bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple and Sustainable Preparation of Cathodes for Li−S Batteries: Regeneration of Granular Activated Carbon from the Odor Control System of a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Benítez Almudena , Márquez Pedro , Martín M. Ángeles , Caballero Alvaro
Published: July 2021

To obtain a wide variety of green materials, numerous investigations have been undertaken on industrial waste that can act as sustainable resources. The use of hazardous wastes derived from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), especially the activated carbon used in odor control systems, is a highly abundant, scalable, and cost‐effective strategy. The reuse of waste materials is a key aspect, especially for the sustainable development of emerging energy storage systems, such as lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. Herein, granular active carbons from two WWTP treatment lines were regenerated in air at low temperature and utilized as the sulfur host with micro‐/mesoporous framework. The resulting regenerated carbon and sulfur composites were employed as cathodes for Li−S cells. The SL‐ACt3@S composite electrode with 60 wt% loaded sulfur exhibited a remarkable initial capacity of 1100 mAh g−1 at C/10 rate and higher than 800 mAh g−1 at C/2. Even at a rate of 1C, it maintained a high capacity of almost 700 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 85.4 % after 350 cycles, demonstrating a very low capacity fading of only 0.042 % per cycle. It is essential to note that the coulombic efficiency was always higher than 96 % during all the cycles. In this proposal, the only used source material was expired carbon from WWTP that was obtained with a simple and effective regeneration process. This “trash into treasure” strategy leads to a new way for using hazardous waste material as high‐performance and environmentally safe electrodes for advanced Li−S batteries.
The Central Role of Nitrogen Atoms in a Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐Derived Catalyst for Cathodic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Meng‐Jie , Su Sheng‐Ying , Deng Ning , Shi Jun‐Qing , Li Fang , He Jian‐Bo
Published: July 2021

Platinum usually offers the most effective active center for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), because of the optimal trade‐off between the adsorption and desorption of hydrogeN atoms (H*) on Pt atoms. Herein, we report an unusual result regarding the active center of a HER catalyst, which was synthesized by electrodepositing traces of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) into a porous nitrogen‐rich dodecahedron matrix derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF‐8. With an ultra‐low Pt loading of 2.76 μg cm−2, the N‐Pt‐bonded catalyst can produce a current density of 117 mA cm−2 for the HER in 1.0 m H2SO4 at an overpotential of 50 mV, whereas the commercial Pt/C (300 μg cm−2 Pt) can only reach 50 mA cm−2 under the same conditions. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrates that both the H* adsorption and the Pt oxidation are not allowed to occur on this catalyst, due to a full surface coverage of the trace Pt NPs by imidazole. The results from the specially designed experiments indicate that the imidazole N atoms may act as proton anchor‐sites for the HER due to their electron donor nature. Density functional theory calculations also support a catalytic HER mechanism centered at the Pt‐supported N active center, which needs a Gibbs free energy of H* absorption (ΔGH*) significantly smaller than the absolute value of ΔGH* on the Pt(111) surface. We hope that the results of this study will encourage the research on novel N‐centered catalysts for the HER.
A Low‐Cost Na‐Ion and K‐Ion Batteries Using a Common Organic Cathode and Bismuth Anode
Authors: Li Di , Tang Wu , Tang Fan , Yan Jiaji , Jing Lvchuan , Wang Chuan , Yan Yichao , Xu Liang , Fan Cong
Published: July 2021

Molecule‐aggregation organic electrodes in principle have the capability for “single‐molecule‐energy‐storage” in metal‐ion rechargeable batteries, which indicates that the same organic electrode can be simultaneously applied to multiple metal‐ion rechargeable batteries. In this study, the polyanionic organic compound 9,10‐anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonate (Na2AQ26DS, 130 mAh g−1) is used as a common cathode and metal bismuth (Bi) as a common anode to simultaneously assemble low‐cost Na‐ion and K‐ion full cells. The Na‐ion full cells can deliver the peak discharge capacity of 139 mAh g−1cathode at 0.5–3.0 V, and the K‐ion full cells can show the peak discharge capacity of 130 mAh g−1cathode at 0.5–3.0 V. These results are comparable to the best organic‐based Na‐ion and K‐ion full cells reported to date.
Arthritis is associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes in Chinese adults: A nationwide cohort study and updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Xue , Xie Yue , Wang Yi , Yu Yong , Jin Xingzhong , Xiu Peng , Wu Jason H. Y. , Yu Danxia , Pan An , Zhao Jian , Yang Chun‐Xia , Pan Xiong‐Fei
Published: July 2021

Aims

To prospectively examine the association between arthritis and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the Chinese population and confirm this association through a comprehensive meta‐analysis of cohort studies.

Meterials and Methods

Data were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study which was started in 2011–2013 and followed up in 2013–2014 and 2015–2016. Arthritis was defined as self‐reported physician diagnosis at baseline, and incident T2D was determined by self‐reported physician diagnosis, fasting blood glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L or glycosylated haemoglobin ≥6.5% during the follow‐ups. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between arthritis and risk for T2D. A meta‐analysis was conducted to pool our effect estimate and those from other cohort studies using a random‐effects model.

Results

Eleven thousand four hundred and eight participants (47.9% men; mean age: 59.3 years) were included in final analyses. During a 4‐year follow‐up, 981 participants reported incident T2D. Compared with individuals without arthritis, those with arthritis at baseline had an 18% higher risk for incident T2D (multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.34). In the meta‐analysis of 13 cohort studies including ours, a total of 2,473,514 participants were included with 121,851 incident diabetes. The pooling HR was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.21, 1.44) for the association between arthritis and diabetes.

Conclusion

Arthritis was associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes in Chinese adults, and the positive association was confirmed in the meta‐analysis of cohort studies. Our work can inform clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of arthritis treatments in reducing risk of diabetes.
The effects of herbivore aggregations at water sources on savanna plants differ across soil and climate gradients
Authors: Titcomb Georgia C. , Amooni Godfrey , Mantas John Naisikie , Young Hillary S.
Published: July 2021

Water sources in arid and semiarid ecosystems support humans, wildlife, and domestic animals, forming nodes of activity that sculpt surrounding plant communities and impact critical grazing and soil systems. However, global aridification and changing surface water supply threaten to disrupt these water resources, with strong implications for conservation and management of these ecosystems. To understand how effects of herbivore aggregation at water impact plant communities across contexts, we measured herbivore activity, plant height, cover (trees, grasses, forbs, and bare ground), diversity, and composition at 17 paired water sources and matrix sites across a range of abiotic factors in a semiarid savanna in Kenya. The effects of proximity to surface water and herbivore aggregation on plant communities varied substantially depending on soil and rainfall. In arid areas with nutrient‐poor sandy soils, forb and tree cover were 50% lower at water sources compared to neighboring matrix sites, bare ground was 20% higher, species richness was 15% lower, and a single globally important grazing grass (Cynodon dactylon) dominated 60% of transects. However, in mesic areas with nutrient‐rich finely textured soils, species richness was 25% higher, despite a 40% increase in bare ground, concurrent with the decline of a dominant tall grass (Themeda triandra) and increase in C. dactylon and other grass species near water sources. Recent rainfall was important for grasses; cover was higher relative to matrix sites only during wet periods, a potential indication of compensatory grazing. These findings suggest that effects of herbivore aggregation on vegetation diversity and composition will vary in magnitude, and in some cases direction, depending on other factors at the site. Where moisture and nutrient resources are high and promote the dominance of few plant species, herbivore aggregations may maintain diversity by promoting grazing lawns and increasing nondominant species cover. However, in arid conditions and sites with low nutrient availability, diversity can be substantially reduced by these aggregations. Our results highlight the importance of considering abiotic conditions when managing for effects of herbivore aggregations near water. This will be particularly important for future managers in light of growing global aridification and surface water changes.
Do predators have a role to play in wetland ecosystem functioning? An experimental study in New England salt marshes
Authors: Moore Alexandria C. , Schmitz Oswald J.
Published: July 2021

The historical ecological paradigm of wetland ecosystems emphasized the role of physical or “bottom‐up” factors in maintaining functions and services. However, recent studies have shown that the loss of predators in coastal salt marshes can lead to a significant reduction in wetland extent due to overgrazing of vegetation by herbivores. Such studies indicate that consumers or “top‐down” factors may play a much larger role in the maintenance of wetland ecosystems than was previously thought. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether altering top‐down control by manipulating the presence of predators can lead to measurable changes in salt marsh ecosystem properties. Between May and August of 2015 and 2016, we established exclosure and enclosure cages within three New England coastal wetland areas and manipulated the presence of green crab predators to assess how they and their fiddler and purple marsh crab prey affect changes in ecosystem properties. Predator presence was associated with changes in soil nitrogen and aboveground biomass at two of the three field sites, though the magnitude and direction of these effects varied from site to site. Further, path analysis results indicate that across field sites, a combination of bottom‐up and top‐down factors influenced changes in measured variables. These results challenge the growing consensus that consumers have strong effects, indicating instead that predator impacts may be highly context‐dependent.
Signature of mid‐Pleistocene lineages in the European silver fir (Abies albaMill.) at its geographic distribution margin
Authors: Scotti‐Saintagne Caroline , Boivin Thomas , Suez Marie , Musch Brigitte , Scotti Ivan , Fady Bruno
Published: July 2021

In a conservation and sustainable management perspective, we identify the ecological, climatic, and demographic factors responsible for the genetic diversity patterns of the European silver fir (Abies albaMill.) at its southwestern range margin (Pyrenees Mountains, France, Europe). We sampled 45 populations throughout the French Pyrenees and eight neighboring reference populations in the Massif Central, Alps, and Corsica. We genotyped 1,620 individuals at three chloroplast and ten nuclear microsatellite loci. We analyzed within‐ and among‐population genetic diversity using phylogeographic reconstructions, tests of isolation‐by‐distance, Bayesian population structure inference, modeling of demographic scenarios, and regression analyses of genetic variables with current and past environmental variables. Genetic diversity decreased from east to west suggesting isolation‐by‐distance from the Alps to the Pyrenees and from the Eastern to the Western Pyrenees. We identified two Pyrenean lineages that diverged from a third Alpine–Corsica–Massif Central lineage 0.8 to 1.1 M years ago and subsequently formed a secondary contact zone in the Central Pyrenees. Population sizes underwent contrasted changes, with a contraction in the west and an expansion in the east. Glacial climate affected the genetic composition of the populations, with the western genetic cluster only observed in locations corresponding to the coldest past climate and highest elevations. The eastern cluster was observed over a larger range of temperatures and elevations. All demographic events shaping the current spatial structure of genetic diversity took place during the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition, long before the onset of the Holocene. The Western Pyrenees lineage may require additional conservation efforts, whereas the eastern lineage is well protected in in situ gene conservation units. Due to past climate oscillations and the likely emergence of independent refugia, east–west oriented mountain ranges may be important reservoir of genetic diversity in a context of past and ongoing climate change in Europe.
Drought effects on montane grasslands nullify benefits of advanced flowering phenology due to warming
Authors: Schuchardt Max A. , Berauer Bernd J. , von Heßberg Andreas , Wilfahrt Peter , Jentsch Anke
Published: July 2021

Warming due to climate change is generally expected to lengthen the growing season in areas of seasonal climate and to advance plant phenology, particularly the onset of leafing and flowering. However, a reduction in aboveground biomass production and reproductive output may occur when warming is accompanied by drought that crosses critical water deficit thresholds. Tracking warmer temperatures has been shown to be species‐specific with unknown impacts on community composition and productivity. The variability in species’ ability to leverage earlier leaf unfolding and flowering into increased aboveground net primary production (ANPP) or increased investments into reproductive organs has heretofore been poorly explored. We tested whether phenological sensitivity to temperature, as a result of experimental warming, directly translated into increased plant performance, as measured by ANPP and flower abundance. In order to experimentally simulate climate warming, we translocated a total of 45 intact soil–plant communities downslope along an elevational gradient of 900 m within the European Alps from 1260 to 350 m asl and weekly recorded flower abundance and total green cover as well as cumulative biomass production at peak growing season. We found that advanced phenology at lower elevations was related to increased reproductive performance and conditional on whether they experienced drought stress. While a temperature increase of +1K had positive effects on the amount of reproductive organs for species with accelerated phenology, temperature increase going along with drier conditions resulted in plants being unable to sustain early investment in reproduction as measured by flower abundance. This finding highlights that the interaction of two climate change drivers, warming and drought, can push communities’ past resistance thresholds. Moreover, we detected biotic competition mechanisms and shifts toward forb‐depressed states with graminoids best taking advantage of experimentally altered increased temperature and reduced precipitation. Our results suggest that while species may track warmer future climates, concurrent drought events post a high risk for failure of temperature‐driven improvement of reproductive performance and biomass production in the European Alps.
Environmental and economic life cycle assessment of a run‐of‐the‐river type hydroelectricity power plant in Turkey
Authors: Bor Aslı , Üçtuğ Fehmi Görkem
Published: July 2021

The environmental and economic life cycle assessment of a real‐life run‐of‐the‐river type hydroelectricity power plant in Turkey has been performed by considering the following stages: raw material acquisition, construction (including waste management), and transportation. CCaLC2 software and CML2001 methodology were used to calculate six different environmental impacts, whereas the economic impact was chosen as the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Functional unit was 1 MWh of electricity generated. The environmental impacts were found to be on average 95% lower than those of the Turkish grid, and the LCOE was calculated as $58.4/MWh. This outcome is understandable considering the high share of fossil fuels, especially low‐quality lignite, in Turkish electricity grid. The results were compared to those of a similar study conducted abroad and all the impacts were found to have the same order of magnitude, proving that this study is methodologically consistent with the literature. The main conclusion is that hydroelectricity produced by run‐of‐the‐river type plants in Turkey is environmentally friendly and economically viable compared to grid electricity. This is the first study in Turkey on the life cycle impact analysis of hydroelectricity and one of the few studies that consider economic and environmental factors simultaneously.
Narrative plots for regulatory, distributive, and redistributive policies
Authors: Kuhlmann Johanna , Blum Sonja
Published: July 2021

The Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) has ignited a remarkably active research community, one of its main contributions being distinct narrative elements—including settings, characters, and plots. Yet, while the plot constitutes a core element of narrativity, it has received less attention vis‐à‐vis other narrative components. Existing classifications of plots have been proven to possess a great ability to capture “universal” policy stories, but not the specific variations of different types of policies. This article presents a typology of plots by linking their universal and policy‐specific themes, thereby theorizing from Lowi's seminal typology of regulatory, distributive, and redistributive policies. Empirically, it focuses on the political communication of Germany's policy responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Policy narratives were mined from Twitter and from governmental press conferences (March–June 2020). The qualitative NPF analysis demonstrates that the identified plots—restricting‐to‐control, liberating‐to‐promote, providing‐to‐promote, giving‐to‐give, and giving‐to‐promote—can grasp different regulatory, distributive, and redistributive policies as well as their variety.
Designing inelastic geotechnical systems on the basis of single design elastic response spectrum
Authors: Garini Evangelia , Gazetas George
Published: July 2021

One of the greatest uncertainties in earthquake‐resistant design is the proper selection of ground motions to be used as excitations. The universally accepted way to confront this is the establishment of the design linear elastic response (LER) spectrum as the basis of excitation for all types of man‐made and natural systems — elastic and inelastic. By demonstrating that the “critical” ground motions are fundamentally different for elastic and inelastic systems, the paper challenges the usefulness of the concept of design LER spectrum for strongly inelastic geotechnical systems, as well as for specific inelastic structural systems such as base‐isolated structures on friction bearings. While dogmatically respecting such a spectrum may be appropriate for elastic or mildly‐inelastic systems, it is shown to be of secondary relevance for strongly inelastic systems, which are vulnerable to acceleration and velocity pulses of long duration, as the late Professor Vitelmo Bertero had demonstrated 40 years ago. Attributed primarily to forward‐rupture directivity effects in near fault recordings and somewhat less frequently to fling steps appearing close to dip‐slip and strike‐slip faults emerging on the ground surface, such acceleration and/or velocity pulses are not always adequately reflected in current design elastic spectra. It is also shown that to such motions, highly‐asymmetric geotechnical systems like slopes and retaining walls may exhibit a striking sensitivity not only to near‐fault characteristics of excitations but also to the "polarity" of motions, an outcome of inelasticity which cannot be anticipated on the basis of current design LER spectra.
Particle-Specific Toxicity of Copper Nanoparticles to Soybean (Glycine max L.): Effects of Nanoparticle Concentration and Natural Organic Matter
Authors: Xiao Yinlong , Tang Wei , Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M.
Published: July 2021

For the soluble metallic nanoparticles (NPs), which forms (particles [NP(particle)] vs. dissolved ions [NP(ion)]) are the main cause of toxicity of the NP suspension (NP(total)) remains uncertain. In the present study, soybean was exposed to Cu NPs in a hydroponic system to determine how natural organic matter (NOM; 10 mg/l) and concentration of Cu NP(total) (2–50 mg/l) affect the relative contributions of Cu NP(particle) and Cu NP(ion) to the overall toxicity. We found that NOM mitigated the phytotoxicity of Cu NP(particle) more significantly than that of Cu salt. When no NOM was added, Cu NP(particle) rather than Cu NP(ion) was the main contributor to the observed toxicity regardless of the concentration of Cu NP(total). However, NOM tended to reduce the relative contribution of Cu NP(particle) to the toxicity of Cu NP(total). Especially at a low concentration of Cu NP(total) (2 mg/l), the toxicity of Cu NP(total) mainly resulted from Cu NP(ion) in the presence of NOM (accounting for ≥70% of the overall toxicity). This might be attributable to the combined effects of increased dissolution of Cu NPs and steric-electrostatic hindrance between Cu NP(particle) and the soybean roots caused by NOM. Fulvic acids (FAs) tended to reduce the role of Cu NP(particle) in the overall toxicity more effectively than humic acids (HAs), which might partially be due to the higher extent of Cu NP dissolution on FA treatment than in HA treatment. Our results suggest that because of the relatively low metallic NP concentration and the presence of NOM in natural water, NP(ion) are likely problematic, which can inform management and mitigation actions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2825–2835. © 2021 SETAC
The Impact of COVID-19 on Freshwater Fisheries Fieldwork and Data Collection
Authors: Tracy Erin E , Teal Chad N , Ingram Steven J , Jenney Christopher J , Grant Joshua D , Bonar Scott A
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 has affected almost every aspect of society including freshwater fisheries fieldwork. Our study quantified the effects of the pandemic on fisheries fieldwork in the United States. We administered a survey to fisheries chiefs in all 50 states to assess the pandemic’s impact on fisheries fieldwork. Of the 37 participants, 91% reported the pandemic affected their fieldwork and 92% adapted their sampling methods in response to the pandemic. Common adaptation strategies included using personal protective equipment (100%), practicing social distancing (97%), using smaller crews (82%), and developing contingency plans (51%). Based on the survey results, we identified potential challenges to adaptations and offered strategies to improve them. Strategies we identified include adopting novel data collection techniques, finding new positions for temporary employees, and publicly sharing contingency plans. Ultimately, this paper offers novel guidance on how fisheries professionals can best move forward with fieldwork during a time of crisis.
Goodbye to “Rough Fish”: Paradigm Shift in the Conservation of Native Fishes
Authors: Rypel Andrew L , Saffarinia Parsa , Vaughn Caryn C , Nesper Larry , O’Reilly Katherine , Parisek Christine A , Miller Matthew L , Moyle Peter B , Fangue Nann A , Bell-Tilcock Miranda , Ayers David , David Solomon R
Published: July 2021

While sometimes difficult to admit, perspectives of European and white males have overwhelmingly dominated fisheries science and management in the USA. This dynamic is exemplified by bias against “rough fish”—a pejorative ascribing low-to-zero value for countless native fishes. One product of this bias is that biologists have ironically worked against conservation of diverse fishes for over a century, and these problems persist today. Nearly all U.S. states retain bag limits and other policies that are regressive and encourage overfishing and decline of native species. Multiple lines of evidence point towards the need for a paradigm shift. These include: (1) native species deliver critical ecosystem services; (2) little demonstration that native fish removals deliver intended benefits; (3) many native fishes are long-lived and vulnerable to overfishing and decline; and (4) fisher values and demographics shifting towards native fish conservation. Overall, existing native fish policies are unacceptable and run counter to the public trust doctrine where government agencies manage natural resources for public use. We encourage agencies to revisit their policies regarding native fishes and provide suggestions for developing more holistic, protective, and inclusive conservation policy.
Heat‐killed Mycolicibacterium aurum Aogashima: An environmental nonpathogenic actinobacteria under development as a safe novel food ingredient
Authors: Nouioui Imen , Dye Timothy
Published: July 2021

Over the last few decades, a wealth of evidence has formed the basis for “the Old Friends hypothesis” suggesting that, in contrast to the past, increasingly people are living in environments with limited and less diverse microbial exposure, with potential consequences for their health. Hence, including safe live or heat‐killed microbes in the diet may be beneficial in promoting and maintaining human health. In order to assess the safety of microbes beyond the current use of standardized cultures and probiotic supplements, new approaches are being developed. Here, we present evidence for the safety of heat‐killed Mycolicibacterium aurum Aogashima as a novel food, utilizing the decision tree approach developed by Pariza and colleagues (2015). We provide evidence that the genome of M. aurum Aogashima is free of (1) genetic elements associated with pathogenicity or toxigenicity, (2) transferable antibiotic resistance gene DNA, and (3) genes coding for antibiotics used in human or veterinary medicine. Moreover, a 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats showed that (4) the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was the highest concentration tested, namely 2000 μg/kg BW/day. We conclude that oral consumption of heat‐killed M. aurum Aogashima is safe and warrants further evaluation as a novel food ingredient.
A Review of Quantitative Instruments for Understanding Breastfeeding Dynamics
Authors: Torabinia Matin , Rosenblatt Steven D. , Mosadegh Bobak
Published: July 2021

Breastfeeding, as a unique behavior of the postpartum period and an ideal source of nourishment, is profoundly impacted by the physiology and behavior of both mothers and infants. For more than three‐quarters of a century, there has been an ongoing advancement of instruments that permit insight into the complex process of latching during breastfeeding, which includes coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Despite the available methodologies for understanding latching dynamics, there continues to be a large void in the understanding of infant latching and feeding. The causes for many breastfeeding difficulties remain unclear, and until a clearer understanding of the mechanics involved is achieved, the struggle will continue in the attempts to aid infants and mothers who struggle to breastfeed. In this review, the history of development for the most prominent tools employed to analyze breastfeeding dynamics is presented. Additionally, the importance of the most advanced instruments and systems used to understand latching dynamics is highlighted and how medical practitioners utilize them is reported. Finally, a controversial argument amongst pediatric otolaryngolo gists concerning breastfeeding difficulties is reviewed and the urgent need for quantification of latching dynamics in conjunction with milk removal rate through prospective controlled studies is discussed.
Characterizing the molecular etiology of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita in patients with LGI4 mutations
Authors: Booth Daniel G. , Kozar Nina , Bradley Stephen , Meijer Dies
Published: July 2021

Disruption of axon‐glia interactions in the peripheral nervous system has emerged as a major cause of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), a condition characterized by multiple congenital postural abnormalities involving the major joints. Several genes crucially important to the biology of Schwann cells have now been implicated with AMC. One such gene is LGI4 which encodes a secreted glycoprotein. LGI4 is expressed and secreted by Schwann cells and binds its receptor ADAM22 on the axonal membrane to drive myelination. Homozygous mutations in LGI4 or ADAM22 results in severe congenital hypomyelination and joint contractures in mice. Recently bi‐allelic LGI4 loss of function mutations has been described in three unrelated families with severe AMC. Two individuals in a fourth, non‐consanguineous family were found to be compound heterozygous for two LGI4 missense mutations. It is not known how these missense mutations affect the biology of LGI4. Here we investigated whether these missense mutations affected the secretion of the protein, its ADAM22 binding capacity, or its myelination‐promoting function. We demonstrate that the mutations largely affect the progression of the mutant protein through the endomembrane system resulting in severely reduced expression. Importantly, binding to ADAM22 and myelination‐promoting activity appear largely unaffected, suggesting that treatment with chemical chaperones to improve secretion of the mutant proteins might prove beneficial.
Cultivating postsecondary aspirations in immigrant and refugee families through community education, engagement, and empowerment
Authors: Kiyama Judy Marquez , Crespin‐Palmer Veronica
Published: July 2021

Community‐based and participatory action research partnerships between community organizations and postsecondary institutions offer powerful possibilities for expanding educational opportunity, capacity building, and social change. When family members of the local community are included in such partnerships, opportunities for equity‐focused transformation becomes even greater. The purpose of this article is to describe a community partnership between the University of Denver and RISE Colorado, including family members from local Burmese, Nepali, and Spanish‐speaking immigrant and refugee communities. We offer an overview of the methodology, process, and purpose of the research partnership, highlighting the importance of collaborating with and centering community knowledge and cultural ways of knowing among refugee communities.
Conceptualizing a multi‐layered shingle aquifer model based on volcanic stratigraphy and water inflow to lava caves in Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: Ahn Ung San , Koh Dong‐Chan , Heo Joonghyeok , Cho Byong‐Wook , Kim Taehee , Yum Byoung‐Woo
Published: July 2021

Volcanic aquifers supply a substantial portion of water resources in many parts of the world, including islands, and their productivity depends strongly on volcanic stratigraphy, which exhibits considerable heterogeneity. We investigated water inflow to lava tube caves formed from numerous basaltic lava flows in the northeastern coastal area of Jeju Island after storm events and monitored relative inflow rates monthly over 1 year to characterize groundwater flow processes in the upper parts of volcanic aquifers, and to evaluate the applicability of the previous hydrogeological models proposed for the island. Considerable water inflow arose shortly after storms from exposed palaeosol layers on the walls of the caves. The monthly monitoring results showed that wall inflow associated with these palaeosol layers is substantial. In both cases, discharge from ceiling drips was much less and more temporally variable compared to wall inflow discharge. Water flowing into the caves was rapidly drained through the floor at all monitoring sites. The lateral extent of the palaeosol layers was identified using drill core logs near the cave and outcrops in the coastal area. Based on these results, we inferred that multiple perched aquifers are formed by low‐permeability palaeosol layers between lava flows, which are connected by vertical flows at discontinuities in the palaeosol layer, eventually reaching the basal aquifer. This study revealed the water inflow processes observed in lava tube caves constrained by palaeosol layers, and established a hydrogeological conceptual model incorporating multiple perched aquifers in both coastal and mountainous areas associated with extensive palaeosol layers formed during volcanic hiatuses. This finding would help elucidate recharge, groundwater flow, and contaminant transport processes in many volcanic aquifers that are not adequately represented by the previous models, and contribute to better management of groundwater in those areas.
Ecological consequences of Australia's “Black Summer” bushfires: Managing for recovery
Authors: Dickman Christopher R.
Published: July 2021

Fire has long been a part of the Australian environment and remains a potent force in shaping the adaptations of species, the dynamics of populations, and the structure of ecological communities. However, the fire regime is changing. Fire seasons are longer, wet vegetation types that do not usually burn are now at risk, and fire intensity and severity are greater than in the recent past. A particularly widespread event occurred in the forest and woodland regions of Australia over the summer of 2019–2020. Termed the “Black Summer” bushfires, remotely sensed data indicate that over 30 million hectares of vegetation were burned, including an unprecedented large area of forest. The extraordinary geographical scale of the Black Summer fires, including the intensity and speed of fire spread, has led to widespread concern about the ecological damage that occurred. Recent estimates suggest that almost three billion vertebrates and up to 240 trillion invertebrates were affected by the fires. Fires were experienced in part of the geographical ranges of 832 vertebrate species and 37 threatened ecological communities, with some of these entities feared to be at risk of extinction. Field assessments of ecological recovery have been slowed by COVID-19 restrictions and by a diminution in ecological monitoring capacity that occurred before the last fire season. This paper assesses the dire ecological consequences of the Black Summer bushfires and proposes a series of steps to help achieve recovery of biodiversity and mitigate the effects of future mega-fires. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1162–1167. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Australia's 2019–2020 megafires were of unprecedented geographical scale and severity, burning over 30 million hectares of the nation's forest and woodland estate Expert opinion and modeled assessments indicate that the ecological consequences of the 2019–2020 megafires are severe, but a critical lack of pre-fire monitoring and post-fire access to burnt sites due to COVID-19 restrictions hampered direct quantification of the impacts of the fires on biota. A Biodiversity Bureau with an embedded Bushfire Agency should be established as a matter of priority to integrate data from ecological monitoring programs and ensure improved outcomes for both bushfire management and biodiversity conservation.
High‐resolution HLA genotyping identifies alleles associated with severe COVID‐19: A preliminary study from India
Authors: Vishnubhotla Ravikanth , Sasikala Mitnala , Ketavarapu Vijayasarathy , Reddy Duvvur Nageshwar
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variability has been demonstrated to be associated with susceptibility/severity of COVID‐19. High‐resolution HLA genotyping to identify alleles associated with severe COVID‐19 in an Indian cohort was performed.

Methods

Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients with mild/moderate/severe disease (n = 54) and asymptomatic (n = 42) were recruited and genotyped for 11‐HLA loci on MiSeq using NGSgo®‐MX11‐3 and analyzed (NGSengine; GenDx).

Results

A significant difference in alleles between the groups was identified for HLA‐C*04:01:01:01, HLA‐DRB5*01:01:01:02, HLA‐DQA1*03:01:01:01, HLA‐DPB1*04:01:01:41, and HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:02. Alleles namely, HLA‐C*04:01:01:01 (OR: 5.71; 95% CI: 1.2–27.14; p = .02), HLA‐DRB5*01:01:01:02 (OR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.1–7.84; p = .03), DQA1*03:01:01:01 (OR: 22.47; 95% CI: 1.28–393.5; p = .03), HLA‐DPB1*04:01:01:41 (OR: 9.44; 95% CI: 0.5–175.81; p = .13), and HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:02 (OR: 8.27; 95% CI: 2.26–30.21; p = .001) were associated with severe COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Genotyping for these alleles will enable identification of individuals at risk of severe disease and stratification for preferential vaccination.
Untersuchungen zur Sedimentation in der Darß‐Zingster Boddenkette — ein Beitrag zur Aufstellung einer Energie‐ und Stoffbilanz im Ökosystem. Teil 2: Untersuchungen zur Sedimentation des Planktons
Authors: Nausch‐Stengl M.
Published: July 2021

Bei 1975 in der Darß‐Zingster Boddenkette durchgeführten Sedimentationsmessungen wurden auch Untersuchungen zur Sedimentation des Planktons vorgenommen.

Aus$$er qualitativen und quantitativen Bestimmung des Phyto‐ und Zooplanktons im Wasserkörper und im sedimentierten Material werden Rückschlüsse auf die Sedimentationsrate gezogen. Die Sedimentationsrate des Phytoplanktons wird an Hand der drei Hauptgruppen Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae und Chiorophyceae dargelegt, wobei die Cyanophyceae und Chlorophyceae nach Arten aufgeschlüsselt werden. Die wichtigsten Arten werden in der Arbeit genauer charakterisiert. Das Zooplankton wird an Hand des Gesamtzooplanktons und der drei wichtigsten Rotatorienarten diskutiert.

Die Sedimentationsrate variiert von Art zu Art und ist auch je nach Darstellungsweise (Individuenzahl bzw. Verdrängungsvolumen) verschieden. Eine zeitliche Verschiebung zwischen dem Vorkommen im Wasserkörper und im sedimentierten Material kann sowohl beim Phyto‐ als auch beim Zooplankton nicht eindeutig festgestellt werden, sie deutet sich jedoch bei einigen Arten an.
Zur Charakterisierung suspendierter Wasserinhaltsstoffe. Teil 1: Analytische Methoden
Authors: Schultz D.
Published: July 2021

Über Möglichkeiten zur Charakterisierung von suspendierten Inhaltstoffen in Oberflächenwässern wird berichtet. Die Kenntnis der Rohwnsserbeschaffenheit, die neben der Konzentrationsangabe Aussagen über Art und Eigenschaften der Partikel einschließt, ist eine Voraussetzung für die Verbesserung der Bemessungsgrundlagen und den optimalen Betrieb von Wasseraufbereitungsanlagen. Es werden Analysenmethoden zur Erfassung des Feststoffgehaltes ausgewählt, die regelmäßig im Betriebslaboratorium durchführbar sind (z. B. Trübung, Zentrifugationswert). Geeignete Möglichkeiten zur Untersuchung der Partikeleigenschaften wie granulometrische, mikroskopische, röntgen‐ und differentialthermoanalytische Methoden werden diskutiert.
Methods of Analyzing Quinones in Water and their Application in Studying the Effects of Hydrophytes on Phenols. Part 2: Polarographic Methods of Quinone Analysis
Authors: Stom D. J. , Timofeeva S. S. , Kashina N. F. , Bielykh L. J. , Souslov S. X. , Boutokov V. V. , Apartzin M. S.
Published: July 2021

After an outline of the possibilities and difficulties connected with the polarographic determination of aqueous quinone solutions, a specified oscillo‐polarographic method of investigation is described. By the examples of solutions of pure substances as well as of the industrial waters of a pulp mill (up to 2.3 mg/1 total quinone) the conditions for applying the technique developed art' explained. The relative error of this method does not exceed 3%
Zur polarographischen Bestimmung einiger Schwermetalle in Abwasser und Abwasserrückständen
Authors: Willumeit E. , Ludwig H.
Published: July 2021

Die polarographische Bestimmung von Schwermetallen in Abwasserproben erfordert eine vorhergehende Mineralisation der organischen Inhaltsstoffe, wozu sich eine Kombination von Trocken‐ und Naßaufschluß eignet. Gleichzeitig werden Störungen in bestimmten Grundelektrolyten beseitigt. Die Schwermetallkonzentrationen liegen bei den untersuchten Klärschlämmen vor allem für Kupfer und Cadmium relativ hoch.
The influence of observations and ratings on implementation of discrete trial instruction
Authors: Romer Katie , Vladescu Jason C. , Marano Kathleen E. , Reeve Sharon A. , Sidener Tina M. , Campanaro Alexandra M.
Published: July 2021

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are often taught using discrete trial instruction. Because of low trainer‐to‐staff ratios commonly found in human service settings, research is needed to find an efficient method to train staff to implement discrete trial instruction with little to no in‐vivo training by a qualified trainer. One such technique is observing and rating the behavior of another individual. The resulting improvement in the observer's own behavior is referred to as the observer effect. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of conducting behavioral observations and ratings on staff implementation of discrete trial instruction. Staff trainees viewed videos of the implementation of each step, rated the accuracy of implementation, and conducted the procedure with a confederate consumer. The procedure was effective, and the effects extended to novel skills.
Controlled release of the drug for osteoporosis from the surface of titanium implants coated with calcium titanate
Authors: Sandomierski Mariusz , Zielińska Monika , Buchwald Tomasz , Patalas Adam , Voelkel Adam
Published: July 2021

The most popular drugs used to prevent osteoporosis that causes low mineral density and weakened microstructure of bones are bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates can be administered in several ways, but each delivery method has drawbacks. Due to this, new methods of their delivery are being sought. Titanium implants coated with calcium titanate were prepared in this work as carriers for bisphosphonates. Such a modification has been proposed in order to improve the therapeutic properties of the implant. Slow release of the drug at a constant level will positively affect the recovery process and osteointegration. Furthermore, the drug will be slowly released very close to the area affected by osteoporosis. These studies were confirmed, using a variety of methods: EDS and XPS (to examine surface modification and drug sorption), Raman mapping (to proof the presence of the drug on the entire surface of the material) and UV‐VIS spectroscopy (to determine bisphosphonate sorption and release profile). It was proved that the active substance (sorbed on the implant) could be completely released upon contact with body fluids within a month. The obtained results will allow for the production of endoprostheses dedicated to patients with osteoporosis in the future.
Structure–solubility and solvation energy relationships for propanol in different solvents using structural and empirical scales
Authors: Honarasa Fatemeh , Yousefinejad Saeed , Nekoeinia Mohsen
Published: July 2021

Research on the solubility ofn‐propanol in different solvents is important because of the wide applications ofn‐propanol in cosmetics, cleaning, printing, coatings, and chemical industries. The goal of this research was to investigate the structural or empirical properties of different solvents on the Ostwald solubility coefficient ofn‐propanol. In this research, two different approaches, that is, linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) and quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR), have been used to predict and descript the gas‐solvent partition coefficient ofn‐propanol, as its solubility index, in 36 different solvents. In the suggested LSER model, the role of solvent–solute interactions on the solubility ofn‐propanol as a physicochemical property can be investigated. In addition to structural features, which were used in the QSPR model, the interpretation of the LSER model showed that the donor number of solvents, modified polarity scale of solvents, and entropy of solvation are three important parameters in the Ostwald solubility coefficient ofn‐propanol.
Elevated serum eotaxin and IP‐10 levels as potential biomarkers for the detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chang Chen , Wang Min‐Jie , Bi Xiao‐Feng , Fan Zhi‐Yuan , Feng Dan , Cai Hong‐Qing , Zhang Yu , Xu Xin , Cai Yan , Qi Jun , Wei Wen‐Qiang , Hao Jia‐Jie , Wang Ming‐Rong
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

Esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) is one of the leading malignant cancers with a high incidence and mortality. Exploring novel serum biomarkers will help improve the management and monitoring of ESCC.

Methods

In the present study, we first used a ProcartaPlex Array to screen for serum proteins that were increased in 40 ESCC patients compared with matched normal controls; we found that eight proteins (IL‐2, IL‐5, IP‐10, IL‐8, eotaxin, TNF‐α, HGF, and MIP‐1b) had higher serum levels in ESCC patients than in normal controls. We further verified the clinical relevance of the candidate biomarkers with a larger sample of sera.

Results

In the 174 tested ESCC patients and 189 normal controls, the serum levels of eotaxin and IP‐10 were significantly higher in patients than in normal controls (p = 0.0038, 0.0031). In particular, these two proteins were also elevated in the sera of patients with early‐stage (0‐IIA) ESCC (p = 0.0041, 0.0412). When combining CEA and CYFRA21‐1 (in use clinically) with eotaxin or IP‐10, the effectiveness of detecting ESCC was superior to that of CEA and/or CYFRA21‐1 alone. Moreover, the serum level of eotaxin dropped significantly after surgical resection of primary tumors compared with that in preoperative ESCC samples (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The data suggest that serum eotaxin and IP‐10 might be potential biomarkers for the detection of ESCC.
Association between the use of social networking sites and mental health of young generation in Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Islam Md. Rabiul , Jannath Sanjida , Moona Amena A. , Akter Shahinur , Hossain Md. Jamal , Islam Sardar M. A.
Published: July 2021

The social networking sites (SNS) are popular among people of all levels. Here we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the use of SNS and the mental health of the young generation in Bangladesh. We conducted this cross‐sectional study among 791 subjects aged between 15 and 40 years. Self‐reported questionnaires were used to collect demographics and SNS usage patterns of the respondents. We have measured the levels of loneliness, depression, generalized anxiety, and sleep disturbance using the recommended mental health assessment scales. The estimations of loneliness, depression, generalized anxiety, and sleep disturbance among the respondents were 64%, 38%, 63%, and 75%, respectively. Young adults, female sex, unmarried individuals, students, and urban residents reported higher psychological issues regarding the SNS use. Reported mental health issues were associated with time spent in SNS, the number of friends and groups connected with, personal beliefs, and feeling about SNS. A notable association between the use of SNS and the mental health issues of users has been ascertained. The present study findings might have significant implications in the field of clinical psychology and psychotherapy. Therefore, we recommend more comprehensive clinical interventions to find the tangible impact of SNS on the mental health of users.