bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Centrality of the childhood cancer experience and its relation to post‐traumatic stress and growth
Authors: Cook Jessica L. , Russell Kathryn , Long Alanna , Phipps Sean 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveEvent centrality, the degree to which a traumatic event is perceived as central to one's identity, has been associated with post‐traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and post‐traumatic growth (PTG) outcomes in various trauma samples. Trauma frameworks are widely used to understand the psychological impact of pediatric cancer; however, event centrality has not been studied in this population. We investigated event centrality in pediatric cancer survivors and healthy comparisons, and its relation with PTS and PTG outcomes.MethodCancer survivors, age 13–23 (N = 196) and healthy comparisons (N = 131) completed the Centrality of Events Scale and PTS and PTG measures in reference to their most traumatic life event. Cancer survivors who first identified a non‐cancer‐related event repeated all measures in reference to cancer.ResultsCentrality scores were significantly higher when referencing cancer compared to non‐cancer events, even in survivors for whom cancer was not rated as most stressful (53.1%). Centrality scores for non‐cancer events were not significantly different between survivors and healthy comparisons. Event centrality showed significant positive relations to both PTS and PTG outcomes.ConclusionThe pediatric cancer experience is perceived as central to survivors' identity regardless of whether the experience is perceived as highly traumatic. Centrality of cancer is a significant predictor of both positive and negative psychological outcomes in cancer survivors.
Long‐term response of Norway spruce to seed treatment with cold plasma: Dependence of the effects on the genotype
Authors: Sirgedaitė‐Šėžienė Vaida , Mildažienė Vida , Žemaitis Povilas , Ivankov Anatolii , Koga Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu , Baliuckas Virgilijus 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe effects of presowing seed treatment with cold plasma (CP) on seedling growth during the first two vegetation seasons and their ability to synthesize phenolic compounds and photosynthetic pigments were compared in seedlings from seven spruce half‐sib families. Seeds were treated with atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge plasma for 1 and 2 min. The results revealed that CP treatment‐induced changes in the tested morphometric and biochemical parameters were strongly dependent on the genotype. The family 477 most positively responded to CP treatments and displayed accelerated growth, combined with a strong increase in pigment and total phenolic content. CP treatment was least effective in families 541, 577, and 599, whereas the response in families 457, 463, and 548 was ranked as intermediate.
An overview of low‐temperature plasma surface modification of carbon materials for removal of pollutants from liquid and gas phases
Authors: Huang Yao‐wei , Yu Qiong‐fen , Li Ming , Sun Sheng‐nan , Zhao Hong , Jin Shao‐xuan , Fan Jie , Wang Jian‐gen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAs a promising surface treatment technique, low‐temperature plasma (LTP) technology has been widely used over the past two decades. Herein, the surface modification of carbon materials using LTP treatment is reviewed to clarify the modification effects. First, the basic details of LTP treatment are summarized. Second, the surface morphology, pore structure, surface chemistry, adsorption performance, and catalytic characteristics of LTP‐treated carbon materials are reviewed. Finally, the research required to further develop LTP technology for the surface modification of carbon materials is discussed. This review will contribute toward advancing the application of LTP‐treated carbon materials in environmental pollution control.
Prefusion spike protein stabilization through computational mutagenesis
Authors: Zhang Dong Yan , Wang Jian , Dokholyan Nikolay V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐like coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has emerged as a human pathogen, causing global pandemic and resulting in over 400 000 deaths worldwide. The surface spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 mediates the process of coronavirus entry into human cells by binding angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Due to the critical role in viral‐host interaction and the exposure of spike protein, it has been a focus of most vaccines' developments. However, the structural and biochemical studies of the spike protein are challenging because it is thermodynamically metastable. Here, we develop a new pipeline that automatically identifies mutants that thermodynamically stabilize the spike protein. Our pipeline integrates bioinformatics analysis of conserved residues, motion dynamics from molecular dynamics simulations, and other structural analysis to identify residues that significantly contribute to the thermodynamic stability of the spike protein. We then utilize our previously developed protein design tool, Eris, to predict thermodynamically stabilizing mutations in proteins. We validate the ability of our pipeline to identify protein stabilization mutants through known prefusion spike protein mutants. We finally utilize the pipeline to identify new prefusion spike protein stabilization mutants.
Quantification of insecticide spatial distribution within individual citrus trees and efficacy through Asian citrus psyllid reductions under different application methods
Authors: Rehberg Rachelle A , Trivedi Pankaj , Bahureksa William , Sharp Julia L , Stokes Sean C , Menger Ruth F , Borch Thomas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDCitrus greening disease (Huanglongbing, HLB) has infected >90% of Florida's oranges and thus growers are desperate to improve pest management strategies. In this field study, insecticide application efficacy was investigated with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to determine if insecticide concentration and distribution were effective at killing the target pest Asian citrus psyllids (ACP). Sample discs attached to leaves were sprayed with imidacloprid and malathion at a field site in Florida. Application method, canopy height and depth, cardinal side of tree, and leaf side were considered to assess the spatial distribution of insecticides throughout citrus trees. Furthermore, ACP were inspected before and after insecticide applications to quantify psyllid population response.RESULTSOur findings show that although insecticide concentrations were high enough to kill ACP, the spatial distribution of insecticides throughout individual trees was highly variable and live ACP were detected after insecticide application. The top side of leaves received significantly more insecticide than the underside of leaves. Additionally, inadequate distribution to different areas of the tree canopy was observed for all application methods tested (aerial, ground speed‐sprayer, and ground side‐sprayer). Inspections of ACP populations before and after insecticide applications resulted in reductions of 85% (malathion) and 48–80% (imidacloprid).CONCLUSIONSThe variability in insecticide spatial distribution due to application method allows remaining ACP to continue spreading citrus greening disease to unprotected trees. Further research is needed to improve insecticide application methods and technology for citrus trees in order to implement effective pest management strategies and fully target ACP to eliminate HLB. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Evidence for the association of target‐site resistance in cyp51 with reduced DMI sensitivity in EuropeanCercospora beticola field isolates
Authors: Muellender Maximilian M , Mahlein Anne‐Katrin , Stammler Gerd , Varrelmann Mark 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDCercospora leaf spot caused by Cercospora beticola is the most relevant foliar disease in sugar beet cultivation. In the last decade a decreasing sensitivity of C. beticola towards demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) occurred. Different mechanisms mediating a reduced sensitivity towards DMIs have been identified in different plant pathogens to date, such as target site mutations, over‐expression or active excretion of the fungicide.RESULTSA sequencing of the cytochrome P450‐dependent sterol 14α‐demethylase gene sequence (cyp51) of diverse C. beticola isolates collected in different European countries with reduced DMI sensitivity was performed in order to find a possible correlation of mutations with higher EC50 values. The amino acid alterations Y464S, L144F and I309T combined with L144F were found to be associated with a reduced sensitivity. Furthermore, mutations I387M, M145W and M145W with E460Q were found uniquely. Additionally, constitutive and fungicide triggered expression of cyp51 was assayed by means of RT‐qPCR. A very strong induction of cyp51 mRNA expression in sensitive isolates suggests that the fungal cells upregulate expression to maintain ergosterol biosynthesis in DMI presence. The less intensive cyp51 induction in isolates with higher EC50 values underlines the possible correlation of the found target‐site mutations with reduced sensitivity.CONCLUSIONThis study provides new results about possible alterations in the target gene mediating reduced sensitivity of C. beticola towards DMIs and hypothesized a fungicide induced over‐expression of the target enzyme CYP51 as natural reaction of the fungus to fungicide application. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of the performances of different atomic charge and nonelectrostatic models in the finite‐difference Poisson–Boltzmann approach
Authors: Vassetti Dario , Labat Frédéric 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this work, we investigate the effects of different atomic charge and nonelectrostatic models on the hydration energies of neutral molecules, using an implicit solvation model. The solvation free energy is divided into two main components, the first resulting from a self‐consistent reaction field treatment of the bulk electrostatics obtained by solving the Poisson equation in a finite‐difference (FD) approach where the solute charge density is approximated by atomic charges, the second corresponding to short‐range interactions between the solute and the solvent in the first solvation shell. Five different atomic charge models (Mulliken, Hirshfeld, Hirshfeld‐I, CM5 and its iterative version, CM5‐I) have been considered, both at the Hartree–Fock (HF) and B3LYP levels, with three different basis sets, alongside two nonelectrostatic models including the cavity, dispersion, and solvent structural effects (CDS) model. Averaging over the three considered basis sets, Hirshfeld charges combined to the CDS model led to the lowest mean unsigned error (MUE), with a value of 0.92 kcal/mol with respect to the experimental data. On the other hand, a MUE of 2.02 kcal/mol was obtained with CM5 charges combined to the CDS model, highlighting the low transferability of the original CDS parameters developed for the generalized Born electrostatics to a different electrostatics model. By scaling down the CM5 charges to better balance with the original CDS model, a MUE of 0.68 kcal/mol was however obtained, outlining the delicate balance existing between the electrostatic and nonelectrostatic contributions to the solvation free energy in implicit solvation models.
Extensive generation and characterization of ion clusters by silicopolyoxometalate anions under matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization conditions in the gas phase
Authors: Bai Yunpeng , Chen Hua , Wu Shuixing , Wang Guangwen , Li Yingbang , Liu Yanling , Huang Yisheng 
Published: November 2020

RationaleThe research area of ion clusters has helped to enrich the study of chemical bonding theory, clarify the crystal nucleation process and investigate the cluster ion–molecule reactions. The mass spectrometry (MS) technique, especially high‐resolution MS, is an important method for investigating ion clusters in the gas phase. As polyoxometalates (POMs) have been attracting considerable interest in biochemistry, medicine and materials science due to their excellent structural and electronic features it is important to characterize these clusters by MS.MethodsSingly negatively charged molybdenum‐containing and tungsten‐containing ion clusters with different matrices were produced by Keggin‐type silicopolyoxometalate anions under matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI‐FTICR MS) conditions.ResultsThe matrices displayed an obvious influence on the formation of ion clusters. It was found that the molybdenum‐containing ion species [(HSiO3)(MoO3)n]−, [(SiO2)m(MoO3)n(H2O)x] −•, [(OH)(MoO3)n]−•, [(MoO3)n]‐•, and [HxSiMoyOz]− were the main ion series in the mass spectra. For the tungsten‐containing ion clusters, [(HSiO3)(WO3)n]−, [(C8H5Om)(WO3)n(H2O)x]−, [(OH)(WO3)n]−, and [(WO3)n]‐• were the main ion species in the mass spectra, and a series of organic–inorganic hybrid tungsten‐containing ion clusters [(C8H5Om)(WO3)n(H2O)x]− were generated by the interaction of DHAP and THAP matrices with tungstate anions. Furthermore, the most abundant species (magic number) in each ion series indicated that they might adopt more stable structures than other relevant clusters.ConclusionsKeggin‐type silicopolyoxometalate anions can produce several series of singly charged molybdenum‐containing/tungsten‐containing ion clusters in negative‐ion generating mode under MALDI conditions. It is proposed that the “Lucky Survivors” hypothesis may be used to illustrate the generation of ion clusters in the gas phase during the early stages of plume expansion. In addition, clear evidence of hydrogen transfer and electron capture to POMs was found in the obtained MALDI mass spectra. These results highlight the utility of the MALDI‐FT method for obtaining novel ion clusters and also show the stability of these clusters.
Development of habitat suitability criteria for conservation of the black‐necked crane in Nyamjang Chu River in eastern Himalaya, India in connection with a proposed hydropower dam
Authors: Johnson Jeyaraj A. , Watham Taibanganba , Gopi Govindan V. , Sivakumar Kuppusamy 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe developed the habitat suitability criteria for the black‐necked Crane (BNC) to manage their wintering habitat in the Nyamjang Chu River in Zemithang valley, India. We generated habitat suitability criteria (HSC) curves for BNC based on the habitat availability in the river channel and use by the BNC. The HSC curves indicated that BNC preferred velocity ranged from 0 to 0.2 m/s and depth ranged from 0 to 30 cm in the river channel. Based on the HSCs of BNC, three scenarios were explored in PHABSIM: Scenario (i) increase in flow versus dry riverbed area; Scenario (ii) increase in flow versus instream suitable area; Scenario (iii) increase in flow versus weighted usable area based on combined dry and instream suitable area. The output of Scenario (i) indicated at 20 cumecs discharge achieved optimum dry riverbed area (47.07%) available for BNC, whereas Scenario (ii) predicted the different section of the river produced optimum instream area at different discharges. Though, the Scenario (iii) predicted at 20 cumecs discharge, the study area generated more than 57.38% of combined suitable habitat available for BNC. Since a proposed hydropower dam in the Zemithang valley is intend to raise water level in the river channel, it is expected to be reduced suitable habitat for BNC in the valley. Based on the PHABSIM output, we concluded that the availability of suitable habitat of BNC decreases steadily if the discharge flow increases above 20 cumecs. Moreover, the predicted average dry riverbed area (47.07%) at 20 cumecs was almost equal to the percentage of dry riverbed area (47.8%) that was naturally available during the winter. Thus, we recommend a maximum of 20 cumecs as ecological flows to maintain the minimum required habitats for wintering BNC in the Nyamjang Chu River. Consequently, the installation of the proposed dam in Zemithang valley may not be feasible.
Finding maximum matchings in random regular graphs in linear expected time
Authors: Anastos Michael , Frieze Alan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn a seminal paper on finding large matchings in sparse random graphs, Karp and Sipser proposed two algorithms for this task. The second algorithm has been intensely studied, but due to technical difficulties, the first algorithm has received less attention. Empirical results by Karp and Sipser suggest that the first algorithm is superior. In this paper we show that this is indeed the case, at least for random k‐regular graphs. We show that w.h.p. the first algorithm will find a matching of size in a random k‐regular graph, k = O(1). We also show that the algorithm can be adapted to find a maximum matching in O(n) time w.h.p. This is to be compared with O(n3/2) time for the worst‐case.
A clustering method for graphical handwriting components and statistical writership analysis
Authors: Crawford Amy M. , Berry Nicholas S. , Carriquiry Alicia L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHandwritten documents can be characterized by their content or by the shape of the written characters. We focus on the problem of comparing a person's handwriting to a document of unknown provenance using the shape of the writing, as is done in forensic applications. To do so, we first propose a method for processing scanned handwritten documents to decompose the writing into small graphical structures, often corresponding to letters. We then introduce a measure of distance between two such structures that is inspired by the graph edit distance, and a measure of center for a collection of the graphs. These measurements are the basis for an outlier tolerant K‐means algorithm to cluster the graphs based on structural attributes, thus creating a template for sorting new documents. Finally, we present a Bayesian hierarchical model to capture the propensity of a writer for producing graphs that are assigned to certain clusters. We illustrate the methods using documents from the Computer Vision Lab dataset. We show results of the identification task under the cluster assignments and compare to the same modeling, but with a less flexible grouping method that is not tolerant of incidental strokes or outliers.
Highly Stretchable and Biocompatible Liquid Metal‐Elastomer Conductors for Self‐Healing Electronics
Authors: Mou Lei , Qi Jie , Tang Lixue , Dong Ruihua , Xia Yong , Gao Yuan , Jiang Xingyu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHighly stretchable, conductive, biocompatible conductors, and connectors are crucial for the fabrication of flexible devices. However, it remains a problem to get highly stretchable, conductive materials with low cost on a large scale. Another problem in production is the connection between soft and rigid components. Here, a new conductive nanocomposite is reported by mixing the 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) modified liquid metal (LM) nanoparticles with polystyrene‐block‐polybutadiene‐block‐polystyrene (SBS), which is biocompatible (in vivo and in vitro), conductive (12 000 S cm−1 of conductivity), and stretchable (800% of elongation). Apart from its good performance, this material can be produced on a large scale by using a commercial polymer product and a straightforward physical production process. MUA is used to compromise the dense “gallium oxide shell” of liquid metal nanoparticles such that the whole composite can become conductive. By using resin to modify this composite, this new conductive material can be adhesive and highly conductive, and serve as a stable and efficient connector between soft conductor and rigid component.
Blinking Mechanisms and Intrinsic Quantum‐Confined Stark Effect in Single Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Quantum Dots
Authors: Han Xue , Zhang Guofeng , Li Bin , Yang Changgang , Guo Wenli , Bai Xiuqing , Huang Peng , Chen Ruiyun , Qin Chengbing , Hu Jianyong , Ma Yifei , Zhong Haizheng , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLead halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials for next‐generation photoelectric devices because of their low preparation costs and excellent optoelectronic properties. In this study, the blinking mechanisms and the intrinsic quantum‐confined Stark effect (IQCSE) in single organic–inorganic hybrid CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite QDs using single‐dot photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is investigated. The PL quantum yield‐recombination rates distribution map allows the identification of different PL blinking mechanisms and their respective contributions to the PL emission behavior. A strong correlation between the excitation power and the blinking mechanisms is reported. Most single QDs exhibit band‐edge carrier blinking under a low excitation photon fluence. While under a high excitation photon fluence, different proportions of Auger‐blinking emerge in their PL intensity trajectories. In particular, significant IQCSEs in the QDs that exhibit more pronounced Auger‐blinking are observed. Based on these findings, an Auger‐induced IQCSE model to explain the observed IQCSE phenomena is observed.
A universal method for rapid and large‐scale growth of layered crystals
Authors: Chaturvedi Apoorva , Chen Bo , Zhang Keke , He Qiyuan , Nam Gwang‐Hyeon , You Lu , Lai Zhuangchai , Tan Chaoliang , Tran Thu Ha , Liu Guigao , Zhou Jiadong , Liu Zheng , Wang Junling , Teo Edwin H. T. , Zhang Hua 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLayered van der Waals (vdW) materials, consisting of atomically thin layers, are of paramount importance in physics, chemistry, and materials science owing to their unique properties and various promising applications. However, their fast and large‐scale growth via a general approach is still a big challenge, severely limiting their practical implementations. Here, we report a universal method for rapid (~60 min) and large‐scale (gram scale) growth of phase‐pure, high‐crystalline layered vdW materials from their elementary powders via microwave plasma heating in sealed ampoules. This method can be used for growth of 30 compounds with different components (binary, ternary, and quaternary) and properties. The ferroelectric and transport properties of mechanically exfoliated flakes validate the high crystal quality of the grown materials. Our study provides a general strategy for the fast and large‐scale growth of layered vdW materials with appealing physiochemical properties, which could be used for various promising applications.
Effect of marble slurry as a partial substitution of ordinary Portland cement in lean concrete mixes
Authors: Parmar Sumit , Das Sourav Kumar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMarble stone is the mostly quarried stone in Rajasthan for its high demand in India and abroad. This quarrying resulted in the generation of waste in a slurry form which was dumped in the nearby landfill sites resulted in a detrimental effect on the soil strata and expanding the landfill area with time. The focus of the study is to explore the outcome of utilization of marble slurry as a partial substitution of ordinary Portland cement by 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% for lean concrete mixes with an average target compressive strength of 20 MPa or more. To explore the prospect of deployment of marble slurry in cement concrete mechanical properties, durability aspects, and relevant microstructural analysis was performed, and the results have been reported. Though the durability aspect was not purely encouraging, though it was depicted that marble slurry can be utilized as a partial replacement of OPC up to 40% for the purpose for which the investigation has been done.Highlights
Marble slurry utilized as a substitution of OPC by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%.
TGA results indicate that marble slurry did not affect the hydration of OPC.
Resistance against carbonation decreases with the increment of marble slurry content.
UPV results indicates after 40% substitution concrete was in the good quality zone.