bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annual 30 m dataset for glacial lakes in High Mountain Asia from 2008 to 2017
Authors: Chen Fang , Zhang Meimei , Guo Huadong , Allen Simon , Kargel Jeffrey S. , Haritashya Umesh K. , Watson C. Scott
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Atmospheric warming is intensifying glacier melting and
glacial-lake development in High Mountain Asia (HMA), and this could
increase glacial-lake outburst flood (GLOF) hazards and impact water
resources and hydroelectric-power management. There is therefore a pressing
need to obtain comprehensive knowledge of the distribution and area of
glacial lakes and also to quantify the variability in their sizes and types
at high resolution in HMA. In this work, we developed an HMA glacial-lake
inventory (Hi-MAG) database to characterize the annual coverage of glacial
lakes from 2008 to 2017 at 30 m resolution using Landsat satellite imagery.
Our data show that glacial lakes exhibited a total area increase of
90.14 km2 in the period 2008–2017, a +6.90 % change relative to
2008 (1305.59±213.99 km2). The annual increases in the number
and area of lakes were 306 and 12 km2, respectively, and the greatest
increase in the number of lakes occurred at 5400 m elevation, which
increased by 249. Proglacial-lake-dominated areas, such as the
Nyainqêntanglha and central Himalaya, where more than half of the
glacial-lake area (summed over a 1∘ × 1∘
grid) consisted of proglacial lakes, showed obvious lake-area expansion.
Conversely, some regions of eastern Tibetan mountains and Hengduan Shan,
where unconnected glacial lakes occupied over half of the total lake area in
each grid, exhibited stability or a slight reduction in lake area. Our
results demonstrate that proglacial lakes are a main contributor to recent
lake evolution in HMA, accounting for 62.87 % (56.67 km2) of the
total area increase. Proglacial lakes in the Himalaya ranges alone accounted
for 36.27 % (32.70 km2) of the total area increase. Regional
geographic variability in debris cover, together with trends in warming and
precipitation over the past few decades, largely explains the current
distribution of supraglacial- and proglacial-lake area across HMA. The Hi-MAG
database is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4275164
(Chen et al., 2020), and it can be used for studies of the complex interactions between glaciers, climate and glacial lakes, studies of GLOFs, and water resources.
OceanSODA-ETHZ: a global gridded data set of the surface ocean carbonate system for seasonal to decadal studies of ocean acidification
Authors: Gregor Luke , Gruber Nicolas
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Ocean acidification has profoundly altered the ocean's carbonate chemistry since preindustrial times, with potentially serious consequences for marine life. Yet, no long-term, global observation-based data set exists that allows us to study changes in ocean acidification for all carbonate system parameters over the last few decades. Here, we fill this gap and present a methodologically consistent global data set of all relevant surface ocean parameters, i.e., dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA), partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), pH, and the saturation state with respect to mineral CaCO3 (Ω) at a monthly resolution over the period 1985 through 2018 at a spatial resolution of 1∘×1∘. This data set, named OceanSODA-ETHZ, was created by extrapolating in time and space the surface ocean observations of pCO2 (from the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas, SOCAT) and total alkalinity (TA; from the Global Ocean Data Analysis Project, GLODAP) using the newly developed Geospatial Random Cluster Ensemble Regression (GRaCER) method (code available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4455354, Gregor, 2021). This method is based on a two-step (cluster-regression) approach but extends it by considering an ensemble of such cluster regressions, leading to improved robustness. Surface ocean DIC, pH, and Ω were then computed from the globally mapped pCO2 and TA using the thermodynamic equations of the carbonate system. For the open ocean, the cluster-regression method estimates pCO2 and TA with global near-zero biases and root mean squared errors of 12 µatm and 13 µmol kg−1, respectively. Taking into account also the measurement and representation errors, the total uncertainty increases to 14 µatm and 21 µmol kg−1, respectively. We assess the fidelity of the computed parameters by comparing them to direct observations from GLODAP, finding surface ocean pH and DIC global biases of near zero, as well as root mean squared errors of 0.023 and 16 µmol kg−1, respectively. These uncertainties are very comparable to those expected by propagating the total uncertainty from pCO2 and TA through the thermodynamic computations, indicating a robust and conservative assessment of the uncertainties. We illustrate the potential of this new data set by analyzing the climatological mean seasonal cycles of the different parameters of the surface ocean carbonate system, highlighting their commonalities and differences. Further, this data set provides a novel constraint on the global- and basin-scale trends in ocean acidification for all parameters. Concretely, we find for the period 1990 through 2018 global mean trends of 8.6 ± 0.1 µmol kg−1 per decade for DIC, −0.016 ± 0.000 per decade for pH, 16.5 ± 0.1 µatm per decade for pCO2, and −0.07 ± 0.00 per decade for Ω. The OceanSODA-ETHZ data can be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.25921/m5wx-ja34 (Gregor and Gruber, 2020).
2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines*
Authors: Quimby Jessica , Gowland Shannon , Carney Hazel C. , DePorter Theresa , Plummer Paula , Westropp Jodi
Published: March 2021

The guidelines, authored by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine, are an update and extension of the AAFP–AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines published in 2010. The guidelines are published simultaneously in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (volume 23, issue 3, pages 211–233, DOI: 10.1177/1098612X21993657) and the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (volume 57, issue 2, pages 51–72, DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7189). A noteworthy change from the earlier guidelines is the division of the cat’s lifespan into a five-stage grouping with four distinct age-related stages (kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior) as well as an end-of-life stage, instead of the previous six. This simplified grouping is consistent with how pet owners generally perceive their cat’s maturation and aging process, and provides a readily understood basis for an evolving, individualized, lifelong feline healthcare strategy. The guidelines include a comprehensive table on the components of a feline wellness visit that provides a framework for systematically implementing an individualized life stage approach to feline healthcare. Included are recommendations for managing the most critical health-related factors in relation to a cat’s life stage. These recommendations are further explained in the following categories: behavior and environmental needs; elimination; life stage nutrition and weight management; oral health; parasite control; vaccination; zoonoses and human safety; and recommended diagnostics based on life stage. A discussion on overcoming barriers to veterinary visits by cat owners offers practical advice on one of the most challenging aspects of delivering regular feline healthcare.
Apresentação
Authors: Guilherme Ana Julia , Rugeri Talita Cristine
Published: March 2021

Apresentação do primeiro número do sétimo volume da Revista Sociologias Plurais
Plural de intelectual, Mário Pedrosa
Authors: Di Carlo Josnei , Czajka Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Texto de abertura do Dossiê Mario Pedrosa, 120 anos.
Impact of Taxation on Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: New Evidence Based on a New Data Set
Authors: Gbato André
Published: March 2021

In this study, we empirically test impact of taxation on long-run growth of a sample of 32 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The results indicate a zero effect of taxation on long-run growth. Moreover, the results suggest a significant negative effect of indirect taxes and taxes on individuals in short term. Consequently, the use of taxation as an instrument of intervention is not appropriate in the region. The countries of the region could therefore increase their growth, if the design of fiscal policy rests solely on logic of fiscal neutrality.
Functional Outcome of Kyphoplasty in Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures in Patients with Severe Disability Above 60 Years of Age: Mid to Long Term Follow up
Authors: Abdelrahman Taher , Smith Matthew , Opara Thompson N. , Ahmed Awaiz , Kotrba Michael
Published: March 2021

Background. Vertebral osteoporotic fractures are a worldwide problem and can cause significant morbidity.
Material and methods. retrospective analysis reviewing functional outcome of 70 patients who underwent balloon-kyphoplasty(BK). Inclusion criteria, a-patients above 60 years of age b-symptomatic patients who failed conservative treatment c-radiological diagnosis of vertebral compression fracture(VCF). Primary outcome was evaluation of functional outcome in mid- (1-3 years) and long term (>3 years). Secondary outcomes a-analysis of the functional outcome of patients with severe disability or worse in mid- and long-term b-comparison of functional outcome between mid-term and long term follow-up c-correlate number of levels operated on with functional outcome.
Results: There were 70 patients with average age of 74 years. Lumbar and thoracic VCFs were included. Average follow-up was 2.7 years. Twenty-eight patients had long-term follow-up of ≥ 3 years and the remaining 42 had mid-term follow-up of > 1 year and < 3 years. All patients experienced clinical and statistically significant improvement in their Oswestry Disability Index score. This was the case in mid-term and long-term follow-up. This was also the case for patients presenting with severe disability. There was no correlation between the number of levels and functional outcome.
Conclusions. 1. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are fragility fractures and can be associated with significant morbidity. 2. Surgical treatment can help improve functional outcome on failure of conservative treatment. 3. Balloon kyphoplasty can significantly improve pa­tients’ functional outcome in mid-term and long-term follow-up including patients presenting with severe disability or worse. 4. This study is of value in consenting kyphoplasty patients as they can expect an improvement in their disability in the mid-to-long term
Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Management for Humeral Shaft Fractures; Preference Among Orthopaedic Surgeons
Authors: Kwaees Tariq A. , Zreik Nasri H. , Charalambous Charalambos P.
Published: March 2021

Background. Determining trends in managing humeral shaft fractures may help identify variation in practice which might benefit design of clinical guidance. We aimed to determine the practice of members of the British Elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS) in managing humeral shaft fractures.
Methods and materials. An electronic survey was sent to members of BESS. Questions related to preferred surgical and nonsurgical approaches for management of humeral shaft fractures. This was divided into management of proximal, middle and distal third diaphyseal fractures.
Results. 91 fully completed responses were analysed. Nonsurgical management was preferred by 90.1% (n=82) for middle-third and 80.2 % (n=73) for proximal third fractures but there was an almost even split in favouring surgical (52.7%, n=48) and nonsurgical (42.8%, n=39) treatment for distal third fractures. There was great variation in how to deal with a humeral shaft fracture associated with radial nerve palsy with an almost equal divide between those favouring a surgical and nonsurgical approach for mid-shaft or distal third fractures.
Conclusions. 1. The management preference for humeral shaft fractures amongst surgeons is highly variable. 2. This may be partly attributed to the sparsity of high-quality evidence. 3. Well-designed randomised trials or pro­spective cohort studies may help further guide management of these injuries.
Integration of multi-sectoral activities in protecting children from violence – barriers and models of development
Authors: Jarosz Ewa
Published: March 2021

Intersectoral cooperation is widely recommended strategy in child protection. However despite many efforts to develop it, the real picture of intersectoral collaboration still is not enough satisfying. Researchers identify many factors that are obstacles to its development. Based on the analysis of the practice some models for constructing and improving intersectoral cooperation are suggested. The aim of the paper is to present main barriers of this collaboration as well as to present an example of a functional model that helps to construct intersectoral collaboration in a local environment.
Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composites for Improving Impact Properties
Authors: SHEN Chuanliang , XU Xiaodong , MA Xiaoyu , HU Yibo , ZHANG Shan , DU Yingchen , GAO Zhenhai
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the method to improve the property that can decrease the impact response of composite plate. Embedding the super-elastic shape memory alloy wires into composite plates has increased the attention of material researchers. Super-elastic shape memory alloy has the properties of absorbing mechanical energy, large recoverable deformation and so on. In this study, experiments were conducted to analyze the impact properties of composite plates with Ni-Ti SMA wires. Composite plates with Ni-Ti SMA wires and without Ni-Ti SMA wires were subjected to two impacts respectively. This study measured the responses of two impacts. The results showed that the composite plate with Ni-Ti SMA wires were subjected to a second impact with a peak deflection of 5.47 mm, which was only 0.22 mm larger than the first impact. The relevant data of the composite plate without Ni-Ti SMA wires were 9.02 mm, 1.22 mm, and serious damage occurred. It was verified that the Ni-Ti SMA wires improved the impact resistance of the composite plate. After studying the impact tests of variable diameters of SMA wires embedded at the low layer of composite plate, it was shown that as the diameter of SMA wires increased, the impact resistance of composite plates was improved.
Ready to React: Contextualizing the Visegrad Group’s Energy Cooperation
Authors: Osička Jan , Černoch Filip , Lehotský Lukáš , Kimbrell Colin , Zapletalová Veronika
Published: March 2021

The Visegrad Group ranks among the most visible examples of regional cooperation in Europe. Within the Group’s agenda, cooperation on energy policy appears to be especially important and it is also a field in which the Platform is considered to perform especially well. This article provides an account of what ‘energy cooperation’ is according to the Platform itself. Specifically, it seeks to find out which energy policy issues are reflected by the Platform, how their reflection has evolved over time, and how they are framed (made sense of). To find out, all the official documents and communications issued by the V4 between 2000 and 2018, totalling approximately 660,000 words of text, were thoroughly examined using three separate analytical approaches. The results show that energy indeed features prominently in the V4 agenda with a focus on energy security – tacitly understood as security of (natural gas) supply – and pursuing common interests within the EU. The results also indicate that the energy cooperation is largely reactive, with the V4 much more likely to find common positions and agree on joint actions when facing external pressures. Especially since 2015, the cooperation has been chiefly defined by common resistance to the ambitious climate policies pursued by the EU. The article concludes by suggesting that Visegrad energy cooperation is likely overrated and that there is little evidence in the documents of the Platform that this agenda represents an ‘especially successful’ field of cooperation.
Margaret Canovan and Hannah Arendt
Authors: King Richard H. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2021

Professor Margaret Canovan wrote two studies of the work of German-Jewish émigré political theorist, Hannah Arendt (1906-75). The first, The Political Thought of Hannah Arendt, appeared in 1974, while Hannah Arendt: A Reinterpretation of Her Political Thought was published in 1992. Both were intended for the Anglophone world, especially the US and Great Britain, although Arendt’s reception was more favorable in America where she settled in 1941 than in the UK. An historian of political thought at Keele University, UK, Canovan was ideal to bring Arendt to a general academic audience not to aim at a highly specialized readership deeply grounded in German thought. Though Canovan emphasized the conservative dimensions of Arendt’s thought, her conclusion was, finally, that Arendt’s political thought was a form of modern “republicanism” not an argument for inherited political traditions or a plea for New Left radicalism. It was a plea for pluralism, as it were.
¿Por qué lo llaman 'content curator' cuando quieren decir documentalista?
Authors: Sanz Martos Sandra
Published: March 2021

La múltiple eclosión de nuevos perfiles profesionales gestados en el seno de la denominada web social es un fenómeno imparable. Ya comenté hace unos meses la figura del community manager y la falta de consenso existente entorno a sus funciones. Es el turno ahora del content curator, el cual, a diferencia del anterior, tiene su papel mucho mejor definido aunque quizás no es tan novedoso como algunos piensan.
Herramientas para leer sin ver
Authors: Ollé Candela
Published: March 2021

En la red hay menos barreras para quienes tienen una discapacidad visual. Pueden leer y navegar por webs accesibles, y gracias a los programas desarrollados para ellos, cada vez lo pueden conseguir de una manera más rápida ganando en comodidad y autonomía. A pesar de los avances, todavía queda mucho trabajo y concienciación por delante.
You Are Here
Authors: Phillips Whitney , Milner Ryan M.
Published: March 2021

How to understand a media environment in crisis, and how to make things better by approaching information ecologically.

Our media environment is in crisis. Polarization is rampant. Polluted information floods social media. Even our best efforts to help clean up can backfire, sending toxins roaring across the landscape. In You Are Here, Whitney Phillips and Ryan Milner offer strategies for navigating increasingly treacherous information flows. Using ecological metaphors, they emphasize how our individual me is entwined within a much larger we, and how everyone fits within an ever-shifting network map.

Phillips and Milner describe how our poisoned media landscape came into being, beginning with the Satanic Panics of the 1980s and 1990s—which, they say, exemplify “network climate change”—and proceeding through the emergence of trolling culture and the rise of the reactionary far right (as well as its amplification by journalists) during and after the 2016 election. They explore the history of conspiracy theories in the United States, focusing on those concerning the Deep State; explain why old media literacy solutions fail to solve new media literacy problems; and suggest how we can navigate the network crisis more thoughtfully, effectively, and ethically. We need a network ethics that looks beyond the messages and the messengers to investigate toxic information's downstream effects.
Las batallas por los significados en las democracias posdictatoriales. Una comparación entre Chile y España
Authors: Vera Gajardo Sandra
Published: March 2021

El presente artículo compara Chile y España en base a tres marcos de interpretación colectiva predominantes de las trayectorias posdictatoriales (transición, memoria y derechos humanos). En esta comparación se identifica que la unión entre memoria y derechos humanos es propia de Chile desde el fin de la dictadura, mientras que en España resulta ser una alianza estratégica reciente. En ambos países el marco de la transición política puede tener encuentros con el discurso de la memoria y de los derechos humanos dependiendo del potencial conflictivo que mantengan estos últimos.
Transformar desde el territorio. Hacia una política pública comunal de migraciones. El caso de estudio de la comuna de La Pintana, Santiago de Chile
Authors: Gutiérrez Juan Pablo
Published: March 2021

El presente trabajo comienza por describir los principales conceptos asociados a la inmigración internacional presente hoy en Chile para luego profundizar/analizar el modelo de trabajo que un municipio en particular, el de La Pintana (Santiago de Chile), realiza en la materia. El texto aborda la historicidad de las iniciativas locales de la comuna señalada tendientes al acompañamiento de este grupo de la población, para luego explicitar de manera directa las líneas de acción actuales que el municipio contempla y el respectivo análisis de resultados de las mismas. Desde un abordaje epistémico preocupado fundamentalmente de los métodos de trabajo que se llevan adelante y, desde la utilización de un método de investigación mixto para la obtención de resultados; la investigación busca conocer la estrategia que la Municipalidad de La Pintana lleva adelante para la creación de su primera política pública comunal en materia de migraciones internacionales y personas solicitantes de refugio.
Seismic Ground Response Analysis Based on Multilayer Perceptron and Convolution Neural Networks
Authors: Hong Seokgyeong , Ahn Jaehun
Published: March 2021

The importance of establishing a disaster prevention plan considering seismic performance is being highlighted to reduce damage to structures caused by earthquakes. Earthquake waves propagate from the bedrock to the ground surface through the soil. During the transmission process, they are amplified in a specific frequency range, and the degree of amplification depends mainly on the characteristics of the ground. Therefore, a seismic response analysis process is essential for enhancing the reliability of the seismic design. We propose a model for predicting seismic waves on the surface from seismic waves measured on the bedrock based on Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and validate the applicability of the proposed model with Spectral Acceleration (SA). Both the proposed models based on MLP and CNN successfully predicted the seismic response of the surface. The CNN-based model performed better than the MLP-based model, with a 10% smaller average error. We plan to implement the physical properties of the ground, such as shear wave velocity, to create a more versatile model in the future.
Natural Frequencies of Model Piers under Different Ground Support Conditions
Authors: Kim Youngdae , Lee Jong-Sub , Lee Il-Wha , Yu Jung-Doung
Published: March 2021

The natural frequency is critical for evaluating the integrity of bridge piers. However, the natural frequency of bridge piers can vary with the support condition of the ground. The aim of this study is to investigate the natural frequency of bridge piers under different ground conditions and at different embedded depths using a small-scale concrete pier. The model piers were fixed to asphalt concrete pavement using epoxy to simulate the rock site condition. Furthermore, model piers of different embedded depths were installed in a soil chamber with dimensions of 1.0 m × 1.0 m × 0.5 m to simulate weathered soil conditions. The upper part of the model pier was hit with a hammer having a rubber tip, and the acceleration signals were measured using three accelerometers installed at the upper, middle, and bottom parts of the model pier. Fast Fourier transforms were performed to analyze the natural frequencies of the model piers. The experimental results showed that the natural frequency under the fixed condition using epoxy was significantly higher than that under the unfixed condition. In the case of weathered soil conditions, three peak points appeared in the frequency domain. The natural frequencies measured at these three points increased with the embedded depth. The increment ratio of the natural frequency with the largest amplitude was significant. This study demonstrates that ground support conditions should be considered when evaluating the integrity of bridge piers through natural frequency analysis.
Estimation of the Spatial Impact of the Pohang Earthquake on Regional Economies: Development of the SCGE Model
Authors: Kim Euijune , Kim Byula , Yoon Dong Keun
Published: March 2021

This study analyzes the spatial effects of the Pohang earthquake on regional economies by developing a spatial computational general equilibrium (SCGE) model. The model is composed of regional modules of production and consumption and is linked with a transport demand model at the city and county levels. The effects are measured using changes in the gross regional product (GRP) derived from increases in travel time costs from the collapse of road networks by an earthquake. Three scenarios are considered in this study in terms of external shocks to changes in production capacities (capital stocks) and travel time costs. Counter-factual experiments show that the earthquake in Pohang may have led to economic losses in other regions besides the area in which the earthquake occurred. Results showed a decline in gross domestic product by 0.58%, GRP by 3.69% for southern Daegu in zones directly influenced by the earthquake, and 0.64% for capital regions in zones indirectly influenced by the earthquake. These negative outcomes on the economies depended on much more direct damage to production facilities rather than indirect damage such as the collapse of road networks after an earthquake.
Development of an Advection-diffusion Model Using Depth-integrated Equations Based on GPU Acceleration
Authors: Hwang Sooncheol , Son Sangyoung
Published: March 2021

A scalar transport model is developed by adding a depth-averaged advection-diffusion equation to Celeris Advent, which is a Boussinesq-type numerical model that utilizes GPU acceleration. The hybrid finite volume-finite difference method is used to guarantee numerical stability along with the high accuracy of the Boussinesq equation. The advective and diffusive terms are numerically discretized using the finite volume and finite difference methods, respectively. Results of a one-dimensional scalar advection benchmark test showed that the scalar advection by the proposed model was very close to the analytical solution without any remarkable numerical diffusion. In addition, two benchmark tests using experimental data from different hydraulic experiments were numerically reproduced, and the computed results and observed data for scalar transport were found to be in good agreement. The developed model is expected to contribute to real-time disaster prediction for contaminant spills and can assist in preparing countermeasures for these types of disasters.
Establishing intellectual disability as the key feature of patients with biallelic RNPC3 variants
Authors: Yamada Mamiko , Ono Masae , Ishii Tomohiro , Suzuki Hisato , Uehara Tomoko , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: March 2021

Some mammalian genes contain both major and minor introns, the splicing of which require distinctive major and minor spliceosomes, respectively; these genes are referred to as minor intron containing‐genes. RNPC3 (RNA‐binding domain‐containing protein 3) is one of the proteins that are unique to the minor spliceosome U11/U12 di‐snRNP. Only two families with biallelic pathogenic variants in the RNPC3 gene encoding the protein have been reported so far, and the affected members in both families had proportional short stature. While the affected members of the originally identified family did not have intellectual disability, the patients from the other family exhibited intellectual disability. Here, we report on a patient with severe primordial microcephalic dwarfism and intellectual disability who carried compound heterozygous variants in RNPC3 (NM_017619.3): c.261dup, p.Leu88Thrfs*11 and c.1228T>G, p.Phe410Val. The single nucleotide substitution c.1228T>G had a very high predictive score for pathogenicity: the p.Phe410 residue is highly conserved down to fish. Based on ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics) guideline, this non‐synonymous variant was scored as likely pathogenic. This documentation of yet another patient with biallelic RNPC3 variants exhibiting intellectual disability lends further support to the notion that intellectual disability is a key feature of the spectrum of RNPC3‐related disorders.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Cogstate Brief Battery for prevalent MCI and prodromal AD (MCI A+T+) in a population‐based sample
Authors: Alden Eva C. , Pudumjee Shehroo B. , Lundt Emily S. , Albertson Sabrina M. , Machulda Mary M. , Kremers Walter K. , Jack Clifford R. , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Mielke Michelle M. , Stricker Nikki H.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a population‐based sample.

Methods

Participants included adults ages 50+ classified as cognitively unimpaired (CU, n = 2866) or MCI (n = 226), and a subset with amyloid (A) and tau (T) positron emission tomography who were AD biomarker negative (A–T–) or had prodromal AD (A+T+).

Results

Diagnostic accuracy of the Learning/Working Memory Composite (Lrn/WM) for discriminating all CU and MCI was moderate (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.75), but improved when discriminating CU A–T– and MCI A+T+ (AUC = 0.93) and when differentiating MCI participants without AD biomarkers from those with prodromal AD (AUC = 0.86). Conventional cut‐offs yielded lower than expected sensitivity for both MCI (38%) and prodromal AD (73%).

Discussion

Clinical utility of the CBB for detecting MCI in a population‐based sample is lower than expected. Caution is needed when using currently available CBB normative data for clinical interpretation.
Alzheimer's disease alters oligodendrocytic glycolytic and ketolytic gene expression
Authors: Saito Erin R. , Miller Justin B. , Harari Oscar , Cruchaga Carlos , Mihindukulasuriya Kathie A. , Kauwe John S. K. , Bikman Benjamin T.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) is strongly correlated with impaired brain glucose metabolism, which may affect AD onset and progression. Ketolysis has been suggested as an alternative pathway to fuel the brain.

Methods

RNA‐seq profiles of post mortem AD brains were used to determine whether dysfunctional AD brain metabolism can be determined by impairments in glycolytic and ketolytic gene expression. Data were obtained from the Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (62 cases; 13 controls), Mount Sinai Brain Bank (110 cases; 44 controls), and the Mayo Clinic Brain Bank (80 cases; 76 controls), and were normalized to cell type: astrocytes, microglia, neurons, oligodendrocytes.

Results

In oligodendrocytes, both glycolytic and ketolytic pathways were significantly impaired in AD brains. Ketolytic gene expression was not significantly altered in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.

Discussion

Oligodendrocytes may contribute to brain hypometabolism observed in AD. These results are suggestive of a potential link between hypometabolism and dysmyelination in disease physiology. Additionally, ketones may be therapeutic in AD due to their ability to fuel neurons despite impaired glycolytic metabolism.
Quantum Mechanical Calculations for Biomass Valorization over Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
Authors: Yeh Jyun‐Yi , Li Shih‐Cheng , Chen Celine H. , Wu Kevin C.‐W. , Li Yi‐Pei
Published: March 2021

Metal‐organic framework (MOF) in biomass valorization is a promising technology developed in recent decades. By tailoring both the metal nodes and organic ligands, MOFs exhibit multiple functionalities, which not only extend their applicability in biomass conversion but also increase the complexity of material designs. To address this issue, quantum mechanical simulations have been used to provide mechanistic insights into the catalysis of biomass‐derived molecules, which could potentially facilitate the development of novel MOF‐based materials for biomass valorization. The aim of this review is to survey recent quantum mechanical simulations on biomass reactions occurring in MOF catalysts, with the emphasis on the studies of the catalytic activity of active sites and the effects of organic ligand and porous structures on the kinetics. Moreover, different model systems and computational methods used for MOF simulations are also surveyed and discussed in this review.
Potable Reuse Trends and Challenges: A Conversation With the Editorial Board of the AWWA Water Science Topical Collection on Potable Reuse
Authors: Howe Kerry J. , Alspach Brent , Bellona Christopher , Minton Julie , Tchobanoglous George
Published: March 2021

Key Takeaways

In 2020, AWWA Water Science published a topical collection on potable reuse that aimed to address questions raised by increasing demand for water reuse.

Topics in the collection included source water management, pathogen detection and treatment, communications and outreach, and socioeconomics of potable reuse.

In an interview, the collection's guest editors discuss the lessons they have learned and the future challenges for potable reuse regulation and research.

Improving the feasibility and adoption of potable reuse will require additional research to ensure that it continues to be a safe and reliable water supply.
Perspectives and controversies regarding the use of natural products for the treatment of lung cancer
Authors: Wen Tingting , Song Lei , Hua Shucheng
Published: March 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality both in men and women and accounts for 18.4% of all cancer‐related deaths. Although advanced therapy methods have been developed, the prognosis of lung cancer patients remains extremely poor. Over the past few decades, clinicians and researchers have found that chemical compounds extracted from natural products may be useful for treating lung cancer. Drug formulations derived from natural compounds, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, have been successfully used as chemotherapeutics for lung cancer. In recent years, hundreds of new natural compounds that can be used to treat lung cancer have been found through basic and sub‐clinical research. However, there has not been a corresponding increase in the number of drugs that have been used in a clinical setting. The probable reasons may include low solubility, limited absorption, unfavorable metabolism, and severe side effects. In this review, we present a summary of the natural compounds that have been proven to be effective for the treatment of lung cancer, as well as an understanding of the mechanisms underlying their pharmacological effects. We have also highlighted current controversies and have attempted to provide solutions for the clinical translation of these compounds.
Reparative cell therapy for the heart: critical internal appraisal of the field in response to recent controversies
Authors: Povsic Thomas J. , Sanz‐Ruiz Ricardo , Climent Andreu M. , Bolli Roberto , Taylor Doris A. , Gersh Bernard J. , Menasché Philippe , Perin Emerson C. , Pompilio Giulio , Atsma Douwe E. , Badimon Lina , DeMaria Anthony N. , Hare Joshua M. , Henry Timothy D. , Janssens Stefan , Kastrup Jens , Torella Daniele , Traverse Jay H. , Willerson James T. , Fernández‐Avilés Francisco
Published: March 2021

The concept that cell‐based repair of myocardial injury might be possible was introduced almost two decades ago; however, the field of cardiovascular reparative medicine has been criticized as translation to clinically effective approaches has been slow. The recent retraction of a series of papers has further impacted perception of this area of research. As researchers, clinicians, and teachers in this field, we felt it incumbent to critically appraise the current state of cardiac cell repair, determine what can be learned from past mistakes, and formulate best practices for future work. This special communication summarizes an introspective assessment of what has fallen short, how to prevent similar issues, and how the field might best move forward in the service of science and patients.
Voltammetric Determination of Neotame by Using Chitosan/Nickelnanoparticles/Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes Biocomposite as a Modifier
Authors: İncebay Hilal , Saylakci Rumeysa
Published: March 2021

A selective and simple biosensor was prepared by immobilizing chitosan/nickelnanoparticles/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes biocomposite on the glassy carbon electrode surface for voltammetric quantification of neotame. The properties and morphology of the modified electrode surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). Electro oxidation of neotame on this modified surface was examined through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) techniques. The biocomposite modified surface (Chi/NiNPs/MWCNTs/GCE) proposed in this study showed good electrocatalytic activity for neotame with an improved voltammetric peak current at 1.004 V, unlike the bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface and several other modified surfaces. Under optimum conditions, Chi/NiNPs/MWCNTs/GCE gave linear SWV responses at the range of 2 μM ∼50 μM for neotame with 0.84 μM determination limit. This voltammetric sensor was successfully employed for the quantification of neotame on food samples and showed long‐term stability, advanced voltammetric behavior, and good repeatability. Selective, accurate, and precise determination of neotame highlight the importance of this electrode in monitoring the control of food additives and ensures attract a great deal of attention.
Gaseous emissions from co‐combustion of biosolids from the meat processing industry with wood
Authors: Virmond Elaine , Albrecht Waldir , Althoff Christine A. , Andersen Silvia L. F. , de Sena Rennio F. , Moreira Regina F. P. M. , José Humberto J.
Published: March 2021

Flotation sludge from the meat processing industry can be applied as biofuel in already existing plant‐scale boilers. This biosolid is rich in oil and grease and has higher energetic content on a dry ash‐free basis (22.74 and 27.71 MJ kg−1) than the wood‐based fuel (16.62 and 16.16 MJ kg−1). Co‐combustion trials were performed at a pilot‐scale cyclonic combustor (100 kg h−1) and at an industrial flamotubular rotatory grate‐fired system (6000 kg h−1), co‐firing pre‐dried and centrifuged flotation sludges (respectively) and wood at a mass ratio of 1:3. At a moisture content of 60.13 wt%, the lower heating value of the centrifuged sludge was 10.24% lower compared to wood, thus reducing it to at least 40 wt% would be advisable to obtain energy gains in the industrial plant when operating the co‐combustion. The emissions were evaluated and compared to emission standards, including the characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (given as Toxicity Equivalent Factors at O2ref = 7%), which have not yet been reported. The 16 target polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were identified at pilot and plant scales (0.582 ± 0.143 μg Nm−3 and 0.602 ± 0.506 μg Nm−3, respectively) being lower than the Danish reference standard (5.0 μg Nm−3). The polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans concentrations were 0.0004 ± 0.0001 ng Nm−3 at pilot scale and 0.3617 ± 0.1310 ng Nm−3 at plant scale, both below the Brazilian and American standards but differed greatly between the scales, requiring further investigation since their formation can occur due to combustion and postcombustion conditions.
Improvement of performance and emission in a lean‐burn gas fueled spark ignition engine by using a new pre‐chamber
Authors: Kheyrollahi Javad , Jafarmadar Samad , Khalilarya Shahram , Amini Niaki Seyed Reza
Published: March 2021

Lean burn combustion of natural gas in spark‐ignited engines is a promising approach to improving engine performance and efficiency by reducing pollutant emissions and better fuel consumption. However, inducing excessive lean mixture to the engine makes the combustion unstable, and misfire happens in a significant number of cycles. The pre‐chamber ignition technology is a useful solution that can make spark‐ignition engines more efficient. In this study, the lean mixture's combustion was empirically investigated with a new pre‐chamber spark plug in a one‐cylinder engine fueled with natural gas. Tests were performed at 11.5, 13.5, and 16 compression ratios and a wide range of air‐fuel ratios. With the pre‐chamber spark plug usage, the lean operating limit is enlarged by 10%–45% and gives 4% and 3% the average lower in‐cylinder pressure and exhaust gas temperature than the conventional spark ignition system. The brake‐specific fuel consumption was improved by 4%–11% using the pre‐chamber spark ignition. The HC, CO, and NOx formation is about 11%, 16.3%, and 10% lower than the conventional spark ignition usage. Outcomes confirmed that the new design pre‐chamber plug gives 1% improved COVIMEP than the standard spark plug. The use of pre‐chamber due to the lean‐burn combustion causes larger ignition delay and increases brake thermal efficiency by up to 9%. It can be concluded that the pre‐chamber increases the ignition ability, and the lean mixture limit is extended.
Improved decolorization of dye wastewater and enhanced power output in the electrically stacked microbial fuel cells with H2O2 modified corncob anodes
Authors: Sonu Kumar , Sogani Monika , Syed Zainab , Dongre Aman , Sharma Gopesh
Published: March 2021

The key operational constraints of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology in achieving its due potential are the high cost of electrodes and the difficulties in scaling up. To address these issues, carbonized corncob anodes were prepared and modified with the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to increase the oxygenated functional groups favoring the extracellular electron transfer between the microbes and electrodes. Compared to the MFC with anode without any modification, that is, bare anode, the single chambered MFC with 20% H2O2 modified anode exhibited excellent electro‐catalytic activity and a 91% decrease in the internal resistance (decreased from 35 ± 0.5 to 3.0 ± 0.6 kΩ) along with 89% increase in the maximum power density (increased from 8.8 ± 0.7 to 89.7 ± 0.6 mW/m2). MFCs with 20% H2O2 modified anode resulted in high decolorization efficiency of real dye wastewater (RDW) up to 92% which is 18% higher than that of the MFC with the bare anode. In order to boost the power output, the system was designed and studied by electrically stacking the 24 individual units of the MFC with the modified anode into parallel and series configurations. In parallel stacking and series stacking, the power output was 18.9 and 13.5 times higher than the single MFC unit, respectively. The RDW degradation rate was in the order of parallel stack > series stack > single MFC unit.
Silver nanoparticle filter for domestic wastewater reuse
Authors: Gagneten Ana M , Romero Natalí , Reno Ulises , Regaldo Luciana , Kergaravat Silvina V , Rodenak‐Kladniew Boris E , Castro Guillermo R
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Under scarcity of freshwater, the reuse and low‐cost technological solutions applied to wastewaters seek to reduce contamination to the users and freshwater biota.

RESULTS

A low‐cost cellulose membrane was doped with silver nanoparticles to filter urban wastewater (UW) from a city in Argentina. The total amount of coliforms and Escherichia coli in the filter decreased by 99.6% and 99.9%, respectively. The leak of silver from the filter was 275 ng L−1, analyzed by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Silver nanoparticles tested on HepG2 and A549 mammalian cell lines showed no toxicity in a broad concentration range. Calculation of the organic matter provided by dead bacteria post‐filtration was 347 μg L−1 proteins, 148 μg L−1 nucleic acids, 57 μg L−1 lipids, and 53 μg L−1 polysaccharides, indicating high availability of organic matter. The retention of inorganic salts in the filter was 78.5% ammonia, 6.2% nitrates, 97.6% nitrites, and 19.2% phosphates. In post‐filtered UW, the Lactuca sativa germination test showed early seed germination between 90% and 95% in all the dilutions tested. In the range of 6.25% to 50.0%, filtered UW showed no significant differences in the hypocotyl but the difference was significant in the radicle length (mm) compared to the control made of synthetic media (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The development of a low‐cost filter based on cellulose membranes doped with silver nanoparticles allowed the reuse of wastewater for domestic purposes and garden irrigation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Preparation and characterization of leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin membrane derived from cats' blood
Authors: Castilho Maíra Sales , Rahal Sheila Canevese , Dias Neto Ramiro das Neves , Pereira Ana Cristina , Francia Camila Contin Diniz de Almeida , Mesquita Luciane dos Reis , Antunes Carina Bueno , Lainetti Patrícia de Faria , Fonseca‐Alves Carlos Eduardo
Published: March 2021

Autologous platelet concentrates have been used in regenerative medicine in humans due to the abundance of growth factors, but there are only a few reports in small animals. This study aimed to prepare and characterize a leukocyte and platelet‐rich fibrin membrane (L‐PRF) produced with blood obtained from cats. Thirteen client‐owned healthy adult Maine Coon cats were enrolled. The blood samples were collected and centrifuged at 650g for 12 min using a centrifuge specifically designed for this application. The L‐PRF clot was removed from the tube and red blood cell base layer was separated, leaving buffy coat intact. After this, L‐PRF clot was compressed by specialized metal plate for 30–60 s, and L‐PRF membrane was obtained. Light microscopy examination of the membranes showed three distinct layers: white part, buffy coat, and red part. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet derived growth factor. The scanning electron microscopy showed that three‐dimensional architecture of fibrin network was more compact in the area near the buffy coat. In conclusion, the method used allowed the characterization of the L‐PRF membrane composition, which presented cell types and fibrin network architecture similar to those described in the human species.