bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of dairy farming systems on water quantity and quality in Brazil, Ethiopia, Nepal, New Zealand and the USA*
Authors: KC Birendra , Schultz Bart , McIndoe Ian , Rutter Helen , Dark Andrew , Prasad Krishna , Sijapati Suman , Paudel Krishna
Published: June 2020

This study examined the performance of dairy farming systems in Brazil, Ethiopia, Nepal, New Zealand and the USA, based on existing databases of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and country‐specific data sources. There are primarily three types of dairy farming, with pasture‐based open grazing being the dominant one in Brazil and New Zealand. In the USA, stall‐feeding is more popular, while mixed dairy farming is traditionally adopted in Ethiopia and Nepal. Compared to the mixed and pasture‐based systems, the stall‐feeding system puts more pressure on water quantity, as the water requirement to produce a given amount of concentrated feed required for a stall‐feeding system is higher than to produce an equivalent amount of grass, crop residue and fodder required for pasture‐based and mixed systems.

Nitrate leaching, and subsequent contamination of water resources, is the biggest environmental problem, with the high‐intensity stall‐feeding in USA, followed by the pasture‐based system in New Zealand, being the most challenging in terms of managing nutrient losses. Irrigation networks with sufficient and appropriate flow control structures, and irrigation scheduling that incorporates plant‐available water, soil moisture and plant growth stages, are prerequisites for conversion of low‐productive agricultural land into high‐productive dairy farming. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acellular matrix hydrogel for repair of the temporomandibular joint disc
Authors: Liang Jiadi , Yi Ping , Wang Xiaojin , Huang Futing , Luan Xianghong , Zhao Zuodong , Liu Chang
Published: June 2020

Application of tissue‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterials in the repair of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a promising approach for the treatment of disc abrasion and perforation, particularly for the young patient population. Although decellularized ECM (dECM) scaffolds preserve tissue‐specific structures as well as biological and biomechanical properties, they require surgical implantation. To address this issue, we prepared porcine TMJ discs into decellularized ECM with serial detergent and enzyme treatments, and the TMJ disc‐derived ECM was then processed into hydrogels via pepsin digestion. The decellularization efficiency was assessed by quantification of the DNA and matrix component contents. The fibrous ultrastructure of the hydrogel was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Rheological characterization and mechanical properties were measured. in vitro experiments with costal chondrocytes ensured the cellular proliferative capacity and compatibility in the injectable disc‐derived ECM hydrogel. The results showed that a large amount of DNA (>95%) was removed after decellularization; but, the collagen was retained. SEM of the hydrogels demonstrated a multiaperture fiber ultrastructure. Rheological studies revealed a rapid gelation temperature (37°C) and injectable properties. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels were adjusted by changing the ECM concentration. The in vitro studies revealed that the hydrogels are not cytotoxic, but instead showed good cytocompatibility. The hydrogel also showed good injectability and degradability through an in vivo study. Overall, these results suggest the great potential of injectable disc‐derived hydrogels for TMJ disc repair and regeneration applications.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Brentuximab Vedotin in Adult and Pediatric Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Hematologic Malignancies: Model‐Informed Hypothesis Generation for Pediatric Dosing Regimens
Authors: Suri Ajit , Mould Diane R. , Song Gregory , Kinley Judith , Venkatakrishnan Karthik
Published: June 2020

Prior pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses of the antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC) brentuximab vedotin (1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks) in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies found that patients aged <12 years exhibited decreased ADC area under the curve (AUC) compared with those aged ≥12 years. This population PK (POPPK) analysis used data from pediatric (NCT01492088) and adult (NCT00430846) studies of brentuximab vedotin to quantify body size effects on ADC exposure. Data were collected from 84 patients with a median age of 25.7 years (range, 7.7‐87.3 years), 34 of whom (40.5%) were aged <18 years; median patient weight was 67 kg (range, 21‐154 kg), and median body surface area was 1.8 m2 (range, 0.87‐2.81 m2). ADC PK was described by a linear 3‐compartment model with zero‐order input and first‐order elimination. POPPK modeling indicated that dosing brentuximab vedotin at 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks or 1.2 mg/kg every 2 weeks resulted in lower ADC AUC values in small/moderate‐sized pediatric patients (<28 kg and 28‐49 kg, respectively) compared with large pediatric/adult patients (50‐100 kg). Dosing at 71.5 mg/m2 every 3 weeks and 47.7 mg/m2 every 2 weeks was predicted to achieve comparable AUC values across all body weight ranges and a similar AUC to that in the 50‐ to 100‐kg group at the standard doses of 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks and 1.2 mg/kg every 2 weeks, respectively. These results have generated a hypothesis to support evaluation of brentuximab vedotin at 48 mg/m2 every 2 weeks in combination with adriamycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine chemotherapy in an ongoing pediatric trial in frontline Hodgkin lymphoma (NCT02979522).
Clinical Experiences of Intravenous Hydralazine and Labetalol for Acute Treatment of Severe Hypertension in Pregnant Thai Women
Authors: Chera‐Aree Pattraporn , Tengtrakulcharoen Pimrapat , Leetheeragul Jarunee , Sampaojarean Urai , Surasereewong Supitchaya , Wataganara Tuangsit
Published: June 2020

Response to acute treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy in Asian women was not known. Labor and delivery checklists of Thai women treated with intravenous hydralazine or labetalol for systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 160 or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 110 mm Hg from January 2011 to December 2013 were reviewed as parts of an audit. Primary outcome was prompt achievement of SBP 140‐150 and DBP 90‐100 mm Hg after the first bolus. Secondary outcomes were medication‐related undesired effects. The mean ± standard deviation age and prevalence of chronic hypertension in hydralazine (n = 62) versus labetalol (n = 64) groups were 32.5 ± 6 versus 29.9 ± 6.8 years and 50% versus 21.9%, respectively (P < .05). Magnesium sulfate was promptly administered on admission to every woman to prevent seizure. Targeted blood pressure was timely achieved in 41.9% and 67.2% of the hydralazine and labetalol groups, respectively (P < .05). Nonreassuring fetal heart rate occurred in 51.6% and 32.8% of the hydralazine and labetalol groups, respectively (P = .05). The prevalence of cesarean section and Apgar score < 7 were not significantly different (P > .05). Real‐life clinical experiences suggested significant advantages of intravenous labetalol over hydralazine in pregnant women with severe hypertension.
Timely diagnosis and staging of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease using transient elastography and clinical parameters
Authors: Shieh Christine , Halegoua‐De Marzio Dina L , Hung Matthew L , Fenkel Jonathan M , Herrine Steven K
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

There is no standardized guideline to screen, image, or refer patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to a specialist. In this study, we used transient elastography (TE) to examine the fibrosis stages at which patients are first diagnosed with NAFLD. Subsequently, we analyzed metabolic markers to establish cut‐offs beyond which noninvasive imaging should be considered to confirm NAFLD/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis fibrosis in patients.

Methods

Charts spanning July 2015–April 2018 for 116 NAFLD patients who had TE performed were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analysis of metabolic markers was conducted.

Results

At the first hepatology visit, TE showed 73% F0–F2 and 27% F3–F4. Univariate analysis showed that high‐density lipoproteins (HDL), hemoglobin A1c (A1c), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly different between the F0–F2 and F3–F4 groups. Multivariate analysis showed that AST (P = 0.01) and A1c (P = 0.05) were significantly different. Optimal cut‐offs for these markers to detect liver fibrosis on TE were AST >43 U/L and A1c >6.6%. The logistic regression function combining these two variables to reflect the probability (P) of the patient having advanced fibrosis (F3–F4) on TE yielded the formula: P = eR/(1 + eR), where R = −8.56 + 0.052 * AST + 0.89 * A1c.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that >25% of patients presenting to a specialist for NAFLD may have advanced fibrosis (F3–F4). Diabetes (A1c >6.6%) and AST >43 U/L were the most predictive in identifying NAFLD patients with advanced fibrosis on imaging. We proposed a formula that may be used to prioritize NAFLD patients at higher risk of having advanced fibrosis for specialist referral and imaging follow‐up.
Neuroanatomy of the lumbosacral plexus in a highly diversified clade of South‐American lizards. Evolution and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Quipildor Angel Matías , Quinteros Andrés Sebastián , Lobo Fernando José
Published: June 2020

Only few published studies that describe the neuroanatomy of lizards. Here, we describe the neuroanatomy of several Iguanian species belonging to three families (species of Liolaemus and Phymaturus belonging to Liolaemidae, Tropidurus and Stenocercus as representatives of Tropiduridae, and Diplolaemus as a representative of Leiosauridae). Based on Sudan Black B staining and conventional dissections, the neuroanatomy of the lumbosacral region is described. Among the most outstanding results is the existence of a neuronal pattern of the lumbosacral plexus characteristic of Liolaemidae. In addition, it was found that in the genus Liolaemus the lumbosacral plexus is composed of five pairs of spinal nerves while in Phymaturus, Tropidurus, Stenocercus and Diplolaemus is composed from five to six pairs of spinal nerves (from pre‐sacral, sacral, and caudal vertebrae). We find differences in the origin of the spinal nerves that constitute the plexus. In some cases, the pattern of nerves involved includes even the caudal vertebrae. Variation among taxa related to the zeugopodial innervation is described, and the homology of these nervous branches is discussed. Sexual differences were found in some species studied. Based on our results and available literature, we found three different patterns of innervation of the zeugopodium. The major contribution of this study is to provide a detailed description of lumbosacral plexus nerves pathways from their origins at the vertebral column to the muscles that they innervate.
Motivated to disengage: The ethical consequences of goal commitment and moral disengagement in goal setting
Authors: Welsh David T. , Baer Michael D. , Sessions Hudson , Garud Niharika
Published: June 2020

A growing literature has suggested that high performance goals can have unintended consequences within organizations as employees engage in unethical behavior to achieve outcomes associated with goal attainment. Extending research on the dark side of goal setting, we suggest that high performance goals not only create a desire to achieve a particular outcome but also alter moral reasoning processes related to goal attainment. Integrating goal‐setting theory with motivated moral reasoning, we hypothesize an indirect effect of high performance goals on unethical behavior via state moral disengagement. We also examine goal commitment—which tends to amplify the relationship between high goals and performance—as a key boundary condition associated with this indirect effect. We build this conditional indirect effect model across three studies conducted in the field and the laboratory. Our results provide new insight into both when and why high goals can facilitate moral disengagement and unethical behavior within organizations.
Raman tensor of layered black arsenic
Authors: Zhu Yanming , Zheng Wei , Wang Weiliang , Zhu Siqi , Cheng Lu , Li Linxuan , Lin Zeguo , Ding Ying , Jin Mingge , Huang Feng
Published: June 2020

Due to the similar atom arrangement with black phosphorus, black arsenic also has obvious Raman anisotropy at both the base and cross planes. However, the polarization characteristics of black arsenic have been rarely reported so far with most relevant studies devoted to the base plane. Here, to compensate for the blank of the anisotropy in cross plane, we implemented a systematical angle‐resolved polarized Raman measurement on both planes of layered black arsenic and observed that the Raman intensity ratios (Ixx : Iyy : Izz) of optical phonons
and
modes along different axes are 1:4.8:2.76 and 6.9:1:5.7, respectively. Based on the definition of Raman intensity, we abstracted integral Raman tensors of black arsenic. In addition, according to density functional theory, it can be affirmed that the Raman anisotropy of Ag mode is sourced from the anisotropy of differential polarizability along different crystal axes.
Outcomes following periacetabular tumor resection: A 25‐year institutional experience
Authors: Ippolito Joseph , Thomson Jennifer , Beebe Kathleen , Patterson Francis , Benevenia Joseph
Published: June 2020

Backgrounds and Objectives

Following tumor resection involving the acetabulum (periacetabular), various methods of reconstruction exist. The objective of this study was to analyze functional outcomes and complication rates by extent of periacetabular tumor resection, as well as by method of reconstruction.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients underwent periacetabular resection for a primary pelvic bone tumor from 1993‐2018 at a single institution. Complications were documented and functional outcomes were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system.

Results

Mean age was 42.8 ± 22.6 years. Mean follow‐up was 107 ± 75 months. MSTS scores were highest in patients with allograft reconstruction (80.2%) and lowest in saddle reconstruction (38.0%). MSTS scores were higher in patients with Type II periacetabular resection alone compared with Type II + additional resection (78.6% vs 60.3%; P = .019). Complications were lower in patients with Type II periacetabular resection alone (75% vs 28.6%; P = .036). Complications were highest following allograft reconstruction (78%) and lowest following hemipelvectomy without reconstruction (20%).

Conclusion

Patients who underwent allograft/APC or nonsaddle metallic reconstruction experienced the highest functional outcome scores, but also sustained a higher complication rate than patients with hemipelvectomy without reconstruction. Patients with resection of ilium and/or pubis in addition to the periacetabular region had lower functional outcome scores and higher risk for complication.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of preoperative systemic inflammatory markers in anaplastic thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang Lingyun , Luo Han , Wang Liying , Liu Yang , Rui Shu , Wu Zhujuan , Wei Tao , Gong Rixiang , Li Zhihui , Zhu Jingqiang
Published: June 2020

Background

Easily accessible, generalized, and inexpensive methods are expected to differentiate anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) from advanced differentiated thyroid cancer (aDTC). We aimed to explore potential diagnostic and prognostic value of systematic inflammatory markers (SIMs) in ATC and aDTC.

Methods

About 22 ATC, 101 aDTC, and 100 matched early DTC patients were analyzed retrospectively. SIMs included the comprehensive index, neutrophil‐monocyte‐platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NMPLR) and the previously reported ones. Receiver operating characteristic, Kaplan‐Meier, and COX regression analyses were mainly conducted.

Results

NMPLR exhibited the highest area under the curve value 0.806 (P < .0001) to diagnose ATC from aDTC. NMPLR was identified as an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR]: 47.821, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.863‐798.765, P = .007) in ATC, as well as for OS (HR: 7.360, 95% CI, 1.620‐33.430, P = .010) and recurrence‐free survival (HR: 4.172, 95% CI, 1.139‐15.286, P = .031) in aDTC. Taken both refractory types (ATC and aDTC) together, NMPLR could independently predict OS (HR: 6.470; 95% CI, 2.134‐19.616; P = .001).

Conclusion

NMPLR is a generalized index. It showed excellent potential in differential diagnosis and survival prediction in refractory thyroid cancer. However, it needs to be validated in larger cohort and clinical practice.
A Systematic Review of Intensive Empirically Supported Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Sciarrino Nicole A. , Warnecke Ashlee J. , Teng Ellen J.
Published: June 2020

Various clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have consistently identified two frontline evidence‐based psychotherapies (EBPs)—prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT)—as well as other empirically supported treatments (EST), such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT for PTSD). However, researchers and clinicians continue to be concerned with rates of symptom improvement and patient dropout within these treatments. Recent attempts to address these issues have resulted in intensive, or “massed,” treatments for PTSD. Due to variability among intensive treatments, including treatment delivery format, fidelity to the EST, and the population studied, we conducted a systematic review to summarize and integrate the literature on the impact of intensive treatments on PTSD symptoms. A review of four major databases, with no restrictions regarding publication date, yielded 11 studies that met all inclusion criteria. The individual study findings denoted a large impact of treatment on reduction of PTSD symptoms, ds = 1.15–2.93, and random‐effects modeling revealed a large weighted mean effect of treatment, d = 1.57, 95% CI [1.24, 1.91]. Results from intensive treatments also noted high rates of treatment completion (i.e., 0%–13.6% dropout; 5.51% pooled dropout rate across studies). The findings suggest that intensive delivery of these treatments can be an effective alternative to standard delivery and contribute to improved treatment response and reduced treatment dropout.
From land productivity trends to land degradation assessment in Mozambique: Effects of climate, human activities and stakeholder definitions
Authors: Montfort Frédérique , Bégué Agnès , Leroux Louise , Blanc Lilian , Gond Valéry , Cambule Armindo H. , Remane Ivan A. D. , Grinand Clovis
Published: June 2020

Remote sensing observations such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) trends can provide important insights into past and present land condition. However, they do not directly provide comprehensive information about our representation of land degradation and the processes at work. This study aimed to analyze vegetation productivity underlying factors in order to assess land degradation and to highlight the impact of definitions on its quantitative assessment, using Mozambique as case‐study. Land productivity change were first analyzed using NDVI time‐series (2000–2016), and a two‐step framework was then used to understand the main factors of these productivity changes. The impact of land degradation's definition was assessed based on four types of stakeholder, with different priorities in terms of ecosystem services. The results show that 25% of the country display a significant land productivity decrease, while only 3% display a land productivity increase. A large part of these land productivity changes (>61% of the decrease, and >98% of the increase) is directly assigned to human activities, such as native forest growth or tree plantations (for the increase), or forest degradation, deforestation and loss of grassland productivity (for the decrease). We showed that the fraction of degraded land varies according to stakeholders' definitions, ranging from 12% to 20% of the Country, much less than the 39% estimated by Tier 1 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. This study provides a sound methodological framework for assessing land degradation status that could help stakeholders to design national and locally relevant land degradation mitigation policies or programmes.
Investigating the potential underdiagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Authors: Quilao Raymond J. , Greer Melody , Stack Brendan C.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a condition in which one or more parathyroid glands secrete excess amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH). In short, PHPT is characterized by hypercalcemia/hypercalciuria with concurrent elevated PTH levels. This condition is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, psychiatric disturbances, and renal complications. As of now, the disease typically runs a long course before being identified and treated. At present, surgery is the only viable treatment option for patients with this disease. Publications from other tertiary centers have identified a large‐scale underdiagnosis of PHPT. The aim of this study is to determine if similar trends exist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Moreover, this study was seen as a first step to developing a machine learning strategy to diagnose PHPT in large clinical data sets.

Methods

To evaluate for potential underdiagnosis of PHPT at UAMS, all patients from 2006 to 2018 with hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria (excluding those with known malignancies or other possible causes of excess serum calcium) were identified in electronic medical records. Then, it was evaluated whether these hypercalcemic/hypercalciuric patients received subsequent measurement of PTH levels necessary to confirm the diagnosis of HPT.

Results

At UAMS between 2006 and 2018, 28 831 patients were identified as having hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria. Of these patients, only 7984 ever had subsequent PTH levels tested. Therefore, 20 847 (72.3%) of these patients never had PTH labs drawn.

Conclusions

These findings may represent a significant patient population in which PHPT remains undiagnosed due to lack of follow‐up. PHPT is often a silent disease with an insidious onset. At the point of diagnosis, typically the treatment is surgical removal of the offending parathyroid gland(s) (parathyroidectomy). Identification of underdiagnosis is the first step for subsequent improvement in the diagnosis of PHPT. Detection of this disease in its earlier stages may open the door for medical and lifestyle interventions, thereby decreasing long‐term sequelae of the disease, such as osteoporosis, myocardial infarction, or stroke.
Twisted Quadrupole Topological Photonic Crystals
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxi , Lin Zhi‐Kang , Lu Weixin , Lai Yun , Hou Bo , Jiang Jian‐Hua
Published: June 2020

Topological manipulation of waves is at the heart of cutting‐edge metamaterial research. Quadrupole topological insulators were recently discovered in 2D flux‐threading lattices that exhibit higher‐order topological wave trapping at both the edges and corners. Photonic crystals (PhCs), lying at the boundary between continuous media and discrete lattices, however, are incompatible with the present quadrupole topological theory. Here, quadrupole topological PhCs triggered by a twisting degree‐of‐freedom are unveiled. Using a topologically trivial PhC as the motherboard, it is shown that twisting induces quadrupole topological PhCs without flux‐threading. The twisting‐induced crystalline symmetry enriches the Wannier polarizations and leads to the anomalous quadrupole topology. Versatile edge and corner phenomena are observed by controlling the twisting angles in a lateral heterostructure of 2D PhCs. This study paves the way toward topological twist photonics as well as the quadrupole topology in the quasi‐continuum regime for phonons and polaritons.
Hydrogen‐Peroxide‐Responsive Protein Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Photothermal‐Photodynamic Combination Therapy of Melanoma
Authors: Wen Long , Hyoju Riza , Wang Peiru , Shi Lei , Li Chunxiao , Li Meng , Wang Xiuli
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

Recently, there has been a rapid increase in the incidences of melanoma, which represents a serious threat to human health. Generally, tumor‐microenvironment‐responsive nanoparticle‐based photothermal‐photodynamic combination therapy (PTT‐PDT) is characterized by intratumoral response and tumor targeting. In this study, we designed and synthesized hydrogen‐peroxide‐responsive protein biomimetic nanoparticles (MnO2‐ICG@BSA) for the treatment of melanoma.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Briefly, MnO2‐ICG@BSA was prepared using a mild protein synthesis method by loading indocyanine green (ICG) into a bovine serum albumin–manganese dioxide complex (MnO2@BSA); next, its characteristics were determined. In addition, in vitro biocompatibility and antitumor efficacy were assessed using the classic cell counting kit‐8 assay. Moreover, in vivo high‐frequency ultrasound and thermal imaging were used to evaluate the oxygen‐production capacity and photothermal conversion effect of MnO2‐ICG@BSA at the tumor site, and Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green (SOSG) was used to measure singlet oxygen levels in the tumor. The antitumor efficacy was assessed based on relative tumor size, bodyweight, survival curves, and hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

The results showed that MnO2‐ICG@BSA has a high photothermal conversion efficiency, a strong singlet oxygen‐generation ability, and high photothermal stability. In addition, in vitro PTT‐PDT experiments showed that MnO2‐ICG@BSA has a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of B16F10 melanoma cells. Meanwhile, in vivo experiments showed that MnO2‐ICG@BSA has a significant inhibitory effect on melanoma in mice. Preliminary toxicity studies indicated that MnO2‐ICG@BSA exhibits low toxicity.

Conclusion

From the results, we can conclude that MnO2‐ICG@BSA could be used in PTT‐PDT to treat melanoma, making it a good candidate material for PTT‐PDT. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
GIS and remote sensing techniques for the estimation of dew volume in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Valjarević Aleksandar , Filipović Dejan , Valjarević Dragana , Milanović Miško , Milošević Slaviša , Živić Neboјša , Lukić Tin
Published: June 2020

With the help of satellite data and numerical geographical information system (GIS) methods, the total capacity of dew volume on the entire territory of the Republic of Serbia was estimated. Multicriteria GIS analysis and satellite detections with the support of methods such as kriging and semi‐kriging gave satisfactory results in the present research. After the download of satellite data, they were compared with meteorological data for precipitation, evaporation and air temperature. A very precise grid in 1 × 1° of longitude and latitude was created. The average estimated dew potential for the territory of Serbia is 20–40 mm⋅year−1 for the south of the country, 15 mm⋅year−1 for the north, 30–50 mm⋅year−1 for the central region and 20–30 mm⋅year−1 for the east. In most drought regions, it is < 10 mm⋅year−1⋅m−2. Counties with the largest dew capacity (between 15,200 and 20,000 L) include Borski, Nišavski and Jablanički in the eastern part of the country, as well as Zlatiborski, Raški and Peć in the western and southern parts, respectively. On the other hand, counties with the lowest dew capacity (2,000–3,000 L) encompass northern parts of Serbia (Sremski, Severno‐Banatski, Srednje‐Banatski, Južno‐Banatski, Severno‐Bački and Zapadno‐Bački). The possibility for dew use is particularly strong during the spring. The estimated total capacity of the dew potential for Serbia is 1.5 × 107 L. By comparing the obtained data for Serbia, it is concluded that the amount of this type of water resource is not large, but enough for use in agricultural and other economic sectors.
Using Language Representation Learning Approach to Efficiently Identify Protein Complex Categories in Electron Transport Chain
Authors: Nguyen Trinh‐Trung‐Duong , Le Nguyen‐Quoc‐Khanh , Ho Quang‐Thai , Phan Dinh‐Van , Ou Yu‐Yen
Published: June 2020

We herein proposed a novel approach based on the language representation learning method to categorize electron complex proteins into 5 types. The idea is stemmed from the the shared characteristics of human language and protein sequence language, thus advanced natural language processing techniques were used for extracting useful features. Specifically, we employed transfer learning and word embedding techniques to analyze electron complex sequences and create efficient feature sets before using a support vector machine algorithm to classify them. During the 5‐fold cross‐validation processes, seven types of sequence‐based features were analyzed to find the optimal features. On an average, our final classification models achieved the accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and MCC of 96 %, 96.1 %, 95.3 %, and 0.86, respectively on cross‐validation data. For the independent test data, those corresponding performance scores are 95.3 %, 92.6 %, 94 %, and 0.87. We concluded that using feature extracted using these representation learning methods, the prediction performance of simple machine learning algorithm is on par with existing deep neural network method on the task of categorizing electron complexes while enjoying a much faster way for feature generation. Furthermore, the results also showed that the combination of features learned from the representation learning methods and sequence motif counts helps yield better performance.
Plant‐like cadinane sesquiterpenes from an actinobacterial mangrove endophyte
Authors: Ding Ling , Görls Helmar , Hertweck Christian
Published: June 2020

Cadinanes are typical plant sesquiterpenes with a broad range of biological functions. We report the isolation of three cadinanes (1–3) from a bacterial endophyte (Streptomyces sp.) of the mangrove plant Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. The structures of two new cadinenes, (+)‐11‐hydroxy‐epicubenol (1) and (+)‐12‐hydroxy‐epicubenol (2) were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. The bacterial product (+)‐11‐hydroxy‐epicubenol was elucidated to be an enantiomer of the plant product pubinernoid C. (+)‐12‐Hydroxy‐epicubenol was established as a diastereomer of the basidiomycete product trichapargin A. In addition, a crystal structure analysis corroborated the structure and configuration of 5,11‐epoxy‐10‐cadinanol (3), a cadinane cycloether initially described as a natural product from liverwort. The discovery of oxygenated cadinanes from a bacterial endophyte may set the basis for the production of cadinanes by bacterial fermentation.
High‐sensitivity CEST mapping using a spatiotemporal correlation‐enhanced method
Authors: Chen Lin , Cao Suyi , Koehler Raymond C. , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Xu Jiadi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To obtain high‐sensitivity CEST maps by exploiting the spatiotemporal correlation between CEST images.

Methods

A postprocessing method accomplished by multilinear singular value decomposition (MLSVD) was used to enhance the CEST SNR by exploiting the correlation between the Z‐spectrum for each voxel and the low‐rank property of the overall CEST data. The performance of this method was evaluated using CrCEST in ischemic mouse brain at 11.7 tesla. Then, MLSVD CEST was applied to obtain Cr, amide, and amine CEST maps of the ischemic mouse brain to demonstrate its general applications.

Results

Complex‐valued Gaussian noise was added to CEST k‐space data to mimic a low SNR situation. MLSVD CEST analysis was able to suppress the noise, recover the degraded CEST peak, and provide better CrCEST quality compared to the smoothing and singular value decomposition (SVD)‐based denoising methods. High‐resolution Cr, amide, and amine CEST maps of an ischemic stroke using MLSVD CEST suggest that CrCEST is also a sensitive pH mapping method, and a wide range of pH changes can be detected by combing CrCEST with amine CEST at high magnetic fields.

Conclusion

MLSVD CEST provides a simple and efficient way to improve the SNR of CEST images.
Telephone nurses' strategies for managing difficult calls: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Eriksson Irene , Wilhsson Marie , Blom Therese , Broo Wahlström Carina , Larsson Margaretha
Published: June 2020

Aim

To describe telenurses' strategies for managing difficult calls.

Background

Telenursing is a growing and complex area and places great demands on telenurses' knowledge and skills and on their ability to communicate and listen. To become emotionally concerned is central to telenurses' experiences of difficult calls.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

The data were collected during February 2017 through individual interviews with 19 telenurses at call centres and primary healthcare centres. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Result

The analysis revealed an essential strategy illustrated by the theme “to be calm and secure in themselves.” Further categories described telenurses' strategies to manage difficult calls, labelled as: “to show commitment and interest,” “to have structure in the call and use support systems,” “to pause the call” and “to reflect on difficult calls.” The results show that telenurses need multiple strategies to help them to navigate difficult calls.
The meaning(s) of place: Identifying the structure of sense of place across a social–ecological landscape
Authors: Rajala Kiandra , Sorice Michael G. , Thomas Valerie A.
Published: June 2020

Sense of place holds promise to understand how people perceive and respond to social and ecological change; however, using this concept to explore vulnerability and adaptation first depends on identifying the multiple ways people define their relationship with a place.

We introduce the meaning‐dependence framework to account for the broad array of person–place connections within social–ecological landscapes.

We applied this framework to private landowners in the Southern Great Plains of the United States, a working landscape experiencing ecological transformation from grasslands to degraded woodlands.

Using a mail survey, we explored the structure of sense of place based on the relationship between place meanings and place attachment. We employed complementary analytical methods: correlation analysis, ordinary least squares regression, and machine learning through a regression tree and random forest.

Place meanings explained a large amount of variation in place attachment and were characterized by intercorrelations and interactions. Across analyses, experiential meanings reflecting personal psychological connections to one's land were the predominant drivers of landowners' place attachment.Way of lifeemerged as a central meaning for understanding sense of place on private lands.

The meaning‐dependence framework builds on existing research to account for the multiple ways meanings inform human connections to a place. This framework is broadly applicable to any setting and can capture diverse configurations of person–place relationships and increase the utility of sense of place in social–ecological research.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Well‐defined backbone degradable polymer–drug conjugates synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization
Authors: Joubert Fanny , Pasparakis George
Published: June 2020

Despite the recent advances of controlled polymerization methods over the last decades, the lack of backbone degradability of well‐defined polymers remains a major synthetic challenge that limits the full exploitation of polymer–drug conjugates (PDCs) in clinical practice. Here, we report the copolymerization of a cyclic ketene acetal (CKA) and a vinyl‐based drug‐monomer as a proof‐of‐concept approach to prepare model polyester‐based prodrugs via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization. We demonstrate the versatility of the system toward backbone degradability and control over the chain length while maintaining both low dispersity (ĐM) and homogenous distribution of degradation points along the main polymer chain. The resulting PDCs exhibit unique self‐assembly properties and potent cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cells. A methacrylate prodrug is copolymerized with a CKA co‐monomer using RAFT polymerization producing a backbone degradable PDC with well‐defined molecular structure. The resulting PDC undergoes controlled backbone degradation and produces by‐products of narrow dispersity and low toxicity. In addition, it is demonstrated that the insertion of degradation segments does not affect the cytotoxic properties of the PDC under in vitro conditions.
Hard and soft X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy for selective probing of surface and bulk chemical compositions in a perovskite‐type Ni catalyst
Authors: Sambalova Olga , Billeter Emanuel , Mann Jennifer , Miyayama Takuya , Burnat Dariusz , Heel Andre , Bleiner Davide , Borgschulte Andreas
Published: June 2020

Combined chemical analyses of both the surface and bulk of industrial catalysts is a significant challenge, because all microanalysis methods reveal either the surface or the bulk properties but not both. We demonstrate the combined use of hard and soft X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as a powerful, practical, and nondestructive tool to quantitatively analyze the chemical composition at the surfaces (~1 nm) and subsurfaces/bulk (~10 nm) for catalysts. The surface‐bulk differentiation is achieved via an exchangeable anode system, where the Al (Kα, 1486.6 eV) and Cr (Kα, 5414.7 eV) for the XPS and hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) analyses, respectively, are interchanged without affecting the X‐ray beam position on the sample. As an archetypical catalyst, we study the perovskite‐type material La0.30Sr0.55Ti0.95Ni0.05O3‐δ (LSTNO), which has differing chemical compositions at the surface and subsurface after reduction and oxidation reactions. We look at the relative changes in surface composition, which minimizes the error stemming from the differing relative sensitivity factors in the oxidized and reduced states. The HAXPES‐XPS analysis indirectly confirms the well‐known exsolution and formation of Ni nanoparticles on the surface upon reduction though following changes of Ni concentration at the surface. However, the XPS‐HAXPES analysis demonstrates an increase in not only the Ni but also the Sr, which corroborates the reorganization within the perovskite lattice upon reduction. The XPS‐measured intensities decrease for all the accessible peaks (La 3d, Sr 3d, lattice O 1s, and Ti 2p), which is attributed to the photon diffusion by the surface Ni nanoparticles.
Lignin‐Based Direct Ink Printed Structural Scaffolds
Authors: Jiang Bo , Yao Yonggang , Liang Zhiqiang , Gao Jinlong , Chen Gegu , Xia Qinqin , Mi Ruiyu , Jiao Miaolun , Wang Xizheng , Hu Liangbing
Published: June 2020

3D printing of lignocellulosic biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) has attracted increasing attention by using this abundant, sustainable, and ecofriendly material. While cellulose can be easily tailored into a highly viscous ink for 3D printing, after solvent evaporation, the final printed structures become highly porous, fragile, and easily fall apart in water due to its hydrophilic nature. Lignin, another crucial component of natural lignocellulose, has not yet been reported for ink printing due to its unfavorable rheological behavior. Herein, a low‐cost direct ink printing strategy is developed to fabricate lignin‐based 3D structures with lignin no further refined and a more compact microstructure as well as different functionalities compared with printed cellulose. By using a soft triblock copolymer as the crosslinking agent, the rheology of lignin‐based inks can be adjusted from soft to rigid, and even enables vertical printing which requires stiff and self‐supporting features. The lignin‐based inks contain less water (≈40 wt%) and exhibit a much denser, stiffer structure, resulting in a wet tensile strength of ≈30 MPa, compared to only ≈0.6 MPa for printed cellulose. In addition, the unique macromolecular structure of lignin also demonstrates significantly improved stability in water and under heat, as well as UV‐blocking performance.
Low‐Dimensional‐Networked Cesium Lead Halide Perovskites: Properties, Fabrication, and Applications
Authors: Cao Muhan , Damji Yashvi , Zhang Congyang , Wu Linzhong , Zhong Qixuan , Li Pengli , Yang Di , Xu Yong , Zhang Qiao
Published: June 2020

All‐inorganic cesium lead halide perovskites have emerged as promising optoelectronic materials with excellent photophysical properties and great potential in a variety of applications. In parallel with the most investigated CsPbX3, its derivates, Cs4PbX6 and CsPb2X5, with low‐dimensional‐networked structures have also attracted great attention. In this review, recent advancements on the low‐dimensional‐networked cesium lead halide perovskites (Cs4PbX6 and CsPb2X5) are reviewed systematically. The optical properties and direct controllable synthesis methods are first introduced. The transformation between CsxPbyXz and their hybridization are then presented, followed by their wide applications. Finally, challenges and prospects of this class of perovskites are introduced.
Enantiomeric separation and estimation of stiripentol by liquid chromatography mass spectrometer in human plasma
Authors: Dubey Naveen Kr , Jain Peeyush , Haq Kashif‐Ul , Fozdar B.I.
Published: June 2020

The objective of this research was to develop and validate a sensitive, selective chiral method for an anticonvulsant drug, stiripentol, and its enantiomers in human plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Most chiral compounds are separated and analyzed under normal phase chromatography. However, the challenge, for stiripentol enantiomers, was to develop the method under reverse phase chromatography with high sensitivity having lower limit of quantification as low as 10 ng/mL. Both the enantiomers of stiripentol along with their respective stable‐labeled internal standards (stiripentol, D9) were extracted from human plasma by liquid–liquid extraction technique using very low solvent volume. Separation was done in less than 7.0 min on a reverse phase column (Lux Amylose‐2 5µ, 150 × 4.6 mm column), under isocratic elution with a binary mobile phase operation in the ratio of 50:50 v/v (acetonitrile: 5 mM ammonium acetate buffer solution). Mass spectrometer was used as a detector to quantitate the analytes in positive ion mode, using electrospray ionization mode.
Analytical expressions for noncapillary soil water retention based on popular capillary retention models
Authors: Streck Thilo , Weber Tobias K. D.
Published: June 2020

Recently, Weber et al. proposed a new model for noncapillary retention of soil water without introducing new parameters. The model is based on the integral of any given saturation function for the capillary part in log space. In the original paper, the integration was carried out numerically. Here, we derive analytical solutions for the most popular soil water retention models (van Genuchten, Kosugi, and Brooks–Corey).
Data‐driven approach to application programming interface documentation mining: A review
Authors: Wu Di , Jing Xiao‐Yuan , Zhang Hongyu , Kong Xiaohui , Xie Yu , Huang Zhiguo
Published: June 2020

Application programming interface (API) is an important form of software reuse. API documentations, such as API specifications, tutorials, and online forums, are valuable learning resources for reusing the APIs. In recent years, many data‐driven API documentation mining (ADM) methods have been proposed. These methods mine API documentations and return API‐related information to help developers better understand and reuse APIs. These methods treat documentations as unstructured data and apply various data mining techniques to analyze the documentation data. Currently, there is no comprehensive review of the data‐driven approach to API documentation mining. This review aims to fill in this gap by analyzing and discussing the state of the art ADM papers. We survey 32 representative papers published in prominent software engineering journals and conferences in recent 5 years (January 2014–July 2019). We analyze their mining tasks, mined data, problems, data mining techniques, and evaluation metrics. Based on the survey results, we point out research challenges and future research directions in this area.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Science and Technology
Making ends meet: New functions of mRNA secondary structure
Authors: Ermolenko Dmitri N. , Mathews David H.
Published: June 2020

The 5′ cap and 3′ poly(A) tail of mRNA are known to synergistically regulate mRNA translation and stability. Recent computational and experimental studies revealed that both protein‐coding and non‐coding RNAs will fold with extensive intramolecular secondary structure, which will result in close distances between the sequence ends. This proximity of the ends is a sequence‐independent, universal property of most RNAs. Only low‐complexity sequences without guanosines are without secondary structure and exhibit end‐to‐end distances expected for RNA random coils. The innate proximity of RNA ends might have important biological implications that remain unexplored. In particular, the inherent compactness of mRNA might regulate translation initiation by facilitating the formation of protein complexes that bridge mRNA 5′ and 3′ ends. Additionally, the proximity of mRNA ends might mediate coupling of 3′ deadenylation to 5′ end mRNA decay.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

Translation > Translation Regulation
A New Window on the Universe
Authors: Kellermann Kenneth I. , Bouton Ellen N. , Brandt Sierra S.
Published: June 2020

In April 1933, at a small gathering at a meeting of the US National Committee of the International Scientific Radio Union (URSI), Bell Labs scientist Karl Guthe Jansky announced that he had detected 20.5 MHz (14.6 m) radio emission from the Milky Way. Jansky used a novel directional antenna based on an invention by AT&T Bell Labs colleague, Edmond Bruce, that rotated every 20 minutes to determine the direction and source of the interfering noise that was plaguing the telephone company. Jansky’s remarkable discovery of what he called “star noise” was widely publicized in the media, but had little immediate impact in the astronomical community, as astronomers, who typically had little background in electronics or radio, saw no relation to their own work.