bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herbivores stimulate respiration from labile and recalcitrant soil carbon pools in grasslands of Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Chen Ji , Frank Douglas A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractQuantifying the effects of grazing on soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition is of crucial importance for understanding soil C dynamics. However, less attention has been paid to the pool‐specific SOC decomposition and the underlying factors associated with each C pool, representing critical knowledge gaps on soil C dynamics. In this study, we applied a state‐of‐the‐art Bayesian data assimilation technique to re‐analyze previous soil incubation data to examine how herbivores influenced the fraction and cumulative respiration of labile and recalcitrant soil C pools from seven edaphically diverse sites in Yellowstone National Park, whereas those variables were not explored in the earlier study. Our results showed that grazing significantly increased cumulative respiration from both labile and recalcitrant C pools. Greater cumulative respiration from the labile C pool was related to grazers increasing labile C pool fractions, while higher cumulative respiration from the recalcitrant C pool was associated with grazers accelerating the decomposition rate of the recalcitrant C pool. Cumulative respiration from both labile and recalcitrant C pools was positively correlated with shoot biomass, soil gravimetric moisture, and soil C and nitrogen content. Our results underscore how knowledge of pool‐specific SOC decomposition can provide a better mechanistic understanding of soil C dynamics along topo‐edaphic gradients in grazed grassland.
Analysis of lubricating performance for involute spur gear under vibration
Authors: Jian Guangxiao , Wang Youqiang , Zhang Ping , Xie Yinong , Zhao Jingjing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn order to investigate the dynamic characteristics of an oil film under vibration, the dynamic model of an involute gear system was established based on the dynamics theory. The vibration and lubrication characteristics of the gear system were analysed in detail. Furthermore, based on the numerical solution of lubrication, a model of oil film stiffness was established. The dynamic characteristics of the oil film were verified by calculating the oil film stiffness. It was found that both oil film pressure and thickness manifested certain dynamic characteristics under vibration. Moreover, the intensities of oscillation amplitude and frequency were different under different loads and rotating speeds. The oil film stiffness gradually decreased and increased, respectively, with the increasing rotating speed and load. Therefore, for a heavy‐duty high‐speed gear system, the coupling effect of vibration and lubrication should be considered.
Haploinsufficiency of the Primary Familial Brain Calcification Gene SLC20A2 Mediated by Disruption of a Regulatory Element
Authors: Cassinari Kévin , Rovelet‐Lecrux Anne , Tury Sandrine , Quenez Olivier , Richard Anne‐Claire , Charbonnier Camille , Olaso Robert , Boland Anne , Deleuze Jean‐François , Besancenot Jean‐François , Delpont Benoit , Pouliquen Dorothée , Lecoquierre François , Chambon Pascal , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Campion Dominique , Frebourg Thierry , Battini Jean‐Luc , Nicolas Gaël 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivePrimary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is a rare cerebral microvascular calcifying disorder with diverse neuropsychiatric expression. Five genes were reported as PFBC causative when carrying pathogenic variants. Haploinsufficiency of SLC20A2, which encodes an inorganic phosphate importer, is a major cause of autosomal‐dominant PFBC. However, PFBC remains genetically unexplained in a proportion of patients, suggesting the existence of additional genes or cryptic mutations. We analyzed exome sequencing data of 71 unrelated, genetically unexplained PFBC patients with the aim to detect copy number variations that may disrupt the expression of core PFBC‐causing genes.MethodsAfter the identification of a deletion upstream of SLC20A2, we assessed its consequences on gene function by reverse transcriptase droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (RT‐ddPCR), an ex vivo inorganic phosphate uptake assay, and introduced the deletion of a putative SLC20A2 enhancer mapping to this region in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) ‐ CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9).ResultsThe 8p11.21 deletion, segregating with PFBC in a family, mapped 35 kb upstream of SLC20A2. The deletion carriers/normal controls ratio of relative SLC20A2 mRNA levels was 60.2% (P < 0.001). This was comparable with that of patients carrying an SLC20A2 premature stop codon (63.4%; P < 0.001). The proband exhibited a 39.3% decrease of inorganic phosphate uptake in blood (P = 0.015). In HEK293 cells, we observed a 39.8% decrease in relative SLC20A2 mRNA levels after normalization on DNA copy number (P < 0.001).DiscussionWe identified a deletion of an enhancer of SLC20A2 expression, with carriers showing haploinsufficiency in similar ranges to loss‐of‐function alleles, and we observed reduced mRNA levels after deleting this element in a cellular model. We propose a 3‐step strategy to identify and easily assess the effect of such events. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Prenatal High‐Salt Diet–Induced Metabolic Disorders via Decreasing Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1α in Adult Male Rat Offspring
Authors: Liu Yanping , Yang Chunli , Feng Xueqin , Qi Linglu , Guo Jun , Zhu Dan , Thai Phung N. , Zhang Yingying , Zhang Pengjie , Sun Miao , Lv Juanxiu , Zhang Lubo , Xu Zhice , Lu Xiyuan 
Published: June 2020

ScopeAlthough prenatal high‐salt (HS) intake leads to physiological complications in the offspring, little is known regarding its effects on the offspring's glucose metabolism. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to determine the consequences of prenatal HS diet on the offspring's metabolism and to test a potential therapy.Methods and ResultsPregnant rats are fed either a normal‐salt (1% NaCl) or high‐salt (8% NaCl) diet during the whole pregnancy. Experiments are conducted in five‐month‐old male offspring. It is found that the prenatal HS diet reduced the glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity of the offspring. Additionally, there is down‐regulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (Ppargc1a/PPARGC1A) at the transcript and protein level, which leads to decreased mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative respiration in skeletal muscle. Moreover, the down‐regulation of Ppargc1a is accompanied by decreases in the expression of glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4). With endurance exercise training, these changes are mitigated, which ultimately resulted in improved insulin resistance.ConclusionThese findings suggest that prenatal HS intake induces metabolic disorders via the decreased expression of Ppargc1a in the skeletal muscle of adult offspring, providing novel information concerning the mechanisms and early prevention of metabolic diseases of fetal origins.
Compact long‐term evolution antenna for automotive mobile communications
Authors: Liu Guifeng , Du Biao , He Yingran , Wu Yang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis letter presents a compact long‐term evolution antenna, which is capable of covering 698 to 960 MHz and 1710 to 2690 MHz bands simultaneously for automotive mobile communications. Taking performance and aesthetic appeal into account, the antenna is placed in a shark fin plastic shell, which is mounted on the roof of the vehicle. The proposed antenna is mainly composed of a feeding monopole, a grounded strip, a parasitic strip, and a parasitic patch. The lower band is covered by the quarter‐wavelength resonant modes of the feeding monopole and grounded strip. The higher band is originally generated by the high order modes of the feeding monopole and grounded strip, and further widened by the quarter wavelength resonant modes of two parasitic structures. The utilization of some miniaturization techniques, such as parasitic radiating elements, loading substrate, and meandering radiating elements, enables the proposed antenna to achieve a compact structure. Therefore, the proposed antenna only occupies a compact volume of 29 mm × 15 mm × 57 mm. It is worth noting that the proposed antenna achieves two widebands without additional matching network. Besides, the proposed antenna has omnidirectional radiation patterns in the azimuthal plane for the working bands.
A full duplex ultrawideband over free‐space optics architecture based on polarization multiplexing and wavelength reuse
Authors: Mirza Jawad , Ghafoor Salman , Hussain Ashiq 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis article demonstrates the integration of fiber optics with free space optics for the transmission of ultrawideband signals at a data rate of 2 Gbps. The fiber‐based components enable all‐optical generation of ultrawideband signals. The free space optical link allows bandwidth flexibility along with reduced installation costs. The proposed architecture employs polarization multiplexing and carrier reuse in order to make the radio access units simple and cost‐efficient. The free space optical link is modeled using the log‐normal (LN) channel model. Bit‐error‐rate (BER) measurements demonstrate that the proposed link is suitable for the transmission of high throughput ultrawideband signals.
Early embryo‐maternal communication in the oviduct: A review
Authors: Kölle Sabine , Hughes Barbara , Steele Heather 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAn intact embryo‐maternal communication is critical for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. To date, a huge number of studies have been performed describing the complex process of embryo‐maternal signaling within the uterus. However, recent studies indicate that the early embryo communicates with the oviductal cells shortly after fertilizationand that this is important for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Only if the early embryo is capable to signal the mother within a precise timeframe and to garner a response, will the embryo be able to survive and reach the uterus. This review will give an overview of all the experimental designs which have investigated embryo‐maternal interaction in the oviduct. In addition to that, it will provide a comprehensive analysis of the findings to date elucidating the morphological and molecular changes in the oviduct which are induced by the presence of the early embryo highlighting how the tubal responses affect embryo development and survival.
Advancing machine learning for MR image reconstruction with an open competition: Overview of the 2019 fastMRI challenge
Authors: Knoll Florian , Murrell Tullie , Sriram Anuroop , Yakubova Nafissa , Zbontar Jure , Rabbat Michael , Defazio Aaron , Muckley Matthew J. , Sodickson Daniel K. , Zitnick C. Lawrence , Recht Michael P. 
Published: June 2020

PurposeTo advance research in the field of machine learning for MR image reconstruction with an open challenge.MethodsWe provided participants with a dataset of raw k‐space data from 1,594 consecutive clinical exams of the knee. The goal of the challenge was to reconstruct images from these data. In order to strike a balance between realistic data and a shallow learning curve for those not already familiar with MR image reconstruction, we ran multiple tracks for multi‐coil and single‐coil data. We performed a two‐stage evaluation based on quantitative image metrics followed by evaluation by a panel of radiologists. The challenge ran from June to December of 2019.ResultsWe received a total of 33 challenge submissions. All participants chose to submit results from supervised machine learning approaches.ConclusionsThe challenge led to new developments in machine learning for image reconstruction, provided insight into the current state of the art in the field, and highlighted remaining hurdles for clinical adoption.
A nonlocal lattice particle model for J2 plasticity
Authors: Wei Haoyang , Chen Hailong , Liu Yongming 
Published: June 2020

SummaryIn virtue of their intrinsic integro‐differential formulation of underlying physical behavior of materials, discontinuous computational methods are more beneficial over continuum‐mechanics‐based approaches for materials failure modeling and simulation. However, application of most discontinuous methods is limited to elastic/brittle materials, which is partially due to their formulations are based on force and displacement rather than stress and strain measures as are the cases for continuous approaches. In this article, we formulate a nonlocal maximum distortion energy criterion in the framework of a lattice particle model for modeling of elastoplastic materials. Similar to the maximum distortion energy criterion in continuum mechanics, the basic idea is to decompose the energy of a discrete material point into dilatational and distortional components, and plastic yielding of bonds associated with this material point is assumed to occur only when the distortional component reaches a critical value. However, the formulated yield criterion is nonlocal since the energy of a material point depends on the deformation of all the bonds associated with this material point. Formulation of equivalent strain hardening rules for the nonlocal yield model was also developed. Compared to theoretical and numerical solutions of several benchmark problems, the proposed formulation can accurately predict both the stress‐strain curves and the deformation fields under monotonic loading and cyclic loading with different strain hardening cases.
Multifidelity adaptive kriging metamodel based on discretization error bounds
Authors: Mell L. , Rey V. , Schoefs F. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThis article presents an approach to build a multifidelity kriging metamodel from finite element computations on different meshes for stuctural reliability assessment. The proposed method takes advantage of the computation of bounds on the discretization error, which enables to guarantee the state (safe or failure) of each computation of the performance function. An algorithm to build the metamodel from the different levels of fidelity and estimate the failure probability is provided. Illustrations are presented on a two dimensional mechanical crack opening problem. Bounds on the failure probability are also post‐processed.
Spirituality among family caregivers of cancer patients: The Spiritual Perspective Scale
Authors: La In Seo , Johantgen Meg , Storr Carla L. , Cagle John G. , Zhu Shijun , Ross Alyson 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSpirituality is a critical resource for family caregivers of patients with cancer. However, studies on spirituality are hampered because measures of spirituality lack consistency and have not been validated in cancer caregivers. This study examined the validity of the Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS) among cancer caregivers and explored whether measurement bias may influence differences in spirituality across caregiver and patient characteristics. In this secondary analysis, 124 caregivers of cancer patients were used to evaluate the validity of the 10‐item SPS. A multiple indicators multiple causes model was applied to explore differences in the association between a latent spirituality factor and characteristics of caregivers and patients. Overall reliability of the SPS was adequate (Cronbach's α = .95). The SPS scores were predictive of higher meaning and purpose (r = .32, p = .004) and lower depression (r = −.22, p = .046) at 3‐month follow‐up. Construct validity of the SPS with a single‐factor structure was supported in cancer caregivers. Adjusting for a direct effect of race did not alter the pattern of results, and caregivers who were older, female, ethnic minorities, less‐educated, affiliated with a religion, and who provided care to another individual in addition to the patient had greater levels of spirituality. This study provides evidence for psychometric validation of the SPS in cancer caregivers. Understanding differences in caregivers’ spirituality by using the SPS with psychometrically acceptable properties and minimal measurement bias deserves more attention to optimize spirituality assessment and support in cancer caregiving.
Tensile properties of glass fiber‐reinforced polyester composites at extreme cold temperatures
Authors: Ahmed Saad R. , Khanna Sanjeev 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGlass fiber‐reinforced polymers are widely used in structural systems as load‐bearing elements at both high and low temperatures. This investigation presents the evaluation of glass fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester under quasi‐static tension loading at extremely cold temperatures. This work includes the preparation of polyester resin sheets and E‐glass fiber cloth reinforced polyester composite to determine the tensile properties and failure modes over a range of high to very cold temperatures over 60°C to −80°C. The results show that fiber reinforced polyester has higher strength at all temperatures compared to the unreinforced polyester matrix. The reinforced specimens exhibit a more uniform brittle trend at temperatures below room temperature (RT) and a reasonable ductility at and above RT. Tensile properties of the unreinforced material were found to degrade above RT. The composite has the highest strength at the lowest temperature of −80°C. Both monolithic and reinforced polyester are brittle in nature at temperatures below RT, though reinforced composites show slight ductility.
Development of hierarchical surface roughness on porous poly (vinylidene fluoride) membrane for membrane distillation process
Authors: Rabiei Sima , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Paterson Anthony H.J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe surface hydrophobicity of a poly (vinylidene fluoride) membrane was increased through the phase separation of polycarbonate (PC) solution on the membrane surface. A variety of characterization techniques including surface contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy, liquid entry pressure measurement, atomic force microscopy, porosity measurement, pore size measurement, and attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to investigate the membrane surface modification. According to the results, the formation of PC deposits on the membrane surface provided hierarchical structures consisting of micro and nanoscale roughness which enhanced the surface hydrophobicity. Direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) experiments, in which an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (3.5 wt%) resembling the seawater was used as feed, were carried out to assess the performance of membranes. This surface modification technique led to the improved pore wetting resistance of the coated membrane in DCMD application. This novel method is believed to have a great potential to apply on a wide variety of membranes for MD application.
Curing behavior, thermal, and mechanical properties of epoxy/polyamic acid based on 4,4′‐biphtalic dianhydride and 3,3′‐dihydroxybenzidine
Authors: Amini Majd Armin , Mortezaei Mehrzad , Amiri Amraei Iraj 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDifferent synthesis routes were studied to obtain 4,4′‐biphtalic dianhydride/3,3′‐dihydroxybenzidine polyimide precursors (polyamic acids [PAAs]) with different inherent viscosities (IVs) and imidization degrees. The synthesized PAAs were introduced as a thermoplastic modifier into an epoxy (EP) resin. Different loadings of PAA were used to investigate the curing behavior, heat resistance, and mechanical properties. The onset curing temperature of the EP by adding 20 wt% PAA diminished by around 15°C. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the initial and 10 wt% weight loss temperature for EP with 5 wt% PAA improved by 13°C and 7.7%, respectively. Further, the results of tensile and plane‐strain fracture toughness tests indicated that as the amount of PAA increased, the strength and toughness of EP decreased. These improvements were due to the high heat resistance and mechanical properties of PI precursor introduced into the EP, which formed a three‐dimensional structure together. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the system experienced a reduction; however, after adding 2 phr nanosilica to the system containing PAA with average IV and imidization degree, ILSS showed 4.4% increment.
Proteomimetic zinc finger domains with modified metal‐binding β‐turns
Authors: Rao Shilpa R. , Horne W. Seth 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe mimicry of protein tertiary folds by chains artificial in backbone chemical composition leads to proteomimetic analogues with potential utility as bioactive agents and as tools, to shed light on biomacromolecule behavior. Notable successes toward such molecules have been achieved; however, as protein structural diversity is vast, design principles must be continually honed as they are applied to new prototype folding patterns. One specific structure where a gap remains in understanding how to effectively generate modified backbone analogues is the metal‐binding β‐turn found in zinc finger domains. The literature precedent suggests several factors that may act in concert, including the artificial moiety used to modify the turn, the sequence in which it is applied, and modifications present elsewhere in the domain. Here, we report efforts to gain insights into these issues and leverage these insights to construct a zinc finger mimetic with backbone modifications throughout its constituent secondary structures. We first conduct a systematic comparison of four turn mimetics in a common host sequence, quantifying relative efficacy for use in a metal‐binding context. We go on to construct a proteomimetic zinc finger domain in which the helix, strands, and turn are simultaneously modified, resulting in a variant with 23% artificial residues, a tertiary fold indistinguishable from the prototype, and a folded stability comparable to the natural backbone on which the variant is based. Collectively, the results reported provide new insights into the effects of backbone modification on the structure and stability of metal‐binding domains and help inform the design of metalloprotein mimetics.
Polystyrene latex particles bearing primary amine groups via soap‐free emulsion polymerization
Authors: Marmey Pascal , Lebaz Noureddine , Eissa Mohamed , Delair Thierry , Elaissari Abdelhamid 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPolystyrene latexes were prepared in the presence of an amino‐containing functional comonomer, N‐(3‐aminopropyl)methacrylamide hydrochloride (APMH), via soap‐free batch emulsion polymerization initiated by the cationic initiator 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride. These latexes were characterized by studying the influence of the ionic comonomers on the polymerization kinetics, particle size, surface charge density and colloidal properties. The synthesized latexes were monodisperse with a final size between 100 and 600 nm depending on the APMH concentration. The initial polymerization rate and the particle number increased in accordance with the Smith–Ewart theory for soap‐free styrene emulsion polymerization with a hydrophilic functional comonomer. The final functionalization rate of the particles has been particularly studied with the intention of fitting the prepared latexes to be used in the immobilization of biological molecules for biological sample preparation and diagnostic applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry