bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Palaeoenvironments and elemental geochemistry across the marine Permo‐Triassic boundary section, Guryul Ravine (Kashmir, India) and a comparison with other North Indian passive margin sections
Authors: Brookfield Michael E. , Stebbins Alan G. , Williams Jeremy C. , Wolbach Wendy S. , Hannigan Robyn , Bhat Ghulam M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe Guryul Permian–Triassic sediments were deposited on a passive margin in a partially enclosed basin, at a latitude of about 45°S along the southern margin of the Neotethys Ocean. The closest modern analogy is the Japan Sea rotated into a southern hemisphere orientation. Guryul element variations are subdued, mostly lithological, and take place across the change from the dominantly sandy shallow‐water Permian Zewan Formation into the dominantly shaly deeper‐water latest Permian–Triassic Khunamuh Formation, and not at the palaeontological Permian–Triassic boundary. The overall geochemistry of the Guryul sediments is very similar to that of the Ulleung Basin in the Japan Sea, where the sediments are 40%–60% eolian from loess and redeposited loess in the North China Basin. The overall Guryul geochemistry indicates that the sediments were derived from dominantly silica‐rich continental rather than silica‐poor sources although with some more silica‐poor inputs at times. Element ratios suggest increasing aridity and wind abrasion across the Permian–Triassic boundary. Various geochemical redox proxies suggest mainly oxic depositional conditions, with episodes of anoxia, but with little systematic variation across the extinction boundary. Productivity proxies suggest a slight decrease across the Permian–Triassic boundary, and at least one more decreased interval in the Early Triassic. The similar geochemistry of other localities indicate that the Guryul geochemical changes are regional in extent and representative of the North Indian Permian–Triassic passive margin. The lack of consistent element geochemical changes across the boundary accompanied by significant C, S, and other isotopic changes suggests that atmospheric and oceanic chemistry rather than physical changes, such as provenance, climate and sea‐level changes, drove the Permian–Triassic environmental changes and extinctions at least on the mid‐latitude Tethyan shelf of northern India.
Gene expression response to a nematode parasite in novel and native eel hosts
Authors: Bracamonte Seraina E. , Johnston Paul R. , Monaghan Michael T. , Knopf Klaus 
Published: October 2019

AbstractInvasive parasites are involved in population declines of new host species worldwide. The high susceptibilities observed in many novel hosts have been attributed to the lack of protective immunity to the parasites which native hosts acquired during their shared evolution. We experimentally infected Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica) and European eels (Anguilla anguilla) with Anguillicola crassus, a nematode parasite that is native to the Japanese eel and invasive in the European eel. We inferred gene expression changes in head kidney tissue from both species, using RNA‐seq data to determine the responses at two time points during the early stages of infection (3 and 23 days postinfection). At both time points, the novel host modified the expression of a larger and functionally more diverse set of genes than the native host. Strikingly, the native host regulated immune gene expression only at the earlier time point and to a small extent while the novel host regulated these genes at both time points. A low number of differentially expressed immune genes, especially in the native host, suggest that a systemic immune response was of minor importance during the early stages of infection. Transcript abundance of genes involved in cell respiration was reduced in the novel host which may affect its ability to cope with harsh conditions and energetically demanding activities. The observed gene expression changes in response to a novel parasite that we observed in a fish follow a general pattern observed in amphibians and mammals, and suggest that the disruption of physiological processes, rather than the absence of an immediate immune response, is responsible for the higher susceptibility of the novel host.
What drives genetic and phenotypic divergence in the Red‐crowned Ant tanager (Habia rubica, Aves: Cardinalidae), a polytypic species?
Authors: Ramírez‐Barrera Sandra M. , Velasco Julián A. , Orozco‐Téllez Tania M. , Vázquez‐López Alma M. , Hernández‐Baños Blanca E. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimThe effects of geographic and environmental variables on patterns of genetic and phenotypic differentiation have been thoroughly studied. Ecological speciation involves reproductive isolation due to divergent natural selection that can result in a positive correlation between genetic divergence and adaptive phenotypic divergence (isolation by adaptation, IBA). If the phenotypic target of selection is unknown or not easily measured, environmental variation can be used as a proxy, expecting positive correlation between genetic and environmental distances, independent of geographic distances (isolation by environment, IBE). The null model is that the amount of gene flow between populations decreases as the geographic distance between them increases, and genetic divergence is due simply to the neutral effects of genetic drift (isolation by distance, IBD). However, since phenotypic differentiation in natural populations may be autocorrelated with geographic distance, it is often difficult to distinguish IBA from the neutral expectation of IBD. In this work, we test hypotheses of IBA, IBE, and IBD in the Red‐crowned Ant tanager (Habia rubica).LocationMesoamerica (Mexico—Central America) and South America.TaxonHabia rubica (Aves: Cardinalidae).MethodsWe compiled genetic data, coloration, and morphometric data from specimens from collections in Mexico and the United States. We used the Multiple Matrix Regression with Randomization (MMRR) approach to evaluate the influence of geographic and environmental distances on genetic and phenotypic differentiation of H. rubica at both phylogroup and population levels.ResultsOur results provide strong evidence that geographic distance is the main driver of genetic variation in H. rubica. We did not find evidence that climate variation is driving population differentiation in this species across a widespread geographic region.Main conclusionsOur data point to geographic isolation as the main factor structuring genetic variation within populations of H. rubica and suggest that climate is not playing a major role in genetic differentiation within this species.
Slowing down wolves to protect boreal caribou populations: a spatial simulation model of linear feature restoration
Authors: Spangenberg Matthias C. , Serrouya Robert , Dickie Melanie , DeMars Craig A. , Michelot Théo , Boutin Stan , Wittmann Meike J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn Canada, boreal caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are declining in numbers, in part due to increased predation by wolves (Canis lupus). One management option to reduce wolf–caribou interactions and thus protect caribou is to remove man‐made linear features (LFs), structures such as roads, trails, and cut lines, which are used by wolves as traveling paths. Linear features increase wolf traveling speed and could additionally facilitate wolf entry into caribou habitat. Our goal was to quantify the expected effect of LF removal on caribou mortality and investigate whether this LF restoration could be a sufficient measure to stop caribou declines. We simulated the effects of LF restoration on caribou adult and calf survival in spatially explicit wolf–caribou encounter models. The models were parameterized using Global Positioning System (GPS) data, hidden Markov models (HMMs), and information from the published literature. Complete LF restoration decreased wolf traveling speed and thus reduced caribou mortality. The proportional reduction in adult caribou mortality ranged from 10 to 25% of its original value, and the proportional reduction in calf mortality ranged from 8 to 23%, depending on caribou density, number of wolf packs, kill probability given an encounter, and detection distance of wolves for caribou. Building on the model output, we used empirical caribou data to calculate the effects of reduced mortalities on the finite rate of annual population change, . Assuming that 25% or less of calf mortality was wolf‐related, stayed below one, that is, populations kept declining, even with complete LF restoration. With 50% of calf mortality due to wolves, caribou populations stopped declining () if adult and calf mortality were reduced by at least 19 to 24%. However, these values were not achieved in a majority of the parameter combinations in our study, not even with complete LF restoration. Given that LF restoration as a single measure is unlikely to stop boreal caribou populations from declining, we used a case example to illustrate how LF restoration could make a small contribution in a portfolio of short‐term and long‐term management options to reduce wolf predation on caribou.
Improved Sensing of Capsaicin with TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified Epoxy Graphite Electrode
Authors: Sarma Munmi , del Valle Manel 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe presented research focuses on the electrochemical determination of capsaicin, a lipophilic alkaloid which originates hotness in chili peppers. An electrochemical sensor based on epoxy‐graphite composite with the modification of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles is developed for the determination of this alkaloid. The measurements were carried out in glycine buffer at pH 2.5 using cyclic voltammetry. Two linear concentration ranges were obtained from 6 to 75 μM (R=0.99) and from 12 to 138 μM, with a detection limit of 5.34 μM and 11.3 μM capsaicin, for 1st and 2nd oxidation peak, respectively. The main advantage of developed sensor is its repeatability and robustness against fouling; the relative standard deviation (RSD) value was 2.53 % (n=10). This voltammetric sensing procedure has successfully been applied to quantify capsaicin in various real samples such as hot chili sauce and pharmaceutical preparations.
Preparation and Characterization of Bhant Leaves‐derived Nitrogen‐doped Carbon and its Use as an Electrocatalyst for Detecting Ketoconazole
Authors: Haque Md. Aminul , Akanda Md. Rajibul , Hossain Delwar , Haque M. Aminul , Buliyaminu Ismail A. , Basha Shaik Inayath , Oyama Munetaka , Aziz Md. Abdul 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this study, the electrocatalytic characteristics of nitrogen‐doped carbon (NDC) prepared from Clerodendrum Infortunatum L leaves on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface was evaluated with regards to its ability to detect the electroactive drug ketoconazole (KCZ). The NDC was prepared by carrying out a simple pyrolysis of dry powder of the leaves at 850 °C. The prepared NDC was characterized using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller analysis, and was then used as an electrode material. The performance of the electrochemical KCZ sensor with the NDC‐modified glassy carbon electrode (NDC/GCE) was found to be optimal when using PBS buffer at pH 3 and a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml of NDC in the conjugate with Nafion polymer. Under these conditions, the NDC/GCE displayed a KCZ detection limit of 3 μM and a linear dependence of its response on KCZ concentration over a wide range of KCZ concentrations from 47 μM to 752 μM (R2=0.9742). These results confirmed the potential of NDC as an electrocatalyst.
Centri‐Voltammetric Folic Acid Detection
Authors: Tepeli Büyüksünetci Yudum , Haklı Özgul , Anik Ülkü 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe need for practical detection of folic acid (FA) has been increased day by day. For this reason in this work, a two steps electroanalytical technique, centri‐voltammetry was utilized for FA detection for the first time. In order to get rid of the slow electrode kinetics of FA oxidation, the working electrode was modified with graphene‐Pt hibrid nanomaterial. Also for increasing the sensitivity, 1‐Chloro‐2‐[2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy) ethoxy]ethane (TEG−Cl) and 1,2‐di{2‐[2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy] ethoxy}‐4‐nitrobenzene (4NC−NO2) was used as a carrier material. After the characterization of graphene‐Pt hybrid nanomaterial, experimental parameters like, 4NC−NO2 amount, adsorption time, centri‐voltammetric parameters like centrifuge time and speed were optimized. After that, analytical characteristics such as linear range, relative standard deviation (R.S.D), limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were found. In this manner, linear range was obtained for FA between 1.0 μM–1000 μM with the equations of
(R2=0.9977). R.S.D value was calculated for 0.83 mM FA (n=3) as 1.86 % while LOD and LOQ values were found as 1.00 μM and 3.34 μM respectively. After the examination of interference effect of substances like ascorbic acid and uric acid, established centri‐voltammetric technique was enforced for FA detection in pharmateutical tablets. As a result, the recovery value was calculated as 96.4 %.
pH‐controlled lavender oil capsulation with ABA‐type block copolymer and usage in paper coating
Authors: Arman Kandirmaz Emine , Birtane Hatice , Beyler Cigil Aslı , Ozcan Arif 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study is to produce a lavender oil capsules with triblock copolymer and to use these capsules for providing scented paper. Thus, polyethylene oxide‐polypropylene glycol‐polyethylene oxide (PEO‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEO) ABA‐type block copolymer was synthesized by means of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and the chemical structure of PEO‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEO was characterized by ATR‐FTIR and 1H‐NMR. Moreover, block ratio of the PEO‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEO was identified with 1H‐NMR. Lavender oil was encapsulated in the polymer by micellization of interactions between hydrophilic‐lipophilic‐hydrophilic polymer and oil. These interactions include lavender oil and lipophilic block interaction and oil‐hydrophilic group repulsion. In addition, hydrophilic groups interacted with water to keep the micelles suspended. The critical micelle concentration and size of the micelles were analysed with SEM. Decomposition of capsules was determined by UV spectroscopy with respect to pH change. Paper coating formulations were prepared with fragrant capsules and coated on paper with laboratory‐type coating machine. The colour and gloss of obtained papers were determined by spectrophotometer and glossmeter. As a result, PEO‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEO polymer can be used to encapsulate lavender oil, and the resulting capsules have functioned without degradation in the paper coating.
The influence of the extraction method on bioactivity of the root of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Ye Xiang , Li Yonglu , Chu Qiang , Yu Lushuang , Chen Wen , Jia Ruoyi , Jiang Yong , Zheng Xiaodong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTetrastigma hemsleyanum is traditionally used as a folk medicine and functional food in China. Its extracts have been confirmed to have many bioactivities. However, the effect of extracting temperature on its bioactivity has not been reported. In this research, the total flavonoids content (TFC), total polyphenol content (TPC), antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts and water extracts (extracted at 55, 70, 85, and 100°C) were observed. The results indicated that ethanol extracts showed better antioxidant activity with DPPH EC50 of 504.1 ± 3.8 μg/ml and ABTS EC50 of 851.4 ± 3.9 μg/ml. A better antiproliferative activity on HepG2, PC12, Caco‐2, and Hela cells was observed on ethanol extracts. The results of anti‐inflammatory activities also indicated that all of the extracts can reduce the NO production of LPS‐stimulated macrophage with dose‐independent manner. In summary, the results showed that the antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities of water extracts decreased with the increasing temperature to some extent.
Historical global gridded degree‐days: A high‐spatial resolution database of CDD and HDD
Authors: Mistry Malcolm N. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCooling and heating degree‐days (CDD/HDD) are important metrics used in energy studies as a proxy for determining demand and consumption patterns of residential/commercial buildings and work spaces. Driven by the requirements of energy impact modellers, policymakers and building design experts; a new historical high‐spatial resolution, global gridded dataset of degree‐days constructed using various base (threshold) temperatures (Tb) is presented in this study. Derived using sub‐daily temperature from a quality‐controlled reanalysis data product (Global Land Data Assimilation System—GLDAS), the dataset called ‘DegDays_0p25_1970_2018’ includes monthly and annual (i) CDD; (ii) HDD; and (iii) CDD computed using wet‐bulb temperature (CDDwb) at 0.25° × 0.25° gridded resolution, covering 49 years over the period 1970–2018. The Tb used for assembling DegDays_0p25_1970_2018 include 18, 18.3, 22, 23, 24, 25°C for CDD and CDDwb; and 10, 15, 15.5, 16, 17 and 18°C for HDD, respectively. The data of individual indices are made publicly available in the commonly used scientific Network Common Data Form 4 (NetCDF4) and Georeferenced Tagged Image File (GeoTIFF) formats. DegDays_0p25_1970_2018 fills gaps in existing energy indicators’ datasets by being the only high‐resolution historical global gridded time series based on multiple threshold temperatures, thus offering applications in wide‐ranging climate zones and thermal comfort environments. The richness of DegDays_0p25_1970_2018 lies in its flexibility by allowing users to aggregate the degree‐days not only at varying spatial scales (such as administrative levels, national boundaries, economic organizations e.g. OECD; with or without population weights), but also at varying temporal scales (such as seasons), thereby offering climatologists with a potential to examine global teleconnection patterns more discretely.
Beta‐band oscillations play an essential role in motor–auditory interactions
Authors: Abbasi Omid , Gross Joachim 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn the human brain, self‐generated auditory stimuli elicit smaller cortical responses compared to externally generated sounds. This sensory attenuation is thought to result from predictions about the sensory consequences of self‐generated actions that rely on motor commands. Previous research has implicated brain oscillations in this process. However, the specific role of these oscillations in motor–auditory interactions during sensory attenuation is still unclear. In this study, we aimed at addressing this question by using magnetoencephalography (MEG). We recorded MEG in 20 healthy participants during listening to passively presented and self‐generated tones. Our results show that the magnitude of sensory attenuation in bilateral auditory areas is significantly correlated with the modulation of beta‐band (15–30 Hz) amplitude in the motor cortex. Moreover, we observed a significant directional coupling (Granger causality) in beta‐band originating from the motor cortex toward bilateral auditory areas. Our findings indicate that beta‐band oscillations play an important role in mediating top–down interactions between motor and auditory cortex and, in our paradigm, suppress cortical responses to predicted sensory input.
Evaluation of resource utilization efficiency in obstetrics and gynecology units in China: A three‐stage data envelopment analysis of the Shanxi province
Authors: Lu Wei , Evans Richard David , Zhang Tao , Ni Ziling , Tao Hongbing 
Published: October 2019

SummaryIn China, health care resources for expectant mothers and children are still not utilized to full efficiency, with health requirements still not being met. The purpose of this study is to critically examine the efficiency of gynecology and obstetrics hospital (OB/GYN) units in Shanxi province of China, with the overarching objective of exploring methods for improving their efficiency. We employ the three‐stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to measure the efficiency of 134 OB/GYN units in Shanxi. The results show that the technical efficiency and scale efficiency scores of the sample units were low (0.48 and 0.54, respectively). The efficiency of the OB/GYN units varies by region, city, and county and by type of unit. We conclude that the main reason for the low efficiency of OB/GYN units in Shanxi province lies in the unreasonable scale. The government should, therefore, allocate health resources more reasonably, improving the efficiency of different regions, cities, and counties, as well as different types of OB/GYN units.
Loneliness and depression among Chinese drug users: Mediating effect of resilience and moderating effect of gender
Authors: Cao Qilong , Liu Liu 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study aims to explore potential correlations between gender, loneliness, resilience, and depression simultaneously among Chinese drug users; and especially to investigate the mediating effect of resilience and the moderating effect of gender on the correlation between loneliness and depression. Participants of this study included 513 drug users (399 men and 114 women) who were under treatment in two compulsory drug treatment institutions in one Eastern Chinese city. All participants completed the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) loneliness scale, the Zung self‐rating depression scale, and the Connor–Davidson resilience scale. A correlation matrix was constructed to analyze correlations between these three characteristics. Path analyses were performed in the PROCESS for SPSS in order to test the mediating effect of resilience on the association between loneliness and depression; while a series of hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted in SPSS 22.0 to test the moderating effect of gender on the association between loneliness and depression. Compared to male drug users, female ones reported higher average scores on loneliness and depression, which indicated that female drug users suffered severer loneliness and depression. Resilience partially mediates the link between loneliness and depression and gender acts as a moderator for the relationship between loneliness and depression.
The benefits of an afterschool music program for low‐income, urban youth: The music haven evaluation project
Authors: Whitson Melissa L. , Robinson Sarafina , Valkenburg Kendra Van , Jackson Mandi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimsThis study was an evaluation of an afterschool music program that serves primarily low‐income, urban children, and adolescents. The evaluation examined academic and nonacademic outcomes through a mixed‐method design.MethodsFocus group participants included 10 parents/caregivers and 8 youth. Focus groups yielded several themes regarding academic and nonacademic (musical skills, responsibility/discipline, self‐efficacy, empowerment, social competence, and family bonding) benefits of involvement with the program. An annual questionnaire for the program was created based on these themes.ResultsFifty‐three parents/caregivers completed the questionnaire and rated their children highly on all outcomes. The independent t tests revealed that lower‐income students were rated higher on responsibility/discipline than higher‐income students and that those children who attended the program more than three times per week were rated higher on responsibility/discipline than those who attended less.ConclusionImplications of these results, particularly the need for increased access to afterschool music programs for low‐income youth, are discussed.