bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic and recombination analyses of two deformed wing virus strains from different honeybee species in China
Authors: Fei Dongliang , Guo Yaxi , Fan Qiong , Wang Haoqi , Wu Jiadi , Li Ming , Ma Mingxiao 
Published: June 2019

Background
Deformed wing virus (DWV) is one of many viruses that infect honeybees and has been extensively studied because of its close association with honeybee colony collapse that is induced by Varroa destructor. However, virus genotypes, sequence characteristics, and genetic variations of DWV remain unknown in China.

Methods
Two DWV strains were isolated from Jinzhou and Qinhuangdao cities in China, and were named China1-2017 (accession number: MF770715) and China2-2018 (accession number: MH165180), respectively, and their complete genome sequences were analyzed. To investigate the phylogenetic relationships of the DWV isolates, a phylogenetic tree of the complete open reading frame (ORF), structural protein VP1, and non-structural protein 3C+RdRp of the DWV sequences was constructed using the MEGA 5.0 software program. Then, the similarity and recombinant events of the DWV isolated strains were analyzed using recombination detection program (RDP4) software and genetic algorithm for recombination detection (GARD).

Results
The complete genomic analysis showed that the genomes of the China1-2017 and China2-2018 DWV strains consisted of 10,141 base pairs (bp) and 10,105 bp, respectively, and contained a single, large ORF (China1-2017: 1,146–9,827 bp; China2-2018: 1,351–9,816 bp) that encoded 2,894 amino acids. The sequences were compared with 20 previously reported DWV sequences from different countries and with sequences of two closely related viruses, Kakugo virus (KV) and V. destructor virus-1. Multiple sequence comparisons revealed a nucleotide identity of 84.3–96.7%, and identity of 94.7–98.6% in amino acids between the two isolate strains and 20 reference strains. The two novel isolates showed 96.7% nucleotide identity and 98.1% amino acid identity. The phylogenetic analyses showed that the two isolates belonged to DWV Type A and were closely related to the KV-2001 strain from Japan. Based on the RDP4 and GARD analyses, the recombination of the China2-2018 strain was located at the 4,266–7,507 nt region, with Korea I-2012 as an infer unknown parent and China-2017 as a minor parent, which spanned the entire helicase ORF. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to the complete sequence of DWV isolated from Apis cerana and the possible DWV recombination events in China. Our findings are important for further research of the phylogenetic relationship of DWVs in China with DWV strains from other countries and also contribute to the understanding of virological properties of these complex DWV recombinants.
Long-Term Changes in the Dominance of Drought Tolerant Trees Reflect Climate Trends on a Micronesian Island
Authors: Abrams Marc D. , Shimizu Yoshikazu , Ishida Atsushi 
Published: June 2019

Background: The Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands of Micronesia lie in the western Pacific Ocean and are unique in terms of their isolation, climate, soils and diversity of rare plant species. We hypothesized that the vegetation on the islands will be a robust model system to study long-term climate change impacts on vegetation dynamics.
Methods: A large, long-term vegetation monitoring plot was established on Chichijima Island and measured in 1976 and 2017. It was located in an undisturbed dry forest area that contained many endemic and endangered species.
Results: During the 41 year study period, total basal area of tree species increased by 24.6% and was dominated by Schima, Distylium and Pouteria, whereas tree density declined by 30%. Tree genera exhibiting the largest increases in basal area were Elaeocarpus, Ilex, Pandanus, Pouteria, Rhaphiolepis, Syzgium and Schima. During the study period, the annual average (23.2ºC), minimum and maximum temperatures increased by 0.5 to 0.8ºC, respectively. The average annual precipitation was 1276 mm with severe droughts occurring in 1980, 1990 and 2016. The largest increases in the basal area were exhibited in trees species with wide functional distribution and attributes, including drought tolerance.
Conclusions: The results of this study suggest a link between the drought tolerance, species dominance and climate change at the study location. Our unique approach of linking functional attributes with long-term vegetation and climate change can serve as a model for other studies of global change impacts.
Ethnobotanical Study of South Eastern Foothills of Bhutan
Authors: Chetri Bimal Kumar 
Published: June 2019

Ninety three plant species from 82 genera and 44 families with their ethnomedicinal uses were enumerated along with 3 genera of different families of Pteridophytes. Preference ranking of the medicinal plants used for treating 7 different diseases indicated 1st, as the most effective treatment. Direct matrix ranking of 12 medicinal plants suggest that people have preference over the highest ranked species for their multipurpose uses besides medicinal use. Use value (UVis) of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, Saccharum officinarum with honey and Gmelina arborea Roxb. is 2, 1.5 and 1.7 respectively.
Major Leaf Diseases and Pathogenicity of Fungal Flora Associated with Jatropha curcas L. Foliar Diseases in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sama Hemayoro , Bonzi Schémaeza , Hilou Adama , Somda Irénée 
Published: June 2019

The major foliar diseases and pathogenicity of fungal flora associated with leaf diseases of Jatropha curcas L were investigated in Burkina Faso. Prospecting and collection were carried out the plantations and hedges of J. curcas distributed in different climatic zones of Burkina Faso. The results indicate that foliar diseases are present in all climatic zones of the country. Mainly 4 foliar pathologies were recorded in the 18 sites of the study. These are yellowing of leaves with brown spots, yellowing of leaves with brown spots and black mycelium, drying of leaves from the border and virus diseases. The frequencies of observation of the various diseases show that the yellowing of the leaves with brown spots is the most disease predominant manifestation with a frequency of observation of 72%. Yellowing of the leaves with a presence of black spots and mycelium occupies the second rank with a prevalence of 33% followed by drying of leaves from borders and viroses with frequencies of 22 and 11% respectively. ANOVA analysis has shown that the climatic zone has a significant effect on the distribution of leaf viruses and leaf burns and a non-significant effect on yellowing of the leaves with or without brown spots and mycelium. The characterisation of fungal pathogens associated with these diseases identified Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium subglutinans, Phoma sorghina, Botrytis cinerea, Curvularia lunata, Botryodiplodiat hreobromae, Cercospora cesami and Curvularia eragrostidis. Curvularia lunata is the most widespread with a frequency of 44% followed by Fusarium solani with a frequency of 33%. The most seldom observed are Cercospora cesamiand Fusarium subglutinans with a frequency of 10%. Among these characterised species, pathogenicity tests identified Botryodiplodia threobromae, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium solani and Curvularia eragrostidisas the pathogenic species of observed leaf diseases of J. curcas. These results confirm that Jatropha is infested by many fungal species. There is yet an urgency to develop a plant health program adapted to the local context to fight these fungal pathogens.
Persea americana Leaf Ethyl Acetate Extract Phytochemical, In-vitro Antioxidant and In-vivo Potentials to Mitigate Oxidative Stress in Alloxan-induced Hyperglycaemic Rats
Authors: Mashi J. A. , Sa’id A. M. , Idris R. I. , Aminu I. , Muhammad A. A. , Inuwa I. M. 
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in-vivo and in-vitro potentials of ethyl acetate extract of P. americana leaf in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Quantitative phytochemicals analyzed includes; flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and phenolics. Measurement of antioxidant activity using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, total antioxidant capacity, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radical and ferric reducing activity of the extract was carried out. Hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate to albino rats. In-vivo anti-oxidant potentials of the extract were evaluated by measuring liver homogenate activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and malondyaldehyde in alloxan-induced diabetic rats administered with the extract. A total of 30 Albino rats were used for this experiment and they were divided into six groups of 5 rats each. Group A; normal control, Group B; diabetic control, Groups C-E; experimental groups administered with different doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively); of the extract and Group F; glucophage (84 mg/kg body weight, standard drug) for 4 weeks. This study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University, Kano, in August, 2018. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA with P=.05 value considered as significant. Results of the quantitative phytochemical investigation shows that the extract is rich in phenolics (184.1±0.6), flavonoids (115.8±2.1), alkaloids (41.5±1.8), with least concentration of tannis (21.2±0.8) and saponins (15.2±2.3). The extract exhibited high radical scavenging activity against synthetic free radicals (DPPH), reactive oxygen species (peroxide, superoxide and hydroxyl acid) and high ability to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ (FRAP). The activities of antioxidant enzymes of the treated rats were increased significantly (P=.05) while the level malondyaldehyde was significantly decreased (P=.05) in the treated groups. Ethyl acetate leaf extract of Persea americana contains phytochemical substances which improved antioxidant status and can be use as herbal therapy for the management of oxidative stress induced by diabetes mellitus and associated complications.
Influence of Sri Fertilizer Practice on Yield Components and Grain Yield of Hybrid Rice Varieties in Kenya
Authors: N. Mbatha Wathome , K. Korir Nicholas , Gweyi-Onyango Joseph P. 
Published: June 2019

Rice is one of the staple food crops in Kenya and its demand is generally increasing annually especially when maize production has declined due to various factors. The national rice consumption is estimated at 300,000 metric tonnes compared to annual production of 45,000-80,000 where the deficit is met through importation. The low production can be increased through adoption of system of rice intensification methods that can lead to higher yields and sustainable production. Several studies have been conducted on SRI water requirements, plant systems and soil but very little has been done on fertilizer regime on hybrid rice in Kenya. To address this challenge, yield performance of two rice hybrid varieties; Arize Tej Gold and Arize 6444 Gold against a locally inbred variety (BW 196) under SRI fertilizer regime were evaluated at two sites; Mwea irrigation scheme in Kirinyaga County and Ahero irrigation scheme in Kisumu County. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design where the SRI fertilizer practices were the main plots (2.5 t ha-1 Evergrow, 200 Kg ha-1 SA, 2.5 t/ha Evergrow + 100 Kg ha-1 SA, 2.5 t ha-1 Evergrow +200 Kg ha-1 SA, and a control-without fertilizer) and the rice varieties were the sub-plots and replicated three times. Data was collected on number of grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle and grain yield then subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS 9.2 and means separated using Fischer’s Protected LSD. Significant differences were observed on the number of grains per plant with the Evergrow+100 Kg ha-1 SA and Evergrow+200 Kg ha-1 SA SRI fertilizer treatments showing the highest at 293 and 275 grains per plant respectively under variety Arize Tej Gold at Mwea and 256 grains per plant at Ahero. The high number of grains per plant consequently led to the highest grain yield under the SRI treatments where the Evergrow+100 Kg ha-1 SA treatment had the highest grain yield per plot in Ahero (1202 g) and Mwea (4002 g). The application of 100 Kg ha-1 of SA and organic fertilizer is recommended in rice production.
Comparative Analysis of BIM Adoption Efforts by Developed Countries as Precedent for New Adopter Countries
Authors: Hamma-adama Mansur , Kouider Tahar 
Published: June 2019

Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption is generally assessed through one of these two main approaches: Statistical evaluation of survey from stakeholders operating within a country or market and the use of macro BIM-adoption models and metrics. The recent paper “macro-BIM adoption: Comparative market analysis” sets a pace to continues development of comparative market studies. However, precedent is important for continues learning and adoption to contextualise this evolving field. This study aimed to set a unique precedent through comparative analysis of BIM adoption trends in the USA, UK and Australia to set a pace for beginners or early BIM adopting countries to learn from. This study is literature based analysed using content analysis. The study reveals the following:
✓ For a vibrant and even BIM adoption, government is involved;
✓ Government mandate facilitates wide BIM adoption and integrates a country’s industry to the world;
✓ The mandate also facilitates BIM research and training that lead to rise in country’s income through providing trainings and work force export;
✓ Diffusion dynamic varies at different times, depending on country’s flexibility to adoption of innovation;
✓ The dynamic also changes as the industry’s culture/regulation changes.
Recommendations are made based on the study findings especially to the new adopter countries planning to develop a strategy for macro-BIM adoption.
MODFLOW’s River Package: Part 1: A Critique
Authors: Morel-Seytoux Hubert J. 
Published: June 2019

Most widely used integrated hydrologic models were conceived and their development started some 50-60 years ago. These models have undertaken many major improvements since. However they still describe the flow interaction between streams and aquifers using the primitive early concepts. Most users seem unaware of the limitations of these concepts, which use parameters that are empirical and can only be obtained by calibration. In this Part1 the shortcomings of the methodology are shown in great details. In the article reference is made specifically to the code MODFLOW. Most of the other integrated hydrologic models used for large-scale regional studies apply essentially the same methodology to estimate seepage.
In a second Part means are presented by which improvements can be introduced in the procedures.
Bleeding detection in wireless capsule endoscopy videos — Color versus texture features
Authors: Pogorelov Konstantin , Suman Shipra , Azmadi Hussin Fawnizu , Saeed Malik Aamir , Ostroukhova Olga , Riegler Michael , Halvorsen Pål , Hooi Ho Shiaw , Goh Khean‐Lee 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is an effective technology that can be used to make a gastrointestinal (GI) tract diagnosis of various lesions and abnormalities. Due to a long time required to pass through the GI tract, the resulting WCE data stream contains a large number of frames which leads to a tedious job for clinical experts to perform a visual check of each and every frame of a complete patient’s video footage. In this paper, an automated technique for bleeding detection based on color and texture features is proposed. The approach combines the color information which is an essential feature for initial detection of frame with bleeding. Additionally, it uses the texture which plays an important role to extract more information from the lesion captured in the frames and allows the system to distinguish finely between borderline cases. The detection algorithm utilizes machine‐learning‐based classification methods, and it can efficiently distinguish between bleeding and nonbleeding frames and perform pixel‐level segmentation of bleeding areas in WCE frames. The performed experimental studies demonstrate the performance of the proposed bleeding detection method in terms of detection accuracy, where we are at least as good as the state‐of‐the‐art approaches. In this research, we have conducted a broad comparison of a number of different state‐of‐the‐art features and classification methods that allows building an efficient and flexible WCE video processing system.
Hierarchical Nanosheets/Walls Structured Carbon‐Coated Porous Vanadium Nitride Anodes Enable Wide‐Voltage‐Window Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitors with High Energy Density
Authors: Huang Jun , Peng Zhongyou , Xiao Yingbo , Xu Yazhou , Chen Lingfang , Xiong Yushuai , Tan Licheng , Yuan Kai , Chen Yiwang 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe energy density of aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) is usually limited by low potential windows and capacitances of both anode and cathode. Herein, a facile strategy to fabricate hierarchical carbon‐coated porous vanadium nitride nanosheet arrays on vertically aligned carbon walls (CC/CW/p‐VN@C) as anode for aqueous ASCs is reported. The potential window of CC/CW/p‐VN@C electrode can be stably extended to –1.3 to 0 V (vs Ag/AgCl) with greatly improved specific capacitance (604.8 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), excellent rate capability (368 F g−1 at 60 A g−1), and remarkable electrochemical stability. To construct ASCs, a Birnessite Na0.5MnO2 nanosheet arrays (CC/CW/Na0.5MnO2) cathode is similarly built. Benefiting from the matchable potential windows and high specific capacitances of the rationally designed anode and cathode, aqueous CC/CW/p‐VN@C||CC/CW/Na0.5MnO2 ASCs with a wide voltage window of 2.6 V are fabricated. Moreover, the ASCs showcase an ultrahigh energy density up to 96.7 W h kg−1 at a high power density of 1294 W kg−1, and excellent cycling stability (92.5% retention after 10 000 cycles), outperforming most of previously reported ASCs and even comparable to that of organic electrolyte supercapacitors (SCs). This efficient strategy for fabricating 2.6 V aqueous ASCs suggests a promising research system for high energy density SCs.
Progress towards the Total Syntheses of Lycopodium Alkaloid, Lycopladine A
Authors: Rodrigues Lima , Majik Mahesh Satu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSeveral alkaloids derived from discrete Lycopodium species can treat Alzheimer's disease and increase the efficiency of learning and memory in animals. Thus, Lycopodium alkaloids bearing amazingly unique hetero‐polycyclic ring scaffolds persuaded scientists to look upon its biogenetic and biosynthetic pathways and to design its ambitious total syntheses. Recently, a C16N type Lycopodium alkaloid, (+)‐lycopladine A; isolated from the club moss Lycopodium complanatum, showed selective but modest cytotoxicity towards murine lymphoma L1210 cells (IC50 7 μg/mL). Owing to its dense array of stereochemical features, as well as intriguing biological activity, lycopladine A has been an important synthetic target for last 12 years. An overview of the synthetic studies of lycopladine A is presented, covering literature from 2006 until March 2019.
Loss of BMI1 in mature olfactory sensory neurons leads to increased olfactory basal cell proliferation
Authors: Choi Rhea , Kurtenbach Sarah , Goldstein Bradley J. 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundDamage to olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), situated within the neuroepithelium of the olfactory cleft, may be associated with anosmia. Although their direct contact with the nasal airspace make OSNs vulnerable to injury and death, multiple mechanisms maintain epithelium integrity and olfactory function. We hypothesized that BMI1, a polycomb protein found to be enriched in OSNs, may function in neuroprotection. Here, we explored BMI1 function in a mouse model.MethodsUtilizing a mouse genetic approach to delete Bmi1 selectively in mature OSNs, we investigated changes in OE homeostasis by performing immunohistochemical, biochemical, and functional assays. Reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), immunostaining, and electro‐olfactograms were used to compare gene expression, cell composition, and olfactory function in OSN‐specific BMI1 knockout mice (n = 3 to 5) and controls. Chromatin studies were also performed to identify protein‐DNA interactions between BMI1 and its target genes (n = 3).ResultsOSN‐specific BMI1 knockout led to increased neuron death and basal cell activation. Chromatin studies suggested a mechanism of increased neurodegeneration due to de‐repression of a pro‐apoptosis gene, p19ARF. Despite the increased turnover, we found that olfactory neuroepithelium thickness and olfactory function remained intact. Our studies also revealed the presence of additional polycomb group proteins that may compensate for the loss of BMI1 in mature OSNs.ConclusionThe olfactory neuroepithelium employs multiple mechanisms to maintain epithelial homeostasis. Our findings provide evidence that in a mouse model of BMI1 deletion, the overall integrity and function of the olfactory neuroepithelium are not compromised, despite increased neuronal turnover, reflecting a remarkable reparative capacity to sustain a critical sensory system.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Arylboration of Alkenylarenes: Synthesis of Boron‐Substituted Quaternary Carbons and Regiodivergent Reactions
Authors: Chen Liang‐An , Lear Alan R. , Gao Pin , Brown M. Kevin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA method for the construction of boron‐substituted quaternary carbons or diarylquaternary carbons by arylboration of highly substituted alkenylarenes is presented. A wide range of alkenes and arylbromides can participate in this reaction thus allowing for a diverse assortment of products to be prepared. In addition, a solvent dependent regiodivergent arylboration of 1,2‐disubstituted alkenylarenes is presented, thus greatly increasing the scope of products that can be accessed.
Dibenzoarsepins: Planarization of 8π‐Electron System in the Lowest Singlet Excited State
Authors: Kawashima Ikuo , Imoto Hiroaki , Ishida Masatoshi , Furuta Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Shunsuke , Mitsuishi Masaya , Tanaka Susumu , Fujii Toshiki , Naka Kensuke 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDibenzo[b,f]arsepins possessing severely distorted cores compared to those of other heteropins were synthesized. These derivatives exhibited dual photoluminescence in the green‐to‐red region (500–700 nm) and the near‐ultraviolet region (<380 nm), which could be attributed to the planarization of the arsepin core in the lowest singlet excited (S1) state. The computational approach for the assessment of the aromatic indices revealed that the dibenzoarsepins studied show aromaticity (8π system) in the S1 states in line with Baird's rule. The lone pair electrons of the arsenic atoms play a crucial role in the aromaticity in the S1 states.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Copper Cooperative Catalysis for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Spirooxindoles
Authors: Zhang Zi‐Jing , Zhang Ling , Geng Rui‐Long , Song Jin , Chen Xiao‐Hua , Gong Liu‐Zhu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHighly enantioselective [3+3] and [3+4] annulations of isatin‐derived enals with ethynylethylene carbonates and ethynyl benzoxazinanones are enabled by NHC/cooper cooperative catalysis, leading to a big library of spirooxindole derivatives in high structural diversity and enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee). Both reactions represent a nicely synergistic integration of NHC and copper catalysis, in which both catalysts activate the substrates and the chiral NHC perfectly controls the stereochemistry.