions and degradative pathways such as autophagy. A common point mutation affecting the retromer subunit Vps35 is D620N, which has been linked to the alterations in the aforementioned cellular processes as well as with neurodegeneration. Here, we review the main aspects of the malfunction of the retromer complex and its implications for PD pathology. Besides, we highlight several controversies still awaiting clarification.
Novel mapping algorithm during catheter ablation for ventricular parasystole originating from left anterior fascicle
Authors: Kawajiri Kohei , Kitamura Takeshi , Hojo Rintaro , Fukamizu Seiji 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA 17‐year‐old woman presented with frequent palpitations and shortness of breath and was diagnosed with drug‐refractory ventricular parasystole. We predicted that the parasystole originated from the left anterior fascicle (LAF). Detailed activation maps of both conduction systems, including the LAF, during sinus rhythm and ventricular parasystole were obtained using a parallel mapping system. We confirmed the earliest fascicular potential of the parasystole and performed catheter ablation with no complications. This novel mapping algorithm for simultaneous acquisition of multiple maps aided effective treatment of ventricular parasystole originating from the LAF.
The interaction of sediments with the archeological iron remains from the recovery shipwreck of Urbieta (Gernika, North of Spain)
Authors: Estalayo Estefania , Aramendia Julene , Bellot‐Gurlet Ludovic , Garcia Laura , Garcia‐Camino Iñaki , Madariaga Juan Manuel 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCultural heritage often brings to mind elements like sculptures, paintings, monuments, and buildings as well as archeological objects. Today, underwater heritage and its surrounding environment are also considered part of cultural heritage because communities identify themselves with the natural landscape. This study is focused on a shipwreck belonging to the second half of the 15th century that was discovered in 1998 by chance in the sediments of the Urdaibai estuary, in Urbieta (Gernika, Basque Country), at 4 m underground. A scientific study presented in this work was performed, as this archeological site was absolutely out of context and in need of a preservation and conservation procedure. Therefore, our aim was to shed light on the origin of the shipwreck and to assess the conservation state to develop a precise conservation plan. Pursuing this objective, a first analysis on three selected groups of iron nails was performed, looking at the raw materials and degradation patterns through the knowledge of the alteration compounds. By means of nondestructive analytical techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray fluorescence, the presence of iron, zinc, and silicon was detected in the outer layer of the iron samples. The analysis of the nails and wood of the shipwreck confirmed that the presence of zinc in the pieces indicates an important impact of the contaminated sediments deposited in the last 80 years on the upper part of the burial in which the shipwreck was located.
Formulation of a Biodegradable Detergent for Cleaning Oily Residues Generated during Industrial Processes
Authors: Rocha e Silva Nathália Maria P. , Almeida Fabíola Carolina G. , Rocha e Silva Fernanda Cristina P. , Luna Juliana M. , Sarubbo Leonie A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe use of toxic petroleum‐based heavy oils is common in industrial processes. The cleaning of machines, equipment, and other surface covered in these oils is achieved with expensive products that are often also toxic and harmful to both the health of workers and the environment. The present paper proposes the development of a sustainable biodetergent made from plant‐based materials. Tests were performed to determine the properties of the biodetergent in terms of its surfactant and emulsifying capacities, stability, toxicity, and the removal of heavy oil from glass plates and metallic surfaces. The formulation was composed of a natural solvent (cottonseed oil), a plant‐based surfactant agent (saponin), and two natural stabilizers (carboxymethylcellulose and glycerine). The formulation was stable, nontoxic, and highly efficient, removing 100% of the heavy oil from glass and metallic surfaces. This solution developed in this study could be used in diverse industries with the need to clean machines and parts encrusted with oil and grease as well as the cleaning of floors covered with petroleum‐based residues. A preliminary analysis of the economic feasibility of using the detergent was carried out at a Brazilian power plant. Besides the reduction in environmental impact due to the use of a nontoxic, biodegradable product as well as the reduction in health risks to workers associated with toxic cleaning products, this new product can have a considerable impact on the market as an environmentally friendly solution.
Carioca bean starch upon synergic modification: characteristics and films properties
Authors: do Evangelho Jarine A , Biduski Barbara , da Silva Wyller M F , de Mello El Halal Shanise L , Lenhani Gabriela C , Zanella Pinto Vânia , Dias Alvaro R G , da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe use of damaged beans for starch isolation comprises an end‐use alternative for a product that is not accepted by the consumer. For that reason, isolation and modification of Carioca bean starch should be explored and evaluated as a suitable source for biodegradable material. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergism of physical and chemical modifications on Carioca bean starch with respect to improving the properties of biodegradable films. A heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) followed by oxidation by sodium hypochlorite was performed and vice versa.ResultsSynergism was noted in the starch properties compared to the single modification. When the oxidation was applied first, a higher amylose and carbonyl content was noted. HMT, isolated and as a second modification, caused a more pronounced effect on viscosity profile than the oxidized starch, with an increase in paste temperature and a decrease in viscosity, breakdown and final viscosity.ConclusionThe results obtained in the present study reflect a decrease in water vapor permeability, although a higher tensile strength was noted when oxidation was applied, as a single and as a first modification. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry