bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forest recovery following synchronous outbreaks of spruce and western balsam bark beetle is slowed by ungulate browsing
Authors: Andrus Robert A. , Hart Sarah J. , Veblen Thomas T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUnderstanding how severe disturbances and their interactions affect forests is key to projecting ecological change under a warming climate. Substantial increases in some biotic disturbances, such as bark beetle outbreaks, in temperate forest ecosystemsmay compromise recovery to a forest vegetation type (i.e., physiognomic recovery or resilience), especially if subsequent biotic disturbances (e.g., herbivory) alter recovery mechanisms. From 2005 to 2017, severe outbreaks (>90% mortality) of spruce bark beetles (SB, Dendroctonus rufipennis) affected Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) across 325,000 ha of spruce and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) forest in the southern Rocky Mountains, USA. Concurrently, an outbreak of western balsam bark beetle (WBBB, Dryocoetes confuses) infested subalpine fir across at least 47,000 of these hectares. We explored the capacity of 105 stands affected by one or two bark beetle outbreaks and browsing of juvenile trees by ungulates to return to a forest vegetation type in the context of pre‐outbreak forest conditions and topography. Nine initial forest trajectories (i.e., at least several decades) were identified from four pre‐outbreak forest types affected by three biotic disturbances that occurred at different spatial scales and severities. Most stands (86%) contained surviving nonhost adult trees in the main canopy (fir and aspen [Populus tremuloides]) and many surviving juveniles of all species, implying that they are currently on a trajectory for physiognomic recovery. Stands composed exclusively of large‐diameter spruce were affected by a severe SB outbreak and were most vulnerable to a transition to a low‐density forest, below regional stocking levels (<370 trees/ha). Greater pre‐outbreak stand structural complexity and species diversity were key traits of stands with a higher potential for physiognomic recovery. However, all multispecies stands shifted in relative composition of the main canopy to nonhost species, suggesting low potential for compositional recovery over the next several decades. Most post‐outbreak stands (86%) exceeded regional stocking levels with trees taller than the browse zone (<2 m). As such, ungulate browsing on over half of all juveniles will primarily affect the rate of infilling of the forest canopy and preferential browsing of more palatable species will influence the composition of the future forest canopy.
Improving the Stability and Efficiency of Dimeric Fatty Acids Production by Increasing the Brønsted Acidity and Basal Spacing of Montmorillonite
Authors: Wang Zhihe , Lu Xianghong , Liang Xiao , Ji Jianbing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMontmorillonite (MMT) is widely used as the catalyst in the commercial production of dimeric fatty acids (DAs). However, the dimerization activity of MMTs from different mineral sources is usually different, leading to unstable yield of DAs. In order to obtain a high and stable yield of DAs, the relationship between the dimerization activity and characteristics of MMT should be clarified. The characteristics of seven MMTs from different mineral sources, including the acidity (the type, strength, and amount of the acid sites), composition (interlayer cations, Si/Al ratio, water content, pH), and structure (basal spacing) are determined and correlated with their dimerization activity. Additionally, the relationship between dimerization activity and characteristics of MMT is quantified by nonlinear‐regression. It is found that the dimerization activity of MMT is mainly influenced by its Brønsted acidity and basal spacing. Stable DA yield of around 70% on MMT is obtained at the amount of weak Brønsted acid sites of more than 0.20 mmol g−1 and basal spacing of larger than 1.50 nm. Additionally, it is found that acid treatment is an effective method to adjust the Brønsted acidity and basal spacing of MMT.Practical Applications: The positive effect of Brønsted acid sites amount and basal spacing on the activity of MMT has practical value on the selection of highly efficient MMT catalyst for DA production. In addition, some MMT with poor activity can be activated by the acid treatment method mentioned in the paper.
Detection of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate in Blood Plasma: Application of Hematite in Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Mazloum‐Ardakani Mohammad , Sadri Najva , Eslami Vahid 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe studied sensor application of a graphene oxide and hematite (α‐Fe2O3/GO) composite electrode well‐characterized by the SEM and XRD. Through differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), oxidation of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) was studied at the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) and the α‐Fe2O3/GO composite. The values of the transfer coefficient (α) and the diffusion coefficient (D) of DSP were 0.5961 and 4.71×10−5 cm2 s−1 respectively. In the linear range of 0.1–50 μM, the detection limit (DL) was 0.076 μM. In the second step, a GCE was modified with α‐Fe2O3/GO composite and the DSP measurement step was repeated to analyzed and compare the effects of hematite nanoparticles present on graphene oxide surfaces. According to the results, α and D were 0.52 and 2.406×10−4 cm2 s−1 respectively and the DL was 0.046 μM in the linear range of 0.1–10.0 μM. The sensor is simple, inexpensive and uses blood serum.
Improvement of size‐based particle separation throughput in slanted spiral microchannel by modifying outlet geometry
Authors: Mihandoust Asma , Maleki‐Jirsaraei Nahid , Rouhani Shahin , Safi Shahabeddin , Alizadeh Majid 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe inertial microfluidic technique, as a powerful new tool for accurate cell/particle separation based on the hydrodynamic phenomenon, has drawn considerable interest in recent years. Despite numerous microfluidic techniques of particle separation, there are few articles in the literature on separation techniques addressing external outlet geometry to increase the throughput efficiency and purity. In this work, we report on a spiral inertial microfluidic device with high efficiency (>98%). Herein, we demonstrate how changing the outlet geometry can improve the particle separation throughput. We present a complete separation of 4 and 6 μm from 10 μm particles potentially applicable to separate microalgae (Tetraselmis suecica from Phaeodactylum tricornutum). Two spiral microchannels with the same cross section dimension but different outlet geometry were considered and tested to investigate the particle focusing behavior and separation efficiency. As compared with particle focusing observed in channels with a simple outlet, the particle focusing in a modified outlet geometry appears in a more successful focusing manner with complete separation. This simple approach of particle separation makes it attractive for lab‐on‐a‐chip devices for continuous extraction and filtration of a wide range of cell/particle sizes.
Psychological biases and heuristics in the context of foresight and scenario processes
Authors: Schirrmeister Elna , Göhring Anne‐Louise , Warnke Philine 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis article studies the relevance of psychological biases and heuristics in the context of foresight and scenario processes. Though there is extensive literature studying cognitive mechanisms from the psychological side, discussions on the application of these findings in the foresight context, and more specifically with regard to specific steps of the scenario method, are rare. Some studies focus on a potential debiasing effect of scenario processes and do not examine the role biases and heuristics play during the process. We address this gap drawing from empirical research and practical experience. First, we examine the relevant cognitive mechanisms using a twofold perspective: Can the respective mechanism be an impediment or can it be an enabler within the scenario process? We specify the circumstances under which the respective mechanism occurs and establish its assumed effects. Second, we outline recommendations on how to modify the method to reduce the bias or to take advantage of it, respectively. In summary, we propose that the contextual debiasing effect of scenario processes can be significantly advanced by applying these modifications and a facilitation team that is aware of psychological biases and heuristics. Finally, implications for the scenario method and directions for future research are discussed.
Novel ASAP1‐USP6, FAT1‐USP6, SAR1A‐USP6, and TNC‐USP6 fusions in primary aneurysmal bone cyst
Authors: Šekoranja Daja , Zupan Andrej , Mavčič Blaž , Martinčič David , Salapura Vladka , Snoj Žiga , Limpel Novak Ana K. , Pižem Jože 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally aggressive neoplasm, with a tendency for local recurrence. In contrast to other bone tumors with secondary cystic change, ABC is characterized by USP6 gene rearrangement. There is a growing list of known USP6 fusion partners, characterization of which has been enabled with the advent of next‐generation sequencing (NGS). The list of known fusion partners includes CDH11, CNBP, COL1A1, CTNNB1, EIF1, FOSL2, OMD, PAFAH1B1, RUNX2, SEC31A, SPARC, STAT3, THRAP3, and USP9X. Using NGS, we analyzed a series of 11 consecutive ABCs and identified USP6 fusions in all cases, providing further evidence that USP6 fusions are universally present in primary ABCs. We identified four novel fusion partners in five ABCs and confirmed them by RT‐PCR and Sanger sequencing, ASAP1, FAT1, SAR1A, and TNC (in two cases). Because of high sensitivity and specificity, detection of a USP6 fusion by NGS may assist in differentiating between ABC and its mimics, especially in small biopsy samples when a definite diagnosis cannot be achieved on morphological grounds alone. Further studies with a large number of cases and follow‐up are needed to determine whether different fusion partners are associated with specific clinical and pathologic features of ABCs.
The longitudinal relationship between exposure to air pollution and depression in older adults
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Yang Boyi , Liu Penghua , Zhang Jinbao , Liu Ye , Yao Yao , Lu Yi 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundAir pollution, especially PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of below 2.5 μm), has been recognized as a key environmental factor that affects mental health, but few studies have focused on its influence on older adults, who are a vulnerable group.ObjectiveThis study focused on the influence of PM2.5 on health‐related behaviors, such as physical activities and social contact, to assess their role as mediators of depression among older adults in China.MethodsWe used data (N = 24 623) from the CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) of 2011‐2015. CES‐D 10 (Center for Epidemiology Studies of Depression scale) was used to measure depression. Using multilevel linear models, we examined the relationships between the variables, with different times nested within the same individual and individuals nested within the cities.ResultsBefore mediators were added, depression symptoms among older adults increased with annual concentration of PM2.5 (Coeff = 0.57, SE = 0.11). However, after the mediators were added, the coefficient of the annual concentration of PM2.5 decreased (Coeff = 0.37, SE = 0.10). While both physical activities (Sobel test Z score = 2.37, P value = .02) and social contact (Z score = 7.33, P value = .00) mediated the relationship between PM2.5 and depression, the mediating effects decreased with increasing PM2.5.ConclusionsExposure to PM2.5, therefore, increases depressive symptoms in older Chinese adults by decreasing their physical activities and social contact. Also, the positive effects of physical activities and social contact on depression decreased with increasing PM2.5 concentrations.
Effects of Epstein‐Barr virus viral load and different treatment modality for stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Twu Chih‐Wen , Wang Wen‐Yi , Tsou Hsiao‐Hui , Liu Yi‐Chun , Jiang Rong‐San , Liang Kai‐Li , Lin Po‐Ju , Lin Tian‐Yun , Chen Hsin‐Hong , Lin Jin‐Ching 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated treatment results, the effects of different treatment modality, and pretreatment Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) viral load for stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.MethodsThe initial definitive treatment for 356 stage III NPC patients consisted of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or induction chemotherapy plus radiotherapy (IndCT‐RT). The pretreatment EBV DNA level separated patients into a high (n = 106) or low (n = 250) viral load (≥ or < 1000 copies/mL) subgroup. Outcome measures include relapse rates and various survivals.ResultsThe 5‐year rates of overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), distant metastasis failure‐free survival (DMFFS), and locoregional failure‐free survival (LRFFS) were 88.6%, 83.0%, 90.5%, and 90.5%, respectively. Patient characteristics and pretreatment viral load between IndCT‐RT and CCRT were no significant differences except for a higher percentage of N2 disease in the IndCT‐RT subgroup. Both treatment modality resulted in similar relapse rates (P = .56), OS (P = .20), PFS (P = .53), DMFFS (P = .89), and LRFFS (P = .35). However, patients with a high viral load experienced a higher relapse rate (33.0% vs 12.4%, P < .001) and worse OS (5‐year rate, 79.0% vs 92.8%, P < .001), PFS (73.7% vs 88.4%, P < .001), DMFFS (80.2% vs 95.0%, P < .001), and LRFFS (85.6% vs 92.6%, P = .005) than those with a low viral load.ConclusionLong‐term treatment results for stage III NPC patients are rather good. IndCT‐RT can achieve the same treatment outcome as CCRT. Risk grouping by pretreatment viral load identified a subgroup (30%) of patients associated with a significantly higher relapse rates and worse survivals. These high‐risk patients need to strengthen treatment intensity in future trials.
Refractory celiac disease type II: An atypical case highlighting limitations of the current classification system
Authors: Soderquist Craig R. , Hsiao Susan , Mansukhani Mahesh M. , Alobeid Bachir , Green Peter H. , Bhagat Govind 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRefractory celiac disease (RCD) is a rare condition associated with high morbidity that develops in individuals with celiac disease. It is known to be biologically heterogeneous, and currently two types are recognized based on immunophenotypic and molecular features, type I (RCD I) and type II (RCD II). Differentiating between RCD I and RCD II is critical, as patients with RCD II have substantially worse outcomes and a high risk of developing enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphoma. However, the current RCD classification is limited in scope, and atypical presentations and immunophenotypes are not recognized at present. Herein, we describe a unique case of RCD II with atypical clinical (primarily neurologic manifestations and lack of significant gastrointestinal symptoms), histopathologic (no villous atrophy), immunophenotypic (virtual absence of cytoplasmic CD3 expression), and molecular features (absence of clonal TR rearrangement and identification of pathogenic STAT3 and KMT2D mutations). This case highlights limitations of the current RCD classification system and the utility of next generation sequencing (NGS) studies in the diagnostic workup of RCD. Future algorithms need to recognize extraintestinal manifestations and incorporate atypical histopathologic and immunophenotypic features, as well as results of NGS analysis for RCD II classification.
Determining public perceptions of a proposed national heat protection policy for Australian schools
Authors: Hyndman Brendon , Zundans‐Fraser Lucia 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIssue addressedAcross Australia there are inconsistent and varying guidelines or ‘recommendations’ across a number of jurisdictions for the protection of school children from heat‐related consequences, yet there is no national policy for heat protection in school settings. The aim of this study was to determine public perceptions of the efficacy of implementing a heat protection policy for Australian schools.MethodsA sample of public perceptions was drawn upon from public comments posted on a national Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) news article on the proposed heat protection policy. Public comments were analysed using a social‐ecological model thematic content analysis.ResultsThemes that emerged to support a national heat protection policy for schools included: protection from the consequences of extreme heat, reliance of children on adult/school decisions and utilising modern knowledge/technology advancements. In contrast, criticism emerged relating to the importance of having resilient children, air conditioning costs, perceived over‐regulation and heat exposure being a lifestyle choice in some contexts.ConclusionsOverall, this study provides support for the introduction of a national heat protection policy with a number of key considerations identified for implementation to benefit and protect Australian school children.So what?As a number of the heat guidelines are developed by individual organisations with differing messages, determining the public efficacy of comprehensive heat protection strategies can help lead to the development of policy for a widespread and consistent heat protection program across Australian schools.
Disulfide‐Containing Macromolecules for Therapeutic Delivery
Authors: Jiang Ziwen , Thayumanavan S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDevelopment of macromolecules provides applicable platforms for the delivery of therapeutics. In this general overview, we focus on the design principles of synthetic polymers, with disulfide bonds located in either the polymer backbone or side chains. We also discuss the role of disulfide bonds, as well as the remaining questions to better understand their applications in therapeutic delivery systems.
Physical etiology of sexual dysfunction in obstetric fistula patients: A prospective study
Authors: Mernoff Rachel , Chigwale Sperecy , Pope Rachel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo understand how the physical etiology of sexual dysfunction among women with obstetric fistulas can inform repair.MethodsA prospective cohort study included women aged 18 years or over presenting at the Fistula Care Center, Bwaila Maternity Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi, with obstetric vesicovaginal fistula before and after repair. The study took place between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018, and involved physical examinations and interviews. The primary outcome was sexual function.Results115 were interviewed before and after repair. 44 (40.0%) preoperatively and 14 (12.2%) postoperatively reported sexual dysfunction. 94 women (81.7%) had little or no interest in sexual activity before repair. 55 women (47.8%) had little or no interest in sexual activity after repair. Before surgery, 69 women (60.0%) were not sexually active in the 30 days before coming to the Fistula Care Centre. After surgery, 32 women (27.8%) were not sexually active in the 30 days before returning to the Fistula Care Centre. Of those who were not sexually active in the 30 days before coming to the Fistula Care Centre (n=69), the majority cited their health as a reason before repair (n=45, 65.2%), while the most commonly cited reason after repair was an absent partner (n=23, 35%).ConclusionGiven the significant percentage of women with obstetric fistula reporting sexual dysfunction after repair, a more holistic perspective of health outcomes should be considered. Further investment should be made in screening tools and surgical techniques targeting sexual dysfunction.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes and factors associated with twin pregnancies among preterm births: Evidence from the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth (EMIP)
Authors: Santana Danielly S. , Cecatti Jose G. , Surita Fernanda G. , Tedesco Ricardo P. , Passini Renato , Souza Renato T. , Lajos Giuliane J. , Dias Tabata Z. , Nomura Marcelo L. , Rehder Patricia M. , Sousa Maria H. ,   the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth (EMIP) study group
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare maternal and perinatal outcomes between twin and single preterm births (PTB) and associated factors.MethodsA cross‐sectional multicenter study was conducted in Brazil with 4046 PTBs from April 2011 to July 2012. Causes of PTB, use of tocolytics, corticosteroids, and antibiotics in twin and single pregnancies, and factors possibly associated with twinning were evaluated using χ2 tests. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were assessed with prevalence ratios (PR).ResultsThe main cause of PTB in twin pregnancy was spontaneous onset of preterm labor. Tocolytics were more frequently used in twins (26.9% vs 20.2%). Factors associated with PTB in twins were: maternal age >25 years (62.3% vs 53.4%); interpregnancy interval >3 years (39.0% vs 33.4%); no history of PTB (87.4% vs 79.6%); no previous maternal conditions (78.0% vs 73.3%); no alcohol abuse (88.5% vs 84.3%); no drug addiction (97.5% vs 94.5%); and >6 prenatal visits (46.5% vs 37.6%). Twin pregnancies run a 46% higher risk of cesarean delivery, while first and second twins face a 20% higher risk of low birth weight. Twin pregnancies run increased risks for admission to the NICU, cerebral hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and any adverse perinatal outcome.ConclusionPreterm twin birth is associated with low birth weight and worse neonatal outcomes.
Inside Cover: Optical coherence tomography as a noninvasive 3D real time imaging tool for the rapid evaluation of phenotypic variations in insect embryonic development (J. Biophotonics 2/2020)
Authors: Su Ya , Wei Liya , Tan Hao , Li Jing , Li Wenping , Fu Lei , Wang Tongxin , Kang Le , Yao X. Steve 
Published: February 2020

Top: Illustration of how to obtain 3D embryo images from a locust egg using OCT B‐scans. The internal structures of the embryo can be clearly identified as it develops.Bottom: The real time observation of katatrepsis and twist of a lowland locust embryo on days 7‐8, as the embryo develops. The embryonic movements can be readily identified by tracking the positions of the embryo's eyes (E1 and E2).Further details can be found in the article by Ya Su, Liya Wei, Hao Tan, et al. (e201960047).
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Function and regulation annotation of up‐regulated long non‐coding RNA LINC01234 in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhu Yinyin , Luo Cong , Korakkandan Arshad Ali , Fatma Yislam Hadi Ahmed , Tao Yang , Yi Tianfei , Hu Shiyun , Liao Qi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundAccumulated evidences indicate that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in many biological mechanisms. Moreover, it acts as an essential regulator in various human diseases such as gastric cancer (GC). Nevertheless, the comprehensive regulatory roles and clinical significance of most lncRNAs in GC are not fully understood.MethodsIn this research, our aim was to investigate the underlying mechanism of lncRNA LINC01234 in GC. Firstly, the usage of qRT‐PCR helped to establish expression pattern of LINC01234 in GC tissues. Following this, appropriate statistical tests were applied to analyze the relation between expression level and clinicopathological factors. Ultimately, potential functions and regulatory network of LINC01234 were concluded via GSEA and a series of bioinformatics tools or databases, respectively.ResultsConsequently, at the end of research we found LINC01234 is up‐regulated in GC tissues in comparison with adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, its expression level is correlated with differentiation of patients with GC. It is also important to highlight bioinformatics analysis revealed that LINC01234 is involved in cancer‐associated pathways such as cell cycle and mismatch repair. Also, regulatory network of LINC01234 presented a probability in the involvement of tumorigenesis through regulating cancer‐associated genes.ConclusionOverall, our results suggested that LINC01234 may play a crucial role in GC.