bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of approaches for accommodating interactions and non‐linear terms in multiple imputation of incomplete three‐level data
Authors: Wijesuriya Rushani , Moreno‐Betancur Margarita , Carlin John B. , De Silva Anurika P. , Lee Katherine J.
Published: December 2021

Three‐level data structures arising from repeated measures on individuals clustered within larger units are common in health research studies. Missing data are prominent in such studies and are often handled via multiple imputation (MI). Although several MI approaches can be used to account for the three‐level structure, including adaptations to single‐ and two‐level approaches, when the substantive analysis model includes interactions or quadratic effects, these too need to be accommodated in the imputation model. In such analyses, substantive model compatible (SMC) MI has shown great promise in the context of single‐level data. Although there have been recent developments in multilevel SMC MI, to date only one approach that explicitly handles incomplete three‐level data is available. Alternatively, researchers can use pragmatic adaptations to single‐ and two‐level MI approaches, or two‐level SMC‐MI approaches. We describe the available approaches and evaluate them via simulations in the context of three three‐level random effects analysis models involving an interaction between the incomplete time‐varying exposure and time, an interaction between the time‐varying exposure and an incomplete time‐fixed confounder, or a quadratic effect of the exposure. Results showed that all approaches considered performed well in terms of bias and precision when the target analysis involved an interaction with time, but the three‐level SMC MI approach performed best when the target analysis involved an interaction between the time‐varying exposure and an incomplete time‐fixed confounder, or a quadratic effect of the exposure. We illustrate the methods using data from the Childhood to Adolescence Transition Study.
Naringenin protects swine testis cells from bisphenol A‐induced apoptosis via Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Huijie , Chen Jianqing , Shi Xu , Li Lu , Xu Shiwen
Published: December 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA) has caused serious pathologies in varying organs of humans and animals, especially reproductive organs. Naringenin (NRG) is a flavanone compound that has shown protective effects against several environmental chemicals through suppression of oxidative stress and activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Herein, we described the discovery path of NRG inhibition on apoptosis in BPA exposed swine testis (ST) cells through targeting Kelch‐like ech‐associated protein (Keap1). We found that NRG could specifically bound to the active residues of DGR domain in Keap1, thereby activating Nrf2 signaling pathway, and then increasing the levels of SOD, GPx and CAT, and finally inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis induced by BPA in ST cells. Altogether, our results showed that NRG inhibits oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis induced by BPA in ST cells by targeting Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, indicating that NRG could serve as an antagonistic therapy against BPA.
The contribution of the Eco‐Management and Audit Scheme to the environmental performance of manufacturing organisations
Authors: Marrucci Luca , Daddi Tiberio
Published: December 2021

Environmental management systems' effects on organisations' environmental performance are still an open issue. This study assesses the contribution of the Eco‐Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) to corporate environmental performance. The study also investigates the correlation between the environmental and economic performance of organisations. Environmental indicators were collected from 268 environmental statements of Italian manufacturing firms, while economic indicators were obtained from the Orbis database. After analysing around 5000 indicators, the results indicated a slight deterioration in some organisations' environmental performance and an improvement in the economic performance. No correlation was found between environmental and economic performance. Moreover, around 60% of the organisations are not fully compliant with the standard requirements linked to the environmental statements. The results question the positive effects of environmental management systems on environmental performance.
Unfitness to stand trial and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Understanding and responding to FASD within the criminal justice system in New Zealand
Authors: Brookbanks Warren , McGinn Valerie , Chu Joanna Ting Wai
Published: December 2021

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an increasingly important issue in the New Zealand (NZ) Criminal Justice System (CJS). FASD may impact an offender's ability to participate meaningfully in the trial process, giving rise to the issue of unfitness to stand trial. Capacity to apprehend, comprehend, participate in, make decisions about and communicate within legal process intersect with the complexity and severity of charges. Courts are required to make a nuanced analysis of multiple and complex factors, merging medical and legal expertise into decisions made. We explore the nature of FASD and its implications for criminal justice in NZ. The legal and clinical issues in relation to fitness and FASD will be discussed.
Oil Cakes as Sustainable Agro‐Industrial Feedstock for Biocarbon Materials
Authors: Siva Sankari M. , Vivekanandhan S. , Misra M. , Mohanty A. K.
Published: December 2021

The demand for vegetable oil is increasing for both food and non‐food applications, which leads to the generation of a huge amount of oil cakes. The rising annual production requires alternative applications for sustainable operations of oil mills, especially those involved in non‐edible oil production. Hence, the value‐added uses of oil cakes such as environment remediation (metal absorption), composite fabrication (as fillers, reinforcements), nanoparticle synthesis (as reducing and stabilizing agent), and production of carbonaceous materials (as carbon source) were extensively explored in recent years. Among them, the thermochemical conversion of oil cakes into carbonaceous materials (biochar and activated carbon) received great interest as the demand for biocarbon materials increases exponentially. Oil cake‐derived biocarbon materials found a wide range of technological applications. With this perspective, recent developments in oil cake‐derived carbon materials and their diverse applications are reviewed.
NiAl‐LDH In‐Situ Derived Ni2P and ZnCdS Nanoparticles Ingeniously Constructed S‐Scheme Heterojunction for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wu Youlin , Li Youji , Zhang Lijun , Jin Zhiliang
Published: December 2021

Surface modification of photocatalytic materials is a good choice for improving semiconductor activity. Simple surface modification strategy and abundant active site construction are the key factors to improve photocatalytic activity. Take NiAl‐LDH as the matrix, perform partial phosphating, and use the spatial confinement effect to generate highly dispersed Ni2P. Ni2P does not exist independently but on the 3D NiAl‐LDH's surface. The introduction of NiAl‐LDH‐P can improve the utilization of Zn0.5Cd0.5S on solar energy and speed up the transfer rate of photogenerated carriers. Ni2P makes the active sites of phosphide more abundant, and the unique electron distribution of phosphide is conducive to photon capture, thus accelerating the hydrogen precipitation rate in the composite photocatalyst. Partial phosphating retains the 3D framework of hydrotalcite. The well‐dispersed 0D to 3D S‐scheme heterojunction hybrid material is composed of three‐dimensional nano‐flowers and tiny nano‐particles alternately formed by countless nano‐sheets. The multi‐dimensional structured composite photocatalyst has abundant active sites, large specific surface area, and strong proton adsorption capacity, thus exhibiting more excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance. The maximum hydrogen production of the composite photocatalyst under 5 W LED simulated visible light for 5 h can reach 1982.43 μmol (39.64 mmol g−1 h−1) and the apparent quantum efficiency reached 6.22 % at 475 nm. The construction of the Zn0.5Cd0.5S/NiAl‐LDH‐P S‐scheme heterojunction changes the hydrogen evolution site from Zn0.5Cd0.5S to Ni2P, so that the conduction band position of the composite photocatalyst becomes higher, the reduction ability is enhanced, and the hydrogen evolution The site changed from Zn0.5Cd0.5S to Ni2P, which is more conducive to the generation of hydrogen, thereby improving the activity and stability of hydrogen production. The space design of 0D and 3D provides new thinking for the design of the closely contacted S‐scheme heterojunction photocatalytic. The application of surface modification strategies and the construction of abundant active sites point out the direction for further improving the composite photocatalytic activity.
Single Step Electrochemical Semi‐Exfoliated S‐Doped Graphene‐Like Structures from Commercial Carbon Fiber as Efficient Metal‐Free Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ersozoglu M. Giray , Gursu Hurmus , Gumrukcu Selin , Sarac A. Sezai , Sahin Yucel
Published: December 2021

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is the core of electrocatalysis and plays a crucial role in water splitting to obtain hydrogen. It has been inevitable to develop metal‐free catalysts in terms of sustainability, the environment, and economic feasibility. Carbon‐based materials are called metal‐free electrocatalysts and are regarded as one of the most promising candidates due to their abundant source, but they often show poor activity. The strategic aim of this study is to convert commercial carbon fiber into heteroatom‐doped graphene‐like surfaced fibers via an eco‐friendly and fast intercalation/semi‐exfoliation mechanism called Yucel's method. Furthermore, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verified that the intercalation has successfully taken place and that the heteroatoms (S, O) are connected to the graphene‐like structure by covalent bonds. The catalysts with 1 M H2SO4 showed superior HER performance compared to bare CF.
Symptoms and health‐related quality of life 5 years after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Walfridsson Ulla , Hassel Jönsson Anders , Karlsson Lars O. , Liuba Ioan , Almroth Henrik , Sandgren Emma , Walfridsson Håkan , Charitakis Emmanouil
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To investigate the effect of catheter ablation (CA) on symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) after 5 years, and analyze predictors of recurrence of symptoms.

Background

The primary indication for CA of atrial fibrillation (AF) is to reduce symptoms and improve HRQoL where long‐term follow‐up are sparse.

Methods

In this observational, long‐term, single‐center study, patients were recruited from Linköping University Hospital, Sweden. They were aged ≥18 years and had been referred for CA from November 2011 until June 2019. Arrhythmia‐specific symptoms and HRQoL were assessed by patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) with the Arrhythmia‐Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia (ASTA).

Results

In the study were 1521 patients, 69% men, mean age 62 years. At baseline, 87% of the patients and at the 5‐year follow‐up 80% of those eligible filled out the ASTA questionnaire. At follow‐up, 50% reported freedom from symptoms, 18% had >50% symptom reduction, 14% had a minor reduction, while 18% reported no effect or a worsening of symptoms. Factors predicting symptoms were female gender (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.8; 1.2–2.8), body mass index ≥ 35 (HR: 3.9; 1.6–9.8), and ischemic heart disease (IHD) (HR: 2.6; 1.2–5.9). After 5 years, breathlessness during activity, weakness/fatigue, and tiredness were still the most common symptoms; regarding HRQoL they were impaired physical ability and deteriorated life situation.

Conclusions and Clinical Implications

This clinical cohort of patients with AF evaluated through PROMs showed that CA had long‐lasting effects on symptoms and HRQoL and that the use of PROMs in clinical routines was feasible. Factors predicting symptoms after CA were female gender, IHD, and obesity, an important reminder to encourage lifestyle management.
Heterogeneous validity of daily data on symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis recorded by patients using the e‐diary AllergyMonitor®
Authors: Dramburg Stephanie , Perna Serena , Di Fraia Marco , Tripodi Salvatore , Arasi Stefania , Castelli Sveva , Villalta Danilo , Buzzulini Francesca , Sfika Ifigenia , Villella Valeria , Potapova Ekaterina , Brighetti Maria Antonia , Travaglini Alessandro , Verardo Pier Luigi , Pelosi Simone , Matricardi Paolo Maria
Published: December 2021

Background

Patient‐generated symptom and medication scores are essential for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Previous studies have shown solid consistencies between different scores at population level in real‐life data and trials. For clinicians, the evaluation of individual data quality over time is essential to decide whether to rely on these data in clinical decision‐making.

Objective

To analyze the consistency of different symptom (SS) and symptom medication scores (SMSs) at individual level in two study cohorts with different characteristics and explore individual patient trajectories over time.

Methods

Within the pilot phase of the @IT.2020 project on diagnostic synergy of mobile health and molecular IgE assessment in patients with SAR, we analyzed data of 101 children and 93 adults with SAR and instructed them to record their symptoms and medication intake daily via the mobile app AllergyMonitor®. We then assessed the correlation between different SMS and a visual analogue scale (VAS) on the impact of allergy symptoms on daily life at population and individual level.

Results

At population level, the Rhinoconjunctivitis total symptom score (RTSS) correlated better with VAS than the combined symptom and medication score (CSMS). At individual level, consistency among RTSS and VAS was highly heterogeneous and unrelated to disease severity or adherence to recording. Similar heterogeneity was observed for CSMS and VAS.

Conclusions

The correlation of clinical information provided by different disease severity scores based on data collected via electronic diaries (e‐diaries), is sufficient at population level, but broadly heterogeneous for individual patients. Consistency of the recorded data must be examined for each patient before remotely collected information is used for clinical decision making.
Selective Galectin‐8N Ligands: The Design and Synthesis of Phthalazinone‐d‐Galactals
Authors: van Klaveren Sjors , Sundin Anders P. , Jakopin Žiga , Anderluh Marko , Leffler Hakon , Nilsson Ulf J. , Tomašič Tihomir
Published: December 2021

Ligand selectivity among the highly conserved galectins has been an ever‐challenging objective. For galectin‐8, a protein prevalent in both pathology and tissue distribution, we report phthalazinone‐galactals that show excellent selectivity for the galectin‐8N‐terminal domain. A dissection of structure–activity relationships of the phthalazinone and an extensive molecular dynamics meta‐analysis accompany the discovery of the selective galectin‐8N ligands presented here. These selective compounds will facilitate the study of galectin‐8 biology and may have pharmaceutical relevance in the wide range of galectin‐8 associated pathologies.
Theoretical model of the influence of irreversibly electroporated cells on post pulse drug delivery to reversibly electroporated cells
Authors: Becker Sid M.
Published: December 2021

This study numerically investigates the drug uptake by a population that includes both reversibly and irreversibly electroporated cells. A theoretical continuum model is developed and simulations are conducted in conditions representing low porosity (cells in tissues) and high porosity (cells in suspension). This model considers only passive diffusion following the electroporation pulse and estimates the permeability increases of reversibly electroporated cells using empirically based predictions that relate the long‐lived electropore density to the electric field magnitude. A parametric study investigates whether the permeability and resealing rate of irreversibly electroporated cells influence the delivery to the surviving reversibly electroporated cells. The results show that this influence is negligible when the cell number density is low (cells in dilute suspensions). For conditions of cells in tissue when both the fraction of the total cells that are irreversibly electroporated and the permeability of the irreversibly electroporated cells are high enough, the irreversibly electroporated cells rapidly take up the drug and deplete the extracellular space of the available drug. This lowered extracellular concentration can result in less drug delivery to reversibly electroporated cells.
The “Coming of Age” of Real‐World Evidence in Drug Development and Regulation
Authors: Honig Peter K
Published: December 2021

Real world evidence (RWE) has the potential to inform drug discovery, development, and regulatory decision making. The emergence and availability of large population‐based datasets around the globe have stoked enthusiasm in the research community. However, much work remains to refine research methodologies, evolve the science, and define the place of RWE as a complementary source of evidence to randomized controlled trials.
Nickel Phthalocyanines as Potential Aggregation‐Induced Antibacterial Agents: Fenton‐Like Pathways Driven by Near‐Infrared Light
Authors: Zhao Yue , An Fuhao , Meng Jiao , Zhu Yuxin , Sun Xun , Zhang Xiaomei , Sun Xuan
Published: December 2021

The present report uncovers the Fenton‐like and solar‐Fenton activity of nickel‐coordinated phthalocyanines and their potential as antibacterial agents. In particular, two NiPcs, one achiral and the other chiral, with both having similar molecular structures, are designed. Both compounds aggregate to form crystals with large diversity in molecular stacking. The crystal grown from the achiral NiPc demonstrates superior Fenton‐like activity especially under NIR‐light illumination, and also exhibits efficient antibacterial activity in vitro toward both E. coli and S. aureus. On the contrary, the crystal formed from stacked chiral molecules demonstrates weak Fenton‐like reactivity and is inefficient for bacterial disinfection. By examining the differences between the two crystals, we have disclosed the mechanism of the Fenton‐like reactivity of the NiPcs associated with molecular aggregation. Moreover, the chiral NiPc and its crystal provide a good platform to inspect the correlation between the functions, for instance the antibacterial activity between the chiral selections. This work indicates that controlling small differences in molecular structure can provide an effective way to achieve specific functions, such as Fenton‐like activity, of organic semiconductors.
Maximization of instantaneous transmission rate in unmanned aerial vehicles‐supported self‐organized device‐to‐device network
Authors: Mondal Abhishek , Hossain Ashraf
Published: December 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐aided aerial base stations have emerged as a promising technique to provide rapid on‐demand wireless coverage for ground communicating devices in a geographical area. However, existing works on UAV‐enabled wireless communication systems overlook optimal deployment of UAVs under quality of service (QoS)‐aware device‐to‐device (D2D) communication. Therefore, this work proposes a UAV‐supported self‐organized device‐to‐device (USSD2D) network that employs multiple UAVs as relays for reliable D2D data transmission. The aim is to maximize the total instantaneous transmission rate of the USSD2D network by jointly optimizing devices' association with UAV, UAVs' channel selection, and their deployed location under signal‐to‐interference‐noise ratio (SINR) threshold. As this joint optimization problem is nonconvex and combinatorial, the formulated problem is transformed into a Markov decision process (MDP) that effectively splits up it into three individual optimization subproblems: devices association, UAVs' channel selection indicator, and UAVs' location at each instance. Finally, a reinforcement learning (RL) based on a low‐complexity iterative state–action–reward–state–action (SARSA) algorithm is developed to update UAVs' policy to solve this formulated problem. UAVs adopt the system parameters according to the current state and corresponding action to maximize the generated long‐term discounted reward under the current policy without prior knowledge about the environment. Numerical results validate the proposed approaches and provide various insights on optimal UAV deployment. This investigation demonstrates that the total instantaneous transmission rate of the USSD2D network can be improved by 75.25%, 51.31%, and 13.96% with respect to RS‐FORD, ES‐FIRD, and AOIV schemes, respectively.
Site‐specific risk assessment enables trade‐off analysis of non‐native tree species in European forests
Authors: Bindewald Anja , Brundu Giuseppe , Schueler Silvio , Starfinger Uwe , Bauhus Jürgen , Lapin Katharina
Published: December 2021

Non‐native tree species (NNT) are used in European forestry for many purposes including their growth performance, valuable timber, and resistance to drought and pest or pathogen damage. Yet, cultivating NNT may pose risks to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and the provisioning of ecosystem services, and several NNT have been classified as invasive in Europe. Typically, such classifications are based on risk assessments, which do not adequately consider site‐specific variations in impacts of the NNT or the extent of affected areas. Here, we present a new methodological framework that facilitates both mitigating risks associated with NNT and taking advantage of their ecosystem services. The framework is based on a stratified assessment of risks posed by NNT which distinguishes between different sites and considers effectiveness of available management strategies to control negative effects. The method can be applied to NNT that already occur in a given area or those NNT that may establish in future. The framework consists of eight steps and is partly based on existing knowledge. If adequate site‐specific knowledge on NNT does not yet exist, new evidence on the risks should be obtained, for example, by collecting and analyzing monitoring data or modeling the potential distribution of NNT. However, limitations remain in the application of this method, and we propose several policy and management recommendations which are required to improve the responsible use of NNT.
Mapping canopy nitrogen‐scapes to assess foraging habitat for a vulnerable arboreal folivore in mixed‐speciesEucalyptusforests
Authors: Wagner Benjamin , Baker Patrick J. , Moore Ben D. , Nitschke Craig R.
Published: December 2021

Herbivore foraging decisions are closely related to plant nutritional quality. For arboreal folivores with specialized diets, such as the vulnerable greater glider (Petauroides volans), the abundance of suitable forage trees can influence habitat suitability and species occurrence. The ability to model and map foliar nitrogen would therefore enhance our understanding of folivore habitat use at finer scales. We tested whether high‐resolution multispectral imagery, collected by a lightweight and low‐cost commercial unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV), could be used to predict total and digestible foliar nitrogen (N and digN) at the tree canopy level and forest stand‐scale from leaf‐scale chemistry measurements across a gradient of mixed‐speciesEucalyptusforests in southeastern Australia. We surveyed temperateEucalyptusforests across an elevational and topographic gradient from sea level to high elevation (50–1200 m a.s.l.) for forest structure, leaf chemistry, and greater glider occurrence. Using measures of multispectral leaf reflectance and spectral indices, we estimated N and digN and mapped N and favorable feeding habitat using machine learning algorithms. Our surveys covered 17Eucalyptusspecies ranging in foliar N from 0.63% to 1.92% dry matter (DM) and digN from 0.45% to 1.73% DM. Both multispectral leaf reflectance and spectral indices were strong predictors for N and digN in model cross‐validation. At the tree level, 79% of variability between observed and predicted measures of nitrogen was explained. A spatial supervised classification model correctly identified 80% of canopy pixels associated with high N concentrations (≥1% DM). We developed a successful method for estimating foliar nitrogen of a range of temperateEucalyptusspecies using UAV multispectral imagery at the tree canopy level and stand scale. The ability to spatially quantify feeding habitat using UAV imagery allows remote assessments of greater glider habitat at a scale relevant to support ground surveys, management, and conservation for the vulnerable greater glider across southeastern Australia.
Analyzing ecosystem services as part of ecological networks in three salt marsh ecosystems
Authors: Dee Laura E. , Keyes Aislyn A.
Published: December 2021

Biodiversity plays important roles in nature's contributions to people (i.e., ecosystem services), but the critical details of how biodiversity contributes are challenging to determine. Efforts to identify the components of an ecosystem that provide services have improved our understanding of which species, functional groups, population, or habitats directly provide services. However, species do not exist in isolation and considerably less is known about how species indirectly influence ecosystem services through interacting with those species directly providing services. This uncertainty is even greater when considering that species interact in complex networks. As such, detailed analyses of species interdependencies are rarely included in ecosystem services assessments or conservation decisions. To date, most studies on food webs and on ecosystem services have developed largely in parallel for many services, but these fields and data are ripe for empirical integration. To further this integration, we compiled data sets that linked three existing ecological networks to seven ecosystem functions and services: wave attenuation, shoreline stabilization, carbon sequestration, water filtration, fisheries, birdwatching, and waterfowl hunting. We leveraged high‐resolution ecological interaction network data sets from three coastal salt marsh ecosystems including detailed species information (e.g., consumer strategy, body size, biomass) on several hundred species from Carpinteria Salt Marsh in California, USA, and for Estero de Punta Banda and Bahia Falsa in Baja, Mexico from Hechinger et al. (2011). Through an extensive literature synthesis and use of citizen science data, we identified which species in the Hechinger et al. (2011) data provided each ecosystem services directly. We augmented the Hechinger et al. (2011) data published in Ecology, particularly the link (or edge) list to include species—service links to indicate a species providing a service, in which species are listed as “Resources” and services are listed as “Consumers.” Connecting these data to the previously published ecological networks with species interactions (i.e., trophic, parasitism) formed a topological network with species and service nodes. We also provided a protocol for assigning services to ecological networks that can be used in other ecosystems. This data set provides a step toward advancing the knowledge of important supporting species for ecosystem services and to developing new ecological network methods for ecosystem services. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications.
The effect of H2S on internal dry reforming in biogas fuelled solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Wasajja Henry , Saadabadi S. Ali , Illathukandy Biju , Lindeboom Ralph E. F. , van Lier Jules. B. , Vellayani Aravind Purushothaman
Published: December 2021

Internal dry reforming of methane is envisaged as a possibility to reduce on capital and operation costs of biogas fuelled solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) system by using the CO2 present in the biogas. Due to envisaged internal dry reforming, the requirement for biogas upgrading becomes obsolete, thereby simplifying the system complexity and increasing its technology readiness level. However, impurities prevailing in biogas such as H2S have been reported in literature as one of the parameters which affect the internal reforming process in SOFCs. This research has been carried out to investigate the effects of H2S on internal dry reforming of methane on nickel‐scandia‐stabilised zirconia (Ni‐ScSZ) electrolyte supported SOFCs. Results showed that at 800°C and a CH4:CO2 ratio of 2:3, H2S at concentrations as low as 0.125 ppm affects both the catalytic and electric performance of a SOFC. At 0.125 ppm H2S concentration, the CH4 reforming process is affected and it is reduced from over 95% to below 10% in 10 h. Therefore, future biogas SOFC cost reduction seems to become a trade‐off between biogas upgrading for CO2 removal and biogas cleaning of impurities to facilitate efficient internal dry reforming.
Good vibrations: Big data impact bedload research
Authors: Gomez Basil , Soar Philip J. , Downs Peter W.
Published: December 2021

The fact that bedload transport is an inherently time‐variant and location‐sensitive fluvial process was revealed by systematic sampling, nine decades ago. Subsequent stream‐wide measurements, that frequently incorporated lengthy collection periods, as well as the adoption of standardized sampling procedures, averaged out some temporal and spatial variability. However, continuous, highly resolved, long‐period records of transport activity generated by active and passive bedload monitoring on diverse rivers have recently brought this variability into sharp focus. A defining characteristic of these ‘big data’ is that there are many possible bedload transport rates for each discharge and a wide range of discharges associated with each transport rate. Crucially, this incoherent scatter, which is generated by the various factors that affect bedload transport, can no longer be viewed as ‘noise’ that can be averaged out. We demonstrate that, even for small datasets, different methods of reporting and analysing bedload transport records provide different perspectives on the bedload transport rate–flow relation. The inclusion/exclusion of zero values, present in all data that capture the intermittent nature of bedload transport, also affects the relation. To unlock the potential of big data and facilitate the development of bedload transport–flow relations from field measurements, it is essential to employ modes of analysis that are robust to outliers and do not assume that associations between the independent and dependent variables are the same at all levels.
Fish Flow: following fisheries from spawning to supper
Authors: Hixon Mark A , Bowen Brian W , Coleman Richard R , Counsell Chelsie W , Donahue Megan J , Franklin Erik C , Kittinger John N , McManus Margaret A , Toonen Robert J
Published: December 2021

Novel methodologies now make it possible to track the complete geographical movements of seafood species from reproduction to human consumption. Doing so will better inform consumers and assist resource managers in matching fisheries and conservation policies with natural borders and pathways, including stock boundaries, networks of marine protected areas, and fisheries management areas. Such mapping necessitates an unprecedented synthesis of natural and social sciences, including knowledge of adult fish population abundance and movements, egg output, larval dispersal, and recruitment to juvenile and adult habitats, as well as fisheries stock assessment, capture, and distribution through human social networks. The challenge is to fully integrate oceanography, population genetics, ecology, and social sciences with fisheries biology to reveal the patterns and mechanisms of “Fish Flow” from spawning to supper. As practitioners representing all five of these disciplines, we believe that Fish Flow analyses will promote sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation efforts, and may foster public knowledge, wise seafood choices, and appreciation of social–ecological interconnections involving fisheries.
A prospective study of direct‐acting antiviral effectiveness and relapse risk in HCV cryoglobulinemic vasculitis by the Italian PITER cohort
Authors: Kondili Loreta A. , Monti Monica , Quaranta Maria Giovanna , Gragnani Laura , Panetta Valentina , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Mazzaro Cesare , Persico Marcello , Masarone Mario , Gentile Ivan , Andreone Pietro , Madonia Salvatore , Biliotti Elisa , Filomia Roberto , Puoti Massimo , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Laccabue Diletta , Ieluzzi Donatella , Coppola Carmine , Rumi Maria Grazia , Benedetti Antonio , Verucchi Gabriella , Coco Barbara , Chemello Liliana , Iannone Andrea , Ciancio Alessia , Russo Francesco Paolo , Barbaro Francesco , Morisco Filomena , Chessa Luchino , Massari Marco , Blanc Pierluigi , Zignego Anna Linda
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Mixed cryoglobulinemia is the most common HCV extrahepatic manifestation. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV) clinical profile after a sustained virologic response (SVR) over a medium‐term to long‐term period.

Approach and Results

Direct‐acting antiviral–treated cryoglobulinemic patients, consecutively enrolled in the multicentric Italian Platform for the Study of Viral Hepatitis Therapy cohort, were prospectively evaluated. Cumulative incidence Kaplan‐Meier curves were reported for response, clinical deterioration, relapse and relapse‐free survival rates. Cox regression analysis evaluated factors associated with different outcomes. A clinical response was reported in at least one follow‐up point for 373 of 423 (88%) patients with CV who achieved SVR. Clinical response increased over time with a 76% improvement rate at month 12 after the end of treatment. A full complete response (FCR) was reached by 164 (38.8%) patients in at least one follow‐up point. CV clinical response fluctuated, with some deterioration of the initial response in 49.6% of patients (median time of deterioration, 19 months). In patients who achieved FCR and had an available follow‐up (137 patients) a relapse was observed in 13% and it was transient in 66.7% of patients. The rate of patients without any deterioration was 58% and 41% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. After achieving SVR, a clinical nonresponse was associated with older age and renal involvement; a clinical deterioration/relapse was associated with high pretreatment rheumatoid factor values, and FCR was inversely associated with age, neuropathy, and high cryocrit levels.

Conclusion

In patients with CV, HCV eradication may not correspond to a persistent clinical improvement, and clinical response may fluctuate. This implies an attentive approach to post‐SVR evaluation through prognostic factors and tailored treatment.
Adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma acquires resistance to DNA demethylating agents through dysregulation of enzymes involved in pyrimidine metabolism
Authors: Yoshida‐Sakai Nao , Watanabe Tatsuro , Yamamoto Yuta , Ureshino Hiroshi , Kamachi Kazuharu , Kurahashi Yuki , Fukuda‐Kurahashi Yuki , Kimura Shinya
Published: December 2021

Adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive neoplasm derived from T‐cells transformed by human T‐cell lymphotropic virus‐1 (HTLV‐1). Recently, we reported that regional DNA hypermethylation in HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cells reflects the disease status of ATL and the anti‐ATL effects of DNA demethylating agents, including azacitidine (AZA), decitabine (DAC) and a new DAC prodrug, OR‐2100 (OR21), which we developed. Here, to better understand the mechanisms underlying drug resistance, we generated AZA‐, DAC‐ and OR21‐resistant (AZA‐R, DAC‐R and OR21‐R, respectively) cells from the ATL cell line TL‐Om1 and the HTLV‐1‐infected cell line MT‐2 via long‐term drug exposure. The efficacy of OR21 was almost the same as that of DAC, indicating that the pharmacodynamics of OR21 were due to release of DAC from OR21. Resistant cells did not show cellular responses observed in parental cells induced by treatment with drugs, including growth suppression, depletion of DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 and DNA hypomethylation. We also found that reduced expression of deoxycytidine kinase (DCK) correlated with lower susceptibility to DAC/OR21 and that reduced expression of uridine cytidine kinase2 (UCK2) correlated with reduced susceptibility to AZA. DCK and UCK2 catalyze phosphorylation of DAC and AZA, respectively; reconstitution of expression reversed the resistant phenotypes. A large homozygous deletion in DCK and a homozygous splice donor site mutation in UCK2 were identified in DAC‐R TL‐Om1 and AZA‐R TL‐Om1, respectively. Both genomic mutations might lead to loss of protein expression. Thus, inactivation of UCK2 and DCK might be a putative cause of phenotypes that are resistant to AZA and DAC/OR21, respectively.
Insight into generalized local softness based on ABEEM‐σπ method: Electrophilic additions to alkenes
Authors: Ding Yan‐Li , Sun Chang‐Liang , Guo Xiao‐Jiao , Mu Ji‐Rong
Published: December 2021

According to the local hard‐soft acid – base (HSAB) principle, the generalized local softness has been investigated based on the electrophilic reactions of H2O, HF, HCl and HBr to alkenes, and the effect of the softness on the chemical reactivity was studied in terms of the ab initio and atom‐bond electronegativity equalization method plus σπ (ABEEM‐σπ) method. Studies show that the finite difference approximation with ab initio method cannot always be used to predict the regioselectivity of the investigated reactions in terms of the local HSAB principle. But ABEEM‐σπ model could well describe chemical reactivity according to the local HSAB principle. A significant characteristic of the ABEEM‐σπ method is that the double bond is explicitly considered and partitioned. The square sums of differences of the local softness of the reaction center atoms, that is, Δs, or ΔSG with the generalized local softness and with the electronegativity, have been studied on the considered electrophilic additions. Studies indicate that ΔSG can be utilized not only to predict regioselectivity rules but also to rationalize the chemical reactivity of these addition reactions, and the generalized local softness is more suitable for the investigation of chemical reactivity between two chemical species.
Dynamic changes of IgM and IgG antibodies in asymptomatic patients as an effective way to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Li Ping , Shen Ge , Zhu Zhenhua , Shi Shengjie , Hu Yan , Zeng Ziyan , Zhou Hui , Li Qiong , Zhu Pan , Yang Gang , Liu Zugui , Fu Huiyuan , Hu Junyu , He Ying , Yang Qingting , Dai Miao , Zhou Dan , Lu Qingqing , Xie Xiaobing
Published: December 2021

Background

COVID‐19 has become a global pandemic, and close contacts and asymptomatic patients are worthy of attention.

Methods

A total of 1844 people in close contacts with 76 COVID‐19 patients were investigated, and nasopharyngeal swabs and venous blood were collected for centralized medical quarantine observation. Real‐time fluorescence was used to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid in nasopharyngeal swabs of all close contacts, and the colloidal gold method was used to detect serum‐specific antibodies. Levels of IgM‐ and IgG‐specific antibodies were detected quantitatively through chemiluminescence from the first nucleic acid turned negative date (0 week) and on weekly intervals of ≤1 week, 1–2 weeks, 2–3 weeks, 3–4 weeks, 4–5 weeks, 5–6 weeks, and 6–7 weeks.

Results

The total positive rate of the colloidal gold method (88.5%, 23/26) was significantly higher (χ2 = 59.182, p < 0.001) than that of the healthy control group (2.0%, 1/50). There was significant difference in IgG concentration at different time points (0–7 weeks) after negative nucleic acid conversion (χ2 = 14.034, p = 0.029). Serum IgG levels were significantly higher at weekly time points of 4–5 weeks (Z = −2.399, p = 0.016), 5–6 weeks (Z = −2.049, p = 0.040), and 6–7 weeks (Z = −2.197, p = 0.028) compared with 1–2 weeks after negative nucleic acid conversion. However, there was no significant difference (χ2 = 4.936, p = 0.552) in IgM concentration between time points tested (0–7 weeks) after negative nucleic acid conversion. The positive rates of IgM and IgG in asymptomatic patients (χ2 = 84.660, p < 0.001) were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (χ2 = 9.201, p = 0.002) within 7 weeks of negative nucleic acid conversion.

Conclusions

The IgG concentration in asymptomatic cases remained at a high level after nucleic acid turned negative. Nucleic acid detection combined with IgM and IgG antibody detection is an effective way to screen asymptomatic infections.
Farm mechanisation in Nepal's Terai Region: Policy context, drivers and options
Authors: Karki Emma , Sharma Akriti , Brown Brendan
Published: December 2021

Nepal Terai has historically had higher rates of mechanisation compared to the rest of the country and has the potential to expand and intensify its constrained agricultural productivity through agricultural mechanisation for smallholder farmers. This review provides a timely reflection on the pathways in which mechanisation has occurred in India and Bangladesh to inform the development of future mechanisation pathways and policies for Nepal Terai. Findings highlight the need to prioritise agricultural research, improve credit access, invest in human resources, incentivise local manufacturing and reassess extension services to address the needs of the farmers in Nepal Terai.
Can microfinance lending crowd out informal lenders? Evidence from the Philippines
Authors: Layaoen Cherry Wyle G. , Takahashi Kazushi
Published: December 2021

This study examines whether microfinance lending increases or decreases the likelihood and amount of credit that households demand from informal lenders. Multivariate probit and seemingly unrelated regression models are applied using nationally representative data collected in the Philippines. The estimation results indicate that microfinance ‘crowds out’ informal lending from both moneylenders and relatives and friends. Moreover, households with microfinance loans are less likely to borrow from other formal financial institutions. These results highlight the importance of developing a well‐tailored microfinance scheme that reaches the entire population in order to achieve financial inclusion.
Sources of unintentional manganese delivery in neonatal parenteral nutrition
Authors: Sauberan Jason , Mercier Misty , Katheria Anup
Published: December 2021

Background

Manganese (Mn) neurotoxicity is a concern in neonates receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Prior studies have identified Mn contamination of PN ingredients as a source of daily Mn exposure from PN. This study was conducted to determine which neonatal PN ingredients are sources of this unintentional Mn delivery.

Methods

Mn concentration was measured in different lot numbers of individual PN ingredients using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. PN admixtures were then prepared using standard doses of the tested individual ingredients, and admixture Mn concentration was measured.

Results

Magnesium sulfate and calcium gluconate are the major contributors to hidden unintentional Mn exposure in neonatal PN. Maximum measured Mn concentrations in these two ingredients were 443 and 46.8 mcg/L, respectively. Sodium phosphate and potassium phosphate were the next highest at 40 and 24 mcg/L, respectively. Other ingredients contained a trivial or no measurable quantity of Mn. PN admixture Mn content was 16%–30% higher than predicted values based on individual ingredient Mn content. If infused at 150 ml/kg/day, a standard neonatal PN admixture with no added Mn is capable of unintentionally delivering up to 0.9 mcg/kg/day Mn.

Conclusion

Neonatal PN without any added Mn provides close to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)–recommended Mn dosage of 1 mcg/kg/day. This supports the potential utility of a Mn‐omission approach to trace element provision in neonatal PN. Further studies are needed to test such an approach and to evaluate the clinical significance of unintended Mn delivery in neonates receiving PN.
Glycogenic Acanthosis: An Unusual Cause of Vocal Fold Leukoplakia
Authors: Plawecki Andrea M. , Keller Christian E. , Mayerhoff Ross M.
Published: December 2021

Glycogenic acanthosis is a common benign lesion of the esophagus; however, reports of extra‐esophageal manifestations are exceedingly rare. This case represents the first report of laryngeal glycogenic acanthosis found in a living patient, presenting as vocal fold leukoplakia. Glycogenic acanthosis may be considered among the differential diagnoses of conditions presenting as vocal fold leukoplakia. Laryngoscope, 132:1641–1643, 2022
Impact of agricultural abandonment on soil organic carbon: The case of semi‐steppe rangeland in Central Iran
Authors: Pajouhesh Mehdi , Salari Samira , Tahmasebi Pejman , Nikookhah Farzane , Azadi Hossein , Sklenička Petr , Witlox Frank
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the change in soil organic carbon (SOC), soil labile carbon (C), soil total nitrogen (N), particulate organic carbon (POC), mineralizable soil C (Min‐C) in soil aggregate fractions, and soil particles size at 0–30 cm soil depth of the semi‐steppe rangelands in Central Iran (Sheida and Khargosh regions). The study used a fully randomized design with four land uses in the rangelands including covered with rainfed wheat (CR0), abandoned rangelands (ARs) for 5–15 years (AR15), abandoned rangeland for 16–40 years (AR40), and permanently uncultivated rangelands (UR) as the reference sites that were replicated three times (n = 3) with at most 2 km distance from each other in an area of 25 ha. For each treatment, the soil samples were randomly obtained at 0–30 cm soil depth in three replicated plots of 2 × 2 m using a core size of 7 cm in diameter. The samples were mixed to take a composite soil sample (12 soil samples in each region) in June 2018. The results indicated that soil POC is the most sensitive fraction for the identification of shifts in the total SOC after the cultivation cessation because by increasing the abandoned land and the cessation of cropland activities, the POC has also increased. In conclusion, after the cessation of rainfed cropping and the recovery of natural vegetation, the increases in soil microorganism activity can result in a higher nutrient cycling in the degraded rangeland ecosystems.
Barotropic seiches in a perennially ice‐covered lake, East Antarctica
Authors: Castendyk Devin N. , Dugan Hilary A. , Gallagher Hugh A. , Pujara Nimish , Doran Peter T. , Priscu John C. , Lyons W. Berry
Published: December 2021

Water movement in ice‐covered lakes is known to be driven by wind, sediment heat flux, solar radiation, saline density flows, and advective stream discharge. In large ice‐covered lakes, wind‐induced oscillations have been found to play a major role in horizontal flows. Here, we report recurrent, wind‐driven, barotropic seiches in a small lake with a thick (~4 m) permanent ice‐cover. Between 2010 and 2016, we recorded 10.5‐ to 13‐min oscillations of the hydrostatic water level in Lake Hoare, McMurdo Dry Valleys, East Antarctica, using pressure transducers moored to the lake bottom and suspended from the ice cover. Theoretical calculations showed a barotropic seiche should have a period of 12.6 min. Barotropic seiches were most frequent during high wind events (> 5 m s−1) in winter months (February–November). The period increased during summer months (December–January) when fast ice thinned and melted along the shoreline.