bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does governance play a role in the distribution of invasive alien species?
Authors: Evans Thomas , zu Ermgassen Philine , Amano Tatsuya , Peh Kelvin S.‐H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInvasive alien species (IAS) constitute a major threat to global biological diversity. In order to control their spread, a detailed understanding of the factors influencing their distribution is essential. Although international trade is regarded as a major force structuring spatial patterns of IAS, the role of other social factors remains unclear. Despite studies highlighting the importance of strong governance in slowing drivers of biodiversity loss such as logging, deforestation, and agricultural intensification, no study has yet analyzed its contribution to the issue of IAS. Using estimates of governance quality and comprehensive spatiotemporal IAS data, we performed multiple linear regressions to investigate the effect of governance quality upon the distribution of species listed under “100 of the worst” IAS in 38 Eurasian countries as defined by DASIE. Our model suggested that for countries with higher GDP, stronger governance was associated with a greater number of the worst IAS; in contrast, for the lowest GDP countries under analysis, stronger governance was associated with fewer of these IAS. We elucidate how the quality of governance within a country has implications for trade, tourism, transport, legislation, and economic development, all of which influence the spread of IAS. While our findings support the common assumption that strengthening governance benefits conservation interventions in countries of smaller economy, we find that this effect is not universal. Stronger governance alone cannot adequately address the problem of IAS, and targeted action is required in relatively high‐GDP countries in order to stem the influx of IAS associated with high volumes of trade.
Life‐history traits and physiological limits of the alpine fly Drosophila nigrosparsa (Diptera: Drosophilidae): A comparative study
Authors: Kinzner Martin‐Carl , Krapf Patrick , Nindl Martina , Heussler Carina , Eisenkölbl Stephanie , Hoffmann Ary A. , Seeber Julia , Arthofer Wolfgang , Schlick‐Steiner Birgit C. , Steiner Florian M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInterspecific variation in life‐history traits and physiological limits can be linked to the environmental conditions species experience, including climatic conditions. As alpine environments are particularly vulnerable under climate change, we focus on the montane‐alpine fly Drosophila nigrosparsa. Here, we characterized some of its life‐history traits and physiological limits and compared these with those of other drosophilids, namely Drosophila hydei, Drosophila melanogaster, and Drosophila obscura. We assayed oviposition rate, longevity, productivity, development time, larval competitiveness, starvation resistance, and heat and cold tolerance. Compared with the other species assayed, D. nigrosparsa is less fecund, relatively long‐living, starvation susceptible, cold adapted, and surprisingly well heat adapted. These life‐history characteristics provide insights into invertebrate adaptations to alpine conditions which may evolve under ongoing climate change.
Analytical modeling of DRX with flexible TTI for 5G communications
Authors: Maheshwari Mukesh Kumar , Roy Abhishek , Saxena Navrati 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEver‐increasing growth in various types of devices with different requirements requires next‐generation wireless networks to deal with diverse type of traffic. The use of fixed transmission time interval (TTI) for transmission may not perform efficiently with various types of traffic. These requirements are attainable with a fifth‐generation flexible frame structure, which consists of flexible TTI for transmission. Short TTI could be used for ultrareliable low‐latency communication to meet the latency requirements, whereas long TTI is suitable for mobile broadband services. Long‐Term Evolution/Long‐Term Evolution Advanced uses discontinuous reception (DRX) for power saving. DRX saves the battery power of a device at the cost of an increase in latency. In this article, we explore DRX with flexible TTI for fifth‐generation communications. We model DRX with a semi‐Markov model to analyze the power‐saving factor and delay. Moreover, we proposed an algorithm for the TTI selection for various service requirements. Our numerical analysis results show that the delay attained by 0.2‐ms TTI is 76% less than that attained by 1‐ms TTI.
The effect of inhalation of essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis on scopolamine‐induced Alzheimer's type dementia model mice
Authors: Satou Tadaaki , Hanashima Yuki , Mizutani Iho , Koike Kazuo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEssential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary essential oil, EORO) may improve cognitive function by activating the central nervous system. However, no scientific basis for the effect of EORO has been described. Therefore, we investigated the effect of EORO on Alzheimer's type dementia using model mice. Mice were administered EORO by inhalation. Then, scopolamine was used to prepare Alzheimer's type dementia model mice. To evaluate cognitive function, the Y‐maze test was used for assessment of short‐term memory. EORO produced a significant improvement in the rate of spontaneous alternation behavior. Furthermore, 1,8‐cineole, α‐pinene, and β‐pinene, the main components of EORO, were detected in the brain in a concentration‐dependent manner following inhalation of EORO. Thus, inhalation of EORO may improve cognitive function in a model of Alzheimer's type dementia. Components such as 1,8‐cineole and others are likely involved in the effects on the brain. Examination of the detailed mechanism of action of EORO is necessary for future clinical application.
The morpho‐textural signature of large bedforms in ephemeral gravel‐bed channels of various planforms
Authors: Storz‐Peretz Yael , Laronne Jonathan B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study adopts a fresh approach to find the similarities between river planforms in contrast to many previous studies that have presented distinguishing characteristics and thresholds. This new approach links textural and morphological attributes of bedforms, termed morpho‐texture, with process and hydrological regime thereby indicated. The study was carried out in depositional features of ephemeral rivers having a range of planforms and located in the Judean Desert. High‐resolution terrestrial laser scanning was undertaken to extract morphological and textural (roughness) characteristics. Results strongly indicate that bars are statistically coarser grained than the adjacent thalweg or anabranches where depositional processes occur. This suggests universal processes within ephemeral rivers regardless of their planform, where rapid flow recession causes the coarse tail of the bedload to be deposited as bars whereas the finer fractions deposit in the thalweg and thereby prevent the development of bed armour.
Recombinant collagen scaffolds as substrates for human neural stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Que Richard A. , Arulmoli Janahan , Da Silva Nancy A. , Flanagan Lisa A. , Wang Szu‐Wen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAdhesion to the microenvironment profoundly affects stem cell functions, including proliferation and differentiation, and understanding the interaction of stem cells with the microenvironment is important for controlling their behavior. In this study, we investigated the effects of the integrin binding epitopes GFOGER and IKVAV (natively present in collagen I and laminin, respectively) on human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNSPCs). To test the specificity of these epitopes, GFOGER or IKVAV were placed within the context of recombinant triple‐helical collagen III engineered to be devoid of native integrin binding sites. HNSPCs adhered to collagen that presented GFOGER as the sole integrin‐binding site, but not to IKVAV‐containing collagen. For the GFOGER‐containing collagens, antibodies against the β1 integrin subunit prevented cellular adhesion, antibodies against the α1 subunit reduced cell adhesion, and antibodies against α2 or α3 subunits had no significant effect. These results indicate that hNSPCs primarily interact with GFOGER through the α1β1 integrin heterodimer. These GFOGER‐presenting collagen variants also supported differentiation of hNSPCs into neurons and astrocytes. Our findings show, for the first time, that hNSPCs can bind to the GFOGER sequence, and they provide motivation to develop hydrogels formed from recombinant collagen variants as a cell delivery scaffold. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1363–1372, 2018.
Contributions of Material Properties and Structure to Increased Bone Fragility for a Given Bone Mass in the UCD-T2DM Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Acevedo Claire , Sylvia Meghan , Schaible Eric , Graham James L , Stanhope Kimber L , Metz Lionel N , Gludovatz Bernd , Schwartz Ann V , Ritchie Robert O , Alliston Tamara N , Havel Peter J , Fields Aaron J 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a higher fracture risk for a given bone quantity, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Using a rat model of polygenic obese T2D, we demonstrate that diabetes significantly reduces whole-bone strength for a given bone mass (μCT-derived BMC), and we quantify the roles of T2D-induced deficits in material properties versus bone structure; ie, geometry and microarchitecture. Lumbar vertebrae and ulnae were harvested from 6-month-old lean Sprague-Dawley rats, obese Sprague-Dawley rats, and diabetic obese UCD-T2DM rats (diabetic for 69 ± 7 days; blood glucose &gt;200 mg/dL). Both obese rats and those with diabetes had reduced whole-bone strength for a given BMC. In obese rats, this was attributable to structural deficits, whereas in UCD-T2DM rats, this was attributable to structural deficits and to deficits in tissue material properties. For the vertebra, deficits in bone structure included thinner and more rod-like trabeculae; for the ulnae, these deficits included inefficient distribution of bone mass to resist bending. Deficits in ulnar material properties in UCD-T2DM rats were associated with increased non-enzymatic crosslinking and impaired collagen fibril deformation. Specifically, small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that diabetes reduced collagen fibril ultimate strain by 40%, and those changes coincided with significant reductions in the elastic, yield, and ultimate tensile properties of the bone tissue. Importantly, the biomechanical effects of these material property deficits were substantial. Prescribing diabetes-specific tissue yield strains in high-resolution finite element models reduced whole-bone strength by a similar amount (and in some cases a 3.4-fold greater amount) as the structural deficits. These findings provide insight into factors that increase bone fragility for a given bone mass in T2D; not only does diabetes associate with less biomechanically efficient bone structure, but diabetes also reduces tissue ductility by limiting collagen fibril deformation, and in doing so, reduces the maximum load capacity of the bone. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
How many factors does the sense of community index assess?
Authors: Loomis Colleen , Wright Carrie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractStudies of university students’ sense of community (SOC) use various scales, one of which is the widely used Sense of Community Index (SCI), conceptualized as a 4‐factor model: membership, influence, needs fulfillment, and shared emotional connection. Research has been unable to show a reliable 4‐factor solution. One possible explanation may be that negatively worded items contribute to lack of model fit, which would be consistent with the claim that SOC was conceptualized as a unipolar positive construct. Data were collected using a positively worded SCI (N = 794). Four models were tested with confirmatory factor analysis in structural equation modeling: 1‐factor, theorized four‐factor, revised 3‐factor, and revised 4‐factor. None of the models showed good fit, though the fit of the 1‐factor model was improved over the 4‐factor. More studies are needed to attempt replication with a positively worded SCI.
Binding of Cu+ and Cu2+ with peptides: Peptides = oxytocin, Arg8‐vasopressin, bradykinin, angiotensin‐I, substance‐P, somatostatin, and neurotensin
Authors: Jayasekharan Thankan , Gupta Shyam L. , Dhiman Vikas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe intrinsic binding ability of 7 natural peptides (oxytocin, arg8‐vasopressin, bradykinin, angiotensin‐I, substance‐P, somatostatin, and neurotensin) with copper in 2 different oxidation states (CuI/II) derived from different Cu+/2+ precursor sources have been investigated for their charge‐dependent binding characteristics. The peptide‐CuI/II complexes, [M − (n‐1)H + nCuI] and [M − (2n‐1)H + nCuII], are prepared/generated by the reaction of peptides with CuI solution/Cu‐target and CuSO4 solution and are analyzed by using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The MALDI mass spectra of both [M − (n‐1)H + nCuI] and [M − (2n‐1)H + nCuII] complexes show no mass shift due to the loss of ─H atoms in the main chain ─NH of these peptides by Cu+ and Cu2+ deprotonation. The measured m/z value indicates the reduction of CuI/II oxidation state into Cu0 during MALDI processes. The number and relative abundance of Cu+ bound to the peptides are greater compared with the Cu2+ bound peptides. Oxytocin, arg8‐vasopressin, bradykinin, substance‐P, and somatostatin show the binding of 5Cu+, and angiotensin‐I and neurotensin show the binding of 7Cu+ from both CuI and Cu targets, while bradykinin shows the binding of 2Cu2+, oxytocin, arg8‐vasopressin, angiotensin‐I, and substance‐P; somatostatin shows the binding of 3Cu2+; and neurotensin shows 4Cu2+ binding. The binding of more Cu+ with these small peptides signifies that the bonding characteristics of both Cu+ and Cu2+ are different. The amino acid residues responsible for the binding of both Cu+ and Cu2+ in these peptides have been identified based on the density functional theory computed binding energy values of Cu+ and the fragment transformation method predicted binding preference of Cu2+ for individual amino acids.
Microwave Vortex‐Beam Emitter Based on Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Yin Jia Yuan , Ren Jian , Zhang Lei , Li Haijiang , Cui Tie Jun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSince orbital angular momentum (OAM) being investigated intensively in the optical region, there have been growing interests in employing OAM to solve the problem in wireless communications as a new method. It is found that the independence between different OAM modes is crucial to wireless communications. Motivated by the tremendous potential of OAM in communication systems, a novel method to generate vortex beams by spoof surface plasmon polariton (SPP) is proposed. A looped double‐layer spoof SPP waveguide is applied to realize the transmission of electromagnetic waves. Beam emitting is accomplished through a series of circular patches, whose role is not only the radiation units but also resonators giving rise to the phase shifts required by the vortex beam. The proposed method is validated by both numerical simulation and experiment. The measured results show that spoof SPP are radiated by the circular patches and vortex beams carrying different OAM modes are observed at different frequencies. The proposed method possesses smaller size and is much easier to be integrated into systems and integrated circuits. The simple structure and design procedure make the proposed method promising in future wireless communication systems.
Design of Enzyme Micelles with Controllable Concavo‐Convex Micromorphologies for Highly Enhanced Stability and Catalytical Activity
Authors: Chen Tao , Xu Yuanhong , Yang Wenrong , Li Aihua , Wang Yao , Sun Jing , Liu Jingquan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractConcavo‐convex micelles with controllable sizes and nanostructures are prepared via self‐assembling polymer–enzyme (e.g., shellac enzyme) conjugates with heterogeneous polymer chains, which exhibit higher enzyme stability (300%) and bioactivity (760%) comparing with the well‐defined ones. The applied amphiphilic and negatively charged copolymer, poly (methyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly (sodium p‐styrene sulfonate), is synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization to modify shellac enzyme and immobilize the enzyme bioactivity inducer by covalent conjugation and electrostatic attraction, respectively. The degradation test of catechol confirms the application potential of as‐prepared micelles as an efficient and economical decontaminant.
Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels in the Absence of a Crosslinker as 3D Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)‐Mimetic Microenvironment
Authors: Erkoc Pelin , Seker Fidan , Bagci‐Onder Tugba , Kizilel Seda 
Published: January 2018

Abstract3D platforms are important for monitoring tumor progression and screening drug candidates to eradicate tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a malignant type of human brain tumor. Here, a new strategy is reported that exploits visible‐light‐induced crosslinking of gelatin where the reaction is carried out in the absence of an additional crosslinker. Visible light‐induced crosslinking promotes the design of cancer microenvironment‐mimetic system without compromising the cell viability during the process and absence of crosslinker facilitates the synthesis of the unique construct. Suspension and spheroid‐based models of GBM are used to investigate cellular behavior, expression profiles of malignancy, and apoptosis‐related genes within this unique network. Furthermore, sensitivity to an anticancer drug, Digitoxigenin, treatment is investigated in detail. The data suggest that U373 cells, in sparse or spheroid form, have significantly decreased expressions of apoptosis‐activating genes, Bad, Puma, and Caspase‐3, and a high expression of prosurvival Bcl‐2 gene within GelMA hydrogels. Matrix‐metalloproteinase genes are also upregulated within GelMA, suggesting positive contribution of gels on extracellular remodeling of cancer cells. This unique photocurable gelatin holds great potential for clinical translation of cancer research through the analysis of 3D malignant cancer cell behavior, and hence for more efficient treatment methods for GBM.
Synthesis of Polypyrrole Inverse Opals through an Air–Water Interface Polymerization Method and Their Application in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Deng Liduo , Wang Likui , Li Yunxing , Shi Gang , Liu Yun , Yao Bolong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAn air–water interface polymerization method is developed to fabricate polypyrrole inverse opals without overlayers. Colloidal crystals are transferred to the surface of a pyrrole solution, and addition of oxidizer leads to the polymerization of pyrrole on the surface of the colloidal crystals. Since the part of the colloidal crystal protruding from the solution surface are not coated during the polymerization, inverse opals with microbowl arrays at the top could be obtained after removal of the template. The synthesis of an inverse opal multilayer with this approach is also demonstrated. Additionally, polypyrrole inverse opals doped with various acids are used as counter electrodes for dye‐sensitized solar cells, the photoelectric conversion efficiencies of which could approach those achieved with a Pt electrode.
Ion Conduction and Viscoelastic Response of Epoxy‐Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes Containing Solvating Plastic Crystal Plasticizer
Authors: Jang Hye Kyeong , Jung Byung Mun , Choi U Hyeok , Lee Sang Bok 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTo develop a safe electrolyte for lithium‐ion batteries, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are prepared using a commercially available cross‐linkable diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) epoxy resin, a methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MeTHPA) curing agent, and a plastic crystal‐based electrolyte containing a mixture of succinonitrile (SN) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) by a simple thermal curing process. For the uncured mixture of DGEBA/MeTHPA/SN/LiTFSI, oscillatory and steady shear measurements are conducted to investigate microstructure and processability; the storage modulus (G′) exceeds the loss modulus (G″) at all frequencies studied (solid‐like behavior) and the viscosity decreases with an increase in the shear rate (shear‐thinning behavior), demonstrating that there is a network structure, and the connected structure changes at high shear rates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the physical interactions between Li+of LiTFSI and anhydride group of MeTHPA, which are responsible for the network structure, and helps to rationalize the observed moduli and viscosity. For the cured epoxy‐based SPEs, their ionic conductivities follow the Arrhenius temperature dependence, and increasing SN/LiTFSI electrolyte content leads to higher conductivity and lower activation energy for conduction, resulting in ionic conductivity σDC≈ 2 × 10−4S cm−1with a shear modulus approachingG′ ≈ 1 MPa at room temperature.
The analysis of architectural languages for the needs of practitioners
Authors: Ozkaya Mert 
Published: January 2018

SummaryArchitectural languages (ALs) have attracted much attention as the modeling notations for specifying and reasoning about important design decisions. In this study, 124 different existing ALs have been analyzed for a set of requirements that are crucial for practitioners. These requirements are concerned with language definition, language features, and tool support. Some of the important findings obtained from the analysis are as follows: (1) performance is the top popular nonfunctional requirement supported by ALs; (2) no ALs offer both textual and visual notation sets, one of which could be used independently; (3) process algebras are the top preferred formal method by formal ALs; (4) the physical, deployment, and operational viewpoints are rarely supported by ALs; (5) the top preferred extension mechanism of the extensible ALs is XML for syntax extension; (6) Java is the top preferred programming language in generating software code; (7) the exhaustive model checking is the top preferred automated analysis method; (8) the logic‐based formal techniques are so popular in specifying system requirements; (9) among the analysis properties considered, consistency is the top supported property for the automated checking; and (10) most ALs do not provide any discussion platform (eg, forums). Hence, these findings can be used by the new AL developers in addressing the needs of practitioners and bridging the gaps in the field. Practitioners can also use the findings to find out about the existing ALs and compare them to choose the one(s) that suits their needs best.