bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Appraisal of Nigeria’s Progress in Achieving the SDG-13 Climate Action Goal
Authors: Fada Salamatu J. , Akintunde Elijah A. , Goyol Simi S. , Binbol Nankap L. , Bombom Leonard , Dabi Daniel D. , Baklit Gideon , Oche Christian Y.
Published: February 2022

The impacts of climate change on the planet are increasingly felt with projections suggesting even greater impacts in the immediate term and, as such, the need for concerted efforts directed at curbing them. Although Nigeria battles with huge development needs, and its economy is confronted with a rapidly deteriorating fiscal space and rising levels of debt, the country has shown commitment to achieving the United Nations 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. This situation creates a gap between the SDG agenda and the workability of the goal. This paper appraises efforts made by Nigeria’s Federal Government to achieve the Climate Action Goal by 2030. The country’s level of implementation of the set SDG 13 was, first, evaluated using the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Subsequently, the role of the Anthony Nyong Climate Centre of Excellence (ANCCE) towards achieving the SDG 13 was explored. Results from the 2018 EPI scorecard ranks Nigeria 100th (54.76%) out of 180 countries on 24 performance indicators across ten categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality. Similarly, results from SDG index and dashboard, places Nigeria at 42nd (47.07%) out of 56 African countries. Even though these results show that ‘challenges remain’ in achieving climate action, Nigeria is on track toward achieving the SDG agreement. Furthermore, the establishment of ANCCE has so far achieved building of partnerships with organizations and other universities locally and internationally, capacity building among academics and the establishment of a waste management project in a tertiary institution in the country. A bottom-up approach aimed at achieving Climate action through activities of similar centers that can provide insight into a country’s best practices and contribute in many ways to achieving the SDG 13 in Nigeria are suggested.
Lower Fistula Recurrence with Pulling Seton: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Izadpanah Ahmad , Safarpour Ali Reza , Rezazadehkermani Mohammad , Zahedian Ali , Barati-Boldaji Reza
Published: February 2022

Background: Anal fistulas are one of the interactable cases in proctologic clinics. Managing these patients has the major risk of recurrence and incontinence. Objectives: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the results of three sphincter saving procedures during a two-year follow-up phase. Methods: A total of 87 patients who underwent endorectal advancement flap, cutting Seton, and pulling Seton surgeries were followed for two years from 2017 to 2018 in a tertiary proctologic referral center affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The recurrence rate and Wexner score were compared between the groups. Results: The lowest recurrence rate was 13.8% with pulling Seton technique, and the highest recurrence rate was 42.9% with endorectal advancement flap (P = 0.04). The mean Wexner score did not significantly change before and after the surgery. Conclusions: According to our results, pulling Seton seems to be a safe method for treatment of anal fistulas. This technique had a low recurrence rate, and the patients’ continence was not damaged.
Factorials as repdigits in base $b$
Authors:   Konya Technical University, Irmak Nurettin , Togbé Alain ,   Purdue University Northwest
Published: February 2022

Let $b\in \left\{ 2,3, \ldots,9\right\}.$ In this paper, we show that the solutions of the equation $\left( x\right) _{b}=m! $ are $\left( 11\right) _{5}=3!, \left( 33\right) _{7}=\left( 44\right)_{5}=4!$, where $\left( x\right) _{b}$ has at least two digits.
SSH-Brute Force Attack Detection Model based on Deep Learning
Authors: Wanjau Stephen Kahara , Wambugu Geoffrey Mariga , Kamau Gabriel Ndung’u
Published: February 2022

The rising number of malicious threats on computer networks and Internet services owing to a large number of attacks makes the network security be at incessant risk. One of the predominant network attacks that poses distressing threats to networks security are the brute force attacks. A brute force attack uses a trial and error algorithm to decode encrypted data such as passwords or Data Encryption Standard keys, through exhaustive effort (using brute force) rather than using intellectual strategies. Brute force attacks resemble legitimate network traffic, making it difficult to defend an organization that rely mainly on perimeter-based security solutions a major challenge. For stopping the occurrence of such attacks, several curable steps must be taken. This paper proposes an efficient mechanism for SSH-Brute force network attacks detection based on a supervised deep learning algorithm, Convolutional Neural Network. The model performance was compared with experimental results from 5 classical machine learning algorithms including Naive Bayes, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, k-Nearest Neighbour, and Support Vector Machine. Four standard metrics namely, Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and the F-measure were used. Results show that the CNN-based model is superior to the traditional machine learning methods with 94.3% accuracy, a precision rate of 92.5%, recall rate of 97.8% and F1-score of 91.8% in terms of the ability to detect SSH-Brute force attacks.
Integrating bulk and single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals cellular heterogeneity and immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Tingjie , Dang Ningxin , Tang Guangbo , Li Zihang , Li Xiujuan , Shi Bingyin , Xu Zhong , Li Lei , Yang Xiaofei , Xu Chuanrui , Ye Kai
Published: February 2022

Efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is blocked by its high degree of inter‐ and intra‐tumor heterogeneity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. However, the correlation between tumor heterogeneity and immunosuppressive microenvironment in HCC has not been well addressed. Here, we endeavored to dissect inter‐ and intra‐tumor heterogeneity in HCC and uncover how they contribute to the immunosuppressive microenvironment. We performed consensus molecular subtyping with non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering to stratify the inter‐heterogeneity profile of HCC tumors. We grouped HCC tumors from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) patients into three subtypes (S1, S2 and S3), where S1 was characterized as a ‘hot tumor’ profile with high expression level of T cell genes and rate of immune scores. S2 was characterized as a ‘cold tumor’ profile with the highest tumor purity score, and S3 as an ‘immunosuppressed tumor’ profile with the poorest prognosis and a high expression level of immunosuppressive genes such as cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein‐4, TIGIT, and PDCD1. Moreover, we combined weighted gene co‐expression network analysis and single‐cell regulatory network inference and clustering (SCENIC) in the single‐cell dataset of the S3‐like subtype (CS3) and identified a transcription factor, BATF, which could upregulate immunosuppressive genes. Finally, we identified a cell interaction network in which a myeloid‐derived suppressor cell‐like macrophage subtype could promote the formation of immunosuppressive T‐cells.
Optimization of a Soft Pressure Sensor in Terms of the Molecular Weight of the Ferroelectric‐Polymer Sensing Layer
Authors: Watanabe Yushi , Sekine Tomohito , Miura Reo , Abe Mai , Shouji Yoshinori , Ito Keita , Wang Yi‐Fei , Hong Jinseo , Takeda Yasunori , Kumaki Daisuke , Santos Fabrice Domingues Dos , Miyabo Atsushi , Tokito Shizuo
Published: February 2022

Tactile sensing is considered essential for effective object handling by robots. To this end, flexible smart materials are being extensively researched for application as soft pressure sensors. This paper proposes a soft pressure sensor featuring a ferroelectric‐polymer sensing layer for dynamic pressure detection during robotic grasping operations. The solution‐processed sensing layer is optimized in terms of the molecular weight of the ferroelectric polymer and the processing solvent. The proposed sensor exhibits high sensitivity to pressure with minimal response delay. Furthermore, these sensors successfully sensitize a robotic hand, enabling the real‐time detection of pressure signals during object handling, thus demonstrating the potential of the proposed sensor for novel robotic interface applications such as biomimetic electronic skin.
A Universal Strategy toward Air‐Stable and High‐Rate O3 Layered Oxide Cathodes for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yuan Xin‐Guang , Guo Yu‐Jie , Gan Lu , Yang Xin‐An , He Wei‐Huan , Zhang Xu‐Sheng , Yin Ya‐Xia , Xin Sen , Yao Hu‐Rong , Huang Zhigao , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: February 2022

As one of the fascinating high capacity cathodes, O3‐type layered oxides usually suffer from their intrinsic air sensitivity and sluggish kinetics originating from the spontaneous lattice Na extraction during air exposure and high tetrahedral site energy of Na+ diffusion transition state. What is worse, the improvement on the two handicaps is hard to simultaneously realize because of the contradiction between Na containment suggested in air stability mechanism and enhanced Na diffusion mentioned in kinetics strategy. Herein, it is shown that a simple strategy of introducing proper Na vacancies into lattice can simultaneously realize a dual performance improvement. Na vacancies decrease the charge density on transitional metal ions and enhance the antioxidative capability of material, ensuring a stable lattice Na containment for Na0.93Li0.12Ni0.25Fe0.15Mn0.48O2 when exposed to air. Additionally, more Na+ diffusional sites and enlarged Na layer spacing are obtained and result in a significantly decreased energy barrier from ≈1000 to 300 meV and a high rate capability of 70.8% retention at 2000 mA g−1. Remarkably, such a strategy can be easily realized by either pre‐ or post‐treating, which exhibits excellent universality for various O3 materials, implying its enormous potential to promote the commercial application of O3‐type cathodes.
Deep Blue Emitter Based on Tris(triazolo)triazine Moiety with CIEy < 0.08 for Highly Efficient Solution‐Processed Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Via Molecular Strategy of “Hot Excitons”
Authors: Zeng Songkun , Xiao Chen , Zhou Jiachun , Dong Qiwei , Li Qiuying , Lim Junseop , Ma Huili , Lee Jun Yeob , Zhu Weiguo , Wang Yafei
Published: February 2022

Realizing high efficiency deep blue emission with a Commission international de I'Eclairage (CIE) coordinate of CIEy < 0.08 is still a big challenge. In this contribution, three molecules, named TTT‐TPA‐R (R = H, OMe, tBu), using tris(triazolo)triazine (TTT) as the acceptor and triphenylamine derivatives (TPA‐R, R = H, OMe, and tBu) as the donor are prepared and characterized. All these emitters show deep/pure blue emission between 420 and 470 nm in the PMMA film, concomitant with the excellent emission efficiency of 80–100%. Both experimental and calculated methods demonstrate that these emitters exhibit a clearly hybridized local and charge‐transfer excited state and can harvest both singlet and triplet excitons via reverse intersystem crossing process from the high‐lying triplet to singlet states. Therefore, the solution processable deep blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 10.5% which is the recorded value for the solution processable deep blue OLED based on the “hot exciton” mechanism. Using TTT‐TPA‐H as the host material, solution‐processed phosphorescent OLED based on PO‐01 presents the EQEmax of 20.2%. These results pave a novel avenue for designing highly efficient deep blue emitter in solution processable OLED.
Stepwise Energy Transfer: Near‐Infrared Persistent Luminescence from Doped Polymeric Systems
Authors: Lin Faxu , Wang Haiyang , Cao Yifeng , Yu Rujun , Liang Guodong , Huang Huahua , Mu Yingxiao , Yang Zhiyong , Chi Zhenguo
Published: February 2022

Organic near infrared (NIR) persistent‐luminescence systems with bright and long‐lived emission are highly valuable for applications in communication, imaging, and sensors. However, realizing these materials (especially lifetime over 0.1 s) is a challenge, mainly because of non‐radiative quenching of their long‐lived excitons. Herein, a universal strategy of stepwise Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for a bright NIR system with remarkable persistent luminescence (up to 0.2 s at 810 nm) is presented, based on a new triphenylene‐dye‐doped polymer (triphenylene‐2‐ylboronic acid@poly(vinyl alcohol) (TP@PVA)) with a persistent blue phosphorescence of 3.29 s. This persistent NIR luminescence is demonstrated for application not only in NIR anti‐counterfeiting but also NIR bioimaging with penetrating a piece of skin as thick as 2.0 mm. By co‐doping a red dye (such as Nile red) and an NIR dye Cyanine 7 (Cy7) into this doped PVA film, the shortage of spectral overlap between TP emission and Cy7 absorbance is successfully solved, through a stepwise FRET process involving triplet to singlet (TS)‐FRET from TP to the intermediate red dye and then singlet to singlet (SS)‐FRET to Cy7. It is noted that the efficiency of the upper TS‐FRET is enhanced significantly by the lower SS‐FRET, leading to high efficiencies for the continuous FRETs.
Bioactive Materials Promote Wound Healing through Modulation of Cell Behaviors
Authors: Li Ruotao , Liu Kai , Huang Xu , Li Di , Ding Jianxun , Liu Bin , Chen Xuesi
Published: February 2022

Skin wound repair is a multistage process involving multiple cellular and molecular interactions, which modulate the cell behaviors and dynamic remodeling of extracellular matrices to maximize regeneration and repair. Consequently, abnormalities in cell functions or pathways inevitably give rise to side effects, such as dysregulated inflammation, hyperplasia of nonmigratory epithelial cells, and lack of response to growth factors, which impedes angiogenesis and fibrosis. These issues may cause delayed wound healing or even non‐healing states. Current clinical therapeutic approaches are predominantly dedicated to preventing infections and alleviating topical symptoms rather than addressing the modulation of wound microenvironments to achieve targeted outcomes. Bioactive materials, relying on their chemical, physical, and biological properties or as carriers of bioactive substances, can affect wound microenvironments and promote wound healing at the molecular level. By addressing the mechanisms of wound healing from the perspective of cell behaviors, this review discusses how bioactive materials modulate the microenvironments and cell behaviors within the wounds during the stages of hemostasis, anti‐inflammation, tissue regeneration and deposition, and matrix remodeling. A deeper understanding of cell behaviors during wound healing is bound to promote the development of more targeted and efficient bioactive materials for clinical applications.
Temperature Modulating Fermi Level Pinning in 2D GeSe for High‐Performance Transistor
Authors: Muhammad Zahir , Li Yuliang , Abbas Ghulam , Usman Muhammad , Sun Zhe , Zhang Yue , Lv Ziyu , Wang Yan , Zhao Weisheng
Published: February 2022

2D layered germanium selenide (GeSe) material possesses in‐plane anisotropy because of low‐symmetry crystal structure with a new degree of freedom for enhanced optical and electronic properties. However, their systematic vibrational and electronics properties are still under the scope to study. Herein, the vibrational properties of GeSe sheets are studied by Raman spectroscopy. Whereas, the temperature‐dependent electronic band structure is studied using angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) combined with density functional theory calculations. Moreover, the field‐effect transistor (FET) is fabricated on a few‐layer GeSe with high performance. The vibrational modes and demonstrates linear softening as the temperature increases, with temperature coefficient value associated by anharmonic phonon–phonon/electron coupling. Besides, the enhanced dielectric screening effect of long‐range Coulomb and interlayer interaction is observed from bulk to monolayer. Similarly, ARPES results further show Fermi level movement toward the valance band as increased temperature represents hole doping to pining the Fermi level, which indicates superior carrier concentration for electronic properties. The fabricated FET device on six layers GeSe exhibits high carrier mobility of 52.89 cm2 V−1 s−1 with an on/off ratio above 4 × 105 at room temperature, while it decreased below the room temperature. Our results provide the important figure of merit for GeSe‐based novel nanoelectronic and thermoelectric devices.
Understanding Performance Limiting Interfacial Recombination in pin Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Warby Jonathan , Zu Fengshuo , Zeiske Stefan , Gutierrez‐Partida Emilio , Frohloff Lennart , Kahmann Simon , Frohna Kyle , Mosconi Edoardo , Radicchi Eros , Lang Felix , Shah Sahil , Peña‐Camargo Francisco , Hempel Hannes , Unold Thomas , Koch Norbert , Armin Ardalan , De Angelis Filippo , Stranks Samuel D. , Neher Dieter , Stolterfoht Martin
Published: February 2022

Perovskite semiconductors are an attractive option to overcome the limitations of established silicon based photovoltaic (PV) technologies due to their exceptional opto‐electronic properties and their successful integration into multijunction cells. However, the performance of single‐ and multijunction cells is largely limited by significant nonradiative recombination at the perovskite/organic electron transport layer junctions. In this work, the cause of interfacial recombination at the perovskite/C60 interface is revealed via a combination of photoluminescence, photoelectron spectroscopy, and first‐principle numerical simulations. It is found that the most significant contribution to the total C60‐induced recombination loss occurs within the first monolayer of C60, rather than in the bulk of C60 or at the perovskite surface. The experiments show that the C60 molecules act as deep trap states when in direct contact with the perovskite. It is further demonstrated that by reducing the surface coverage of C60, the radiative efficiency of the bare perovskite layer can be retained. The findings of this work pave the way toward overcoming one of the most critical remaining performance losses in perovskite solar cells.
A Kinetic and Fluorogenic Enhancement Strategy for Labeling of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Loehr Morten O. , Luedtke Nathan W.
Published: February 2022

Chemical modification of nucleic acids in living cells can be sterically hindered by tight packing of bioorthogonal functional groups in chromatin. To address this limitation, we report here a dual enhancement strategy for nucleic acid‐templated reactions utilizing a fluorogenic intercalating agent capable of undergoing inverse electron‐demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) reactions with DNA containing 5‐vinyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (VdU) or RNA containing 5‐vinyl‐uridine (VU). Reversible high‐affinity intercalation of a novel acridine–tetrazine conjugate “PINK” (KD=5±1 μM) increases the reaction rate of tetrazine–alkene IEDDA on duplex DNA by 60 000‐fold (590 M−1 s−1) as compared to the non‐templated reaction. At the same time, loss of tetrazine–acridine fluorescence quenching renders the reaction highly fluorogenic and detectable under no‐wash conditions. This strategy enables live‐cell dynamic imaging of acridine‐modified nucleic acids in dividing cells.
Site‐Directed Chemical Modification of Amyloid by Polyoxometalates for Inhibition of Protein Misfolding and Aggregation
Authors: Gao Nan , Liu Zhenqi , Zhang Haochen , Liu Chun , Yu Dongqin , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: February 2022

Post‐translational modification (PTM) of protein can significantly change protein conformation and function. Inspired by the natural PTM, we present a new approach to inhibit amyloid aggregation by chemical PTM modification. Polyoxometalates (POMs) were used as examples of inhibitors of β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) aggregation to illustrate the chemical PTM method. After the POMs were modified with thiazolidinethione (TZ), the resulting POMD‐TZ acted as a chemical PTM agent and could covalently modify Aβ site‐selectively at Lys16. Multiple biophysical techniques and biochemical assays have been employed to show the superiority of the chemical PTM method compared to traditional Aβ inhibitors. Since Aβ oligomers are more cytotoxic, we further functionalized POMD‐TZ with an Aβ‐targeted peptide and a fluorescent probe to obtain an “Aβ oligomer sensitive” probe. The use of PTM agents for the site‐directed chemical modification of proteins provides a new way to regulate amyloid aggregation.
Accelerating the Crystallization of Zeolite SSZ‐13 with Polyamines
Authors: Dai Heng , Claret Jakob , Kunkes Eduard L , Vattipalli Vivek , Linares Noemi , Huang Chenfeng , Fiji Muhammad , García‐Martinez Javier , Moini Ahmad , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2022

Tailoring processes of nucleation and growth to achieve desired material properties is a pervasive challenge in synthetic crystallization. In systems where crystals form via nonclassical pathways, engineering materials often requires the controlled assembly and structural evolution of colloidal precursors. In this study, we examine zeolite SSZ‐13 crystallization and show that several polyquaternary amines function as efficient accelerants of nucleation, and, in selected cases, tune crystal size by orders of magnitude. Among the additives tested, polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA) was found to have the most pronounced impact on the kinetics of SSZ‐13 formation, leading to a 4‐fold reduction in crystallization time. Our findings also reveal that enhanced nucleation occurs at an optimal PDDA concentration where a combination of light‐scattering techniques demonstrate these conditions lead to polymer‐induced aggregation of amorphous precursors and the promotion of (alumino)silicate precipitation from the growth solution. Here, we show that relatively low concentrations of polymer additives can be used in unique ways to dramatically enhance SSZ‐13 crystallization rates, thereby improving the overall efficiency of zeolite synthesis.
A design method for half‐pipe jacketed vessels based on numerical limit‐load analysis
Authors: Li Weicong , Li Huifang , Shi Hong , Qian Caifu
Published: February 2022

As one kind of jacketed vessels, half‐pipe jacketed vessels are widely used in engineering owing to the structural and heat transfer advantages. But for the design of half‐pipe jacketed vessels, there are limitations in codes ASME VIII‐1 and ASME VIII‐2. In this paper, a new design method based on numerical limit‐load analysis is proposed to design half‐pipe jacketed vessels. The scheme and advantages of the method are presented through a design of half‐pipe jacketed vessel. It is found that by performing limit‐load analysis, problems of the codes ASME VIII‐1 and ASME VIII‐2 about the structural limitation of the half‐pipe jacketed vessels and loading limitation are solved. In addition, by performing limit‐load and parametric analysis, the strength weakness areas on the vessels can be found, and the rational strength design of a structure can be achieved.
Does FERPA bar schools from disclosing NIL deals to 3rd parties?
Authors: Romano Robert J.
Published: February 2022

College athletics underwent a substantial change in 2021, after a number of states enacted laws permitting student‐athletes to legally monetize their name, image, and likeness without the fear of losing their athletics scholarship or eligibility. Bipartisan bills were drafted and passed, somewhat hurriedly, because state legislatures didn't want to lose out on the perceived recruiting advantages that their in‐state colleges and universities would receive from having such laws on the books.
Carefully monitor combined men's and women's teams for issues of inequity, harassment
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: February 2022

Many schools have structured their athletics departments so that both the men's and women's teams in the same sport share the same coaches and other staff and designate one individual as the director and/or head coach of the overall program. Although this approach is often used in connection with cross country, indoor and outdoor track‐and‐field, and swimming/diving teams, depending on the size of the athletics program, this arrangement is also implemented for other sports, such as rowing, tennis, and golf, among others.
Did court dismiss student‐athlete's Title IX claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: February 2022

A Marshall University women's cross‐country team member filed a sexual assault complaint against a member of the men's cross‐country team. The university issued a no‐contact order a month later. Shortly thereafter, the female student‐athlete alleged that the coaches assigned the male student‐athlete to a hotel room directly across from her room. Upon returning to campus, she claimed she was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward due to the assault and the university's handling of her complaint.
Building a ‘culture of giving back’ builds valuable, lasting connections
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2022

Richard Johnson's investment in building a “culture of giving back” has paid off for the athletics department at Wofford College in South Carolina. Under his leadership, the department's endowment has significantly increased while he's served as the school's athletics director for 21 years.
First reported case of delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction to non‐hyaluronic acid Polycaprolactone dermal filler following COVID‐19 vaccination: A case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Kalantari Yasamin , Sadeghzadeh‐Bazargan Afsaneh , Aryanian Zeinab , Hatami Parvaneh , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: February 2022

Cases of filler reactions after COVID‐19 vaccination have been reported. Here, we present the first case of delayed‐type reaction (DTR) to non‐hyaluronic acid Polycaprolactone dermal filler after the second dose of Sinopharm COVID‐19 vaccine which was improved with administration of topical and intralesional steroids.
Natural pollen exposure increases in a dose‐dependent way Fraction of exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) levels in patients sensitized to one or more pollen species
Authors: Olivieri Mario , Marchetti Pierpaolo , Murgia Nicola , Nicolis Morena , Torroni Lorena , Spiteri Gianluca , Ferrari Marcello , Marcon Alessandro , Verlato Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Background

Co‐exposures and polysensitization to several pollen species are very common in real life practice. However, little information exists on allergic symptoms and airway inflammation related to natural pollen exposure in large general population samples.

Objective

To assess the combined effect of sensitization and/or exposure to one or more pollen species on Fraction of exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) levels.

Methods

Within Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases (GEIRD) multicase‐control study, 1070 adults from the general population of Verona, Italy, underwent a clinical evaluation including standardized interview, spirometry, skin prick test to inhalants and FeNO measurement. Pollen exposure was assumed, when the mean pollen concentration in the previous week was above the cutoff established by the Italian Aerobiological Monitoring Network.

Results

Subjects sensitized to one or more pollen species were respectively 15.5% and 29.6%. FeNO levels were directly related to the number of both pollen species around and pollen‐related sensitizations. Median FeNO levels were directly related to number of pollen species around and pollen sensitization. FeNO levels increased from 15.4 ppb (p. 25–p. 75 = 9.9–21.0) outside the pollen season to 17.5 ppb (11.2–30.5) when there were ≥3 pollen species around. Likewise FeNO levels rose from 14.8 ppb (10.0–22.3) in not sensitized subjects, to 16.7 (10.1–25.0) in monosensitized and further to 20.4 (12.3–40.6) in poly‐sensitized. According to multivariable quantile regression, median FeNO was 17.9 ppb higher (p. 25–p. 75 = 12.5–23.3) for subjects sensitized and exposed to more than one pollen species, compared to subjects who were neither sensitized nor exposed. Differences in FEV1/FVC between groups were less pronounced (−2.0%, −4.1 to 0.1). Median FeNO level was 15.1 ppb (p. 25–p. 75 = 10.0–23.2) in subjects without pollen‐related symptoms, 17.8 ppb (12.1–40.2) in those with nasal symptoms only, and 22.7 ppb (14.7–43.0) in those with asthma‐like symptoms (p < 0.001).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Airways inflammation, evaluated by FeNO, increases in dose‐dependent manner from subjects monosensitized to pollen species to those poly‐sensitized, especially when asthma‐like symptoms on pollen exposure are also reported. This should be considered by allergists during natural pollen seasons when evaluating both pulmonary function and airways inflammation.
Regard and protect ground‐nesting pollinators as part of soil biodiversity
Authors: Christmann Stefanie
Published: February 2022

While the Convention on Biological Diversity employs a habitat‐oriented definition of soil biodiversity including all kinds of species living in soil, the Food and Agriculture Organization, since 2002 assigned to safeguard soil biodiversity, excludes them by focusing on species directly providing four ecosystem services contributing to soil quality and functions: nutrient cycling, regulation of water flow and storage, soil structure maintenance and erosion control, and carbon storage and regulation of atmospheric composition. Many solitary wasps and 70% of wild bees nest below ground and require protection during this long and crucial period of their lifecycle. Recent research has demonstrated the extent of threats to which ground‐nesting pollinators are exposed, for example, chemicals and deep tillage. Ground‐nesting pollinators change soil texture directly by digging cavities, but more importantly by their indirect contribution to soil quality and functions: 87% of all flowering plants require pollinators. Without pollinators, soil would lose all ecosystem services provided by these flowering plants, for example, litter, shade, roots for habitats, and erosion control. Above‐ and belowground biota are in constant interaction. Therefore, and in line with the Convention's definition, the key stakeholder, the Food and Agriculture Organization should protect ground‐nesting pollinators explicitly within soil biodiversity conservation.
Plant effects on and response to soil microbes in native and non‐nativePhragmites australis
Authors: Bickford Wesley A. , Goldberg Deborah E. , Zak Donald R. , Snow Danielle S. , Kowalski Kurt P.
Published: February 2022

Plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) mediate plant community dynamics and may plausibly facilitate plant invasions. Microbially mediated PSFs are defined by plant effects on soil microbes and subsequent changes in plant performance (responses), both positive and negative. For microbial interactions to benefit invasive plants disproportionately, native and invasive plants must either (1) have different effects on and responses to soil microbial communities or (2) only respond differently to similar microbial communities. In other words, invasive plants do not need to cultivate different microbial communities than natives if they respond differently to them. However, effects and responses are not often explored separately, making it difficult to determine the underlying causes of performance differences. We performed a reciprocal‐transplant PSF experiment with multiple microbial inhibition treatments to determine how native and non‐native lineages ofPhragmites australisaffect and respond to soil bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes. Non‐nativePhragmitesis a large, fast‐growing, cosmopolitan invasive plant, whereas the North American native variety is comparatively smaller, slower growing, and typically considered a desirable wetland plant. We identified the effects of each plant lineage on soil microbes using DNA meta‐barcoding and linked plant responses to microbial communities. BothPhragmiteslineages displayed equally weak, insignificant PSFs. We found evidence of slight differential effects on microbial community composition, but no significant differential plant responses. Soils conditioned by each lineage differed only slightly in bacterial community composition, but not in fungal composition. Additionally, native and non‐nativePhragmiteslineages did not significantly differ in their response to similar soil microbial communities. Neither lineage appreciably differed when plant biomass was compared between those grown in sterile and live soils. Targeted microbial inhibitor treatments revealed both lineages were negatively impacted by soil bacteria, but the negative response was stronger in non‐nativePhragmites. These observations were opposite of expectations from invasion theory and imply that the success of non‐nativePhragmites, relative to the native lineage, does not result from its interaction with soil microorganisms. More broadly, quantifying plant effects on, and responses to soil microbes separately provides detailed and nuanced insight into plant‐microbial interactions and their role in invasions, which could inform management outcomes for invasive plants.
Niche partitioning in a guild of invasive mammalian predators
Authors: Garvey Patrick M. , Glen Alistair S. , Clout Mick N. , Nichols Margaret , Pech Roger P.
Published: February 2022

Predators compete aggressively for resources, establishing trophic hierarchies that influence ecosystem structure. Competitive interactions are particularly important in invaded ecosystems where introduced predators can suppress native prey species. We investigated whether niche partitioning exists within a guild of invasive mammalian predators and determined the consequences for native species. Over 4405 camera‐trap days, we assessed interactions among three invasive predators: two apex predators (feral catsFelis catusand ferretsMustela furo) and a mesopredator (stoatsMustela erminea), in relation to their primary prey (lagomorphs, rodents and birds) and habitat use. Further, we tested for mesopredator release by selectively removing cats and ferrets in a pulse perturbation experiment. We found compelling evidence of niche partitioning; spatiotemporal activity of apex predators maximized access to abundant invasive prey, with ferrets targeting lagomorphs and cats targeting rodents. Mesopredators adjusted their behavior to reduce the risk of interference competition, thereby restricting access to abundant prey but increasing predation pressure on diurnal native birds. Stoats were only recorded at the treatment site after both larger predators were removed, becoming the most frequently detected predator at 6 months post‐perturbation. We suggest there is spatial and resource partitioning within the invasive predator guild, but that this is incomplete, and avoidance is achieved by temporal partitioning within overlapping areas. Niche partitioning among invasive predators facilitates coexistence, but simultaneously intensifies predation pressure on vulnerable native species.
Potential impacts of emerald ash borer and adaptation strategies on wildlife communities in black ash wetlands
Authors: R. Grinde Alexis , B. Youngquist Melissa , A. Slesak Robert , R. Kolbe Stephen , D. Bednar Josh , J. Palik Brian , W. D'Amato Anthony
Published: February 2022

Black ash wetlands cover approximately 1.2 million ha of wetland forest in the western Great Lakes region, providing critical habitat for wildlife. The future of these wetlands is critically threatened by a variety of factors, including emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis; emerald ash borer [EAB]), which has been eliminating native populations of otherwise healthy ash throughout the Great Lakes region since it was discovered in 2002. To quantify the potential impacts of tree mortality from EAB on wildlife communities, we measured seasonal bird, mammal, and amphibian diversity in black ash wetlands using a dual approach: (1) documenting bird and amphibian species across 27 mature reference black ash wetlands in northern Minnesota, USA and (2) assessing how bird, mammal, and amphibian communities respond to experimental manipulations of black ash forests that emulate mortality and management strategies related to the potential impact of EAB. In total, 85 wildlife species were recorded for the entire study including 57 bird species, 5 amphibian species, and 23 mammal species. Results from the reference sites show that hydrologic regime, percentage of ash canopy cover, and understory cover were important habitat characteristics for bird and amphibian communities. Results from the experimental sites show there may be short‐term increases in species richness for mammal and bird communities associated with changes in forest structure due to ash mortality; however, anticipated changes resulting from EAB‐caused mortality, particularly the conversion of these sites to non‐forested wetlands, will lead to significant shifts in bird and mammal community composition. Loss of ash may cause declines in forest‐dependent species and increases in open‐canopy and wetland‐associated species. Additionally, whereas increased ponding extent and longer hydroperiods may be beneficial for some amphibian species, the loss of the forest canopy will result in an overall decrease in bird diversity and reduce forest connectivity for all species. Our results indicate the potential for significant large‐scale impacts of black ash mortality on forest‐associated wildlife. Management strategies that focus on establishing alternative trees species to maintain long‐term forest cover and structural complexity in these wetlands will help to maintain and conserve wildlife diversity.
The socioeconomic status of cities covaries with avian life‐history strategies
Authors: Kinnunen Riikka P. , Fraser Kevin C. , Schmidt Chloé , Garroway Colin J.
Published: February 2022

Cities are the planet's newest ecosystem and thus provide the opportunity to study community formation directly following major permanent environmental change. The human social and built components of environments can vary widely in different cities, yet it is largely unknown how features of cities covary with the traits of colonizing species despite humans being the ultimate cause of environments and disturbances in cities. We constructed a dataset from open‐source data comprised of 13,502 breeding season observations of 213 passerine species observed in 551 Census‐defined urban areas across the United States. We found that as a city became more compact with less sprawl it tended to support more migratory species and species with lower body mass, shorter lifespans, and larger clutches. We also found that species had lower body mass in cities with higher median income, and higher body mass in highly populated cities. Our results highlight the complexity of human‐dominated urban ecosystems, where human socioeconomic actions and everyday activities intermix leading to structurally heterogeneous environments that support the colonization of some species over others.
Reduced predation on roadside nests can compensate for road mortality in road‐adjacent turtle populations
Authors: Murphy Rowan E. , Martin Amanda E. , Fahrig Lenore
Published: February 2022

Turtles are killed on roads, yet there is little evidence of negative road effects on their abundances. We hypothesized that this could be due to reduced predation of turtle nests laid along roadsides, which could compensate for the effects of higher adult mortality on turtle populations near roads. To test this, we quantified the relative differences in predation of artificial painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) nests near and far from roads, in a field experiment controlling for potentially confounding differences between sites. The field experiment tested the predictions that (1) nest predation rates are lower for roadside nests than nonroadside nests, (2) nest predation rates are lower for linearly placed than clumped nests, and (3) nest predation rates are lower for roadside, linearly placed nests than any other road‐adjacency and configuration combinations. We then estimated how much adult roadkill could be compensated for by reduced roadside nest predation using population viability analysis (PVA). Linearly placed roadside nests had a 26% lower predation rate than nonroad nests in a “natural” (clumped) configuration. This result, combined in a PVA with life‐history information for painted turtles, led to an estimate that approximately 3%–6% annual adult roadkill can be compensated for by reduced nest predation near roads. This suggests that compensation for adult roadkill via predation release is a plausible explanation for the previously documented lack of road effects on turtle population abundance. These results highlight the importance of considering species interactions when evaluating the effects of roads on wildlife populations.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Axially Chiral Oxazole Biaryls by Copper‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Cyclic Diaryliodoniums
Authors: Zhu Daqian , Sun Yameng , Peng Hui , Li Hangni , Yan Yang , Kuang Haolin
Published: February 2022

We report here a Cu‐catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular oxidation of cyclic diaryliodoniums. With readily available cyclic diaryliodoniums as building blocks, diversified axially chiral oxazole 2‐iodobiaryls were produced with excellent yield as well as excellent enantioselectivity. Furthermore, these chiral aryl iodides could be transformed into iodine (III) species in situ, which can be employed as chiral catalysts.
Physicochemical characteristics of dried ivy gourd in a single slope solar dryer
Authors: Elangovan Elavarasan , Natarajan Sendhil Kumar
Published: February 2022

Ivy gourd with a good amount of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) offers greater benefit to human health. Studying the drying mechanism of fresh ivy gourd is very important for subsequent processes and the quality of the product. The present study is intended to perform a mineral analysis (K and Ca), ash content and color parameter (L*, a*, b*, C*, H*, and whiteness and yellowness index) of solar‐dried ivy gourd. Drying experiments are performed in a single slope solar dryer and open sun drying. During the drying process, the temperature of the dryer is maintained from 45 to 75°C, undergoing forced convection drying (air velocity of 1 m/s). Fresh and dried ivy gourd samples had high amounts of Ca (379.26–4992.24 mg/kg) and K (330.63–14690.24 mg/kg). The highest mineral values were determined in the ivy gourd samples dried inside a forced convection solar dryer. Open sun (L*43.29, a*−0.57, b*16.78, C*16.78, h*88.05), natural convection (L*41.74, a*−1.74, b*15.82, C*15.98, h*83.54) and forced convection (L*41.72, a*−2.02, b*15.81, C*15.94, h*82.72) revealed better color values in the dried ivy gourd samples. The moisture is reduced from 93.5% to 10% wet basis in the natural and forced convection solar dryer within 9 and 6 h, whereas it took 10 h under open sun drying. Forced convection solar dryer dried the ivy gourd sample in a minimal time with better mineral retention and color parameter values when compared to natural and open sun‐dried samples.
Spatio‐temporal distribution and genetic mechanism of Paleogene extension amounts in the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Xia Shiqiang , Lin Changsong , Li Xin , Du Xiaofeng , Li Hong
Published: February 2022

Based on seismic interpretation of 18 regional 3D high‐resolution seismic sections across Liaodong Bay, extension amounts, extension rates and extension coefficients of different seismic sections from the south to the north are calculated by employing balanced section technique. Then, spatio‐temporal distribution of extension amounts is characterized and interpreted. Finally, the analysis of genetic mechanism is conducted and analysed. The results indicate that tectonic evolution in the Paleogene of Liaodong Bay is characterized by episodic extension. Furthermore, spatio‐temporal distribution of extension amounts is relatively uneven. In terms of space, extension amounts are mainly caused by extensional displacement of main depression‐controlled boundary faults and syn‐depositional faults in the depression. In addition, extensional amounts along main depression‐controlled boundary faults are characterized by larger displacement. In terms of time, the periods for horizontal extensional movement can be divided into three stages: The Palaeocene‐Early Eocene (Kongdian Formation‐third member of Shahejie Formation), Middle‐Late Eocene‐Early Oligocene (first and second member of Shahejie Formation) and Middle‐Late Oligocene (Dongying Formation). Among them, extension during the Palaeocene‐Early Eocene occurs both in the north and south of Liaodong Bay. However, extension intensity in the north is stronger than that in the south. Extension intensity in the middle and north during Middle‐Late Eocene‐Early Oligocene obviously increases. In contrast, it is dominated by strike‐slip movement during depositional period of Dongying Formation. Therefore, extension intensity is characterized by significant inheritance. Spatial–temporal distribution of extension amounts is predominantly controlled by tectonic evolution and associated tectonic deformation.
The effectiveness of skeletal muscle evaluation at the third cervical vertebral level for computed tomography‐defined sarcopenia assessment in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Vangelov Belinda , Bauer Judith , Moses Daniel , Smee Robert
Published: February 2022

Background

Computed tomography (CT)‐defined sarcopenia is a prognostic indicator in head and neck cancer (HNC), with the gold standard for muscle evaluation using cross‐sectional area (CSA) at the third lumbar vertebra (L3). We compared methods using CSA at the third cervical vertebra (C3).

Methods

Muscle CSA was measured at L3, and CSA at C3 was used to estimate L3 CSA using a prediction model. Agreement and sarcopenia diagnosis were evaluated.

Results

Good correlation was found between measured and estimated CSA (101 scans; r = 0.86, p < 0.001). CSA mean difference (bias) 9.99 cm2, (SD = 20.3 cm2). Skeletal muscle index bias 5.85% (SD = 13.4%), 95% limits of agreement (LoA) (−20.4 to 32.1%, r = 0.29), exceeded clinically accepted limits of 5%. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 26%‐(L3), 45%‐(C3), with weak agreement (ƙ = 0.368, 95% confidence interval, 0.192–0.544, p < 0.001) (sensitivity 79.2%, specificity 66.7%).

Conclusion

Agreement between measures was weak. Widespread LoA, proportional bias, and sarcopenia misclassification indicates that estimates using C3 cannot replace actual measures at L3.
Molecular and radiopathologic spectrum between HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Jeon Youngsic , Kwon So Mee , Rhee Hyungjin , Yoo Jeong Eun , Chung Taek , Woo Hyun Goo , Park Young Nyun
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims:

Primary liver cancers (LCs), including HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), are derived from a common developmental lineage, conferring a molecular spectrum between them. To elucidate the molecular spectrum, we performed an integrative analysis of transcriptome profiles associated with patients’ radiopathologic features.

Approach and Results:

We identified four LC subtypes (LC1–LC4) from RNA‐sequencing profiles, revealing intermediate subtypes between HCC and iCCA. LC1 is a typical HCC characterized by active bile acid metabolism, telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations, and high uptake of gadoxetic acid in MRI. LC2 is an iCCA‐like HCC characterized by expression of the progenitor cell–like trait, tumor protein p53 mutations, and rim arterial‐phase hyperenhancement in MRI. LC3 is an HCC‐like iCCA, mainly small duct (SD) type, associated with HCC‐related etiologic factors. LC4 is further subclassified into LC4‐SD and LC4‐large duct iCCAs according to the pathological features, which exhibited distinct genetic variations (e.g., KRAS, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 mutation, and FGF receptor 2 fusion), stromal type, and prognostic outcomes.

Conclusions:

Our integrated view of the molecular spectrum of LCs can identify subtypes associated with transcriptomic, genomic, and radiopathologic features, providing mechanistic insights into heterogeneous LC progression.