mlsa-iai-msu-lab/ru_sci_bench_zho_cite_reranking huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of walnut cultivars from southwest China: Implications for germplasm improvement

Walnuts are highly valued for their rich nutritional profile and wide medicinal applications. This demand has led to the intensification of breeding activities in major walnut production areas such as southwest China, in order to develop more superior cultivars. With the increasing number of cultivars, accurate identification becomes fundamental to selecting the right cultivar for grafting, industrial processing or development of new cultivars. To ensure proper identification of cultivars and understand the genetic structure of wild and cultivated material, we genotyped 362 cultivated and wild individuals of walnut trees from southwest China (with two additional populations from Xinjiang, plus three cultivars from Canada, France and Belgium) using 36 polymorphic microsatellite loci.We found relatively low indices of genetic diversity (HO = 0.570, HE = 0.404, NA = 2.345) as well as a high level of clonality (>85% of cultivars), indicating reliance on genetically narrow sources of parental material for breeding. Our STRUCTURE and PCoA analyses generally delineated the two species, though considerable levels of introgression were also evident. More significantly, we detected a distinct genetic group of cultivated Juglans sigillata, which mainly comprised individuals of the popular ‘Yangbidapao' landrace. Finally, a core set of 18 SSR loci was selected, which was capable of identifying 32 cultivars. In a nutshell, our results call for more utilization of genetically disparate material, including wild walnut trees, as parental sources to breed for more cultivars. The data reported herein will significantly contribute towards the genetic improvement and conservation of the walnut germplasm in southwest China.
Influence of soil and elevation on roadside cryptogam diversity in the tropical Andes

Background: The deforestation caused by road construction is one of the main drivers for both biodiversity and function loss in tropical ecosystems. Terricolous cryptogams are pioneers in colonizing roadside and they are limited by environmental and edaphic factors, thus, cryptogams may act as pioneers for ecosystem rehabilitation at roadside. Methods: This research was aimed at determining the diversity and composition of terricolous cryptogams, as well as their relationship with elevation and soil properties among roadside of the tropical Andes of Ecuador, in order to establish indicator species of this anthropized ecosystems. Five elevations were selected and in each one 50 grids of 20 cm × 30 cm were sampled (250 in total along the road), where occurrence, cover and identification of every cryptogam species were recorded. To evaluate the effect of elevation and soil properties on cryptogam richness, a linear model was conducted. Species composition among elevations was compared by non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), and their relationship with the environmental variables through a correlation with adjusted axes was performed. A total of 72 species were recorded, those being 44 bryophytes and 28 lichens. Species richness and composition of terricolous cryptogams were in fluenced by elevation and soil properties, thus the richness is higher at elevations E1, E2 and E3 (2600, 2200 and 1800 m a.s.l.), differing from low elevations E4 and E5 (1400 and 1000 m a.s.l.). Higher elevations with specific soil conditions (e.g bulk density, nitrogen and silt) harbored different cryptogam communities than those in lower elevations. Conclusions: A combination of both elevation and soil properties are shaping the colonization by terricolous cryptogams commnunities. As such, 18 species were identified as the best indicators for all sets of environmental conditions at the roadside, which can therefore be considered for monitoring ecological processes in tropical areas. Use of biocrusts for restoration is an emergingfield. If implemented in the study region, elevation and soil drivers may help to better chose the more suitable cryptogam species to manage and stabilize roadside in tropical roads.
Multiple forest structural elements are needed to promote beetle biomass, diversity and abundance

Background: Retention forestry is a management strategy aiming to mitigate biodiversity loss by retaining structural elements such as dead trees that would otherwise be removed. Here we analyze the biomass, diversity and abundance among forest beetles collected using window traps on 128 1-ha forest sites reflecting gradients in the amount of structural elements in southwestern Germany. Results: We found that beetle biomass increased with mean diameter at breast height (a measure of tree size), and decreased with stand structural complexity. Biomass of individual feeding guilds responded differently to forest structural elements, namely lying deadwood, understory complexity, tree basal area and stand structural complexity. Beetle family diversity increased with the effective number of layers, i.e. 1-m forest strata occupied by vegetation assessed via terrestrial laser scanning. Abundance of feeding guilds responded to only elevation and share of deciduous trees. Community composition in terms of biomass was structured by forest elements similar to biomass of individual feeding guilds, with the addition of lying deadwood. This differed from community composition in terms of abundance of feeding guilds, which was structured by primarily standing deadwood volume and share of deciduous trees. Conclusions: Our results show that biomass, diversity and abundance respond differently to forest structural elements. This suggests that the concurrent prioritization of multiple forest elements is needed to promote forest beetles, with more focus placed on the differing resource needs among feeding guilds. In addition, retention strategies should also consider the varying responses of beetle biodiversity metrics when assessing the importance of forest structural elements.
How big can a walking fish be? A theoretical inference based on observations on four land-dwelling fish genera of South Vietnam

Comparative study of terrestrial locomotion of 4 fish genera including Anabas,Channa,Clarias,and Monopterus,was performed in experimental setting with the substrate surface of wet clay.No special adaptations for terrestrial locomotion were found.Every fish uses for propulsion on land what it already has.Eel-shaped Monopterus crawls by body undulations in a serpentine or sidewinding technique,the latter of which was not previously observed beyond snakes.The other 3 fish genera walk by body oscillations using stiffappendages as propulsors.When they are located anteriorly,as the serrate operculum in Anabas and the preaxial spine of the pectoral fin in Clarias,the propulsion is termed prolocomotor,when posteriorly,as the spiny anal fin in Channa-metalocomotor.Channa is the heaviest fish walking out of water in our days,quite comparable in size with first Devonian tetrapods Acanthostega and Tulerpeton.A theoretical calculation is suggested for the upper size limit of a fish capable of terrestrial walking without special locomotor adaptations.It should be roughly 20 cm in the vertical dimension of the trunk,which is just a little above the known size of Devonian tetrapodomorph fishes Panderichthys and Elpistostege.The metalocomotor walking technique of Channa is suggested as the closest extant model for terrestrial locomotion at the fish-tetrapod transition.The major difference is that the metalocomotor propulsor in Channa is represented by the anal fin,while in tetrapodomorphs by the pelvic fins.The sprawled pelvic fins were advantageous in respect of reduced requirement for side-to-side tail swinging.
Dual ecological functions of scatter-hoarding rodents:pollinators and seed dispersers of Mucuna sempervirens (Fabaceae)

Double mutualism,that is,pollination and seed dispersal of the same plant species mediated by the same animal partners,is important but remains elusive in nature.Recently,rodent species were found as key pollinators (i.e.explosive openers) for some Mucuna species in (sub)tropical Asia,but no evidence has shown whether and how these rodents could also act as legitimate seed dispersers via scatter-hoarding for those producing large seeds.Here,my aim was to test the hypothesis that scatter-hoarding rodents could act as double mutualists for both pollination and seed dispersal of the same Mucuna species,that is,Mucuna sempervirens (Fabaceae).Based on camera-trapping survey at 2 locations with or without squirrel presence in the Dujiangyan subtropical forests,Southwest China,7 mammals and birds were identified as explosive openers for M.sempervirens flowers,but Leopoldamys edwardsi (rats) and Paguma larvata (civets) were the main pollinators at the squirrel-absent site,while Callosciurus erythraeus (squirrels) were the main pollinators at the squirrel-present site.By tracking the fate of individually-tagged seeds over 5 years at each site,I provide the first evidence for seed-eating rodents as legitimate seed dispersers via scatter-hoarding of seeds in this world-wide plant genus,although dispersal services were slightly reduced at squirrel-absent site.More importantly,the dual roles of scatter-hoarding rodents as key pollinators and seed dispersers for the same Mucuna species have shown a clear relationship of double mutualism,and their key services may be essential for population conservation of these Mucuna species in human-disturbed landscapes.
Antioxidant response to severe hypoxia in Brandt's vole Lasiopodomys brandtii

The antioxidant defense system is essential for animals to cope with homeostasis disruption and overcome oxidative stress caused by adverse environmental conditions such as hypoxia. However, our understanding of how this system works in subterranean rodents remains limited. In this study, Brandt's vole Lasiopodomys brandtii was exposed to normoxia(21% O_2) or hypoxia(mild or severe hypoxia: 10% or 5% O_2) for 6 h. Changes in key enzymes of the classic enzymatic antioxidant system at both mRNA and enzyme activity levels, and tissue antioxidant levels of the low-molecular-weight antioxidant system were determined in brain, liver, and kidney. Transcript levels of the upstream regulator NF-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2) were also measured. We found that the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzyme genes in L. brandtii were relatively conserved in response to hypoxia in most tissues and genes tested, except in the liver. Hepatic Nrf2, Cu/Zn SOD, GPx1, and GPx3 levels were significantly upregulated in response to mild hypoxia, whereas Mn SOD level decreased significantly in severe hypoxia. Unmatched with changes at the RNA level, constitutively high and relatively stable antioxidant enzyme activities were maintained throughout. For the low-molecular-weight antioxidant system, an abrupt increase of cerebral ascorbic acid(AA) levels in hypoxia indicated a tissue-specific antioxidant response. Although hypoxia did not cause significant oxidative damage in most tissues tested, the significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities(GPX and GR) and increase in lipid peroxidation in the kidney suggest that prolonged hypoxia may pose a critical threat to this species.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of a low activation cast WTaHfTiZr refractory high-entropy alloy

In the face of the requirement that nuclear fusion reactor materials exhibit more excellent thermal, mechanical and physical properties, a novel refractory highentropy alloy, WTaHfTiZr was proposed. The constituent elements were selected in consideration of low activation, high melting point and high thermostability. The alloys were prepared by arc melting. The as-cast alloy shows a dendrite microstructure with two disordered BCC phases, which caused by the preferential nucleation of W and Ta with much higher melting points during solidification. It exhibits a high compressive yield strength of 1,900 MPa and fracture strain of 8.1% at room temperature, and its yield strengths are up to 612 MPa at 700 °C and 203 MPa at 1,000 °C, respectively. The high strengths are attributed mainly to solid solution strengthening and second phase strengthening. This alloy shows great promise as one of the next-generation nuclear fusion reactor materials.
Scenario-oriented hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm for robust economic dispatch of power system with wind power

An economic dispatch problem for power system with wind power is discussed.Using discrete scenario to describe uncertain wind powers,a threshold is given to identify bad scenario set.The bad-scenario-set robust economic dispatch model is established to minimize the total penalties on bad scenarios.A specialized hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is developed through hybridizing simulated annealing (SA) operators.The SA operators are performed according to a scenariooriented adaptive search rule in a neighborhood which is constructed based on the unit commitment constraints.Finally,an experiment is conducted.The computational results show that the developed algorithm outperforms the existing algorithms.
Site index for Chinese fir plantations varies with climatic and soil factors in southern China

Chinese fir [ Cunninghamia lanceolata(Lamb.) Hook.] has a large native distribution range in southern China. Here, we tested differences in productivity of Chinese fir plantations in different climatic regions and screened the main environmental factors affecting site productivity in each region. Relationships of a Chinese fir site index with climatic factors and the soil physiochemical properties of five soil layers were examined in a long-term positioning observation trial comprising a total of 45 permanent plots in Fujian(eastern region in the middle subtropics), Guangxi(south subtropics) and Sichuan(central region in the middle subtropics) in southern China. Linear mixed effects models were developed to predict the site index for Chinese fir, which was found to vary significantly among different climatic regions. Available P, total N, bulk density and total K were dominant predictors of site index in three climatic regions. The regional linear mixed models built using these predictors in the three climatic regions fit well(R~2 = 0.86-0.97). For the whole study area, the available P in the 0-20-cm soil layer and total N in the 80-100-cm soil layer were the most indicative soil factors. MAP was the most important climatic variable influencing the site index. The model evaluation results showed that the fitting performance and prediction accuracy of the global site index model using the climatic region as the dummy variable and random parameters and the most important soil factors of the three climatic regions as predictors was higher than that of global site index model using the climatic variable and the most indicative soil variables of the whole study area. Our results will help with further evaluation of site quality of Chinese fir plantations and the selection of its appropriate sites in southern China as the climatic changes.
Effect of layer thickness and voxel size inversion on leaf area density based on the voxel-based canopy profiling method

Voxel-based canopy profiling is commonly used to determine small-scale leaf area. Layer thickness and voxel size impact accuracy when using this method. Here, we determined the optimal combination of layer thickness and voxel size to estimate leaf area density accurately. Terrestrial LiDAR Stonex X300 was used to generate point cloud data for Masson pines(Pinus massoniana). The canopy layer was stratified into 0.10-1.00-m-thick layers, while voxel size was 0.01-0.10 m. The leaf area density of individual trees was estimated using leaf area indices for the upper, middle, and lower canopy and the overall canopy. The true leaf area index, obtained by layered harvesting, was used to verify the inversion results. Leaf area density was inverted by nine combinations of layer thickness and voxel size. The average relative accuracy and mean estimated accuracy of these combined inversion results exceeded 80%. When layer thickness was 1.00 m and voxel size 0.05 m, inversion was closest to the true value. The average relative accuracy was 92.58%, mean estimated accuracy 98.00%, and root mean square error 0.17. The combination of leaf area density and index was accurately retrieved. In conclusion, nondestructive voxel-based canopy profiling proved suitable for inverting the leaf area density of Masson pine in Hetian Town, Fujian Province.
An Epidemiologic Analysis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Antifungal Susceptibilities

Inflammation of the vagina and vulva caused by Candida is called vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Risk factors for VVC include pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, frequent oral sexual intercourse, and the use of tight synthetic underwear and systemic antibiotics. Candida albicans, which belongs to the normal flora of the vagina, is the most common cause of VVC. However, an increase in VVC episodes caused by non-albicans Candida species, including Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis, has been reported. In this study, a total of 100 Candida isolates obtained from patients with vaginitis symptoms were evaluated. The susceptibility of the Candida strains to amphotericin B, itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole and caspofungin was investigated using the reference broth microdilution method. Risk factors and demographic characteristics of the patients and the identified Candida species were also investigated. Among the 100 Candida strains isolated from vaginal samples, 47 (47%) were C. albicans, 43 (43%) C. glabrata, 5 (5%) C. kefyr, 2 (2%) C. krusei, 2 (2%) C. tropicalis and 1 (1%) was Candida guilliermondii. The incidences of Candida susceptibility to caspofungin, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole and amphotericin B were 75%, 35%, 27%, 80%, 97%and 100%, respectively. Also, there was a significant difference in antifungal susceptibility among patients belonging to certain risk groups, such as patients previously using antibiotics and recurrent cases. Prevalence of non-albicans Candida species and antifungal resistance, especially against azoles, are both increasing, and certain risk factors should be monitored strictly.
Extrusion-Based 3D-Printed Supercapacitors:Recent Progress and Challenges

Supercapacitors have been regarded as promising power supplies for future electronics due to their high power density,superior stability,easy integration,and safety.Extrusion-based three-dimensional printing technologies hold promise to satisfy the demands for integrated and flexible supercapacitors because of their highly versatile manufacturing process.In this review article,a comprehensive and timely review of these state-of-theart technologies is presented.We start with a brief introduction of fundamental concepts of supercapacitors,including energy storage mechanisms and device structures.Then,the latest progress of extrusionbased three-dimensional printing technologies (e.g.,fused deposition modeling,inkjet printing,and direct ink writing) along with their applications for manufacturing supercapacitors is summarized.The choice of printable materials (e.g.,graphene,carbon nanotubes,metal oxides,and MXenes),printing process,and the resulted electrochemical performances of supercapacitors are especially emphasized.Finally,the development of extrusion-based three-dimensional printing supercapacitors is summarized,with existing challenges diagnosed,possible solutions proposed,and future outlooks forecasted.We hope this review can offer insights to further improve the performance of three-dimensional-printed supercapacitors for practical applications.
Reshaping Electrolyte Solvation Structure for High-Energy Aqueous Batteries

A highlight on reshaping aqueous electrolyte solvation structure for highenergy batteries is provided.Firstly,the recent key design routes for regulating solvation structure to widen electrochemical stability window (ESW) of aqueous electrolyte are briefly summarized.Then,the groundbreaking work of Wang et al.on reshaping electrolyte structure using urea as the diluent is elaborated.Finally,the significance of Wang's work is highlighted.
Hierarchical Bimetallic Selenides CoSe_2-MoSe_2/rGO for Sodium/Potassium-Ion Batteries Anode: Insights into the Intercalation and Conversion Mechanism

As anode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries and potassium-ion batteries, bimetallic selenides have attracted great concern due to their relatively high electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity. However, the formidable challenge in the reaction process is the large volume change, leading to the structural collapse of material, and eventually the decline in electrochemical performance. Herein, a composite of hierarchical CoSe_2-MoSe_2 tubes anchored on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (CoSe_2-MoSe_2/rGO) is designed by an in situ hydrothermal selenization treatment. Benefiting from the synergistic effects between CoSe_2 and MoSe_2, unique hierarchical structure, and effective reduced graphene oxide coating, the CoSe_2-MoSe_2/rGO exhibited improved reaction kinetics and structural stability, and thus good electrochemical properties. A combination mechanism of intercalation and conversion of CoSe_2-MoSe_2/ rGO by forming NaxCoSe_2 and Mo15Se19 as intermediate states is put forward on the basis of in situ and ex situ XRD analyses.
Energy Storage Mechanism of Vanadium Nitride via Intercalating Different Atomic Radius for Expanding Interplanar Spacing

As a promising anode material in supercapacitors, vanadium nitride has been widely concerned due to its ultra-high theoretical specific capacitance. However, its routine test capacitance value is still far from the theoretical value and its energy storage mechanism is controversial. In order to solve these two key problems, here we prepare interplanar spacing expanded vanadium nitride materials with different impurity atoms intercalation from two anionic precursors of vanadium-based metal organic frameworks with different functional groups. The obtained vanadium nitride reaches a higher specific capacitance; and further, through ex situ X-Ray diffraction and in situ Raman, the charge storage of vanadium nitride is contributed by two processes: the first benefit is from the K~+ de/intercalation in the interplanar spacing, and the other one is derived from the redox reaction with OH~- by adsorption on surface. Furthermore, both of the first principle calculation and extended experiments support this idea. We believe that such detailed research on the energy storage mechanism can provide a clear idea for the application of metal nitrides in supercapacitors and other energy storage devices.