bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defoliation and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi shape plant communities in overgrazed semiarid grasslands
Authors: Yang Xin , Shen Yue , Liu Nan , Wilson Gail W. T. , Cobb Adam B. , Zhang Yingjun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOvergrazing substantially contributes to global grassland degradation by decreasing plant community productivity and diversity through trampling, defoliation, and removal of nutrients. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi also play a critical role in plant community diversity, composition, and primary productivity, maintaining ecosystem functions. However, interactions between grazing disturbances, such as trampling and defoliation, and AM fungi in grassland communities are not well known. We examined influences of trampling, defoliation, and AM fungi on semiarid grassland plant community composition for 3 yr, by comparing all combinations of these factors. Benomyl fungicide was applied to reduce AM fungal abundance. Overgrazing typically resulted in reduced dominance of Stipa Krylovii, contributing to degradation of typical steppe grasslands. Our results indicated trampling generally had little effect on plant community composition, unless combined with defoliation or AM fungal suppression. Defoliation was the main component of grazing that promoted dominance of Potentilla acaulis over Stipa krylovii and Artemisia frigida, presumably by alleviating light limitation. In non‐defoliated plots, AM fungi promoted A. frigida, with a concomitant reduction in S. krylovii growth compared to corresponding AM suppressed plots. Our results indicate AM fungi and defoliation jointly suppress S. krylovii biomass; however, prolonged defoliation weakens mycorrhizal influence on plant community composition. These findings give new insight into dominant plant species shifts in degraded semiarid grasslands.
Cascading effects of soil type on assemblage size and structure in a diverse herbivore community
Authors: Robinson Moria L. , Strauss Sharon Y. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSoil type is understudied as a driver of herbivore community size and structure across host plants. This study extends predictions of resource availability hypotheses to understand how soil types of different resource levels alter plant resistance and structure of herbivore assemblages. In this 2‐yr study we use seven dominant chaparral shrub species that grow across a natural mosaic of low and high resource soils to explore effects of soil type on plant resistance, and relate these soil‐based differences in resistance to the abundance and diversity of the larval lepidopteran community. We show that growing on low‐resource soils increases plant resistance, as measured by herbivore performance, both within and across host plant species, and that resistance may be driven by variation in plant nutritive and defensive traits. We then show that more resistant plants on low‐resource soils host less abundant and less diverse herbivore assemblages across a natural soil mosaic in the field.
External quantum efficiency artifacts in partial‐irradiated GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells by protons and electrons
Authors: Hongliang Guo , Yiyong Wu , Jie Wang , Bin Guo , Jingdong Xiao , Qiang Sun , Hui Yu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractArtifact is a special kind of phenomenon related to fluorescence coupling and shunt resistance in external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements in multijunction (MJ) solar cells, and it is sensitive to the defects and damages. In this paper, the changes of artifacts were studied in partial irradiated MJ solar cells by common or two‐dimension mapping Quantum Efficiency (QE) measurements. Simplified mathematical models and graphic analysis were applied to explain the mechanisms of changes of artifacts. Irradiation weakens the artifacts effects due to the decrease in relative fluorescence yield. Artifacts analysis results indicate that after 1 MeV electron irradiation, the open circuit voltage Voc of GaInP subcell decays from 1.40 V to 1.35 V, and the reverse saturation non‐radiative recombination current I02 increases 3.7 times. Correspondingly, after 70 keV protons irradiation, the open circuit voltage Voc decays to 0.90 V and I02 increases 7550 times by EQE artifacts analysis. Lateral scanning of the partial damaged samples shows a smooth artifacts transition region that appears near the boundary of damaged region in MJ solar cells. This is found correlated with the difference in the lighted areas of bias light and EQE pulse spot. 2D artifacts analysis could properly explain the smoothness and shift of damage interface.
Construction of Indium and Cerium Codoped Ordered Mesoporous TiO2 Aerogel Composite Material and Its High Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zheng Ren‐Rong , Li Tian‐Tian , Yu Hui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, ordered mesoporous In2O3‐CeO2/TiO2 aerogel composite material is fabricated via a sol–gel method. According to the preparation process of the aerogel, different weight percentages Ce(NO3)3 and In(NO3)3 are dissolved in the solvent, which would be completely dispersed in the porous gel when the system completely becomes gel. The prepared materials are used to degrade the Rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation. 0.2 wt% In2O3‐0.2 wt% CeO2/TiO2 (In0.2‐Ce0.2/TiO2) sample has the highest degradation rate which reaches to 96.20%. When degradation time is continuously increased to 110 min, the degradation efficiency of In0.2‐Ce0.2/TiO2 sample is basically retained. The prepared In0.2‐Ce0.2/TiO2 sample has much better stability and reproducibility under visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of In0.2‐Ce0.2/TiO2 sample is still stable at more than 90% after the five times cycle.
A facile and convenient synthesis of 3‐alkylidene‐oxindoles bearing tetrahydropyrazine scaffold under catalyst‐free conditions
Authors: Matloubi Moghaddam Firouz , Moafi Atiyeh 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA facile and efficient synthesis of 2‐oxindole derivatives bearing tetrahydropyrazine scaffold has been developed. Using water as solvent without any additional acid or metal catalyst, easy work up and high yield of products are the main advantages of this protocol.
Remodeling of the juvenile hormone pathway through caste‐biased gene expression and positive selection along a gradient of termite eusociality
Authors: Jongepier Evelien , Kemena Carsten , Lopez‐Ezquerra Alberto , Belles Xavier , Bornberg‐Bauer Erich , Korb Judith 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe evolution of division of labor between sterile and fertile individuals represents one of the major transitions in biological complexity. A fascinating gradient in eusociality evolved among the ancient hemimetabolous insects, ranging from noneusocial cockroaches through the primitively social lower termites—where workers retain the ability to reproduce—to the higher termites, characterized by lifetime commitment to worker sterility. Juvenile hormone (JH) is a prime candidate for the regulation of reproductive division of labor in termites, as it plays a key role in insect postembryonic development and reproduction. We compared the expression of JH pathway genes between workers and queens in two lower termites (Zootermopsis nevadensis and Cryptotermes secundus) and a higher termite (Macrotermes natalensis) to that of analogous nymphs and adult females of the noneusocial cockroach Blattella germanica. JH biosynthesis and metabolism genes ranged from reproductive female‐biased expression in the cockroach to predominantly worker‐biased expression in the lower termites. Remarkably, the expression profile of JH pathway genes sets the higher termite apart from the two lower termites, as well as the cockroach, indicating that JH signaling has undergone major changes in this eusocial termite. These changes go beyond mere shifts in gene expression between the different castes, as we find evidence for positive selection in several termite JH pathway genes. Thus, remodeling of the JH pathway may have played a major role in termite social evolution, representing a striking case of convergent molecular evolution between the termites and the distantly related social hymenoptera.
Fibril deformation under load of the rabbit Achilles tendon and medial collateral ligament femoral entheses
Authors: Sevick Johnathan L. , Abusara Ziad , Andrews Stephen H. , Xu Minjia , Khurshid Saad , Chatha Jansher , Hart David A. , Shrive Nigel G. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTMicroscopic visualization under load of the region connecting ligaments/tendons to bone, the enthesis, has been performed previously; however, specific investigation of individual fibril deformation may add insight to such studies. Detailed visualization of fibril deformation would inform on the mechanical strategies employed by this tissue in connecting two mechanically disparate materials. Clinically, an improved understanding of enthesis mechanics may help guide future restorative efforts for torn or injured ligaments/tendons, where the enthesis is often a point of weakness. In this study, a custom ligament/tendon enthesis loading device was designed and built, a unique method of sample preparation was devised, and second harmonic and two‐photon fluorescence microscopy were used to capture the fibril‐level load response of the rabbit Achilles tendon and medial collateral ligament femoral entheses. A focus was given to investigation of the mechanical problem of fibril embedment. Resultant images indicate a rapid (occurring over approximately 60 μm) change in fibril orientation at the interface of ligament/tendon and calcified fibrocartilage early in the loading regime, before becoming relatively constant. Such a change in fibril angle helps confirm the materially graded region demonstrated by others, while, in this case, providing additional insight into fibril bending. We speculate that the scale of the mechanical problem (i.e., fibril diameters being on the order of 250 nm) allows fibrils to bend over the small (relative to the imaging field of view, but large relative to fibril diameter) distances observed; thus, potentially lessening required embedment lengths. Nevertheless, this behavior merits further investigation to be confirmed. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2506–2515, 2018.
Pretrauma Power and Control Beliefs and Posttraumatic Stress: A Longitudinal Study of Combat Soldiers
Authors: Nanney John T. , Wamser‐Nanney Rachel A. , Linke Lance H. , Constans Joseph I. , Pyne Jeffrey M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBelief in one's ability to exert power and control over outcomes following trauma has long been understood as protective against the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The role of pretrauma beliefs about power and control, however, remains unclear. Though a strong pretrauma belief in power and control may similarly be protective, we predicted such a belief may actually be a diathesis for PTSD. When exposed to trauma, individuals with a strong pretrauma belief in power and control may believe they should have prevented the trauma and/or their acute reactions. Such expectations may lead to negative self‐beliefs and a higher level of PTSD symptoms. Longitudinal structural equation modeling in a sample of combat soldiers (N = 305) supported our hypothesized model. Stronger predeployment power and control beliefs predicted more negative postdeployment self‐beliefs, β = .15, p = .035, 95% CI [.11, .18], and in turn, a higher level of PTSD symptoms, β = .08, 95% CI [.01, .15]. Prior combat exposure moderated these effects in that soldiers with no prior combat experience evidenced the hypothesized associations, whereas those with moderate or high prior combat exposure did not. Resilience interventions for soldiers who are first entering combat may thus benefit from promoting acceptance of uncontrollable events in addition to agentic change skills.
Long‐term clinical evaluation of hair clearance in darkly pigmented individuals using a novel diode1060 nm wavelength with multiple treatment handpieces: A prospective analysis with modeling and histological findings
Authors: Ross Edward V. , Ibrahimi Omar A. , Kilmer Suzanne 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a 1060 nm diode laser system with multiple handpieces for permanent hair reduction.Study DesignAn open‐label, prospective, multi‐center study of adult subjects (≥18 years old) of any skin type, having dark brown or black hairs at the areas to be treated and seeking to permanently remove hair underwent six treatment sessions, at 4 to 6 weeks intervals with either a 1060 nm chilled sapphire tip or seven treatment sessions, at 6 weeks interval with a large spot vacuum based handpiece.MethodsSubjects received treatments on various body areas using chilled sapphire tip or large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece. Hair counts as well as assessments of hair coarseness and color were performed using photographs taken at baseline, prior to pre‐selected treatments and at the follow up visits. At every visit, immediate skin responses and adverse events were evaluated by the investigator and treatment associated pain level experienced was quantified by the subjects. Subjects were asked to assess their improvement and satisfaction at pre‐selected treatment sessions and at all the follow up visits. A sub group of subjects that were treated with the large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece contributed two punch biopsy specimens for histological analysis.ResultsA total of 16 subjects age 33 ± 10.9 years were treated with the chilled sapphire tip, and 26 subjects age 36.3 ± 7.67 years were treated with the large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece. Treatment with chilled sapphire tip yielded a mean of 68%, 82%, and 76% skin type‐independent hair reduction in axillae, shin, and arm, respectively, at 6 month follow up visit as compared to baseline. The majority of subjects (≥80%) rated their hair reduction to be either good or very good and were satisfied to highly satisfied with the outcome. Treatment with the large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece, was most effective in axillae and calves, with a 77.9% and 78.5% hair count reduction, respectively, at the 6 month follow up visit. Subjects reported high satisfaction and improvement throughout the treatments and follow‐up periods. Treatments with both handpieces were not associated with intolerable pain levels and common post procedural responses included mild to moderate erythema and/or edema.ConclusionThe 1060 nm diode laser system is safe and effective for hair removal and long‐term hair reduction in all skin types including darkly pigmented individuals. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:893–901, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bio‐Based Transparent Conductive Film Consisting of Polyethylene Furanoate and Silver Nanowires for Flexible Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Lam Jeun‐Yan , Shih Chien‐Chung , Lee Wen‐Ya , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Jang Guang‐Way , Huang Cheng‐Jyun , Tung Shih‐Huang , Chen Wen‐Chang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractExploiting biomass has raised great interest as an alternative to the fossil resources for environmental protection. In this respect, polyethylene furanoate (PEF), one of the bio‐based polyesters, thus reveals a great potential to replace the commonly used polyethylene terephthalate (PET) on account of its better mechanical, gas barrier, and thermal properties. Herein, a bio‐based, flexible, conductive film is successfully developed by coupling a PEF plastic substrate with silver nanowires (Ag NWs). Besides the appealing advantage of renewable biomass, PEF also exhibits a good transparency around 90% in the visible wavelength range, and its constituent polar furan moiety is revealed to enable an intense interaction with Ag NWs to largely enhance the adhesion of Ag NWs grown above, as exemplified by the superior bending and peeling durability than the currently prevailing PET substrate. Finally, the efficiency of conductive PEF/Ag NWs film in fabricating efficient flexible organic thin‐film transistor and organic photovoltaic (OPV) is demonstrated. The OPV device achieves a power conversion efficiency of 6.7%, which is superior to the device based on ITO/PEN device, manifesting the promising merit of the bio‐based PEF for flexible electronic applications.
The shake‐table study of the effect of longitudinal reinforcement ratio on the behavior of concrete cantilever columns
Authors: Grgić N. , Radnić J. , Smilović M. , Baloević G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe results of the shake‐table study on the effect of longitudinal reinforcement ratio on the behavior of concrete columns are shown. The small‐scale (1 : 3) model of cantilever columns with mass at their top was exposed to horizontal acceleration of an artificial accelerogram. Acceleration amplitudes were successively increased until the collapse of the columns. Characteristic displacements and accelerations, as well as strains in the concrete and reinforcement were measured during the shake‐table tests. It was concluded that the ultimate bearing capacity and deformability of a column significantly depend on the amount of its longitudinal reinforcement. By increasing the amount of longitudinal reinforcement, ultimate bearing capacity of the column is also increased, but not proportionally. The reason is greater stiffness of the column with higher amount of longitudinal reinforcement than of the column with low amount of longitudinal reinforcement, which generates greater seismic forces in it for the same excitation.
Current challenges and future potential of 3D concrete printing
Authors: Panda B. , Tay Y.W.D. , Paul S.C. , Tan M.J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe emphases on reduction of construction time and production costs have profound influences on the construction process that has led us to investigate a new paradigm, known as 3D concrete printing. This technique can fabricate complex 3D building components directly from computer aided design models without any tooling and human intervention. However, compatibility of the presently available materials has impeded its widespread application and commercialization. This paper introduces an overview of concrete printing processes and its noteworthy potentials in the building and construction sector. After sketching the potential, a novel fly ash based inorganic geopolymer is printed and characterized in terms of fresh and hardened properties with an aim for sustainable built environment.
Disagreeing about development: An analysis of parent‐teacher agreement in ADHD symptom trajectories across the elementary school years
Authors: Murray Aja Louise , Booth Tom , Ribeaud Denis , Eisner Manuel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesIt is well‐known that in cross‐sectional analyses, agreement between informants is modest as best when rating attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other disruptive behaviour disorder symptoms. We here aimed to develop recommendations for the use of multi‐informant data in the context of longitudinal developmental analyses that examine symptom trajectories over time.MethodUsing parallel process modelling, we estimated parent–teacher agreement in inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom initial levels and slopes across the elementary school years (ages 7, 9, and 11) for a community sample of n = 1,388 youth. We also used these models to examine whether initial levels and slopes differed significantly across informants.ResultsInformant agreement was low to moderate and higher for inattention slopes (r = .47) than for hyperactivity/impulsivity slopes (r = .23). Parents and teachers reported opposite developmental trends for inattention with teachers reporting declines and parents reporting increases over time. Parents reported overall higher levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity, but there were no average informant differences in slopes.ConclusionOf the options available, we recommend specifying separate but correlated factors for different informants in developmental analyses of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This can be achieved within latent growth curve and growth mixture models.
Body Composition Growth Patterns in Early Infancy: A Latent Class Trajectory Analysis of the Ethiopian iABC Birth Cohort
Authors: Andersen Gregers Stig , Wibaek Rasmus , Kæstel Pernille , Girma Tsinuel , Admassu Bitiya , Abera Mubarek , Vistisen Dorte , Jørgensen Marit Eika , Michaelsen Kim F. , Friis Henrik , Wells Jonathan C.K. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify subgroups with distinct fat and fat‐free growth patterns in the first 6 months of life and describe predictors of these different patterns.MethodsA total of 510 apparently healthy Ethiopian infants were followed from birth to 6 months of age. Each infant had at least three and up to six repeated measurements of fat and fat‐free mass using air‐displacement plethysmography. Latent class trajectory analyses were used to categorize infants in groups with distinct body composition patterns.ResultsFour distinct fat mass and two fat‐free mass growth patterns were identified. Of the infants measured, 5% presented a delayed fat growth pattern and 3% presented a catch‐up fat growth pattern involving low birth weight but a significant fat growth velocity from 2.5 to 6 months. A large class had a high fat level at birth and an accelerated fat growth pattern in early infancy. Fat‐free growth was represented by two distinct classes with less variability. Catch‐up growth was primarily seen in fat mass.ConclusionsWe identified distinct patterns of delayed, catch‐up, and accelerated fat growth in early infancy. This variability is not detected in regular anthropometric assessment and could be a mechanism linking early growth with later obesity and cardiometabolic risk.
Synthesis of a linear low‐density polyethylene/MgO@Mg(OH)2 nanocomposite using modified in situ polymerization
Authors: Käselau Sven , Scheel Saskia , Petersson Linnea , Ho Chau‐Hon , Luinstra Gerrit A 
Published: May 2018

AbstractComposites of linear low‐density polyethylene were obtained in toluene slurry by in situ copolymerization of ethylene and 1‐octene in the presence of untreated magnesium oxide–hydroxide nanoparticles (MgO@Mg(OH)2) of ±50 nm and such treated with dibutylmagnesium (DBM) as support for a bis(n‐butylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dichloride–methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalyst system. Treatment of the nanoparticles with DBM (0.5–6 mmol g−1 MgO@Mg(OH)2) allows one to decrease the amount of MAO by 1.2 mmol Al g−1 MgO@Mg(OH)2, while reaching the same average catalyst activity and a finer distribution of the particles. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray mapping shows that the MAO is mainly associated with the filler. The crystallinity of the matrix polymer decreases with filler content. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Ghost‐Free Completion of An Effective Matter Coupling in Bimetric Theory
Authors: Lüben Marvin , Schmidt‐May Angnis 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe consider a particular set of ghost‐free interactions for three spin‐2 fields in which we freeze out the dynamics of the metric tensor that couples to the matter sector. Integrating out the non‐dynamical degrees of freedom in vacuum results in a ghost‐free bimetric theory. In the presence of the matter source, which we treat as a small perturbation, the equations for the non‐dynamical field can be solved perturbatively for its vierbein. This results in ghost‐free bimetric theory in vierbein formulation with a modified matter coupling. To lowest order in matter perturbations, we precisely obtain an effective matter coupling that has been suggested earlier in the literature. This coupling contains a linear combination of the two vierbeine whose corresponding metric fluctuation coincides with the massless spin‐2 mode. In the past, bimetric theory with this symmetric coupling has been treated as an effective theory valid at low energies without a ghost‐free completion. Our results demonstrate that the effective matter coupling can be rendered entirely ghost‐free by including the higher‐order corrections obtained from the trimetric setup.