bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species co‐occurrence shapes spatial variability in plant diversity–biomass relationships in natural rangelands under different grazing intensities
Authors: Sanaei Anvar , Sayer Emma J. , Saiz Hugo , Yuan Zuoqiang , Ali Arshad 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGrazing can alter plant species interactions in natural rangelands, which in turn might influence the productivity of the ecosystem but we do not fully understand how spatial variability in plant diversity‐biomass relationships are modulated by grazing intensity. Here, we hypothesized that plant species co‐occurrence in rangelands is mainly driven by niche segregation due to grazing and heterogeneity in local resources, and that grazing, therefore, modulates diversity–biomass relationships. We tested our hypothesis across 35 rangeland sites in Iran, using a species co‐occurrence index to assess plant spatial aggregation within each site. At each site, we measured aboveground biomass, plant diversity, topography, soil nutrients, and three levels of grazing intensity. High spatial segregation of plant communities (low species co‐occurrence) was found at heavily grazed sites, whereas greater spatial aggregation (high species co‐occurrence) was found on low and moderate grazed sites, showing varied associational patterns of species with grazing intensity. Soil nutrients increased with grazing intensity and spatial segregation of plant communities was greater at sites with high soil nutrient concentrations, indicating that grazing intensity influences the spatial heterogeneity of plant communities via nutrients deposited in urine and feces. Declining plant biomass with grazing intensity was related to a strong decline in graminoid species diversity, which suggests that the diversity‐biomass relationship is influenced by selective grazing of palatable species. The relationships between species co‐occurrence and biomass or plant diversity suggest non‐random patterns in species co‐occurrences with grazing intensity, which could be the result of competition driven by high livestock grazing intensity. We, therefore, suggest that rangeland stocking rates should be managed properly to maintain rangeland production while promoting plant diversity.
Abdominal versus robotic sacral colpopexy: A detailed analysis of outcomes
Authors: McFerrin Coleman , Pilkington James E. , Pilet Haley , Frilot Clifton F. , Gomelsky Alex 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimsAlthough abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) is considered the gold standard for surgical repair of vaginal vault prolapse, the open surgical approach has significant morbidity. We aim to compare anatomic and functional outcomes in women receiving either robotic‐assisted sacral colpopexy (RSC) or ASC for post‐hysterectomy prolapse.MethodsWe present a retrospective chart review of all women who underwent ASC and RSC at our institution and had 12‐month follow‐up (FU). Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q) staging was assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively. Perioperative and demographic details were collected from the medical records.ResultsOne hundred twenty four women underwent RSC (mean age 63, median FU 16 months). Those in the ASC group (n = 144) were statistically younger (mean age 60) and had longer FU (median 60 months). Both median day of successful voiding trial and discharge day significantly favored RSC. There were no Clavien Grade IV/V complications for either procedure and three RSC procedures were converted to ASC. Both approaches were associated with a significant improvement in POP‐Q stage at FU, with few women requiring additional surgery. Overall, 76% of women in each group were dry from stress urinary incontinence. Improvement in storage and emptying indices, dyspareunia, and quality of life measures was observed after both approaches.ConclusionRSC demonstrates good support of significant vaginal vault prolapse at medium term FU, with shorter hospital stays and low complication rates. Close FU after RSC over a longer period will be needed to fully assess durability of both functional and anatomic outcomes.
The dopamine D2 agonist quinpirole impairs frontal mismatch responses to sound frequency deviations in freely moving rats
Authors: Inaba Hiroyoshi , Namba Hisaaki , Kida Satoshi , Nawa Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimA reduced mismatch negativity (MMN) response is a promising electrophysiological endophenotype of schizophrenia that reflects neurocognitive impairment. Dopamine dysfunction is associated with symptoms of schizophrenia. However, whether the dopamine system is involved in MMN impairment remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the effects of the dopamine D2‐like receptor agonist quinpirole on mismatch responses to sound frequency changes in an animal model.MethodsEvent‐related potentials were recorded from electrocorticogram electrodes placed on the auditory and frontal cortices of freely moving rats using a frequency oddball paradigm consisting of ascending and equiprobable (ie, many standards) control sequences before and after the subcutaneous administration of quinpirole. To detect mismatch responses, difference waveforms were obtained by subtracting nondeviant control waveforms from deviant waveforms.ResultsHere, we show the significant effects of quinpirole on frontal mismatch responses to sound frequency deviations in rats. Quinpirole delayed the frontal N18 and P30 mismatch responses and reduced the frontal N55 MMN‐like response, which resulted from the reduction in the N55 amplitude to deviant stimuli. Importantly, the magnitude of the N55 amplitude was negatively correlated with the time of the P30 latency in the difference waveforms. In contrast, quinpirole administration did not clearly affect the temporal mismatch responses recorded from the auditory cortex.ConclusionThese results suggest that the disruption of dopamine D2‐like receptor signaling by quinpirole reduces frontal MMN to sound frequency deviations and that delays in early mismatch responses are involved in this MMN impairment.
Nonlinear optimal control for multi‐DOF robotic manipulators with flexible joints
Authors: Rigatos Gerasimos , Abbaszadeh Masoud 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA main problem in the control of flexible‐joint robots and in the precise positioning of their end‐effector, is synchronization between the turn angles of the robots' joints and the turn angles of the motors that provide actuation to these joints. In this article, a nonlinear optimal (H‐infinity) control method is proposed for multi‐DOF robotic manipulators with flexible joints. The dynamic model of these robotic manipulators is shown to be underactuated and to satisfy differential flatness properties. The state‐space description of these robots undergoes approximate linearization around a temporary operating point which is recomputed at each iteration of the control method. The linearization procedure makes use of first‐order Taylor‐series expansion and relies on the computation of Jacobian matrices. For the approximately linearized model of these multi‐DOF robotic systems an H‐infinity feedback controller is designed. This controller stands for the solution of the robots' optimal control problem under model uncertainty and external disturbances. The computation of the controller's feedback gain requires the solution of an algebraic Riccati equation, which is performed again at each time‐step of the control algorithm. The stability properties of the control scheme are proven trough Lyapunov analysis. First, it is confirmed that the controller satisfies the H‐infinity tracking performance criterion which ascertains its robustness. Moreover, it is proven that the control loop is globally asymptotically stable. Finally, to implement sensorless control for such robotic systems the H‐infinity Kalman Filter is used as a robust state estimator. The proposed control method for multi‐DOF robotic manipulators with flexible joints retains the advantages of linear optimal control, that is fast and accurate tracking of its reference setpoints under moderate variations of the control inputs.
Public willingness to engage in backyard conservation in New Zealand: Exploring motivations and barriers for participation
Authors: Woolley Christopher K. , Hartley Stephen , Nelson Nicola J. , Shanahan Danielle F. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Citizen science and participatory conservation offer benefits to urban wildlife and help foster human–nature relationships in cities. To optimize conservation and social outcomes it is important that initiatives appeal to participants of a wide range of sociodemographic backgrounds. However, this can be challenging when motivation and willingness to undertake activities are influenced by socioecological context. In New Zealand, where control of invasive mammalian predators is a predominant strategy for conservation, trapping of rodents and mustelids has become a popular form of backyard conservation.

To understand how the appeal of pest trapping compares with that of other conservation activities, we investigated relationships between sociodemographic characteristics of participants and willingness to undertake three different backyard conservation activities (trapping of pest mammals, monitoring of pest mammals and monitoring of native animals). We also examined barriers and motivations for participating in these activities.

Willingness to engage in pest trapping was generally higher than that of the other activities, and although willingness scores for all activities were related to respondents’ connection to nature, this relationship was weaker for pest trapping than for monitoring activities. Willingness was also positively related to nature dose for all three activities. Concern for the environment was the only significant motivator of participation for all three activities while social interaction, contributing to community and enhancing one's ego were positively related to willingness for the monitoring activities only.

The more general appeal of pest trapping may reflect its more tangible outcomes for conservation or the additional benefits it offers participants through removal of domestic pests.

Understanding why some activities appeal across a wide sociodemographic spectrum may allow improved project design that maximizes participant recruitment. By encouraging participation of a wide range of people, such activities could provide an opportunity for people to become more connected with nature.
Low fetal fraction in obese women at first trimester cell‐free DNA based prenatal screening is not accompanied by differences in total cell‐free DNA
Authors: Shree Raj , Kolarova Teodora R. , MacKinnon Hayley J. , Hedge Jaclynne M. , Vinopal Elena , Ma Kimberly K. , Lockwood Christina M. , Chandrasekaran Suchitra 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveReasons for first trimester noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) test failure in obese women remain elusive. As dilution from maternal sources may be explanatory, we determined the relationship between obesity, fetal fraction (FF), and total cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) using our NIPS platform.MethodsWe assessed differences in first trimester (≤14 weeks) FF, indeterminate rate, and total cfDNA between obese (n = 518) and normal‐weight women (n = 237) after exclusion of confounders (anticoagulation, autoimmunity, aneuploidy) and controlling for covariates.ResultsFetal fraction was lower, and the indeterminate rate higher, in obese compared to controls (9.2% ± 4.4 vs. 12.5% ± 4.5, p < 0.001 and 8.4 vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001, respectively), but total cfDNA was not different (92.0 vs. 82.1 pg/µl, p = 0.10). For each week, the FF remained lower in obese women (all p < 0.01) but did not increase across the first trimester for either group. Obesity increased the likelihood of indeterminate result (OR 6.1, 95% CI 2.5, 14.8; p < 0.001) and maternal body mass index correlated with FF (β −0.27, 95% CI −0.3, −0.22; p < 0.001), but not with total cfDNA (β 0.49, 95% CI −0.55, 1.53; p = 0.3).ConclusionsFirst trimester obese women have persistently low FF and higher indeterminate rates, without differences in total cfDNA, suggesting placental‐specific mechanisms versus dilution from maternal sources as a potential etiology.
Increased nuchal translucency after low‐risk noninvasive prenatal testing: What should we tell prospective parents?
Authors: Kelley Joanne , McGillivray George , Meagher Simon , Hui Lisa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThree decades ago, the observation that first trimester fetuses with excess fluid accumulation at the back of the neck were more likely to be aneuploid, gave rise to a new era of prenatal screening. The nuchal translucency (NT) measurement in combination with serum biomarkers and maternal age, resulted in the first trimester combined screening (FTCS) program. The introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) over the past decade has introduced the option for parents to receive highly sensitive and specific screening information for common trisomy from as early as 10 weeks gestation, altering the traditional pathway FTCS pathway. The retention of the 11–13‐week NT ultrasound remains important in the detection of structural anomalies; however, the optimal management of pregnancies with a low‐risk NIPT result and an isolated increased NT measurement in an era of advanced genomic testing options is a new dilemma for clinicians. For parents, the prolonged period between the initial diagnosis in first trimester, and prognostic information at each successive stage of investigations up to 22–24 weeks, can be emotionally challenging. This article addresses the common questions from parents and clinicians as they navigate the uncertainty of having a fetus diagnosed with an increased NT after a low‐risk NIPT result and presents suggested approaches to management.
Exploring the structure of time‐correlated model errors in the ECMWF data assimilation system
Authors: Bonavita Massimo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractModel errors are increasingly seen as a fundamental performance limiter in both Numerical Weather Prediction and Climate Prediction simulations run with state‐of‐the‐art Earth‐system digital twins. This has motivated recent efforts aimed at estimating and correcting the systematic, predictable components of model error in a consistent data assimilation framework. While encouraging results have been obtained with a careful examination of the spatial aspects of the model error estimates, less attention has been devoted to the time correlation aspects of model errors and their impact on the assimilation cycle. In this work we employ a Lagged Analysis Increment Covariance (LAIC) diagnostic to gain insight in the temporal evolution of systematic model errors in the ECMWF operational data assimilation system, evaluate the effectiveness of the current weak constraint 4D‐Var algorithm in reducing these types of errors and, based on these findings, start exploring new ideas for the development of model error estimation and correction strategies in data assimilation.
Integrated Addressable Dynamic Droplet Array (aDDA) as Sub‐Nanoliter Reactors for High‐Coverage Genome Sequencing of Single Yeast Cells
Authors: Li Chunyu , Gong Yanhai , Wang Xixian , Xu Jian , Ma Bo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAn addressable dynamic droplet array (aDDA) is presented that combines the advantages of static droplet arrays and continuous‐flow droplet platforms. Modular fabrication is employed to create a self‐contained integrated aDDA. All the sample preparation steps, including single‐cell isolation, cell lysis, amplification, and product retrieval, are performed in sequence within a sub‐nanoliter (≈300 pL) droplet. Sequencing‐based validation suggests that aDDA reduces the amplification bias of multiple displacement amplification (MDA) and elevates the percentage of one‐yeast‐cell genome recovery to 91%, as compared to the average of 26% using conventional, 20 µL volume MDA reactions. Thus, aDDA is a valuable addition to the toolbox for high‐genome‐coverage sequencing of single microbial cells.
Constructing Precise Coordination of Nickel Active Sites on Hierarchical Porous Carbon Framework for Superior Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Xue Hui , Li Wan‐lu , Sun Jing , Guo Niankun , Song Tianshan , Dong Hongliang , Zhang Jiangwei , Ge Xin , Zhang Wei , Wang Qin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSingle‐atom catalysts (SACs) with specific coordination environment are expected to be efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, NiN4C10 coordination site is constructed through encapsulating Ni2+ into the cavity of ZIF‐8 as a self‐sacrificing precursor and anchoring it on 3D N‐doped carbon frameworks. The NiN4C10 catalyst shows excellent ORR activity and stability, with a high half‐wave potential (0.938 V vs RHE), which is currently the best performances in Ni‐based SACs. The remarkable performance with high ORR activity in alkaline solution is attributed to the single‐atom nickel active sites with faster electron transport and suitable electronic structure. Moreover, the power density of zinc‐air battery assembled by NiN4C10 as cathode is 47.1% higher than that of the commercial Pt/C. This work not only provides a facile method to prepare extremely active Ni‐based SACs, but also studies the intrinsic mechanism toward the oxygen reduction reaction under alkaline condition.
Neubewertung des Nutzlastmodells für Parkhäuser
Authors: Funke Alexander , Kemper Frank , Feldmann Markus 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGrundsätzlich sind die Nutzlasten für Parkhäuser von den Entwicklungen des Fahrzeugbestands betroffen – die durchschnittliche Erneuerungsrate von Fahrzeugen ist viel höher als diejenige der Gebäudestrukturen. Tatsächlich nahm das mittlere Betriebsgewicht von Personenkraftwagen in den letzten Jahrzehnten zu. Folglich ist eine regelmäßige Überprüfung und gegebenenfalls auch eine Aktualisierung der Nutzlastmodelle für Parkhäuser sinnvoll. Die vorliegende Studie bezieht umfangreiche Daten ein, die neu erhoben wurden, und wirft einen genauen Blick auf die Bestimmung der charakteristischen Nutzlast. Neben eigenen Lastmessungen wurden auch die statistischen Daten des aktuellen deutschen Fahrzeugbestands sowie die Auslastungszahlen von zahlreichen Parkhäusern berücksichtigt. Die für die Bestimmung charakteristischer Werte benötigte Extremwertanalyse wurde anhand von Monte‐Carlo‐Simulationen unter Berücksichtigung einer realistischen Laststrukturübertragung für verschiedene Tragwerkssysteme durchgeführt. Basierend auf der vorgestellten Studie konnte eine Nutzlastempfehlung für Parkhäuser erarbeitet werden, die nicht nur für die aktuelle Fahrzeugpopulation, sondern auch für eine bis in das Jahr 2030 prognostizierte Zukunftspopulation sicher ist. Das Ergebnis ist, dass trotz des erwarteten Anstiegs der zukünftigen Fahrzeuggewichte die Lastempfehlungen in der Größenordnung der bisherigen Regelungen gültig bleiben können.
Using Digital Tools to Engage in Collaborative Data‐Based Decision‐Making
Authors: Puccioni Jaime , Desir Sarahlee 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGiven that our current educational context has required many educators to utilize online instruction in some capacity over the past year, the purpose of this paper is to describe how literacy specialists and teachers can use digital tools to remotely engage in data‐based decision‐making within a collaborative professional learning community. Digital tools enable teachers to engage in meaningful asynchronous and synchronous collaborative activities online. Drawing upon our experience as literacy teacher educators, we describe our process of using digital tools to teach literacy specialists and educators how to take part in and facilitate professional learning communities (PLC) engaging in the cycle of data based decision making.
Computational aspects of stable distributions
Authors: Nolan John P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractStable distributions are a class of probability distributions that generalize the normal distribution. They are the only possible limits of normalized sums of independent, identically distributed terms, so sums of a large number of such terms have to approach a stable law. The non‐Gaussian stable distributions have heavy tails with infinite variance, and can be skewed. In most cases, there are no known formulas for the density or cumulative distribution function of these laws, so using them in practice requires significant computational methods. This paper explains some of the computations used to make stable laws useful in practical problems.This article is categorized under:
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Statistical Graphics and Visualization
Algorithms and Computational Methods > Algorithms
Algorithms and Computational Methods > Maximum Likelihood Methods
Morphological Features of Aortic Arch Predicting the Risk for Acute Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Sun Likun , Li Xin , Li Quanming , Li Ming , He Hao , Wang Tun , Li Jiehua , Shu Chang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the study is to elucidate the changes in aortic morphological parameters and identify the specific geometric risk factors associated with aTBAD.MethodsA total of 167 patients in aTBAD group and 196 subjects in control group were enrolled in the study. The aortic morphological data were retrospectively analyzed by 3mensio Vascular software. The aortic morphological parameters include diameter, length, angulation, tortuosity and the type of aortic arch. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to identify the significant predictors associated with the angulation, tortuosity and aortic arch type. The predictive capacity of the models was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsThe diameters in the ascending aorta and aortic arch and the lengths in the ascending aorta and total aorta were significantly greater in aTBAD group. Besides, the angulation of the ascending aorta and aortic arch in aTBAD group increased significantly. The tortuosity of aortic arch and total aorta was significantly higher in aTBAD group. The prevalence of type III arch in aTBAD group was significantly higher than that in the controls. Multivariable models demonstrated that aortic arch angulation, tortuosity and type III arch were independent geometric predictors of aTBAD occurrence. Based on the ROC analysis, AUC of the risk prediction models was 0.977, 0.958 and 0.945, respectively.ConclusionsBesides the enlargement of the ascending aorta and aortic arch, incremental aortic arch angulation, tortuosity and type III arch configuration are valuable geometric risk factors that could enhance aTBAD incidence.