bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil bacterial community succession during desertification in a desert steppe ecosystem
Authors: Fan Miaochun , Li Jiajia , Tang Zhuangsheng , Shangguan Zhouping 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDesertification often occurs in fragile steppe ecosystems, which may lead to severe soil degradation. Understanding how soil microbial communities respond to desertification is critical for ecological restoration of degraded desert steppes. We used an Ion S5™ XL sequencing platform to explore the soil bacterial community succession across four desertification stages in a desert steppe in Ningxia, China. The results showed that soils from potential to light desertification stage had similar physicochemical properties, whereas significantly lower macronutrients, silt, and clay contents and higher pH, moisture, and sand contents were observed in the severe and very severe stages . Due to change in soil conditions, bacterial communities shifted drastically across the four stages. Variation in bacterial community composition was driven mainly by the deterministic processes (i.e., habitat filtering based on resource availability and space limitations), but their effects decreased toward the very severe desertification stage. More potential indicator species including members of the genera Nitrosomonas, Pirellula, and Methylobacterium were selected to predict very severe desertification relative to the other three stages. These potential indicators could survive in a wide range of habitats with low availability of carbon and nitrogen sources. Co‐occurrence network analysis revealed that most of soil microorganisms might form symbiotic relationships in response to the habitat heterogeneity caused by desertification. In conclusion, as desertification intensified, distinct shifts in soil bacterial communities were driven primarily by the deterministic processes, which provide new insights for the restoration of degraded habitats and sustainable development of land resources.
The green mate appeal: Men's pro‐environmental consumption is an honest signal of commitment to their partner
Authors: Borau Sylvie , Elgaaied‐Gambier Leila , Barbarossa Camilla 
Published: January 2020

AbstractGreen consumption is associated with femininity. This green‐feminine stereotype has been accused of deterring men from buying green products to protect their gender identity. Here, we investigate whether men can benefit from this green‐feminine stereotype, beyond the status effect of green conspicuous consumption. We propose that green consumption can act as a signal of altruism and high commitment both as a partner and as a father. Based on evidence showing that these traits are sought in a long‐term partner, we predict that men can increase their value as long‐term mates by engaging in green consumption. We also investigate whether men involved in a long‐term mating relationship are indeed eco‐friendlier, testing the novel hypothesis that green consumption is an honest signal of commitment. Finally, we specify the type of commitment that is associated with men's green consumption. Across six studies, our findings suggest that green consumption is an honest signal of men's long‐term mating value and that it is a more reliable sign of partner commitment than of father commitment. We discuss how companies and governments can use these findings to increase green consumption among men.
User‐generated content in the era of digital well‐being: A netnographic analysis in a healthcare marketing context
Authors: Cuomo Maria Teresa , Tortora Debora , Giordano Alex , Festa Giuseppe , Metallo Gerardino , Martinelli Erika 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe disruptive strength of digital technologies in healthcare has led to valuable changes in the search for information and the application of these technologies. The introduction of these technologies has altered, sometimes even inverting, the doctor–patient relationship. User‐generated content on social media and online communities represents a form of disruptive cooperation that has huge potential benefits for the future growth of society. Using netnographic analysis of smart patients and data from an online survey of Italian oncologists and health professionals, this paper shows the impact of user‐generated content on the pursuit of personal well‐being. The linkages between new forms of knowledge, business, and innovation are highlighted. Based on an analysis of the emerging concept of systems medicine, this paper focuses on the dimension of participation. A data‐driven approach is adopted, and the data, information, knowledge, and wisdom framework is used to explain how people employ user‐generated content in their pursuit of well‐being. Managerial perspectives and suggestions for future research developments are discussed.
Flavonoid‐Derived Human Phenyl‐γ‐Valerolactone Metabolites Selectively Detoxify Amyloid‐β Oligomers and Prevent Memory Impairment in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Ruotolo Roberta , Minato Ilaria , La Vitola Pietro , Artioli Luisa , Curti Claudio , Franceschi Valentina , Brindani Nicoletta , Amidani Davide , Colombo Laura , Salmona Mario , Forloni Gianluigi , Donofrio Gaetano , Balducci Claudia , Del Rio Daniele , Ottonello Simone 
Published: January 2020

ScopeAmyloid‐β oligomers (AβO) are causally related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Dietary natural compounds, especially flavonoids and flavan‐3‐ols, hold great promise as potential AD‐preventive agents but their host and gut microbiota metabolism complicates identification of the most relevant bioactive species. This study aims to investigate the ability of a comprehensive set of phenyl‐γ‐valerolactones (PVL), the main circulating metabolites of flavan‐3‐ols and related dietary compounds in humans, to prevent AβO‐mediated toxicity.Methods and resultsThe anti‐AβO activity of PVLs is examined in different cell model systems using a highly toxic β‐oligomer‐forming polypeptide (β23) as target toxicant. Multiple PVLs, and particularly the monohydroxylated 5‐(4′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐γ‐valerolactone metabolite [(4′‐OH)‐PVL], relieve β‐oligomer‐induced cytotoxicity in yeast and mammalian cells. As revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and other in vitro assays, (4′‐OH)‐PVL interferes with AβO (but not fibril) assembly and actively remodels preformed AβOs into nontoxic amorphous aggregates. In keeping with the latter mode of action, treatment of AβOs with (4′‐OH)‐PVL prior to brain injection strongly reduces memory deterioration as well as neuroinflammation in a mouse model of AβO‐induced memory impairment.ConclusionPVLs, which have been validated as biomarkers of the dietary intake of flavan‐3‐ols, lend themselves as novel AβO‐selective, candidate AD‐preventing compounds.
Compact broadband printed quasi‐Yagi antenna with series‐fed double monopole
Authors: Chaudhari Amar D. , Ray K. P. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, a new configuration of a low profile, broadband printed quasi‐Yagi antenna with two directly fed monopoles has been proposed. The property of a printed monopole antenna with a simple microstrip feed‐line has been used to simplify feeding structure of the printed quasi‐Yagi antenna. A broad bandwidth is achieved by cascading another monopole element of different lengths in a series to obtain two nearby resonances. The proposed antenna consists of two driven monopoles on one side of the dielectric substrate, whereas, on the other side, a reflector and a director are realized as parasitic monopole elements, directly on the ground plane. The measured impedance bandwidth of 70.2% (1.46‐3.05 GHz) with stable gain ranging from 4.7 to 5.3 dBi in the entire bandwidth has been achieved. The antenna has the front‐to‐back ratio better than 10 dB and cross‐polarization level below −20 dB in the direction of maximum radiation over the entire bandwidth. The simulated performance of the antenna has been experimentally verified with good agreement.
Low‐loss frequency selective surface for multi‐band THz transmission measurement
Authors: Yang Xiaofan , Zeng Yonghu , Liu Xiaoming , Zhou Jun , Gan Lu , Chen Hao , Yu Junsheng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFrequency selective surface is a key component in a quasi‐optical system enabling multi‐band operation. This work presents the design, fabrication and measurement of a low‐loss frequency selective surface in a quasi‐optical system for terahertz transmission measurement to separate 220 to 260 GHz and 325 to 340 GHz bands. High‐precision milling technique was employed for fabrication. The measurement was conducted using a terahertz time domain spectroscopy and a home‐made quasi‐optical test bench. Good agreement was achieved between the measured results and simulated ones. The design and measurement methods can be applied to frequency selective surfaces working in other millimeter wave bands.
What is the form of muscimol from fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria) in water? An insight from NMR experiment supported by molecular modeling
Authors: Kupka Teobald , Broda Małgorzata A. , Wieczorek Piotr P. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe biologically active alkaloid muscimol is present in fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria), and its structure and action is related to human neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). The current study reports on determination of muscimol form present in water solution using multinuclear 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments supported by density functional theory molecular modeling. The structures of three forms of free muscimol molecule both in the gas phase and in the presence of water solvent, modeled by polarized continuous model, and nuclear magnetic isotropic shieldings, the corresponding chemical shifts, and indirect spin–spin coupling constants were calculated. Several J‐couplings observed in proton and carbon NMR spectra, not available before, are reported. The obtained experimental spectra, supported by theoretical calculations, favor the zwitterion form of muscimol in water. This structure differs from NH isomer, previously determined in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution. In addition, positions of signals C3 and C5 are reversed in both solvents.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Phosphorus Containing Sulfonated Polytriazoles for Proton Exchange Membrane Application
Authors: Ghorai Arijit , Mandal Arun Kumar , Banerjee Susanta 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTSulfonated polytriazoles have drawn a great attention as high performance polymers and their good film forming ability. In the present study, a phosphorus containing new diazide monomer namely, bis‐[4‐(4′‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]phenylphosphine was synthesized and accordingly, a series of phosphorus containing sulfonated polytriazoles (PTPBSH‐XX) was synthesized by reacting equimolar amount of this diazide monomer (PAZ) in combination with another sulfonated diazide monomer (DSAZ) and a terminal bis‐alkyne (BPALK) by the Cu (I) catalyzed azide–alkyne click polymerization. The polymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, 31P NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. The sulfonic acid content of the copolymers also determined from the different integral values obtained from the 1H NMR signals. The small‐angle X‐ray scattering results unfolded the well‐separated dispersion of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains of the polymers. As a whole, the copolymer membranes displayed sufficient thermal, mechanical, and oxidative stabilities high with high proton conductivity and low water uptake that are essential for proton exchange membrane applications. The copolymers exhibited oxidative stability in the range of 15–24 h and had proton conductivity values were found as high as 38–110 mS cm−1 at 80 °C in completely hydrated condition. Among the all copolytriazoles, PTPBSH‐90 (BPALK:DSAZ:PAZ = 100:90:10) having IECW = 2.44 mequiv g−1, showed proton conductivity as high as 119 mS cm−1 at 90 °C with an activation energy of 10.40 kJ mol−1 for the proton conduction. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 263–279
Aerobic capacity is associated with disease activity and cardiovascular risk factors in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ångström Lars , Hörnberg Kristina , Sundström Björn , Jonsson Solveig Wållberg , Södergren Anna 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate aerobic capacity and its associations with disease activity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 67 patients with early RA. Aerobic capacity was estimated with the Åstrand submaximal test adjusted according to the Nord‐Tröndelag Health Study formula. The following were also assessed: subclinical atherosclerosis by carotid intima‐media thickness and pulse wave analysis; body composition by dual X‐ray absorptiometry; estimated CVD mortality risk by the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation; disease activity by the Disease Activity Score 28, C‐reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate; blood lipids by total cholesterol, low‐density lipoproteins, high‐density lipoproteins, and triglycerides; and functional ability by the Stanford health assessment questionnaire. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between variables.ResultsThe mean (SD) aerobic capacity was 31.6 (8.7) ml O2−1 kg min−1. Disease activity and risk factors for CVD were more favourable for patients with aerobic capacity above the median value. Aerobic capacity was associated with ESR and several CVD risk factors, independent of age and sex. In a multiple regression model that was adjusted for age and sex, aerobic capacity was significantly associated with per cent body fat (β = −0.502, 95% CI [−0.671, −0.333]) and triglycerides (β = −2.365, 95% CI [−4.252, −0.479]).ConclusionsDisease activity and risk factors for CVD were in favour for patients with a higher aerobic capacity. Aerobic capacity was associated with disease activity and several risk factors for CVD, independent of age and sex. In RA, these findings may provide insights into the benefits of using aerobic capacity as a marker to prevent CVD.
Trap or opportunity—What role does geography play in the use of cash for childcare?
Authors: Magnusson Turner Lena , Östh John 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAfter a heated debate, the Norwegian parliament voted for the introduction of Cash‐for‐Care (CFC) in 1997, a programme designed to give parents more opportunities to plan childcare. The pro‐CFC faction claimed that the reform would give parents more time with their children, whereas CFC opponents pointed to the increased risks of creating gender traps and discouraging women from returning to work. Earlier studies have suggested that the socio‐economic dimensions are important for understanding the use of CFC. However, the role of geography in the implementation of CFC has not been studied, though it is well‐known that the residential context is important to understand how parents choose to organize childcare. Our study is designed to examine the use of CFC in order to determine how much can be attributed to socio‐economic factors and how much can be attributed to geography. We focus on mothers who gave birth to their first child in 2009 and follow their life course through 2011. We use a unique and comprehensive longitudinal data set with annual economic, demographic, and geographical information that includes all mothers residing in Norway during the study period. We find that the use of CFC is strongly correlated with several socio‐economic variables and that there are also strong geographical factors, local and regional, affecting the choice to use CFC.
Steel column stability and implications in the seismic assessment of steel structures according to Eurocode 8 Part 3
Authors: Lignos Dimitrios G. , Hartloper Alexander R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSeismic performance assessment of new and existing steel structures based on nonlinear static (pushover) analysis necessitates the use of engineering‐oriented models that trace the nonlinear response of structural steel elements under static and cyclic loading. Recent experiments and corroborating finite element simulations on I‐ and H‐shaped steel columns constitute an important data source for such a development. This paper presents important insights regarding the behaviour of steel columns under cyclic and monotonic loading based on an assembled steel column database. We propose simple, yet accurate, practice‐oriented models to predict the strength and deformation capacities at yield and ultimate rotation (near collapse) of steel columns within the framework of Eurocode 8 Part 3 (EC8‐Part 3). The proposed models are derived from first principles of mechanics along with robust statistical approaches leveraging the assembled datasets. It is shown that modelling provisions for steel columns in the current EC8 Part 3 do not reflect column behavioural trends from the available databases. The influence of loading history on the derived modelling recommendations for columns is also quantified and discussed. The proposed recommendations may be incorporated in future versions of EC8‐Part 3 for seismic performance assessment of new and existing steel structures.
Investigation on the Explosion and Combustion of Various Carbon–Starch Blended Dust
Authors: Wang YaChao , Tang Gongfan , Zhao JiangPing , Han Yujiu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe effect of different carbon allotropes on the explosion and combustion of potato‐starch dust is preliminarily investigated by modified Hartmann tube and cone calorimeter (CC), using expandable graphite (EG), naturally flaky graphite, vermicular graphite, and carbon black as the dust suppressants, respectively. The results show that the maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) decreases from 0.66 to 0.39 MPa and the peak heat release rate reduces from 31.45 to13.64 kW·m−2 for the EG‐starch blended dust, due to the physically shielding effect of the fluffy and charring layer. It clarifies that the combustion of starch is mainly governed by Zhuralev–Lesokin–Tempelman 3D diffusion calculated by the modified Coats–Redfern integral method; the carbonaceous materials block the pyrolysis and migration of volatiles, leading to a decrease in DTGmax. It establishes a comprehensive method to evaluate the explosion and combustion of organic combustible dust, combining the CC with combustion kinetics effectively.
Effects of Controlled Far‐Infrared Treatment on Granular Swelling and Rheological Properties of Crop Starches
Authors: Guo Baozhong , Wu Jianyong , Hu Xiuting , Luo Shunjing , Wang Haoqiang , Xu Shunqian , Huang Zhaohua , Liu Chengmei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRheological properties of starch‐based foods influence their processability, mouthfeel, and shelf life and are considered to be primarily related to granular swelling of starches. In this work, four major crop starches (rice, maize, wheat, and potato) are treated by controlled far‐infrared ray (FIR) treatment to investigate the changes and correlations of swelling and rheological properties. The granular swelling of all starches is obviously decreased by FIR treatment. However, the changes in rheological properties by FIR treatment depend on sources of starches. FIR decreases the critical strain, flow point, and K value of rice and wheat starch gels, but increases those of potato starch gel. Moreover, the KG′ and in‐shear structural recovery of potato starch gel are decreased by FIR, while those of rice and wheat starch gels are increased. Therefore, the rheological properties of crop starches are not determined by granular swelling. Nevertheless, the FIR still can be an effective physical treatment for starch modification.
Robustness assessment of planar steel frames caused by failure of a side column under localized fire
Authors: Jiang Binhui , Wang Mengjie , Shen Yongjiang , Li Yaozhuang 
Published: January 2020

SummaryProgressive collapse of a building structure under fire is a disaster that may cause heavy casualties and serious economic loss. However, there is a lack of codified method to assess fire‐induced progressive collapse of building structures. A global–local analysis method (GLAM) has recently been proposed by the authors and their colleagues to assess progressive collapse of steel buildings under localized fire, and its application on fire scenarios that causes one inner column to fail has been verified. This paper extends the application of GLAM to fire scenarios that causes a side column to fail in a planar steel frame. The predictions of the GLAM were validated against the results obtained from nonlinear dynamic analysis of the whole frame model. Besides, effects of location of the heated column at different storeys and load level of the frame were also studied. The results show that GLAM gives the same collapse predictions to the case studies with detailed nonlinear dynamic analysis. The differences between the critical load obtained from GLAM and that provided by the nonlinear dynamic analysis is within 7%. Therefore, GLAM has good applicability on robustness assessment of planar steel frames caused by failure of a side column under localized fire.
Recovery of T‐cell function in healthy dogs following cessation of oral cyclosporine administration
Authors: Narayanan Lakshmi , Mulligan Charlee , Durso Lisa , Thames Brittany , Thomason John , Fellman Claire , Mackin Andrew , Wills Robert , Archer Todd 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent used to treat immune‐mediated disorders in dogs. Secondary infections sometimes necessitate withdrawal of cyclosporine, but it is not known how long it takes for the immune system to recover after cessation of cyclosporine. Our goal was to utilize a validated RT‐qPCR assay in dogs to assess recovery time of the T‐cell cytokines IL‐2 and IFN‐γ after discontinuation of cyclosporine. Six healthy dogs were given oral cyclosporine (10 mg/kg every 12 hr) for 1 week, with samples collected for measurement of cytokine gene expression prior to treatment, and on the last day of therapy. Cyclosporine was then discontinued, and samples were collected daily for an additional 7 days. Results revealed that there was a significant difference in cytokine expression when comparing pre‐treatment and immediate post‐treatment values, corresponding to marked suppression of T‐cell function. There was no significant difference between pre‐treatment values for either cytokine when compared with any day during the recovery period. Cytokine expression, evaluated as a percentage of pre‐treatment baseline samples, demonstrated progressing return of T‐cell function after drug cessation, with full recovery seen in all dogs by Day 4 of the recovery period.
Automated classification of simulated wind field patterns from multiphysics ensemble forecasts
Authors: Durán Pablo , Basu Sukanta , Meißner Cathérine , Adaramola Muyiwa S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, we have proposed an automated classification approach to identify meaningful patterns in wind field data. Utilizing an extensive simulated wind database, we have demonstrated that the proposed approach can identify low‐level jets, near‐uniform profiles, and other patterns in a reliable manner. We have studied the dependence of these wind profile patterns on locations (eg, offshore vs onshore), seasons, and diurnal cycles. Furthermore, we have found that the probability distributions of some of the patterns depend on the underlying planetary boundary layer schemes in a significant way. The future potential of the proposed approach in wind resource assessment and, more generally, in mesoscale model parameterization improvement is touched upon in this paper.