bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural enemies of herbivores maintain their biological control potential under short‐term exposure to future CO2, temperature, and precipitation patterns
Authors: van Doan Cong , Pfander Marc , Guyer Anouk S. , Zhang Xi , Maurer Corina , Robert Christelle A.M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractClimate change will profoundly alter the physiology and ecology of plants, insect herbivores, and their natural enemies, resulting in strong effects on multitrophic interactions. Yet, manipulative studies that investigate the direct combined impacts of changes in CO2, temperature, and precipitation on the third trophic level remain rare. Here, we assessed how exposure to elevated CO2, increased temperature, and decreased precipitation directly affect the performance and predation success of species from four major groups of herbivore natural enemies: an entomopathogenic nematode, a wolf spider, a ladybug, and a parasitoid wasp. A four‐day exposure to future climatic conditions (RCP 8.5), entailing a 28% decrease in precipitation, a 3.4°C raise in temperature, and a 400 ppm increase in CO2 levels, slightly reduced the survival of entomopathogenic nematodes, but had no effect on the survival of other species. Predation success was not negatively affected in any of the tested species, but it was even increased for wolf spiders and entomopathogenic nematodes. Factorial manipulation of climate variables revealed a positive effect of reduced soil moisture on nematode infectivity, but not of increased temperature or elevated CO2. These results suggest that natural enemies of herbivores may be well adapted to short‐term changes in climatic conditions. These findings provide mechanistic insights that will inform future efforts to disentangle the complex interplay of biotic and abiotic factors that drive climate‐dependent changes in multitrophic interaction networks.
Colonization process determines species diversity via competitive quasi‐exclusion
Authors: Yamauchi Atsushi , Ito Koichi , Shibasaki Shota 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA colonization model provides a useful basis to investigate a role of interspecific competition in species diversity. The model formulates colonization processes of propagules competing for spatially distinct habitats, which is known to result in stable coexistence of multiple species under various trade‐off, for example, competition–colonization and fecundity–mortality trade‐offs. Based on this model, we propose a new theory to explain patterns of species abundance, assuming a trade‐off between competitive ability and fecundity among species. This model makes testable predictions about species positions in the rank abundance diagram under a discrete species competitiveness. The predictions were tested by three data of animal communities, which supported our model, suggesting the importance of interspecific competition in community structure. Our approach provides a new insight into understanding a mechanism of species diversity.
Convenient Cyclopentadiene Modifications for Building Versatile (Radio‐)Metal Cyclopentadienyl Frameworks
Authors: Lengacher Raphael , Braband Henrik , Csucker Joshua , Alberto Roger 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe synthesis of a bifunctional cyclopentadiene‐based building block, bearing an alkyl linker with a terminal chloride and an ester group is described. This building block was modified by nucleophilic substitution, leading to two new fac‐[Re(CO)3]+ containing derivatives of known drug candidates for brain imaging and multi‐drug resistance in cancer in as few as two steps. Furthermore, the chloride was replaced by an azide, which was subsequently coupled to phenylacetylene as a model alkyne to demonstrate its versatility for undergoing Click‐type reactions. The resulting triazole was labelled with 99mTc to yield the corresponding piano‐stool complex in a radiochemical purity of 86 %. The identities were confirmed by coinjection with the Re homologue.
A New Approach for the Synthesis of Perfluoroalkanesulfenic Acids
Authors: Xu Jia‐Hong , Jiang Min , Song Li‐Ping , Liu Jin‐Tao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA new and more practical method for the preparation of solution‐stable perfluoroalkanesulfenic acids was successfully developed. Starting from perfluoroalkyl iodides, perfluoroalkyl sulfoxides were synthesized by their substitution reaction with alkyl mercaptans and the following oxidation of resulting perfluoroalkyl sulfides with m‐CPBA. Subsequent β‐H elimination of perfluoroalkyl sulfoxides under heating conditions gave the corresponding perfluoroalkanesulfenic acids in good yields.
Room Temperature Phosphorescence from Organic Materials: Unravelling the Emissive Behaviour of Chloro‐Substituted Derivatives of Cyclic Triimidazole
Authors: Giannini Clelia , Forni Alessandra , Malpicci Daniele , Lucenti Elena , Marinotto Daniele , Previtali Andrea , Carlucci Lucia , Cariati Elena 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurely organic luminophores that exhibit room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are receiving an ever‐growing attention. The design of efficient RTP materials and the understanding of their emissive behaviour, however, remain a challenging task. Herein, to gain further insights into metal‐free RTP, we report the synthesis, characterization, and photophysical study of chloro‐derivatives of [1,2‐a:1′,2′‐c:1′′,2′′‐e][1,3,5]triazine or cyclic triimidazole (TT). Mono‐ (1Cl), di‐ (2Cl) and tri‐chloro‐TT (3Cl) derivatives are prepared by mild chlorination with N‐chlorosuccinimide (NCS). The three compounds are characterized by aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) comprising dual fluorescence and multiple phosphorescences, whose origin is disclosed by crystal structure analysis together with accurate DFT/TDDFT calculations. Comparison with previously reported bromine and iodine TT derivatives reveals the new chlorinated compounds as the best performing halogenated AIE members of the family.
A Three‐Step Synthesis of 4H‐Cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene from Pyrene
Authors: van der Ham Alex , Overkleeft Hermen S. , Filippov Dmitri V. , Schneider Grégory F. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract4H‐Cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene (CPP) is a valuable building block in the production of photoactive polymers, which find use in a wide range of organic electronic applications. Of particular importance is their use in the development of blue‐colored, organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), which remains a challenge in the field. Unfortunately, commercial sources and synthetic procedures known in the literature are unable to provide enough CPP for large scale implementation. Herein, we report on the development of a novel, gram‐scale synthesis of CPP in three steps, starting from pyrene. The key steps in our methodology are the ring contraction of pyrene‐4,5‐dione to oxoCPP in a single step, as well as the direct reduction of oxoCPP to CPP. Apart from the small number of synthetic steps, our methodology benefits from the use of relatively non‐hazardous reagents, together with optimized purification procedures, making CPP accessible in useful quantities.
TIM‐3 polymorphism is involved in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating gene expression
Authors: Cui Sai‐Jin , Li Yan , Zhou Rong‐Miao , Liu Lu , Cao Shi‐Ru , Huang Xi , Huo Xiang‐Ran , Wang Na 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing molecule 3 (TIM‐3), a crucial immune regulatory molecule, is an emerging immune checkpoint target for cancer therapy. Our study aimed to investigate the association between TIM‐3 polymorphisms (rs10053538 C > A, rs10515746 C > A, and rs1036199 A > C) and the susceptibility and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We further detect the effects of polymorphisms on TIM‐3 expression. Two independent case–control sets (population‐based and hospital‐based sets) were performed in total 994 ESCC patients and 998 controls. TIM‐3 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐ligase detection reaction (PCR). Survival data were available for 198 patients who received platinum‐based chemotherapy after surgery. The regulation on TIM‐3 expression by the polymorphisms was investigated in 35 patients using real‐time quantitative PCR. The association between mRNA level of TIM‐3 and survival was detected by using Kaplan–Meier plotter database. We found that for rs10053538 C > A polymorphisms, A allele was associated with significant increased risk of ESCC (odds ratios [OR] = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.05–1.72), and CA/AA genotypes enhanced susceptibility to ESCC for smokers (adjusted OR = 1.61, 95%CI = 1.00–2.59). The patients with AA genotypes had significantly poor prognosis (adjusted HR = 4.98, 95%CI = 1.14–21.71). The patients carrying CA/AA genotypes had significantly higher mRNA levels of TIM‐3 than those carrying the CC genotype. Furthermore, high mRNA level of TIM‐3 had a shorter overall survival in patients (HR = 2.56, 95%CI = 1.04–6.28). For rs10515746 C > A and rs1036199 A > C polymorphisms, there were no statistical correlation with the progression of ESCC. These data demonstrate that rs10053538 C > A polymorphisms may be associated with the susceptibility and prognosis of ESCC patients through regulating expression of TIM‐3.
Physicochemical characteristics of biomass‐coal blend char: The role of co‐pyrolysis synergy
Authors: Lin Bowen , Zhou Jingsong , Qin Qianwen , Xie Cong , Luo Zhongyang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCo‐pyrolysis synergy between cornstalk and bituminous coal was investigated based on the physicochemical properties of the char. The char was prepared by directly putting the individual or blended materials into a heated resistance furnace at 600°C or 800°C. The performance of surface morphology and mineral matters was not notably changed by co‐pyrolysis, indicated by scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction. However, N2 and CO2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms confirmed that surface area and pore structure were strongly influenced, particularly in large micropores and mesopores. Ultimate analysis and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer measurement revealed excessive depositions of carbon, alkali, and alkaline‐earth metal species in co‐pyrolysis char. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer analysis examined the elemental surface distribution, suggesting that co‐pyrolysis under moderate temperature strongly favored inhibiting potassium release. The non‐isothermal thermogravimetry‐differential scanning calorimeter experiments under air atmosphere were conducted for char combustion reactivity, which was expected to be instructive for deeper understanding about co‐pyrolysis synergy and reutilization of the char. The thermal behaviors during combustion of co‐pyrolysis char clearly resembled a single fuel, which completely varied from those of the char blends. Besides, co‐pyrolysis chars and char blends were superior in total heat release compared with the simple addition of calculated values from individual char. Based on these observations, key factors of the synergy were supposed to have consisted of free radical reaction, secondary char formation, and the migration of alkali and alkaline‐earth metal species.
Interrelations between relief, vegetation, disturbances, and permafrost in the forest‐steppe of central Mongolia
Authors: Klinge Michael , Schneider Florian , Dulamsuren Choimaa , Arndt Kim , Bayarsaikhan Uudus , Sauer Daniela 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn semi‐arid central Asia, relief has a strong impact on the distribution of vegetation and discontinuous permafrost. Our aim was to analyse causal chains and inter‐relationships that control the spatial patterns of forest and permafrost in the forest‐steppe of the northern Khangai Mountains in Mongolia. For this purpose, we conducted soil‐profile descriptions, ground‐penetrating radar sounding, and vegetation mapping to gain information about forest and permafrost distribution. We integrated remote‐sensing analysis and field‐mapping data, including soil properties, vegetation cover, forest fires and anthropogenic forest use. We developed and applied a technique for spatial delineation of permafrost distribution, based on the parameters Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), incoming solar radiation and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Key outcomes of this study are that the occurrence of discontinuous permafrost within 1 m depth is limited to forest stands larger than 100 ha on north‐facing slopes. Dense ground vegetation supports permafrost, whereas sandy soil texture leads to greater depth of the permafrost table. As the seasonal ice in the active layer progressively melts down during summer, meltwater interflow above the permafrost table provides additional soil moisture downslope. This process is reflected in enhanced vitality of the steppe vegetation on toe slopes below forests with permafrost. This effect can in turn be used to indirectly detect permafrost in forest stands by remote sensing. Permafrost mostly disappears after forest fires and other severe disturbances, but it may re‐establish during forest regrowth. However, climate warming is presently leading to a loss of permafrost regeneration potential after disturbance, and to a shift from climate‐induced and ecosystem‐driven permafrost to entirely ecosystem‐protected permafrost. These trends will result in a further decrease of permafrost area after forest disturbance.
Spectral efficiency analysis for massive MIMO orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and filter bank multicarrier in a realistic scenario using signal‐to‐noise‐and‐distortion ratio and interpolation for different modulation coding schemes
Authors: Jose Felipe Kurpiel , Assumpção Lolis Luis Henrique , Mafra Samuel Baraldi , Parente Ribeiro Eduardo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe study investigates the self‐equalization effect and its impact on the spectral efficiency (SE) analysis in a massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) scenario for 5G wireless networks for filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulations. For that the SNR adopted in previous studies is compared to the inverse of the mean squared error (MSE) for multiple users in a single cell environment. In order to incorporate other distortions not correlated to the signal, this work uses the inverse of the MSE as the signal‐to‐noise‐and‐distortion ratio (SNDR) and, that metric is adopted for SE calculation in massive MIMO (MM) uplink setup. Throughout the article, the importance of considering this metric for the SE analysis of the MM system will be noticeable. Previous works dealing with MM focus on the case when the number of antennas is so much higher than the number of users that specific conditions could be applied, however, it was shown throughout this study that some of those assumptions could represent an imprecision, especially for the case when the ratio between the number of antennas and the number of users is less expressive.
Germline sequence analysis of RABL3 in a large series of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients reveals no evidence of deleterious variants
Authors: Roberts Nicholas J. , Grant Robert C. , Gallinger Steven , Klein Alison P. ,   the Familial Pancreatic Cancer Genome Sequencing Project
Published: March 2021

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with a 5‐year survival rate of less than 10%. Individuals with a pathogenic germline variant in a pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene are at an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Understanding the inherited genetic basis of pancreatic tumor development provides a unique opportunity to improve patient care and outcomes. For example, relatives of a patients with PDAC who have a pathogenic germline variant in a pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene are eligible for disease surveillance where cancers may be detected early, and 5‐year survival greatly improved. Furthermore, for some patients with PDAC and a pathogenic germline variant in a pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene, their tumors may be susceptible to specific anti‐cancer therapies. Recently, RABL3 was identified as a pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene. To validate these findings and inform clinical translation, we determined the prevalence of deleterious RABL3 variants in a large cohort of 1037 patients with PDAC that had undergone either whole genome or whole exome germline sequencing. We identified two synonymous variants and four missense variants classified as variants of unknown significance. We found no pathogenic RABL3 variants, indicating that the maximum prevalence of such variants in patients with PDAC is less than 0.36% (minor allele frequency 0, 97.5% one‐sided confidence interval: 0‐0.0036). This finding has important implications for germline genetic testing of patients with PDAC.
Thematic quality assessment of land surface geospatial data based on confusion matrices: A matrix set for research on measures and procedures
Authors: Ariza‐López Francisco J. , García‐Balboa José L. , Alba‐Fernández María V. , Rodríguez‐Avi José 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe confusion matrix has long been adopted as the ‘de facto’ and ‘de jure’ standard method of reporting on the thematic accuracy assessment of any land surface geospatial dataset. This type of data supports decision‐making in many different fields, so suitable quality is therefore essential in order to take the best decisions. Nevertheless, the creation and exploitation of the confusion matrix remains as an open topic with issues related to sampling design, quantitative indices derived from the matrix, statistical hypotheses that could be applied, etc. In connection with the latter, a confusion matrix dataset would be useful for a researcher in this matter. We have developed such a dataset retrieving confusion matrices from the literature, mainly research articles published in scientific journals included in WoS. We have collected almost 200 matrices in a database. This allows us to access the complete matrices and query different interesting properties of them and of the project where they were developed such as matrix size, sample size, location, year of data capture, labels of the classes, quality indices used, and extension and location of the project (where available).
Sparse deep neural networks on imaging genetics for schizophrenia case–control classification
Authors: Chen Jiayu , Li Xiang , Calhoun Vince D. , Turner Jessica A. , van Erp Theo G. M. , Wang Lei , Andreassen Ole A. , Agartz Ingrid , Westlye Lars T. , Jönsson Erik , Ford Judith M. , Mathalon Daniel H. , Macciardi Fabio , O'Leary Daniel S. , Liu Jingyu , Ji Shihao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDeep learning methods hold strong promise for identifying biomarkers for clinical application. However, current approaches for psychiatric classification or prediction do not allow direct interpretation of original features. In the present study, we introduce a sparse deep neural network (DNN) approach to identify sparse and interpretable features for schizophrenia (SZ) case–control classification. An L0‐norm regularization is implemented on the input layer of the network for sparse feature selection, which can later be interpreted based on importance weights. We applied the proposed approach on a large multi‐study cohort with gray matter volume (GMV) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for SZ classification. A total of 634 individuals served as training samples, and the classification model was evaluated for generalizability on three independent datasets of different scanning protocols (N = 394, 255, and 160, respectively). We examined the classification power of pure GMV features, as well as combined GMV and SNP features. Empirical experiments demonstrated that sparse DNN slightly outperformed independent component analysis + support vector machine (ICA + SVM) framework, and more effectively fused GMV and SNP features for SZ discrimination, with an average error rate of 28.98% on external data. The importance weights suggested that the DNN model prioritized to select frontal and superior temporal gyrus for SZ classification with high sparsity, with parietal regions further included with lower sparsity, echoing previous literature. The results validate the application of the proposed approach to SZ classification, and promise extended utility on other data modalities and traits which ultimately may result in clinically useful tools.
Improving the sensitivity of cluster‐based statistics for functional magnetic resonance imaging data
Authors: Geerligs Linda , Maris Eric 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBecause of the high dimensionality of neuroimaging data, identifying a statistical test that is both valid and maximally sensitive is an important challenge. Here, we present a combination of two approaches for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data analysis that together result in substantial improvements of the sensitivity of cluster‐based statistics. The first approach is to create novel cluster definitions that optimize sensitivity to plausible effect patterns. The second is to adopt a new approach to combine test statistics with different sensitivity profiles, which we call the min(p) method. These innovations are made possible by using the randomization inference framework. In this article, we report on a set of simulations and analyses of real task fMRI data that demonstrate (a) that the proposed methods control the false‐alarm rate, (b) that the sensitivity profiles of cluster‐based test statistics vary depending on the cluster defining thresholds and cluster definitions, and (c) that the min(p) method for combining these test statistics results in a drastic increase of sensitivity (up to fivefold), compared to existing fMRI analysis methods. This increase in sensitivity is not at the expense of the spatial specificity of the inference.
Glycemic Control Predicts Severity of Hepatocyte Ballooning and Hepatic Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Alexopoulos Anastasia‐Stefania , Crowley Matthew J. , Wang Ying , Moylan Cynthia A. , Guy Cynthia D. , Henao Ricardo , Piercy Dawn L. , Seymour Keri A. , Sudan Ranjan , Portenier Dana D. , Diehl Anna Mae , Coviello Andrea D. , Abdelmalek Manal F. 
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims
Whether glycemic control, as opposed to diabetes status, is associated with the severity of NAFLD is open for study. We aimed to evaluate whether degree of glycemic control in the years preceding liver biopsy predicts the histological severity of NASH.

Approach and Results
Using the Duke NAFLD Clinical Database, we examined patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD/NASH (n = 713) and the association of liver injury with glycemic control as measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The study cohort was predominantly female (59%) and White (84%) with median (interquartile range) age of 50 (42, 58) years; 49% had diabetes (n = 348). Generalized linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, diabetes, body mass index, and hyperlipidemia were used to assess the association between mean HbA1c over the year preceding liver biopsy and severity of histological features of NAFLD/NASH. Histological features were graded and staged according to the NASH Clinical Research Network system. Group‐based trajectory analysis was used to examine patients with at least three HbA1c (n = 298) measures over 5 years preceding clinically indicated liver biopsy. Higher mean HbA1c was associated with higher grade of steatosis and ballooned hepatocytes, but not lobular inflammation. Every 1% increase in mean HbA1c was associated with 15% higher odds of increased fibrosis stage (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.31). As compared with good glycemic control, moderate control was significantly associated with increased severity of ballooned hepatocytes (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.01, 3.01; P = 0.048) and hepatic fibrosis (HF; OR, 4.59; 95% CI, 2.33, 9.06; P < 0.01).

Conclusions
Glycemic control predicts severity of ballooned hepatocytes and HF in NAFLD/NASH, and thus optimizing glycemic control may be a means of modifying risk of NASH‐related fibrosis progression.