bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altitude‐mediated soil properties, not geography or climatic distance, explain the distribution of a tropical endemic herb
Authors: Moutouama Jacob K. , Gaoue Orou G. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the ecological processes that govern species' range margins is a fundamental question in ecology with practical implications in conservation biology. The center‐periphery hypothesis predicts that organisms have higher abundance at the center of their geographic range. However, most tests of this hypothesis often used raster data, assuming that climatic conditions are consistent across one square km. This assumption is not always justified, particularly for mountainous species for which climatic conditions can vary widely across a small spatial scale. Previous studies rarely evenly sample occurrence data across the species' distribution. In this study, we sampled an endemic perennial herb, Thunbergia atacorensis (Acanthanceae), throughout its range in West Africa using 54 plots and collected data on (a)biotic variables, the species density, leaf mass per area, and basal diameter. We built a structural equation model to test the direct and indirect effects of distance from geographic and climatic niche centers, and altitude on Thunbergia density as mediated by abiotic and biotic factors, population demographic structure, and individual size. Contrary to the prediction of the center‐periphery hypothesis, we found no significant effect of distance from geographic or climatic niche centers on plant density. This indicates that even the climatic center does not necessarily have optimal ecological conditions. In contrast, plant density varied with altitudinal gradient, but this was mediated by the effect of soil nitrogen and potassium which had positive effect on plant size. Surprisingly, we found no direct or mediating effect of interspecific competition on plant density. Altogether, our results highlight the role of geography, climatic, and ecological mismatch in predicting species distribution. Our study highlights that where altitudinal gradient is strong local‐scale heterogeneity in abiotic factors can play important role in shaping species range limits.
Enhanced Solubility of Zirconium Oxo Clusters from Diacetoxyzirconium(IV) Oxide Aqueous Solution as Inorganic Extreme‐Ultraviolet Photoresists
Authors: Kataoka Sho , Sue Kiwamu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMetal oxo clusters have drawn a great deal of attention as the extreme‐ultraviolet (EUV) photoresists. However, industrial implementation in the next‐generation lithography demands further improvements in their sensitivity and resolution. In this study, a zirconium oxo cluster with methacrylate and acetate ligands was synthesized from diacetoxyzirconium(IV) oxide aqueous solution for use as EUV photoresist materials. The obtained Zr oxo cluster, consisting of a Zr core and methacrylate and acetate ligands, was similar in size to Zr6O4(OH)4(methacrylate)12 cluster, but much more soluble in a variety of organic solvents. Open‐frame exposure tests revealed that the Zr oxo cluster served as a negative tone photoresist with a sensitivity greater than that of Zr6O4(OH)4(methacrylate)12 cluster. At a dose of 22 mJ/cm2 in the absence of photoacid generators, the Zr oxo cluster film resolved a pattern 15 nm in width, which is sufficiently low to meet the current technological requirements.
Sustainable Mechanosynthesis of Biologically Active Molecules
Authors: Bento Ophélie , Luttringer Florian , Mohy El Dine Tharwat , Pétry Nicolas , Bantreil Xavier , Lamaty Frédéric 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSynthetic mechanochemistry, the use of mechanical force produced by milling, grinding or extruding, as an activation technique, provides access to chemical entities of all kinds. This Review is focused on examples reported so far of known Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and effectively evaluated bioactive molecules, all prepared by mechanosynthesis. Three families of molecules are discussed: heterocyclic compounds, metal complexes and peptides. Advantages of the mechanochemistry approach are highlighted especially from a green chemistry and efficacy point of view.
Notes on the identity of Scorzonera picridioides and Scorzonera paradoxa (Asteraceae)
Authors: Hatami Elham , Mirtadzadini Mansour 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDue to confusion in the identity of Scorzonera paradoxa and Scorzonera picridioides and their inconsistent taxonomic treatments in previous literature and regional floras, we performed a detailed bibliographic and morphological revision of both species in order to elucidate their taxonomic identities. Examination of specimens in the field or various herbaria and critical surveys of type specimens and previous literature represented that S. paradoxa and S. papposa possessed a considerable overlap in the morphology and geographic distribution, and consequently, S. paradoxa was confirmed as a synonym of S. papposa. We also found that S. papposa and S. paradoxa were morphologically different from S. picridioides in plant height, shape of basal leaves, color of florets, color of anther tube, and pappus bristles, thus, S. picridioides was re‐established as an independent species. In accordance with a recent taxonomic revision of subtribe Scorzonerinae that split Scorzonera s. l. into independent genera and placed S. papposa in genus Pseudopodospermum, we proposed the placement of S. picridioides in Pseudopodospermum, and provided an updated morphological description and geographic distribution notes for Pseudopodospermum papposum and Pseudopodospermum picridioides.
Medical image fusion based on local Laplacian decomposition and iterative joint filter
Authors: Li Weisheng , Chao Feifei , Wang Guofen , Fu Jun , Peng Xiuxiu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPrevious multi‐modal medical image fusion methods have suffered from color distortion, blurring, and noise. To address these problems, we propose a method for integrating the information contained in functional and anatomical medical images. In the proposed method, multi‐scale image representation of input images is produced by local Laplacian filtering. The rgb2ycbcr algorithm and iterative joint filters are then used to produce fused approximate images. The residual images are divided into regions of interest and noninterest regions, and then a local energy maximization scheme and local energy average scheme are used to combine these regions. Fused interest areas and fused noninterest areas are combined to produce fused residual images. Finally, an inverse local Laplacian filter is used as a reconstruction tool to produce a fused image. Experimental results indicated that our method has a distinct advantage over existing state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in terms of vision quality and objective metrics.
Retrospective analysis comparing complication rates of centrifuge vs membrane‐based therapeutic plasma exchange in the pediatric population
Authors: Webb Tennille N. , Bell Jeremiah , Griffin Russell , Dill Lynn , Gurosky Catherine , Askenazi David 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere are two conventional modalities used to perform therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE): centrifuge TPE (cTPE) or membrane TPE (mTPE). There is limited data on complications with mTPE.ObjectiveWe sought to better understand the patient and machine complications of mTPE compared to cTPE. We hypothesize that our protocol for mTPE using heparin anticoagulation is well‐tolerated.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study of children <21 years of age, we evaluated differences in patient and machine characteristics and complications between cTPE (with citrate anticoagulation) vs mTPE (with heparin anticoagulation).ResultsOf the 105 patients who met inclusion/exclusion criteria, 63 received cTPE and 42 mTPE via Prismaflex. Those who used mTPE were younger (4.8 ± 2.8 years vs 15.2 ± 3.7 years, P = .0001) and weighed less (19.5 ± 10.6 vs 71.7 ± 28.5 kg, P = .0001). There were no significant differences in patient‐related complications or indications for TPE between the two modalities. Of the 1031 therapies performed,1003 therapies were analyzed (646 using cTPE and 357 using mTPE) due to exclusion criteria. No significant difference in patient complications were detected between groups. Machine‐related complications were infrequent in both approaches. More circuits clotted during mTPE than during cTPE (6.7% [24/357] vs 0% [0/646]; P < 0.001).ConclusionAlthough we use mTPE in smaller children, we showed low rates of complications that were not statistically different from cTPE performed in older children. While the overall rate of circuit clotting using mTPE was low, it occurred more commonly than with cTPE.
Comparison of prefrontal cortex sucrose seeking ensembles engaged in multiple seeking sessions: Context is key
Authors: Jessen Kristen , Slaker Bennett Megan L. , Liu Shuai , Olsen Christopher M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEncoding of memories, including those associated with prior drug or reward, is thought to take place within distinct populations of neurons, termed ensembles. Neuronal ensembles for drug‐ and reward‐seeking have been identified in regions of the medial prefrontal cortex, but much of our understanding of these ensembles is based on experiments that take place in a single reward‐associated environment and measure ensemble encoding over short durations of time. In contrast, reward seeking behavior is evident across different reward‐associated environments and persists over time. Using TetTag mice and Fos immunohistochemistry, we examined the relationship between persistent sucrose‐seeking and ensemble encoding in mice that undergo seeking sessions in the same or different sucrose self‐administration contexts 2 weeks apart. We found that prelimbic (PrL) and anterior cingulate cortex ensembles tagged in the first seeking session were highly sensitive to the context in which a second seeking session took place: reactivation of these ensembles was reduced in the same context but elevated in a distinct sucrose self‐administration context. Correlational analyses revealed that ensemble reactivation in the PrL was proportional to the persistence of sucrose seeking behavior across sessions in differing ways in female mice. In the same context, reactivation was proportional to the persistence of non‐reinforced operant responses, whereas in a distinct context, reactivation was proportional to the persistence of non‐reinforced head entries into the sucrose receptacle. This study underlines the importance of the medial prefrontal cortex importance in maintaining a reward‐seeking ensemble over time and identifies context‐dependent changes in behavioral correlates of ensemble reactivation.
Functional ecosystem parameters: Soil respiration and diversity of mite (Acari, Mesostigmata) communities after disturbance in a Late Cambrian bedrock environment
Authors: Woźniak Gabriela , Kamczyc Jacek , Bierza Wojciech , Błońska Agnieszka , Kompała‐Bąba Agnieszka , Sierka Edyta , Jagodziński Andrzej M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe analyzed the changes in ecosystem functions (soil respiration and Mesostigmata mite abundance, species richness and diversity) on various habitats after flooding by highly mineralized and acidic drainage water with fine As‐rich pyrite sediments, on a fragment of a natural ecosystem. In total, 177 plots that represented six types of habitats (undisturbed: pine mixed forests, Salix spp. thickets, Juncus effusus communities, wet meadows, and disturbed: bare ground and dead Salix spp. thickets) were sampled twice, in June 2019 and September 2020. Our study revealed that flooding affected essential ecosystem parameters, such as soil Mesostigmata mite abundance, species richness and diversity, and soil respiration, via an extreme decrease of soil pH. In total, 968 mites were collected from pooled data from the two samplings. Mite abundance, species richness and diversity were mainly shaped by habitat type and soil pH, and partially by soil respiration. These parameters were lower in disturbed habitats (bare ground and dead Salix spp. thickets) as compared with undisturbed ones. The highest mean mite density was recorded from mixed forests (4750 ± 600 ind. m−2) and wet meadows (2678 ± 361 ind. m−2), whereas the lowest in bare ground (449 ± 113 ind. m−2) and dead Salix spp. thickets (537 ± 146 ind. m−2). We noticed that mite diversity may be helpful to predict future changes in the physicochemical parameters of soils in disturbed areas. The vegetation patches built up by species adapted to grow in habitats characterized by relatively high metal and metalloid content (J. effusus and Salix spp.) represent an intermediate state of function of ecosystems in the study area.
Nutrient limitation can explain a rapid transition to synchrony in an upwelling‐driven diatom community
Authors: Buttay Lucie , Vasseur David A. , González‐Quirós Rafael , Nogueira Enrique 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIdentifying the mechanisms controlling the temporal dynamics of ecological communities is key to understand their vulnerability to natural and anthropogenic impacts and to identify early warnings of critical transitions. At community level, inter‐specific synchrony is an important indicator of ecosystem stability and variation in function. Using wavelet analysis on time‐series of abundance of 12 dominant diatom species, sampled monthly (1994‐2009) in a coastal upwelling embayment at the northern limit of the Canary Current Upwelling System, we find a sudden onset of synchrony between 1998 and 2002, concomitant with an increase in the amplitude of the upwelling index at different temporal scales. To better understand the underlying mechanism that could generate this sudden onset of synchrony among competitors, we analyzed a general model of competition between two species for two essential nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and silicate). We incorporate environmental variation by varying the concentration of one of the essential nutrients entering the system. Increase in the amplitude of environmental variation always leads to greater synchrony among competitors. This occurs because the system shifts from a state in which species are limited by different nutrients to one where species are often limited by the same nutrient. We show that the transition from asynchronous to synchronous dynamics can occur suddenly as the amplitude of environmental variation increases. While it is not possible to rule out alternative mechanisms, our model demonstrates that sudden changes in the extent of synchronization should be a common feature when species compete for essential nutrients in variable environments.
An Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) finite difference (FD)‐SPH depth integrated model for pore pressure evolution on landslides over erodible terrains
Authors: Pastor Manuel , Tayyebi Saeid M. , Stickle Miguel M. , Molinos Miguel , Yague Angel , Manzanal Diego , Navas Pedro 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEntrainment of saturated bed material increases the mobility of fast landslides. The distribution of excess pore pressures changes in the body of the landslide, as the material entering it has much lower effective confining stresses which results on much smaller apparent basal friction angles. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the Finite Differences depth integrated SPH model developed by the authors to cope with material which is flowing up the FD meshes. The model is set within an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian framework (ALE), and the resulting excess pore pressure evolution model will include now advective terms in addition to the diffusive and source terms. In order to assess the importance of the proposed modification, we introduce a basal Péclet number which relates two non dimensional reference times of consolidation and erosion.
From laboratory to industrialization: Eco‐friendly flame retardant endowing epoxy resin with excellent flame retardancy, transparency, and mechanical properties
Authors: Qiao Huawei , Su Liping , Liu Canpei , Zhang Huagui , Chen Mingfeng 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTo eliminate the fire safety hazards (flammability and smoke toxicity) of epoxy resins (EP), while reaching industrial production of flame retardants, we proposed a facile strategy to successfully synthesize an industrially scalable phosphorus‐nitrogen flame retardant (named FNU) by the substitution reaction of 2‐(2‐aminoethylamino) ethanol and 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxo‐10‐phosphofi‐10‐oxide. FNU was synthesized in a simple and heat‐free step with room temperature stirring, and such process optimizations facilitate industrially scalable. As expected, FNU endowed EP with excellent flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties. EP mixing with 10 phr of FNU reached the highest limiting oxygen index value of 44.5%, UL‐94 reached V‐0 level, total smoke production and total heat release were reduced by 15.5% and 19.8% compared with pure EP. Residual carbon analysis showed that the presence of FNU could promote to form dense and continuous carbon layer. Thermogravimetric analysis‐infrared spectrometry results demonstrated a significant reduction in the pyrolysis products, especially in the yield of CO. Moreover, the structure of FNU contained aromatic rigid and reactive amine groups that significantly improved the mechanical properties of EP without affecting its transparency, retaining its value for applications in optical materials.
Influence of thermal deconsolidation on the anisotropic thermal conductivity of glass fiber reinforced, pre‐consolidated polypropylene sheets used for thermoforming applications
Authors: Längauer Manuel , Zitzenbacher Gernot , Heupl Sarah , Plank Bernhard , Burgstaller Christoph , Hochenauer Christoph 
Published: February 2022

AbstractModeling how thermoplastic composites are processed using thermoforming is a challenging task, and not only due to the heterogenic nature of the material. During the thermoforming processes, the polymeric matrix has to be heated above the softening temperature, enabling the composite to be formed into three‐dimensional parts. As the system mobility increases, thermal deconsolidation takes place, and voids are created or expand within the composite sheet. These voids alter the sheet's material properties and aesthetic characteristics. The formation of gas‐filled voids in the material hinders the heat transport, resulting in longer heating times and inefficient processes. Moreover, such voids invalidate models widely used for processing thermoplastic composites. This study resulted in a novel analytical model that can be applied to calculate the anisotropic thermal conductivity of thermoplastic composites depending on the deconsolidation temperature and the fiber orientation. The model was validated by running hot disk tests on polypropylene reinforced with glass fibers (PP/GF) and applying X‐ray computed tomography to the composite samples. The samples are first consolidated in a hot‐plate press and consecutively deconsolidated in a pressure‐free process. The study findings show that the model is highly accurate within the temperature range relevant to composite processing and will be a useful asset in process modeling.
Ligand effect on the stability, reactivity, and acidity of imidazolium systems
Authors: Das Subhra , Sinha Swapan , Roymahapatra Gourisankar , De Gobinda Chandra , Giri Santanab 
Published: February 2022

AbstractImidazolium and its different N‐substituted derivatives are considered in this study to investigate their stability, reactivity, and acidity. Different aliphatic and aromatic ligands have been introduced in imidazolium to see their effect. It has been observed that the acidity of imidazolium systems increases with ligands having higher electron‐withdrawing nature. The studied systems are found to be weak acids, and weak bases can generate the corresponding carbene systems. The stability, reactivity, and aromaticity of all the systems are analyzed by using conceptual density functional theory (CDFT)‐based reactivity descriptors. Nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) values lend additional support for the aromatic behavior of the studied molecules.
The Wormholes Within: A Study of 1, 3, 5‐Triamino‐2, 4, 6‐Trinitrobenzene Crystal Morphology by Micro and Nano‐Scale X‐Ray Computed Tomography and its Effects Upon the Shock Sensitivity of Detonation
Authors: Patterson Brian M. , Kuettner Lindsey , Henderson Kevin , Yeager John D. , Hill Larry 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe understand heterogeneous‐explosive detonation only to the extent that we can first measure the salient chemical and microstructural features. Barring an inordinate amount of trial and error, we can tailor the detonation properties of our HE formulations only to the extent that we understand (at least qualitatively) the same effects. As an insensitive high explosive, 1, 3, 5‐triamino‐2, 4, 6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) burns more heterogeneously than conventional high explosives, making its detonation properties sensitive to microstructure. The Benziger route can produce various grain morphologies depending on the amount of water used in the amination step. So‐called dry‐aminated (DA) TATB crystals are riddled with a void structure called wormholes, which are washed out ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) inclusions that form during synthesis. So‐called wet‐aminated (WA) TATB crystals do not contain NH4Cl inclusions but possess a very convoluted external structure. Using both micro and nano‐scale CT, we explore three DA‐TATB lots that reflect evolutionary processing changes, plus one WA‐TATB material. Micro CT imaged crystal collections show the exterior grain structure, revealing its roughness and providing a crude particle size measurement. The DA‐TATB lots that test most sensitively in the LANL ECOT corner‐turning test are roughest, having the appearance of being “corroded”. Nano‐scale CT reveals both internal NH4Cl inclusions and void structures. The DA‐TATB lots that tested intermediate and high sensitivity in ECOT exhibited similar wormhole structures, which were more extensive than that of the low‐sensitivity lot. The least sensitive DA‐TATB lot also retained more NH4Cl, consistent with reduced connectivity of voids to the surface.
Behavioural alterations in femaleAedes aegyptimosquito in response to entomopathogenic fungal infections
Authors: Mehmood Nasir , Hassan Ali , Zhou Wei , Usman Hafiz Muhammad , Ai Hui , Huang Qiuying 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDDue to the rapid rise in arboviral disease cases, there is a need for alternative methods of vector control since fast growing insecticides resistance is a matter of great concern. Recent studies have shown the potential of entomopathogenic fungi in controlling mosquito vectors, but behavioural responses of the mosquitoes encountering with entomopathogenic fungi are still unclear.RESULTSIn this study, behavioural responses induced by the entomopathogenic fungusMetarhizium anisopliae(Metschnikoff) Sorokin in adult femaleAedes aegyptimosquito were evaluated. The survival of female mosquitoes was significantly reduced after exposure to medium and high concentrations of fungal conidia. A significant increase in frequencies and durations of different self‐grooming types was observed in mosquitoes exposed to medium or high concentrations of fungal conidia. Mosquitoes were able to differentiate between active and inactive fungal conidia as application of inactive conidia showed non‐significant effect on survival and self‐grooming parameters. A concentration‐specific reduction in flight locomotor activity of the female mosquitoes was found after fungal treatments. Fungal‐exposed mosquitoes showed significantly higher antifungal activity 72 h post‐application.CONCLUSIONThese findings provide greater understanding of behavioural responses of the mosquitoes to resist fungal infections and suggest that mosquitoes can remove the lower amounts of fungal conidia through self‐grooming behaviour, which they encounter within natural field conditions.