bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in strength owing to solidification treatment of weathered granite soil
Authors: Lee Sungyeol , Kim Sunggon , Baek Wonjin , Kwon Sungjin , Jung Changsung , Lee Junghoon
Published: June 2021

Recently, soil-cement is being increasingly used in various applications such as road pavements, slope protection, backfilling of earth walls, and improving soft ground, in order to increase the strength of the raw material soil. Therefore, in this study, the characteristics of changes in the unconfined compression strength of soil-cement were analyzed by adding a solidifying agent targeting granite soil, which is representatively distributed in Korea. Laboratory tests were conducted to analyze the changes in strength according to 1) curing conditions and fine contents, 2) inorganic solidifying agent, and 3) repeated effects of dry and wet conditions. The unconfined compression strength of soil-cement increased as the curing period and mixing ratio increased, and it was constant after 14 days of curing. In addition, weathered granite soil with relatively low fine contents showed a large increase in the unconfined compression strength. In addition, the strength increased with an increase in the solidifying agent added. X-ray-diffraction analysis showed that vermiculite was generated by adding cement and admixtures, and the strength was increased by filling the gap between the particles. Considering the results of this study, a relationship between the unconfined compression strength and the elastic modulus of soil-cement by treatment with a solidifying agent was proposed.
A Study on Resilience Analysis for Regional Drought Capacity Evaluation in South Korea
Authors: Lee Chan Wook , Hong Sungjin , Moon Gihoon , Yoo Do Guen
Published: June 2021

Increasing climate change is causing complex and diverse natural disasters that have never been experienced before. Recently, research and practical applications of the concept of resilience at the management level for these disasters have been presented. Drought is one of the disasters that lasts for a long time and takes a considerable amount of time for recovery, and resilience evaluations reflecting regional characteristics are needed. In this study, we aim to present the applicability of the resilience concept that reflects regional characteristics (whether or not drought has been experienced in the past) in droughts. To this end, 18 qualitative and quantitative indicators for the evaluation of drought resilience were proposed by judging overseas cases, data status, and domestic applicability. A methodology for calculating the proposed indicators through quantitative data analysis and surveys was presented, and detailed drought resilience evaluations were conducted based on two regions in Korea (Chungcheongnam-do and Chungcheongbuk-do). Through the resilience evaluation using this methodology, the drought response capacity of each local government could be comprehensively evaluated from various perspectives, and each determined factors for improving drought resilience. If a nationwide evaluation is conducted in the future based on these results, locally appropriate guidelines related to drought response and recovery can be established.
Single‐Mode, High‐Brightness, and High‐Speed VCSEL Arrays
Authors: Khan Zuhaib , Shi Jin‐Wei
Published: June 2021

Optical sources such as high‐brightness and high‐speed vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays are preferred for a variety of applications such as, LiDAR, 3‐D sensing, and free‐space optical communication (FSC). However, further improvement in depth of resolution and ranging distance for these time‐of‐flight (ToF)‐driven systems can be accomplished by using VCSEL arrays having high brightness (large output power and narrow divergence angle) and faster response time. However, to increase the output power of these VCSEL arrays to watt level, several light emission apertures (several hundreds) need to be connected in parallel, which results in large parasitic capacitance. Hence, RC‐limited bandwidth becomes an influential aspect that restricts the speed of these high‐power VCSEL arrays. In this review article, we discuss recent progresses in high‐power VCSEL arrays and our own achievements in this field. By using tensile strain (induced by electroplated copper substrate) and Zn‐diffusion technique, we elaborate our previous work in which we successfully demonstrated a novel VCSEL array having high power (3 W), highly single mode (SM), high brightness (1 e−2divergence angle, ∼10°), and single‐polarized output performance without increasing threshold current (Ith) and intra‐cavity loss. Furthermore, thanks to the oxide‐relief process, which has tendency to decrease the parasitic capacitance that leads to rise time of demonstrated VCSEL array as short as around 100 ps. This number is around ten times shorter than that of commercially available VCSEL arrays with the same output power level (∼3 W) at the same wavelength (∼940 nm).
Germline DNA damage repair gene mutations in pancreatic cancer patients with personal/family histories of pancreas/breast/ovarian/prostate cancer in a Japanese population
Authors: Hata Tatsuo , Mizuma Masamichi , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Ishida Masaharu , Ohtsuka Hideo , Nakagawa Kei , Morikawa Takanori , Furukawa Toru , Unno Michiaki
Published: June 2021

Aim

Cancer patients with personal/family histories of pancreatic/breast/ovarian/prostate cancer are associated with a higher likelihood of harboring DNA damage repair (DDR)‐related germline mutations. Here, we aimed to obtain a better understanding of DDR‐related germline mutations in Japanese pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients with personal and/or family histories of BRCA‐related cancers of the pancreas, breast, ovary, and prostate.

Methods

We performed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and evaluated germline mutations in nine DDR‐related genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, CHEK2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) in PDAC patients with personal and/or family histories.

Results

Of 196 patients with PDAC, 39 (19.9%) fulfilled the criteria for at least one family history of pancreatic/breast/ovarian/prostate cancer in first‐degree relatives (sibling–sibling or parent‐child) or the personal history of these malignancies. Targeted NGS revealed that four (10.2%) of 39 patients with personal/family histories harbored deleterious germline mutations—two in BRCA2, one in ATM, and one in MLH1. Both the BRCA2 variants showed frameshift mutations due to short insertion/deletions. In the 39 patients undergoing NGS, a similar distribution of the clinicopathological characteristics was observed between those with deleterious mutations/variants of unknown significance (VUSs) and with benign/wild types. Patients with deleterious germline mutations/VUSs in DDR‐related genes showed a significantly more favorable prognosis than those with benign mutations/wild‐type genes (hazard ratio: 0.160, P = .040).

Conclusions

A significant fraction of PDAC patients with personal/family histories of BRCA‐related cancers harbored deleterious germline mutations in DDR‐related genes. DDR‐related germline gene mutations might be a favorable prognostic factor in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Rapid Luminescent Enhancement Triggered by One‐shot Needlestick‐stimulus Using a Liquescent Gold(I) Salt
Authors: Zhang Di , Suzuki Shuichi , Naota Takeshi
Published: June 2021

Luminescence from a gold(I) complex with an N‐heterocycliccarbene‐based ligand, 1+⋅NTf2−, increased rapidly upon the application of one‐shot needlestick‐stimulus. The weakly orange‐emitting solid‐state of 1+⋅NTf2− was prepared by cooling its melted liquid to 90 °C. Upon applying a weak pinpoint stimulus with a needle, this weakly orange‐emitting solid state transformed into an intensively violet‐blue‐emitting state on a timescale of seconds. The emission after applying the stimulus could be visualized upon UV excitation even under ambient room light. This sequential phase transition from a stable solid to a liquid and then to a metastable solid could occur repeatedly without any measurable degradation of the complex. Various shapes could be prepared by casting the liquid‐state complex into molds of different designs. This rapid response is thought to be triggered by the flexible intermolecular interactions in the kinetically generated aggregates formed upon cooling the liquid state, and by the strong Au–Au interactions in the thermodynamically stable crystals after applying the needlestick‐stimulus.
Systematic Review of Preoperative Patient Readiness
Authors: Torres Gian Carlo S. , Fernandez Dennis F. , Ledbetter Leila , Relf Michael V.
Published: June 2021

Preoperative readiness indicates the patient’s capacity to process information, consider possible outcomes, and decide to undergo a surgical procedure. This systematic review examines how the term “patient readiness” is used in the literature and synthesizes how preoperative interventions address readiness. A medical librarian searched five electronic databases to identify articles published between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2019, that address studies including adult patients scheduled for surgery who participated in programs designed to foster readiness or studies that explored surgical readiness. After extracting 28 studies, the authors assessed the articles for quality and thematically synthesized them to describe actions and indicators of patient readiness according to the Perioperative Patient Focused Model. Readiness can positively influence surgical outcomes (eg, pain, satisfaction); however, there is a paucity of high‐level, quality evidence that discusses surgical readiness for perioperative care. Nurses should use the information in this review to improve patient‐centered preoperative care.
Time‐Dependent Analysis of Risk of New‐Onset Heart Failure Among Patients With Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
Authors: Lin Chun‐Yu , Chen Hung‐An , Hsu Tsai‐Ching , Wu Chun‐Hsin , Su Yu‐Jih , Hsu Chung‐Yuan
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the risk and time trends of heart failure (HF) leading to hospitalization in individuals newly diagnosed as having polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) relative to non‐PM/DM controls at the general population level.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a nationwide insurance database in Taiwan. Patients with incident PM/DM and without a history of HF were selected between 2000 and 2013. Unmatched and propensity score–matched cohorts were established separately. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the risk of HF in the unmatched cohort. In the propensity score–matched cohort, general population controls were selected and matched at a 1:1 ratio to the patients with PM/DM based on propensity scores, which accounted for the confounding factors of age, sex, index date (year) of first diagnosis, comorbidities, and medication usage. The cumulative incidence of HF was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. A stratified Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the HR for the risk of HF events at different follow‐up time points among patients with PM/DM compared with non‐PM/DM controls in the propensity score–matched cohort.

Results

In the unmatched cohort, the study assessed 2,025 patients with PM/DM and 196,109 general population controls. Results of multivariable Cox regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, and medication usage, revealed a greater risk of HF leading to hospitalization in the PM/DM group than in the control group (adjusted HR 3.29, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.60–4.18). After matching based on propensity score, a total of 1,997 pairs of PM/DM patients and general population controls were identified. In this propensity score–matched cohort, the cumulative incidence of HF in patients with PM/DM at 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years was 3.3%, 4.4%, and 7.4%, respectively. The absolute difference in HF risk in the PM/DM group compared with the control group was 1.8% at 3 years, 2.1% at 5 years, and 3.0% at 10 years. Compared with general population controls, patients with PM/DM exhibited an augmented risk of HF (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.36–3.12). Analyses stratified according to follow‐up time point revealed that the increased risk of HF persisted for up to 10 years after the PM/DM diagnosis.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the risk of HF leading to hospitalization was increased in patients with PM/DM throughout the study period, supporting the need for greater vigilance in the monitoring of patients with PM/DM for the development of this potentially lethal complication.
Isolation of lignin‐containing cellulose nanocrystals: life‐cycle environmental impacts and opportunities for improvement
Authors: Zargar Shiva , Jiang Jungang , Jiang Feng , Tu Qingshi
Published: June 2021

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) has recently been attracting great interest for its role in isolating nanocellulose owing to its distinct advantages of biodegradability, low toxicity, and recyclability. Lignin‐containing cellulose nanocrystals (LCNCs) obtained using DES pretreatment has led to an improvement in the production of nanomaterials. Understanding the potential environmental impacts of this novel technology at the laboratory scale provides important insights to improve its sustainability at full scale in the future. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of the production of LCNCs from thermomechanical pulp (TMP) following acidic DES pretreatment (using a binary system of ‘choline chloride – oxalic acid dihydrate’ or a ternary system of ‘choline chloride – oxalic acid dihydrate – p‐toluenesulfonic acid’) based on various laboratory trials. The evaluation was conducted through a cradle‐to‐gate life‐cycle assessment for global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP) and the cumulative energy demand (MJ). The average GWP, AP, and energy use were 39 kg CO2‐eq, 0.17 kg SO2‐eq, and 995 MJ per kg LCNCs, respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed that different degrees of reduction in environmental impact could be achieved by varying the input volume and/or reuse frequency of DES solutions. The largest reductions in GWP, AP, and energy use were achieved by reducing the input volume of DES solutions to 20% of its default value. The results of this LCA study illustrate the direction for future research and development (R&D) to further improve the sustainability of this DES‐mediated LCNC production technology. Through comparisons with the existing literature, this study also confirms the predominant contribution of chemical manufacturing to the overall environmental impacts of nanocellulose isolation technologies in general. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Geographical mobility and children’s non‐completion of upper secondary education in Finland and Germany: Do parental resources matter?
Authors: McMullin Patricia , Karhula Aleksi , Kilpi‐Jakonen Elina , Erola Jani
Published: June 2021

It is often assumed that families migrate to improve their economic and social prospects, and that these additional resources can benefit the whole family. However, existing research suggests that many children who have experienced (internal) migration underperform compared to their non‐migrating peers in terms of different socioeconomic outcomes. In this article, we study the effects of geographical mobility on children’s non‐completion of upper secondary education in Finland and Germany using Finnish register data and the German National Educational Panel Study. Our findings indicate that moving during childhood is associated with the risk of not attaining any secondary degree in both countries. In Finland, this is mostly explained by negative selection into moving (i.e. those who move are more likely to be disadvantaged). In Germany, however, an independent association between moving and educational attainment remains after taking into account various reasons why families move. Furthermore, for both Germany and Finland, any labour force status or earning gains parents make after a move do not seem to compensate for the negative influence of internal migration on children’s educational dropout. Overall, we conclude that geographically mobile children may be a vulnerable subgroup in the inter‐generational transmission of inequality, therefore schools have an important role to play in integrating internal migrants—as well as international migrants—into the social networks of the schools they arrive in.
Precise and reliable control of gene expression in Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Qian Yuanchao , Kong Wentao , Lu Ting
Published: June 2021

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil‐borne bacterium that is known for its DNA delivery ability and widely exploited for plant transformation. Despite continued interest in improving the utility of the organism, the lack of well‐characterized engineering tools limits the realization of its full potential. Here, we present a synthetic biology toolkit that enables precise and effective control of gene expression in A. tumefaciens. We constructed and characterized six inducible expression systems. Then, we optimized the one regulated by cumic acid through amplifier introduction and promoter engineering and evaluated its 15 cognate promoters. To establish fine‐tunability, we constructed a series of spacers and a promoter library to systematically modulate both translational and transcriptional rates. We finally demonstrated the application of the tools by co‐expressing genes with altered expression levels using a single signal. This study provides precise expression tools for A. tumefaciens, facilitating rational engineering of the bacterium for advanced plant biotechnological applications.
Polymer Nanodiscs and Their Bioanalytical Potential
Authors: Farrelly Michelle D. , Martin Lisandra L. , Thang San H.
Published: June 2021

Membrane proteins (MPs) play a pivotal role in cellular function and are therefore predominant pharmaceutical targets. Although detailed understanding of MP structure and mechanistic activity is invaluable for rational drug design, challenges are associated with the purification and study of MPs. This review delves into the historical developments that became the prelude to currently available membrane mimetic technologies before shining a spotlight on polymer nanodiscs. These are soluble nanosized particles capable of encompassing MPs embedded in a phospholipid ring. The expanding range of reported amphipathic polymer nanodisc materials is presented and discussed in terms of their tolerance to different solution conditions and their nanodisc properties. Finally, the analytical scope of polymer nanodiscs is considered in both the demonstration of basic nanodisc parameters as well as in the elucidation of structures, lipid–protein interactions, and the functional mechanisms of reconstituted membrane proteins. The final emphasis is given to the unique benefits and applications demonstrated for native nanodiscs accessed through a detergent free process.
Facile Approach to C‐Glucosides by Using a Protecting‐Group‐Free Hiyama Cross‐Coupling Reaction: High‐Yielding Dapagliflozin Synthesis
Authors: Vaňková Karolína , Rahm Michal , Choutka Jan , Pohl Radek , Parkan Kamil
Published: June 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue is Kamil Parkan and co‐workers at University of Chemistry and Technology and Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Prague. The cover graphic depicts a schematic representation of the assembly of aryl‐C‐glycosides based on a protecting‐group‐free Hiyama reaction. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202101052.
The distribution, number, and certain neurochemical identities of infracortical white matter neurons in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) brain
Authors: Swiegers Jordan , Bhagwandin Adhil , Williams Victoria M. , Maseko Busisiwe C. , Sherwood Chet C. , Hård Therese , Bertelsen Mads F. , Rockland Kathleen S. , Molnár Zoltán , Manger Paul R.
Published: June 2021

We examined the number, distribution, and immunoreactivity of the infracortical white matter neuronal population, also termed white matter interstitial cells (WMICs), throughout the telencephalic white matter of an adult female chimpanzee. Staining for neuronal nuclear marker (NeuN) revealed WMICs throughout the infracortical white matter, these cells being most numerous and dense close to the inner border of cortical layer VI, decreasing significantly in density with depth in the white matter. Stereological analysis of NeuN‐immunopositive cells revealed an estimate of approximately 137.2 million WMICs within the infracortical white matter of the chimpanzee brain studied. Immunostaining revealed subpopulations of WMICs containing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS, approximately 14.4 million in number), calretinin (CR, approximately 16.7 million), very few WMICs containing parvalbumin (PV), and no calbindin‐immunopositive neurons. The nNOS, CR, and PV immunopositive WMICs, possibly all inhibitory neurons, represent approximately 22.6% of the total WMIC population. As the white matter is affected in many cognitive conditions, such as schizophrenia, autism, epilepsy, and also in neurodegenerative diseases, understanding these neurons across species is important for the translation of findings of neural dysfunction in animal models to humans. Furthermore, studies of WMICs in species such as apes provide a crucial phylogenetic context for understanding the evolution of these cell types in the human brain.
Differential expression of microRNAs in the developing avian auditory hindbrain
Authors: Saleh Ali Jason , Nothwang Hans Gerd
Published: June 2021

The avian auditory hindbrain is a longstanding model for studying neural circuit development. Information on gene regulatory network (GRN) components underlying this process, however, is scarce. Recently, the spatiotemporal expression of 12 microRNAs (miRNAs) was investigated in the mammalian auditory hindbrain. As a comparative study, we here investigated the spatiotemporal expression of the orthologous miRNAs during development of the chicken auditory hindbrain. All miRNAs were expressed both at E13, an immature stage, and P14, a mature stage of the auditory system. In most auditory nuclei, a homogeneous expression pattern was observed at both stages, like the mammalian system. An exception was the nucleus magnocellularis (NM). There, at E13, nine miRNAs showed a differential expression pattern along the cochleotopic axis with high expression at the rostromedial pole. One of them showed a gradient expression whereas eight showed a spatially selective expression at the rostral pole that reflected the different rhombomeric origins of this composite nucleus. The miRNA differential expression persisted in the NM to the mature stage, with the selective expression changed to linear gradients. Bioinformatics analysis predicted mRNA targets that are associated with neuronal developmental processes such as neurite and synapse organization, calcium and ephrin‐Eph signaling, and neurotransmission. Overall, this first analysis of miRNAs in the chicken central auditory system reveals shared and strikingly distinct features between chicken and murine orthologues. The embryonic gradient expression of these GRN elements in the NM adds miRNA patterns to the list of cochleotopic and developmental gradients in the central auditory system.
Improved particle swarm optimized deep convolutional neural network with super‐pixel clustering for multiple sclerosis lesion segmentation in brain MRI imaging
Authors: Krishna Priya R. , Chacko Susamma
Published: June 2021

A central nervous system (CNS) disease affecting the insulating myelin sheaths around the brain axons is called multiple sclerosis (MS). In today's world, MS is extensively diagnosed and monitored using the MRI, because of the structural MRI sensitivity in dissemination of white matter lesions with respect to space and time. The main aim of this study is to propose Multiple Sclerosis Lesion Segmentation in Brain MRI imaging using Optimized Deep Convolutional Neural Network and Super‐pixel Clustering. Three stages included in the proposed methodology are: (a) preprocessing, (b) segmentation of super‐pixel, and (c) classification of super‐pixel. In the first stage, image enhancement and skull stripping is done through performing a preprocessing step. In the second stage, the MS lesion and Non‐MS lesion regions are segmented through applying SLICO algorithm over each slice of the volume. In the fourth stage, a CNN training and classification is performed using this segmented lesion and non‐lesion regions. To handle this complex task, a newly developed Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) based optimized convolutional neural network classifier is applied. On clinical MS data, the approach exhibits a significant increase in the accuracy segmenting of WM lesions when compared with the rest of evaluated methods.
Hydroxyapatite‐Supported Polyoxometalates for the Highly Selective Aerobic Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural or Glucose to 2,5‐Diformylfuran under Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Wang Qiwen , Li Ying , Guan Hongyu , Yu Hang , Wang Xiaohong
Published: June 2021

(NH4)5H6PV8Mo4O40 supported on hydroxyapatite (HAP) (PMo4V8/HAP (n)) was prepared through the ion exchange of hydroxy groups. This ion exchange favored the oxidative conversion of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) to 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) in a one‐pot cascade reaction with 96.0 % conversion and 83.8 % yield under 10 mL/min of O2 flow. PMo4V8/HAP (31) was used to explore the production of DFF directly from glucose with the highest yield of 47.9 % so far under atmospheric oxygen, whereas the yield of DFF increased to 54.7 % in a one‐pot and two‐step reaction. These results indicated that the active sites in PMo4V8/HAP (31) retained their activities without any interference toward one another, which enabled the production of DFF in a more cost‐saving way by only using oxygen and one catalyst in a one‐step reaction. Meanwhile, the rigid structure of HAP and strong interaction in PMo4V8/HAP (31) allowed this catalyst to be reused for at least six times with high stability and duration.
Evaluation of humic fertilizers on a sand‐based creeping bentgrass putting green
Authors: Lindsey Alex J , Thoms Adam W. , McDaniel Marshall D. , Christians Nick E.
Published: June 2021

Turfgrass with sand‐based root zones, such as golf course putting greens, are highly important economically and require intense management. However, problems are often associated with sand‐based root zones, such as low nutrient retention and limited microbial activity. Soil additives may increase soil biological activity, improve nitrogen (N) cycling efficiency, and thus reduce fertilizer N inputs. A 2‐yr experiment was conducted on a sand‐based creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting green to investigate whether humic products could increase soil biological activity and improve turfgrass quality. Treatments included humic‐coated urea (HCU; 2/3 rate and full rate), HCU + humic dispersing granules (HDG), HCU + black gypsum (BG), urea, HDG, and a nontreated control. Minimal differences were seen in microbial biomass and activity besides HCU + BG. The HCU + BG had 60% greater potentially net N mineralization relative to the HDG and the nontreated control. Overall, incorporating humic substances with N fertilizer did not increase turfgrass quality, cover, and clipping biomass compared with N fertilizer alone. However, the addition of BG to N fertilizer enhanced microbial activity (i.e., potentially net N mineralization).
Spatial patterns in the size of Chinese lizards are driven by multiple factors
Authors: Liang Tao , Zhang Zi , Dai Wen‐ya , Shi Lei , Lu Chang‐hu
Published: June 2021

Background

For almost two centuries, ecologists have examined geographical patterns in the evolution of body size and the associated determinants. During that time, one of the most common patterns to have emerged is the increase in body size with increasing latitude (referred to as Bergmann's rule). Typically, this pattern is explained in terms of an evolutionary response that serves to minimize heat loss in colder climates, mostly in endotherms. In contrast, however, this rule rarely explains geographical patterns in the evolution of body size among ectotherms (e.g., reptiles).

Location

China.

Aim

In this study, we assembled a dataset comprising the maximum sizes of 211 lizard species in China and examined the geographical patterns in body size evolution and its determinants. Specifically, we assessed the relationship between body size and climate among all lizard species and within four major groups at both assemblage and interspecific levels.

Results

Although we found that the body size of Chinese lizards was larger in warmer regions, we established that at the assemblage level, size was correlated with multiple climatic factors, and that body size–climate correlations differed within the four major groups. Phylogenetic analysis at the species level revealed that no single climatic factor was associated with body size, with the exception of agamids, for which size was found to be positively correlated with temperature.

Main conclusions

Geographical patterns in Chinese lizard body size are driven by multiple factors, and overall patterns are probably influenced by those of the major groups. We suggest that our analyses at two different levels may have contributed to the inconsistent results obtained in this study. Further studies investigating the effects of altitude and ecological factors are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of ectotherm body size.
Visitation of artificial watering points by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in semiarid Australia
Authors: Roshier David A. , Signer Johannes , Carter Andrew
Published: June 2021

The introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) now occupies most of the Australian continent outside the tropics, including arid and semiarid ecosystems. Information on the water requirements of foxes is scant, but free water is not thought to be required if adequate moisture‐containing food is available. The frequency and duration of visits by foxes fitted with GPS collars to known artificial watering points in semiarid Australia were recorded for 22 individual foxes across four austral seasons between October 2015 and November 2017, providing >93,000 location fixes. We modeled home range and the distance traveled by range‐resident foxes beyond their home range to reach known water sources. We used recurse analysis to determine the frequency of visitation and step‐selection functions to model the speed and directionality of movement inside and outside the home range. Our study demonstrates that some foxes in this semiarid environment utilize free‐standing water. The findings suggest that artificial watering points can be used as a focal point for conducting strategic fox control in arid and semiarid environments. Additionally, strategies that restrict access to water by foxes may reduce their duration of occupancy and/or long‐term abundance in parts of the landscape, thus providing benefits for conservation and agriculture.
Weather conditions during hunting season affect the number of harvested roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Authors: Baur Sophie , Peters Wibke , Oettenheym Tobias , Menzel Annette
Published: June 2021

Due to human‐induced climate and landscape changes, distribution and abundance of many ungulate species have increased worldwide. Especially in areas where natural predators are absent, hunting is the essential management tool for regulating ungulate populations. Therefore, understanding the factors associated with harvest rates is the first step toward an adaptive management approach. Weather influences hunter and ungulate behavior and thus presumably harvest, but how and which meteorological parameters are linked to harvest numbers have rarely been evaluated. We used nearly 65,000 “sit and wait” and driven hunt harvests of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Bavaria, Germany, and weather data from 2008 to 2017 to test for factors affecting roe deer harvests (i.e., temperature, rain hours, wind speed, sunshine duration, snow depth, workdays vs. weekends, month) using zero‐inflated negative binomial mixed‐effect models. Our results reveal that, besides workdays, high temperatures and prolonged rain resulted in fewer harvested animals, whereas sunshine duration in summer and snow height in snow‐rich areas partially favored harvests during sitting hunts in summer and winter, respectively. The influence of wind speed varied over the course of the year. In summer and autumn, wind speed commonly had a negative effect, positively affecting harvests in winter in some regions. Daily harvest numbers decreased during the summer and autumn hunting periods (May till mid‐October), while they increased during the winter period (mid‐October till mid‐January). Interestingly, harvest success during driven hunts, which are planned well in advance and therefore take place largely independent of weather conditions, was similarly affected by the weather. This result suggests that the inferred weather influence is not only due to the hunters' decisions but also due to deer behavior. Since many ungulate populations may further benefit from climate change, building an understanding of the relationship between hunting success and weather will aid adaptive ungulate management.
Using comprehensive machine‐learning models to classify complex morphological characters
Authors: Teng Dequn , Li Fengyuan , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2021

Recognizing and classifying multiple morphological features, such as patterns, sizes, and textures, can provide a comprehensive understanding of their variability and phenotypic evolution. Yet, quantitatively measuring complex morphological characters remains challenging.

We provide a machine learning‐based pipeline (SVMorph) to consider and classify complex morphological characters in multiple organisms that have either small or large datasets.

Our pipeline integrates two descriptors, histogram of oriented gradient and local binary pattern, to meet various classification needs. We also optimized feature extraction by adding image data augmentation to improve model generalizability.

We tested SVMorph on two real‐world examples to demonstrate that it can be used with small training datasets and limited computational resources. Comparing with multiple CNN‐based methods and traditional techniques, we show that SVMorph is reliable and fast in texture‐based individual classification. Thus, SVMorph can be used to efficiently classify multiple morphological characters in distinct nonmodel organisms.
Is 24/7 remote patient management in heart failure necessary? Results of the telemedical emergency service used in the TIM‐HF and in the TIM‐HF2 trials
Authors: Winkler Sebastian , Koehler Kerstin , Prescher Sandra , Koehler Magdalena , Kirwan Bridget‐Anne , Tajsic Milos , Koehler Friedrich
Published: June 2021

Aims

Telemedical emergency services for heart failure (HF) patients are usually provided during business hours. However, many emergencies occur outside of business hours. This study evaluates if a 24/7 telemedical emergency service is needed for the remote management of high‐risk HF patients.

Methods and results

The study included 1119 patients merged from the TIM‐HF and TIM‐HF2 trials [age 69 ± 11, 73% male, left ventricular ejection fraction 37% ± 13, 557 New York Heart Association (NYHA) II/562 NYHA III]. Patients received a 24/7 physician‐guided emergency service provided by the telemedical centre (TMC) in addition to remote management within business hours. During emergency calls, patient status, symptoms, electronic patient record, and instant telemonitoring data were evaluated by the TMC physician. Following diagnosis, patients were referred for hospital admission or instructed to stay at home. Apart from the TMC, patients could place a call to the public emergency service at any time.

Seven hundred sixty‐eight emergency calls were placed over 1383 patient years (0.56 calls/patient year). Five hundred twenty‐six calls (69%) occurred outside business hours. There were 146 (19%) emergency calls for worsening HF, 297 (39%) other cardiovascular, and 325 (42%) non‐cardiac causes, with a similar pattern inside and outside business hours. Of the 1119 patients, 417 (37%) placed at least one emergency call. Patients with NYHA Class III, higher N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (>1.400 pg/mL) levels, ischaemic aetiology of HF, implanted defibrillator, and impaired renal function had a higher probability of placing emergency calls. During study follow‐up, patients who made an emergency call had a higher all‐cause mortality (22% vs. 11%, P = 0.007 in TIM‐HF; 16% vs. 4%, P < 0.001 in TIM‐HF2) and more unplanned hospitalizations (324 vs. 162, P < 0.001 in TIM‐HF; 545 vs. 180, P < 0.001 in TIM‐HF2). Of the total 1,211 unplanned hospital admissions, 492 (41%) were initiated by a patient emergency call.

Three hundred seventy‐nine calls (49%) were placed to the TMC, whereas 389 calls (51%) were made to the public emergency service. Three hundred twenty‐six (84%) of the calls to the public emergency service resulted in acute hospitalizations.

The TMC initiated 202 (53%) hospital admissions; 177 (47%) patients were advised to stay at home. All patients that remained at home were alive during a prespecified safety period of 7 days post‐call. Diagnoses made by the TMC physician were confirmed in 83% of cases by the hospital.

Conclusion

A telemedical emergency service for high‐risk HF patients is safe and should operate 24/7 to reduce unplanned hospitalizations. Emergency calls could be considered as a marker for higher morbidity and mortality.
Stereodivergent Syntheses of All Stereoisomers of (−)‐Shikimic Acid: Development of a Chiral Pool for the Diverse Polyhydroxy‐cyclohexenoid (or ‐cyclohexanoid) Bioactive Molecules
Authors: He Yun‐Gang , Huang Yong‐Kang , Xu Zhang‐Li , Xie Wen‐Jing , Luo Yong‐Qiang , Li Feng‐Lei , Zhu Xing‐Liang , Shi Xiao‐Xin
Published: June 2021

Novel stereodivergent total syntheses of all the seven stereoisomers of (−)‐shikimic acid [(−)‐SA 1] have been systematically performed. (+)‐ent‐SA ent‐1 was synthesized from (−)‐SA 1 via 9 steps in 31 % overall yield; (−)‐3‐epi‐SA 2 was synthesized from (−)‐SA 1 via 5 steps in 66 % overall yield; (+)‐3‐epi‐ent‐SA ent‐2 was synthesized from (−)‐SA 1 via 7 steps in 43 % overall yield; (−)‐4‐epi‐SA 3 was synthesized from (−)‐SA 1 via 11 steps in 32 % overall yield; (+)‐4‐epi‐ent‐SA ent‐3 was synthesized from (−)‐SA 1 via 7 steps in 42 % overall yield; (−)‐5‐epi‐SA 4 was synthesized from (−)‐SA 1 via 6 steps in 56 % overall yield; and (+)‐5‐epi‐ent‐SA ent‐4 was synthesized from (−)‐SA 1 via 12 steps in 29 % overall yield. The stereochemistry of all the above seven stereoisomers of (−)‐SA 1 were further studied by two dimensional (2D) 1H NMR technique.
Elements of success to promote sustainability in the Utah‐Qinghai EcoPartnership through state‐province relationship
Authors: An Dingming , Bricker Kelly , Xiao Yanping , Wang Shuqin , Ma Lan , Mai Xueyan , Yang Juanli , Shi Hui
Published: June 2021

This paper examines the Utah—Qinghai Eco‐Partnership (UQEP), a joint program between the Utah, United States and the Qinghai Province, located in Western China. This unique collaboration supports research, academic exchange, and professional capacity building related to water resource utilization, wetland protection, and national park sustainability. This paper illustrates what the UQEP, and Utah‐Qinghai State‐Province Relationship (UQSR) has achieved among Eco‐Partnership peers in the past decade. Through a review of the UQEP, we identify major factors that have contributed to this relationship including protected areas such as the Sanjiangyuan National Park, located in Qinghai Province (China's first National Park), the Giant Panda National Park, located in Sichuan Province, and the Shanxi Province, noted for its rich coal deposits. Lastly, we explain how this multi‐stakeholder effort (e.g., government agencies, academic institutions, and private enterprise) and UQEP's priority programs have forged creative outcomes at the completion of the partnership in 2016.
Cognitive and metabolic workload assessment techniques: A review in automotive manufacturing context
Authors: Dadashi Nastaran , Lawson Glyn , Marshall Michael , Stokes Gary
Published: June 2021

Ergonomics assessment in the automotive industry has, to date, focused mainly on physical ergonomics, for example, manual handling and posture. However, workload and, in particular, metabolic and cognitive workload, contributes to worker efficiency but has not received sufficient attention to yield practical guidance for industry. Successful workload assessment requires in‐depth understanding of the context in which it will be conducted and of the various assessment techniques which will be applied, with consideration given to factors such as feasibility, resources, and skill of the assessor. These requirements are met with challenges within large and complex organizations and are often dealt with in a piecemeal and isolated matter (i.e., reactive workload assessment). The present paper explores these challenges within the automotive manufacturing industry and aims to develop a decision matrix to guide effective selection of workload assessment techniques focused on metabolic and cognitive demands. It also presents the requirements for time, equipment, and knowledge to implement these techniques as part of a participatory ergonomics approach. Early findings suggest that most assessment techniques reviewed require further development, for example, to establish the acceptance criteria for the specific workload scenario. However, five methods (Garg, Borg RPE, IPAQ, SWAT, and NASA‐TLX) are ready to use in certain applications. Ultimately, the findings suggest that it is possible to implement a participatory workload evaluation program within large and complex manufacturing plants.
HIV‐MSS: A user‐friendly management support system for better planning of HIV care services
Authors: Demir Eren , Adeyemi Shola , Kengne Andre Pascal , Kayode Gbenga A. , Adeoti Adekunle
Published: June 2021

The advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV infection from a deadly disease to a manageable chronic condition. The life expectancy of people living with HIV has been prolonged dramatically. Therefore, health systems are now confronted with new challenges, with ever‐increasing number of newly diagnosed cases, fuelling the pool of existing patients, with many comorbidities and requiring hospital admissions. Are health systems prepared to handle large and increasing numbers of people with HIV? We developed a HIV‐Management Support System (MSS) to support service evaluation and management using simulation by capturing individual patient's pathways within HIV services in the United Kingdom. Two scenarios were tested: (1) the impact of increasing the number of diagnosed cases in steps of 5% on human resources and (2) the impact of treating all patients with ART on hospital admissions. A 5% increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases increases human resource requirements between 4% and 8%, whereas the impact of treating all HIV patients with ART on hospital admissions is far greater. HIV services are under intense pressure and managing patient and service needs are far more important than ever, hence the development of our HIV MSS is timely, to support better planning of services. Note that the HIV simulation model presented in this study is the first of its kind.
The impact on key indicators of reproductive and child health after changes in program modalities in Sierra Leone, 2019
Authors: Koroma Aminata S. , Kamara Habib I. , Moses Francis , Bah Mariama , Turay Mohamed , Kandeh Abdulai , Kandeh Shekuba , Allieu Henry , Kargbo Anita , MaCauley Anna , Hodges Mary H. , Doledec David
Published: June 2021

Background and aims

In 2018, the transition to routine vitamin A supplementation (VAS) was integrated with caregivers' preparation of nutritious complementary food from local produce and confidential counseling and provision of modern contraceptives. In 2019, funding for complementary food ceased and Community Health Workers (CHWs) were trained to track defaulters, while national efforts to improve Health Management Information Systems, supply chains and reduce teenage pregnancies were intensified. We report on key indicators after these changes and in comparison, to those previously published.

Methods

The same Lot Quality Assurance Sampling methodology was used in both assessments: 19 villages were randomly selected in each of five lots in each of three districts then caregivers of children 6‐59 months age randomly selected and interviewed.

Results

Coverage of VAS, Albendazole, and Pentavalent 3 before and after these changes was over 80%, 75%, and 80% respectively, equitable by sex, age, caregiver's religion, and educational status. Comparison with 2018 found more lots failed to reach 80% VAS by verbal affirmation (10 vs 2), and coverage in one district (Bo) had dropped (77.5% vs 92.3%). Fewer caregivers were aware that VAS should be taken every 6 months (27% vs 50%), that complementary feeding should start at 6 months (63% vs 77%) or were providing minimal dietary diversity (27% vs 45%). There was an increase in caregivers using modern contraception (45% vs 35%), obtaining information about contraception from a friend (14% vs 9%), while fewer thought country rope/herbs (traditional contraceptives) were “effective” (11% vs 21%) and stockouts of contraceptives at health facilities had dropped (24% vs 55%). Stipends for CHWs cost approximately $750 K vs complementary food: $112 K.

Conclusion

Overall coverage for VAS, Albendazole, and Pentavalent remained effective but VAS had dropped significantly in one district. Complementary feeding practices had declined. Awareness, uptake, and contraceptives supply chains had improved.
A comparative note on the free convection of micropolar nanofluid due to the interaction of buoyancy and the dissipative heat energy
Authors: Pattnaik Pradyumna K. , Pattnaik Jyotsnarani , Mishra Satya R. , Ali Bagh
Published: June 2021

A report is prepared for the free convection of micropolar nanofluid past a continuously moving plate. Free convection of polar fluid is obtained due to the interaction of thermal buoyancy acted against the gravitational force. In addition to that, the novelty of the current investigation is to carry over the coupling impact of the governing equations arises because of the inclusion of dissipative heat energy, and the variation of heat source/sink in the presence of suction/blowing. The governing equations are distorted into their ordinary form by the suitable choice of similarity transformation. Furthermore, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is employed for the solution of the set of transformed equations. The behavior of the contributing parameters is presented via graphs and the comparison between the analytical HPM and the conventional numerical technique using the in‐built code bvp5c is presented in tabular form. The numerical simulation shows its good concurrency between the methodologies employed. In few major outcomes, it is seen that the shear rate enriches with an increase in nanoparticle volume fraction. Furthermore, the rate of heat transfer decelerates significantly for the enhanced value of thermal radiation whereas the coupling parameter is favorable for the enhancement.