bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separation of Xylene Isomers in the Anion‐Pillared Square Grid Material SIFSIX‐1‐Cu
Authors: Yang Liping , Liu Hanbang , Xing Jiacheng , Yuan Danhua , Xu Yunpeng , Liu Zhongmin
Published: January 2021

Xylene isomer separation is considered one of the seven separation challenges that changed the world. In addition, the high‐energy demand of xylene separation highlights the need for efficient novel adsorbents. Herein, the liquid‐phase separation potential of the anion‐pillared hybrid material SIFSIX‐1‐Cu was studied for preferential adsorption of o‐xylene and m‐xylene over p‐xylene, which was inspired by a previous complexation crystallization method for separating m‐xylene. We report detailed experimental liquid‐phase adsorption experiments, yielding selectivities of 3.0 for o‐xylene versus p‐xylene and 2.6 for m‐xylene versus p‐xylene. Our theoretical calculations thus provide a reasonable explanation that the xylene adsorption selectivity is attributed to the C−H⋅⋅⋅F interaction, and the host–guest interaction order agrees with the adsorption priority: o‐xylene > m‐xylene > p‐xylene.
Control and stability analysis of DC microgrid system including wind and solar generation sources and grid‐connected voltage source converter
Authors: Hassantaghi Hassan , Rahimi Mohsen
Published: January 2021

The study system in this paper is a grid‐connected DC microgrid system comprising PV and wind generation sources, resistive and constant power loads (CPLs), and grid‐connected VSC. The VSC keeps the DC link voltage constant, and the wind and PV sources operate in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode, and thus, the DC–DC converters related to these sources act such as controlled current sources behaving similar to negative CPLs. The study system suffers from the stability under high CPL penetration and weak AC grid conditions. Hence, this paper investigates and enhances the system stability under both high CPL penetration and weak AC grid conditions. To do this, modal and small‐signal stability analysis of the system is carried out, and then, as the main findings, impacts of the wind and PV sources output powers, CPL power, and AC grid short‐circuit power on the system stability are studied. Next, as the main contribution, VSC control structure is modified by adding stabilizing signals to enhance the system stability under high CPL penetration, reduced output powers of the wind and PV sources, and weak AC grid conditions. At the end, several simulation results verify the theoretical results at different conditions.
Nalfurafine reduces neuroinflammation and drives remyelination in models of CNS demyelinating disease
Authors: Denny Lisa , Al Abadey Afnan , Robichon Katharina , Templeton Nikki , Prisinzano Thomas E , Kivell Bronwyn M , La Flamme Anne C
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath, resulting in physical and cognitive disability. There is currently no cure for MS, and finding effective treatments to prevent disease progression has been challenging. Recent evidence suggests that activating kappa opioid receptors (KOR) has a beneficial effect on the progression of MS. Although many KOR agonists like U50,488 are not suitable for clinical use because of a poor side‐effect profile, nalfurafine is a potent, clinically used KOR agonist with a favorable side‐effect profile.

Methods

Using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, the effect of therapeutically administered nalfurafine or U50,488 on remyelination, CNS infiltration and peripheral immune responses were compared. Additionally, the cuprizone model was used to compare the effects on non‐immune demyelination.

Results

Nalfurafine enabled recovery and remyelination during EAE. Additionally, it was more effective than U50,488 and promoted disease reduction when administered after chronic demyelination. Blocking KOR with the antagonist, nor‐BNI, impaired full recovery by nalfurafine, indicating that nalfurafine mediates recovery from EAE in a KOR‐dependent fashion. Furthermore, nalfurafine treatment reduced CNS infiltration (especially CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) and promoted a more immunoregulatory environment by decreasing Th17 responses. Finally, nalfurafine was able to promote remyelination in the cuprizone demyelination model, supporting the direct effect on remyelination in the absence of peripheral immune cell invasion.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings support the potential of nalfurafine to promote recovery and remyelination and highlight its promise for clinical use in MS.
Hibernacula microclimate and declines in overwintering bats during an outbreak of white‐nose syndrome near the northern range limit of infection in North America
Authors: Vanderwolf Karen J. , McAlpine Donald F.
Published: January 2021

We document white‐nose syndrome (WNS), a lethal disease of bats caused by the fungusPseudogymnoascus destructans(Pd), and hibernacula microclimate in New Brunswick, Canada. Our study area represents a more northern region than is common for hibernacula microclimate investigations, providing insight as to how WNS may impact bats at higher latitudes. To determine the impact of the March 2011 arrival ofPdin New Brunswick and the role of hibernacula microclimate on overwintering bat mortality, we surveyed bat numbers at hibernacula twice a year from 2009 to 2015. We also collected data from iButton temperature loggers deployed at all sites and data from HOBO temperature and humidity loggers at three sites. Bat species found in New Brunswick hibernacula includeMyotis lucifugus(Little Brown Bat) andM. septentrionalis(Northern Long‐eared Bat), with small numbers ofPerimyotis subflavus(Tricolored Bat). All known hibernacula in the province werePd‐positive with WNS‐positive bats by winter 2013. A 99% decrease in the overwintering bat population in New Brunswick was observed between 2011 and 2015. We did not observeP. subflavusduring surveys 2013–2015 and the species appears to be extirpated from these sites. Bats did not appear to choose hibernacula based on winter temperatures, but dark zone (zone where no light penetrates) winter temperatures did not differ among our study sites. Winter dark zone temperatures were warmer and less variable than entrance or above ground temperatures. We observed visiblePdgrowth on hibernating bats in New Brunswick during early winter surveys (November), even though hibernacula temperatures were colder than optimum for in vitroPdgrowth. This suggests that cold hibernacula temperatures encountered near the apparent northern range limit forPddo not sufficiently slow fungal growth to prevent the onset of WNS and associated bat mortality over the winter.
Estimating animal abundance and effort–precision relationship with camera trap distance sampling
Authors: Cappelle Noémie , Howe Eric J. , Boesch Christophe , Kühl Hjalmar S.
Published: January 2021

Effective monitoring methods are needed for assessing the state of biodiversity and detecting population trends. The popularity of camera trapping in wildlife surveys continues to increase as they are able to detect species in remote and difficult‐to‐access areas. As a result, several statistical estimators of the abundance of unmarked animal populations have been developed, but none have been widely tested. Even where the potential for accurate estimation has been demonstrated, whether these methods estimators can yield estimates of sufficient precision to detect trends and inform conservation action remains questionable. Here, we assess the effort–precision relationship of camera trap distance sampling (CTDS) in order to help researchers design efficient surveys. A total of 200 cameras were deployed for 10 months across 200 km2in the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. We estimated abundance of Maxwell's duikers, western chimpanzees, leopards, and forest elephants that are challenging to enumerate due to rarity or semi‐arboreality. To test the effects of spatial and temporal survey effort on the precision of CTDS estimates, we calculated coefficient of variation (CV) of the encounter rate from subsets of our complete data sets. Estimated abundance of leopard and Maxwell's duiker density (20% < CV < 30% and CV = 11%, respectively) were similar to prior estimates from the same area. Abundances of chimpanzees (20% < CV < 30%) were underestimated, but the quality of inference was similar to that reported after labor‐intensive line transect surveys to nests. Estimates for the rare forest elephants were potentially unreliable since they were too imprecise (60% < CV < 200%). Generalized linear models coefficients indicated that for relatively common, ground‐dwelling species, CVs between 10% and 20% are achievable from a variety of survey designs, including long‐term (6+ months) surveys at few locations (50), or short term (2‐week to 2‐month) surveys at 100–150 locations. We conclude that CTDS can efficiently provide estimates of abundance of multiple species of sufficient quality and precision to inform conservation decisions. However, estimates for the rarest species will be imprecise even from ambitious surveys and may be biased for species that exhibit strong reactions to cameras.
Solvation Structure and Dynamics of Mg(TFSI)2 Aqueous Electrolyte
Authors: Yu Zhou , Juran Taylor R. , Liu Xinyi , Han Kee Sung , Wang Hui , Mueller Karl T. , Ma Lin , Xu Kang , Li Tao , Curtiss Larry A. , Cheng Lei
Published: January 2021

Using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, classical molecular dynamics (CMD) simulations, small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and pulsed‐field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG‐NMR), the solvation structure and ion dynamics of magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI)2) aqueous electrolyte at 1, 2, and 3 m concentrations are investigated. From AIMD and CMD simulations, the first solvation shell of an Mg2+ ion is found to be composed of six water molecules in an octahedral configuration and the solvation shell is rather rigid. The TFSI− ions prefer to stay in the second solvation shell and beyond. Meanwhile, the comparable diffusion coefficients of positive and negative ions in Mg(TFSI)2 aqueous electrolytes have been observed, which is mainly due to the formation of the stable [Mg(H2O)6]2+ complex, and, as a result, the increased effective Mg ion size. Finally, the calculated correlated transference numbers are lower than the uncorrelated ones even at the low concentration of 2 and 3 m, suggesting the enhanced correlations between ions in the multivalent electrolytes. This work provides a molecular‐level understanding of how the solvation structure and multivalency of the ion affect the dynamics and transport properties of the multivalent electrolyte, providing insight for rational designs of electrolytes for improved ion transport properties.
Nitrosonisoldipine is a selective inhibitor of inflammatory caspases and protects against pyroptosis and related septic shock
Authors: Chen Qianyue , Zheng Jiashuo , Wang Dingyu , Liu Qiyao , Kang Lulu , Gao Xiang , Lin Zhaoyu
Published: January 2021

Pyroptosis is a type of acute cell death that mainly occurs in immune cells. It is characterized with robust release of inflammatory cytokines and has emerged to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of sepsis‐associated immune disorders. In this study, we screened for pyroptotic inhibitors with the ultimate goal to benefit sepsis treatments. Accidentally, we identified that nitrosonisoldipine (NTS), a photodegradation product of calcium channel inhibitor nisoldipine, inhibits noncanonical pyroptosis. Using murine immortalized BM‐derived macrophage and human THP‐1 cell line, we further discovered that NTS not only inhibits noncanonical pyroptosis mediated by caspase‐11 or caspase‐4 but also canonical pyroptosis mediated by caspase‐1. Mechanistically, NTS directly inhibits the enzyme activities of these inflammatory caspases, and these inhibitory effects persist despite extensive washout of the drug. By contrast, apoptosis mediated by caspase‐3/‐7 was not affected by NTS. Mice pretreated with NTS intraperitoneally displayed improved survival rate and extended survival time in LPS‐ and polymicrobe‐induced septic models, respectively. In conclusion, NTS is a selective inhibitor of inflammatory caspases that blocks both the noncanonical and canonical pyroptotic pathways. It is safe for intraperitoneal administration and might be used as a prototype to develop drugs for sepsis treatments.
Redox Induced Tunable Functionalization of Picolylamines on Selective Ru‐Platform
Authors: Singh Aditi , Dey Sanchaita , Panda Sanjib , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: January 2021

Redox induced ligand centered reactivity has garnered significant attention in recent times. In this context, the present article described intermolecular oxygenation, dehydrogenation and C−N bond cleavage processes of structurally robust picolylamine derivatives (HL) on selective {Ru(acac)2} metal platform encompassing electron rich acac (=acetylacetonate) co‐ligand. The diverse functionalization of {Ru(acac)2} coordinated β‐ketoiminate embedded picolylamines under basic condition included (i) oxygenation of methylene (Cα) position of picolyl fragment (−CH2−NH−→−CO−NH−), (ii) dehydrogenation of phenyl substituted Cα (−CH−NH−→−C=N−) and (iii) C−N bond cleavage of the picolinoyl moiety to yield picolinate (−CO−N−−→−CO−O−). Besides structural, spectroscopic (mass, 1H/13C−NMR, EPR, UV‐vis.) and electrochemical authentication of the products, correlation of the reactivity pattern was addressed via transition state (TS) calculations. Theoretical results supported the consideration of a common dianionic intermediate to address the aforementioned reactivities. The pertinent question of intramolecular cyclization versus intermolecular oxygenation of picolylamine on simple switching from {Ru(Cl)(H)(CO)(PPh3)3} (earlier work[4a]) metal fragment to {Ru(acac)2} (present report) was also elaborated by TS calculation.
P2X7‐induced nociception in the temporomandibular joint of rats depends on inflammatory mechanisms and C‐fibres sensitization
Authors: Teixeira Juliana M. , Pimentel Rafael M. , Abdalla Henrique B. , de Sousa Hortência M. X. , Macedo Cristina G. , Napimoga Marcelo H. , Tambeli Cláudia H. , Oliveira‐Fusaro Maria C. G. , Clemente‐Napimoga Juliana T.
Published: January 2021

Background

P2X7 receptors are responsible for triggering inflammatory responses contributing to processes of pain in articular tissues. This study aimed to investigate whether the activation of the P2X7 receptor located in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tissues induces nociception through an inflammatory mechanisms and/or the activation of C‐fibres (small‐diameter primary afferents) of rats’ TMJ.

Methods

The TMJ hypernociception induced by the activation of P2X7 receptor was assessed by measuring the behavioural nociceptive responses. After behavioural experiments, the animals were terminally anaesthetized and periarticular tissues were removed and homogenate for enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, leukocyte infiltration and western blotting analysis.

Results

The nonselective P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP induced a dose‐dependent TMJ nociception, which was blocked by the selective P2X7 receptor antagonist A‐438079. The co‐administration of the selective β2‐adrenoceptor antagonist (ICI‐118,551) and the pre‐treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin or with the nonspecific selectin inhibitor Fucoidan significantly reduced BzATP‐induced TMJ nociception. BzATP also induced an increase of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL‐1β and CINC‐1 levels, as well as leukocyte recruitment in TMJ tissue, effects that were reduced by A‐438079. Moreover BzATP‐induced TMJ nociception was inhibited in rats neonatal‐treated with Capsaicin (depleting C‐fibers). Finally, BzATP‐induced an increase in TRPV1 expression in TMJ tissue.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that P2X7 receptor activation in TMJ of rats induces nociceptive responses mediated by sympathomimetic amines, prostaglandins, leukocyte migration and increased levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the P2X7 receptor activation induces nociceptive responses dependent on the activation of the primary afferent nociceptors of rats’ TMJ.

Significance

The activation of P2X7 receptors has an essential role in TMJ nociception and could be an interesting target to control the inflammatory pain in temporomandibular disorders.
Rehabilitation effects on gully sediment yields and vegetation in a savanna rangeland
Authors: Koci Jack , Wilkinson Scott N. , Hawdon Aaron A. , Kinsey‐Henderson Anne E. , Bartley Rebecca , Goodwin Nicholas R.
Published: January 2021

Gully rehabilitation can contribute to catchment management by stabilizing erosion and reducing downstream sediment yields, yet the globally observed responses are variable. Developing the technical basis for gully rehabilitation and establishing guidelines for application requires studies that evaluate individual rehabilitation measures in specific environments. An eight‐year field experiment was undertaken to evaluate sediment yield and vegetation responses to several gully rehabilitation measures. The rehabilitation measures aimed to reduce surface runoff into gully head cuts, trap sediment on gully floors and increase vegetation cover on gully walls and floors. The study occurred in a savanna rangeland in northeast Australia. Two gullies were subject to treatments while four gullies were monitored as untreated controls. A runoff diversion structure reduced headcut erosion from 4.3 to 1.2 m2 yr−1. Small porous check dams and cattle exclusion reduced gully total sediment yields by more than 80%, equivalent to a reduction of 0.3 to 2.4 t ha−1 yr−1, but only at catchment areas less than 10 ha. Fine sediment yields (silt and clay) were reduced by 7 and 19% from the two treated gullies, respectively. The porous check dam deposits contained a lower percentage of the fine fraction than the parent soil. Significant regeneration of gully floor vegetation occurred, associated with trapping of organic litter and fine sediment. Increases in vegetation cover and biomass were comprised of native perennial grasses, trees and shrubs. In variable climates, long‐term gully rehabilitation will progress during wetter periods, and regress during droughts. Understanding linkages between rehabilitation measures, their hydrologic, hydraulic and vegetation effects and gully sediment yields is important to defining the conditions for their success.
Hyalinizing epithelioid tumors with OGT‐FOXO fusions. A case report of a non‐acral soft tissue mass harboring a novel FOXO4 gene rearrangement
Authors: Torrence Dianne , Zhang Lei , Sung Yun‐Shao , Dickson Brendan C. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: January 2021

Recurrent fusions between OGT and members of the Forkhead box (FOXO) family of genes have been recently described in three cases of hyalinizing epithelioid acral soft tissue tumors in young adults showing co‐expression for EMA and CD34. Despite the lack of an established myoepithelial lineage by immunohistochemistry, these lesions have been labeled as myoepithelioma‐like due to their epithelioid phenotype and sclerotic background. In this study, we report a novel FOXO4‐OGT fusion identified by targeted RNA sequencing in an unclassified shoulder soft tissue mass in a 40‐year‐old male. The tumor showed nodular foci of increased cellularity in a uniformly hyalinized background. The neoplastic cells were mainly epithelioid and focally spindled, with eosinophilic cytoplasm and indented nuclei with mild atypia. The tumor lacked significant mitotic activity and necrosis. Immunohistochemically, the tumor showed variable positivity for EMA, pan‐CK, CD34, ERG and FLI1, while it was negative for CD31, S100, SOX10, desmin, and MUC4. INI1 expression was retained. Due to its unusual histology and conflicting immunoprofile, TruSight RNA fusion panel sequencing was performed which revealed a fusion between FOXO4 exon 2 to OGT exon 2. This is the first example of a soft tissue lesion harboring OGT‐related fusions occurring in a non‐acral location and associated with FOXO4 gene. Its line of differentiation and biologic potential remain uncertain.
Patients' attitude toward informal payments in Iran: an application of the cluster analysis method
Authors: Zarei Ehsan , Nikkhah Adeleh , Khodakarim Soheila , Pavlova Milena
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Attitude is a factor affecting the behaviour of consumers. In the literature, the effect of health care consumer's attitude on making informal payments has been highlighted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of Iranian patients regarding informal payments and socio‐demographic factors associated with it.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, conducted in 2017 in Tehran, 450 patients who were admitted to the clinics of four public hospitals for post‐surgical care and follow‐up, were invited to participate in the study. The data collection tool was a questionnaire, which validity and reliability were confirmed. Cluster analysis was used to identify the main attitudinal groups. To investigate the effect of socio‐demographic factors on patients' attitudes, generalized linear model regression analysis was carried out in SPSS 22.

Results

Our findings showed that 57.3% of patients had agreeing attitude, 24.2% indifferent attitude, and 18.4% opposing attitude toward informal payments. Patients from rural areas and those from the high‐income group had higher odds of having an agreeing attitude. There was a significant association between informal payment history and attitude. The odds of having agreeing attitude among patients with a history of informal payment were two times higher than among patients who did not have an informal payment history (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

A positive attitude towards informal payments is an obstacle to the fight against this phenomenon. Therefore, changes in public attitudes regarding informal payments will be an essential strategy, among other strategies, for eradicating these payments. This could be achieved through public campaigns for raising people's awareness and knowledge.
Coupled influence of flow velocity and water temperature on grass carp swimming behaviour and gonad development
Authors: Liu Hongrui , Yin Xin‐An , Qiu Xintian , Qin Jinglan , Yang Wei , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2021

Reproductive migration is an essential phase in the life of many fish. During this process, swimming behaviour and gonad development are key factors related to the migration quality, and both factors are strongly influenced by water temperature and flow velocity. Many studies have explored the separate effects of these variables on fish swimming ability or gonad development, but researchers have seldom investigated the simultaneous effects of low flow velocity and water temperature on the fish swimming behaviour and gonad development. To provide that knowledge, we conducted laboratory experiments that explored the coupled effects of low water temperature and flow on warm water fish swimming behaviour and gonad development. At five temperatures (16, 18, 20, 22, and 24°C), we observed the movement of migratory warmwater grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) at seven flow velocities (0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45 m/s), then explored their gonad development by comparing the level of plasma 17β‐estradiol and testosterone in fish travelling through a simulated fish way (flow stimulation) and in a fish tank (no flow stimulation). We used Bayesian networks to explore the acceptable hydrological condition for fish migration. We found that the minimum flow velocity for acceptable migration quality is a function of the water temperature, and that increasing water temperature improves fish movement success and increases the movement distance, especially at a low flow velocity. In addition, increasing water temperature (between 16 and 24°C in this experiment design) can enhance the effect of flow stimulation on gonad development. Overall, our results can broaden the understanding of reducing water temperature and flow velocity in fish swimming behaviour and gonad development, provide basic data to support hydrological process controls and the development of measures to protect fish migration.
Quantifying suitable dynamic water levels in marsh wetlands based on hydrodynamic modelling
Authors: Hu Peng , Yang Zefan , Zhu Qiande , Wang Weize , Yang Qin
Published: January 2021

The water level of marsh wetlands is a dominant force controlling the wetland ecosystem function, especially for aquatic habitat. For different species, water level requirements vary in time and space, and therefore ensuring suitable water levels in different periods is crucial for the maintenance of biodiversity in marsh wetlands. Based on hydrodynamic modelling and habitat suitability assessment, we determined suitable dynamic water levels considering aquatic habitat service at different periods in marsh wetlands. The two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model was used to simulate the temporal and spatial variation of water level. The habitat suitability for target species at various water levels was evaluated to obtain the fitting curves between Weighted Usable Area (WUA) and water levels. And then suitable water levels throughout the year were proposed according to the fitting curves. Using the Zhalong Wetland (located in northeastern China) as a case study, we confirmed that the proposed MIKE 21 model can successfully be used to simulate the water level process in the wetland. Suitable water levels were identified as being from 143.9–144.2 m for April to May, 144.1–144.3 m for June to September, and 144.3–144.4 m for October to November (before the freezing season). Furthermore, proposed water diversion schemes have been identified which can effectively sustain the proposed dynamic water levels. This study is expected to provide appropriate guidance for the determination of environmental flows and water management strategies in marsh wetlands.
Anti‐dsDNA, anti‐nucleosome, anti‐C1q, and anti‐histone antibodies as markers of active lupus nephritis and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity
Authors: Shang Xiaoying , Ren Lisheng , Sun Guirong , Yu Teng , Yao Yuan , Wang Lin , Liu Fenghai , Zhang Lijun , He Xiaqin , Liu Mingjun
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Previous studies of anti‐dsDNA, nucleosome (Nucl), histone (His), and C1q antibodies have revealed their clinical value in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the correlation between four autoantibodies and SLE activity, lupus nephritis (LN) remains controversial, and data are insufficient on longitudinal monitoring. This study aimed at evaluating the value of these autoantibodies in active LN, and their performance on cross‐sectional evaluating and longitudinal monitoring of SLE disease activity.

Methods

Serum levels of four autoantibodies in 114 SLE patients, 219 other autoimmune disease patients (OAD), and 59 healthy controls were assayed by a quantitative immunoassay. Sera of 38 inpatients were obtained again after treatment.

Results

We found that serum levels of four autoantibodies were significantly higher in SLE than OAD patients (p < 001), active LN than non‐renal SLE patients (p < .05), and higher in SLE patients with moderate and severe disease activity than mild disease activity (p < .01). Horizontally, serum level of each autoantibody was correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (p < .05), and correlation coefficient of anti‐dsDNA was the highest (r = .585). For longitudinal monitoring, the decreased levels of four autoantibodies were found following treatment (p < .001). Serum level variations of these antibodies were positively correlated with variations of SLEDAI (p < .05). The correlation coefficient of anti‐Nucl was the highest (r = .629). Although the levels of C3 and C4 increased after treatment, the change was not related to the change of SLEDAI (p > .05).

Conclusions

Anti‐C1q, anti‐dsDNA, anti‐Nucl, and anti‐His perform well in diagnosing active LN and monitoring SLE disease activity. They could be indicators of active LN and SLE disease activity.
Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of an mHealth supported breastfeeding peer counselor intervention in rural India
Authors: Short Vanessa L. , Bellad Roopa M. , Kelly Patricia J. , Washio Yukiko , Ma Tony , Chang Katie , Majantashetti Niranjana S. , Charantimath Umesh S. , Jaeger Frances J. , Lalakia Parth , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Derman Richard
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of an mHealth‐supported breastfeeding peer counselor intervention implemented in rural India and the preliminary impact of the intervention on maternal breastfeeding behaviors, including exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).

Methods

In this quasi‐experimental pilot study, participants received either the intervention plus usual care (n = 110) or usual care alone (n = 112). The intervention group received nine in‐home visits during and after pregnancy from peer counselors who provided education about and support for EBF and other optimal infant feeding practices and were aided with an mHealth tool. The control group received routine prenatal and postnatal health education. Progress notes and surveys were used to assess feasibility. Logistic regression models were used for between‐group comparisons of optimal infant feeding outcomes, including EBF for 6 months.

Results

The intervention was delivered as intended, maintained over the study period, and had high acceptability ratings. There were statistically significant differences in all outcomes between groups. The intervention group had a significantly higher likelihood of EBF at 6 months compared to the control group (adjusted odds ratio 3.57, 95% confidence interval 1.80–7.07).

Conclusion

Integration of mHealth with community‐based peer counselors to educate women about EBF is feasible and acceptable in rural India and impacts maternal breastfeeding behaviors.
Recent advances in biotransformation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural: challenges and future aspects
Authors: Saikia Kongkona , Rathankumar Abiram Karanam , Kumar Ponnusamy Senthil , Varjani Sunita , Nizar Mohideen , Lenin Rashmi , George Jenet , Vaidyanathan Vinoth Kumar
Published: January 2021

In a biorefinery process, 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a promising biomass‐derived chemical with diverse industrial applications. The biotransformation of HMF to different high‐valued furanic derivatives, such as 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid, 2,5‐diformylfuran, 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid, and 5‐formyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid, has led to the transition from fossil‐derived products to bio‐based chemicals through sustainable routes. Although, chemocatalytic conversion of HMF has been extensively studied in the recent years, the higher selectivity, environment friendliness, and mild reaction conditions of HMF bioconversion has established these processes as a promising alternative to harsh chemical conditions. To understand the present status and challenges of HMF bioconversion, this review retrospects and describes the recent advancements in the biotransformation of HMF and systematically assesses the recent findings and developments in the HMF biotransformation through various reaction schemes. Further, this review illustrates, in comprehensive detail, the merits and challenges of various biological processes and it proposes a few research trends for economical and facile HMF bioconversion for commercialization. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of membrane pore size and transmembrane pressure on ultrafiltration of red‐fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) juice
Authors: Le Thanh TH , Vu Linh TK , Le Ngoc Lieu
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Red‐fleshed dragon fruit contains high amounts of heat‐sensitive betacyanin pigments that require non‐thermal technologies in their processing. Ultrafiltration (UF) can be a promising alternative technique for fruit juice clarification and cold sterilization.

RESULTS

This study reported clarification of red‐fleshed dragon fruit juice by UF employing polyethersulfone UF membranes with pore sizes of 5, 10, and 20 kDa operated at three different transmembrane pressures of 1, 2 and 3 bar. Findings indicated that dragon fruit juice was best ultrafiltrated with the 10 kDa UF membrane at 3 bar, which resulted in the highest permeate flux (around 7.9 kg m−2 h−1), lowest retention of betacyanins (30.6%) and phenolic compounds (11.3%), as well as having the closest 2,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging ability as compared to that of the control. Resistance analyses presented that cake resistance (69–94%) played the major role in decreasing flux and was the dominant fouling cause in the UF process, while reversible (5–25%) and irreversible resistances (1–16%) had lesser impacts. Membrane characterizations using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the chemical structure and surface morphology of the UF membrane were hardly altered after being used and washed with detergents. Liquid chromatographic–mass spectroscopic analyses demonstrated that UF was successfully employed for juice clarification without affecting heat‐sensitive compounds of fruit juices such as betacyanins.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous selection of suitable membrane pore size and operation pressure is crucial for UF of fruit juice. UF is a promising technique in processing bioactive compound‐containing liquid foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of near point‐of‐care viral load implementation in public health facilities across seven countries in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Boeke Caroline E , Joseph Jessica , Atem Charles , Banda Clement , Coulibaly Khady Diatou , Doi Naoko , Gunda Andrews , Kandulu James , Kiernan Brianán , Kingwara Leonard , Maokola Werner , Maparo Tatenda , Mbaye Rose Nadege , Mtumbuka Esther , Mziray Joseph , Ngugi Catherine , Nkakulu Jeanine , Nzuobontane Divine , Okomo Assoumo Marie Claire , Peter Trevor , Rioja Maria R , Sacks Jilian A , Simbi Raiva , Vojnov Lara , Khan Shaukat A
Published: January 2021

Introduction

In many low‐ and middle‐income countries, HIV viral load (VL) testing occurs at centralized laboratories and time‐to‐result‐delivery is lengthy, preventing timely monitoring of HIV treatment adherence. Near point‐of‐care (POC) devices, which are placed within health facility laboratories rather than clinics themselves (i.e. “true” POC), can offer VL in conjunction with centralized laboratories to expedite clinical decision making and improve outcomes, especially for patients at high risk of treatment failure. We assessed impacts of near‐POC VL testing on result receipt and clinical action in public sector programmes in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Methods

Routine health data were collected retrospectively after introducing near‐POC VL testing at 57 public sector health facilities (2017 to 2019, country‐dependent). Where possible, key indicators were compared to data from patients receiving centralized laboratory testing using hazard ratios and the Somers’ D test.

Results

Data were collected from 6795 tests conducted on near‐POC and 17614 tests on centralized laboratory‐based platforms. Thirty‐one percent (2062/6694) of near‐POC tests were conducted for high‐risk populations: pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and those with suspected failure. Compared to conventional testing, near‐POC improved the median time from sample collection to return of results to patient [six vs. sixty‐eight days, effect size: −32.2%; 95% CI: −41.0% to −23.4%] and to clinical action for individuals with an elevated HIV VL [three vs. fourty‐nine days, effect size: −35.4%; 95% CI: −46.0% to −24.8%]. Near‐POC VL results were two times more likely to be returned to the patient within 90 days compared to centralized tests [50% (1781/3594) vs. 27% (4172/15271); aHR: 2.22, 95% CI: 2.05 to 2.39]. Thirty‐seven percent (340/925) of patients with an elevated near‐POC HIV VL result had documented clinical follow‐up actions within 30 days compared to 7% (167/2276) for centralized testing.

Conclusions

Near‐POC VL testing enabled rapid test result delivery for high‐risk populations and led to significant improvements in the timeliness of patient result receipt compared to centralized testing. While there was some improvement in time‐to‐clinical action with near‐POC VL testing, major gaps remained. Strengthening of systems supporting the utilization of results for patient management are needed to truly capitalize on the benefits of decentralized testing.
Female calling, life cycle, and microstructures of the parasitic beetle Ripidius quadriceps Abeille de Perrin
Authors: Batelka Jan , Straka Jakub , Vávra Jiří Ch. , Škorpík Martin , Prokop Jakub
Published: January 2021

The precopulatory behaviour of the larviform females of Ripidius quadriceps Abeille de Perrin, 1872 is described. The calling posture of virgin females is documented. The cephalic morphology and microstructures are visualised using scanning electron microscopy, in particular the secretory pores in the cuticle of inflatable maxillary palps. An exhaustive overview of relevant publications revealed that the location of secretory pores on the head of females is unique within the order Coleoptera. Compared to other beetles with sedentary calling females, the calling phase of the short‐lived and non‐feeding female of Ripidius is exceptionally short. For bioassays, various traps using virgin females of Ripidius were tested. It is likely that the sedentary behaviour of the short‐lived female combined with a unique morphology and priority for investing in reproduction is compensated for by the actively flying males with remarkably flabellate antennae. The life cycle of this species, including some of the exceptions recorded at the individual level, is discussed. Perspectives for a biological and morphological survey of this rarely collected western Palaearctic species are outlined. In addition, the calling behaviour, secretory sites and location of pheromone glands in females of Coleoptera producing long range pheromones is reviewed.
Impact of negative bias temperature instability on single event transients in scaled logic circuits
Authors: Shah Ambika Prasad , Waltl Michael
Published: January 2021

Altering the performance of single transistors and integrated circuits at nominal operating conditions over time, as well as soft errors, are serious reliability issues for integrated CMOS circuits, especially when used in space applications. In principle, the effect of soft errors becomes even more critical if the circuit performance degrades over time. To address this detrimental behavior, the impact of performance degradation due to NBTI on the soft error susceptibility of integrated circuits is analyzed thoroughly. For this, we analyze the critical charge sensitivity of the two‐input NAND gate and NOR gate for different operating temperatures at stress times up to 3 years. The results show that the critical charge decreases with the temperature and strongly depends on the input states. Next, we validate the results employing the c17 ISCAS'85 benchmark suite, employing the PTM model with the HSPICE to estimate the soft error at the sensitive nodes. The critical charge is observed to be sensitive to the selected supply voltage and device temperature and thus provides a good measure for the soft error susceptibility with respect to NBTI at various operation conditions.
Extra‐striatal dopamine in Parkinson's disease with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Valli Mikaeel , Cho Sang Soo , Masellis Mario , Chen Robert , Koshimori Yuko , Diez‐Cirarda Maria , Mihaescu Alexander , Christopher Leigh , Strafella Antonio P.
Published: January 2021

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a common condition found in more than 50% of the patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Molecular imaging shows that PD with RBD (PD‐RBD+) have lower striatal dopamine transporter activity within the caudate and putamen relative to PD without RBD (PD‐RBD−). However, the characterization of the extra‐striatal dopamine within the mesocortical and mesolimbic pathways remains unknown. We aim to elucidate this with PET imaging in 15 PD‐RBD+ and 15 PD‐RBD− patients, while having 15 age‐matched healthy controls (HC). Each participant underwent a single PET scan with [11C]FLB‐457 to detect the D2 receptor availability within the extra‐striatal regions of interest (ROI), including the prefrontal, temporal, and limbic areas. [11C]FLB‐457 retention was expressed as the nondisplaceable binding potential. Our results reveal that relative to HC, PD‐RBD+ and PD‐RBD− patients have lower levels of D2 receptor availability within the uncus parahippocampus, superior, lateral, and inferior temporal cortex. PD‐RBD+ showed steep decline in D2 receptors within the left uncus parahippocampus with increasing disease severity, but this was not observed for PD‐RBD− patients. Findings imply that extra‐striatal dopaminergic system may play a role in contributing to symptomatic progress in PD patients with RBD. However, validation with more advanced PD patients are needed.
Evaluation of some distributional downscaling methods as applied to daily precipitation with an eye towards extremes
Authors: Lanzante John R. , Dixon Keith W. , Adams‐Smith Dennis , Nath Mary Jo , Whitlock Carolyn E.
Published: January 2021

Statistical downscaling (SD) methods used to refine future climate change projections produced by physical models have been applied to a variety of variables. We evaluate four empirical distributional type SD methods as applied to daily precipitation, which because of its binary nature (wet vs. dry days) and tendency for a long right tail presents a special challenge. Using data over the Continental U.S. we use a ‘Perfect Model’ approach in which data from a large‐scale dynamical model is used as a proxy for both observations and model output. This experimental design allows for an assessment of expected performance of SD methods in a future high‐emissions climate‐change scenario. We find performance is tied much more to configuration options rather than choice of SD method. In particular, proper handling of dry days (i.e., those with zero precipitation) is crucial to success. Although SD skill in reproducing day‐to‐day variability is modest (~15–25%), about half that found for temperature in our earlier work, skill is much greater with regards to reproducing the statistical distribution of precipitation (~50–60%). This disparity is the result of the stochastic nature of precipitation as pointed out by other authors. Distributional skill in the tails is lower overall (~30–35%), although in some regions and seasons it is small to non‐existent. Even when SD skill in the tails is reasonably good, in some instances, particularly in the southeastern United States during summer, absolute daily errors at some gridpoints can be large (~20 mm or more), highlighting the challenges in projecting future extremes.
Seasonal patterns in greenhouse gas emissions from lakes and ponds in a High Arctic polygonal landscape
Authors: Prėskienis Vilmantas , Laurion Isabelle , Bouchard Frédéric , Douglas Peter M. J. , Billett Michael F. , Fortier Daniel , Xu Xiaomei
Published: January 2021

Lakes and ponds can be hotspots for CO2 and CH4 emissions, but Arctic studies remain scarce. Here we present diffusive and ebullition fluxes collected over several years from 30 ponds and 4 lakes formed on an organic‐rich polygonal tundra landscape. Water body morphology strongly affects the mixing regime—and thus the seasonal patterns in gas emissions—with ice‐out and autumnal turnover periods identified as hot moments in most cases. The studied thermokarst lake maintained relatively high ebullition rates of millennia‐old CH4 (up to 3405 14C YBP). Larger and deeper kettle lakes maintained low fluxes of both gases (century to millennium‐old), slowly turning into a CO2 sink over the summer. During winter, lakes accumulated CO2, which was emitted during the ice‐out period. Coalescent polygonal ponds, influenced by photosynthesizing benthic mats, were continuous CO2 sinks, yet important CH4 emitters (modern carbon). The highest fluxes were recorded from ice‐wedge trough ponds (up to 96 mmol CO2 equivalent m−2 d−1). However, despite clear signs of permafrost carbon inputs via active shore erosion, these sheltered ponds emitted modern to century‐old greenhouse gases. As the ice‐free period lengthens, scenarios of warmer and wetter conditions could favor both the production of CO2 and CH4 from thawing permafrost carbon, and CH4 production from recently fixed carbon through an atmospheric CO2‐to‐CH4 shunt at sites in which primary production is stimulated. This must be carefully considered at the landscape scale, recognizing that older carbon stocks can be mineralized efficiently in specific locations, such as in thermokarst lakes.
Historical contingency via priority effects counteracts environmental change on metacommunity dynamics across decades
Authors: García‐Girón Jorge , Lindholm Marja , Heino Jani , Toivonen Heikki , Alahuhta Janne
Published: January 2021

Community ecology has had a strong focus on single snapshots of species compositional variation in time. However, environmental change often occurs slowly at relatively broad spatio‐temporal scales, which requires historically explicit assessments of long‐term metacommunity dynamics, such as the order of species arrival during community assembly (i.e., priority effects), a theme that merits further empirical quantification. In this study, we applied the Bayesian inference scheme of Hierarchical Modeling of Species Communities together with information on functional traits and evolutionary dependencies to efficiently explore the question of how ecological communities are organized in space and time. To do this, we used a comprehensive time‐series dataset from boreal lake plants and adopted the perspective that more sound conclusions on metacommunity dynamics can be gained from studies that consider a historically integrative approach over long timeframes. Our findings revealed that historical contingency via priority effects can profoundly shape community assembly under the influence of environmental change across decades (here, from the 1940s to the 2010s). Similarly, our results supported the existence of both positive and negative species‐to‐species associations in lake plants, suggesting that functional divergence can switch the inhibition–facilitation balance at the metacommunity level. Perhaps more importantly, this proof‐of‐concept study supports the notion that community ecology should include a historical perspective and suggests that ignoring priority effects may risk our ability to identify the true magnitude of change in present‐day biotic communities.