bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of soil evolution on the heavy metal risk in three kinds of intertidal zone of the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Liao Jianbo , Deng Sheng , Liu Xinhui , Lin Hui , Yu Chenghao , Wei Chaohai 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHuman activities and the increasing emphasis on coastal protection contribute to the diversity and evolution of intertidal soil. But, less is known about the influence of soil evolution on the heavy metal risk in intertidal zones. In this study, soil samples were collected from three kinds of intertidal zone in the Pearl River Estuary, including bare beach (BB), a spartina growing area (SGA), and a mangrove growing area (MGA), to reveal the influence of key factors on the heavy metal risk. The results showed that the highest concentrations of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Cr mainly existed in the surface layer of SGA and MGA and decreased with depth, reaching 3.57, 365.26, 91.24 95.12, 58.47, and 111.35 mg kg−1, respectively. Residual fractions were the main geochemical fractions and increased with depth, while exchangeable fractions showed the opposite trend. Based on the geoaccumulation index, soils were moderately to extremely polluted by Cd and partially to moderately polluted by Zn, Cu, and Ni. Cd had high potential adverse effects (ranging from 25.29 to 45) in MGA according to the risk assessment code. Correlation and principal component analyses indicated that soil organic carbon (SOC), clay, pH, Fe, and Mg were the key factors that affected the heavy metal risk. Linear regression revealed that SOC and clay were positively correlated with the pollution level of heavy metals, while clay and Fe were positively correlated with the ecological risk. Consequently, the variation in properties due to intertidal soil evolution may modulate the risk of heavy metals.
The long‐term effects of underground mining on the growth of tree, shrub, and herb communities in arid and semiarid areas in China
Authors: Mi Jiaxin , Yang Yongjun , Hou Huping , Zhang Shaoliang , Raval Simit , Chen Zanxu , Hua Yifei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUnderground mining (as opposed to open‐cast) often causes large‐scale subsidence, leading to various types of disturbances to surface vegetation. Adequate quantitative assessment of the long‐term effects of underground mining on the growth of different plant communities is important and still lacking. To address these issues, a vegetation growth contract model (VGCM) was proposed, and six indicators including the growth trend (GT), annual growth (AG), normalized spectrum entropy (Hsn), as well as the average value of annual‐average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI; ANDVIave), annual‐maximum NDVI (ANDVImax), and annual‐minimum NDVI (ANDVImin) were selected. The long‐term effects of underground mining (EM) on the herb, shrub, and tree communities in the Nanjiao mining area, China, from 1987 to 2017 were evaluated. The results show that the plant communities, which maintained the same type in the areas influenced and not influenced by mining, accounting for 48.07% and 46% of the total area, respectively. As for these plant communities, underground mining had a significant negative effect on the AG, ANDVIave, and ANDVImax of both the herb and tree communities, while it had a positive effect on the GT and Hsn of the shrub community. Overall, underground mining had a negative effect on these three types of plant communities, and the EMs of the herb, tree, and shrub communities were −15.10, −6.79, and −4.03%, respectively. This research could provide a reference for evaluating the long‐term effects of mining activities on vegetation, and also give more insights into the effects of underground mining on different plant communities.
Recovery from multi‐millennial natural coastal hypoxia in the Stockholm Archipelago, Baltic Sea, terminated by modern human activity
Authors: van Helmond Niels A. G. M. , Lougheed Bryan C. , Vollebregt Annika , Peterse Francien , Fontorbe Guillaume , Conley Daniel J. , Slomp Caroline P. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEnhanced nutrient input and warming have led to the development of low oxygen (hypoxia) in coastal waters globally. For many coastal areas, insight into redox conditions prior to human impact is lacking. Here, we reconstructed bottom water redox conditions and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) for the coastal Stockholm Archipelago over the past 3000 yr. Elevated sedimentary concentrations of molybdenum indicate (seasonal) hypoxia between 1000 b.c.e. and 1500 c.e. Biomarker‐based (TEX86) SST reconstructions indicate that the recovery from hypoxia after 1500 c.e. coincided with a period of significant cooling (∼ 2°C), while human activity in the study area, deduced from trends in sedimentary lead and existing paleobotanical and archeological records, had significantly increased. A strong increase in sedimentary lead and zinc, related to more intense human activity in the 18th and 19th century, and the onset of modern warming precede the return of hypoxia in the Stockholm Archipelago. We conclude that climatic cooling played an important role in the recovery from natural hypoxia after 1500 c.e., but that eutrophication and warming, related to modern human activity, led to the return of hypoxia in the 20th century. Our findings imply that ongoing global warming may exacerbate hypoxia in the coastal zone of the Baltic Sea.
No evidence for hybridization between Calanus finmarchicus and Calanus glacialis in a subarctic area of sympatry
Authors: Choquet Marvin , Burckard Gauthier , Skreslet Stig , Hoarau Galice , Søreide Janne E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, four species of the copepod genus Calanus dominate the zooplankton biomass. Because of their morphological resemblance, knowledge of their respective distribution range has long been biased by misidentification, until the recent use of molecular tools uncovered numerous areas of sympatry. As hybridization between Calanus finmarchicus and Calanus glacialis has been claimed in the East‐Canadian Arctic based on microsatellites, we investigated further the potential for interbreeding in newly uncovered areas of sympatry. Calanus species and stage composition were analyzed during winter in two Norwegian subarctic fjords, using molecular markers developed specifically for species identification and hybrid detection between C. finmarchicus and C. glacialis. Overall, C. glacialis were the most abundant throughout the winter, followed by C. finmarchicus and Calanus hyperboreus with only a few records of Calanus helgolandicus. The presence of C. glacialis, C. hyperboreus, and C. finmarchicus' nauplii was recorded, indicating that these species reproduce locally. In January and February, the simultaneous occurrence of males and females of both C. finmarchicus and C. glacialis suggested a potential for interspecies mating. However, genetic admixture tests performed on all 1126 individuals revealed no signal of hybridization, implying a strong reproductive isolation mechanism. We conclude that no evidence supports a potential for hybridization between C. finmarchicus and C. glacialis.
Connecting community‐delivered evidence‐based programs and the healthcare system: Piloting a learning “wellcare” system
Authors: Redmond Sarah , Leppin Aaron L. , Fischer Karen , Hanson Gregory , Doubeni Chyke , Takahashi Paul 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionMany evidence‐based programs (EBPs) have been determined in randomized controlled trials to be effective, but few studies explore the real‐world effectiveness of EBPs implemented in the natural community setting. Our study evaluated whether a novel linked infrastructure would enable such insights and continuous improvement as part of a learning healthcare‐community bridged “wellcare” ecosystem.MethodsWe created a secure, web‐based data entry and storage platform with a network of Minnesota community‐based organizations to record EBP participants' demographics and attendance, and program details. We then linked participant's information to their Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) medical records. With this infrastructure, we conducted a proof of concept, retrospective cohort study by matching EBP participants to REP controls and comparing medical record‐documented outcomes over 1 year follow‐up.ResultsWe successfully linked EBP participant records with medical records in 77.6% of cases, and the infrastructure proved feasible and scalable. Still, key challenges remain in obtaining participant consent for data sharing. Upfront resource investments and the availability of REP‐like warehouses limit generalizability. Optimal learning will be improved by enhancements that better track program fidelity. Our pilot study established a proof‐of‐concept, but sample sizes (n = 99 for falls prevention and n = 97 chronic disease/pain management EBP completers) were too small to detect significant differences in hospital admittance as compared to matched controls for either EBP group, (OR = 0.66[0.36, 1.19]) and (OR = 0.81[0.43, 1.54]), respectively. Events were too rare to gather meaningful information about effects on fall rates.ConclusionsOur pilot demonstrates the feasibility of developing an online infrastructure that connects information from community leaders with medical record documented health outcomes, bridging the knowledge gap between community programs and the health care system. Insights gleaned from our infrastructure can be used to continuously shape community program delivery to reduce the need for formal health care services.
Processing and Properties of Melt Processable UHMW‐PE Based Fibers Using Low Molecular Weight Linear Polyethylene's
Authors: Houben Simon J. A. , Verpaalen Rob C. P. , Engels Tom A. P. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe rheology, solid state drawability, morphology, and mechanical properties of polyethylene blends containing ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW‐PE) and linear‐low molecular weight polyethylene waxes (PEwax) are explored. Addition of PEwax enables melt processing of UHMW‐PE and improves solid state drawability, providing opportunities in recycling of UHMW‐PE waste. Small angle X‐ray scattering results show that both PEwax and UHMW‐PE align fully in the drawing direction, irrespective whether the PEwax has an Mn below or above the critical molecular weight at which entanglements can form (Mc). Tensile moduli of drawn specimen are in accordance to the Irvine–Smith model confirming that both UHMW‐PE and PEwax align in the drawing direction and no chain slip occurs toward zero strain and both UHMW‐PE and PEwax fractions, irrespective of their molecular weight, contribute fully to the modulus. Tensile strength of the blends scales according to the rule of mixtures where PEwax below Mc scale toward zero and those above Mc do contribute to the tensile strength. Modulus hence can be regarded as insensitive to the molecular weight of the PEwax used, whereas strength does show to be sensitive to the molecular weight of the PEwax.
Experimental Investigation and Modeling of the Dynamic Resistance Response of Carbon Particle‐Filled Polymers
Authors: Mersch Johannes , Winger Hans , Nocke Andreas , Cherif Chokri , Gerlach Gerald 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCarbon particle‐filled polymers are frequently used as stretchable conductors and strain sensors. Many of the proposed resistance‐based stretchable strain sensors show non‐monotonic strain response, especially under dynamic conditions. This is commonly attributed to the competing destruction and reformation of the conductive network, but the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Therefore, systematic cyclic tensile tests are performed with carbon black‐filled silicone yarns, which show that the non‐monotonic behavior found depends on strain rate, strain history, and maximum applied strain. Based on the experimental results, a novel model is developed that incorporates the visco‐elastic nature of the polymer and representations of the percolative networks in strain direction as well as the transversal direction. It is shown that the non‐monotonic behavior is a result of the combination of visco‐elasticity and transversal contraction of the percolative network. The model is an equivalent circuit model and its simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The model can be used to further understand the strain sensing behavior of conductive polymers and optimize sensor systems.
Robust Candy‐Floss‐Like Poly(l‐lactide) Fibrous Filters Driven by Sodium‐Dodecyl‐Benzene‐Sulfonate for High Efficient Dye/Oil Separation
Authors: Di Yunpeng , Xing Bin , Hu Wenfeng , Ke Qinfei , Zhao Yi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract3D and robust Poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) fibrous materials has been fabricated via electrospinning and evaporation welding for high‐efficiency dye adsorption and oil/water separation simultaneously. Herein, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) in spinning solution has been found to stimulate fibrous materials forming 3D candy‐floss‐like structure with high porosity and surface area. Also, SDBS doped on fibers surface facilitates dye adsorption and oil separation of the fibrous materials in effluent. Environmentally friendly SDBS‐driven 3D electrospun PLLA fibrous materials have high porosity (99.91%) and stable big pore size (7.39 µm), showing high adsorption capacity of 581.78 mg g−1 toward methylene blue (MB) and 14.67 times improved oil/water separation efficiency compared to traditional 2D PLLA fibrous materials. Moreover, the concept of SDBS stimulated 3D nanofibrous materials can be readily extended to other polymers, paving a new way to fabricate high‐efficient dye adsorption and oil/water separation 3D fibrous filters for industrial waste water remediation.
Binding Interaction Between Boronic Acid Derivatives with Monosaccharaides: Effect of Structural Change of Monosaccharaides Upon Binding Using S–V Plots
Authors: Bhavya P. , Melavanki Raveendra , Narayanappa C. K. , Kusanur Raviraj , U. Meghana , B. Suma 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSugar sensing and continuous monitoring of glucose (CGM) play an important and vital role in controlling diabetes. The present enzyme‐based sugar sensors have their own drawbacks. Problems associated with them have encouraged alternate approaches to design new sensors. Among many, fluorescent intensity change based sensors are drawing more attention. Fluorescence sensors based on boronic acid derivatives are more popular because of their ability to reversibly bind diol‐containing compounds. Here, the binding ability of two boronic acid derivatives, namely 2‐methylphenyl boronic acid (B1) and 3‐methoxyphenyl boronic acid (B2) with mono saccharides (sugars), is under investigation. The sugar concentration is kept nearly 1000 times more than that of boronic acid. The interactions of B1 and B2 with three saccharides (d‐sorbitol, dextrose, and fructose) are studied by absorbance and steady‐state fluorescence. Both B1 and B2 fluorescence is quenched by formation of esters with saccharides. The results of absorbance and fluorescence measurements indicate that the studied sugars can be ordered by their affinity to B1 as: d‐sorbitol > xylose > dextrose and for B2 as: dextrose > xylose > d‐sorbitol. In each case, slope of modified S–V plots is nearly one indicating only a single binding site in boronic acids for sugars.
Distributions of Molecular Weights and 3D Sizes of Hyperbranched Polymers Formed in Batch Self‐Condensing Vinyl Polymerization
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIt is known that the step polymerization of AB2‐type monomer leads to form random hyperbranched architecture, irrespective of the reactivity of the second B group. On the other hand, the hyperbranched structure formed in the self‐condensing vinyl polymerization of AB* monomer is now shown to be nonrandom because of the persistent history‐dependent connection through the A* group. The molecular weight distribution deviates from that of the random branched polymers. On the other hand, the nonrandom effect on the 3D architecture is rather small, and the expected g‐ratio of the unperturbed mean‐square radius of gyration 〈s2〉0 of the branched molecule to that of a linear molecule for a given number k of branch points agrees well with the Zimm–Stockmayer equation that assumes random branching of primary chains having the most probable distribution.
Microbial interaction between the succinate‐utilizing bacterium Phascolarctobacterium faecium and the gut commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
Authors: Ikeyama Nao , Murakami Takumi , Toyoda Atsushi , Mori Hiroshi , Iino Takao , Ohkuma Moriya , Sakamoto Mitsuo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA large variety of microbes are present in the human gut, some of which are considered to interact with each other. Most of these interactions involve bacterial metabolites. Phascolarctobacterium faecium hardly uses carbohydrates for growth and instead uses succinate as a substrate. This study investigated the growth behavior of the co‐culture of the succinate‐specific utilizer P. faecium and the succinogenic gut commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. Succinate production by B. thetaiotaomicron supported the growth of P. faecium and concomitant propionate production via the succinate pathway. The succinate produced was completely converted to propionate. This result was comparable with the monoculture of P. faecium in the medium supplemented with 1% (w/v) succinate. We analyzed the transcriptional response (RNA‐Seq) between the mono‐ and co‐culture of P. faecium and B. thetaiotaomicron. Comparison of the expression levels of genes of P. faecium between the mono‐ and co‐cultured conditions highlighted that the genes putatively involved in the transportation of succinate were notably expressed under the co‐cultured conditions. Differential expression analysis showed that the presence of P. faecium induced changes in the B. thetaiotaomicron transcriptional pattern, for example, expression changes in the genes for vitamin B12 transporters and reduced expression of glutamate‐dependent acid resistance system‐related genes. Also, transcriptome analysis of P. faecium suggested that glutamate and succinate might be used as sources of succinyl‐CoA, an intermediate in the succinate pathway. This study revealed some survival strategies of asaccharolytic bacteria, such as Phascolarctobacterium spp., in the human gut.
Rare and novel variants of PRKN and PINK1 genes in Vietnamese patients with early‐onset Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ton Nguyen Dang , Thuan Nguyen Duc , Thuong Ma Thi Huyen , Ngoc Tran Thi Bich , Nhung Vu Phuong , Hoa Nguyen Thi Thanh , Nam Nguyen Hoai , Dung Hoang Thi , Son Nhu Dinh , Ba Nguyen Van , Bac Nguyen Duy , Tai Tran Ngoc , Dung Le Thi Kim , Hung Nguyen Trong , Duong Nguyen Thuy , Ha Nguyen Hai , Hai Nong Van 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly‐onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) refers to that of patients who have been diagnosed or had onset of motor symptoms before age 50, accounting for 4% of Parkinson's disease patients. The PRKN and PINK1 genes, both involved in a metabolic pathway, are associated with EOPD.MethodsTo identify variants associated with EOPD, coding region of PARKIN and PINK1 genes in 112 patients and 112 healthy individuals were sequenced. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification kit was used to determine EOPD patients that carried mutations in PRKN and PINK1 genes.Results and ConclusionThree rare and three novel mutations in total of 14 variants of PARKIN and PINK1 were detected in the EOPD cohorts. Mutations of PRKN and PINK1 genes were found in five (4.4%) patients, which were four patients with compound heterozygous variants in the PRKN and one case with a homozygous mutation of the PINK1 gene. The novel mutations might reduce the stability of the PRKN and PINK1 protein molecules. The frequency of homozygous mutant genotype p.A340T of the PINK1 in the EOPD cohort was higher than in control (p = 0.0001, OR = 5.704), suggesting this variant might be a risk factor for EOPD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of PRKN and PINK1 genes conducted on Vietnamese EOPD patients. These results might contribute to the genetic screening of EOPD in Vietnam.
Compact MIMO antenna with high port isolation for triple‐band applications designed on a biomass material manufactured with coconut husk
Authors: Biswas Ashim Kumar , Swarnakar Partha Sarathi , Pattanayak Soumya Sundar , Chakraborty Ujjal 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA compact two‐element multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna is proposed for triple‐band applications with very high port isolation. The structure is constructed in‐house with a flexible biomass material which is coconut husk. Two metallic “8”‐shaped antenna structures are employed manually on the substrate to serve as MIMO elements. Frequency bands of the antenna for (S11 ≤ −10 dB) are obtained from 2.04 to 2.51 GHz, 4.43 to 5.35 GHz, and 6.76 to 8.78 GHz. The antenna fulfills the wireless local area network (WLAN) (2.4‐2.485/5.15‐5.35 GHz), fixed‐mobile (4.45‐5.15 GHz), and International telecommunication union (ITU) (8‐8.5 GHz) application bands. A stub with three sub‐sections is integrated in the ground to improve the overall triple‐band port isolation characteristics. It is found that the minimum port isolation for entire application bands is greater than 20 dB. This low correlation between the elements is further confirmed by low value of envelope correlation coefficient (ECC < 0.14) and high value of diversity gain (DG > 9.98 dB). Channel capacity loss (CCL < 0.22 bit/s/Hz) and mean effective gain (MEG = ±0.19 dB) are also found within acceptable ranges. Characterization of the substrate material of the proposed MIMO antenna is rigorously investigated by analyzing its dielectric constant and loss tangent. Simulated and measured results ratify that the antenna is fit for triple‐band MIMO applications.
Compact dual‐band circularly polarized filtering patch antenna using dispersive delay line
Authors: Wang Wenwei , Chen Chunhong , Wang Shiyan , Wu Wen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA compact dual‐band circularly polarized (CP) filtering patch antenna is proposed by adopting the dispersive delay line (DDL) in this article. The in‐band and out‐of‐band phase differences of two orthogonal components are effectively controlled by the DDL to realize opposite polarization states. As perfect isolation is achieved between left‐hand circular polarization and the right‐hand one in CP antenna, by controlling the parameters of DDL, four radiation nulls are presented simultaneously, and their locations are directly determined by the phase difference, thus obtains good filtering performance with compact structure. For demonstration, dual‐band CP patch antenna is designed at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz for WLAN applications based on DDL. The simulated and measured results of fabricated prototypes show good agreement. Good out‐of‐band rejection is observed in this design, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed CP filtering strategy.