bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topographic signatures of progressive glacial landscape transformation
Authors: Liebl Moritz , Robl Jörg , Egholm David Lundbek , Prasicek Günther , Stüwe Kurt , Gradwohl Gerit , Hergarten Stefan
Published: April 2021

The Pleistocene glaciations left a distinct topographic footprint in mountain ranges worldwide. The geometric signature of glacial topography has been quantified in various ways, but the temporal development of landscape metrics has not been traced in a landscape evolution model so far. However, such information is needed to interpret the degree of glacial imprint in terms of the integrated signal of temporal and spatial variations in erosion as a function of glacial occupation time.

We apply a surface process model for cold‐climate conditions to an initially fluvial mountain range. By exploring evolving topographic patterns in model time series, we determine locations where topographic changes reach a maximum and where the initial landscape persists. The signal of glacial erosion, expressed by the overdeepening of valleys and the steepening of valley flanks, develops first at the glacier front and migrates upstream with ongoing glacial erosion. This leads to an increase of mean channel slope and its variance. Above steep flanks and head‐walls, however, the observed mean channel slope remains similar to the mean channel slope of the initial fluvial topography. This leads to a characteristic turning point in the channel slope–elevation distribution above the equilibrium line altitude, where a transition from increasing to decreasing channel slope with elevation occurs. We identify this turning point and a high channel slope variance as diagnostic features to quantify glacial imprint.

Such features are abundant in glacially imprinted mid‐latitude mountain ranges such as the Eastern Alps. By analysing differently glaciated parts of the mountain range, we observe a decreasing clarity of this diagnostic morphometric property with decreasing glacial occupation. However, catchments of the unglaciated eastern fringe of the Alps also feature turning points in their channel slope–elevation distributions, but in contrast to the glaciated domain, the variance of channel slope is small at all elevation levels.
Assessing the hydrological and geomorphic behaviour of a landscape evolution model within a limits‐of‐acceptability uncertainty analysis framework
Authors: Wong Jefferson S. , Freer Jim E. , Bates Paul D. , Warburton Jeff , Coulthard Tom J.
Published: April 2021

Landscape evolution models (LEMs) have the capability to characterize key aspects of geomorphological and hydrological processes. However, their usefulness is hindered by model equifinality and paucity of available calibration data. Estimating uncertainty in the parameter space and resultant model predictions is rarely achieved as this is computationally intensive and the uncertainties inherent in the observed data are large. Therefore, a limits‐of‐acceptability (LoA) uncertainty analysis approach was adopted in this study to assess the value of uncertain hydrological and geomorphic data. These were used to constrain simulations of catchment responses and to explore the parameter uncertainty in model predictions. We applied this approach to the River Derwent and Cocker catchments in the UK using a LEM CAESAR‐Lisflood. Results show that the model was generally able to produce behavioural simulations within the uncertainty limits of the streamflow. Reliability metrics ranged from 24.4% to 41.2% and captured the high‐magnitude low‐frequency sediment events. Since different sets of behavioural simulations were found across different parts of the catchment, evaluating LEM performance, in quantifying and assessing both at‐a‐point behaviour and spatial catchment response, remains a challenge. Our results show that evaluating LEMs within uncertainty analyses framework while taking into account the varying quality of different observations constrains behavioural simulations and parameter distributions and is a step towards a full‐ensemble uncertainty evaluation of such models. We believe that this approach will have benefits for reflecting uncertainties in flooding events where channel morphological changes are occurring and various diverse (and yet often sparse) data have been collected over such events.
Reduced radiotherapy clinical benefit for primary Waldeyer's ring diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the rituximab era
Authors: Guan Qingpei , Hong Yuheng , Hu Ge , Zhou Qiqi , Li Lanfang , Qian Zhengzi , Zhou Shiyong , Ren Xiubao , Qiu Lihua , Wang Xianhuo , Zhang Huilai
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors in patients with Waldeyer's ring diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (WR‐DLBCL), comparing the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) for the WR‐DLBCL patients in the pre‐rituximab and rituximab eras. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 134 patients diagnosed with WR‐DLBCL. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors for WR‐DLBCL. Then, we divided these patients into the rituximab plus chemotherapy group (R‐chemotherapy) (n = 88) and chemotherapy group (n = 46), and the Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression model analyses were applied to investigate the treatment value of RT in both the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed international prognostic index (IPI) ≥ 3 and chemotherapy without rituximab as significant risk factors for the progression‐free survival (PFS, IPI ≥ 3: p = 0.001; chemotherapy without rituximab: p = 0.002) and overall survival (OS, IPI ≥ 3, p < 0.001; chemotherapy without rituximab, p = 0.024). Rituximab combined with chemotherapy significantly improved PFS (p = 0.002) and OS (p = 0.006) in these patients. RT did not significantly contribute to the survival in the overall cohort analysis, whereas in the subgroup analysis, RT significantly improved the PFS (p = 0.025) and OS (p = 0.029) for the patients in the chemotherapy group, but not in the R‐chemotherapy group. In conclusion, the WR‐DLBCL patients could benefit from RT in the pre‐rituximab era, whereas the addition of rituximab to chemotherapy significantly improved the survival of WR‐DLBCL patients, and the clinical benefit of RT was reduced.
Thermal dispersed homogeneous‐heterogeneous reaction within MHD flow of a Jeffrey fluid in the presence of Newtonian cooling and nonlinear thermal radiation
Authors: Sen Satya Subha Shree , Das Mrutyunjay , Shaw Sachin
Published: April 2021

The current study deals with the effects of Newtonian cooling, magnetic field, and nonlinear radiation on the flow of a Jeffrey fluid along with thermal dispersion and homogeneous‐heterogeneous reaction towards a stagnation point. The developed governing equations are transformed into nondimensional equations employing suitable similarity transformations along with their related boundary conditions. To solve and analyze these equations, the BVP4C solver of MATLAB has been used. The various properties of the fluid flow such as velocity, temperature, and concentration are represented in their respective graphs. The values obtained for skin friction and Nusselt number are expressed in the form of a table. The important outcomes of the present study are that the velocity declines as we increase the melting parameter, magnetic parameter, and Prandtl number. The temperature profile increases with radiation parameter, heat source, and magnetic number. An inclination is seen in the concentration of the fluid with a rise in Schmidt number whereas declination is seen with a rise in the homogeneous reaction parameter. Also, a comparison Table 1 has been made with the previous work under limited conditions. The table shows that the current work justifies the previous work system under those conditions. The present model can be utilized for many industrial purposes. Large‐scale industries like plastic and food processing industries can utilize these results to enhance their productivity.
Stability of a chemically reacting double‐diffusive fluid layer in a porous medium
Authors: Mahajan Amit , Tripathi Vinit K.
Published: April 2021

In the present study, double‐diffusive convection with chemical reaction in a Darcy–Brinkman porous layer, heated and salted below, has been investigated. Linear analysis is performed with the help of the normal mode technique, and nonlinear analysis is performed with the help of the energy method. The effect of the thermal contribution of the chemical reaction is found to be more effective on the convective instability in comparison with the solutal contribution of the chemical reaction. The reaction parameters enhance the onset of convection in the stationary mode, however, in oscillatory mode, the onset of convection is seen to be delayed. The effect of solute Rayleigh number , Darcy number , is depicted graphically.
Efficient generation of osteoclasts from human induced pluripotent stem cells and functional investigations of lethal CLCN7-related osteopetrosis
Authors: Rössler Uta , Hennig Anna Floriane , Stelzer Nina , Bose Shroddha , Kopp Johannes , Søe Kent , Cyganek Lukas , Zifarelli Giovanni , Ali Salaheddine , von der Hagen Maja , Strässler Elisabeth Tamara , Hahn Gabriele , Pusch Michael , Stauber Tobias , Izsvák Zsuzsanna , Gossen Manfred , Stachelscheid Harald , Kornak Uwe
Published: April 2021

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold great potential for modeling human diseases and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. Here, we report on a novel, simplified differentiation method for forming functional osteoclasts from hiPSCs. The three-step protocol starts with embryoid body formation, followed by hematopoietic specification, and finally osteoclast differentiation. We observed continuous production of monocyte-like cells over a period of up to 9 weeks, generating sufficient material for several osteoclast differentiations. The analysis of stage-specific gene and surface marker expression proved mesodermal priming, the presence of monocyte-like cells, and of terminally differentiated multinucleated osteoclasts, able to form resorption pits and trenches on bone and dentine in vitro. In comparison to peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived osteoclasts hiPSC-derived osteoclasts were larger and contained a higher number of nuclei. Detailed functional studies on the resorption behavior of hiPSC-osteoclasts indicated a trend towards forming more trenches than pits and an increase in pseudoresorption. We used hiPSCs from an autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO) patient (BIHi002-A, ARO hiPSCs) with compound heterozygous missense mutations p.(G292E) and p.(R403Q) in CLCN7, coding for the Cl−/H+-exchanger ClC-7, for functional investigations. The patient's leading clinical feature was a brain malformation due to defective neuronal migration. Mutant ClC-7 displayed residual expression and retained lysosomal co-localization with OSTM1, the gene coding for the osteopetrosis-associated transmembrane protein 1, but only ClC-7 harboring the mutation p.(R403Q) gave strongly reduced ion currents. An increased autophagic flux in spite of unchanged lysosomal pH was evident in undifferentiated ARO hiPSCs. ARO hiPSC-derived osteoclasts showed an increased size compared to hiPSCs of healthy donors. They were not able to resorb bone, underlining a loss-of-function effect of the mutations. In summary, we developed a highly reproducible, straightforward hiPSC-osteoclast differentiation protocol. We demonstrated that osteoclasts differentiated from ARO hiPSCs can be used as a disease model for ARO and potentially also other osteoclast-related diseases. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Germline Saturation Mutagenesis Induces Skeletal Phenotypes in Mice
Authors: Rios Jonathan J , Denton Kristin , Russell Jamie , Kozlitina Julia , Ferreira Carlos R , Lewanda Amy F , Mayfield Joshua E , Moresco Eva , Ludwig Sara , Tang Miao , Li Xiaohong , Lyon Stephen , Khanshour Anas , Paria Nandina , Khalid Aysha , Li Yang , Xie Xudong , Feng Jian Q , Xu Qian , Lu Yongbo , Hammer Robert E , Wise Carol A , Beutler Bruce
Published: April 2021

Proper embryonic and postnatal skeletal development require coordination of myriad complex molecular mechanisms. Disruption of these processes, through genetic mutation, contributes to variation in skeletal development. We developed a high-throughput N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced saturation mutagenesis skeletal screening approach in mice to identify genes required for proper skeletal development. Here, we report initial results from live-animal X-ray and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) imaging of 27,607 G3 mice from 806 pedigrees, testing the effects of 32,198 coding/splicing mutations in 13,020 genes. A total of 39.7% of all autosomal genes were severely damaged or destroyed by mutations tested twice or more in the homozygous state. Results from our study demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo mutagenesis to identify mouse models of skeletal disease. Furthermore, our study demonstrates how ENU mutagenesis provides opportunities to create and characterize putative hypomorphic mutations in developmentally essential genes. Finally, we present a viable mouse model and case report of recessive skeletal disease caused by mutations in FAM20B. Results from this study, including engineered mouse models, are made publicly available via the online Mutagenetix database. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Longitudinal Impact of Acute Spinal Cord Injury on Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Riluzole, a Potential Neuroprotective Agent
Authors: Nguyen Ashley , Chow Diana S‐L. , Wu Lei , Teng Yang (Angela) , Sarkar Mahua , Toups Elizabeth G. , Harrop James S. , Schmitt Karl M. , Johnson Michele M. , Guest James D. , Aarabi Bizhan , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Boakye Maxwell , Frankowski Ralph F. , Fehlings Michael G. , Grossman Robert G.
Published: April 2021

Riluzole, a benzothiazole sodium channel blocker that received US Food and Drug Administration approval to attenuate neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 1995, was found to be safe and potentially efficacious in a spinal cord injury (SCI) population, as evident in a phase I clinical trial. The acute and progressive nature of traumatic SCI and the complexity of secondary injury processes can alter the pharmacokinetics of therapeutics. A 1‐compartment with first‐order elimination population pharmacokinetic model for riluzole incorporating time‐dependent clearance and volume of distribution was developed from combined data of the phase 1 and the ongoing phase 2/3 trials. This change in therapeutic exposure may lead to a biased estimate of the exposure‐response relationship when evaluating therapeutic effects. With the developed model, a rational, optimal dosing scheme can be designed with time‐dependent modification that preserves the required therapeutic exposure of riluzole.
Pharmacological Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality in COVID‐19
Authors: Oddy Christopher , McCaul James , Keeling Polly , Allington Jonathan , Senn Dhanuja , Soni Neesha , Morrison Hannah , Mawella Ruwani , Samuel Thomas , Dixon John
Published: April 2021

The interaction of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) with the majority of common prescriptions is broadly unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify medications associated with altered disease outcomes in COVID‐19. A retrospective cohort composed of all adult inpatient admissions to our center with COVID‐19 was analyzed. Data concerning all antecedent prescriptions were collected and agents brought forward for analysis if prescribed to at least 20 patients in our cohort. Forty‐two medications and 22 classes of medication were examined. Groups were propensity score matched and analyzed by logistic and linear regression. The majority of medications did not show a statistically significant relationship with altered disease outcomes. Lower mortality was associated with use of pregabalin (hazard ratio [HR], 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01‐0.92; P = .049) and inhalers of any type (HR, 0.33; 95%CI, 0.14‐0.80; P = .015), specifically beclomethasone (HR, 0.10; 95%CI, 0.01‐0.82; P = .032), tiotropium (HR, 0.07; 95%CI, 0.01‐0.83; P = .035), and steroid‐containing inhalers (HR, 0.35; 95%CI, 0.15‐0.79; P = .013). Gliclazide (HR, 4.37; 95%CI, 1.26‐15.18; P = .020) and proton pump inhibitor (HR, 1.72; 95%CI, 1.06‐2.79; P = .028) use was associated with greater mortality. Diuretic (HR, 0.07; 95%CI, 0.01‐0.37; P = .002) and statin (HR, 0.35; 95%CI, 0.17‐0.73; P = .006) use was associated with lower rates of critical care admission. Our data lends confidence to observing usual practice in patients with COVID‐19 by continuing antecedent prescriptions in the absence of an alternative acute contraindication. We highlight potential benefits in investigation of diuretics, inhalers, pregabalin, and statins as therapeutic agents for COVID‐19 and support further assessment of the safety of gliclazide and proton pump inhibitors in the acute illness.
Relationship Between Apparent Systemic Clearance of Vemurafenib and Toxicity in Patients With Melanoma
Authors: Kichenadasse Ganessan , Hughes Jim Henry , Fahmy Alia , Rowland Andrew , Sorich Michael J. , Hopkins Ashley H.
Published: April 2021

Vemurafenib, a B rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma inhibitor, is commonly used in combination of cobimetinib for the treatment of melanoma. In the current study, we evaluated the relationship between vemurafenib exposure, as measured by the estimated apparent clearance (CLB) at steady state and any grade ≥3 toxicity, grade ≥3 skin rash, or toxicity requiring dose modification using pooled data from 3 prospective clinical trials involving 898 patients. A total of 69% had any grade ≥3 toxicity; grade ≥3 skin rash in 15% and 47% had a dose reduction/interruption or cessation. The median vemurafenib CLB was 1.35 L/h (interquartile range, 1.15‐1.65 L/h). Lower vemurafenib CLB was significantly associated with an increased risk of grade ≥3 toxicity (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; P < .001), grade ≥3 rash (HR, 0.29; P < .001), and adverse events requiring vemurafenib dose reduction/interruption or cessation (HR, 0.5; P < .001). When the patients were divided into 3 groups based on the vemurafenib CLB thresholds, those with low CLB (<1.22 L/h) had significantly increased incidence of any grade ≥3 toxicity or skin rash or dose adjustment, interruption, or cessation at 12 months and at day 28 when compared to those with medium (≥1.22 and <1.55 L/h) or high (>1.55 L/h) vemurafenib CLB. In conclusion, the estimated CLB of vemurafenib is associated with severe toxicities and dose adjustment or cessation, suggesting that an early estimation of vemurafenib exposure may be useful in identifying patients at risk of experiencing toxicity.
Evaluation of heavy metals effects on morpho‐anatomical alterations of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings
Authors: Nazir Abdul , Rafique Faiza , Ahmed Khalid , Khan Sabaz Ali , Khan Nadeem , Akbar Muhammad , Zafar Muhammad
Published: April 2021

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cd and Cr as separate and in combinations in hydroponically grown seedlings of FA‐08 and SH‐13 cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The concentrations of heavy metals were higher in the root as compared to shoot and were more pronounced in SH‐13 than FA‐08 cultivar. The decrease in the seedling length and biomass was observed when the metals were applied in combined form (Cd–Cr 80–120, Cd–Cr 100–120, Cr–Cd 140–80, and Cr–Cd 140–100). There were more declines in root length in the cultivar SH‐13 as compared to the shoot length, as the concentration of HMs increased. The root at level Cr‐140 and shoot at level Cd‐100 showed more reduction in SH‐13 than FA‐08. The high concentration of Cd and Cr affected the root epidermis, the cortical cells, and the xylem vessel. The size and number of stomata, length of long cells and short cells, and trichome were reduced at the concentration Cd‐100 and Cr‐140. The present study showed that the higher concentration of Cd and Cr affects the morpho‐anatomical features of both selected wheat cultivar moderately.
Analysis of adsorption energy distribution in selected hydrophilic‐interaction chromatography systems with amide, amine, and zwitterionic stationary phases
Authors: Ziobrowski Piotr , Chutkowski Marcin , Przywara Mateusz , Zapała Lidia , Kosińska‐Pezda Małgorzata , Zapała Wojciech
Published: April 2021

Adsorption mechanisms of caffeine, quercetin, and phenol as test substances in various chromatographic systems have been analyzed. The investigations were conducted using three different chromatographic columns packed with polar bonded stationary phases, that is, amide, amine, and zwitterionic. Methanol–water and acetonitrile–water systems with different organic solvent contents have been used as mobile phases. On the basis of adsorption isotherms obtained for the tested systems, Scatchard plots and adsorption energy distributions have been determined. The most likely retention mechanisms have been discussed. The results of investigations indicate that (i) the surfaces of tested adsorbents are energetically heterogeneous, and (ii) the main role in sorption mechanism is played by low‐energy sites.
In Situ Synthesis of Incompatible Polymers within Hollow Porous Organic Nanosphere Networks for Cascade Reactions
Authors: Zhang Li , Yu Haitao , Gao Shengguang , Wang Huaqing , He Zhiwei , Huang Kun
Published: April 2021

In the paper, the novel hollow porous organic nanosphere networks (H‐PONNs) with remaining Z‐type chain transfer agent (CTA) inside the cavity are synthesized via a hypercrosslinking mediated self‐assembly method using the polystyrene‐b‐polylactide as precursors. The resultant Z‐type CTA functionalized H‐PONNs can be utilized to mediate reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and the acidic or basic monomer (phenyl 4‐vinylbenzene sulfonate (PVBS) , 4‐N‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐N‐methylaminopyridine (VBMAP)) can be in situ polymerized in the cavity of nanospheres to produce acid/base‐functionalized hollow porous organic nanosphere networks (poly(phenyl 4‐vinylbenzene sulfonate) (PPVBS)/H‐PONNs and poly(4‐N‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐N‐methylaminopyridine) (PVBMAP)/H‐PONNs). These PPVBS/H‐PONNs and PVBMAP/H‐PONNs possess the large surface area, hierarchically porous structure, and robust organic framework, which exhibit the excellent catalytic performance for acid–base cascade reactions. Furthermore, the turnover frequency is up to 51 h−1 that shows the catalysts have a great advantage over other similar materials for one‐pot reactions.
Outcome of Hospitalized Parkinson's Disease Patients with and without COVID‐19
Authors: Parihar Raminder , Ferastraoaru Victor , Galanopoulou Aristea S. , Geyer Howard L. , Kaufman David M.
Published: April 2021

Background

The Parkinson's disease (PD) patient population, with an already reduced life expectancy, is rendered particularly vulnerable by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2).

Objectives

We determined the risk factors that increase the risk of death in patients with Parkinson's disease who are infected by SARS‐CoV‐2.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of PD admitted to Montefiore Hospital (Bronx, New York) and tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 were identified. Retrospective review of electronic medical records confirmed the diagnosis; patients were classified by severity of PD. PD severity, demographic, socioeconomic factors, and co‐morbidities were correlated with mortality rates in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2.

Results

We identified 162 patients meeting criteria; chart review confirmed a diagnosis of PD in 70 patients. Of the 70 patients, 53 were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 and 17 were negative. PD patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection had a higher mortality rate (35.8%) compared to PD patients without the infection (5.9%, P = 0.028). PD patients older than 70 years of age, those with advanced Parkinson's disease, those with reductions in their medications, and non‐Hispanics (largely comprised of Black/African‐ Americans) had a statistically significant higher mortality rate, if infected.

Conclusions

PD did not increase mortality rates from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection when age was controlled. However, certain unalterable factors (advanced disease and age greater than 70 years) and alterable ones (reductions in PD medications) placed PD patients at increased risk for mortality. Also several socioeconomic factors contributed to mortality, for example, non‐Hispanic patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection fared worse, likely driven by poorer outcomes in the Black/African‐American cohort.
Partial differential integral equation model for pricing American option under multi state regime switching with jumps
Authors: Yousuf Muhammad , Khaliq Abdul Q. M.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we consider a two dimensional partial differential integral equation (PDIE) model for pricing American option. A nonlinear rationality parameter function for two asset problems is introduced to deal with the free boundary. The rationality parameter function is added in the PDIEs used for pricing American option problems under multi‐state regime switching with jumps. The resulting two dimensional nonlinear system of PDIE is then numerically solved. Based on real poles rational approximation, a strongly stable highly efficient and reliable method is developed to solve such complicated systems of PIDEs. The method is build in a predictor corrector style which makes it linearly implicit, therefore, avoids solving nonlinear systems of equations at each time step in all regimes. The method is seen to maintain the stability and convergence for large jump sizes and high volatility in each regime. The impact of regime switching on option prices corresponding to different values interest rate, volatility, and rationality parameter is computed, illustrated by graphs and given in the tables. Convergence results in each regime are presented and time evolution graphs are given to show the effectiveness and reliability of the method.
Selective Catalytic Isomerization of β‐Pinene Oxide to Perillyl Alcohol Enhanced by Protic Tetraimidazolium Nitrate
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Jian , Zhao Juan , He Huiting , Jiang Dabo , Kirk Steven Robert , Xu Qiong , Liu Xianxiang , Yin Dulin
Published: April 2021

A series of tetraimidazolium salts with different anions was prepared and applied in the isomerization of β‐pinene oxide. After examining the activity of different catalysts, a remarkable enhancement of the selectivity of perillyl alcohol (47 %) was obtained over [PEimi][HNO3]4 under mild reaction conditions and using DMSO as the solvent. Furthermore, noncovalent interactions between solvent molecules and the catalyst were found by FT‐IR spectroscopy and confirmed by computational chemistry. The homogeneous catalyst showed excellent stability and was reused up to six times without significant loss.
An Improved System to Evaluate Superoxide‐Scavenging Effects of Bioflavonoids
Authors: Yao Yuanyong , Chen Shixue , Li Hu
Published: April 2021

The pyrogallol autoxidation method has been widely utilized to evaluate various antioxidants in antioxidative bioactivities. However, this method is generally not appropriate for estimating the .O2− radical scavenging capacity of bioflavonoids, as it enables bioflavonoids to generate .O2− radical in oxygen‐alkaline (pH 8.2) surroundings. In the present study, an improved DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) system (pH 7.25, versus pH 8.2 of the pyrogallol autoxidation) was successfully developed to evaluate the .O2− radical scavenging capacity of bioflavonoids by EPR technique and using the spin trapping reagent DMPO (5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide). The non‐protonic environment supplied by the system promotes the stabilization of the .O2−radical and therefore ensures a much more accurate measurement of .O2−radical scavenging capacity in bioflavonoids if compared to protonic solvents. The results demonstrated that the effects of scavenging .O2−radicals in natural bioflavonoids follows the order: dihydromyricetin>myricetin>quercetin>kaempferol>baicalein>chrysin, which are well associated with numbers of hydroxyl groups attached to their molecular skeletons and/or active H of their configurations. Interestingly, the higher superoxide‐anion scavenging effect measured for dihydromyricetin with respect to myricetin is possibly attributed to the fact that dihydromyricetin can be transformed into myricetin in the presence of .O2− radical, resulting from the homolysis of active H donated from C3−H bond of DMY via .O2− radicals.
Autologous adipose‐derived stem cells therapy in COPD treatment: a case report
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Thanh , Phan Phuong Thu , Nguyen Binh Huy , Vu Trang T. Thu , Pham Phuong Cam , Van Vu Giap , Nguyen Khanh Ba , Vu Trung Thanh , Vu Luu Dang , Ngo Chau Quy
Published: April 2021

Here, we describe the clinical course of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with autologous adipose‐derived stem cell therapy. In September 2019, our patient was admitted to Bach Mai Hospital. His post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) was 21% and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) was 40%. He had suffered from two exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the previous year. He received treatment with autologous stem cells from adipose tissue. Follow‐up indicated that autologous stem cells from adipose tissue was a safe treatment and improved the patient's dyspnoea and quality of life.
One delayed diagnosis of paragonimiasis case and literature review
Authors: Kong Luxia , Hua Lijuan , Liu Qian , Bao Chen , Hu Jiannan , Xu Shuyun
Published: April 2021

Human paragonimiasis has been appearing all over the world due to increased human migration, international travel, and worldwide food trading. However, delayed and missed diagnosis rates are also increasing due to atypical clinical manifestations and the lack of disease understanding by clinical workers. We describe the case of a 43‐year‐old man, who was hospitalized with cough and chest pain for two months. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral emphysema, left pleural effusion, and bilateral atelectasis. The hypereosinophilia gave us a clue; ultimately, the diagnosis of paragonimiasis was made through a diet history and a positive result of serum Paragonimus sp. immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody. Moreover, 27 misdiagnosed paragonimiasis cases in the past decade have been reported. We draw conclusions by summarizing their characteristics for suspicious eosinophilic paragonimiasis patients; we should inquire diet history carefully, test serum IgG antibodies, and try to detect eggs. Once diagnosed, praziquantel is preferred for treatment.
Accessible, affordable, fine‐scale estimates of soil carbon for sustainable management in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ewing Patrick M. , TerAvest Dan , Tu Xinyi , Snapp Sieglinde S.
Published: April 2021

Soil C status is acritical component of greenhouse gas mitigation efforts, and supports food security through affecting crop growth and management. In much of the world, laboratory‐based measures of soil C are expensive and logistically challenging, whereas map‐based predictions generated at the continental scale (e.g., African Soil Information Service [AfSIS]; www.soilgrids.org) may be unreliable at the management‐relevant, policy‐relevant, field, and regional scales. We test whether an USD 350, open source, field portable reflectometer can provide site‐specific estimates of soil C status, and also predict whether a crop will respond to fertilizer across 1,155 sites in central and southern Malawi based on an established threshold of 9.4 g C kg−1 soil. When compared with soil C measured by combustion, the scanner calibrated with covariates of field‐estimable texture class and slope class provides unbiased (0.42 ± 0.44 g C kg−1 soil; p = .06), precise (R2 = .57), and actionable (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.88) data at the field scale, including at unmeasured locations (relative prediction error 19–23%) and at the village scale. The reflectometer outperformed predictions from the continental‐scale AfSIS database, which were neither precise (R2 = .044) nor actionable (AUC = 0.63) at the field scale, and underestimated soil C in the region by 2.5 ± 0.5 g C kg−1 soil (p < .001). The reflectometer is an accessible tool to monitor soil C in sub‐Saharan Africa to improve field‐level management, and guide regional policies that support food security while combating climate change.
Semitransparent Selenium Solar Cells as a Top Cell for Tandem Photovoltaics
Authors: Youngman Tomas H. , Nielsen Rasmus , Crovetto Andrea , Seger Brian , Hansen Ole , Chorkendorff Ib , Vesborg Peter C. K.
Published: April 2021

Trigonal selenium (Se) is an elemental, direct‐bandgap (1.95 eV) semiconductor with a low processing temperature, which could be a suitable top absorber for tandem solar cell applications. For incorporation in tandem architectures, both sides of the Se cell should be semitransparent. However, all reported Se solar cells have metallic back contacts. To demonstrate the potential feasibility of Se as a wide‐bandgap absorber for tandems, herein, bifacial single‐junction selenium solar cells with device areas above 0.4 cm2 are reported. When illuminating through the n‐type contact, the bifacial cell power conversion efficiency (PCE) is 5.2%, similar to a standard monofacial cell. The efficiency is lower (2.7%) when illuminating through the p‐type contact, which is attributed to low carrier diffusion lengths and lifetimes in selenium. This suggests the necessity to invert the typical single‐junction device structure when incorporating it into a tandem device.
Molecular phylogeny of tribe Myoporeae (Scrophulariaceae) using nuclear ribosomal DNA: Generic relationships and evidence for major clades
Authors: Fowler Rachael M. , Murphy Daniel J. , McLay Todd G.B. , Buirchell Bevan J. , Chinnock Robert J. , Bayly Michael J.
Published: April 2021

Eremophila is a significant component of the Australian arid zone flora, but its generic limits and relationships to the other six genera of tribe Myoporeae remain largely untested. In this study, we assembled a dataset of the nuclear ribosomal cistron (ca. 6000 bases including ITS1+2, ETS regions, non‐transcribed spacer and associated genes) for all genera in tribe Myoporeae with a particular focus on Eremophila (205 of total 233 formally described species of Eremophila, and 28 species of related genera sampled). Phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. These resolved four major clades that were well supported. Eremophila was paraphyletic, with all other genera of tribe Myoporeae nested in it. We discuss two taxonomic options for addressing the paraphyly of Eremophila. As an immediate step, we propose that the small genera, Calamphoreus and Diocirea, should be placed in synonymy under Eremophila, and herein make the necessary new nomenclatural combinations. Additional phylogenetic data are needed, ideally in the form of multiple independent nuclear loci, to clarify the positions of Bontia, Glycocystis and Myoporum relative to Eremophila before further taxonomic changes are proposed.
Exponential decay of transverse correlations for O(N) spin systems and related models
Authors: Lees Benjamin , Taggi Lorenzo
Published: April 2021

We prove exponential decay of transverse correlations in the SpinO(N) model for arbitrary non-zero values of the external magnetic field and arbitrary spin dimension$$N > 1$$N>1. Our result is new when$$N > 3$$N>3, in which case no Lee–Yang theorem is available, it is an alternative to Lee–Yang when$$N = 2, 3$$N=2,3, and also holds for a wide class of multi-component spin systems with continuous symmetry. The key ingredients are a representation of the model as a system of coloured random paths, a ‘colour-switch’ lemma, and a sampling procedure which allows us to bound from above the ‘typical’ length of the open paths.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Transport Properties of FeS1-xTex (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) Single Crystals
Authors: Zhao Caiye , Yi Xiaolei , Hou Qiang , Feng Jiajia , Zhang Yufeng , Xu Mingxiang , Shi Zhixiang
Published: April 2021

In this work, a series of FeS1-xTex (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) single crystals were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method for the first time. According to the measurement of in-plane resistivity, Hall effect, and magnetoresistance (MR), we find that the superconducting transition temperature Tc is rapidly suppressed with the increasing Te substitution, and finally the superconductivity disappears when x > 0.05. With the substitution of Te for S, the residual resistivity ρ0 increases while the residual resistivity ratio (RRR) decreases monotonously. Meanwhile, the MR of FeS1-xTex is also reduced by Te doping. All these results reveal that the Te substitution introduces more impurity scattering. In consequence, the non-linear field-dependent of Hall resistivity ρxy at low temperature region is suppressed and a linear behavior is restored upon Te doping. The negative Hall coefficients RH for all the FeS1-xTex samples suggest that the electron-type carrier dominates the electrical conduction. Moreover, the MR of FeS1-xTex obviously follows Kohler’s law, indicating the isotropic scattering rates in the Fermi surface.
The Three Pillars of Functional Autonomy of Hackers
Authors: Söderberg Johan , Maxigas
Published: April 2021

We propose a conceptual framework for analysing the relationship between social emancipation and alternative technology development. Key is the “functional autonomy” of the collective of users and developers of the technology vis-a-vis state and capital. We draw on previous empirical work about three hacker projects to substantiate the claim that the functional autonomy of hackers rests on three “pillars of autonomy”: technical skill, shared values, and collective memory. These three pillars sustain the autonomy of a community of hackers so that it may successfully resist recuperation attempts by capital. We make this claim in contradistinction to looser constellations of users, citizen scientists, DIY hobbyists, etc., where the functional autonomy tends to be much weaker. Hence, in the latter case, we should expect the actors to be recuperated in short time. The emancipatory promises that they make in regard to their practices, and are often mirrored in the academic literature about user innovation, citizen science, etc., will then turn sour. From this observation, we develop a second-order reflection on the role of the scholar studying purportedly emancipatory technology projects. As against the popular “follow-the-actors” approach, we defend the continued need for scholarly critique. We do so with the caveat that critique must in part be conducted as self-critique.
Comorbidities impact and de-prescribing in elderly with HCV-related liver disease: analysis of a prospective cohort
Authors: Licata Anna , Minissale Maria Giovanna , Giannitrapani Lydia , Montalto Filippo A. , Lombardo Clelia , Mirarchi Luigi , Amodeo Simona , Soresi Maurizio , Montalto Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

Management for HCV has undergone a notable change using direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs), which are safe and effective even in elderly. Here, we define impact of comorbidities, concomitant medication and drug–drug interactions in elder patients with HCV related disease before starting DAAs regimen. We analyzed data of 814 patients prospectively enrolled at our Unit within the web based model HCV Sicily Network. Out of 814, 590 were treated with DAAs and 414 of them were older than 65 years. We divided those 414 in two groups, one including 215 patients, aged between 65 and 74 years, and another with 199 patients, aged of 75 years and over. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was assessed for each patient; drug–drug interactions (DDI) and de-prescribing process were carried out appropriately. Within 414 patients included, percentage rates of women treated was higher than males, BMI was lower and cirrhosis was frequently reported in patients older than 75 years. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia (p < 0.0001), prostatic pathologies, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disease (p < 0.0001), osteoporosis (p < 0.01) and depression were most common co-morbidities. CCI showed lower scores in the first group as compared with the second one (p < 0.0001). Among drugs, statins were frequently suspended and anti-hypertensive often replaced. DAAs are useful and effective regardless of disease severity, comorbidities, medications and age. De-prescribing allows a stable reduction of number of medications taken with real improvement of quality of life.
Beyond the Tuned Mass Damper: a Comparative Study of Passive Approaches to Vibration Absorption Through Antiresonance Assignment
Authors: Richiedei Dario , Tamellin Iacopo , Trevisani Alberto
Published: April 2021

Vibration absorption is a core research area in the design and control of structures and machines, and exploiting antiresonances is an effective approach for systems under harmonic excitation. This paper proposes a comparative study and a review of the main passive techniques to antiresonance assignment proposed in the recent literature, by discussing them through some numerical examples too. The techniques discussed include the well-known Tuned Mass Damper, which has been widely developed in the literature. However, as the title reveals, great attention is paid to the methods inherited from the field of dynamic structural modification that assign antiresonances without modifying the number of degrees of freedom, by exploiting a proper modification of the system inertial and stiffness parameters. Due to higher mathematical complexity, these approaches have been less investigated in the literature although they are an effective and less invasive approach to antiresonance assignment, especially for machines. To puzzle out the complicated subject matter of antiresonances, their background and their key features are also discussed by reviewing the main theoretical results and their relationship with the assignment techniques. The paper is also enriched with several numerical examples to compare different methods and investigate the features of antiresonances. The concluding remarks of the paper bring together some open issues in this field of research and outlines some possible research directions.
A myricaceous male inflorescence with pollen in situ from the middle Eocene of Europe
Authors: Wilde Volker , Frankenhäuser Herbert , Lenz Olaf Klaus
Published: April 2021

The late middle Eocene lacustrine filling of a maar lake at Eckfeld (Eifel Hills, Rhineland-Palatinate, western Germany) has provided four specimens of male inflorescences (catkins) in different stages of anthesis, each with pollen preserved in situ. The appearance of the successive stages together with triporate pollen showing an irregular surface and a myricoid micro-ornamentation clearly suggests an assignment of the fossil catkins to the Myricaceae. The material is described as a new genus and new species and represents the oldest record of male catkins for the family. The in situ preserved pollen grains are comparable to dispersed grains of Triatriopollenites excelsus.
The relationship between plant growth and water consumption: a history from the classical four elements to modern stable isotopes
Authors: Brendel Oliver
Published: April 2021

Key message

The history of the relationship between plant growth and water consumption is retraced by following the progression of scientific thought through the centuries: from a purely philosophical question, to conceptual and methodological developments, towards a research interest in plant functioning and the interaction with the environment.

Context

The relationship between plant growth and water consumption has for a long time occupied the minds of philosophers and natural scientists. The ratio between biomass accumulation and water consumption is known as water use efficiency and is widely relevant today in fields as diverse as plant improvement, forest ecology and climate change. Defined at scales varying from single leaf physiology to whole plants, it shows how botanical investigations changed through time, generally in tandem with developing disciplines and improving methods. The history started as a purely philosophical question by Greek philosophers of how plants grow, progressed through thought and actual experiments, towards an interest in the functioning of plants and the relationship to the environment.

Aims

This article retraces this history by following the progression of scientific questions posed through the centuries, and presents not only the main methodological and conceptual developments on biomass growth and transpiration but also the development of the carbon isotopic method of estimation. The history of research on photosynthesis is only touched briefly, but the development of research on transpiration and stomatal conductance is presented with more detail.

Conclusion

Research on water use efficiency, following a path from the whole plant to leaf-level functioning, was strongly involved in the historical development of the discipline of plant ecophysiology and is still a very active research field across nearly all levels of botanical research.
Multimodal news analytics using measures of cross-modal entity and context consistency
Authors: Müller-Budack Eric , Theiner Jonas , Diering Sebastian , Idahl Maximilian , Hakimov Sherzod , Ewerth Ralph
Published: April 2021

The World Wide Web has become a popular source to gather information and news. Multimodal information, e.g., supplement text with photographs, is typically used to convey the news more effectively or to attract attention. The photographs can be decorative, depict additional details, but might also contain misleading information. The quantification of the cross-modal consistency of entity representations can assist human assessors’ evaluation of the overall multimodal message. In some cases such measures might give hints to detect fake news, which is an increasingly important topic in today’s society. In this paper, we present a multimodal approach to quantify the entity coherence between image and text inreal-worldnews. Named entity linking is applied to extract persons, locations, and events from news texts. Several measures are suggested to calculate the cross-modal similarity of the entities in text and photograph by exploiting state-of-the-art computer vision approaches. In contrast to previous work, our system automatically acquires example data from the Web and is applicable to real-world news. Moreover, an approach that quantifies contextual image-text relations is introduced. The feasibility is demonstrated on two datasets that cover different languages, topics, and domains.