bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A spatiotemporal data acquisition toolkit for volume estimation tools in precision agriculture
Authors: Lee Seong‐Hun , Park Jaehwa 
Published: April 2019

SummaryA data acquisition system for precision agriculture is presented. The system can collects various time‐series data on target plants and their environmental facts. The designed system consists of a server and multiple intra‐networked stations and includes a software toolkit that has two independent but synchronized data acquisition processes. The one is for measurements on environmental facts around a target plant and the other is for volume estimation of the target plant adopting multi‐view stereo techniques. An analysis on sampling rate and data acquisition experiments for testing purposes were performed. A data filtering method based on the fast Fourier transform is applied to analyze the noise immunity of the collected data. For the volume estimation, three different methods, ie, method‐I using 2‐D projection on slices, method‐II using polyhedrons on voxels, and method‐III using enclosed surfaces, were devised to handle various plant types and examined for three different type of target plants. The volume estimation errors were measured in range of 6 ∼ 30% in the experiments.
Changes in behavior are unable to disrupt a trophic cascade involving a specialist herbivore and its food plant
Authors: Lohman Madeleine G. , Riecke Thomas V. , Acevedo Cheyenne R. , Person Brian T. , Schmutz Joel A. , Uher‐Koch Brian D. , Sedinger James S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractChanges in ecological conditions can induce changes in behavior and demography of wild organisms, which in turn may influence population dynamics. Black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) nesting in colonies on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) in western Alaska have declined substantially (~50%) since the turn of the century. Black brant are herbivores that rely heavily on Carex subspathacea (Hoppner's sedge) during growth and development. The availability of C. subspathacea affects gosling growth rates, which subsequently affect pre‐ and postfledging survival, as well as size and breeding probability as an adult. We predicted that long‐term declines in C. subspathacea have affected gosling growth rates, despite the potential of behavior to buffer changes in food availability during brood rearing. We used Bayesian hierarchical mixed‐effects models to examine long‐term (1987–2015) shifts in brant behavior during brood rearing, forage availability, and gosling growth rates at the Tutakoke River colony. We showed that locomotion behaviors have increased (β = 0.05, 95% CRI: 0.032–0.068) while resting behaviors have decreased (β = −0.024, 95% CRI: −0.041 to −0.007), potentially in response to long‐term shifts in forage availability and brood density. Concurrently, gosling growth rates have decreased substantially (β = −0.100, 95% CRI: −0.191 to −0.016) despite shifts in behavior, mirroring long‐term declines in the abundance of C. subspathacea (β = −0.191, 95% CRI: −0.355 to −0.032). These results have important implications for individual fitness and population viability, where shifts in gosling behavior putatively fail to mitigate long‐term declines in forage availability.
Resource partitioning confirmed by isotopic signatures allows small mammals to share seasonally flooded meadows
Authors: Balčiauskas Linas , Skipitytė Raminta , Balčiauskienė Laima , Jasiulionis Marius 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMeadows in river deltas are characterized by a high diversity and abundance of small mammals. However, neither their spatial arrangement nor differences in their use of microhabitat can necessarily explain the dense co‐occurrence of sympatric species. We investigated how several small mammal species share a seasonally flooded meadow of limited size, testing predictions (P1) that herbivore, granivore, insectivore, and omnivore species are separated in time (dominant in different years), (P2) that sympatric species undergo isotopic partitioning, and (P3) that there are intraspecific differences in diet. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope signatures in the hair of seven synantropic shrew, vole, and mice species were used as a proxy for their diet. We found that the three most abundant species in eight of the nine years were from different diet groups. However, based on the number of species in the functional groups, the state of small mammal community was considered unfavored in five out of the nine investigation years. In years with the greatest dominance of Apodemus agrarius, the small mammal community was characterized by decreased diversity and Micromys minutus was either in low abundance or absent. In 2014 and 2016, years of low abundance or absence of M. oeconomus, M. agrestis, and M. glareolus were both recorded in high numbers. Differences in the isotopic signatures of the three most abundant small mammal species in the community were clearly expressed and core areas in the isotopic space were separated, showing their dependence on different dietary resources. Intraspecific dietary separation between young and adult animals was observed only in M. oeconomus. Thus, the high species diversity of small mammals and the formation of their community in this investigated flooded meadow are maintained by isotopic partitioning (segregation in dietary space) and by changes in their number over time (shifting dominance).
Climate change indirectly reduces breeding frequency of a mobile species through changes in food availability
Authors: Mastrantonis Stanley , Craig Michael D. , Renton Michael , Kirkby Tony , Hobbs Richard J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTrends of environmental change are influencing the behavior of many species across the world, while highly mobile species are disproportionately impacted by climate change and human modification. Here, we investigate the mechanisms behind climate change effects on the reproductive traits of highly mobile, West Australian bird taxa, the forest red‐tailed black cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii naso (FRTBC). Using a dataset of annual breeding frequency spanning 19 yr, in combination with hydrological, climatological, and remotely sensed data, we modeled the effects of environmental variation on the annual breeding frequency of FRTBCs. We found several significant relationships between annual breeding frequency of FRTBCs and environmental variation. While the model, which included a proxy for the availability of the cockatoo's primary food source and the previous season's rain, explained 49% of annual breeding frequency, there were also direct and indirect effects of heatwaves and forest productivity. Forest red‐tailed black cockatoo breeding appears to be linked to the spatiotemporal availability of its primary food sources, the fruit from the tree species, marri Corymbia calophylla and jarrah Eucalyptus marginata. However, Western Australia is experiencing significant climate change, with increases in temperature and declines in rainfall altering the phenologies of these species, while declining rainfall is affecting the vegetation structure of the region. As drought events and temperatures are anticipated to increase over the region, it is expected that the food resources during the breeding season for cockatoos will become increasingly limited in time and space, thus threatening the persistence of this iconic species. This scenario is likely to be representative of many other situations where wide‐ranging species rely on patchy food resources in a changing environment. As global biodiversity is increasingly threatened, this study presents timely evidence illustrating how climate change is affecting the persistence of a threatened, mobile species, and what the implications are for mobile species around the world.
Thermodynamic parameters for the complexation of water‐insoluble betulin derivatives with (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐γ‐cyclodextrin determined by phase‐solubility technique combined with capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Sursyakova Viktoria V. , Levdansky Vladimir A. , Rubaylo Anatoly I. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe complexation of betulinic and betulonic acids (BIA and BOA) (pentacyclic lupane triterpenoids) with (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐γ‐cyclodextrin (HP‐γ‐CD) was studied at different temperatures using the method combining phase‐solubility technique and CZE. In contrast to mobility shift ACE utilizing the electrophoretic mobility, in this approach, the peak areas are used. The apparent binding (stability, formation) constants are obtained by the Higuchi and Connors method from the linear segment of compound solubility diagrams in CD solutions. It was found that the apparent binding constants of the HP‐γ‐CD complexes of BIA and BOA decrease with increasing temperature. The binding constants of BOA complexes are slightly higher than those of BIA complexes; this can be explained by difference in the hydration degrees of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. On the basis of the binding constants obtained and their temperature dependences (van't Hoff plot), the enthalpy as well as entropy changes and Gibbs free energies were calculated. It was found that the complexation was characterized by negative changes of enthalpy and entropy, that is, it was controlled by enthalpy changes. The results obtained can be used for the optimization of microcapsulation processes of BOA and BIA with the HP‐γ‐CD application in order to increase solubility and bioavailability of these compounds.
Imputed gene associations identify replicable trans‐acting genes enriched in transcription pathways and complex traits
Authors: Wheeler Heather E. , Ploch Sally , Barbeira Alvaro N. , Bonazzola Rodrigo , Andaleon Angela , Fotuhi Siahpirani Alireza , Saha Ashis , Battle Alexis , Roy Sushmita , Im Hae Kyung 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRegulation of gene expression is an important mechanism through which genetic variation can affect complex traits. A substantial portion of gene expression variation can be explained by both local (cis) and distal (trans) genetic variation. Much progress has been made in uncovering cis‐acting expression quantitative trait loci (cis‐eQTL), but trans‐eQTL have been more difficult to identify and replicate. Here we take advantage of our ability to predict the cis component of gene expression coupled with gene mapping methods such as PrediXcan to identify high confidence candidate trans‐acting genes and their targets. That is, we correlate the cis component of gene expression with observed expression of genes in different chromosomes. Leveraging the shared cis‐acting regulation across tissues, we combine the evidence of association across all available Genotype‐Tissue Expression Project tissues and find 2,356 trans‐acting/target gene pairs with high mappability scores. Reassuringly, trans‐acting genes are enriched in transcription and nucleic acid binding pathways and target genes are enriched in known transcription factor binding sites. Interestingly, trans‐acting genes are more significantly associated with selected complex traits and diseases than target or background genes, consistent with percolating trans effects. Our scripts and summary statistics are publicly available for future studies of trans‐acting gene regulation.
Soil sealing and soil water content under no‐tillage and conventional tillage in irrigated corn: Effects on grain yield
Authors: Ramos María Concepción , Pareja‐Sánchez Evangelina , Plaza‐Bonilla Daniel , Cantero‐Martínez Carlos , Lampurlanés Jorge 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe main objective of this research was to analyse the effect of soil management on soil sealing and on soil water content under contrasting tillage practices and its influence on corn yield. The experimental research was carried out in a field cultivated with irrigated corn differentiated into three zones representing a gradient of soil texture (Z1, Z2, and Z3, i.e., increasingly coarser). Two plots under different soil management practices (conventional intensive tillage, CT, and no‐tillage, NT) were selected in each zone. The susceptibility to sealing of each soil and the steady infiltration rates were evaluated in the laboratory subjecting the soils to rainfall simulation applied at an intensity of 25 mm h−1. In addition, soil porosity under each treatment was quantified. Soil water content (0–90 cm depth) was determined gravimetrically at the beginning and the end of the growing cycle and at the surface (0–5 cm) during three growing seasons and continuously at two depths (5–15 and 50–60 cm) during the last growing cycle. Soil water content was simulated using the SIMPEL model, which was calibrated for the experimental conditions. Corn yield and above‐ground biomass were also analysed. Significant differences in soil sealing among zones, with decreasing soil sealing for coarser textures, and treatments were observed with infiltration rates that were near twice in NT than in CT, being the effect of soil cover significant in the reduction of soil detachment and soil losses. NT showed higher soil water content than CT, especially in the surface layers. Above‐ground biomass production was smaller in CT than in NT, and in the areas with higher sealing susceptibility was 30% to 45% smaller than in other zones, reaching the smallest values in Z1. A similar reduction in corn yield was observed between treatments being smaller in CT than in NT. No‐tillage has been confirmed as an effective technique that benefits soil physical properties as well as crop yields in relation to CT, being its impact greater in soils susceptible to sealing.
Association between parental expectation, parenting stress, and parents' adherence intention to medication therapy for children with asthma
Authors: Almogbel Yasser , Xu Qingqing , Sansgiry Shubhada , Essien Ekere J. , Fleming Marc L. , Abughosh Susan M. , Sansgiry Sujit S. 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionTaking care of children with asthma, especially those who cannot take their medications according to treatment regimens, can be burdensome for parents and lead to additional parenting stress. Understanding the care process of parents with asthmatic children and helping parents better manage their children's asthma medication use is critical to health care providers. This study aimed to explore how parental factors, namely parental expectation, parental perceived performance, parental confirmation, parental satisfaction, and parenting stress impact parents' intention to adhere to asthma medications (PIAAM) for their children.MethodsA cross‐sectional online Qualtrics survey was administered to parents of children aged between 2 and 12 who were visiting participating asthma/pediatric clinics. The survey assessed the above‐mentioned factors adapted from the expectation confirmation theory (ECT), along with parents' health literacy, number of asthma medications used by the children, and socio‐demographic characteristics of both parents and children. Spearman's correlation, multiple regression, and path analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between model variables with parents' and children's characteristics.ResultsThe findings from a total of 261 surveys indicated that PIAAM was significantly correlated with all parental factors (P < 0.05). Path analyses indicated an indirect effect of parenting stress on PIAAM. Multiple regression and path analyses both suggested that parental expectation (β = 0.369, P < 0.05) and number of asthma medications (β = 0.659, P < 0.05) were significant predictors for PIAAM after controlling for other covariates.ConclusionsReducing parenting stress can enhance parental expectation of asthma medications, and hence improve PIAAM. Understanding parents' perspectives may enable health care providers to provide better care for children with asthma.
Transcutaneous delivery of DNA/mRNA for cancer therapeutic vaccination
Authors: Sun Xiaoyi , Zeng Linghui , Huang Yongzhuo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTherapeutic vaccination is a promising strategy for the immunotherapy of cancers. It eradicates cancer cells by evoking and strengthening the patient's own immune system. Because of the easy access and sophisticated immune networks, the skin becomes an ideal target organ for vaccination. Genetic vaccines have been widely investigated, with the advantages of the delivery of multiple antigens and a lower cost for production compared to protein/peptide vaccines. This review summarizes the advances made with respect to the transcutaneous delivery of DNA/mRNA for cancer therapeutic vaccination and also gives a brief description of the immunological milieu of the skin and the importance of dendritic cell‐targeting in vaccine delivery, as well as the technologies that aim to facilitate antigen delivery and modulate antigen‐presenting cells, thus improving cellular responses. The applications of genetic vaccines encoding tumor antigens delivered through the skin route, both in preclinical and clinical trials, are outlined.
Stress in Relation to Anxiety and Depression Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Women: The Differential Impact of Cultural Mismatch on Somatic and Cognitive Symptoms
Authors: Talavera David C. , Odafe Mary , Cheref Soumia , Hong Judy H. , Leslie Regina , Walker Rheeda L. 
Published: April 2019

The study examined the interactive effects of stress and cultural mismatch, as evidenced by low independent self‐construal, in relation to cognitive/somatic symptoms of anxiety and depression among racial/ethnic minority women. Results showed that stress and independent self‐construal work synergistically to differentially affect cognitive, rather than somatic, symptoms of anxiety and depression. Findings highlight the importance of investigating the interplay between stress and contextual factors to improve current treatment models for marginalized groups.El estudio examinó los efectos interactivos del estrés y la discordancia cultural, probados por un bajo autoconcepto independiente, en relación con los síntomas cognitivos/somáticos de la ansiedad y la depresión entre mujeres de minorías raciales/étnicas. Los resultados mostraron que el estrés y el autoconcepto independiente trabajan en sinergia para afectar diferencialmente a los síntomas cognitivos, no así a los somáticos, de la ansiedad y la depresión. Los hallazgos subrayan la importancia de investigar la interacción entre el estrés y los factores contextuales para mejorar los modelos de tratamiento actuales para grupos marginalizados.
Septal floor rotational flap pedicled on ethmoidal arteries for endoscopic skull base reconstruction
Authors: Mao Song , Li Mingxian , Li Dawei , Lin Hai , Ye Haibo , Tang Ru , Su Kaiming , Zhang Weitian 
Published: April 2019

ObjectExpanded endonasal approaches have dramatically changed how skull base surgery is performed, and nasoseptal flap (NSF) has significantly improved skull base reconstruction. However, challenges remain when the pterygopalatine artery is invaded by tumors; when it must be sacrificed to approach the lateral sphenoidal recess; when late‐occurrence leak occurs in the sella after transsphenoidal surgery; and also when the leak is on the posterior wall of the frontal sinus, which is too distant for NSF to reach. This article describes a septal floor rotational flap pedicled on ethmoidal arteries for endoscopic skull base reconstruction in certain cases.Study DesignCase series.MethodIn this article, we retrospectively review a series of 19 patients who underwent skull base reconstruction with a septal floor rotational flap pedicled on the ethmoidal arteries.ResultAll 19 flaps, including the anterior and posterior artery pedicled flaps, survived without significant complications, and no postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred during follow‐up.ConclusionEthmoidal arteries pedicled septal floor rotational flap, with their strong blood supply and large coverage area, are ideal replacements for NSF. These flaps are qualified in locations ranging from the posterior wall of the frontal sinus to the lateral sphenoidal recess and in cases ranging from tumor invading the pterygopalatine fossa to sellar late‐occurred leak after transsphenoidal surgery.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:2696–2701, 2019
High‐Q 2D Lithium Niobate Photonic Crystal Slab Nanoresonators
Authors: Li Mingxiao , Liang Hanxiao , Luo Rui , He Yang , Lin Qiang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLithium niobate (LN), known as the “silicon of photonics,” exhibits outstanding material characteristics with great potential for broad applications. Enhancing light–matter interaction on the nanoscale would result in intriguing device characteristics that enable new physical phenomena to be revealed and novel functionalities inaccessible by conventional means to be realized. High‐Q 2D photonic crystal (PhC) slab nanoresonators are particularly suitable for this purpose, which, however, remains an open challenge to be realized on the lithium niobate platform. Here, an important step is taken toward this direction, demonstrating 2D LN PhC slab nanoresonators with optical Q as high as 3.51 × 105, about three orders of magnitude higher than other 2D LN PhC structures reported to date. The high optical quality, tight mode confinement, together with specific polarization characteristics of the devices enable the peculiar anisotropy of photorefraction quenching and unique anisotropic thermo‐optic nonlinear response to be revealed. They also allow the observation of third‐harmonic generation in on‐chip LN nanophotonic devices, and a strong orientation‐dependent generation of the second harmonic.
Fabrication of Ternary Hybrid Colloids via In‐Situ Polymerization at the Interface of Oil/Water Emulsion
Authors: Xue Dan , Meng Qing Bo , Song Xi‐Ming 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article describes a simple method to fabricate ternary hybrid colloids by using snowman‐like PEO‐SiO2/PS colloids as nucleuses at the interface of oil/water emulsion. The ternary hybrid colloids are composed of three parts with asymmetric compositions and constructions, SiO2 hemisphere with PEO groups, disc‐like or ring‐like cross‐linked poly(4‐vinylbenzyl chloride), and PS hollow sphere. In a certain condition, snowman‐like PEO‐SiO2/PS colloids, deionized water, divinylbenzene, 4‐vinylbenzyl chloride, and n‐alkane are mixed to form homogenous and stable oil/water emulsion. The snowman‐like PEO‐SiO2/PS colloids are vertically situated at the interface of oil/water emulsion for their amphiphilicity. At the interface of oil/water emulsion, divinylbenzene and 4‐vinylbenzyl chloride are initiated to polymerize and generate cross‐linked poly(4‐vinylbenzyl chloride) surrounding snowman‐like PEO‐SiO2/PS colloids and thus PEO‐SiO2/PVBC/PS colloids are fabricated. This method provides a versatile and modular tool to fabricate ternary hybrid colloids at the interface of oil/water emulsion.