bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Model‐Based Analysis of Electrolyte Intrusion Depth in Silver‐Based Gas Diffusion Electrodes
Authors: Franzen David , Krause Christian , Turek Thomas
Published: April 2021

The electrolyte distribution is a central point of discussion for understanding the processes inside gas‐diffusion electrodes (GDE) for the oxygen reduction reaction in highly alkaline media. During first radiographic operando synchrotron experiments, the liquid electrolyte was located, however, the through‐plane distribution remains unclear. Therefore, model electrodes consisting of nickel and silver layers are developed to determine the electrolyte intrusion depth. Nickel‐based GDEs are modified to achieve a pore system morphology suitable for the oxygen reduction reaction and subsequently coated with silver‐PTFE catalyst layers. These graded electrodes form gas‐diffusion (nickel) and reaction (silver) layers. The electrodes performance is determined under industrial conditions (80 °C, 30 wt % NaOH electrolyte) as a function of the silver layer thickness and thus of the effective intrusion depth of the electrolyte. The model‐based analysis confirms the experimental determined intrusion depths. Nevertheless, additional operando tomography measurements would help to further improve the understanding of the processes inside GDE.
Organic Positive Materials for Magnesium Batteries: A Review
Authors: Tran Ngoc‐Anh , Do Van Thanh Nhan , Le My Loan Phung
Published: April 2021

Magnesium batteries, like lithium‐ion batteries, with higher abundance and similar efficiency, have drawn great interest for large‐scale applications such as electric vehicles, grid energy storage and many more. On the other hand, the use of organic electrode materials allows high energy‐performance, metal‐free, environmentally friendly, versatile, lightweight, and economically efficient magnesium storage devices. In particular, the structural diversity and the simple activity of organic molecules make redox properties, and hence battery efficiency, easy to monitor. While organic magnesium batteries still in their infancy, this field becomes more and more promising because significant results were reported. To summarize the achievements in studies on organic cathodes for magnesium systems, their synthesis is discussed, combined with electrode design to provide the basis for controlling the electrochemical properties. Moreover, the techniques to synthesize organic materials with high‐yield are mentioned. Finally, potential problems and prospects are explored to further improve organic cathodes.
Statistical profiling reveals correlations between the cell response to and the primary structure of Rho‐GAPs
Authors: Kang Na , Matsui Tsubasa S. , Deguchi Shinji
Published: April 2021

Rho‐GTPase‐activating proteins (Rho‐GAPs) are essential upstream regulators of the Rho family of GTPases. Currently, it remains unclear if the phenotypic change caused by perturbations to a Rho‐GAP is predictable from its amino acid sequence. Here we analyze the relationship between the morphological response of cells to the silencing of Rho‐GAPs and their primary structure. For all possible pairs of 57 different Rho‐GAPs expressed in MCF10A epithelial cells, the similarity in the Rho‐GAP silencing‐induced morphological change was quantified and compared to the similarity in the primary structure of the corresponding pairs. We found a distinct correlation between the morphological and sequence similarities in a specific group of RhoA‐targeting Rho‐GAPs. Thus, the family‐wide analysis revealed a common feature shared by the specific Rho‐GAPs.
Development of a culturally sensitive narrative intervention to promote genetic counseling among African American women at risk for hereditary breast cancer
Authors: Henderson Vida , Chukwudozie Ifeanyi Beverly , Comer‐Hagans DeLawnia , Coffey Vickii , Grumbach Giesela , Spencer Shirley , Rodgers Carolyn , Kaur Ravneet , Newsome Jennifer , Balay Lara , Maga Tara , Kendall Le’Chaun , Balthazar Catherine , Watson Karriem , Winn Robert , Odoms‐Young Angela , Hoskins Kent F.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

African American women with hereditary breast cancer risk are less likely to undergo genetic counseling and testing compared with non‐Hispanic White women. Inequities in the use of precision cancer care are likely to exacerbate racial disparities in cancer outcomes. A culturally sensitive multimedia narrative intervention was developed to motivate African American women at risk for hereditary breast cancer to engage in genetic counseling.

METHODS

Development of the intervention was grounded in the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction using a phenomenological, deductive approach and employed multiple qualitative methods for data collection, including 1‐on‐1 interviews and story circles with members of the target audience to identify salient themes and lived experiences. Focus group testing was then conducted with members of the group of focus, primary care providers, and community stakeholders.

RESULTS

Six themes that mapped to the theoretical model were identified. Lived experiences were abstracted from story circle data to create a narrative storyline. Educational content and motivational messaging derived from the 6 themes were embedded into the script. Focus group testing with stakeholder groups was used to refine the intervention. Testing of the final multimedia narrative with focus groups indicated that the intervention was culturally sensitive and authentic, and the messaging was effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple qualitative data collection methods and a robust theoretical framework of health behavior were key elements for this study to develop a culturally sensitive, narrative intervention that reflects lived experiences and motivates underserved African American women with hereditary breast cancer risk to engage in genetic counseling. This strategy can be applied to mitigate racial inequities in the use of other genomic approaches for personalizing cancer care.
Ruxolitinib rechallenge in resistant or intolerant patients with myelofibrosis: Frequency, therapeutic effects, and impact on outcome
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Tiribelli Mario , Breccia Massimo , Bartoletti Daniela , Elli Elena M. , Benevolo Giulia , Martino Bruno , Cavazzini Francesco , Tieghi Alessia , Iurlo Alessandra , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Pugliese Novella , Binotto Gianni , Caocci Giovanni , Auteri Giuseppe , Cattaneo Daniele , Trawinska Malgorzata M. , Stella Rossella , Scaffidi Luigi , Polverelli Nicola , Micucci Giorgia , Masselli Elena , Crugnola Monica , Bosi Costanza , Heidel Florian H. , Latagliata Roberto , Pane Fabrizio , Cuneo Antonio , Krampera Mauro , Semenzato Gianpietro , Lemoli Roberto M. , Cavo Michele , Vianelli Nicola , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Palumbo Giuseppe A.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

After ruxolitinib discontinuation, the outcome of patients with myelofibrosis (MF) is poor with scarce therapeutic possibilities.

METHODS

The authors performed a subanalysis of an observational, retrospective study (RUX‐MF) that included 703 MF patients treated with ruxolitinib to investigate 1) the frequency and reasons for ruxolitinib rechallenge, 2) its therapeutic effects, and 3) its impact on overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 219 patients (31.2%) discontinued ruxolitinib for ≥14 days and survived for ≥30 days. In 60 patients (27.4%), ruxolitinib was rechallenged for ≥14 days (RUX‐again patients), whereas 159 patients (72.6%) discontinued it permanently (RUX‐stop patients). The baseline characteristics of the 2 cohorts were comparable, but discontinuation due to a lack/loss of spleen response was lower in RUX‐again patients (P = .004). In comparison with the disease status at the first ruxolitinib stop, at its restart, there was a significant increase in patients with large splenomegaly (P < .001) and a high Total Symptom Score (TSS; P < .001). During the rechallenge, 44.6% and 48.3% of the patients had spleen and symptom improvements, respectively, with a significant increase in the number of patients with a TSS reduction (P = .01). Although the use of a ruxolitinib dose > 10 mg twice daily predicted better spleen (P = .05) and symptom improvements (P = .02), the reasons for/duration of ruxolitinib discontinuation and the use of other therapies before rechallenge were not associated with rechallenge efficacy. At 1 and 2 years, 33.3% and 48.3% of RUX‐again patients, respectively, had permanently discontinued ruxolitinib. The median overall survival was 27.9 months, and it was significantly longer for RUX‐again patients (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Ruxolitinib rechallenge was mainly used in intolerant patients; there were clinical improvements and a possible survival advantage in many cases, but there was a substantial rate of permanent discontinuation. Ruxolitinib rechallenge should be balanced against newer therapeutic possibilities.
Evaluation of the CYP2D6 Haplotype Activity Scores Based on Metabolic Ratios of 4,700 Patients Treated With Three Different CYP2D6 Substrates
Authors: Jukić Marin M. , Smith Robert L. , Molden Espen , Ingelman‐Sundberg Magnus
Published: April 2021

The metabolic activity of the polymorphic CYP2D6 enzyme is dependent on the CYP2D6 genotype; however, the guidelines for translating the genotype into phenotype, which are of relevance for adequate drug dose personalization, are ambiguous. In the present study, retrospective therapeutic drug monitoring data from 4,700 CYP2D6 genotyped patients treated with risperidone, venlafaxine, and/or aripiprazole were analyzed to quantify the effect of CYP2D6 genotype on the CYP2D6 metabolic activities, as measured by metabolic ratios of these substrates. The patients were categorized into diplotypes based on the presence of normal function (CYP2D6Norm), nonfunctional (CYP2D6Nonf), and decreased function (CYP2D6Decr; i.e., CYP2D6*9, CYP2D6*10, and CYP2D6*41) CYP2D6 haplotypes. Significant correlations between the metabolic ratios were observed in patients (n = 77–103) cotreated with risperidone and venlafaxine, risperidone and aripiprazole, or venlafaxine and aripiprazole (ρ = 0.874, 0.785, and 0.644, respectively; P < 0.001 for all). Relative metabolic CYP2D6 diplotype activity was calculated based on that the metabolic ratios, where median values for CYP2D6Nonf/Nonf and CYP2D6Norm/Norm subgroups were set to 0% and 100%, respectively. The relative CYP2D6 activities were: 7.0% for CYP2D6Nonf/*41, 16.7% for CYP2D6Nonf/*9–10, 13.2% for CYP2D6*41/*41, 24.9% for CYP2D6*41/*9–10, 33.1% for CYP2D6*9‐10/*9–10, 41.3% for CYP2D6Nonf/Norm, 55.0% for CYP2D6*41/Norm, 58.9% for CYP2D6*9–10/Norm, and 149.2% for CYP2D6Norm/Normx2. Compared with the CYP2D6Norm alleles, the activity scores of CYP2D6*41 and CYP2D6*9–10 alleles were estimated to be one sixth and one third, respectively. The results of this highly powered study provide a solid basis for the translation of the CYP2D6 genotype into a drug metabolic phenotype.
White matter microstructure disruption in early stage amyloid pathology
Authors: Collij Lyduine E. , Ingala Silvia , Top Herwin , Wottschel Viktor , Stickney Kristine E. , Tomassen Jori , Konijnenberg Elles , ten Kate Mara , Sudre Carole , Lopes Alves Isadora , Yaqub Maqsood M. , Wink Alle Meije , Van ‘t Ent Dennis , Scheltens Philip , van Berckel Bart N.M. , Visser Pieter Jelle , Barkhof Frederik , Braber Anouk Den
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation is the first pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and it is associated with altered white matter (WM) microstructure. We aimed to investigate this relationship at a regional level in a cognitively unimpaired cohort.

Methods

We included 179 individuals from the European Medical Information Framework for AD (EMIF‐AD) preclinAD study, who underwent diffusion magnetic resonance (MR) to determine tract‐level fractional anisotropy (FA); mean, radial, and axial diffusivity (MD/RD/AxD); and dynamic [18F]flutemetamol) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to assess amyloid burden.

Results

Regression analyses showed a non‐linear relationship between regional amyloid burden and WM microstructure. Low amyloid burden was associated with increased FA and decreased MD/RD/AxD, followed by decreased FA and increased MD/RD/AxD upon higher amyloid burden. The strongest association was observed between amyloid burden in the precuneus and body of the corpus callosum (CC) FA and diffusivity (MD/RD) measures. In addition, amyloid burden in the anterior cingulate cortex strongly related to AxD and RD measures in the genu CC.

Discussion

Early amyloid deposition is associated with changes in WM microstructure. The non‐linear relationship might reflect multiple stages of axonal damage.
Regeneration in anamniotes was replaced by regengrow and scarring in amniotes after land colonization and the evolution of terrestrial biological cycles
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: April 2021

An evolutionary hypothesis explaining failure of regeneration among vertebrates is presented. Regeneration derives from postembryonic processes present during the life cycles of fish and amphibians that include larval and metamorphic phases with broad organ reorganizations. Developmental programs imprinted in their genomes are re‐utilized with variations also in adults for regeneration. When vertebrates colonized land adopting the amniotic egg, some genes driving larval changes, and metamorphosis were lost and new genes evolved, further limiting regeneration. These included neural inhibitors for maintaining complex nervous systems, behavior and various levels of intelligence, and adaptive immune cells. The latter, that in anamniotes are executioners of metamorphic reorganization, became intolerant to embryonic‐oncofetal‐antigens impeding organ regeneration, a process that requires de‐differentiation of adult cells and/or expansion of stem cells where these early antigens are formed. The evolution of terrestrial lifecycles produced vertebrates with complex bodies but no longer capable to regenerate their organs, mainly repaired by regengrow. Efforts of regenerative medicine to improve healing in humans should determine the diverse developmental pathways evolved between anamniotes and amniotes before attempting genetic manipulations such as the introduction of “anamniote regenerative genes” in amniotes. This operation may determine alteration in amniote developmental programs leading to teratomes, cancer, or death.
How to make use of unlabeled observations in species distribution modeling using point process models
Authors: Guilbault Emy , Renner Ian , Mahony Michael , Beh Eric
Published: April 2021

Species distribution modeling, which allows users to predict the spatial distribution of species with the use of environmental covariates, has become increasingly popular, with many software platforms providing tools to fit such models. However, the species observations used can have varying levels of quality and can have incomplete information, such as uncertain or unknown species identity.

In this paper, we develop two algorithms to classify observations with unknown species identities which simultaneously predict several species distributions using spatial point processes. Through simulations, we compare the performance of these algorithms using 7 different initializations to the performance of models fitted using only the observations with known species identity.

We show that performance varies with differences in correlation among species distributions, species abundance, and the proportion of observations with unknown species identities. Additionally, some of the methods developed here outperformed the models that did not use the misspecified data. We applied the best‐performing methods to a dataset of three frog species (Mixophyes).

These models represent a helpful and promising tool for opportunistic surveys where misidentification is possible or for the distribution of species newly separated in their taxonomy.
Tree diversity and functional leaf traits drive herbivore‐associated microbiomes in subtropical China
Authors: Li Yi , Chesters Douglas , Wang Ming‐Qiang , Wubet Tesfaye , Schuldt Andreas , Anttonen Perttu , Guo Peng‐Fei , Chen Jing‐Ting , Zhou Qing‐Song , Zhang Nai‐Li , Ma Ke‐Ping , Bruelheide Helge , Wu Chun‐Sheng , Zhu Chao‐Dong
Published: April 2021

Herbivorous insects acquire microorganisms from host plants or soil, but it remains unclear how the diversity and functional composition of host plants contribute to structuring herbivore microbiomes. Within a controlled tree diversity setting, we used DNA metabarcoding of 16S rRNA to assess the contribution of Lepidoptera species and their local environment (particularly, tree diversity, host tree species, and leaf traits) to the composition of associated bacterial communities. In total, we obtained 7,909 bacterial OTUs from 634 caterpillar individuals comprising 146 species. Tree diversity was found to drive the diversity of caterpillar‐associated bacteria both directly and indirectly via effects on caterpillar communities, and tree diversity was a stronger predictor of bacterial diversity than diversity of caterpillars. Leaf toughness and dry matter content were important traits of the host plant determining bacterial species composition, while leaf calcium and potassium concentration influenced bacterial richness. Our study reveals previously unknown linkages between trees and their characteristics, herbivore insects, and their associated microbes, which contributes to developing a more nuanced understanding of functional dependencies between herbivores and their environment, and has implications for the consequences of plant diversity loss for trophic interactions.
Impact of lifestyle Intervention on branched‐chain amino acid catabolism and insulin sensitivity in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Jachthuber Trub Catherine , Balikcioglu Metin , Freemark Michael , Bain James , Muehlbauer Michael , Ilkayeva Olga , White Phillip J. , Armstrong Sarah , Østbye Truls , Grambow Steven , Gumus Balikcioglu Pinar
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Insulin resistance in adolescents with obesity associates with a sex‐dependent metabolic ‘signature’ comprising branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs), glutamate and C3/C5 acylcarnitines (C3/C5), implicating altered flux through BCAA catabolic pathways. Here, we investigated the effects of lifestyle intervention on BCAA catabolism and insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized (1) weight reduction and improved insulin sensitivity associate with enhanced BCAA catabolism; (2) baseline BCAAs and their metabolic by‐products predict changes in weight and insulin sensitivity during lifestyle intervention.

Methods

A 33 adolescents with obesity were studied before and after 6 months of lifestyle intervention. Principal component analysis and multiple linear regression models were used to correlate changes in metabolic factors with changes in weight and insulin sensitivity assessed by HOMA‐IR, adiponectin and ratio of triglyceride (TG) to HDL. Baseline metabolic factors were used as explanatory variables in prediction models.

Results

Weight reduction was associated with reductions in BCAA, glutamate, and C3/C5 (p = .002) and increases in urea cycle AA (p = .029), suggesting an increase in BCAA catabolism. Increases in urea cycle AA during weight reduction were associated with increases in adiponectin, a marker of insulin sensitivity. Markers of insulin resistance (high BCAA, glutamate, and C3/C5 and low urea cycle AA) at baseline predicted increases in metrics of insulin sensitivity (decreased TG/HDL and increased adiponectin) during lifestyle intervention.

Conclusions

Weight reduction in adolescents is associated with increases in BCAA catabolism and improvements in insulin sensitivity. Our study underscores the therapeutic potential of manipulating BCAA catabolism to treat obesity‐associated insulin resistance in adolescents and prevent progression to T2D.
Magnetic Properties and Environmental Temperature Effects on Battery Performance of Na0.67Mn0.5Fe0.5O2
Authors: Altin Serdar , Bayri Ali , Altin Emine , Oz Erdinc , Yasar Sedat , Altundağ Sebahat , Harfouche Messaoud , Avci Sevda
Published: April 2021

Herein, a modified solid state synthesis of Na0.67Mn0.5Fe0.5O2 and the results of a detailed investigation of the structural and magnetic properties via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis are reported. The magnetic properties of Na0.67Mn0.5Fe0.5O2 do not fit the Curie–Weiss law and a model regarding the spin configuration of the Mn and Fe ions and a possible ferrimagnetic order is suggested. Electrochemical measurements and ex situ structural analysis of the cathode material confirm the reversible structural transitions for the cells charged up to 4.0 V. Environmental temperature–dependent electrochemical measurements reveal a strong temperature dependence of both, the initial capacity and the capacity retention. Ex situ SEM, FTIR, and XRD studies on the battery membrane verify the formation of a Na2CO3 phase on the membrane, which blocks the Na ion diffusion through membrane pores and is responsible for the capacity fade for this compound.
Numerical modelling shows an old check‐dam still attenuates flooding and sediment transport
Authors: Ran Qihua , Tang Honglei , Wang Feng , Gao Jihui
Published: April 2021

Check dams are an effective and widespread measure for soil and water conservation around the world (e.g., in the Chinese Loess Plateau). However, the quantitative impact of a heavy silted check dam with small remaining storage capacity and large deposition area on river flow and sediment transport during floods remained unclear. In this study, to investigate this impact, a physics‐based distributed hydrological model (the Integrated Hydrology Model, InHM) was employed to simulate runoff and sediment processes during floods in a small catchment with a check dam in the Loess Plateau, considering different heavy rainfalls and check‐dam remaining storages. The model was calibrated and validated against the observed hydrographs and sedigraphs in two flood events and obtained satisfactory modelling performance (the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies > 0.70). The scenario modelling results showed that a heavy silted check dam still remarkably reduced and delayed the peaks of river flow and sediment rate, due to the attenuated surface flow movement and sediment transport on the deposition area. The largest flow peak occurred around the 85% silting stage of the check dam rather than the fully silting stage (100%). Even in the fully silted stage, sediment deposition continually occurred on the deposition area with a maximum deposition of 11,700 t sediment in a heavy‐rainfall scenario and more sediment deposited on the tail‐end regions of the deposition area than other regions after a flood. Moreover, in heavy silted stage backwater on the tail‐end areas and gullies largely attenuated local erosion and promoted sediment deposition, indirectly reducing the total sediment yield of the catchment during flood. These results indicated that numerous ageing check dams built in the Loess Plateau and worldwide are still useful to attenuate flood risk and soil erosion, and sound maintenance and management of the check‐dam will be beneficial to flood and soil erosion control.
Lattice Boltzmann method for the simulation of White–Metzner fluid flows
Authors: Ouallal Firdaousse , Hakim Abdelilah , Raghay Said
Published: April 2021

The simulation of non‐Newtonian fluids is a challenging task from theoretical and numerical points of view. Different numerical methods has been used to study this class of fluids. In this article, a novel numerical scheme based on lattice Boltzmann method is presented for the simulation of White–Metzner (WM) fluid flows, where two types of distribution functions are defined for the evolution of momentum and stress, respectively. We study the accuracy, and the influence of different parameters on the flow on different benchmarks: we validate our model first for a two‐dimensional planar channel, and then we investigate in details the behavior of WM fluid flows in a square lid driven cavity. In the numerical results, we give a very detailed investigation to elaborate the effect over a large range of each parameter on the flow field.
A Close‐to‐Aromatize Approach for the Late‐Stage Functionalization through Ring Closing Metathesis
Authors: Lozhkin Boris , Ward Thomas R.
Published: April 2021

An efficient approach for the synthesis of monosubstituted aromatic compounds relying on a ring‐closing metathesis followed by spontaneous 1,2‐elimination is presented. The efficiency for late‐stage functionalization is highlighted in various solvents (up to 920 TON). This approach is compatible with strained cycles and other multiple bonds in the substrate.
Impact of National Health Mission on infant mortality in India: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Prinja Shankar , Sharma Atul , Nimesh Ruby , Sharma Vineeta , Madan Gopal K , Badgaiyan Nina , Lakshmi PVM , Gupta Madhu
Published: April 2021

Government of India introduced National Rural Health Mission in 2005—now transformed into National Health Mission (NHM), to bring about architectural reforms in health sector. In this study, we evaluate the overall impact of NHM on infant mortality at national and state level. Annual data on infant mortality rate (IMR) from 1990 to 2016 were obtained from Sample Registration System bulletins. With reporting year 2009 considered as cut‐off point, a two‐step segmented time series regression analysis was conducted. Estimates of pre‐slope, post‐slope and change at the point of intervention were computed by applying auto‐regressive integrated moving average (1, 0, 0) while adjusting for trend and auto correlation. We found that while IMR reduced from around 80 to 34 per 1000 live births at the national level from 1990 to 2016, the annual rate of reduction increased from 1.6 per 1000 live births before NHM to 2.2 per 1000 live births after NHM. This is estimated to have averted 248,212 infant deaths in India, between 2005 and 2017. The rate of decline in IMR accelerated in 13 out of 17 larger states, most significantly in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. NHM has thus been successful in accelerating the overall rate of reduction in IMR in India. There is still a need to identify the determinants of variations at state level. We recommend strengthening of NHM in terms of funding and implementation.
A two‐layer model for studying 2D dissolved pollutant runoff over impermeable surfaces
Authors: Zhang Taotao , Xiao Yang , Liang Dongfang , Tang Hongwu , Xu Junzeng , Yuan Saiyu , Wang Nairu , Luan Bin
Published: April 2021

Dissolved pollutants in stormwater are a main contributor to water pollution in urban environments. However, many existing transport models are semi‐empirical and only consider one‐dimensional flows, which limit their predictive capacity. Combining the shallow water and the advection–diffusion equations, a two‐dimensional physically based model is developed for dissolved pollutant transport by adopting the concept of a ‘control layer’. A series of laboratory experiments has been conducted to validate the proposed model, taking into account the effects of buildings and intermittent rainfalls. The predictions are found to be in good agreement with experimental observations, which supports the assumption that the depth of the control layer is constant. Based on the validated model, a parametric study is conducted, focusing on the characteristics of the pollutant distribution and transport rate over the depth. The hyetograph, including the intensity, duration and intermittency, of rainfall event has a significant influence on the pollutant transport rates. The depth of the control layer, rainfall intensity, surface roughness and area length are dominant factors that affect the dissolved pollutant transport. Finally, several perspectives of the new pollutant transport model are discussed. This study contributes to an in‐depth understanding of the dissolved pollutant transport processes on impermeable surfaces and urban stormwater management.
End member and Bayesian mixing models consistently indicate near‐surface flowpath dominance in a pristine humid tropical rainforest
Authors: Birkel Christian , Correa Barahona Alicia , Duvert Clément , Granados Bolaños Sebastián , Chavarría Palma Andres , Durán Quesada Ana Maria , Sánchez Murillo Ricardo , Biester Harald
Published: April 2021

The impacts of forest conversion on runoff generation in the tropics have received much interest, but scientific progress is still hampered by challenging fieldwork conditions and limited knowledge about runoff mechanisms. Here, we assessed the runoff generation, flow paths and water source dynamics of a pristine rainforest catchment in Costa Rica using end member mixing analysis (EMMA) and a Bayesian mixing model (MixSIAR). Geochemical tracer data collected over a 4‐week field campaign were combined with tritium data used to assess potential deeper groundwater flow pathways to the perennial stream. The streamflow composition was best captured using three end‐members, namely throughfall, shallow (5–15 cm) and deeper (15–50 cm) soil water. We estimated the end‐member contributions to the main stream and two tributaries using the two mixing approaches and found good agreement between results obtained from EMMA and MixSIAR. The system was overwhelmingly dominated by near‐surface sources, with little evidence for deeper and older groundwater as tritium‐derived baseflow mean transit time was between 2.0 and 4.4 years. The shallow soil flow pathway dominated streamflow contributions in the main stream (median 39% and 49% based on EMMA and MixSIAR, respectively), followed by the deeper soil (32% and 31%) and throughfall (25% and 19%). The two tributaries had even greater shallow soil water contributions relative to the main stream (83% and 74% for tributary A and 42% and 63% for tributary B). Tributary B had no detectable deep soil water contribution, reflecting the morphology of the hillslope (steeper slopes, shallower soils and lower vegetation density compared to hillslope A). Despite the short sampling campaign and associated uncertainties, this study allowed to thoroughly assess runoff generation mechanisms in a humid tropical catchment. Our results also provide a first comparison of two increasingly used mixing models and suggest that EMMA and MixSIAR yield comparable estimates of water source partitioning in this tropical, volcanic rainforest environment.
Improvement of multi‐layer soil moisture prediction using support vector machines and ensemble Kalman filter coupled with remote sensing soil moisture datasets over an agriculture dominant basin in China
Authors: Zhu Qian , Wang Yushi , Luo Yulin
Published: April 2021

Soil moisture prediction is of great importance in crop yield forecasting and drought monitoring. In this study, the multi‐layer root zone soil moisture (0‐5, 0‐10, 10‐40 and 40‐100 cm) prediction is conducted over an agriculture dominant basin, namely the Xiang River Basin, in southern China. The support vector machines (SVM) coupled with dual ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) technique (SVM‐EnKF) is compared with SVM for its potential capability to improve the efficiency of soil moisture prediction. Three remote sensing soil moisture products, namely SMAP, ASCAT and AMSR2, are evaluated for their performance in multi‐layer soil moisture prediction with SVM and SVM‐EnKF, respectively. Multiple cases are designed to investigate the performance of SVM, the effectiveness of coupling dual EnKF technique and the applicability of the remote sensing products in soil moisture prediction. The main results are as follows: (a) The efficiency of soil moisture prediction with SVM using meteorological variables as inputs is satisfactory for the surface layers (0‐5 and 0‐10 cm), while poor for the root zone layers (10‐40 and 40‐100 cm). Adding SMAP as input to SVM can improve its performance in soil moisture prediction, with more than 47% increase in theR‐value and at least 11% reduction in RMSE for all layers. However, adding ASCAT or AMSR2 has no improvement for its performance. (b) Coupling dual EnKF can significantly improve the performance of SVM in the soil moisture prediction of both surface and the root zone layers. The increase inR‐value is above 80%, while the reduction in BIAS and RMSE is respectively more than 90% and 63%. However, adding remote sensing soil moisture products as inputs can no further improve the performance of SVM‐EnKF. (c) The SVM‐EnKF can eliminate the influence of remote sensing soil moisture extreme values in soil moisture prediction, therefore, improve its accuracy.
Laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation therapy: Use of a perirectal fat interposition graft
Authors: Hayashi Tokumasa , Cortes Auran Rosanne , Sawada Yugo , Tokiwa Shino , Nagae Mika , Muta Nao , Swe Myat Noe , Nariroth Keo , Nomura Masayoshi
Published: April 2021

Introduction

We present a case of laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation therapy using a perirectal fatty tissue interposition graft.

Case presentation

A 72‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with vesicovaginal fistula induced by radiation therapy. Repair of the vesicovaginal fistula was achieved via laparoscopic approach. The fistula was exposed, followed by excision of fistula tract, fine dissection to achieve a traction‐free approximation of bladder mucosa, then water‐tight closure. An interposition graft derived from the perirectal fat was inserted to reduce the risk of repair failure. The patient did not have the incontinence problem at 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

The laparoscopic approach for vesicovaginal fistula repair is minimally invasiveness. Preparation of the interposition graft derived from the perirectal fatty tissue was easy and its mobility to achieve closure of the fistula was acceptable. Thus, this procedure is feasible for the repair of poorly vascularized tissues such as radiation‐induced fistulas.
Insights into polyester plastic biodegradation by carboxyl ester hydrolases
Authors: Gricajeva Alisa , Nadda Ashok Kumar , Gudiukaite Renata
Published: April 2021

Environmental pollution caused by polyesters has become a major ecological safety concern that needs to be managed urgently. One way to resolve this problem is giving the spotlight to current emerging research of microbial biocatalysts. During the last two decades many researchers have reported the ability to break down and modify natural and synthetic polyesters using different microbial carboxyl ester hydrolases (lipases, esterases, cutinases, PETases, etc.) also called polyesterases, and contribution of these enzymes towards the reduction of plastic levels in the future. Continuous search of such lipolytic biocatalysts and their improvement via protein engineering strategies results in beneficial findings making the use of polyesterases in the biodegradation of plastics increasingly more realistic. The present review provides a comprehensive insight into the structural properties enabling microbial lipolytic‐type carboxyl ester hydrolases to effectively catalyze the cleavage of ester linkages in different polyester plastics. Moreover, the management of extensively used polyester plastics using different lipolytic enzymes as an innovative eco‐friendly solution is presented in this report. Furthermore, improvement of polyesterases via protein engineering for the development of more effective and suitable polyester‐degrading lipolytic biocatalysts is summarized in this review as well. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Facilitated lignocellulosic biomass digestibility in anaerobic digestion for biomethane production: microbial communities' structure and interactions
Authors: Faisal Shah , Thakur Nandini , Jalalah Mohammed , Harraz Farid A , Al‐Assiri Mohammad Sultan , Saif Irfan , Ali Gohar , Zheng Yuanzhang , Salama El‐Sayed
Published: April 2021

Lignocellulosic biomass is a highly available and suitable candidate for biogas/biomethane production. However, high concentration of recalcitrant lignin is the major obstacle in successful anaerobic digestion (AD). The main aim of this review is to highlight the applications and challenges of lignocellulosic biomass in AD from the recent reports. Potential approaches to improve instabilities in mesophilic AD process (such as microbial communities' development, co‐digestion, biofilm carrier's addition, and essential nutrients supplement) were also reported. This review goes one more step deeper to discuss the key microbes involved in lignocellulosic biomass degradation. Biofilm carriers provide attached growth systems for microbes in AD and acts as redox mediators to accelerate the biotransformation of recalcitrant pollutants. Addition of nanoparticles (NPs) stimulate Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Methanosaeta, Methanobacterium, and Methanosarcina population which further improve biomethanation. The comprehensive study of these proposed strategies and microbial stimulation through additives would make the lignocellulosic biomethanation more feasible. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Micro‐morphological identification study on Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. and its adulterants based on stereo microscope and desktop scanning electron microscope
Authors: Kang Shuai , Nie Li‐xing , Zheng Yu‐guang , Zuo Tian‐tian , Wang Ying , Shi Jia , Ma Shuang‐Cheng
Published: April 2021

The Chinese Materia Medica, Cordyceps sinensis (called “Dongchongxiacao” in Chinese), used as a tonic for nearly 600 years by Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been recorded by Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This drug is rare and precious, which in turn lead to the emergence of adulterants derived from the same genus of Cordyceps. The adulterants which can be commonly found in the market are Cordyceps gunnii (called “Gunichongcao” in Chinese), Cordyceps liangshanensis (called “Liangshanchongcao” in Chinese), and Cordyceps gracilis (called “Xinjiangchongcao” in Chinese). This study combined a desktop scanning electron microscope and stereo microscope to distinguish C. sinensis from the above three adulterants especially on their different characters of caterpillar parts. Referring to the professional entomological literature, the micro‐morphological features including the cuticle of the abdomen and the planta of abdomen prolegs were observed, photographed, and expressed based on the description of macroscopic characters. The identification method studied in this article is more convenient, quick, and environmental friendly.
LINC00460 promotes pancreatic cancer progression by sponging miR‐491‐5p
Authors: Wu Jiali , Sun Shuxin , Liao Wei , Chen Enni , Wang Xiaonan , Song Yunda , Duan Fangting , Deng Wuguo , Li Shengping
Published: April 2021

Background

A growing body of studies have suggested that LINC00460 is instrumental in tumorigenesis and tumour progression. Nonetheless, the biological function and mechanisms of LINC00460 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain vague.

Methods

Analysis based on public databases and a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction were performed to screen for differentially expressed lncRNAs in PDAC and to detect LINC00460 expression in PDAC cell lines and clinical samples. The survival of patients in the up‐regulated and down‐regulated LINC00460 expression groups was compared by using the Kaplan–Meier method. In addition, the potential biological functions of LINC00460 in PDAC were explored by cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays and rescue experiments were applied to demonstrate the mechanism by which LINC00460 could directly bind to and inhibit miR‐491‐5p.

Results

LINC00460 is up‐regulated in PDAC and correlates with adverse survival outcomes. The results of functional tests verified that LINC00460 knockdown inhibited both cell proliferation and cell migration. Additionally, knockdown led to G0/G1 cell cycle blockage and enhanced cell apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations revealed that LINC00460 directly binds to and attenuates the tumour suppressor miR‐491‐5p, thus accelerating PDAC progression.

Conclusions

This research showed that LINC00460 is overexpressed in PDAC and correlates with adverse clinical outcomes. Additionally, LINC00460 promotes the aggressiveness of PDAC by targeting miR‐491‐5p. Thus, LINC00460 may serve as diagnostic biomarker of PDAC and a new target for PDAC therapy.
Radiation therapy in the adjuvant treatment of hyperkeratotic palmoplantar psoriasis: a case study
Authors: Shirley Bronwyn , Andrae Madeline , Le Lay Tegan , Collins Michael
Published: April 2021

Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the skin and nails, causing debilitating pain and having an adverse effect on the patients’ life. Typical treatment regimens involve topical and systemic therapies in combination with phototherapy. However, patients with extensive, chronic disease may encounter treatment resistance, with limited or no success of these therapies. Radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for benign skin lesions; however, recommended dose, fractionation and long‐term follow‐up is not well established within the literature making clinical implementation challenging. Furthermore, RT may induce the Koebner Phenomenon, exacerbating the disease. This case study presents a patient with chronic hyperkeratotic palmoplantar psoriasis who was offered RT as a last resort. A total dose of 6Gy was delivered using photons and superficial energies. Significant reduction in extent of disease was seen as a result, with the patient no longer wheelchair‐bound and able to mobilise with minimal discomfort. This case is a single example of RT as a successful treatment for chronic palmoplantar psoriasis; however, a larger sample size and clinical trial is needed to ascertain dose and fractionation for optimal long‐term control. Implementation of such treatments within departments invites clinicians to further develop RT practices and provide much needed relief to a new cohort of patients with non‐malignant conditions.
Confrontation: A Dialectical Humanistic Consideration
Authors: Jungers Christin , Gregoire Jocelyn
Published: April 2021

We describe a dialectical humanistic understanding of confrontation; highlight research about traits of effective confrontation; and describe the philosophical notion of dialectics as it pertains to counseling, human existence, and the practice of confrontation. We posit that dialectical humanistic confrontation is a vehicle for empowering clients to examine the tension of intrapersonal contradictions as a way to overcome barriers to self‐fulfillment. A case study is used to illustrate how dialectical humanistic confrontation can be applied in practice.
Twelve‐year outcomes of intestinal failure–associated liver disease in children with short‐bowel syndrome: 97% transplant‐free survival and 81% enteral autonomy
Authors: Torres Clarivet , Badalyan Vahe , Mohan Parvathi
Published: April 2021

Our aim was to analyze the outcomes in children with short‐bowel syndrome (SBS), parenteral nutrition dependence (PND), and intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) treated in our Intestinal Rehabilitation Program (IRP) during 2007–2018. We retrospectively reviewed charts of 135 patients with SBS‐PND at the time of enrollment in IRP; of these, 89 (66%) had IFALD, defined as conjugated bilirubin (CB) of ≥2 mg/dl at enrollment and/or abnormal liver biopsy showing stage 2–4 fibrosis. Outcomes included resolution of CB, enteral autonomy, laboratory parameters (platelets, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index), growth trends, transplant rates, and mortality. Of the 89 patients, 74 had elevated CB at enrollment; the other 15 had normalized CB but had fibrosis on liver biopsy. Thirty‐eight patients had liver biopsies: 36 (95%) had fibrosis, including 21/36 with bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis. The median proportion of residual small bowel was 23% (interquartile range, 13%–38%) of the expected length for age and median, daily energy requirement by PN was 100%. Two received a transplant, three died (one posttransplant), and the remaining 85 survived; 69 (81%) achieved enteral autonomy. Seventy‐three (99%) of the 74 patients with hyperbilirubinemia normalized their CB with medical treatment. In a subset of eight of 89 patients with initial platelet count of <100,000/μl(median 50,500/μl) and median CB of 21 mg/dl, seven achieved CB normalization and had improved platelet count. Overall survival was 97% (censored 96.3%). We demonstrate high transplant‐free survival and enteral autonomy rates among children with SBS‐IFALD relying on low‐dose soybean lipid emulsion.
Logistic Regression Analysis of Conventional Ultrasound, and Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Characteristics
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Meng Ke , Zhou Mao Ping , Liu Yuan , Li Nan , Liu Gang , Wang Zhi Li
Published: April 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to screen the significant sonographic features for differentiation of benign and malignant superficial lymph nodes (LNs) by logistic regression analysis and fit a model to diagnose LNs.

Methods

A total of 204 pathological LNs were analyzed retrospectively. All the LNs underwent conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations. A total of 16 suspicious sonographic features were used to assess LNs. All variables that were statistically related to the diagnosis of LNs were included in the logistic regression analysis in order to ascertain the significant features of diagnosing LNs, and to establish a logistic regression analysis model.

Results

The significant features in the logistic regression analysis model of diagnosing malignant LNs were absence of echogenic hilus, age, and absence of hilum after enhancement. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the formula to predict whether LNs were malignant was established. The area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) was 0.908 and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 85.0%, 92.9%, and 85.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

The logistic regression model for the significant sonographic features of conventional US and CEUS is an effective and accurate diagnostic tool for differentiating malignant and benign LNs.
An Integrated Population Model for Harvest Management of Atlantic Brant
Authors: Roberts Anthony J. , Dooley Joshua L. , Ross Beth E. , Nichols Theodore C. , Leafloor James O. , Dufour Kevin W.
Published: April 2021

Atlantic brant (Branta bernicla hrota) are important game birds in the Atlantic Flyway and several long‐term monitoring data sets could assist with harvest management, including a count‐based survey and demographic data. Considering their relative strengths and weaknesses, integrated analysis to these data would likely improve harvest management, but tools for integration have not yet been developed. Managers currently use an aerial count survey on the wintering grounds, the mid‐winter survey, to set harvest regulations. We developed an integrated population model (IPM) for Atlantic brant that uses multiple data sources to simultaneously estimate population abundance, survival, and productivity. The IPM abundance estimates for data from 1975–2018 were less variable than annual mid‐winter survey counts or Lincoln estimates, presumably reflecting better accounting for observer error and incorporation of demographic estimates by the IPM. Posterior estimates of adult survival were high (0.77–0.87), and harvest rates of adults and juveniles were positively correlated with more liberal hunting regulations (i.e., hunting days and the daily bag limit). Productivity was variable, with the percent of juveniles in the winter population ranging from 1% to >40%. We found no evidence for environmental relationships with productivity. Using IPM‐predicted population abundances rather than mid‐winter survey counts alone would have meant fewer annual changes to hunting regulations since 2004. Use of the IPM could improve harvest management for Atlantic brant by providing the ability to predict abundance before annual hunting regulations are set, and by providing more stable hunting regulations, with fewer annual changes. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.