bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of the Gospers Mountain Wildfire on the flora and fauna of mining-impacted Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamps in Australia’s Eastern Highlands
Authors: Krogh Martin , Gorissen Sarsha , Baird Ian R.C. , Keith David A.
Published: May 2022

The Gospers Mountain Fire was the largest wildfire on record in New South Wales. All of the swamps on the Newnes Plateau were burnt, with some areas experiencing fire of very high severity. Despite this severity, the vegetation in all unmined reference swamps recovered relatively quickly, with substantial vegetation cover and biomass returning within 10 weeks. These swamps retained most of their peat and plant species, and both their surveyed endangered fauna species (Blue Mountains Water Skink Eulamprus leuraensis; Giant Dragonfly Petalura gigantea). This demonstrated the resilience of reference Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamps and their endangered species populations to significant bushfire events.

In stark contrast, after the wildfire there was evidence of extensive combustion and oxidization of peat soils in swamps located above the footprint of prior longwall coal mining operations. Populations of endangered species, which were already in significant decline (due to longwall mining impacts on swamp hydrology), are now vulnerable to localised extinctions in these undermined swamps. Mining is ongoing in these areas and failure to protect the remaining Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamps from the hydrological impacts of longwall mining will likely lead to further ecosystem collapse in undermined swamps, and further localised extinctions of endangered species populations in these swamps.
Assessment of Safe Sexual Practice and Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Female Sex Workers in Port Harcourt
Authors: Ene-Bongilli Goodness , Akoko Sokiprim , Uahomo Precious Ojo
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Monitoring of the practices and behaviour of populations more vulnerable to HIV infection is essential for effective interventions and it is of importance to curtail the spread of HIV and to help generate significant changes in the transmission pattern of HIV/AIDS in the general population. The aim of this study was to assess safe sexual practice and knowledge of HIV/AIDS among female sex workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Method: Two hundred female sex workers participated in this cross-sectional study. Data was collected using an adapted IBBSS-2014 semi-structured questionnaire and interview method. Knowledge of HIV among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) was also assessed with questions on Test for HIV, modes of transmission, prevention, behavioural attributes of HIV and safe sexual practice assessed for with the options of answers of these dimension: YES and NO. Data for this study was collected by trained peer educators who are familiar with the environment via interview method with FSWs. Data Obtained were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics of frequency tables, simple percentage and bar charts using Microsoft Excel 2016.

Results: Result obtained showed that the mean age of FSWs was 25.7±3.7years, majority of the respondent (59.5%) had secondary education, majority (81.0%) of FSWs are Single and about 2.5% are married. Also more than a quarter (44.5%) started sex work at 20-24 years with a mean age of 22.0±3.0 years. Also, majority of them do not have other source of income (70%). On Assessment of risky behaviours such as multiple sex partners, no condom use during sexual intercourse, there was a high prevalence of use of condoms with most especially paying partners (70.5%) and casual partners (52.5%). On assessment of female Sex Workers’ knowledge on HIV, majority of FSWs have good knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention and the need to get tested.

Conclusion: Though FSWs practice a minimal safe sexual practice by the use of condoms with higher percentage of different identified partners as well as having acceptable knowledge of HIV, the few FSWs who lack this knowledge and do not practice safe sex needs to be re-sensitized of the need for their benefit and the benefit of the general population. Conclusively, safe sexual practices and acceptable knowledge about prevention, transmission and the need to be tested for HIV were observed.
The Role of Customer Bonding as a Customer Trust Mediator and Service Performance on SMEs Performance
Authors: Wahyuni Ida , Jasfar Farida , Kristaung Robert , Warsindah Lucy
Published: May 2022

Aims: This study aims to prove customer trust and service performance that affects customer bonding and the implementation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Study design:  Hypothesis testing.

Place and Duration of Study: 210 SMEs managers in Mimika district, Papua province, Indonesia.

Methodology: Structural Equation Modeling.

Results: First, service performance positively affects customer bonding because friendly service increases customer bonding. Second, Customer Trust positively affects SMEs Performance because varied prices and new products will increase SME Performance. Third, Customer Trust positively affects SMEs Performance because honesty and integrity will improve SMEs Performance. Fourth, Service Performance positively affects SMEs Performance because friendly service will improve SMEs Performance. Fifth, Customer Trust positively impacts SMEs Performance through Customer Bonding because varied prices support honesty and integrity, and new products will increase SMEs Performance. Finally, service performance positively affects Customer Bonding because friendly service supported by varied prices and new products will increase SMEs Performance.

Conclusion: Customer trust and service performance affect customer bonding and SMEs performance, and customer bonding directly influences SMEs performance. Customer bonding has a significant influence as a mediator between customer trust and service performance on SMEs performance in Mimika Regency, Papua.
On the Cat-Stane, Kirkliston
Authors: Simpson J Y
Published: May 2022

This article offers an overview of the significance of the Cat-stane inscribed stone in Kirkliston. The author cites various historical accounts of the inscription on this stone and why it might have been placed in Kirkliston. By comparing these older readings of the inscription to his own contemporary reading, the author attempts to decipher the meaning of what is written on the Cat-stane. He dismisses the proposals suggested in some of the older accounts of the stone that it may have been raised as a memorial for either King Constantine IV or a Pictish King named Geth. Instead he argues that this stone memorialises an Anglo-Saxon named Vetta son of Victa, who may have fought with the Picts against the Romans and could have been the grandfather of the Saxon leaders Hengist and Horsa.

 

Meeting notes for 11 March, 1861 are appended.
'Declaration' against the National Covenants of Scotland 1685
Authors: Laing David , Smith John Alexander
Published: May 2022

The author discusses a Declaration against the lawfulness of the National Covenant and the Covenanter movement. He quotes the document’s contents and comments on some of the notable signatories. Although the document is not dated, the author is confident that it is from the summer of 1685.
Additional Notices of Sir Peter Young
Authors: Laing David
Published: May 2022

Following the preceding article, this paper offers more details about Sir Peter Young’s work as James VI & I’s tutor, as well as the lives of some of his sons. An engraving of Young from 1793 is included in this paper.
Notice of Remains found under a Cairn, surrounded by upright stones, on the Farm of Burreldales, parish of Auchterless, Aberdeenshire, in a Letter to the Secretary
Authors: Chalmers James H
Published: May 2022

The author reports on a cairn that he excavated in 1860, where the farmer recently removed the rest of the earth from over the site. He describes his original findings and then goes on to discuss the contents of the cist that the farmer found when he removed the cairn. He believes that several aspects of this site may be unique, although other members of the Society disagree. It is noted that some of the remains from this site probably belonged to a human skeleton.
Notice of the recent Excavation of an underground Building at Buchaam, Strathdon, on the property of Sir Charles Forbes, Baronet, of Newe and Edinglassie
Authors: Mitchell Arthur
Published: May 2022

Arthur Mitchell summarises the excavations at Buchaam and Glenkidie in Aberdeenshire, as related to him by a series of letters from the excavator. The dimensions of each site and the finds from both sites are noted, as is the excavator’s suggestion for how these sites may have been constructed.

 

Meeting notes for 14 April, 1862 are appended.
Notes in connexion with twelve Autograph Letters by Major-General James Wolfe, who fell at the Capture of Quebec on 13th September 1759, addressed to Captain, afterwards Lieut.-Colonel William Rickson, Quarter-master General of North Britain
Authors: Buchanan John
Published: May 2022

On the day, John Buchanan exhibited and donated some letters written by General James Wolfe to the Society’s collections. He highlights their provenance and importance to the study of Wolfe’s life and character. There is also some discussion of the person who the letters were addressed to, William Rickson.
Account of Excavations within the Stone Circles of Arran
Authors: Bryce James
Published: May 2022

This article aims, through excavation of standing stone circles on Arran, to interpret what their use might have been when they were constructed. The author provides a description of the excavations, including the dimensions of the stone circles, and highlights any features that might be indicative of their purpose. He also discusses some of the finds that were unearthed during the excavations and includes specialist reports on the human and animal remains that were discovered. Having found both urns and human remains at some of these sites, the author concludes that stone circles on Arran were intended as monuments to mark a burial site.
Account of the Plate-Marks used in Scotland since the year 1457, and Chronological List of those of Edinburgh from 1681; to which is added a Note of those used in Glasgow
Authors: Sanderson James H
Published: May 2022

This article discusses the use of plate-marks in the study of precious metals in Scotland. The author explains the purpose of each plate-mark from the Edinburgh Assay Office and the parliamentary act associated with it.
Notes of the Search for the Tomb of the Royal Foundress of the Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity at Edinburgh (in 1848)
Authors: Wilson Daniel
Published: May 2022

The author provides an account of the Society’s involvement in the search for the grave of Mary of Guelders, the founder of the Collegiate church of the Holy Trinity in Edinburgh and the wife of James II. He also describes some of the church’s history and architectural features. He acknowledges that two female skeletons were found beneath the church but dismisses claims that the second skeleton may have been Mary of Guelders based on the location of the first burial when compared to other royal founders of churches, the precedent for giving royal figures oak coffins and the remains of high-quality fabric found in the coffin.On the day, David Laing objected to Professor Wilson’s conclusions and suggested that his paper arguing that the second skeleton was that of Mary of Guelders should be printed alongside this article (See 566-577).
Remarks on the Character of Mary of Gueldres, Consort of King James the Second of Scotland; in connextion with an attempt to determine the Place of her Interment in Trinity College Church, Edinburgh
Authors: Laing David
Published: May 2022

David Laing argues that the second skeleton found beneath the Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity in Edinburgh is Mary of Guelders, the church's founder. He points to the more central burial location beneath the high altar and assumptions about when each part of the church was built as evidence in favour of his argument. He also discusses a report on the remains which claimed that this person was between 20-30, physically frail and may have had a learning disability. Rather than dismissing these claims, Laing suggests that there is no historical evidence that conclusively proves them false.
Note respecting the Royal Exchange, Edinburgh, and the Original List of Subscribers in 1752
Authors: Laing David
Published: May 2022

In the early 18th century a fire destroyed the Royal Exchange building in Edinburgh. This article quotes original documents and historians’ opinions in order to discuss the proposal that a new Exchange should be built in 1752.
Electrical Behaviors of the Co‐ and Ni‐Based POMs Interlayered Schottky Photodetector Devices
Authors: Yıldırım Murat , Kocyigit Adem , Torlak Yasemin , Yenel Esma , Hussaini Ali Akbar , Kuş Mahmut
Published: May 2022

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are attractive materials for various applications such as energy storage, catalysis and medicine. Here, Co and Ni‐based POMs are chemically synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies (FT‐IR) for structural characterization. While the morphological behaviors are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), the optical properties are investigated by UV‐Vis spectrometer. Electrochemical characterizations are carried out by cyclic voltammetry to determine oxidation levels of the metal centers in the POMs. The CoPOM and NiPOM are inserted in between the Al metal and p‐Si semiconductor to obtain Al/CoPOM/p‐Si and Al/NiPOM/p‐Si Schottky‐type photodetector devices. Current‐voltage (I–V) and current‐transient (I–t) measurements are employed to understand the electrical properties of the Al/CoPOM/p‐Si and Al/NiPOM/p‐Si devices under dark and various light power intensities. The devices exhibit phototransistor like I–V characteristics in forward biases due to having POMs active layers. Various device parameters are extracted from the I–V measurements and discussed in details. I–t measurements are performed to determine various detector parameters such as responsivity and specific detectivity values for under 2 V and zero biases. The Al/CoPOM/p‐Si and Al/NiPOM/p‐Si Schottky‐type photodetector devices can be employed in optoelectronic applications.
A 79‐kb paternally inherited 7q32.2 microdeletion involving MEST in a patient with a Silver‐Russell syndrome‐like phenotype
Authors: Vincent Krista Marie , Stavropoulos Dimitri J. , Beaulieu‐Bergeron Melanie , Yang Chen , Jiang Mary , Zuijdwijk Caroline , Dyment David A. , Graham Gail E.
Published: May 2022

Maternal uniparental disomy of human chromosome 7 [upd(7)mat] is well‐characterized as a cause of the growth disorder Silver‐Russell syndrome (SRS). However, the causative gene is not currently known. There is growing evidence that molecular changes at the imprinted MEST region in 7q32.2 are associated with a phenotype evocative of SRS. This report details a patient with a SRS‐like phenotype and a paternally inherited microdeletion of 79 kilobases (35‐fold smaller than the previously reported smallest deletion) in the 7q32.2 region. This microdeletion encompasses only five genes, including MEST, which corroborates the hypothesis that MEST plays a central role in the 7q32.2 microdeletion growth disorder, as well as further implicating MEST in upd(7)mat SRS itself.
Mechanism of METTL3‐mediated m6A modification in depression‐induced cognitive deficits
Authors: Niu Juan , Wang Bailing , Wang Tian , Zhou Tiantian
Published: May 2022

Depressive disorder (DD) is associated with N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) hypermethylation. This study sought to explore the molecular mechanism of Methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) in cognitive deficits of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)‐treated rats and provide novel targets for DD treatment. A DD rat model was established via CUMS treatment. Cognitive deficits were assessed via body weighing and behavioral tests. METTL3, microRNA (miR)‐221‐3p, pri‐miR‐221, GRB2‐associated binding protein 1 (Gab1) expressions in hippocampal tissues were detected via RT‐qPCR and Western blotting. m6A, DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8 (DGCR8)‐bound pri‐miR‐221 and pri‐miR‐221 m6A levels were measured. The binding relationship between miR‐221‐3p and Gab1 was testified by dual‐luciferase and RNA pull‐down assays. Rescue experiments were designed to confirm the role of miR‐221‐3p and Gab1. METTL3 was highly expressed in CUMS rats, and silencing METTL3 attenuated cognitive deficits of CUMS rats. METTL3‐mediated m6A modification facilitated processing and maturation of pri‐miR‐221 via DGCR8 to upregulate miR‐221‐3p. miR‐221‐3p targeted Gab1. miR‐221‐3p overexpression or Gab1 downregulation reversed the role of silencing METTL3 in CUMS rats. Overall, METTL3‐mediated m6A modification facilitated processing and maturation of pri‐miR‐221 to upregulate miR‐221‐3p and then inhibit Gab1, thereby aggravating cognitive deficits of CUMS rats.
Should social work become a registered profession? An examination of the views of 15 Australian social workers
Authors: Tangney Meghan , Mendes Philip
Published: May 2022

In contrast to most Western jurisdictions, social work in Australia is not currently a registered profession. However, in late 2021, the South Australian Parliament passed a Bill to register social workers in that state. This follows a long‐standing but previously unsuccessful campaign by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) to attain social work registration at a national level. Yet, to date, there has been no empirical research on the views of social workers—whether members or the AASW or not—concerning the merits of registration. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study of the views of 15 social workers regarding registration. The findings suggest that the profession holds diverse views concerning the potential benefits or harms emanating from registration. Some conclusions are drawn regarding priorities for future research including particularly the impact of registration on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social workers and service users.
Single intratesticular injection of blood‐serum‐derived exosomes can potentially alleviate testopathy following testicular torsion
Authors: Keivan Mona , Mansouri Torghabeh Fatemeh , Davoodi Samira , Moradi Maryamneghari Shima , Dadfar Reza
Published: May 2022

Background

Testicular torsion (TT) is an acute inflammatory process leading to male infertility. Today, anti‐inflammatory effects of exosomes derived from blood serum are used in various laboratory procedures. In the present study, the anti‐inflammatory effects of blood‐serum‐derived exosomes in treatment of acute inflammation following TT in mice were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen male mice were grouped as healthy control, TT, and TT + exosome. TT was induced surgically, and exosomes were extracted from blood serum and administrated by a single intratesticular injection (10 IU). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Griess assays were used to evaluate the level of oxidative stress. Sperm indices, testosterone (Tes), and apoptotic gene expression (p‐53, Bcl2, and Caspase‐3) were also assessed. H&E and immunohistochemistry (IHC) stainings were used for histopathological investigations. Data analysis was applied by SPSS (v.19) software.

Results

Oxidative stress and apoptotic genes expression were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in TT group compared with control. Sperm parameters and Tes were significantly increased, and expression of apoptotic genes was significantly reduced in TT + exosome group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Since the blood‐serum‐derived exosomes have anti‐inflammatory features, the intratesticular application of blood‐serum‐derived exosomes can be used clinically in acute phase of orchitis following TT to inhibit testicular inflammation.
Preparation of sepiolite modified MXene composite membrane for oil/water separation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Yong , Deng Zhibin , Liu Xiang , Chen Yonggang , Zhang Jun , Liu Yongcong , Zeng Guangyong
Published: May 2022

Oily wastewater has caused serious damage to the ecological environment and became one of the main factors hindering the sustainable development of human society. Novel membrane materials are expected to be an effective way to solve the pollution due to its high separation efficiency. In this work, sepiolite (Sep), a natural inorganic clay material, was inserted into the adjacent MXene nanosheets, and a series of Sep@MXene/CA composite membranes were successfully constructed on the cellulose acetate (CA) commercial membrane through vacuum filtration method. The structure of nanomaterials and composite membranes were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The permeability and selectivity of Sep@MXene/CA composite membranes for lubricating oil emulsion were investigated in detail. The results showed that the modified composite membranes exhibited better hydrophilicity compared with pure MXene/CA membrane, which presented pure water flux of 611.2 and 820.3 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, respectively. In addition, the rejection ratio of lubricating oil was more than 95%. This work provides a new approach for the modification of MXene membrane and makes Sep@MXene/CA membrane show a good application potential for the treatment of oily wastewater.
Facile construction of cationic lignin modified bentonite–alginate nanocomposite gel for sustained release of alachlor
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng , Hou Xiaojun , Zou Peiyu , Zhang Min , Ma Lin
Published: May 2022

In our work, a cationic lignin (CL) modified bentonite‐alginate nanocomposite gel was prepared and used to enhance the sustained release of alachlor. The underlying gel structure‐release property relationships were explored. The results showed that the release of alachlor from nanocomposite gel was dominated by Fickian diffusion and closely related to the adsorption capacity and permeability of the matrix. The adsorption capacity of bentonite for alachlor was remarkably improved due to the modification of CL; Furthermore, the permeability of the matrix was further reduced via the electrostatic interaction between CL and the alginate. The release kinetics demonstrated that the sustained release property of modified bentonite‐alginate nanocomposite gels was significantly enhanced. The release time of 50% alachlor from bentonite‐alginate and modified bentonite‐alginate nanocomposite gels was 4.4 and 14.1 times longer than that of the release from pure alginate gel, respectively.
Symptom‐Based Cluster Analysis Categorizes Sjögren's Disease Subtypes: An International Cohort Study Highlighting Disease Severity and Treatment Discordance
Authors: McCoy Sara S. , Woodham Miguel , Bartels Christie M. , Saldanha Ian J. , Bunya Vatinee Y. , Maerz Noah , Akpek Esen K. , Makara Matthew A. , Baer Alan N.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Although symptom relief is a critical aspect for successful drug development in Sjögren's disease, patient experiences with Sjögren's‐related symptoms are understudied. Our objective was to determine how pain, dryness, and fatigue, the cardinal symptoms of Sjögren's disease, drive cluster phenotypes.

Methods

We used data from the Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) Registry and a Sjögren's Foundation survey. We performed hierarchical clustering of symptoms by levels of dryness, fatigue, and pain. Using international and US cohorts, we performed multiple logistic regression analysis to compare the clusters, which included comparisons of differences in symptoms, quality of life (QoL), medication use, and systemic manifestations.

Results

Four similar clusters were identified among 1,454 SICCA registrants and 2,920 Sjögren's Foundation survey participants: 1) low symptom burden in all categories (LSB); 2) dry with low pain and low fatigue (DLP); 3) dry with high pain and low to moderate fatigue (DHP); and 4) high symptom burden in all categories (HSB). Distribution of SICCA registrants matching the symptom profile for each cluster was 10% in the LSB cluster, 30% in the DLP cluster, 23% in the DHP cluster, and 37% in the HSB cluster. Distribution of survey participants matching the symptom profile for each cluster was 23% in the LSB cluster, 14% in the DLP cluster, 21% in the DHP cluster, and 42% in the HSB cluster. Individuals in the HSB cluster had more total symptoms and lower QoL but lower disease severity than those in the other clusters. Despite having milder disease as measured by laboratory tests and organ involvement, individuals in the HSB cluster received immunomodulatory treatment most often.

Conclusion

We identified 4 symptom‐based Sjögren's clusters and showed that symptom burden and immunomodulatory medication use do not correlate with Sjögren's end‐organ or laboratory abnormalities. Findings highlight a discordance between objective measures and treatments and offer updates to proposed symptom‐based clustering approaches.
Cognitive function in patients with neuroborreliosis: A prospective cohort study from the acute phase to 12 months post treatment
Authors: Andreassen Silje , Solheim Anne Marit , Ljøstad Unn , Mygland Åse , Lorentzen Åslaug Rudjord , Reiso Harald , Beyer Mona Kristiansen , Harbo Hanne Flinstad , Løhaugen Gro Christine Christensen , Eikeland Randi
Published: May 2022

Background

Long‐term cognitive problems after neuroborreliosis treatment remain a subject of debate. We have previously shown that cognitive problems are not present in the acute phase of neuroborreliosis, although fatigue is common. The aim of this study was to re‐assess the same patient cohort and evaluate long‐term outcomes.

Methods

In this follow‐up, we re‐assessed 58 patients with well‐characterized neuroborreliosis 12 months after completing treatment. The same protocol with eight subtests measuring attention and processing speed and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used to compare the results from the acute phase to 12 months post treatment.

Results

We found no changes in attention or processing speed but a reduction in the level of fatigue (median score on FSS: 4.9 vs. 3.9, p < .001) from the acute phase to 12 months post treatment.

Conclusion

The patient group did not develop problems with attention or processing speed post treatment, while the level of fatigue decreased.
Fluxionality of Subnano Clusters Reshapes the Activity Volcano of Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Zisheng , Zandkarimi Borna , Munarriz Julen , Dickerson Claire E. , Alexandrova Anastassia N.
Published: May 2022

The Sabatier activity volcano provides intuitive guide for catalyst design, but also imposes fundamental limitations on the composition and maximal activity of catalysts. We show that the ORR activity volcano is shifted and reshaped by the potential‐dependent fluxionality of subnano cluster catalysts. Fluxionality causes the typically under‐binding Ag/Au to gain optimal activity in the cluster form, and surpass Pt/Pd. Furthermore, isomerization of clusters as a function of the potential breaks linear scaling relationships, enabling surpassing the volcano “apex” relative to the bulk. The effect is likely general for fluxional cluster catalysts.
Rifampin Drug–Drug–Interaction Studies: Reflections on the Nitrosamine Impurities Issue
Authors: van Haarst Aernout , Smith Stephen , Garvin Clare , Benrimoh Natacha , Paglialunga Sabina
Published: May 2022

Clinical development of new drugs may require dedicated drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies, such as to evaluate the effect of cytochrome P450 3A induction on the pharmacokinetics of investigational drugs. However, as a result of N‐nitrosamine impurity findings in marketed rifampin formulations, the application of rifampin in DDI studies has been halted. This mini‐review considers the root cause and impact of the nitrosamine impurity as well as alternative options for the continued conduct of DDIs.
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Sclerosis, the Ottawa Protocol
Authors: Puyade Mathieu , Brunet Francis , Carolina Rush , Fergusson Nathan , Makedonov Ilia , Freedman Mark S. , Atkins Harold
Published: May 2022

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is increasingly used to treat patients with highly active multiple sclerosis (MS) refractory to disease‐modifying therapy. Briefly, cyclophosphamide and filgrastim are used to mobilize autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) into the circulation. HSC are harvested by leukapheresis, purified using a CD34 immunomagnetic selection process, and cryopreserved. Busulphan, cyclophosphamide, and rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin are used to destroy the patient's autoreactive immune system, followed by infusion of the previously collected HSC, which reconstitute a naïve and self‐tolerant immune system. Many MS patients experience durable remissions with no evidence of new disease activity following aHSCT. Treatment‐related toxicity is rare, but potentially life‐threatening complications necessitate appropriate patient selection by MS neurologists and HSCT physicians. AHSCT must be performed with a highly trained multidisciplinary team expert to minimize morbidity and mortality. We present the current aHSCT procedure for an MS indication at The Ottawa Hospital, developed from our program's 20‐year experience. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Candidate selection

Basic Protocol 2: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization, collection, purification, and cryopreservation

Basic Protocol 3: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Basic Protocol 4: Supportive care following recovery from aHSCT (Beyond 100 days)

Basic Protocol 5: Ongoing evaluation of multiple sclerosis
Recycling of Zinc−Carbon Batteries into MnO/ZnO/C to Fabricate Sustainable Cathodes for Rechargeable Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shangguan Enbo , Wang Liming , Wang Yingchao , Li Linpo , Chen Mingxing , Qi Jing , Wu Chengke , Wang Mingyu , Li Quanmin , Gao Shuyan , Li Jing
Published: May 2022

Acidic zinc−carbon dry batteries have been widely used in life because of their low cost. However, a great quantity of used batteries is discarded as refuse, which not only wastes resources but also leads to environmental contamination. To reuse spent batteries on a large scale, this study concerns a simple, effective, and sustainable strategy to turn them into MnO/ZnO/C composites. After a conventional leaching treatment followed by pyrolysis, the rust cathode materials can be reduced to MnO/ZnO/C. When serving as a rechargeable zinc‐ion battery cathode, this electrode provides a maximum reversible capacity of around 362 mAh g−1MnO) and a rate capability of 191 mAh g−1MnO at a high current rate of 1.20 A g−1. Furthermore, ZnO gradually dissolves in the electrolyte with the increase of discharge cycles, replenishing the Zn2+ content in the electrolyte and further enhancing cycling stability (98.02 % after 500 cycles). The device also exhibits a remarkable energy density of 336.37 Wh kg−1, low self‐discharge rate, and can efficiently power a LED panel. This strategy offers an economical and facile route to convert zinc−carbon battery waste into useful materials for aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries.
An efficient self‐deployment methodology for maximized coverage of mobile underwater sensor networks
Authors: Roy Aditya , Roy Sahadev
Published: May 2022

A well‐optimized and well‐performed communication network protocol is necessary to build successful underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs). But for wired and wireless communication, medium access control (MAC) has a great effect on network performance and optimization. But unlike land‐based MAC protocols, underwater MAC protocols come with various challenges and issues like high propagation delay, limited bandwidth for communication signals, large attenuation in network signals, and the high noise level in signals. It is very challenging to build a well‐optimized underwater MAC protocol. Also, in UWASN, sensor nodes are generally divided into sub‐network parts to reduce the propagation delay of data signals. But this creates the problem of non‐uniform traffic load in sensor nodes. So, considering these issues, dynamic hold time MAC (DHT‐MAC) protocol is proposed here. In this protocol, depending on the distance from the central node, sensor nodes are divided into two sub‐network zones (parent node and child node). Depending on the traffic load and propagation delay, the child nodes can change their respective parent nodes dynamically. Advantage of the proposed method is that, if any of the parent nodes stops working, the child node will connect to the nearest parent node. When collecting the data signals, it has been observed that child nodes have a light traffic load compared to parent nodes. So dynamic cooperative transmission MAC (DCT‐MAC) protocol which is a contention‐based MAC protocol has been used in child nodes and as parent nodes have high traffic load, reservation‐based MAC protocol has been used.
Pan‐European phylogeography of the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Authors: Plis Kamila , Niedziałkowska Magdalena , Borowik Tomasz , Lang Johannes , Heddergott Mike , Tiainen Juha , Bunevich Aleksey , Šprem Nikica , Paule Ladislav , Danilkin Aleksey , Kholodova Marina , Zvychaynaya Elena , Kashinina Nadezhda , Pokorny Boštjan , Flajšman Katarina , Paulauskas Algimantas , Djan Mihajla , Ristić Zoran , Novák Luboš , Kusza Szilvia , Miller Christine , Tsaparis Dimitris , Stoyanov Stoyan , Shkvyria Maryna , Suchentrunk Franz , Kutal Miroslav , Lavadinović Vukan , Šnjegota Dragana , Krapal Ana‐Maria , Dănilă Gabriel , Veeroja Rauno , Dulko Elżbieta , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła
Published: May 2022

To provide the most comprehensive picture of species phylogeny and phylogeography of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), we analyzed mtDNA control region (610 bp) of 1469 samples of roe deer from Central and Eastern Europe and included into the analyses additional 1541 mtDNA sequences from GenBank from other regions of the continent. We detected two mtDNA lineages of the species: European and Siberian (an introgression of C. pygargus mtDNA into C. capreolus). The Siberian lineage was most frequent in the eastern part of the continent and declined toward Central Europe. The European lineage contained three clades (Central, Eastern, and Western) composed of several haplogroups, many of which were separated in space. The Western clade appeared to have a discontinuous range from Portugal to Russia. Most of the haplogroups in the Central and the Eastern clades were under expansion during the Weichselian glacial period before the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), while the expansion time of the Western clade overlapped with the Eemian interglacial. The high genetic diversity of extant roe deer is the result of their survival during the LGM probably in a large, contiguous range spanning from the Iberian Peninsula to the Caucasus Mts and in two northern refugia.
Evidence for a male‐biased sex ratio in the offspring of a large herbivore: The role of environmental conditions in the sex ratio variation
Authors: Hagen Robert , Ortmann Sylvia , Elliger Andreas , Arnold Janosch
Published: May 2022

Numerous studies have examined whether the primary and/or secondary sex ratio in mammals, including humans, deviates from an equilibrium of 1:1. Although effect size in the sex ratio variation is expected to be low, a large sample size allows the identification of even small deviations from parity. In this study, we investigated whether the sex ratio of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) offspring at birth approaches parity, using a large data set from roe deer offspring tagged in Baden‐Württemberg (Germany, 1972–2019, N = 12,437). In addition, a systematic re‐analysis of available data on the secondary sex ratios of roe deer was conducted to test whether our finding withstood the accumulation of further data. The null hypothesis that the sex ratio of roe deer (prenatal sex ratio and sex ratio at birth) approaches parity was rejected. Moreover, the secondary sex ratio of roe deer offspring deviated from the male‐biased mean for relatively cold or warm weather conditions during autumn and winter. Our study provides strong evidence for a male‐biased sex ratio in a large herbivore and weak evidence for variations in the secondary sex ratio owing to environmental conditions. The pattern is highly relevant in the context of climate change and its impact on the population dynamics of large herbivores.
Invasion of Spartina alterniflora on Zostera japonica enhances the abundances of bacteria by absolute quantification sequencing analysis
Authors: Song Zenglei , Sun Yanyu , Liu Pengyuan , Wang Yibo , Huang Yanyan , Gao Yan , Hu Xiaoke
Published: May 2022

Plant invasion can alter soil organic matter composition and indirectly impact estuary ecology; therefore, it is paramount to understand how plant invasion influences the bacterial community. Here, we present an absolute quantification 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the bacterial communities that were collected from Zostera japonica and Spartina alterniflora covered areas and Z. japonica degradation areas in the Yellow River Estuary. Our data revealed that the absolute quantity of bacteria in the surface layer was significantly (p < .05) higher than that in the bottom and degradation areas. Following the invasion of S. alterniflora, the abundances of Bacteroidia, Acidimicrobiaceae, and Dehalococcoidaceaewere enriched in the S. alterniflora sediment. In addition, variations in the composition of sediment bacterial communities at the phylum level were the most intimately related to total organic carbon (TOC), and the content of heavy metals could reduce the abundance of bacteria. This study provided some information to understand the effects of S. alterniflora invasion on Z. japonica from the perspective of microbiome level.
Interacting water, nutrients, and shrub age control steppe grass‐on‐shrub competition: Implications for restoration
Authors: Morcillo Luna , Bautista Susana
Published: May 2022

Understanding the factors that control grass–shrub interactions and coexistence is critical to the design of dryland management and restoration strategies. Using Stipa tenacissima tussocks as adult neighbor and Olea europaea var. sylvestris as target woody species, we performed a 5‐year‐long, large‐scale manipulative experiment to investigate the independent and combined effects of water and nutrient availability, and the modulating effects of O. europaea ontogeny on the net outcome of grass–shrub interaction. At two contrasting dryland sites, we conducted experimental plantings of Olea seedlings on two microsites: contiguous to a Stipa tussock (Stipa microsite) and on the intertussock bare‐soil areas (Open microsite), and manipulated resource availability by combining nutrient and water addition. The experiment followed a full factorial design, with all treatment combinations applied at each site. We monitored survival, height, and stem basal diameter of Olea individuals over a study period of 5 years. All across the wide range of conditions considered, negative effects of Stipa on Olea largely prevailed during the first 2 years after the plantation. We found that competition was stronger in the drier steppe, where extra inputs of water favored neutral interactions. Conversely, nutrient addition increased competition strength, particularly when combined with water inputs, pointing to the contrasting role of different resources and the importance of interactions between them in the control of plant–plant interaction outcome. The competition effects of Stipa faded with time and gradually shifted to neutral interaction as Olea individuals aged. Our results are particularly relevant to guide restoration efforts in formerly wooded xeric grasslands and rangelands.
Using large, open datasets to understand spatial and temporal patterns in lotic ecosystems: NEON case studies
Authors: Edmonds Jennifer W. , King Katelyn B. S. , Neely Merrie Beth , Hensley Robert T. , Goodman Keli J. , Cawley Kaelin M.
Published: May 2022

Leveraging big, open data is the next frontier in ecology. The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a network of monitoring sites collecting ecological data from across the United States. Using a case study approach, we provide examples of how NEON data can be applied to address a few big questions in aquatic ecology. First, we examined spatial patterns in stream water chemistry, to determine whether sites tend to cluster into regions based on geographic proximity. We found that this was not the case, likely because the hydrologic, geologic, and anthropogenic factors that drive heterogeneity in stream water chemistry vary across smaller spatial scales. Second, we examined temporal variability in stream water chemistry. We determined that the majority of catchments are relatively chemostatic (i.e., discharge varies by orders of magnitude more than concentrations) and that differences between catchments are likely to shift across decades due to changes in network conductivity. Third, we tested predictions of the River Continuum Concept (RCC) along a gradient from a second‐order stream to a seventh‐order river. We found that longitudinal patterns in metabolism, carbon chemistry, and macroinvertebrate community composition generally follow the patterns predicted by the RCC. NEON is only in its third year of full operations, with a planned 30‐year life. The studies presented here show the utility of NEON data, while only using a subset of the many data products that NEON produces. The massive amounts and types of data NEON generates, in conjunction with other national‐scale datasets, will allow the research community to better understand how aquatic ecosystems function and respond to drivers of long‐term change.
The chemical ecology of tropical forest diversity: Environmental variation, chemical similarity, herbivory, and richness
Authors: Massad Tara Joy , Richards Lora A. , Philbin Casey , Yamaguchi Lydia Fumiko , Kato Massuo J. , Jeffrey Christopher S. , Oliveira Celso , Ochsenrider Kaitlin , de Moraes Marcílio M. , Tepe Eric J. , Cebrian‐Torrejon Gerardo , Sandivo McKenzie , Dyer Lee A.
Published: May 2022

Species richness in tropical forests is correlated with other dimensions of diversity, including the diversity of plant–herbivore interactions and the phytochemical diversity that influences those interactions. Understanding the complexity of plant chemistry and the importance of phytochemical diversity for plant–insect interactions and overall forest richness has been enhanced significantly by the application of metabolomics to natural systems. The present work used proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR) profiling of crude leaf extracts to study phytochemical similarity and diversity among Piper plants growing naturally in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil. Spectral profile similarity and chemical diversity were quantified to examine the relationship between metrics of phytochemical diversity, specialist and generalist herbivory, and understory plant richness. Herbivory increased with understory species richness, while generalist herbivory increased and specialist herbivory decreased with the diversity of Piper leaf material available. Specialist herbivory increased when conspecific host plants were more spectroscopically dissimilar. Spectral similarity was lower among individuals of common species, and they were also more spectrally diverse, indicating phytochemical diversity is beneficial to plants. Canopy openness and soil nutrients also influenced chemistry and herbivory. The complex relationships uncovered in this study add information to our growing understanding of the importance of phytochemical diversity for plant–insect interactions and tropical plant species richness.
SiO2–GeO2 Glass–Ceramic Flakes as an Anode Material for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Esper Julian D. , Maußner Felix , Romeis Stefan , Zhuo Ying , Barr Maїssa K. S. , Yokosawa Tadahiro , Spiecker Erdmann , Bachmann Julien , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: May 2022

The preparation of a flake‐like glass–ceramic anode material comprised of SiO2 and GeO2 for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) is demonstrated. The precursor glass material is prepared via a traditional melt quenching technique. Flake‐like glass particles are obtained by compression in the liquid phase via ball milling. A subsequent heat treatment induces crystallization of GexSiyO6 domains inside the vitreous SiO2–GeO2 matrix. This novel glass‐ceramic material is applied as an anode material for LIBs and shows a stable reversible capacity of 520 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C combined with good capacity retention of 87% after 100 cycles. This cycling stability can be attributed to the synergistic effects of having nanocrystalline domains embedded in the glass matrix: The open glass network can withstand the volume change and stress caused by the lithium insertion during cycling, while the nanocrystals act as active sites for the electrochemical conversion and alloying reactions. The glass–ceramic anode material exhibits superior electrochemical properties compared to its pure glass counterparts.
Fabrication of High‐Quality CsBi3I10 Films via a Gas‐Assisted Approach for Efficient Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kang Jian , Liu Junxian , Allen Oscar , Al-Mamun Mohammad , Liu Porun , Yin Huajie , Wang Yun , Chen Shan , Zhao Huijun
Published: May 2022

Bismuth‐based perovskites are promising candidates for lead‐free and air‐stable photovoltaics. However, the poor surface morphologies and high exciton binding energy of the bismuth‐based perovskites have limited their performances. Herein, the density functional theory calculations unveil that CsBi3I10 possesses favorable optoelectronic properties such as a narrow bandgap, a small effective mass, and relatively high electron mobility. To tackle the poor‐surface morphology problem, the high‐quality CsBi3I10 films are fabricated via gas‐assisted spin‐coating and solvent vapor annealing in ambient conditions. Using the [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the electron acceptor, an optimized inverted CsBi3I10/PCBM bulk‐heterojunction structure enables a high power conversion efficiency of 1.18% among the CsBi3I10‐based perovskite solar cells. The approach exemplified in this work could be useful for designing the high‐performance Bi‐based lead‐free perovskite solar cells.
Effect of the Cu/ZnO/SBA‐15/kaolinite preparation method on the catalyst structural properties and catalytic performance at CO2 hydrogenation at low pressure
Authors: Abelniece Zane , Kampars Valdis , Piirsoo Helle‐Mai , Mändar Hugo , Tamm Aile
Published: May 2022

Carbon dioxide catalytic hydrogenation to methanol in the presence of nanocatalysts has been recognized as one of the most effective ways to fix and utilize the emitted CO2. In this study, Cu/ZnO/SBA‐15 catalyst has been synthesized by three different methods: “impregnation‐sol–gel autocombustion” method, impregnation method and direct synthesis method using triblock copolymer Pluronic P123 as a template. Cu/ZnO/SBA‐15 catalysts comprising kaolinite clay have been used in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol for the first time to make the methanol synthesis more cost‐effective. The performance of catalysts upon hydrogenation of CO2 was evaluated in a fixed‐bed tubular micro‐activity reactor at 20 bar with H2 to CO2 molar ratio 3 to 1 and 250°C. Results showed that the highest methanol production, with STY of 36 mg CH3OHh−1gcat−1, could be obtained using the catalyst prepared by “impregnation‐sol–gel autocombustion”. This synthesis method allowed to obtain catalyst with the smallest crystallite size and a good dispersion of the active phase over and into SBA‐15. The CO2 conversion reached 15.9%, which is close to conversion level provided by commercial Cu catalyst.