bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stable isotopes reveal seasonal dietary responses to agroforestry in a venomous mammal, the Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus)
Authors: Mychajliw Alexis M. , Almonte Juan N. , Martinez Pedro A. , Hadly Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWhile trends in tropical deforestation are alarming, conservation biologists are increasingly recognizing the potential for species survival in human‐modified landscapes. Identifying the factors underlying such persistence, however, requires basic ecological knowledge of a species’ resource use. Here, we generate such data to guide conservation of an understudied venomous mammal, the Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus), that occupies a mosaic landscape of agriculture and forest fragments in the western Dominican Republic. Using feces collected in both wet and dry seasons, we found significant differences in the stable isotope values of carbon (δ13C) between pasture (−24.63 ± 2.31‰, Las Mercedes) and agroforestry (−28.07 ± 2.10‰, Mencia). Solenodon populations in agricultural areas occupied wider isotopic niche spaces, which may be explained by more diverse resource within these patches or individuals combining resources across habitats. We detected elevated δ15N values in the dry season of pasture areas (8.22 ± 2.30‰) as compared to the wet season (5.26 ± 2.44‰) and overall narrower isotopic niche widths in the dry season, suggestive of the impacts of aridity on foraging behavior. Our work highlights the importance of considering a more nuanced view of variations in ‘modified’ or “agricultural” landscapes as compared with strictly protected national parks. We suggest that seasonal differences in foraging should be considered as they intersect with landscape modification by landowners for maintaining resources for focal consumers. This work adds to a growing body of literature highlighting that fecal stable isotopes are a non‐invasive and cost‐effective monitoring tool that is particularly well‐suited for cryptic small mammal species, ensuring actionable and evidenced‐based conservation practices in the tropic's rapidly changing landscapes.
The factors that favor adaptive habitat construction versus non‐adaptive environmental conditioning
Authors: Scheiner Samuel M. , Barfield Michael , Holt Robert D. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAdaptive habitat construction is a process by which individuals alter their environment so as to increase their (inclusive) fitness. Such alterations are a subset of the myriad ways that individuals condition their environment. We present an individual‐based model of habitat construction to explore what factors might favor selection when the benefits of environmental alterations are shared by individuals of the same species. Our results confirm the predictions of inclusive fitness and group selection theory and expectations based on previous models that construction will be more favored when its benefits are more likely to be directed to self or near kin. We found that temporal variation had no effect on the evolution of construction. For spatial heterogeneity, construction was disfavored when the spatial pattern of movement did not match the spatial pattern of environmental heterogeneity, especially when there was spatial heterogeneity in the optimal amount of construction. Under those conditions, very strong selection was necessary to favor genetic differentiation of construction propensity among demes. We put forth a constitutive theory for the evolution of adaptive habitat construction that unifies our model with previous verbal and quantitative models into a formal conceptual framework.
Arboreal camera trapping sheds light on seed dispersal of the world’s only epiphytic gymnosperm:Zamia pseudoparasitica
Authors: Monteza‐Moreno Claudio M. , Rodriguez‐Castro Lilisbeth , Castillo‐Caballero Pedro L. , Toribio Edgar , Saltonstall Kristin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEpiphytic lifestyles have evolved independently in ecologically, morphologically, and taxonomically diverse plant species. Although this adaptation is widespread among angiosperms, it is only known to have arisen in a single gymnosperm species,Zamia pseudoparasitica(Cycadophyta).Zamia pseudoparasiticais endemic to the mountains of Western Panama, and little is known about the ecology of this unusual cycad. Here, we provide the first report of a potential seed disperser ofZ.pseudoparasitica. Between late October 2019 and March 2020, we conducted arboreal camera trapping at three sites along the Talamanca Cordillera in Western Panama, yielding an accumulated survey effort of 271 camera days. Weekly direct observations were also performed using handheld binoculars at one site. Arboreal camera trapping revealed at least seven mammal species that visit this epiphytic cycad. At all three sites, the Northern olingo (Bassaricyon gabbii) was seen visiting individuals ofZ.pseudoparasiticarepeatedly, both while cones were closed and after they had opened. We estimated the time‐varying intensity of the visits throughout our sampling and used mixed models to compare the length of visits when cones were closed versus when they were open. Both duration and time‐varying intensity of visits increased after cones had opened and we documented Northern olingo removing and carrying away seeds. We also observed predation by the yellow‐eared toucanet (Selenidera spectabilis) which picked and destroyed matureZ.pseudoparasiticaseeds. These results suggest that the Northern olingo could be an important seed dispersal agent for this rare epiphytic gymnosperm.
Phytoplankton functional composition determines limitation by nutrients and grazers across a lake productivity gradient
Authors: Schulhof Marika A. , Van de Waal Dedmer B. , Declerck Steven A. J. , Shurin Jonathan B. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFunctional trade‐offs among ecologically important traits govern the diversity of communities and changes in species composition along environmental gradients. A trade‐off between predator defense and resource competitive ability has been invoked as a mechanism that may maintain diversity in lake phytoplankton. Trade‐offs may promote diversity in communities where grazing‐ and resource‐limited taxa coexist, which determines the extent to which communities are resource‐ or consumer‐controlled. In addition, changes in temperature may alter nutrient demands and grazing pressure, changing the balance between the two regulating factors. Our study aims to understand whether a trade‐off between grazer vulnerability and nutrient limitation promotes coexistence of phytoplankton functional groups in communities that differ in trophic status, and how this trade‐off may shift with warming. We conducted multifactorial experiments manipulating grazing, nutrients, and temperature in phytoplankton communities from three Dutch lakes varying in trophic status, and used a trait‐based approach to classify functional groups based on grazing susceptibility. We found no associations between susceptibility to grazing and response to nutrient additions in any of the communities or temperature regimes, indicating that a competition–defense trade‐off is unlikely to explain diversity within the tested communities. Instead, we observed a tendency toward both a higher grazing resistance and weaker nutrient limitation along with a shift in the functional composition of phytoplankton in communities across a gradient from low to high productivity.
The First Anionic Thia‐Fries Rearrangement at the Cobaltocenium Cation
Authors: Boston Geanne M. R. , Butenschön Holger 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWhile the chemistry of ferrocene is rich and widely explored, this is not the case for the isoelectronic cobaltocenium cation. Here we report the first syntheses of triflate substituted cobaltocenium cations based on respective (cyclopentadienone)(cylopentadienyl)cobalt(I) complexes, which have first been reported by Vollhardt et al. ca. forty years ago. Reaction with triflic anhydride affords the triflate substituted cobaltocenium cations, which upon treatment with lithium diisopropylamide undergo the first anionic thia‐Fries rearrangements of cobaltocenium complexes. To our knowledge, this is, in addition, the first case of a deprotonation of a cobaltocenium complex by a lithium base. Alternatively, desilylation of silyl derivatives with cesium fluoride caused anion formation leading to the rearrangement products in higher yields. The 2‐(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)(cyclopentadienone) complexes obtained were fully characterized including a crystal structure analysis. As with ferrocene, respective mesylates or tosylates do not undergo the rearrangement.
DMAP‐Catalyzed [3+3] Annulation of Cyclopropenones with α‐Bromoketones for Synthesis of 2‐Pyrones
Authors: Qiao Lijuan , He Xin , Yang Lulu , Raveendra Babu Kaki , Wu Yong , Tang Yuhai , Xu Silong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDMAP‐catalyzed [3+3] annulation of cyclopropenones with α‐bromoketones is described, which provides a simple and convenient synthesis of 2‐pyrones in good yields with a broad scope. The reaction features advantages of transition metal‐free conditions, readily available starting materials, and excellent regioselectivity. Experimental investigation and DFT calculations suggest a mechanism encompassing pyridium ylide‐initiated ring opening of cyclopropenones, elimination of DMAP catalyst, and final 6π‐electrocyclization.
Tailoring the optoelectronic properties of eco‐friendly CuGaS2/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots for boosted photoelectrochemical solar hydrogen production
Authors: You Yimin , Tong Xin , Channa Ali Imran , Li Xin , Liu Cheng , Ye Hang , Wang Zhiming 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLow‐cost and high‐performance photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production based on eco‐friendly colloidal core/shell quantum dots (QDs) represents a newly developing solar technology toward carbon neutrality. Herein, we present the synthesis of a novel type of environment‐friendly CuGaS2 (CGS)/ZnSe core/shell QDs with shell thicknesses‐tunable optoelectronic properties. As compared to CGS bare QDs, the prepared CGS/ZnSe core/shell QDs show enhanced visible light absorbance, emerging photoluminescence emission, tunable exciton lifetime, and improved photo‐stability. As a proof‐of‐concept, these eco‐friendly CGS/ZnSe core/shell QDs were applied as light sensitizers in a solar‐driven PEC hydrogen production system, delivering a nearly six times higher photocurrent density and improved device durability with respect to that of CGS core QDs under standard one sun AM 1.5G illumination. Our findings imply that such eco‐friendly core/shell QDs with tailored optoelectronic properties hold great potential for future “green” QDs‐based solar energy technologies.image
A framework for energy optimization of distillation process using machine learning‐based predictive model
Authors: Park Hyundo , Kwon Hyukwon , Cho Hyungtae , Kim Junghwan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe distillation process is one of the most common and energy‐intensive processes in the chemical industry. Most chemical processes are nonlinear and complex, because of which, it is difficult to find optimal operating conditions. To solve this problem, we developed a framework for energy optimization of the distillation process based on a machine learning (ML) model. The framework enables the efficient operation of the process by using the optimal operating conditions recommended by the ML‐based predictive model. The predictive model, which is a key component, is developed in three steps: learning, validation, and improvement. In the learning step, we select an algorithm suitable for the purpose of the process and learn process data. In the validation step, the model is validated using hold‐out cross‐validation. Finally, in the improvement step, the model performance is improved through hyper‐parameter optimization. We applied the framework to a commercial mixed butane distillation columns of 45,000 metric tons per annum capacity. The predictive model was based on commercial process data, and it can be used to predict the temperature at the product stage. The model recommended the steam flow rate required to maintain the target temperature of the product stage as per the operating conditions. The recommended steam flow rate will be guideline for the on‐site operator. The software is developed that the predictive model can be easily applied to the commercial processes, and it identifies the state of the process and recommends optimal operating conditions.
The giant 1960 tsunami in the context of a 6000‐year record of paleotsunamis and coastal evolution in south‐central Chile
Authors: Matos‐Llavona Pedro I. , Ely Lisa L. , MacInnes Breanyn , Dura Tina , Cisternas Marco A. , Bourgeois Joanne , Bruce David , DePaolis Jessica , Dolcimascolo Alexander , Horton Benjamin P. , Melnick Daniel , Nelson Alan R. , Szeliga Walter , Wesson Robert L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe tsunami associated with the giant 9.5 Mw 1960 Chile earthquake deposited an extensive sand layer above organic‐rich soils near Queule (39.3°S, 73.2°W), south‐central Chile. Using the 1960 tsunami deposits, together with eye‐witness observations and numerical simulations of tsunami inundation, we tested the tsunami inundation sensitivity of the site to different earthquake slip distributions. Stratigraphically below the 1960 deposit are two additional widespread sand layers interpreted as tsunami deposits with maximum ages of 4960–4520 and 5930–5740 cal BP. This >4500‐year gap of tsunami deposits preserved in the stratigraphic record is inconsistent with written and geological records of large tsunamis in south‐central Chile in 1575, 1837, and possibly 1737. We explain this discrepancy by: (1) poor preservation of tsunami deposits due to reduced accommodation space from relative sea‐level fall during the late Holocene; (2) recently evolved coastal geomorphology that increased sediment availability for tsunami deposit formation in 1960; and/or (3) the possibility that the 1960 tsunami was significantly larger at this particular location than other tsunamis in the past >4500 years. Our research illustrates the complexities of reconstructing a complete stratigraphic record of past tsunamis from a single site for tsunami hazard assessment.
A pressure‐based method for weakly compressible two‐phase flows under a Baer–Nunziato type model with generic equations of state and pressure and velocity disequilibrium
Authors: Re Barbara , Abgrall Rémi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWithin the framework of diffuse interface methods, we derive a pressure‐based Baer–Nunziato type model well‐suited to weakly compressible multiphase flows. The model can easily deal with different equation of states and it includes relaxation terms characterized by user‐defined finite parameters, which drive the pressure and velocity of each phase toward the equilibrium. There is no clear notion of speed of sound, and thus, most of the classical low Mach approximation cannot easily be cast in this context. The proposed solution strategy consists of two operators: a semi‐implicit finite‐volume solver for the hyperbolic part and an ODE integrator for the relaxation processes. Being the acoustic terms in the hyperbolic part integrated implicitly, the stability condition on the time step is lessened. The discretization of nonconservative terms involving the gradient of the volume fraction fulfills by construction the nondisturbance condition on pressure and velocity to avoid oscillations across the multimaterial interfaces. The developed simulation tool is validated through one‐dimensional simulations of shock‐tube and Riemann‐problems, involving water‐aluminum and water‐air mixtures, vapor‐liquid mixture of water and of carbon dioxide, and almost pure flows. The numerical results match analytical and reference ones, except some expected discrepancies across shocks, which however remain acceptable (errors within some percentage points). All tests were performed with acoustic CFL numbers greater than one, and no stability issues arose, even for CFL greater than 10. The effects of different values of relaxation parameters and of different amount equations of state—stiffened gas and Peng–Robinson—were investigated.
Extraction optimization and screening of antioxidant peptides from grass carp meat and synergistic–antagonistic effect
Authors: Jia Xiao‐yan , Zhu Min‐fang , Zhang Lu , Ma Tian‐Xin , Li Yi‐hua , Sheng Wen‐sheng , Tu Zong‐cai 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGrass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) is one of the three most cultivated freshwater fish around the world, but it is mainly consumed afresh, so only a small part of them are processed into salted fish or snack food. This research was performed to prepare and screen antioxidant peptides from grass carp muscle to promote its high‐value utilization. The parameters of double‐enzyme two‐step hydrolysis were optimized, the peptides with the highest ABTS.+ scavenging ability were enriched and identified by Sephadex G‐25 and LC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS. The synergistic–antagonistic effect among identified peptides was also investigated. The optimized conditions were hydrolyzed with protamex (10,000 U/g) at pH 8.0, 50°C for 3 h, followed by hydrolysis with alcalase (6,000 U/g) at pH 9.0, 50 °C for 2 h, and the protein–liquid ratio was 4%. The hydrolysates were further fractionated to obtain five fractions, in which fraction 3 (F3) exhibited the strongest ABTS.+ and scavenging ability with the IC50 values of 0.11 and 0.47 mg/ml, respectively. Twelve novel antioxidant peptides were identified, in which VAGW possessed the highest activity (139.77 μmol GSH/g). Significantly synergistic effects were observed on the two and three peptides’ combination among VAGW, APPAMW, LFGY, FYYGK, and LLLYK, while the C‐terminal tryptophan (Trp) played an important role in the synergism. This study found that grass carp muscle hydrolysates can be potential natural antioxidants in functional products. The synergistic effects among peptides may provide a perspective for the combined application of peptides.
A pragmatic method to compare international critical care beds: Implications to pandemic preparedness and non‐pandemic planning
Authors: Jones Rodney P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe current method for assessing critical care (CCU) bed numbers between countries is unreliable.MethodsA pragmatic method is presented using a logarithmic relationship between CCU beds per 1000 deaths and deaths per 1000 population, both of which are readily available. The method relies on the importance of the nearness to death effect, and on the effect of population size.ResultsThe method was tested using CCU bed numbers from 65 countries. A series of logarithmic relationships can be seen. High versus low countries can be distinguished by adjusting all countries to a common crude mortality rate. Hence at 9.5 deaths per 1000 population ‘high’ CCU bed countries average of around 30 CCU beds per 1000 deaths, while ‘very low’ countries only average 3 CCU beds per 1000 deaths. The United Kingdom falls among countries with low critical care provision with an average of 8 CCU beds per 1000 deaths, and during the COVID‐19 epidemic UK industry intervened to rapidly manufacture various types of ventilators to avoid a catastrophe. CCU bed numbers in India are around 8.1 per 1000 deaths, which places it in the low category. However, such beds are inequitably distributed with the poorest states all in the ‘very low’ category. In India only around 50% of CCU beds have a ventilator.ConclusionA feasible region is defined for the optimum number of CCU beds.
A case of tape infection 19 years after insertion of a tension‐free vaginal tape sling
Authors: Watanabe Tomofumi , Sako Tomoko , Tominaga Yusuke , Sadahira Takuya , Sekito Takanori , Takamoto Atsushi , Edamura Kohei , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Wada Koichiro , Araki Motoo 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionTape infection after insertion of tension‐free vaginal tape is a well‐known but rare complication. We report a patient who experienced a subcutaneous abscess 19 years after the surgery.Case presentationA 41‐year‐old woman presented with fever and lower abdominal pain. She had undergone tension‐free vaginal tape insertion for stress urinary incontinence 19 years prior. She had asymptomatic dysuria. After an abscess incision and 1‐week treatment with antibiotics, she underwent surgery to remove the tape and the abscess without complications.ConclusionTension‐free Vaginal Tape insertion could be a potential risk of asymptomatic dysuria, resulting in urinary tract infection. In this case, removal of tape was necessary for controlling subcutaneous abscess resulting from the presence of tension‐free vaginal tape.
Geometries, electronic structures, and bonding properties of endohedral Group‐14 Zintl clusters TM@E10 (TM = Fe, Co, Ni; E = Ge, Sn, Pb)
Authors: Liu Dong , Xu Song , Pei Gerui , Xu Jianzhi , Zhao Xintian , Kong Chuncai , Yang Zhimao , Yang Tao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe geometries, electronic structures, and bonding properties of the title endohedral Zintl clusters have been studied by using ab initio calculations. [Fe@Ge10]4− and [Co@Ge10]3− have D5h‐symmetric pentagonal prismatic structure and [Fe@Sn10]4− adopts the C2v‐symmetric structure as their ground‐state structures, whereas all the other clusters possess D4d bicapped square antiprismatic structures, in consistent with the experimental values when available. Natural bonding orbital and electron localization function disclosed that the negative charges are localized on the central atoms rather than the cages while the TME ionic bonding interactions increase in the order of Ge < Sn < Pb. The energy decomposition analysis revealed that the total bonding energy ∆Eint between central TM and E10 cage is above 150 kcal/mol. The ionic bonding interaction termed as electrostatic interaction ∆Eelstat increases in the order of Ge < Sn < Pb and becomes higher than the covalent bonding interactions termed as total orbital interactions ∆Eorb. Among the total orbital interactions, the π back donations from the TM–d orbitals to the empty cage orbitals consisting of E‐p orbitals, the magnitude of which is importantly affected by the cage symmetry, are dominant contributions.
LncRNA GAS5 relates to Th17 cells and serves as a potential biomarker for sepsis inflammation, organ dysfunctions and mortality risk
Authors: Zhang Weizhen , Chen Bingqing , Chen Wei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundLong noncoding RNA GAS5 (lnc‐GAS5) is able to regulate macrophage M1 polarization and Th17 cell differentiation, also engaged in sepsis‐induced inflammation and organ injury. This study aimed to further evaluate its linkage with Th1 cells and Th17 cells, as well as its clinical value in sepsis management.MethodsAbout 101 sepsis patients were enrolled followed by peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and serum samples collection. PBMC lnc‐GAS5 was detected by RT‐qPCR; Th1 cells and Th17 cells in PBMC CD4+ T cells were detected by flow cytometry; serum IFN‐γ and IL‐17A were detected by ELISA. Besides, PBMC lnc‐GAS5 was also detected in 50 health controls (HCs).ResultsLnc‐GAS5 was reduced in sepsis patients than in HCs (p < 0.001), which also well‐distinguished sepsis patients from HCs with AUC 0.860. Lnc‐GAS5 did not relate to Th1 cells (p = 0.059) or IFN‐γ (p = 0.192); while negatively linked with Th17 cells (p = 0.002) and IL‐17A (p = 0.019) in sepsis patients. Interestingly, lnc‐GAS5 negatively correlated with SOFA score (p = 0.001), SOFA‐Respiratory system score (p = 0.001), SOFA‐Coagulation score (p = 0.015), and SOFA‐Renal system score (p = 0.026), but not SOFA‐Liver score (p = 0.080), SOFA‐Cardiovascular system score (p = 0.207) or SOFA‐Nervous system score (p = 0.182) in sepsis patients. Furthermore, lnc‐GAS5 was negatively related to CRP (p = 0.002) and APACHE II score (p = 0.004) in sepsis patients. Finally, lnc‐GAS5 was decreased in dead sepsis patients compared to survivors (p = 0.007), which also distinguished sepsis deaths from survivors with AUC 0.713.ConclusionLnc‐GAS5 relates to Th17 cells and serves as a potential biomarker for sepsis severity and mortality risk.