bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leaf litter identity rather than diversity shapes microbial functions and microarthropod abundance in tropical montane rainforests
Authors: Sánchez‐Galindo Laura M. , Sandmann Dorothee , Marian Franca , Krashevska Valentyna , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn tropical forest ecosystems leaf litter from a large variety of species enters the decomposer system, however, the impact of leaf litter diversity on the abundance and activity of soil organisms during decomposition is little known. We investigated the effect of leaf litter diversity and identity on microbial functions and the abundance of microarthropods in Ecuadorian tropical montane rainforests. We used litterbags filled with leaves of six native tree species (Cecropia andina,Dictyocaryum lamarckianum,Myrcia pubescens,Cavendishia zamorensis,Graffenrieda emarginata, andClusiaspp.) and incubated monocultures and all possible two‐ and four‐species combinations in the field for 6 and 12 months. Mass loss, microbial biomass, basal respiration, metabolic quotient, and the slope of microbial growth after glucose addition, as well as the abundance of microarthropods (Acari and Collembola), were measured at both sampling dates. Leaf litter diversity significantly increased mass loss after 6 months of exposure, but reduced microbial biomass after 12 months of exposure. Leaf litter species identity significantly changed both microbial activity and microarthropod abundance with species of high quality (low C‐to‐N ratio), such asC. andina, improving resource quality as indicated by lower metabolic quotient and higher abundance of microarthropods. Nonetheless, species of low quality, such asClusiaspp., also increased the abundance of Oribatida suggesting that leaf litter chemical composition alone is insufficient to explain variation in the abundances of soil microarthropods. Overall, the results provide evidence that decomposition and microbial biomass in litter respond to leaf litter diversity as well as litter identity (chemical and physical characteristics), while microarthropods respond only to litter identity but not litter diversity.
Drivers of large‐scale spatial demographic variation in a perennial plant
Authors: Römer Gesa , Christiansen Ditte M. , de Buhr Hendrik , Hylander Kristoffer , Jones Owen R. , Merinero Sonia , Reitzel Kasper , Ehrlén Johan , Dahlgren Johan P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo understand how the environment drives spatial variation in population dynamics, we need to assess the effects of a large number of potential drivers on vital rates (survival, growth, and reproduction) and explore these relationships over large geographical areas and broad environmental gradients. In this study, we examined the effects of a wide variety of abiotic and biotic environmental factors on the demography of the forest understory herb Actaea spicata between 2017 and 2019 at 40 sites across Sweden, including the northern range margin of its distribution. We assessed the effects of potential environmental drivers on vital rates using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and then quantified the impact of each important driver on population growth rate (λ) using integral projection models (IPMs). Population dynamics of A. spicata were mostly driven by environmental factors affecting survival and growth, such as air humidity, soil depth, and forest tree species composition, and thus, those drivers jointly determined the realized niche of the species. Soil pH had a strong effect on the flowering probability, while the effect on λ was relatively small. In addition to identifying specific drivers for A. spicata’s population dynamics, our study illustrates the impact that spatial variation in environmental conditions can have on λ. Assessing the effects of a broad range of potential drivers, as done in this study, is important not only to quantify the relative importance of different drivers for population dynamics but also to understand species distributions and abundance patterns.
Risk of in‐hospital life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia or death after ST‐elevation myocardial infarction vs. the Takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Zeijlon Rickard , Chamat Jasmina , Enabtawi Israa , Jha Sandeep , Mohammed Mohammed Munir , Wågerman Johan , Le Vina , Shekka Espinosa Aaron , Nyman Erik , Omerovic Elmir , Redfors Björn 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsThe risk of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias (LTVA) has been reported to be lower in Takotsubo syndrome (TS) compared with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the extent to which these differences relate to the fact that most patients with TS are women (who have a lower risk of LTVA) and a relatively larger proportion of patients with STEMI are men is incompletely understood. We aimed to investigate the risk of LTVA or death in sex‐matched and age‐matched patients with TS, anterior STEMI, and non‐anterior STEMI.Methods and resultsWe systematically reviewed the charts of all patients with TS who were treated at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Gothenburg, Sweden) between 2008 and 2019. A total of 155 patients with confirmed TS (according to the European Society of Cardiology diagnostic criteria for TS) were sex‐matched and age‐matched 1:1:1 to patients with anterior and non‐anterior STEMI. Baseline characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes were recorded directly from the patient charts for all patients, and all admission electrocardiographs were analysed. The primary outcome was the composite of death or LTVA [defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia (>30 s) or ventricular fibrillation] within 72 h. The risk of LTVA or death within 72 h after admission was considerably lower in TS (2.6%) vs. anterior STEMI (14%; P = 0.002) and non‐anterior STEMI (9.0%; P = 0.02), despite similar or greater risks of acute heart failure, and similar risks of cardiogenic shock. Compared with STEMI, TS was associated with a lower risk of sustained and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.ConclusionsIn a predominantly female age‐matched and sex‐matched cohort of patients with TS, anterior STEMI, and non‐anterior STEMI, the adjusted risk of in‐hospital LTVA or death was considerably lower in TS compared with STEMI, despite similar or greater risk of acute heart failure and similar risk of cardiogenic shock.
Development of hemp fiber composites with recycled high density polyethylene grocery bags
Authors: Angulo Carlos , Brahma Siddhartha , Espinosa‐Dzib Alejandra , Peters Robert , Stewart Katherine M. E. , Pillay Selvum , Ning Haibin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis research focuses on the development of an environmentally friendly composite directly from recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) grocery bags without changing their film form. Untreated and alkali‐treated hemp fibers are used as reinforcement for a composite with recycled High Density Polyethylene (rHDPE) and a combination of rHDPE and virgin HDPE (vHDPE). Grocery bags and hemp fibers are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Fiber preforms are produced using a hydro‐entanglement method and compression molded with HDPE and/or rHDPE at weight fractions of 30, 40, and 50%. The hemp fiber HDPE composites are characterized and tested for their tension and flexure performance. The results show an improvement in mechanical properties when using treated fibers as well as the addition of vHDPE to the polymer matrix. The highest tensile and flexural strength values for the pure rHDPE composite were acquired after adding 40 and 50% weight fraction of treated fibers, respectively. An increase of around 10 MPa on both of these properties was found when using the optimized combination of the recycled and virgin matrix materials with 40 and 50% weight fraction of reinforcement, respectively. It is concluded that the composite made of hemp fibers and recycled plastic bag has relatively good mechanical properties and can be potentially used for secondary structural use.
High‐capacity hydrogen storage on Li‐decorated B16N16
Authors: Song Yan , Chen Hongshan , Zhang Yan , Yin Yuehong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe hydrogen adsorption on B16N16 clusters decorated by Li atoms is studied by density functional theory calculations. Li atoms transfer their electrons to the B atoms in B16N16 and form Li+ cations. The charges on Li are larger than 0.8 e. The hydrogen molecules are moderately polarized and adsorbed on the Li+ ions. The results indicate that each Li atom can adsorb two H2 molecules with an adsorption energy of about 0.16 eV/H2. The gravimetric hydrogen density can reach 9.15 wt% when B16N16Li12 adsorbs 24 H2. The present calculation results are helpful for exploring reversible hydrogen storage materials with high recycling storage capacity at ambient conditions.
A historical review of sediment export–import shift in the North Branch of Changjiang Estuary
Authors: Guo Leicheng , Xie Weiming , Xu Fan , Wang Xianye , Zhu Chunyan , Meng Yi , Zhang Weiguo , He Qing 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNet sediment transport is predominantly seaward in fluvial‐dominated estuaries worldwide. However, a distributary branch in the Changjiang Estuary, the North Branch, undergoes net landward sediment transport, which leads to severe channel aggradation. Its controlling mechanism and the role of human activities remain insufficiently understood, although such knowledge is necessary for better management and restoration opportunities. In this study we revisit the centennial hydro‐morphodynamic evolution of the North Branch based on historical maps, field data, and satellite images and provide a synthesis of the regime change from ebb to flood dominance. The North Branch was once a major river and ebb‐dominant distributary channel. Within which alternative meandering channels and sand bars developed. Deposition of river‐borne sediment leads to infilling of the branch, while tidal flat embankment reduces the bankfull width and modifies the channel configuration, resulting in a profound decline in the sub‐tidal flow partition rate. The North Branch then becomes tide‐dominant with an occurrence of tidal bores and elongated sand ridges. Once tidal dominance is established, extensive tidal flat reclamation enhances the funnel‐shaped planform, amplifying the incoming tides and initiating a positive feedback process that links tidal flat loss, sediment import, and channel aggradation. Overall, the shift in branch dominance is a combined result of a natural southeastward realignment of the deltaic distributary channels and extensive reclamation. One management option to mitigate channel aggradation is to stop the aggressive reclamation and allow tidal flats to build up, which might reduce the sediment import and eventually lead to a morphodynamic equilibrium in the longer term. Understanding the impact of tidal flat reclamation is informative for the management of similar tidal systems under strong human interference.
Comprehensive electro‐thermal battery‐model for Li‐ion batteries in microgrid applications
Authors: Attanayaka Attanayaka M. S. M. H. S , Karunadasa Jayawardena P. , Hemapala Kullappu T. M. U. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBattery energy storage systems (BESSs) are frequently used to buffer the difference between intermittent renewable generations and energy demand in microgrids. The operation of BESS is affected by dynamics of charging/discharging current, internal temperature build up, extreme reaches of state of charge level, and so forth. This article presents a comprehensive electro‐thermal model for Li‐ion batteries that can be used to investigate dynamic and static performances of a microgrid under real time operating conditions. The battery‐model has the ability to self‐update its parameters with the variation of core‐temperature, and also to accommodate inherent hysteresis present on parameters between charging and discharging events. The developed model is presented as a block in MATLAB/Simulink for easier use by others. In parallel with that, the details of the development of a complete simulation platform of a microgrid is also described, which includes battery charging and discharging converter systems, bidirectional grid‐end AC/DC converter system, wind energy input, solar PV energy input, load and closed loop control associated with converter systems. The battery model is simulated within the microgrid platform with a chosen energy management criteria. The results of the simulation are also presented and discussed.
Probiotic yogurt supplemented with nanopowdered eggshell: Shelf‐life stability, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics
Authors: Kamel Dalia G. , Othman Aly A. , Osman Dina M. , Hammam Ahmed R. A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to produce probiotic yogurt (5.0–7.0 log cfu/g) fortified with nanopowdered eggshell (NPES) at a rate of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 mg/ml, as well as, examine the effect of NPES on the physicochemical, microbial, sensory properties, and shelf‐life of probiotic yogurt. The NPES was prepared by milling preboiled dried eggshell using a mortar grinder. The size of the milled powder was measured to assure that the diameter of the powder is 27 ± 1.7 nm. Yogurt was manufactured by dividing the pasteurized milk into four aliquots portions. The first portion was utilized as control (T1), while the other three portions were supplemented with 0.02 (T2), 0.04 (T3), and 0.06 (T4) mg/ml NPES. All treatments were inoculated with 5.11 log cfu of Lactobacillus delbruckii ssp. bulgaricus (Lb) and Streptococcus thermophilus (St) combined and 5 log cfu of Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bb) per kg of milk at 40°C until the pH of 4.6 was reached. The acidity, sensory properties, Bb count, total bacterial count (TBC), yeast, and mold counts were examined. The results showed that the acidity was increasing during storage, however, increasing NPES resulted in low acid development (p < .05). The shelf‐life of control was ended after 8 d of storage at 4°C because molds were grown on the surface of the sample. The TBC significantly decreased (p < .05) as the concentration of NPES increased. Bb count in probiotic yogurt was also decreasing during storage. Yeast and molds were detected in control after 8 d; however, NPES did not result in molds even after 16 d of storage but yeast was exhibited. The NPES improved the sensory evaluation of probiotic yogurt slightly and increased the shelf‐life of probiotic yogurt as compared to control.
Association analysis of physiological traits in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under water‐deficit conditions
Authors: Jabbari Mitra , Fakheri Barat Ali , Aghnoum Reza , Darvishzadeh Reza , Mahdi Nezhad Nafiseh , Ataei Reza , Koochakpour Zahra , Razi Mitra 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the present study, 148 commercial barley cultivars were assessed by 14 AFLP primer combinations and 32 SSRs primer pairs. Population structure, linkage disequilibrium, and genomic regions associated with physiological traits under drought stress were investigated. The phenotypic results showed a high level of diversity between studied cultivars. The studied barley cultivars were divided into two subgroups. Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed that r2 values among all possible marker pairs have an average value of 0.0178. The mixed linear model procedure showed that totally, 207 loci had a significant association with investigated traits. 120 QTLs out of 207 were detected for traits under normal conditions, and 90 QTLs were detected for traits under drought stress conditions. Identified QTLs after validation and transferring to SCAR markers in the case of AFLPs can be used to develop MAS strategies for barley breeding programs. Some common markers were identified for a particular trait or some traits across normal and drought stress conditions. These markers show low interaction with environmental conditions (stable markers); therefore, selection by them for a trait under normal conditions will improve the trait value under stress conditions, too.
RETRACTED: Lopsided Blood‐Thinning Drug Increases the Risk of Internal Flow Choking Leading to Shock Wave Generation Causing Asymptomatic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Kumar Valsalayam Raghavapanicker Sanal , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Radhakrishnan Pradeep Kumar , Bharath Rajaghatta Sundararam , Chandrasekaran Nichith , Sankar Vigneshwaran , Sukumaran Ajith , Oommen Charlie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe discovery of Sanal flow choking in the cardiovascular‐system calls for multidisciplinary and global action to develop innovative treatments and to develop new drugs to negate the risk of asymptomatic‐cardiovascular‐diseases. Herein, it is shown that when blood‐pressure‐ratio (BPR) reaches the lower‐critical‐hemorrhage‐index (LCHI) internal‐flow‐choking and shock wave generation can occur in the cardiovascular‐system, with sudden expansion/divergence/vasospasm or bifurcation regions, without prejudice to the percutaneous‐coronary‐intervention (PCI). Analytical findings reveal that the relatively high and the low blood‐viscosity are cardiovascular‐risk factors. In vitro studies have shown that nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide gases are dominant in fresh blood samples of humans/guinea pigs at a temperature range of 98.6–104 F. An in silico study demonstrated the Sanal flow choking phenomenon leading to shock‐wave generation and pressure‐overshoot in the cardiovascular‐system. It has been established that disproportionate blood‐thinning treatment increases the risk of the internal‐flow‐choking due to the enhanced boundary‐layer‐blockage‐factor, resulting from an increase in flow‐turbulence level in the cardiovascular‐system, caused by an increase in Reynolds number as a consequence of low blood‐viscosity. The cardiovascular‐risk can be diminished by concurrently lessening the viscosity of biofluid/blood and flow‐turbulence by raising the thermal‐tolerance‐level in terms of blood‐heat‐capacity‐ratio (BHCR) and/or by decreasing the systolic‐to‐diastolic blood‐pressure‐ratio.
The effects of environmental taxes on environmental pollution and unemployment: A panel co‐integration analysis on the validity of double dividend hypothesis for selected African countries
Authors: Degirmenci Tunahan , Aydin Mehmet 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study, the validity of the double dividend hypothesis for several African countries (Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, South Africa, and Uganda) is investigated for the period of 1994–2017. The double dividend hypothesis claims that, in addition to reducing environmental pollution, environmental taxes can also increase employment. In this study, the validity of this hypothesis is examined with panel co‐integration and long‐run estimators. According to the findings obtained, environmental taxes increased environmental degradation and unemployment in Cameroon, environmental degradation in the Ivory coast, environmental degradation and employment in Mali, environmental restoration in South Africa and employment in Uganda. When the individual results obtained from the study are evaluated in general, it can be said that the double dividend hypothesis is not valid for African countries. The study proposes that taxation should be used as a financial incentive rather than a command‐and‐control policy to combat unemployment and environmental degradation.
Fintech and the economic capital of Chinese commercial bank's risk: Based on theory and evidence
Authors: Yao Ting , Song Liangrong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article examines the impact of “finance + technology” (Fintech) on different sizes of banks economic capital through the application of Fintech perspective in China during the period January 2011 and September 2019, using a dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation technique. The study found compared with small and medium‐sized banks, large state‐owned commercial banks have advantages in scale, capital and experience. There is a negative correlation between the scale of assets of commercial banks and economic capital. Further tests reveal the impact of Fintech on the profitability of different types of commercial banks shows significant heterogeneity.
Prevalence of high‐risk human papillomavirus genotypes in two regions of Peru
Authors: Jelinek Kayla , Harding Laura , Briceno Ruben , Li Zenggang , Niezgoda Angela , Sergent Shane , Etchebarne Brett 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to discover the most prevalent high‐risk (hr) HPV genotypes in the regions of Loreto and La Libertad, Peru.MethodsIn 2015, cervical cell samples were collected during pelvic examinations from women in the geographically distinct regions of Loreto and La Libertad, Peru. In 2017, additional samples were collected in La Libertad. A total of 429 women between the ages of 18 and 65 years living in these regions were enrolled in the study. All samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for the hrHPV genotypes 16, 18, and 35.ResultsSample collection from 126 women in 2015 in Loreto revealed an hrHPV incidence of 15.9% (20 of 126), with 60% (12 of 126) of HPV infections due to hrHPV 16. Samples from La Libertad revealed an hrHPV incidence of 14.5% incidence (44 of 303) (among 303 women). Of these infections, 38% (17) were attributable to hrHPV type 35 and 20% (9) were due to hrHPV type 16.ConclusionThe prevalence of hrHPV genotypes in Peru may differ from those observed in North America and Europe. Loreto appears to follow the prevalence trend observed in North America, with hrHPV type 16 accounting for the majority of cases. However, hrHPV type 35 may account for a greater contribution to the cervical cancer burden in La Libertad. Further research, specifically on cervical tumor specimens, is needed.
The impact of lymph node dissection on apparent Stage I epithelial ovarian carcinoma: A population‐based study
Authors: Chen Qian , Wang Shu , Lang Jing‐He 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the impact of lymphadenectomy on the prognosis of women of reproductive age with clinically apparent Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).MethodsData of women of reproductive age with Stage I EOC, diagnosed between 2010 and 2016, were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Five‐year cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate Cox analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of lymph node dissection on survival. Propensity score (PS) matching was conducted to balance various clinicopathologic factors.ResultsOf 2222 patients included, 1609 (72.4%) received lymph node dissection. The rate of histopathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis was highest in serous subtype (10.2%) and lowest in mucinous subtype (2.2%). No significant difference between the lymphadenectomy and non‐lymphadenectomy groups in 5‐year CSS was observed in the original cohort (P = 0.364) or in the PS matching cohort (P = 0.248). Nevertheless, there was a significant difference between the lymphadenectomy and non‐lymphadenectomy groups for patients with Stage IC EOC (92.4% vs. 88.1%, P = 0.027). According to the multivariate analysis, performance of the lymphadenectomy was not significantly associated with CSS in the original cohort (P = 0.163) or the PS matching cohort (P = 0.101).ConclusionDissection of lymph nodes was not significantly associated with improved prognosis for most Stage I EOC, but, lymphadenectomy may be necessary for women of reproductive age with Stage IC subtype.