bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved processability and optimized preparing process for fire‐safe poly (ethylene terephthalate) by electron effect modified Schiff base
Authors: Zhang Xinxing , Wang Qingyin , Liu Shaoying , Zhang Lilei , Wang Gongying 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo get better processability and preparing process of Poly (ethylene terephthalate) polymer, ‐NO2 was used to modify Schiff Base to synthesize a novel flame retardant monomer of 5‐([3‐nitrobenzylidene] amino) isophthalic acid (BNA) to prepare flame retardant and anti‐dripping PET copolyester (BNAnPETs), where the electron effect of ‐NO2 passivate the cross‐linking reactivity of BNA in BNAnPETs to enhance its cross‐linking temperature to improve its processing zone with better processability. The results demonstrated that the cross‐linking temperature of BNAnPETs was improved from the range of (250–348°C) to (355–385°C), and BNA accelerated the reaction of the polycondensation of PET for saving time of 42%. ‐NO2 enhanced the residue char of BNAnPETs in high temperature and further improved its flame retardancy. BNA10PET with 7.2 mol% of BNA had LOI of 31.8% and V‐0 of UL‐94 without drip, and the introduction of –NO2 did not change the flame retardant mechanism in BNAnPETs.
Freshwater mussels in Mediterranean‐climate regions: Species richness, conservation status, threats, and Conservation Actions Needed
Authors: Benson Justin Aaron , Stewart Barbara Ann , Close Paul Graeme , Lymbery Alan John 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

The five global Mediterranean‐climate regions are experiencing alarming rates of freshwater biodiversity loss. Although freshwater mussels are recognized as important functional components in aquatic ecosystems, and are among the most threatened faunal groups globally, there has been no synthesis of the plight of this group within these regions.
Data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List were reviewed to compare the conservation status, threats, and conservation actions needed for freshwater mussel species occurring in Mediterranean‐climate regions (med‐mussels) with those of other freshwater mussel species globally. The first comprehensive catalogue of med‐mussel species was compiled using existing taxonomic literature.
There are 41 med‐mussel species, 30 of which occur in the Mediterranean basin. Many regions have just a single species, and regions where multiple species occur generally only have between one and four species per river basin. Med‐mussel species are almost twice as likely to be ‘Imperilled’, are affected by 2.4 times more threats, and require 3.5 times more conservation actions than non‐med mussels. In many cases, the exact threats have not been identified.
In combination with low species richness, this level of imperilment means that Mediterranean‐climate regions are at risk of losing the benefits that mussels provide to broader ecosystem functioning. The conservation of med‐mussels can be improved by increasing our knowledge of species distributions, including the identification of cryptic species and significant management units, through population genetic work. In addition, recognizing the potential of ‘novel’ habitats and refuge areas could augment the management of this important functional group.
Bonefish (Albula vulpes) home range to spawning site linkages support a marine protected area designation
Authors: Adams Aaron J. , Lewis Justin P. , Kroetz Andrea M. , Grubbs R. Dean 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

A spatial approach to coastal management, such as marine protected areas, is being increasingly used to address biodiversity and fishery declines resulting from habitat loss, degradation, and overfishing. This approach is especially applicable in regions and fisheries that are data poor, and which often lack regulations and adequate capacity for enforcement. In data‐poor situations, species that have economic, cultural, and charismatic value can provide leverage for ecosystem protection.
In this study, acoustic telemetry was used to confirm a pre‐spawning aggregation site, acting as critical information for protection of essential habitat for bonefish. Additionally, data sharing with an acoustic telemetry study on smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) documented linkages between the pre‐spawning aggregation site and bonefish home ranges ≥70 km distant, thus providing an estimate of the catchment area.
These data provided post hoc support for a marine national park designated in 2002, and demonstrate that the park is of the appropriate spatial scale.
Fast calibration of two‐factor models for energy option pricing
Authors: Fabbiani Emanuele , Marziali Andrea , De Nicolao Giuseppe 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEnergy companies need efficient procedures to perform market calibration of stochastic models for commodities. If the Black framework is chosen for option pricing, the bottleneck of the market calibration is the computation of the variance of the asset. Energy commodities are commonly represented by multifactor linear models, whose variance obeys a matrix Lyapunov differential equation. In this article, analytical and methods to derive the variance are discussed: the Lyapunov approach is shown to be more straightforward than ad hoc derivations found in the literature and can be readily extended to higher dimensional models. A case study is presented, where the variance of a two‐factor mean‐reverting model is embedded into the Black formulae and the model parameters are calibrated against listed options. The analytical and numerical methods are compared, showing that the former makes the calibration 14 times faster. A Python implementation of the proposed methods is available as open‐source software on GitHub.
An overview of developmental dysregulation of autonomic control in infants
Authors: Altamirano Adulzir E. , Wilson Christopher G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this short review, we provide an overview of developmental disorders causing autonomic nervous system dysregulation. We briefly discuss perinatal conditions that adversely impact developmental outcomes including apnea of prematurity, sudden infant death syndrome, and Rett syndrome. We provide a brief clinical description, an overview of known or hypothesized mechanisms for the disorder, and current standard of practice for treatment of each condition. Additionally, we consider preventative measures and complications of these disorders to provide further insight into the pathogenesis of specific autonomic dysregulation in neonates. The goal of this short review is to provide an updated understanding of the impact of autonomic dysregulation on development of brainstem circuits and to briefly highlight promising future treatment options and controversies.
Selective spectrofluorimetric determination of two corticosteroids along with their co‐formulated drugs and degradation products in ophthalmic solution and aqueous humour
Authors: Abdelwahab May H. , Hegazy Maha A. , Weshahy Soheir A. , Hendawy Hassan A.M. , Abbas Samah S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPrednisolone acetate (PNO) and fluorometholone (FRT) are corticosteroids, co‐formulated with moxifloxacin HCl (MFX) and cromolyn sodium (CML), respectively. PNO has a negligible quantum yield and its hydrolytic degradation products have enhanced fluorescence, which is 250‐fold greater. FRT is a nonfluorescent drug, but its hydrolytic degradation products show reasonable fluorescence; MFX and CML have native fluorescence. Two methods were proposed based on the determination of PNO and FRT via their hydrolytic degradation products in the presence of other degradation products. Method (A) was developed for simultaneous determination of PNO and MFX in the presence of PNO degradation products by measuring peak amplitudes of the first derivative (1D) of its enhanced fluorescence; PNO and MFX were measured at 345 and 473 nm, respectively. Method (B) is a synchronous fluorescence spectroscopic method for simultaneous determination of FRT and its co‐formulated drug CML in the presence of its degradation products. Fluorescence intensities were measured at λem 283 and 347 nm for FRT and CML, respectively, using Δλ = 99.20 nm. Validation of the proposed methods was conducted as per International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. The proposed methods were successfully applied for the determination of the proposed drugs in bulk powder, ophthalmic solution, and rabbit's aqueous humour.
Data‐rich textbook figures promote core competencies: Comparison of two textbooks
Authors: Finby Brooks , Heyer Laurie J. , Malcolm Campbell A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMany molecular biology and biochemistry instructors have altered their classroom behavior in favor of evidence‐based, active learning instructional strategies. Overwhelming evidence confirms that lecture‐only classrooms are detrimental to student learning outcomes, but we know less about the impact textbooks have on students outside the classroom. Two influential projects, the AP Biology redesign and Vision and Change, called for extensive restructuring of course content and hoped that textbooks would be restructured accordingly. This study evaluated all figures and tables from two introductory biology textbooks to quantify how well they implement recommendations from Vision and Change and AP Biology redesign. We documented significant differences among figures and tables when looking for experimental data, questions for students to answer, and quantitative interpretation. Using think‐aloud interviews, we interrogated whether students engage differently with figures from the two textbooks. When figures provided take‐home messages, students relied on written text rather than analyzing the graphical information for their understanding. Students frequently employed words from summaries within the figures to construct “inflated explanations” that mimicked comprehension.
Investigation of the Effects of Primary Structure Modifications within the RRE Motif on the Conformation of Synthetic Bovine Herpesvirus 1‐Encoded UL49.5 Protein Fragments
Authors: Karska Natalia , Graul Małgorzata , Sikorska Emilia , Ślusarz Magdalena J. , Zhukov Igor , Kasprzykowski Franciszek , Kubiś Agnieszka , Lipińska Andrea D. , Rodziewicz‐Motowidło Sylwia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHerpesviruses are the most prevalent viruses that infect the human and animal body. They can escape a host immune response in numerous ways. One way is to block the TAP complex so that viral peptides, originating from proteasomal degradation, cannot be transported to the endoplasmic reticulum. As a result, a reduced number of MHC class I molecules appear on the surface of infected cells and, thus, the immune system is not efficiently activated. BoHV‐1‐encoded UL49.5 protein is one such TAP transporter inhibitor. This protein binds to TAP in such a way that its N‐terminal fragment interacts with the loops of the TAP complex, and the C‐terminus stimulates proteasomal degradation of TAP. Previous studies have indicated certain amino acid residues, especially the RRE(9–11) motif, within the helical structure of the UL49.5 N‐terminal fragment, as being crucial to the protein's activity. In this work, we investigated the effects of modifications within the RRE region on the spatial structure of the UL49.5 N‐terminal fragment. The introduced RRE(9–11) variations were designed to abolish or stabilize the structure of the α‐helix and, consequently, to increase or decrease protein activity compared to the wild type. The terminal structure of the peptides was established using circular dichroism (CD), 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and molecular dynamics (MD) in membrane‐mimetic or membrane‐model environments. Our structural results show that in the RRE(9–11)AAA and E11G peptides the helical structure has been stabilized, whereas for the RRE(9–11)GGG peptide, as expected, the helix structure has partially unfolded compared to the native structure. These RRE modifications, in the context of the entire UL49.5 proteins, slightly altered their biological activity in human cells.
Aggregometry and thromboelastography to identify the timing to trach a COVID‐19 patient receiving both antiplatelet therapy and enoxaparin
Authors: Tescione Marco , Vadalà Eugenio , Marano Graziella , Bruni Andrea , Garofalo Eugenio , Lavalle Ovidia , Longhini Federico , Battaglia Enzo , Polimeni Nicola , Labate Demetrio , Caracciolo Sarah , Giordano Francesco , Caracciolo Massimo , Macheda Sebastiano 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn COVID‐19 patients receiving enoxaparin and antiplatelets therapy, aggregometry and thromboelastography might be considered an adjunctive tool to identify the time to perform procedures at risk of bleeding, such as tracheostomy.
Severe cervical compressive polydiscopathic myelopathy with features of motor neuron disease: A case report
Authors: Văcăraș Vitalie , Hapca Elian , Drăghici Nicu Cătălin , Mureșanu Dafin Fior 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCervical myelopathy is part of ALS mimic syndrome and should be considered in patients with clinical signs of motor neuron disease.
Open heart mitral valve replacement using the Edwards‐Sapien 3 for severe mitral annular calcification prevents left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Authors: Morita Shohei , Takahashi Shinya , Pernot Mathieu , Leroux Lionel , Labrousse Louis 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOpen heart transcatheter mitral valve implantation using the Edwards‐Sapien 3 for mitral annular calcification is a safe procedure, because surgeons do not have to decalcify. And also, surgeons can resect the anterior mitral leaflet to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and deploy the valve under direct visualization.
Distributions of Fiber Mass, Air Permeability, and Filter Efficiency in Nonwoven Fabric Bag Filters
Authors: Fukasawa Tomonori , Kanaoka Chikao , Kimura Isao , Bao Li , Ishigami Toru , Fukui Kunihiro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe accurate determination of physical properties of filtration media is essential for predicting their performance for bag filtration use. The spatial distributions of fiber mass, air permeability, and thickness of three commercially available filtration media were evaluated and compared with the manufacturer's indicated values. The fiber mass and air permeability were distributed over a wide range, resulting in a large deviation from the indicated values. The filter efficiencies were measured for ten randomly sampled pieces from each filter, and the filter efficiency of the whole filtration media and particle emission rate were estimated. Even for filters with a fiber mass and air permeability close to the indicated values, their filter performances differed by approximately 15 %.
Gas velocity distribution in conical spouted beds with high‐density particles
Authors: Dogan Neslin , Koksal Murat , Kulah Gorkem 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLocal gas velocity measurements were conducted utilizing a Pitot tube in two small‐scale (Dc = 150 mm, γ = 30°, 60°) and one large‐scale (Dc = 250 mm, γ = 66°) conical spouted beds. Three different types of particles, zirconia (ρp = 6050 kg/m3), zirconia‐toughened alumina (ρp = 3700 kg/m3), and glass beads (ρp = 2460 kg/m3), were used in the experiments. Careful calibration of the Pitot tube for determination of gas velocities in the annulus section was carried out in a separate, loosely packed‐bed set‐up, which represents the flow conditions in the annulus section of the spouted bed. Solids hold‐up profiles were used to calculate the superficial gas velocities and determine the amount of air flowing through the spout, interface, and annulus. Effects of axial position, conical angle, bed size, and particle density on gas velocity profiles were investigated. It is shown that the amount of air flow through the annulus increases as the axial distance and particle density increases; however, it decreases with increasing cone angle. Dispersion of the gas into the annulus is found to be significantly higher in the large‐scale unit than the small‐scale unit.
Phase Engineering of CoMoO4 Anode Materials toward Improved Cycle Life for Li+ Storage†
Authors: Huang Xiaoqing , Li Junhao , Zhang Wenbiao , Huang Wenjie , Yang Lichun , Gao Qingsheng 
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusionAnode materials based on conversion reactions usually possess high energy densities for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, they suffer from poor rate performance and cycle life due to serious volume changes. Herein, α/β‐CoMoO4 heterogeneous nanorods are synthesized via a facile co‐precipitation method, and further are phase‐engineered through varying calcination temperature, accomplishing the obviously improved cycle life and rate performance as anodes for LIBs. When evaluated at a current density of 1.0 A·g–1, the optimal nanorods with an α/β phase ratio of 6.0 afford the reversible capacity of 1143.6 mAh·g–1 after 200 cycles, outperforming most of recently reported bimetal oxides. Li+ storage mechanism is further analyzed by using in‐situ X‐ray diffraction and ex‐situ transition electronic microscopy. It's revealed that β‐CoMoO4 follows a one‐step conversion reaction; while α‐CoMoO4 proceeds an intercalation pathway before the conversion reaction. Grading storage of Li+ would alleviate the volume effect of heterostructured α/β‐CoMoO4, forming electronically conductive network evenly composed of Co and Mo nanograins to enable the reversible electrochemical conversion. This work is anticipated to give some hints for the rational design of high‐performance energy materials.
Rapid generation cycling transforms pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium) into an annualized perennial
Authors: Anderson Neil O. , Suranyi Robert A. , Gullickson Steven M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPyrethrum [Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Vis.] is an important “green pesticide” crop widely used for insect control on plants and for humans. Pyrethrum flowers have the highest Pyrethrin I/Pyrethrin II ratio (%Py) and are harvested at specific stages to maximize yield. Selection for correlative early seed germination and flowering in first year pyrethrum seedlings is challenging and has not been accomplished previously. The breeding objectives for this study were to sample a wide germplasm base to select for rapid generation cycling (RGC) traits of early and high germination in Weeks 1–4, earliness of visible bud date (VBD) and flowering, accelerated growth, high leaf unfolding rates per week, number of shoots, and %Py in the 1st–12th flowers. Seven seed lots were evaluated for germination rate and timing (N = 141,120 seeds) in Year 1 for RGC traits. Seedling germination was recorded weekly with toothpicking to identify germination weeks with successive selection occurring at transplanting. Grand mean percentage germination was low (24.5%), whereas individual seed lots varied (18.4–38.9%). Seedling death was 0.0–6.8%. On average, it took 34–39 wk to reach VBD and an additional 3–4 wk to flower. Thus, flowering in <1 yr without vernalization is a new trait (annualized perennial) selected in this crop. Germination week was significantly correlated with VBD and flowering dates and is an important trait to use for selecting early‐flowering genotypes in plug trays. Pyrethrum breeding programs could select the earliest germinating seedlings (Weeks 1–4 after sowing) at transplanting to enhance the likelihood of selecting early‐flowering genotypes in the first year and provide an additional year of harvest to increase yield.
Genome‐wide association analysis of resistance to aluminum toxicity in the roots of common bean seedlings
Authors: Siamasonta Farai , Njobvu Justine , Hamabwe Swivia M. , Munyinda Kalaluka , Kamfwa Kelvin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAluminum toxicity is a major production constraint of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Here, we conducted a genome‐wide association study with an Andean diversity panel comprising 411 genotypes to identify genotypes with superior seedling Al resistance, and detect genomic regions associated with Al resistance in the Andean gene pool. The Andean diversity panel was evaluated for seedling Al resistance in a screen house with a hydroponic system with two nutrient solutions containing 0 μM (control solution) or 15 μM Al (Al stress solution). Seedling root length (RL) and root dry weight (RDW) were measured. Percentage reductions in RL (RL%) and in RDW (RDW%)were calculated as indices for Al resistance. Genome‐wide association analyses were conducted with 24,772 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Three genotypes [‘Msafiri’ (ADP70), ‘G5686’ (ADP566), and ‘Drake’ (ADP623)] showed high seedling Al resistance among the 411 genotypes. These genotypes could be used as sources of Al resistance to develop Al‐resistant varieties. Single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with Al resistance were identified on chromosomes Pv01, Pv02, Pv03, Pv05, Pv06, and Pv10. Phenotypic variation explained by significant SNPs ranged from 7.1 to 21.1%, suggesting that genetic control for Al resistance in the Andean gene pool is under both minor‐ and major‐effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with additive action. The most significant SNP on Pv02, which explained 21.1% of the phenotypic variation, overlapped with two previously reported QTLs for Al resistance. This major‐effect QTL on Pv02 is a strong candidate for use in marker‐assisted selection to accelerate the development of Al‐resistant bean varieties.
Overexpression of MeH1.2 gene inhibited plant growth and increased branch root differentiation in transgenic cassava
Authors: Zhao Pingjuan , Guo Xin , Wang Bin , Zhang Xiuchun , Sun Jianbo , Ruan Mengbin , Peng Ming 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important tropical crop with extraordinary tolerance to drought stress. Under drought stress, the histone H1 (named MeH1.2) protein of cassava leaf is significantly induced. In this study, the MeH1.2 gene was cloned from cassava to investigate the role of MeH1.2 protein in transcriptional regulation during the development of a multicellular organism in vivo. The MeH1.2 protein was localized to the cell nucleus. The expression of MeH1.2 gene was induced by polyethylene glycol, abscisic acid, and drought stress. Transgenic cassava overexpressing MeH1.2 gene (HOE) was generated from wild type cv.60444 (WT) by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. The 60‐d‐old HOE seedlings were significantly smaller and weaker than the WT in Murashige and Skoog medium. Moreover, they exhibited yellow leaves and senescence, and the number of branch roots increased significantly. We found a total of 1,670 down‐regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 891 up‐regulated DEGs in HOE leaves as indicated by RNA‐seq. Many DEGs were associated with metabolism and stress response, such as amino acid metabolic genes, wound‐responsive family genes, and peroxidase superfamily genes. We hypothesized that MeH1.2 overexpression may retard the growth of HOE plants. The increased proline content and root/shoot ratio of HOE seedlings also supported this hypothesis. Our findings will provide an important basis for further research on the function of the H1.2 gene and its role in drought resistance of cassava.