bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geometric analysis of the calorimetric glass transition and fragility using constant cooling rate cycles
Authors: Mancini Matthew , Sendova Mariana , Mauro John C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA novel calorimetric approach and analytic method were proposed to characterize the glass transition and fragility of glass‐forming systems. Initial characterization of the glass transition temperatures (onset, inflection, and end) was performed by precisely defining these points based on derivative behavior of the total heat flow curve obtained through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Geometric representation allowed for consolidation of critical glass transition data into one matrix. This glass transition matrix can be used for automated characterization of the regime, including thermodynamics and kinetics, via programmed computation. Comparison of results to traditional methods revealed excellent agreement with results derived by the novel procedure proposed, and indeed was corroborated by literature values of glass transition temperature, liquid fragility index, and activation energy. The proposed analytic methods establish a significant metrological traceability by development of a robust confidence interval for all targeted measurands, and in so doing provide a highly reproducible and efficient analysis via DSC.
Neuronally expressed a‐series gangliosides are sufficient to prevent the lethal age‐dependent phenotype in GM3‐only expressing mice
Authors: McGonigal Rhona , Barrie Jennifer A. , Yao Denggao , Black Lauren E. , McLaughlin Mark , Willison Hugh J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGangliosides are expressed on plasma membranes throughout the body and enriched in the nervous system. A critical role for complex a‐ and b‐series gangliosides in central and peripheral nervous system ageing has been established through transgenic manipulation of enzymes in ganglioside biosynthesis. Disrupting GalNAc‐transferase (GalNAc‐T), thus eliminating all a‐ and b‐series complex gangliosides (with consequent over‐expression of GM3 and GD3) leads to an age‐dependent neurodegeneration. Mice that express only GM3 ganglioside (double knockout produced by crossing GalNAc‐T−/− and GD3 synthase−/− mice, Dbl KO) display markedly accelerated neurodegeneration with reduced survival. Degenerating axons and disrupted node of Ranvier architecture are key features of complex ganglioside‐deficient mice. Previously, we have shown that reintroduction of both a‐ and b‐series gangliosides into neurons on a global GalNAcT−/− background is sufficient to rescue this age‐dependent neurodegenerative phenotype. To determine the relative roles of a‐ and b‐series gangliosides in this rescue paradigm, we herein reintroduced GalNAc‐T into neurons of Dbl KO mice, thereby reconstituting a‐series but not b‐series complex gangliosides. We assessed survival, axon degeneration, axo–glial integrity, inflammatory markers and lipid‐raft formation in these Rescue mice compared to wild‐type and Dbl KO mice. We found that this neuronal reconstitution of a‐series complex gangliosides abrogated the adult lethal phenotype in Dbl KO mice, and partially attenuated the neurodegenerative features. This suggests that whilst neuronal expression of a‐series gangliosides is critical for survival during ageing, it is not entirely sufficient to restore complete nervous system integrity in the absence of either b‐series or glial a‐series gangliosides.
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Plant community persistence strategy is elevation‐specific
Authors: Rosbakh Sergey , Poschlod Peter 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsPersistence plays a key role in both plant population and community dynamics as it allows withstanding temporarily habitat conditions unsuitable for growth and reproduction. Plants can exploit three different strategies to persist in situ (building soil seed banks, increasing adult longevity and/or clonal reproduction), the dominance of which in a community might vary along environmental gradients. Yet, their relative role in plant persistence has never been investigated.LocationThe Bavarian Alps, Germany.MethodsWe collected data on seed soil persistence, adult longevity and clonality for 290 species occurring in 18 grasslands located along an elevational gradient of 1,000 metres and examined their contribution to persistence in a community. Linear models were used to estimate the relationship between elevation and these persistence strategies.ResultsWe found that dominance of a certain persistence strategy varied depending on environmental variability. Specifically, persistence in lowlands was mainly achieved by persistent and dense soil seed banks along with extended clonal growth (larger spread distances and higher number of offspring). Contrastingly, the main persistence strategy in the alpine communities was increased adult longevity.ConclusionsThe changes in relative contribution of each strategy to community persistence along the elevational gradient are interrelated suggesting a trade‐off among them. We conclude that this trade‐off plays an important role in species co‐existence and community assembly, and might be useful to understand vegetation dynamics under ongoing climate change and improve restoration efforts of upland ecosystems.
Breastfeeding and breastmilk substitute use and feeding motivations among mothers in Bandung City, Indonesia
Authors: Green Mackenzie , Pries Alissa M. , Hadihardjono Dian N. , Izwardy Doddy , Zehner Elizabeth , Moran Victoria Hall 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSuboptimal breastfeeding is common in Indonesia, with only half of infants 0–5 months of age exclusively breastfed and feeding of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) highly prevalent among infants and toddlers. Various factors influence these feeding practices, including social norms, limited health system support and BMS manufacturer marketing practices. This cross‐sectional survey aimed to identify the prevalence of breastfeeding and BMS feeding among children aged 0–35 months, explore socio‐demographic characteristics and motivating factors associated with these feeding behaviours and identify the prevalence of mothers' exposure to BMS promotions. Indonesian mothers of children <3 years of age (n = 595) were interviewed in Bandung City health facilities using structured questionnaires. Although all children were ever breastfed, half of children across all age groups received BMS in the previous day. Maternal employment outside the home and insufficient breastmilk production were associated with BMS use. The most important motivational factors for feeding BMS were perceived benefits for growth, intelligence and immunity. Despite Indonesian legislation restricting some BMS marketing, 93% of mothers reported observing a BMS promotion outside the health system, with television, social media and newspapers as the most common sources. Half of mothers (43%) reported observing a BMS promotion within the health system, and half (46%) reported receiving recommendations from health workers to use BMS. Such high prevalence of BMS marketing may be influencing caregivers' feeding choices; stronger national legislation and implementation of laws are needed to ensure mothers' ability to make feeding choices free from manufacturer influence.
Online estimation model for passenger flow state in urban rail transit using multi‐source data
Authors: Tao Zhengping , Tang Jinjin , Hou Kaiwen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe estimation of present passenger flow state plays a vital role in the urban rail transit (URT) operation process and it is the basis of passenger flow control and train dispatching. Most of the existing researches used the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) System data as the single data source for estimating present passenger flow state. In consideration of the delay in the data uploading process, the obtained estimation results based on the single AFC data source are not accurate enough, which could lead to the improper handling and decision failure and cause high risk and low efficiency for the operation and management of URT. To address problems mentioned above, this paper adopted the automatic differentiation method as the framework for the fusion of multi‐source heterogeneous data (including uploaded AFC data, the mobile phone signaling data provided by mobile phones, and the historical passenger flow data, etc.). Then, this paper proposed the online estimation model and the error layered optimization algorithm to implement the estimation of present passenger flow state. The calculation results indicate that the proposed model and algorithm can obtain reasonable and reliable URT passenger flow state. Finally, the study developed a present passenger flow state estimation system using the proposed model and algorithm. The system has been deployed in Chengdu Metro that serves about 3 million passengers per day from October 2018 to April 2020, with the overall error within 3% as of now.
Low bee visitation rates explain pollinator shifts to vertebrates in tropical mountains
Authors: Dellinger Agnes S. , Pérez‐Barrales Rocio , Michelangeli Fabián A. , Penneys Darin S. , Fernández‐Fernández Diana M. , Schönenberger Jürg 
Published: April 2021

Summary

Evolutionary shifts from bee to vertebrate pollination are common in tropical mountains. Reduction in bee pollination efficiency under adverse montane weather conditions was proposed to drive these shifts. Although pollinator shifts are central to the evolution and diversification of angiosperms, we lack experimental evidence of the ecological processes underlying such shifts.

Here, we combine phylogenetic and distributional data for 138 species of the Neotropical plant tribe Merianieae (Melastomataceae) with pollinator observations of 11 and field pollination experiments of six species to test whether the mountain environment may indeed drive such shifts.

We demonstrate that shifts from bee to vertebrate pollination coincided with occurrence at high elevations. We show that vertebrates were highly efficient pollinators even under the harsh environmental conditions of tropical mountains, whereas bee pollination efficiency was lowered significantly through reductions in flower visitation rates. Furthermore, we show that pollinator shifts in Merianieae coincided with the final phases of the Andean uplift and were contingent on adaptive floral trait changes to alternative rewards and mechanisms facilitating pollen dispersal.

Our results provide evidence that abiotic environmental conditions (i.e. mountain climate) may indeed reduce the efficiency of a plant clade’s ancestral pollinator group and correlate with shifts to more efficient new pollinators.
Unveiling spatial metabolome of Paeonia suffruticosa and Paeonia lactiflora roots using MALDI MS imaging
Authors: Li Bin , Ge Junyue , Liu Wei , Hu Dejun , Li Ping 
Published: April 2021

Summary

Paeonia suffruticosa (PS) and Paeonia lactiflora (PL) belong to the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae. Comparative analysis of the spatial metabolomes of PS and PL has rarely been performed.

In this work, combined with multiple matrixes and dual‐polarity detection, high mass resolution matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization MS imaging (MALDI MSI) and MALDI tandem MSI were performed on the root sections of the two Paeonia species.

The spatial distributions of many metabolites including monoterpene and paeonol glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saccharides and lipids were systematically characterized. The ambiguous tissue distribution of the two isomers paeoniflorin and albiflorin were distinguished by tandem MSI using lithium salt doped 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoate matrix. In addition, the major intermediates involved in the biosynthetic pathway of gallotannins were successfully localized and visualized in the root sections.

High‐mass resolution MALDI full‐scan MSI provides comprehensive and accurate spatial distribution of metabolites. The analytical power of the technique was further tested in the tandem MSI of two isomers. The ion images of individual metabolites provide chemical and microscopic characteristics beyond morphological identification, and the detailed spatiochemical information could not only improve our understanding of the biosynthetic pathway of hydrolyzable tannins, but also ensure the safety and effectiveness of their medicinal use.
Real Estate Boom and Firm Productivity: Evidence from China
Authors: Jia Junxue , Gu Jia , Ma Guangrong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractStudies on the relationship between housing prices and firm behaviours have focused on the relationship between housing prices and firm financing and investment decisions. However, housing prices may affect other firm decisions. This study investigates the impact of housing prices on manufacturing firm productivity in China. To identify the causal effect, we use a national land regulation policy and city‐level developable land area as exogenous sources of variation in housing prices. Using an instrumental variable approach to regression analysis and firm‐level data, we find that a 10% increase in housing prices leads to a 2.1% reduction in manufacturing firms' total factor productivity (TFP). An important transmission channel is the inflow of bank credit to the real estate market caused by rising housing prices, thus crowding out loans to manufacturing firms. Due to China's distinctive dual‐track land market, rising housing prices do not translate into an increase in the price of industrial land; therefore, collateral values for manufacturing firms do not increase. We further find that the negative effect of housing prices on TFP is more pronounced for firms with greater external financial dependence or greater financial constraints.
A LATE MESOLITHIC FORAGER DISPERSAL CAUSED PRE‐AGRICULTURAL DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION IN NORWAY
Authors: Nielsen Svein Vatsvåg 
Published: April 2021

SummaryPopulation growth has always played a key role in human mobility, even before the age of farming and husbandry. This paper explores population dynamics among early Holocene (∼9500–1700 cal BCE) hunter‐fisher‐gatherers in Southern Norway, focusing in particular on the Mesolithic‐Neolithic transition (4000/3900 cal BCE). Radiocarbon dates are calibrated and turned into summed probability distributions (SPDs). A heuristic linear method is used to calculate annual growth rates from the SPDs. Observed fluctuations in the SPDs are tested for significance by applying a Monte Carlo‐based simulation method. The paper finds evidence of a steady growth rate from the Boreal period until a sudden population trough at ∼4330–4300 cal BCE. The trough coincides with indications from the archaeological record of a dispersal of hunter‐fisher‐gatherers from Southern Scandinavia to Norway. The dispersal was likely an effect of lowered habitat suitability and social stress caused by population pressure among Southern Scandinavian hunter‐fisher‐gatherers. In Southern Norway, the proxy data show that the trough enabled a subsequent ‘boom’ in population and the emergence of regional technological innovations that define the Mesolithic‐Neolithic transition.
Bacillus velezensis tolerance to the induced oxidative stress in root colonization contributed by the two‐component regulatory system sensor ResE
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Liu Yunpeng , Wu Gengwei , Dong Xiaoyan , Xiong Qin , Chen Lin , Xu Zhihui , Feng Haichao , Zhang Ruifu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEfficient root colonization of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria is critical for their plant‐beneficial functions. However, the strategy to overcome plant immunity during root colonization is not well understood. In particular, how Bacillus strains cope with plant‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS), which function as the first barrier of plant defence, is not clear. In the present study, we found that the homolog of flg22 in Bacillus velezensis SQR9 (flg22SQR9) has 78.95% identity to the typical flg22 (flg22P.s.) and induces a significant oxidative burst in cucumber and Arabidopsis. In contrast to pathogenic or beneficial Pseudomonas, live B. velezensis SQR9 also induced an oxidative burst in cucumber. We further found that B. velezensis SQR9 tolerated higher H2O2 levels than Pst DC3000, the pathogen that harbours the typical flg22, and that it possesses the ability to suppress the flg22‐induced oxidative burst, indicating that B. velezensis SQR9 may exploit a more efficient ROS tolerance system than DC3000. Further experimentation with mutagenesis of bacteria and Arabidopsis showed that the two‐component regulatory system, ResDE, in B. velezensis SQR9 is involved in tolerance to plant‐derived oxidative stress, thus contributing to root colonization. This study supports a further investigation of the interaction between beneficial rhizobacteria and plant immunity.
Constrained Assortment Optimization Problem under the Multilevel Nested Logit Model
Authors: Wang Yanqiao , Shen Zuo‐Jun Max 
Published: April 2021

We study the choice‐based constrained assortment optimization problem under the multilevel nested logit model with a no‐purchase option in every choice stage. For this problem, each candidate product is associated with a fixed profit. The goal is to identify the optimal assortment satisfying a cardinality constraint to maximize the expected profit per customer. There is a cardinality limitation imposed on nodes in the second lowest level. A polynomial‐time algorithm with computational complexity O( nmax{ m, k}) is provided to locate the optimal assortment for the m‐level nested logit model with n products, where k is the maximum number of products within any node in level m − 1.
Assessing the Outbreak Risk of Epidemics Using Fuzzy Evidential Reasoning
Authors: Shi Xianliang , Li Jiangning , Huang Anqiang , Song Shaohua , Yang Zaili 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEpidemic diseases (EDs) present a significant but challenging risk endangering public health, evidenced by the outbreak of COVID‐19. Compared to other risks affecting public health such as flooding, EDs attract little attention in terms of risk assessment in the current literature. It does not well respond to the high practical demand for advanced techniques capable of tackling ED risks. To bridge this gap, an adapted fuzzy evidence reasoning method is proposed to realize the quantitative analysis of ED outbreak risk assessment (EDRA) with high uncertainty in risk data. The novelty of this article lies in (1) taking the lead to establish the outbreak risk evaluation system of epidemics covering the whole epidemic developing process, (2) combining quantitative and qualitative analysis in the fields of epidemic risk evaluation, (3) collecting substantial first‐hand data by reviewing transaction data and interviewing the frontier experts and policymakers from Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Chinese National Medical Products Administration. This work provides useful insights for the regulatory bodies to (1) understand the risk levels of different EDs in a quantitative manner and (2) the sensitivity of different EDs to the identified risk factors for their effective control. For instance, in the case study, we use real data to disclose that influenza has the highest breakout risk level in Beijing. The proposed method also provides a potential tool for evaluating the outbreak risk of COVID‐19.
Interactions between SARS coronavirus 2 papain‐like protease and immune system: A potential drug target for the treatment of COVID‐19
Authors: Mahmoudvand Shahab , Shokri Somayeh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCoronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of respiratory viruses which can cause mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections. Recently, new coronavirus named as Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been identified which is a major threat to public health. Innate immune responses play a vital role in a host's defence against viruses. Interestingly, CoVs have evolved elaborate strategies to evade the complex system of sensors and signalling molecules to suppress host immunity. SARS‐CoV‐2 papain‐like protease (PLpro), as an important coronavirus enzyme, regulates viral spread and innate immune responses. SCoV‐2 PLpro is multifunctional enzyme with deubiquitinating (DUB) and deISGylating activity. The PLpro can interact with key regulators in signalling pathways such as STING, NF‐κB, cytokine production, MAPK and TGF‐β and hijack those to block the immune responses. Therefore, the PLpro can be as an important target for the treatment of COVID‐19. Until now, several drugs or compounds have been identified that can inhibit PLpro activity. Here we discuss about the dysregulation effects of PLpro on immune system and drugs that have potential inhibitors for SCoV‐2 PLpro.
The effect of speed on Achilles tendon forces and patellofemoral joint stresses in high‐performing endurance runners
Authors: Starbuck Chelsea , Bramah Christopher , Herrington Lee , Jones Richard 
Published: April 2021

Achilles tendinopathy and patellofemoral pain are common running injuries associated with increased Achilles tendon (AT) forces and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) stresses. This study examined AT forces and PFJ stresses at different running speeds in high‐performing endurance runners. Twenty runners ran overground at four running speeds (3.3, 3.9, 4.8, and 5.6 m/s). AT forces and PFJ stresses were estimated from kinematic and kinetic data. Repeated measures ANOVA with partial eta squared effect sizes was conducted to assess differences between running speeds. Increased peak AT forces (19.5%;p < 0.001) and loading rates (57.3%;p < 0.001) from 3.3 m/s to 5.6 m/s were observed. Cumulative AT loading was greater in the faster speeds compared to the slower speeds. Faster running speeds resulted in increased peak plantar flexor moments, increased peak plantar flexion angles, and a more flexed knee and an anterior center of pressure position at touchdown. Peak PFJ stress was lower in the slowest speed (3.3 m/s) compared to the faster running speeds (3.9–5.6 m/s;p = 0.005). PFJ stress loading rate significantly increased (43.6%;p < 0.001). Greater AT loading observed could be associated with strategies such as increased plantar flexor moments and altered lower body position at touchdown which are commonly employed to generate greater ground contact forces. Greater AT and PFJ loading rates were likely due to shorter ground contact times and therefore less time available to reach the peak. Running at faster speeds could increase the risk of developing Achilles tendinopathy and patellofemoral pain or limit recovery from these injuries without sufficient recovery.
The Problem with “Confederate” Monuments on our Heritage Landscape
Authors: Lees William 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveThis article seeks to reframe so‐called Confederate monuments as monuments to the revisionist “Lost Cause.” I define these monuments as a problem for historic preservation that has long been based on a preference for in‐place protection of things “historic.”MethodsI compare Confederate monuments’ original intent with arguments that these are Civil War, soldier, or veteran memorials. I also explore monuments’ value as sculpture and their de facto status as nationally significant and worthy of preservation.ResultsConfederate monuments are monuments to the Lost Cause, a narrative supporting the resurgence of white supremacy. We must reconsider the in‐place preservation of these monuments as a de facto choice of historic preservation.ConclusionThe structural problem of Confederate monuments for our national historic preservation program calls for its broader evaluation for inclusivity and racial justice. We must find other ways to tell the history of the Confederacy than through physical propaganda pieces of the failed national insurrection of the 1860s.