bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rockhopper Penguin–Imperial Cormorant mixed colonies in the Falkland Islands: a stroke of luck for late breeders
Authors: Morandini Virginia , Dugger Katie M. , Ainley David , Ferrer Miguel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMixed‐species colonies occur frequently, especially among seabirds, and may provide mutual benefits among associated species including antipredator advantages. The “protector” species in such associations may provide early warning signals or by aggressively defending their own nests, may expel predators from the area. We explored costs and benefits to Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) in relation to offspring production in both monospecific colonies and those mixed with Imperial Cormorants (Phalacrocorax atriceps) at Saunders Island (Falkland Islands), emphasizing differences in predation pressure. We considered behavioral responses of chicks (in crèches), as well as differences in their nutritional condition, morphometric measurements, and survival compared among different breeding colonies. Our study revealed a paradox: High‐quality adult penguins, those arriving early and occupying lower‐elevation sites closer to the coast, produced better‐nourished chicks earlier in the season. However, they averaged half the number of chicks fledged, compared to breeders that arrived later in the season. Late breeders were forced by unavailability of optimal habitat to nest in more elevated areas, forming mixed colonies with cormorants, which, in turn, provided them with protection from nest predators. This study provides an example of the role of luck in nature, and how it may compensate for differences in individual fitness.
Species- and Tissue-Specific Avian Chronic Toxicity Values for Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and a Binary Mixture of PFOS and Perfluorohexane Sulfonate
Authors: Dennis Nicole M. , Subbiah Seenivasan , Karnjanapiboonwong Adcharee , Dennis Michael L. , McCarthy Chris , Salice Christopher J. , Anderson Todd A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
To further characterize avian toxicity to environmental levels of select per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), we established species- and tissue-specific PFAS chronic toxicity values (CTVs) associated with a lowest-observable–adverse effect level (LOAEL) threshold previously established for northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) chronically orally exposed via drinking water to either perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or a simple PFAS mixture. Aided by advances in analytical techniques, the novel avian oral PFAS CTVs reported in the present study are lower than the previously reported toxicity reference values (TRVs) estimated for birds chronically exposed via feed. Thus, current avian PFOS TRVs may not be fully protective of wild avian populations at PFAS-impacted sites. Also, likely due to differences in bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and toxicokinetics among individual PFAS between oral exposure types, we found higher bioaccumulation factors in all assessed tissues from birds exposed via water versus feed. Thus, we propose that future characterization of chemical toxicity due to ingestion exposure initially include a full examination of all probable sources of oral exposure for the most accurate derivation of TRVs and a more complete picture of ecological risk. The avian PFAS LOAEL CTVs established in the present study can be modified with the use of uncertainty factors to derive site-specific avian TRVs for ecological risk assessment at PFAS-impacted sites. From differences observed in the behavior of PFOS when administered as either a single chemical or part of a binary mixture with perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), we verified that PFOS was absorbed and distributed differently when coadministered with PFHxS and that PFOS likely interacted with PFHxS differently among tissues, helping to explain the differences observed in avian toxicity between exposures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:899–909. © 2020 SETAC
Plasticity via feedback reduces the cost of developmental instability
Authors: Matthey-Doret Remi , Draghi Jeremy A. , Whitlock Michael C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCosts of plasticity are thought to have important physiological and evolutionary consequences. A commonly predicted cost to plasticity is that plastic genotypes are likely to suffer from developmental instability. Adaptive plasticity requires that the developing organism can in some way sense what environment it is in or how well it is performing in that environment. These two information pathways—an “environmental signal” or a “performance signal” that indicates how well a developing phenotype matches the optimum in the current environment—can differ in their consequences for the organism and its evolution. Here, we consider how developmental instability might emerge as a side-effect of these two distinct mechanisms. Because a performance cue allows a regulatory feedback loop connecting a trait to a feedback signal, we hypothesized that plastic genotypes using a performance signal would be more developmentally robust compared to those using a purely environmental signal. Using a numerical model of a network of gene interactions, we show that plasticity comes at a cost of developmental instability when the plastic response is mediated via an environmental signal, but not when it is mediated via a performance signal. We also show that a performance signal mechanism can evolve even in a constant environment, leading to genotypes preadapted for plasticity to novel environments even in populations without a history of environmental heterogeneity.
Organic production of vinegar from mango and papaya
Authors: Bouatenin Koffi Maïzan Jean‐Paul , Kouamé Kohi Alfred , Gueu‐Kehi Minkapieu Edwige , Djéni N’Dédé Théodore , Djè Koffi Marcellin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe study describes the transformation of mangoes of the local variety "Assabonou" and papaya solo No.8 into alcohol and then into vinegar through the process of directed fermentation. Indeed, mango and papaya juices extracted from ripe fruits contained in vials are first subjected to an alcoholic fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in anaerobic conditions and secondly to an acetic fermentation with strains of acetic acid bacteria cultivated from unpasteurized cider vinegar. To assess the quality of the vinegars produced, their profile and composition in organic acid and volatile compounds were compared to those of an unpasteurized cider vinegar from France and a vinegar produced in Côte d’Ivoire. The ethanol content for both juices is more or less high with 9.24 ± 0.04 g/L for mango and 12.68 ± 0.39 g/L for papaya. The concentration of acetic acid is the highest of the organic acids for the four vinegars ranging from 37.46 ± 4.6 g/L to 55.85 ± 9.94 g/L. The acetic acid contents of mango and papaya vinegars are close to that of unpasteurized cider vinegar from France but higher than that of vinegar produced in Côte d'Ivoire. Thus, this study allowed the production of "Assabonou" mango and papaya vinegars from two consecutive fermentations (alcoholic then acetic). This process is fast, less expensive and easily applicable. This application case could be an alternative for the processing of seasonal fruits to reduce postharvest losses.
Reliability, sensitivity, and predictive value of fMRI during multiple object tracking as a marker of cognitive training gain in combination with tDCS in stroke survivors
Authors: Kolskår Knut K. , Richard Geneviève , Alnæs Dag , Dørum Erlend S. , Sanders Anne‐Marthe , Ulrichsen Kristine M. , Sánchez Jennifer Monereo , Ihle‐Hansen Hege , Nordvik Jan E. , Westlye Lars T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractComputerized cognitive training (CCT) combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has showed some promise in alleviating cognitive impairments in patients with brain disorders, but the robustness and possible mechanisms are unclear. In this prospective double‐blind randomized clinical trial, we investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of combining CCT and tDCS, and tested the predictive value of and training‐related changes in fMRI‐based brain activation during attentive performance (multiple object tracking) obtained at inclusion, before initiating training, and after the three‐weeks intervention in chronic stroke patients (>6 months since hospital admission). Patients were randomized to one of two groups, receiving CCT and either (a) tDCS targeting left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (1 mA), or (b) sham tDCS, with 40s active stimulation (1 mA) before fade out of the current. Of note, 77 patients were enrolled in the study, 54 completed the cognitive training, and 48 completed all training and MRI sessions. We found significant improvement in performance across all trained tasks, but no additional gain of tDCS. fMRI‐based brain activation showed high reliability, and higher cognitive performance was associated with increased tracking‐related activation in the dorsal attention network and default mode network as well as anterior cingulate after compared to before the intervention. We found no significant associations between cognitive gain and brain activation measured before training or in the difference in activation after intervention. Combined, these results show significant training effects on trained cognitive tasks in stroke survivors, with no clear evidence of additional gain of concurrent tDCS.
Who's declining the “free lunch”? New evidence from the uptake of public child dental benefits
Authors: Nguyen Ha Trong , Le Huong Thu , Connelly Luke B 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study provides the first evidence on the determinants of uptake of two recent public dental benefit programs for Australian children and adolescents from disadvantaged families. Using longitudinal data from a nationally representative survey linked to administrative data with accurate information on eligibility and uptake, we find that only a third of all eligible families actually claim their benefits. We provide new and robust evidence consistent with the idea advanced by recent economic literature that cognitive biases and behavioral factors are barriers to uptake. For instance, mothers with worse mental health or riskier lifestyles are much less likely to claim the available benefits for their children. These barriers to uptake are particularly large in magnitude: together, they reduce the uptake rate by up to 10 percentage points (or 36%). We also find some indicative evidence that a lack of information is a barrier to uptake.
Direct and indirect effects of rainfall and vegetation coverage on runoff, soil loss, and nutrient loss in a semi‐humid climate
Authors: Huo Jiayi , Liu Changjun , Yu Xinxiao , Chen Lihua , Zheng Wenge , Yang Yuanhui , Yin Changwen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSoil and nutrient loss play a vital role in eutrophication of water bodies. Several simulated rainfall experiments have been conducted to investigate the effects of a single controlling factor on soil and nutrient loss. However, the role of precipitation and vegetation coverage in quantifying soil and nutrient loss is still unclear. We monitored runoff, soil loss, and soil nutrient loss under natural rainfall conditions from 2004 to 2015 for 50–100 m2 runoff plots around Beijing. Results showed that soil erosion was significantly reduced when vegetation coverage reached 20% and 60%. At levels below 30%, nutrient loss did not differ among different vegetation cover levels. Minimum soil N and P losses were observed at cover levels above 60%. Irrespective of the management measure, soil nutrient losses were higher at high‐intensity rainfall (Imax30>15 mm/h) events compared to low‐intensity events (p < 0.05). We applied structural equation modelling (SEM) to systematically analyze the relative effects of rainfall characteristics and environmental factors on runoff, soil loss, and soil nutrient loss. At high‐intensity rainfall events, neither vegetation cover nor antecedent soil moisture content (ASMC) affected runoff and soil loss. After log‐transformation, soil nutrient loss was significantly linearly correlated with runoff and soil loss (p < 0.01). In addition, we identified the direct and indirect relationships among the influencing factors of soil nutrient loss on runoff plots and constructed a structural diagram of these relationships. The factors positively impacting soil nutrient loss were runoff (44%–48%), maximum rainfall intensity over a 30‐min period (18%–29%), rainfall depth (20%–27%), and soil loss (10%–14%). Studying the effects of rainfall and vegetation coverage factors on runoff, soil loss, and nutrient loss can improve our understanding of the underlying mechanism of slope non‐point source pollution.
532‐nm‐excited hyper‐Raman spectroscopy of amino acids
Authors: Wen Chun‐I , Yu Chi‐Nan , Thirumalaivasan Natesan , Hiramatsu Hirotsugu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper reports the hyper‐Raman (HR) spectra of the 20 amino acids in aqueous solution in the range of 400–1,800 cm−1 with an excitation wavelength of 532 nm. A remarkable common feature in the nonresonance HR spectra is the large intensity of the HR bands of the COO− group. Whereas the peak position is mostly identical between the HR and Raman spectra, the intensity pattern is not. We discuss the similarities and dissimilarities between the pattern of the two spectra of each amino acid and give possible assignments to each HR band by comparing them with those of the corresponding Raman band. This study offers a reference for the HR spectra of the amino acids as the basic building block of proteins. It helps interpret the HR spectra of proteins and peptides.
A quantitative assessment of the reactivity of the regioisomers of xylenol by investigation of rapid chlorination kinetics in aqueous solution employing hydrodynamic voltammetry complemented by molecular docking with acetylcholinesterase: A two‐pronged approach
Authors: Borkar Vitthal T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractKinetic data is an elegant tool to quantitatively assess structure—reactivity correlation of organic substrates in reactions and is immaculate if endorsed with complementary information. Halogenations of aromatic substrates in aqueous medium are rapid reactions necessitating special techniques for their study. Their rates depend on nature of the reagents, nucleophilicity of the substrates, and steric compulsions involved. Herein, the rapid uncatalyzed chlorination kinetics of six regioisomers of xylenol by aqueous chlorine has been investigated using hydrodynamic voltammetry. These data have been supported with those obtained from molecular docking studies of the xylenol regioisomers with acetylcholinesterase in this two‐pronged approach. The magnitudes of the velocity constants, energies of activation, frequency factors, and entropy of activation in these six reactions assess, quantitatively and unambiguously, the reactivity of the regioisomers of xylenol when complemented with the binding energy data obtained from molecular docking.
Preparation and electrochemical characterization of Ti‐based amorphous metallic glass with high strength
Authors: Li Xuewu , Zhang Lin , Shi Tian , Yu Weining , Shao Jinhui , Zhou Xuegang , He Yuxing , Zhang Binbin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTi‐based amorphous metallic glasses have excellent mechanical, physical, and chemical properties, which is an important development direction and research hotspot of metal composite reinforcement. As a stable, simple, efficient, and large‐scale preparation technology of metallic powders, the gas atomization process provides an effective way of preparing amorphous metallic glasses. In this study, the controllable fabrication of a Ti‐based amorphous powder, with high efficiency, has been realized by using gas atomization. The scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive spectrometer, and X‐ray diffraction are used to analyze surface morphology, element distribution, and phase structure, respectively. A microhardness tester is used to measure the mechanical property. An electrochemical workstation is used to characterize corrosion behavior. The results show that as‐prepared microparticles are more uniform and exhibit good amorphous characteristics. The mechanical test shows that the hardness of amorphous powder is significantly increased as compared with that before preparation, which has the prospect of being an important part of engineering reinforced materials. Further electrochemical measurement shows that the corrosion resistance of the as‐prepared sample is also significantly improved. This study has laid a solid foundation for expanding applications of Ti‐based metallic glasses, especially in heavy‐duty and corrosive domains.
Identification of Paracentrone in Fucoxanthin‐Fed Mice and Anti‐Inflammatory Effect against Lipopolysaccharide‐Stimulated Macrophages and Adipocytes
Authors: Takatani Naoki , Taya Daisuke , Katsuki Ami , Beppu Fumiaki , Yamano Yumiko , Wada Akimori , Miyashita Kazuo , Hosokawa Masashi 
Published: November 2020

ScopeFucoxanthin is converted to fucoxanthinol and amarouciaxanthin A in the mouse body. However, further metabolism such as cleavage products (i.e., apocarotenoids) remains unclear. The fucoxanthin‐derived apocarotenoid in vivo is investigated and the anti‐inflammatory effect of apocarotenoids with fucoxanthin partial structure such as allenic bond and epoxide residue against activated macrophages and adipocytes in vitro is evaluated.Methods and ResultsLC‐MS analysis indicates the presence of paracentrone, a C31‐allenic‐apocarotenoid, in white adipose tissue of diabetic/obese KK‐Ay and normal C57BL/6J mice fed 0.2% fucoxanthin diet for 1 week. In lipopolysaccharide‐activated RAW264.7 macrophages, paracentrone as well as C26‐ and C28‐allenic‐apocarotenoids suppresses the overexpression of inflammatory factors. Further, apo‐10′‐fucoxanthinal, a fucoxanthin‐derived apocarotenoid which retained epoxide residue, exhibits a most potent anti‐inflammatory activity through regulating mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor‐κB inflammatory signal pathways. In contrast, β‐apo‐8′‐carotenal without allenic bond and epoxide residue lacks suppressed inflammation. In 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, paracentrone, and apo‐10′‐fucoxanthinal downregulate the mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators and chemokines induced by co‐culture with RAW264.7 cells.ConclusionDietary fucoxanthin accumulates as paracentrone as well as fucoxanthinol and amarouciaxanthin A in the mouse body. Allenic bond and epoxide residue of fucoxanthin‐derived apocarotenoids have pivotal roles for anti‐inflammatory action against activated macrophages and adipocytes.
Phloretin, an Apple Polyphenol, Inhibits Pathogen‐Induced Mucin Overproduction
Authors: Birru Rahel L. , Bein Kiflai , Wells Heather , Bondarchuk Natalya , Barchowsky Aaron , Di Yuanpu Peter , Leikauf George D. 
Published: November 2020

ScopeBacterial infection induces mucus overproduction, contributing to acute exacerbations and lung function decline in chronic respiratory diseases. A diet enriched in apples may provide protection from pulmonary disease development and progression. This study examined whether phloretin, an apple polyphenol, inhibits mucus synthesis and secretion induced by the predominant bacteria associated with chronic respiratory diseases.Methods and ResultsThe expression of mucus constituent mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in FVB/NJ mice and NCI‐H292 epithelial cells is analyzed. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi)‐infected mice developed increased MUC5AC mRNA, which a diet containing phloretin inhibited. In NCI‐H292 cells, NTHi, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa increased MUC5AC mRNA, which phloretin inhibited. Phloretin also diminished NTHi‐induced MUC5AC protein secretion. NTHi‐induced increased MUC5AC required toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NADH oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling and subsequent activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Phloretin inhibited NTHi‐induced TLR4/NOX4 and EGFR/MAPK signaling, thereby preventing increased MUC5AC mRNA. EGFR activation can also result from increased EGFR ligand synthesis and subsequent ligand activation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In NCI‐H292 cells, NTHi increased EGFR ligand and MMP1 and MMP13 mRNA, which phloretin inhibited.ConclusionsIn summary, phloretin is a promising therapeutic candidate for preventing bacterial‐induced mucus overproduction.
VO2 antennas with metallic inclusions for low‐loss reconfigurable cognitive radios
Authors: Connelly David , Chisum Jonathan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this article, we demonstrate a reconfigurable antenna concept based upon a film of vanadium dioxide (VO2) with embedded metallic surface inclusions to increase radiation efficiency. We fabricate a monopole antenna with the proposed film, demonstrate a good match between measurement and simulation, and propose methods for increasing performance. We show that the addition of metallic inclusions in the VO2 film results in a 37‐fold increase in the radiation efficiency. This concept, if paired with a spatially addressable micro‐heater array, could enable extremely flexible and low‐loss frequency‐agile cognitive radio antennas for dynamic spectrum applications as well as polarization and pattern reconfiguration for operation in 5G and beyond systems where spectrum is congested and coexistence is compulsory.
Type 2 Diabetes and HbA1c Predict All‐Cause Post‐Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Hospital Readmission
Authors: Morales‐Marroquin Elisa , Xie Luyu , Meneghini Luigi , de la Cruz‐Muñoz Nestor , Almandoz Jaime P. , Mathew Sunil M. , Schneider Benjamin E. , Messiah Sarah E. 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveThe main goal of this analysis was to determine whether type 2 diabetes and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) predict all‐cause 30‐day hospital readmission after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). It was hypothesized that a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or high HbA1c values would predict all‐cause hospital readmission rates post MBS.MethodsA retrospective analysis from the 2015‐2018 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) cohort was completed (N = 744,776); 30,972 participants were readmitted during the 30 days post MBS.ResultsMean age of the MBSAQIP sample was 45.1 (11.5) years, and the majority were female (80.7%) and non‐Hispanic White (59.4%). The all‐cause hospital readmission rate was 4.2% and increased by 10% in those with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c > 7.5% [> 58 mmol/mol]); after adjustment, diabetes was not associated with increased readmission. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes resulted in less weight loss 30 days post MBS.ConclusionsThese results based on a national MBS cohort showed that uncontrolled type 2 diabetes is associated with a greater likelihood of all‐cause hospital readmission and reduced weight loss 30 days post MBS. Both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes were also associated with decreased weight loss 30 days post MBS. These findings highlight the need to classify and optimize glycemic control prior to MBS.