bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of quantum confinement in nanosheet FETs by using a quantum drift diffusion model
Authors: Matsuda Masashi , Hiroki Akira 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we have analyzed quantum confinement effects in nanosheet MOSFETs by using a quantum drift‐diffusion (QDD) model. The QDD model is a device simulator which allows to simulate quantum confinement effects in the inversion layer for advanced MOSFETs. The quantum confinement effects in nanosheets have been analyzed by comparing the simulation results by QDD and drift‐diffusion (DD) model. The drain current ratio of DD to QDD is 250.1% at VG = 0.5 V and 180.1% at VG = 0 V. While the maximum electron density of DD exists at the interface between the insulator and the silicon sheet, that of QDD goes to near the center of the silicon sheet. The electron areal density ratio of DD to QDD is 118.3% in the direction of the 10 nm width of the silicon sheet and 176.9% in the direction of the 4 nm width.
Support for the fasting endurance hypothesis of partial migration in a nearshore seabird
Authors: Wilkinson Bradley P. , Jodice Patrick G. R. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPartial migration occurs when only a fraction of a population migrates instead of all individuals. Considered an evolutionary precursor to full migration, understanding why some individuals choose to undertake migration while others do not may serve to inform general migratory theory. While several hypotheses currently exist for explaining the maintenance of partial migration, empirical support for many is limited. To address this gap, we analyzed GPS data acquired from brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis; n = 74), a partially migratory seabird, nesting on six colonies in the South Atlantic Bight over the course of four autumn migrations. We estimated that approximately 74% of pelicans nesting within the study area may be migratory on an annual basis, with the remainder staying within the surrounding marine ecoregion year‐round. Mean date of migration initiation was 9 November, although movements occurred from September to December. Results from Cox's proportional hazards modeling indicated significant positive and negative effects of sea surface temperatures and body condition on migration rate, respectively. We suggest that the ontogenetic migration of the primary forage species of brown pelicans from estuarine to pelagic environments causes a seasonal reduction in prey and that pelicans in poor body condition are unable to meet the energetic demands potentially associated with this decrease in prey availability (i.e., the fasting endurance hypothesis of partial migration). Although we did not find evidence for a density‐dependent migratory response, the effects of intraspecific competition on migration in pelicans also appear to warrant consideration.
Effects of tissue decomposition on stable isotope ratios and implications for use of stranded animals in research
Authors: Cloyed Carl S. , Johnson Che'Isha , DaCosta Kayla P. , Clance Lauren R. , Russell Mackenzie L. , Díaz Clark Cristina , Hieb Elizabeth E. , Carmichael Ruth H. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractStable isotope analysis (SIA) provides ecological data that can be safely and efficiently collected on endangered, threatened, and cryptic species. Marine mammals are an ecologically important group for which economical and logistical constraints can make data collection challenging. Stranded marine mammals are often used in research, but the causes of strandings and subsequent tissue decomposition could affect SIA. We conducted a three‐part study to test the validity of using δ13C and δ15N values from tissues of stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) for ecological studies. First, we quantified isotopic overlap using ellipses based on 95% of the data to compare isotope values in skin between stranded and live‐captured animals. Second, we compared stable isotope values from liver, skin, and muscle of animals that had stranded and were sampled at different decomposition stages. Third, we experimentally exposed each tissue to environmental conditions and sampled tissues as they decomposed. For both dolphins and manatees, isotopic ellipses from skin of stranded carcasses were similar to live‐captured individuals. Among individuals recovered at different decomposition stages, more advanced decomposition affected δ13C values in dolphin liver and skin but not in manatee tissues and had no effect on δ15N values in any tissue for either species. In the experimental manipulation, decomposition resulted in depleted δ13C values, enriched δ15N values, and increased C:N in liver for both species. Skin and muscle from stranded dolphins and manatees are representative of their corresponding live populations and can be used for SIA with appropriate caution. To facilitate the use of tissues from stranded animals, tissues should be dried or frozen for storage as soon as possible after sampling. We recommend liver from stranded animals only be used for SIA when researchers need tissues with short turnover times and can access fresh samples. Without consideration of decomposition effects on isotope values, ecologists may make inaccurate inferences about habitat use, diet, and community structure. Careful use of SIA on tissues from stranded animals can help researchers provide better quality information for managers and policy makers.
Just street trees? Street trees increase local biodiversity and biomass in higher income, denser neighborhoods
Authors: Anderson Elsa C. , Locke Dexter H. , Pickett Steward T. A. , LaDeau Shannon L. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTree canopy cover is a critical component of the urban environment that supports ecosystem services at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Increasing tree canopy across a matrix of public and private land is challenging. As such, municipalities often plant trees along streets in public rights‐of‐way where there are fewer barriers to establishment, and composition and biomass of street trees are inextricably linked to human decisions, management, and care. In this study, we investigated the contributions of street trees to the broader urban forest, inclusive of tree canopy distributed across both public and private parcels in Baltimore, MD, USA. We assess how species composition, biodiversity, and biomass of street trees specifically augment the urban forest at local and citywide scales. Furthermore, we evaluate how street tree contributions to the urban forest vary with social and demographic characteristics of local residential communities. Our analyses demonstrate that street trees significantly enhanced citywide metrics of the urban forests' richness and tree biomass, adding an average six unique species per site. However, street tree contributions did not ameliorate low tree canopy locations, and more street tree biomass was generally aligned with higher urban forest cover. Furthermore, species richness, abundance, and biomass added by street trees were all positively related to local household income and population density. Our results corroborate previous findings that wealthier urban neighborhoods often have greater tree abundance and canopy cover and, additionally, suggest that investment in municipally managed street trees may be reinforcing inequities in distribution and function of the urban forest. This suggests a need for greater attention to where and why street tree plantings occur, what species are selected, and how planted tree survival is maintained by and for residents in different neighborhoods.
A direct comparison of ecological theories for predicting the relationship between plant traits and growth
Authors: Goud Ellie M. , Agrawal Anurag A. , Sparks Jed P. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDespite long‐standing theory for classifying plant ecological strategies, limited data directly link organismal traits to whole‐plant growth rates (GRs). We compared trait‐growth relationships based on three prominent theories: growth analysis, Grime's competitive–stress tolerant–ruderal (CSR) triangle, and the leaf economics spectrum (LES). Under these schemes, growth is hypothesized to be predicted by traits related to relative biomass investment, leaf structure, or gas exchange, respectively. We also considered traits not included in these theories but that might provide potential alternative best predictors of growth. In phylogenetic analyses of 30 diverse milkweeds (Asclepiasspp.) and 21 morphological and physiological traits, GR (total biomass produced per day) varied 50‐fold and was best predicted by biomass allocation to leaves (as predicted by growth analysis) and the CSR traits of leaf size and leaf dry matter content. Total leaf area (LA) and plant height were also excellent predictors of whole‐plant GRs. Despite two LES traits correlating with growth (mass‐based leaf nitrogen and area‐based leaf phosphorus contents), these were in the opposite direction of that predicted by LES, such that higher N and P contents corresponded to slower growth. The remaining LES traits (e.g., leaf gas exchange) were not predictive of plant GRs. Overall, differences in GR were driven more by whole‐plant characteristics such as biomass fractions and total LA than individual leaf‐level traits such as photosynthetic rate or specific leaf area. Our results are most consistent with classical growth analysis—combining leaf traits with whole‐plant allocation to best predict growth. However, given that destructive biomass measures are often not feasible, applying easy‐to‐measure leaf traits associated with the CSR classification appear more predictive of whole‐plant growth than LES traits. Testing the generality of this result across additional taxa would further improve our ability to predict whole‐plant growth from functional traits across scales.
Simplifying carb counting: A randomized controlled study – Feasibility and efficacy of an individualized, simple, patient‐centred carb counting tool
Authors: Witkow Shulamit , Liberty Idit F. , Goloub Irina , Kaminsky Malka , Otto Olga , Rabia YonesAbu , Boehm Ilana Harman , Golan Rachel 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to introduce and test a simple, individualized carbohydrate counting tool designed for persons with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in order to determine whether the tool improved A1C levels for participants with age, education or language barriers.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, 85 participants were offered six diabetes instructional sessions free of charge over a six‐month period. Forty‐one received guidance using the regular carbohydrate counting (RCC) method. Forty‐four received guidance using an individualized ‘Simple Carb Counting’ (SCC), involving two customized tables prepared for participants.ResultsThe simple, individualized SCC tool for carbohydrate counting was non‐inferior to the standard method of RCC. The SCC tool was more effective among participants aged 40 and older, while no differences were found when comparing participants by education level. Irrespective of intervention group, all participants improved their A1C level (9.9% = 13.2 mmol/L vs 8.6% = 11.1 mmol/L, p = .001). A greater improvement in A1C level was seen in newly diagnosed participants (−6.1 vs −0.7, p = .005, −3.4 vs 0.9, p = .032) in both the RCC and SCC groups. All participants expressed improved emotional level per their PAID5 questionnaires (Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale‐PAID), (10.6 (±5.7) vs 9.5 (±5.7), p = .023), with women reporting greater improvement than men.ConclusionsSCC is a simple, individualized, feasible, low‐tech tool for carbohydrate counting, which promotes and enables accurate insulin dosing in people with T1DM. It was found more effective among participants aged 40 and older. Additional studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Structural Reassignment of Two Polyenol Natural Products
Authors: Kutateladze Andrei G. , Bates Roderick W. , Elyashberg Mikhail , Williams Craig M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractUnusual polyenols that defied chemical principles were reassigned as the nucleosides, adenosine and uridine, using a combination of chemical intuition underpinned by Computer Assisted Structure Elucidation (CASE) and DFT methods.
Regional‐scale seismic fragility, loss, and resilience assessment using physics‐based simulated ground motions: An application to Istanbul
Authors: Zhang Wenyang , Chen Peng‐Yu , Crempien Jorge G. F. , Kurtulus Asli , Arduino Pedro , Taciroglu Ertugrul 
Published: February 2023

AbstractUsing results from 57 large‐scale physics‐based fault‐rupture and wave propagation simulations, this research aims to evaluate the seismic risk, loss, and resilience of more than 16,000 reinforced concrete buildings in the Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul, Turkey. For each building and under each earthquake scenario, the spatially varying site‐specific simulated ground motions were used for performing three‐dimensional nonlinear time‐history analyses. The resulting structural responses—such as peak story drift ratios (PSDR) and peak floor accelerations (PFAs)—were utilized to conduct three region‐scale tasks: (i) building‐ and site‐specific seismic fragility analysis for both structural and nonstructural components of each building; (ii) intensity‐based seismic loss assessment using the FEMA P58 methodology and Monte Carlo simulations; and (iii) resilience evaluation based on the expected time of recovery predicted through FEMA P58. Moreover, both inertial and kinematic soil–structure interaction (SSI) effects were considered using a substructuring method for all three tasks. Site‐specific soil properties were utilized to compute the coefficients of soil springs and dashpots, as well as the foundation input motions. The SSI effects were investigated by comparing the fragility, loss, and resilience indices obtained with and without considering SSI.
Bayesian bilinear neural network for predicting the mid‐price dynamics in limit‐order book markets
Authors: Magris Martin , Shabani Mostafa , Iosifidis Alexandros 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe prediction of financial markets is a challenging yet important task. In modern electronically driven markets, traditional time‐series econometric methods often appear incapable of capturing the true complexity of the multilevel interactions driving the price dynamics. While recent research has established the effectiveness of traditional machine learning (ML) models in financial applications, their intrinsic inability to deal with uncertainties, which is a great concern in econometrics research and real business applications, constitutes a major drawback. Bayesian methods naturally appear as a suitable remedy conveying the predictive ability of ML methods with the probabilistically oriented practice of econometric research. By adopting a state‐of‐the‐art second‐order optimization algorithm, we train a Bayesian bilinear neural network with temporal attention, suitable for the challenging time‐series task of predicting mid‐price movements in ultra‐high‐frequency limit‐order book markets. We thoroughly compare our Bayesian model with traditional ML alternatives by addressing the use of predictive distributions to analyze errors and uncertainties associated with the estimated parameters and model forecasts. Our results underline the feasibility of the Bayesian deep‐learning approach and its predictive and decisional advantages in complex econometric tasks, prompting future research in this direction.
Potential of Bifidobacteriumlactis IDCC 4301 isolated from breast milk‐fed infant feces as a probiotic and functional ingredient
Authors: Ban O‐Hyun , Bang Won Yeong , Jeon Hyeon Ji , Jung Young Hoon , Yang Jungwoo , Kim Dong Hyun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractProbiotics provide important health benefits to the host by improving intestinal microbial balance and have been widely consumed as dietary supplements. In this study, we investigated whether Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301 (BL), isolated from feces of breast milk‐fed infants, is safe to consume. Based on the guidelines established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), safety tests such as antibiotic susceptibility, hemolysis, toxic compound formation (i.e., biogenic amine and d‐lactate), single‐dose acute oral toxicity, and extracellular enzymatic activities were performed. In addition, toxigenic genes, antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements were investigated by analyzing the genome sequence of BL. BL was susceptible to eight antibiotics except for vancomycin and the absence of transferable resistance in the genome of this strain implied that vancomycin resistance is likely to be intrinsic. With regard to phenotypic characteristics, there was no concern of toxicity of this strain. Furthermore, BL utilized various carbohydrates and their conjugates through the activity of various endogenous carbohydrate‐utilizing enzymes. Interestingly, the supernatant of the BL showed strong antipathogenic activity against various infectious pathogens. Therefore, we suggest that BL should be a safe probiotic and can be used as a functional ingredient in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Effect of the germination period on functional properties of finger millet flour and sensorial quality of porridge
Authors: Yenasew Aserse , Urga Kelebessa 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFinger millet is a stable and nutritious cereal crop, mostly grown in the semiarid tropics of the world. Processing is important for improving the nutritional value of finger millets. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of the germination period on the functional properties of flours and the sensorial quality of finger millet porridge. Four finger millet varieties were collected, cleaned, and soaked for 24 h, then germinated at room temperature (20–25°C) for 24, 48, and 72 h. The germinated samples were oven‐dried at 60°C for 6 h and milled into flour at the size of 1 mm using a cyclomiller. Unsoaked and ungerminated finger millet grains are also milled into flour and used as control. Porridge was prepared with a flour‐to‐water ratio of 1:12 (weight/volume), and sensory analysis was done by semitrained panelists. Germination enhanced the water absorption capacity, solubility, and oil absorption capacity of flour samples significantly (p < .05). However, it significantly reduced (p < .05) the bulk density and swelling power of flour samples. As the germination period increased from 0 to 72 h, the viscosity of the porridge decreased significantly (p < .05). At 24 h after germination, the sensory analysis revealed no significant difference in color, taste, aroma, mouth feel, or overall acceptability samples when compared to the ungerminated sample. Germination improved the functional properties of finger millet flours as well as the sensory aspects of porridge. Hence, 24‐h germinated finger millet flour is best in all aspects compared to ungerminated, 48‐ and 72‐h germinated flours to prepare porridge. The 24‐h germinated finger millet‐based porridge is recommended for infants, pregnant mothers, and breastfeeding mothers.
Geothermal food dehydrator system, operation and sensory analysis, and dehydrated pineapple quality
Authors: Pérez‐González Eduardo , Severiano‐Pérez Patricia , Aviña‐Jiménez Héctor M. , Velázquez‐Madrazo Olga Del C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFood dehydration is a preservation technique that guarantees its supply. Food like vegetables and fruits are traditionally dehydrated with natural gas or solar energy, however, this work demonstrates the feasibility of doing it with energy from a geothermal power plant in Nayarit, Mexico. Different species of pineapple (Miel, Cayenne, and Esmeralda) were dehydrated at different temperatures from 64 to 80°C and the safety of the product was subsequently verified, for these aerobic mesophiles (<230 ufc/g), total coliforms (<0.3 s.m.), molds and yeasts (<120 v.e.), and salmonella spp (Absent in 25 g), and results were obtained within the proposed specifications, which were generated taking as reference the national and international guidance standards. A sensory evaluation, a modified Flash Profile (mFP), was carried out with a group of judges trained in descriptive methodology, since a better consensus of responses was obtained, thus demonstrating the usability of mFP for food dehydration. The studies of pineapple allowed the evaluation of production with the DGA 200 technology, and the microbiological standards, as well as sensory and physicochemical parameters, were considering just to verify that product is suitable for human consumption. The technology is a system that takes advantage of the heat of the earth, with which it is possible to work 7 days a week or the entire pineapple season. Physicochemical changes caused by its dehydration with respect to the content of vitamin C, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber in the three species of dehydrated pineapple were measured. In the fresh samples, an average concentration of vitamin C 9 mg/100 g, carbohydrates 11.6 g sugar/100 g, and dietary fiber 0.96% were measured. The dehydrated samples presented an average value of vitamin C of 95 mg/100 g, carbohydrates 72.6 g sugar/100 g, and dietary fiber 8.6%, these results were similar to Mühlbauer and Müller, 2020, Drying atlas, drying kinetics and quality of agricultural products, Elsevier.
Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil protects against Bisphenol A‐induced testicular mitochondrial damages
Authors: Aja Patrick Maduabuchi , Ogwoni Hilary Akobi , Agu Peter Chinedu , Ekpono Ejike Ugbala , Awoke Joshua Nonso , Ukachi Oliver Ugochukwu , Orji Obasi Uche , Ale Boniface Anthony , Nweke Chinonso Peter , Igwenyi Ikechukwu Okorie , Alum Esther Ugo , Chukwu Darlington C. , Offor Christian E. , Asuk Atamgba Agbor , Eze Ejike Daniel , Yakubu Ojochenemi E. , Akobi J. B. , Ani Onyedika Gabriel , Awuchi Chinaza Godswill 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThere has been increasing search for the ameliorative properties of seed oils against toxicants. bisphenol A acts as an estrogenic endocrine‐disrupting chemical capable of causing male infertility. This study aimed to explore Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil effects against mitochondrial damage in rats using bisphenol A. Forty‐eight rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6) of eight rats each and fed the same food and water for 6 weeks. The group A rats were given 1 mL olive oil, while the ones in group B were given bisphenol A at 100 mL/kg body weight via oral route. Group C received C. mannii seed oil 7.5 mL/kg body weight C. mannii seed oil, while group D, group E, and group F were pre‐administered bisphenol A at 100 mL/kg body weight, followed by treatment with C. mannii seed oil at 7.5, 5, and 2.5 mL/kg body weight, respectively. Antioxidant enzymes, glutathione, reactive oxygen species, testicular volume, malondialdehyde, body weight, and testicular studies were done using standard methods. The results of the bisphenol A‐administered group showed a significant decrease in the antioxidant enzymes, glutathione, body weight, and testicular volume with elevation in the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and testicular indices. BPA + CMSO‐treated group showed a significant increase in GPx activity compared with BPA‐exposed rats. CMSO treatment significantly increased catalase activity in comparison with that of rats exposed to BPA. Remarkably, C. mannii seed oil and bisphenol A co‐administration significantly reversed the abnormalities observed in the dysregulated biochemical biomarkers. Our findings suggest that C. mannii seed oil has considerable antioxidant potential which can be explored in therapeutic development against systemic toxicity induced by exposure to bisphenol A. Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil protects against bisphenol A‐induced testicular mitochondria damages.