bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the natural regeneration of the pioneering shrub Calligonum mongolicum in sand dune stabilization plantations in arid deserts of northwest China
Authors: Fan Baoli , McHugh Allen David , Guo Shujiang , Ma Quanlin , Zhang Jianhui , Zhang Xiaojuan , Zhang Weixing , Du Juan , Yu Qiushi , Zhao Changming 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCalligonum mongolicum is a successful pioneer shrub to combat desertification, which is widely used for vegetation restoration in the desert regions of northwest China. In order to reveal the limitations to natural regeneration of C. mongolicum by asexual and sexual reproduction, following the process of sand dune stabilization, we assessed clonal shoots, seedling emergence, soil seed bank density, and soil physical characteristics in mobile and stabilized sand dunes. Controlled field and pot experiments were also conducted to assess germination and seedling emergence in different dune soil types and seed burial depths. The population density of mature C. mongolicum was significantly different after sand dune stabilization. Juvenile density of C. mongolicm was much lower in stabilized sand dunes than mobile sand dune. There was no significant difference in soil seed bank density at three soil depths between mobile and stabilized sand dunes, while the emergence of seedlings in stabilized dunes was much lower than emergence in mobile dunes. There was no clonal propagation found in stabilized dunes, and very few C. mongolicum seedlings were established on stabilized sand dunes. Soil clay and silt content, air‐filled porosity, and soil surface compaction were significantly changed from mobile sand dune to stabilized dunes. Seedling emergence of C. mongolicm was highly dependent on soil physical condition. These results indicated that changes in soil physical condition limited clonal propagation and seedling emergence of C. mongolicum in stabilized sand dunes. Seed bank density was not a limiting factor; however, poor seedling establishment limited C. mongolicum's further natural regeneration in stabilized sand dunes. Therefore, clonal propagation may be the most important mode for population expansion in mobile sand dunes. As a pioneer species C. mongolicum is well adapted to propagate in mobile sand dune conditions, it appears unlikely to survive naturally in stabilized sand dune plantations.
Through 100 years of Ecological Society of America publications: development of ecological research topics and scientific collaborations
Authors: Kim Ji Yoon , Joo Gea‐Jae , Do Yuno 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe reviewed the texts from 22,179 publications in journals published in the last 100 yr by the Ecological Society of America. We quantified the relative use of terms and identified temporal trends and research collaborations using text‐mining methods. Terms concerning ecological topics at the population level such as structure, function, and competition and terms relating to the influences of environmental factors were frequently used throughout this century. Relative use of higher hierarchical levels (i.e., ecosystem, landscape) has rapidly increased, but the use of population and community was stable. Research collaboration networks revealed geographically concentrated clusters at the organizational level. To understand global‐scale ecosystem processes and responses, multinational collaboration in ecological fields should increase. Our review further demonstrates the importance of conserving historical ecological texts as they reflect the attitude of the ecological community toward academic concepts over time.
Effects of copper on olfactory, behavioral, and other sublethal responses of saltwater organisms: Are estimated chronic limits using the biotic ligand model protective?
Authors: DeForest David K. , Gensemer Robert W. , Gorsuch Joseph W. , Meyer Joseph S. , Santore Robert C. , Shephard Burt K. , Zodrow Jean M. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

There is concern over whether regulatory criteria for copper (Cu) are protective against chemosensory and behavioral impairment in aquatic organisms. We compiled Cu toxicity data for these and other sublethal endpoints in 35 tests with saltwater organisms and compared the Cu toxicity thresholds with biotic ligand model (BLM)–based estimated chronic limits (ECL values, which are 20% effect concentrations [EC20s] for the embryo-larval life stage of the blue mussel [Mytilus edulis], a saltwater species sensitive to Cu that has historically been used to derive saltwater Cu criteria). Only 8 of the 35 tests had sufficient toxicity and chemistry data to support unequivocal conclusions (i.e., a Cu EC20 or no-observed-effect concentration could be derived, and Cu and dissolved organic carbon [DOC] concentrations were measured [or DOC concentrations could be inferred from the test-water source]). The BLM-based ECL values would have been protective (i.e., the ECL was lower than the toxicity threshold) in 7 of those 8 tests. In the remaining 27 tests, this meta-analysis was limited by several factors, including 1) the Cu toxicity threshold was a “less than” value in 19 tests because only a lowest-observed-effect concentration could be calculated and 2) Cu and/or DOC concentrations often were not measured. In 2 of those 27 tests, the ECL would not have been protective if based only on a conservatively high upper-bound DOC estimate. To facilitate future evaluations of the protectiveness of aquatic life criteria for metals, we urge researchers to measure and report exposure-water chemistry and test-metal concentrations that bracket regulatory criteria. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1515–1522. © 2018 SETAC
Channel zooming for the mitigation of pilot contamination in massive MIMO
Authors: Boudaya Maroua , Kammoun Ines , Siala Mohamed 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMassive multiple‐input multiple‐output is an attractive technology that aims to ameliorate both the energy and the spectrum efficiencies of fifth‐generation cellular networks. The main problem that limits the performance of a massive multiple‐input multiple‐output system is pilot contamination, which happens due to the limited number of orthogonal pilot sequences. In this paper, we assume that each cell is assigned a set of orthogonal pilot sequences and that these same pilot sequences are reused in other cells. Consequently, the contamination comes only from users in other cells, so that it is less powerful than an active user in the cell of interest. We propose a novel iterative algorithm to ensure the mitigation of the pilot contamination effect. This algorithm, dubbed as the “channel zooming algorithm”, is able to zoom through iterations on the signal of the strongest user by taking advantage of the difference in space signatures and transmitted data sequences. Moreover, we derive an analytical expression of the bit error probability, resulting after a large number of iterations of the proposed algorithm. The analytical results developed in our work are confirmed by simulation results.
Multiphase computational method for thermal interactions between compressible fluid and arbitrarily shaped solids
Authors: Toriu Daisuke , Ushijima Satoru 
Published: February 2018

SummaryA numerical method was investigated for multiphase fields consisting of compressible gas and arbitrarily shaped solids. Since the proposed model is based on a one‐fluid model in which variables are averaged according to the phase fractions in the computational cells; it enables us to estimate gas‐solid momentum and thermal interactions without setting up adapting grids even if the solids have extremely complicated shapes. The governing equations are derived with the characteristics of an ideal gas assuming the specific heat to be uniform in the multiphase field. The derived equations in conservative form are discretized with a finite volume method. In addition, the pressure is calculated implicitly in a similar way to incompressible flow solvers. Because of these improvements, the proposed method allows us to calculate low Mach number compressible flows free from the Courant‐Friedrichs‐Lewy condition based on the speed of sound and to conserve the mass more accurately. To confirm the validity of the proposed method, it was applied to natural convection around an isothermal cylinder and a heat‐conducting pipe. In comparison with previous studies, it was confirmed that the gas flows and temperature distributions are predicted reasonably. In addition, a numerical experiment was conducted under more complicated conditions, namely, gas leaking from a container including heat sources. As a result, it was demonstrated that the proposed method enables us to predict unsteady variations of pressure and temperature distributions in the container due to the leakage while still conserving mass accurately.
Formation age and geodynamic setting of the Neoproterozoic Shalong iron formation in the Central Tianshan, NW China: Constraints from zircon U–Pb dating, geochemistry, and Hf–Nd isotopes of the host rocks
Authors: Lei Ru‐Xiong , Wu Chang‐Zhi , Feng Yong‐Gang , Xia Ming‐Zhe , Jiao Jian‐Gang 
Published: February 2018

The recently discovered Shalong iron deposit in the Central Tianshan with a reserve of 14 Mt of iron at 25–30 wt.% Fe shows the typical iron formation geological characteristics: The host rocks are mainly metamorphosed volcanic rocks including quartz hornblende schist, mica quartz schist, and plagioclase amphibolite; the iron orebodies are stratiform and bedded, indicative of strata‐controlled deposits; metallic minerals are dominated by magnetite with haematite and ilmenite in minor quantities, whereas gangue minerals are quartz, amphibole, chloritoid, and plagioclase; and ore textures are banded and laminated. Here, we present LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb ages, whole‐rock geochemistry, Sm–Nd isotope, and zircon Lu–Hf isotope analyses on the host rocks in order to constrain the timing and geodynamic setting of the deposit. The geochemical characteristics, Sm–Nd isotope, and zircon Lu–Hf isotope compositions of the host rocks indicate that their protoliths were likely basic and felsic volcanic rocks. The bimodal kind rock types, the juvenile Nd–Hf isotopic characters, and the within‐plate trace element geochemical features of the host rocks together indicate that these rocks formed in a rift‐like extensional setting. Zircon U–Pb dating of the host rock interlayer suggests that the Shalong iron formation was formed in the Neoproterozoic (ca. 760 Ma). Combined with geological characteristics, close association with meta‐volcanic rocks, absence of glacial deposits, and within‐plate geochemical and juvenile isotopic signatures of the host rocks, the Shalong iron deposit is interpreted to be an Algoma‐type Neoproterozoic iron formation. The formation of this deposit can be linked to rift‐like volcanic activities related to the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. Our results in conjunction with previous studies suggest that the Central Tianshan should be related to the breakup of Rodinia, as indicated by the Neoproterozoic rift‐related igneous events of the Central Tianshan.
Comprehensive assessment of the donor‐site of the anterolateral thigh flap: A prospective study in 33 patients
Authors: Bai Shuang , Zhang Zhi‐Qiang , Wang Zhi‐Qiang , Xu Zhong‐Fei , Duan Wei‐Yi , Liu Fa‐Yu , Tan Xue‐Xin , Sun Chang‐Fu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap has been an extremely versatile flap. The purpose of this study was to propose comprehensive functional assessments of the donor site.MethodsA total of 33 ALT flaps were enrolled prospectively. Objective assessments included isokinetic testing of the knee, and electromyographic examination of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to subjectively assess the donor‐site scar.ResultsOn the donor side, a significant decrease in most isokinetic muscle strength values was obvious 1 year postoperatively (P < .01). The normal side showed a compensatory increase 1 year postoperatively in the majority of isokinetic muscle strength values (P < .05). The majority of patients (70%) showed decreased sensory conduction velocity of the LFCN or no response to the microcurrent stimulation postoperatively. The aesthetic outcome was satisfactory.ConclusionThe decline in functional parameters at the donor‐site was common. However, much more research is needed.
Enzymatic stimuli‐responsive methotrexate‐conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for target delivery to breast cancer cells and release study in lysosomal condition
Authors: Nosrati Hamed , Mojtahedi Amir , Danafar Hossein , Kheiri Manjili Hamidreza 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this study, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with glycine (F‐Gly NPs) and conjugated with methotrexate (MTX) (F‐Gly‐MTX NPs) were synthesized through a coprecipitation method followed by amidation reaction between the carboxylic acid end groups on MTX and the amine groups on the MNPs surface and studied its cytotoxic effect in vitro. The successful conjugating of MTX onto the nanoparticles (NPs) was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results showed that the average size was 46.82 ± 5.03 nm. This target drug delivery system is dependent on the release of the MTX within the lysosomal compartment. Hemolysis assay and cytotoxicity study results on HFF‐2 and HEK‐293 cell lines show that as prepared MNPs are biocompatible. The cytotoxicity of void of the MTX and F‐Gly‐MTX NPs were compared to each other by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay of the treated MCF‐7 cell line. Enzymatic release studies exhibited the release of the MTX via peptide bond cleavage in the presence of proteinase K. These studies specify that the F‐Gly‐MTX NPs have a very remarkable anticancer effect, for breast cancer cell line. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1646–1654, 2018.
High-Fat Diet–Induced Obesity Promotes Expansion of Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue and Impairs Skeletal Stem Cell Functions in Mice
Authors: Tencerova Michaela , Figeac Florence , Ditzel Nicholas , Taipaleenmäki Hanna , Nielsen Tina Kamilla , Kassem Moustapha 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Obesity represents a risk factor for development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In addition, it has been associated with increased adipocyte formation in the bone marrow (BM) along with increased risk for bone fragility fractures. However, little is known on the cellular mechanisms that link obesity, BM adiposity, and bone fragility. Thus, in an obesity intervention study in C57BL/6J mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, we investigated the molecular and cellular phenotype of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT), BM progenitor cells, and BM microenvironment in comparison to peripheral adipose tissue (AT). HFD decreased trabecular bone mass by 29%, cortical thickness by 5%, and increased BM adiposity by 184%. In contrast to peripheral AT, BMAT did not exhibit pro-inflammatory phenotype. BM progenitor cells isolated from HFD mice exhibited decreased mRNA levels of inflammatory genes (Tnfα, IL1β, Lcn2) and did not manifest an insulin resistant phenotype evidenced by normal levels of pAKT after insulin stimulation as well as normal levels of insulin signaling genes. In addition, BM progenitor cells manifested enhanced adipocyte differentiation in HFD condition. Thus, our data demonstrate that BMAT expansion in response to HFD exerts a deleterious effect on the skeleton. Continuous recruitment of progenitor cells to adipogenesis leads to progenitor cell exhaustion, decreased recruitment to osteoblastic cells, and decreased bone formation. In addition, the absence of insulin resistance and inflammation in the BM suggest that BMAT buffers extra energy in the form of triglycerides and thus plays a role in whole-body energy homeostasis. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rotational CARS thermometry and concentration measurements in ethane‐nitrogen mixtures using Fourier analysis
Authors: Hosseinnia Ali , Nordström Emil , Fatehi Hesameddin , Bood Joakim , Bengtsson Per‐Erik 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRotational coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) is an established diagnostic technique for thermometry and species concentration measurements of di‐atomics and tri‐atomics in combustion processes; however, studies on hydrocarbon fuel molecules have been scarce. In this work, we have investigated the diagnostic potential for rotational CARS on ethane with emphasis on concentration measurements in mixtures with nitrogen. Rotational CARS spectra have periodic line structures, and because ethane and nitrogen spectra partially overlap, a novel Fourier analysis approach was developed and applied to facilitate evaluation of relative concentrations and temperatures. Instead of the standard procedure of spectral fitting using libraries of theoretically calculated spectra, the fitting was based on an experimental database of temperatures and relative ethane/nitrogen concentrations. The method was successfully demonstrated in an ethane diffusion flame where ethane, initially at room temperature, is heated downstream as well as mixed with increasing amounts of nitrogen. The evaluated temperatures and concentrations are in good agreement with computational fluid dynamic model simulations.
Laser‐induced oxidation of UO2: A Raman study
Authors: Elorrieta J.M. , Bonales L.J. , Naji M. , Manara D. , Baonza V.G. , Cobos J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA reliable method to probe and characterise the oxidation of actinide oxides by means of Raman spectroscopy is introduced. The present so‐called Raman laser heating method enables studying the behaviour of various compounds at high temperatures and under a given atmosphere with the unique alteration of a small amount of sample, which is certainly advantageous in terms of safety when handling hazardous or radioactive materials. The approach is based on a dual use of the laser beam, which is at the same time employed as excitation source for the Raman analysis and as heating source, by exploiting the possibility to vary the beam power density reaching the sample surface. A high laser power density can lead to a significant increase of the analyte surface temperature by up to several hundred of degrees. A sufficiently low power density allows us to subsequently acquire the corresponding Raman spectrum at the same point without distorting the measurement. In this work, UO2 powder has been subjected to Raman laser heating in air as a proof of this method's applicability, attaining a sequential acquisition of the characteristic Raman spectra of the different oxides involved in the oxidation from UO2 to U3O8. The temperature at which such sequence of phase transformations started to occur was estimated to be around (560 ± 40) K. The temperature at the sample surface was estimated from the Stokes/anti‐Stokes intensities ratio, using a similar set‐up to that used in the Raman laser heating experiments. These results are particularly appealing in remote analyses, like those required in the study of nuclear fuel and nuclear waste.
Evidence flowers: An innovative, visual method of presenting “best evidence” summaries to health professional and lay audiences
Authors: Babatunde O.O. , Tan V. , Jordan J.L. , Dziedzic K. , Chew‐Graham C.A. , Jinks C. , Protheroe J. , van der Windt D.A. 
Published: February 2018

Background & AimsBarriers to dissemination and engagement with evidence pose a threat to implementing evidence‐based medicine. Understanding, retention, and recall can be enhanced by visual presentation of information. The aim of this exploratory research was to develop and evaluate the accessibility and acceptability of visual summaries for presenting evidence syntheses with multiple exposures or outcomes to professional and lay audiences.Methods“Evidence flowers” were developed as a visual method of presenting data from 4 case scenarios: 2 complex evidence syntheses with multiple outcomes, Cochrane reviews, and clinical guidelines. Petals of evidence flowers were coloured according to the GRADE evidence rating system to display key findings and recommendations from the evidence summaries. Application of evidence flowers was observed during stakeholder workshops. Evaluation and feedback were conducted via questionnaires and informal interviews.ResultsFeedback from stakeholders on the evidence flowers collected from workshops, questionnaires, and interviews was encouraging and helpful for refining the design of the flowers. Comments were made on the content and design of the flowers, as well as the usability and potential for displaying different types of evidence.ConclusionsEvidence flowers are a novel and visually stimulating method for presenting research evidence from evidence syntheses with multiple exposures or outcomes, Cochrane reviews, and clinical guidelines. To promote access and engagement with research evidence, evidence flowers may be used in conjunction with other evidence synthesis products, such as (lay) summaries, evidence inventories, rapid reviews, and clinical guidelines. Additional research on potential adaptations and applications of the evidence flowers may further bridge the gap between research evidence and clinical practice.
Functional metabolic diversity of the bacterial community in undisturbed resource island soils in the southern Sonoran Desert
Authors: Garcia D. Edisa , Lopez Blanca R. , de‐Bashan Luz E. , Hirsch Ann M. , Maymon Maskit , Bashan Yoav 
Published: February 2018

AbstractResource islands (RIs), a natural revegetation phenomenon in arid lands, consist of a single nurse tree or few large shrubs and numerous understory nurslings. We analyzed 18 individual mesquite RIs for plant diversity and richness, area, trunk diameter (reflecting age), soil characteristics, physiological functionality of microbial populations, and interactions among these variables. Nursing Capacity reflected the availability of habitat and was positively correlated to plant richness, but not to plant diversity. No relationship between plant diversity and bacterial diversity was found. The structure of the bacterial communities of RIs differed from the bacterial communities of bare areas, which showed greater richness and diversity compared with those of RIs. The Nursing Capacity of the RIs was related to plant richness and accompanied by variations in soil properties. A high correlation was found by substrate utilization analysis between metabolic parameters of bacteria and diversity and richness of plants in the RIs. RI bacterial communities were more metabolically active and could degrade different carbon sources than bare area communities. RI bacterial communities contained species with greater capability to metabolize diverse carbon substrates in soil with more organic matter. Bacteria from low, medium, and high plant diversity areas were cultured and found to belong to four bacterial families. This study demonstrates that numerous parameters interact, but not every parameter significantly affected bacterial activity in the RI.