bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging insights on the role of gasdermins in infection and inflammatory diseases
Authors: Tang Lipeng , Lu Chuanjian , Zheng Guangjuan , Burgering Boudewijn MT 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe gasdermins, family of pore‐forming proteins, are emerging key regulators of infection, autoinflammation and antitumor immunity. Multiple studies have recently characterised their crucial roles in driving pyroptosis, a lytic pro‐inflammatory type of cell death. Additionally, gasdermins also act as key effectors of NETosis, secondary necrosis and apoptosis. In this review, we will address current understanding of the mechanisms of gasdermin activation and further describe the protective and detrimental roles of gasdermins in host defence and autoinflammatory diseases. These data suggest that gasdermins play a prominent role in innate immunity and autoinflammatory disorders, thereby providing potential new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of infection and autoimmune disease.
Diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury using saliva RNA compared to cognitive and balance testing
Authors: Hicks Steven D. , Onks Cayce , Kim Raymond Y. , Zhen Kevin J. , Loeffert Jayson , Loeffert Andrea C. , Olympia Robert P. , Fedorchak Gregory , DeVita Samantha , Rangnekar Aakanksha , Leddy John , Haider Mohammad N. , Gagnon Zofia , McLoughlin Callan D. , Badia Matthew , Randall Jason , Madeira Miguel , Yengo‐Kahn Aaron M. , Wenzel Justin , Heller Matthew , Zwibel Hallie , Roberts Aaron , Johnson Samantha , Monteith Chuck , Dretsch Michael N. , Campbell Thomas R. , Mannix Rebekah , Neville Christopher , Middleton Frank 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly, accurate diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can improve clinical outcomes for patients, but mTBI remains difficult to diagnose because of reliance on subjective symptom reports. An objective biomarker could increase diagnostic accuracy and improve clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of salivary noncoding RNA (ncRNA) to serve as a diagnostic adjunct to current clinical tools. We hypothesized that saliva ncRNA levels would demonstrate comparable accuracy for identifying mTBI as measures of symptom burden, neurocognition, and balance.MethodsThis case‐control study involved 538 individuals. Participants included 251 individuals with mTBI, enrolled ≤14 days postinjury, from 11 clinical sites. Saliva samples (n = 679) were collected at five time points (≤3, 4‐7, 8‐14, 15‐30, and 31‐60 days post‐mTBI). Levels of ncRNAs (microRNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and piwi‐interacting RNAs) were quantified within each sample using RNA sequencing. The first sample from each mTBI participant was compared to saliva samples from 287 controls. Samples were divided into testing (n = 430; mTBI = 201 and control = 239) and training sets (n = 108; mTBI = 50 and control = 58). The test set was used to identify ncRNA diagnostic candidates and create a diagnostic model. Model accuracy was assessed in the naïve test set.ResultsA model utilizing seven ncRNA ratios, along with participant age and chronic headache status, differentiated mTBI and control participants with a cross‐validated area under the curve (AUC) of .857 in the training set (95% CI, .816‐.903) and .823 in the naïve test set. In a subset of participants (n = 321; mTBI = 176 and control = 145) assessed for symptom burden (Post‐Concussion Symptom Scale), as well as neurocognition and balance (ClearEdge System), these clinical measures yielded cross‐validated AUC of .835 (95% CI, .782‐.880) and .853 (95% CI, .803‐.899), respectively. A model employing symptom burden and four neurocognitive measures identified mTBI participants with similar AUC (.888; CI, .845‐.925) as symptom burden and four ncRNAs (.932; 95% CI, .890‐.965).ConclusionSalivary ncRNA levels represent a noninvasive, biologic measure that can aid objective, accurate diagnosis of mTBI.
The succession of bacterial and fungal communities during decomposition of two hygrophytes in a freshwater lake wetland
Authors: Ma Yantian , Huang Shihao , Gan Zhiwei , Xiong Yong , Cai Runfa , Liu Yajun , Wu Lan , Ge Gang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe study of litter decomposition was often tightly linked to some hot topics such as global carbon balance and climate change, but the knowledge of microbes involved in litter decomposition remains limited especially in freshwater lake wetlands. An in situ experiment (278 d) was carried out to study the decomposition processes of two typical wetland plants—Carex cinerascens and Triarrhena lutarioriparia. The litter decay rate, extracellular enzyme, and microbial community composition were all observed. The decomposition rate of C. cinerascens was faster than T. lutarioriparia. Higher contents of TOC, TN, and TP conferred higher decomposition rate to C. cinerascens, as well as the higher activities of all tested enzymes and the lower content of lignin. The alpha diversity of bacterial and fungal communities changed separately over time, but their copy numbers of the rRNA gene (qPCR) increased collectively in both litters. Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Basidiomycota were common in the primary stage (0–37 d) of decay in both litters, while Alphaproteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Nitrospirae, and Montagnulaceae were prevailing in the later stage (212–278 d). T. lutarioriparia also had higher proportions of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Firmicutes in the later stage. Pleosporales and Hypocreales were predominant during the whole decay processes of both litters. Our results showed that the microbial community composition was mainly regulated by litter stoichiometry (hemicellulose, lignin, and AFDM), thereby reflecting the niches differentiation caused by resource partitioning on litter decomposition. This work helps to the understanding of the microbial community involved in litter decomposition in wetland ecosystems.
Reconsidering the fire ecology of the iconic American chestnut
Authors: Kane Jeffrey M. , Varner J. Morgan , Stambaugh Michael C. , Saunders Michael R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe iconic American chestnut (Castanea dentata) once spanned a large portion of eastern North America before its functional extinction in the early 20th century due primarily to non‐native fungal pathogens. The pronounced loss of this species likely resulted in an abrupt alteration of many ecological processes, including fire. The potential to resurrect this species through resistance breeding or other methods holds promise, but more information on the fire ecology of American chestnut may provide helpful information to assist restoration. Here we summarize the existing direct and indirect research on the fire history and fire ecology within the former range of American chestnut. We found multiple lines of evidence to suggest fire was frequent throughout much of its historical range. A broadscale analysis of historical fire frequency revealed that 88% of the American chestnut range had a mean fire return interval of 20 yr or less, corresponding to finer‐scale fire history and forest structure studies. In much of the historical range of American chestnut, the stand structure was much more open, fire scar studies of associated species were very frequent (mean fire return interval ranged between 1.9 and 19.8 yr), and, in many cases, charcoal abundance and American chestnut pollen were positively related. This evidence coupled with American chestnut’s suite of traits associated with tolerance of frequent fire, such as highly flammable litter, tall stature, rapid growth, and resprouting ability, reinforce concepts that fire was historically an important component of many woodlands and forests containing American chestnut. While these lines of evidence are strongly suggestive, we provide potential areas of further inquiry to expand and refine our understanding of American chestnut fire ecology.
Electrochemical Methods for Assessment of Polytrauma Outcomes
Authors: Goroncharovskaya Irina V. , Evseev Anatoly K. , Shabanov Aslan K. , Denisenko Oleg , Kuzovlev Artem N. , Klychnikova Elena V. , Tazina Elizaveta V. , Petrikov Sergey S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this work we used electrochemical methods, open circuit potential (OCP) measurement with platinum electrode, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) in blood serum to assess redox states in patients with polytrauma (n=56) that allow to evaluate probability of survival early on, and therefore have the potential to improve therapy outcomes. Electrochemical assessment of redox states in sera samples correlated with traditional methods of prooxidant/antioxidant balance quantification. OCP and quantity of electricity passed (Q), calculated from CVs, were significantly different between the survivors and non‐survivors. Patients with Q>22 μC (day 1) and OCP>34 mV (day 3) had low chance of survival.
Physicochemical Properties of Nitrogen Doped Carbon Nano‐onions Grown by Flame Pyrolysis from Grapeseed Oil for Use in Supercapacitors
Authors: Shaku Bokome , Mofokeng Thapelo P. , Mongwe Thomas H. , Coville Neil J. , Ozoemena Kenneth I. , Maubane‐Nkadimeng Manoko S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA low cost synthesis of catalyst free carbon nano‐onions (CNOs) and nitrogen post doped CNOs (N−CNOs) using grapeseed oil is reported. Successful incorporation of nitrogen atoms into the lattice of CNOs was confirmed by XPS, resulting in 1.7 % nitrogen content. BET and Raman analysis showed an increase in the specific surface area and the ID/IG ratio of carbon, respectively after N incorporation. The specific capacitance of the CNOs increased upon nitrogen doping and as a result, N−CNOs exhibited superior electrochemical performance compared to pristine CNOs. Our results demonstrate that N−CNOs are a promising electrode material for energy storage in supercapacitors.
Modeling short‐ranged dependence in block extrema with application to polar temperature data
Authors: Russell Brook T. , Huang Whitney K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe block maxima approach is an important method in univariate extreme value analysis. While assuming that block maxima are independent results in straightforward analysis, the resulting inferences maybe invalid when a series of block maxima exhibits dependence. We propose a model, based on a first‐order Markov assumption, that incorporates dependence between successive block maxima through the use of a bivariate logistic dependence structure while maintaining generalized extreme value (GEV) marginal distributions. Modeling dependence in this manner allows us to better estimate extreme quantiles when block maxima exhibit short‐ranged dependence. We demonstrate via a simulation study that our first‐order Markov GEV model performs well when successive block maxima are dependent, while still being reasonably robust when maxima are independent. We apply our method to two polar annual minimum air temperature data sets that exhibit short‐ranged dependence structures, and find that the proposed model yields modified estimates of high quantiles.
Experimental studies on space heating using phase change material
Authors: Agarwal Shikhar , Anand Vansh , Banker Nitin D. , Biswal Pratibha 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper deals with the experimental investigation of convection heating of air inside an experimental chamber similar to a room prototype. A solid‐liquid phase change material (PCM) is used for space heating of the room. A PCM carrier made up of aluminum is placed at various locations in the experimental chamber. The PCM is heated in a water bath and the water in the bath can be heated via solar energy. A theoretical insight highlighting the usage of the current heating system involving the water bath and solar energy is also briefly discussed. The analysis is carried out for various temperatures representing mild winter temperatures in most of the regions in India. Temperature measurements were performed inside the air cavity as well as near the PCM carrier during the air heating process. Three different PCM carriers with different aspect ratios have been used to test the effect of different orientations on space heating. Further, the PCM carrier was kept at two different locations inside the chamber to observe the effect of location on space heating. A new dimensionless temperature has been defined to compare the effect on room air with each PCM configuration.
Validation of cloud‐radio access network control unit with intra‐PHY architecture: Hardware‐in‐the‐loop framework based on frequency‐domain channel models
Authors: Cisek Grzegorz , Zieliński Tomasz P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this article, a signal processing framework for hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) validation of the cloud‐radio access network (C‐RAN) control unit (CU) with a crosshaul intra‐PHY architecture split is evaluated. The framework is based on the assumption that data exchanged over the crosshaul interface between the lower and higher parts of the physical layer have the form of frequency‐domain orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarriers. Therefore, it is proposed to simulate the effects of a wireless fading channel directly in the frequency domain, instead of the conventionally selected time domain. This approach leads to complexity reduction of the channel simulation model by minimizing the number of required FFT/IFFT operations, at the cost of simulation accuracy in high‐mobility and high‐delay spread scenarios. Analysis of bit error ratio (BER) and block error ratio (BLER) metrics obtained using both time‐ and frequency‐domain channel models is presented in order to validate the proposal and evaluate the accuracy loss caused by the usage of nonideal frequency‐domain models. The frequency‐domain methods are compared against the conventional wide sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (WSSUS) model implementation based on the tapped delay line (TDL). It is shown that the utilization of improved frequency‐domain models instead of the block‐fading model substantially decreases the BER/BLER prediction error in specific scenarios.
A Best Practices Case Study for Scientific Collaboration between Researchers and Managers
Authors: Newcomb Tammy J , Simonin Paul W , Martinez Felix A , Chadderton W Lindsay , Bossenbroek Jon M , Cudmore Becky , Hoff Michael H , Keller Reuben P , Ridenhour Berkley D , Rothlisberger John D , Rutherford Edward S , Van Egeren Scott , Lodge David M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Effective engagement among scientists, government agency staff, and policymakers is necessary for solving fisheries challenges, but remains challenging for a variety of reasons. We present seven practices learned from a collaborative project focused on invasive species in the Great Lakes region (USA-CAN). These practices were based on a researcher–manager model composed of a research team, a management advisory board, and a bridging organization. We suggest this type of system functions well when (1) the management advisory board is provided compelling rationale for engagement; (2) the process uses key individuals as communicators; (3) the research team thoughtfully selects organizations and individuals involved; (4) the funding entity provides logistical support and allows for (5) a flexible structure that prioritizes management needs; (6) a bridging organization sustains communication between in-person meetings; and (7) the project team determines and enacts a project endpoint. We predict these approaches apply equally effectively to other challenges at the research–management–policy interface, including reductions of water pollution, transitions to renewable energy, increasing food security, and addressing climate change.
Development and nutritional evaluation of local ingredients‐based supplements to treat moderate acute malnutrition among children aged below five years: A descriptive study from rural Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Nane Debritu , Hatløy Anne , Lindtjørn Bernt 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn Ethiopia, moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is a persistent public health problem. The current management approaches for MAM among children are counseling in food‐secure settings and food supplementation in chronically food‐insecure areas. The objective of this study was to develop a local ingredients‐based supplement (LIBS) for treating MAM among children. Collection of food ingredients (pumpkin seed, amaranth grain, flaxseed, peanut, and emmer wheat) was made. Sorting, soaking, drying, roasting, and milling of ingredients were done. Nutrient analysis was done using triplicate measurements of each nutrient. One‐way ANOVA was used to analyze differences in means with ± standard deviation of nutrient measurements among the supplements. The nutrient content of four developed LIBS ranged from 20.3 g to 22.5 g for protein, 29.3 g to 33.5 g for fat, 509.5 kcal to 570.0 for kcal, 6.0 g to 8.5 g for fiber, 2.8 g to 3.7 g for moisture, and 2.1 g to 4.3 g for ash. The mineral and antinutrient components ranged from 75.6 mg to 115.6 mg for calcium, 473.1 mg to 570.2 mg for potassium, 79.3 mg to 114.4 mg for sodium, 4.1 mg to 5.6 mg for zinc, 8.2 mg to 10.2 mg for iron, 442.6 mg to 470.4 mg for phosphorous, and 2.1 mg to 4.3 mg for phytate. The LIBS with the highest portion of pumpkin seed had significantly highest amounts of protein, fat, calories, iron, zinc, and potassium. The results found were within the recommended range of required nutrients for the treatment of children with MAM. Therefore, LIBS may be used for the management of children with MAM.
Metabolomics study of dried ginger extract on serum and urine in blood stasis rats based on UPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS
Authors: Su Min , Cao Gang , Wang Xiaoli , Daniel Raftery , Hong Yan , Han Yanquan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBlood stasis syndrome (BSS) is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases. Ginger is often used as herbal medicine, condiment, and health food in China and Southeast Asia to improve some symptoms of cardiovascular disease, but its mechanism of efficacy and metabolic processes is not clear enough. In this study, a rat model of BSS was successfully established and treated with different doses of dried ginger extract. After the end of the administration period, the blood and urine of 5 groups of rats were collected for metabonomic analysis. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to explore metabolites and metabolic pathways, and the correlation between metabolites and pharmacodynamic indicators was further explored. The experimental results show that the pharmacodynamic indicators of dried ginger group (DG) extracts of different doses have different degrees of changes than model group (MG), and the high dose of dried ginger group (GJH) changes is the most significant (p < .05 or p < .01). Besides, 22 different metabolites were identified in the experiment. These metabolites mainly involve seven metabolism pathways in different impact value. DG has therapeutic effects on BSS rats by regulating multiple metabolic pathways. This study provides an effective method for understanding the metabolic mechanism of DG extracts on BSS.
On current and future economics of electricity storage
Authors: Hiesl Albert , Ajanovic Amela , Haas Reinhard 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIncreasing electricity generation from variable renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, has led to interest in additional short‐term and long‐term storage capacities. The core objective of this paper is to investigate the costs and the future market prospects of different electricity storage options, such as short‐term battery storage and long‐term storage as pumped hydro storage, as well as hydrogen and methane from power‐to‐gas conversion technologies. The method of approach is based on a formal economic framework with a dynamic component to derive scenarios up to 2040.The major conclusion is that the economic prospects of storage are not very bright. For all market‐based storage technologies it will become hard to compete in the wholesale electricity markets and for decentralized (battery) systems it will be hard to compete with the end users’ electricity price. The core problem of virtually all categories of storage are low full‐load hours (for market‐based systems) and low full charge/discharge cycles (for decentralized batteries). However, any new storage capacity should be constructed only in a coordinated way and if there is a clear sign for new excess production, in this case from variable renewables. In addition, for hydrogen and methane there could be better economic prospects in the transport sector due to both, higher energy price levels as well as a general lack of low carbon fuel alternatives. © 2020 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐reported disease symptoms of stone quarry workers exposed to silica dust in Ghana
Authors: Ahadzi Dzifa Francis , Afitiri Abdul‐Rahaman , Ekumah Bernard , Kanatey Verona , Afedzi Abdullah 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsUnderstanding the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) and the influence of work‐post (working distance to main dust source—crusher) in stone quarries is vital for designing tailored interventions in minimizing workers' exposure to silica dust. Nonetheless, studies on silica dust and disease symptoms in Ghana are nascent. This study assessed how work‐post and use of required PPE jointly influence exposure to silica dust and disease symptoms in Ghana.MethodsGeneralized linear models (complementary log‐log regression) were fitted to cross‐sectional survey data of 524 stone quarry workers in Ghana to assess the joint effect of work‐post and PPE usage on self‐reported disease symptoms while controlling for relevant compositional and contextual factors.ResultsStone quarry workers who work between 1‐100 m and beyond 100 m from the crusher with the required PPE were 90% and 87% respectively less likely to report eye irritation compared with their counterparts who work between 1 and 100 m from the crusher without the required PPE. Individuals who work between 1‐100 m and beyond 100 m from the crusher with the required PPE were 94% and 95% respectively less likely to report breathing difficulty compared with the reference group. Workers who work between 1‐100 m and beyond 100 m from the crusher with the required PPE were 97% and 99% respectively less likely to report coughing compared with the reference group. Workers who work between 1‐100 m and beyond 100 m from the crusher with the required PPE were 93% and 97% respectively less likely to report common cold compared with their counterparts who work between 1 and 100 m from the crusher without the required PPE.ConclusionThere are adverse health implications for people who work in silica dust polluted environments, suggesting the need for a national safety and health policy to target them.