bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing insect biodiversity with automatic light traps in Brazil: Pearls and pitfalls of metabarcoding samples in preservative ethanol
Authors: Zenker Mauricio M. , Specht Alexandre , Fonseca Vera G. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAutomated species identification based on data produced with metabarcoding offers an alternative for assessing biodiversity of bulk insect samples obtained with traps. We used a standard two‐step PCR approach to amplify a 313 bp fragment of the barcoding region of the mitochondrial COI gene. The PCR products were sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform, and the OTUs production and taxonomic identifications were performed with a customized pipeline and database. The DNA used in the PCR procedures was extracted directly from the preservative ethanol of bulk insect samples obtained with automatic light traps in 12 sampling areas located in different biomes of Brazil, during wet and dry seasons. Agricultural field and forest edge habitats were collected for all sampling areas. A total of 119 insect OTUs and nine additional OTUs assigned to other arthropod taxa were obtained at a ≥97% sequence similarity level. The alpha and beta diversity analyses comparing biomes, habitats, and seasons were mostly inconclusive, except for a significant difference in beta diversity between biomes. In this study, we were able to metabarcode and HTS adult insects from their preservative medium. Notwithstanding, our results underrepresent the true magnitude of insect diversity expected from samples obtained with automatic light traps in Brazil. Although biological and technical factors might have impacted our results, measures to optimize and standardize eDNA HTS should be in place to improve taxonomic coverage of samples of unknown diversity and stored in suboptimal conditions, which is the case of most eDNA samples.
Bio/hydrochar Sorbents for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Zhang Xingguang , Wang Yang , Cai Junmeng , Wilson Karen , Lee Adam F. 
Published: February 2020

A rising global population and aspirational higher living standards has driven a step change in resource utilization and concomitant anthropogenic pollution across the biosphere. Low‐cost and scalable technologies for environmental remediation are therefore urgently sought, with an emphasis on trash‐to‐treasure strategies that exploit abundant but underutilized waste by‐products of existing sectors. Biochars are carbon‐rich, porous solids produced by biomass pyrolysis under anaerobic or oxygen‐scarce conditions at high temperature (350–700 °C), while hydrochars are produced by hydrothermal biomass carbonization at lower temperature (130–250 °C) and high autogenous pressures (0.3–4.0 MPa). Bio/hydrochars possess unique physicochemical properties, notably high surface areas (100–1500 m2 g−1) and porosity (0.25–2.5 cm3 g−1) and rich surface chemistry featuring carboxylic, phenolic, hydroxyl, and carbonyl functions, amenable to chemical, physical, or biochemical modification, rendering them ideal sorbents for pollutants such as heavy metals (e.g. As and Cr), and toxic organic (e.g., dyes and xenobiotics) and inorganic (e.g., SO2) molecules. Bio/hydrochars are attractive for environmental remediation of pollutant mixtures by surface complexation, redox chemistry, electrostatic interactions/ion exchange, or co‐precipitation. This review discusses recent opportunities and challenges in creating bio/hydrochar sorbents and their nanocomposites through grafting, doping, and chemical/physical activation, for the depollution of aquatic and atmospheric environments.
The inflammation‐based modified Glasgow prognostic score is associated with survival in stable heart failure patients
Authors: Cho Anna , Arfsten Henrike , Goliasch Georg , Bartko Philipp E. , Wurm Raphael , Strunk Guido , Hülsmann Martin , Pavo Noemi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsThe progression of heart failure is presumably dependent on the individual inflammatory host response. The combination of the inflammatory markers, albumin, and C‐reactive protein, termed modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), has been derived from cancer patients and validated in multiple cohorts. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the easily available mGPS on survival of stable patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods and resultsPatients with stable HFrEF undergoing routine ambulatory care between January 2011 and November 2017 have been identified from a prospective registry at the Medical University of Vienna. Comorbidities, laboratory data as well as the nutritional risk index at baseline were assessed. All‐cause mortality was defined as the primary study end point. The mGPS was calculated, and its association with heart failure severity and impact on overall survival were determined. Data were analysed for a total of 443 patients. The mGPS was 0 for 352 (80%), 1 for 76 (17%), and 2 for 14 (3%) patients, respectively. Elevation of mGPS was associated with worsening of routine laboratory parameters linked to prognosis, especially NT‐proBNP [median 1830 pg/mL (IQR 764–3455) vs. 4484 pg/mL (IQR 1565–8003) vs. 6343 pg/mL (IQR 3750–15401) for mGPS 0, 1, and 2, respectively; P < 0.001] and nutritional risk index. In the Cox regression analysis, the increase of mGPS was associated with adverse outcome in the univariate analysis [crude hazard ratio 3.00 (95% CI 2.14–4.21), P < 0.001] and after adjustment for multiple covariates as age, gender, body mass index, and glomerular filtration rate as well as heart failure severity reflected by NT‐proBNP and New York Heart Association class [adj. hazard ratio 1.87 (95% CI 1.19–2.93), P = 0.006].ConclusionsEnhanced inflammation and nutritional depletion are more common in advanced heart failure. The inflammation‐based score mGPS predicts survival in HFrEF patients independently of NT‐proBNP emphasizing the significance of the individual pro‐inflammatory response on prognosis.
A numerical study on ion concentration polarization and electric circuit performance of an electrokinetic battery
Authors: Jiao Yanmei , Zhao Cunlu , Yang Chun , Kang Yuejun , Gao Xiumin , Wang Hui , Song Linhui , He Bin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIon concentration polarization (ICP) imposes remarkable adverse effects on the energy conversion performance of the pressure‐driven electrokinetic (EK) flows through a capillary system that can be equivalently treated as a battery. An optimized dimensionless numerical method is proposed in this study to investigate the causes and the effects of the ICP. Results show that remarkable ICP phenomena are induced under certain conditions such as high applied pressure, high surface charge density, and small inversed Debye length at dimensionless values of 6000, ‒10, and 0.5. Meanwhile, different factors influence the ICP and the corresponding electric properties in different ways. Particularly for the overall electric resistance, the applied pressure and the surface charge density mainly affect the variation amplitude and the level of the overall electric resistance when varying the output electric potential, respectively. Differently, the Debye length affects the overall electric resistance in both aspects. Ultimately, the induced ICP leads to significant nonlinear current–potential curves.
Research on the seismic retrofitting performance of RC frames using SC‐PBSPC BRBF substructures
Authors: Cao Xu‐Yang , Wu Gang , Feng De‐Cheng , Wang Zhun , Cui Hao‐Ran 
Published: February 2020

SummaryA new type of external substructure to upgrade existing reinforced concrete frames (RCFs) is presented in this paper, namely, a self‐centering precast bolt‐connected steel‐plate reinforced concrete buckling‐restrained brace frame (SC‐PBSPC BRBF). The upgrade mechanism and three‐dimensional simulation model were analyzed based on relevant experiment validations. A quasistatic analysis and parameter study was conducted using 21 scenarios to compare the upgrading effects of the outside substructure. Afterwards, a stiffness‐based design procedure was developed and modified for this external substructure, including macro‐demand analysis, partial component design, and overall structural evaluations. Dynamic analyses were also performed on a frame building for five cases, before and after strengthening. The proposed numerical model reflected the precast characteristics and displayed the ideal fitting accuracy. The external assembled brace provided sufficient initial stiffness and energy dissipation capacity, while the external prestressed tendon decreased residual displacements and facilitated self‐centering of the whole structure. The analyses illustrated that the damage to the existing RCF was transferred and seismic demands were significantly reduced within limitations, accompanied with greater capacity reliability. This research provides a reference for the practical applications of the external upgrading substructures in earthquake‐prone areas.
Patterns of Trace Element Accumulation in Waterfowl Restricted to Impoundments Holding Coal Combustion Waste
Authors: Leaphart James C. , Oldenkamp Ricki E. , Bryan Albert L. , Kennamer Robert A. , Beasley James C. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Waterfowl are often exposed to and readily accumulate anthropogenic contaminants when foraging in polluted environments. Settling impoundments containing coal combustion waste (CCW) enriched in trace elements such as arsenic (As), selenium (Se), and mercury (Hg) are often used by free-ranging migratory and resident waterfowl and represent potential sources for contaminant uptake. To assess accumulation of CCW contaminants, we experimentally restricted waterfowl to a CCW-contaminated impoundment and quantified trace element burdens in blood, muscle, and liver tissues over known periods of exposure (between 3 and 92 d). From these data we developed models 1) to predict elemental bioaccumulation with increased exposure time, and 2) to predict muscle/liver burdens based on concentrations in blood as a nondestructive sampling method. Although Hg and As did not bioaccumulate in our waterfowl, we observed an increase in Se concentrations in muscle, liver, and blood tissues over the duration of our experiment. Furthermore, we found that blood may be used as an effective nondestructive sampling alternative to predict muscle and liver tissue concentrations in birds contaminated with Se and As through dietary exposure. These data provide unique insights into accumulation rates of contaminants for waterfowl utilizing habitats contaminated with CCW and demonstrate the efficacy of nonlethal sampling of waterfowl to quantify contaminant exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1052–1059. © 2020 SETAC
Extrusion and nixtamalization conditions influence the magnitude of change in the nutrients and bioactive components of cereals and legumes
Authors: Kamau Elijah Heka , Nkhata Smith G. , Ayua Emmanuel Owino 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCereal and legume diets make up the bulk of caloric sources for a majority of households in the developing world. They contain macro‐ and micronutrients as well as phytochemicals embedded as one matrix. Some phytochemicals are antinutritional factors which can bind nutrients thereby hindering their bioavailability. While there are other methods that can be used to enhance nutrient utilization from such foods, we summarize how food processing methods such as extrusion and nixtamalization are employed to break the food matrix and release these nutrients. Both extrusion and nixtamalization can break down complex carbohydrates into simpler, more soluble forms while at the same time inactivating or denaturing protein inhibitors and other antinutritional factors. Such disruptions of complexes within the food matrix are essential for harnessing optimum nutritional and health benefit from these foods. We present mechanistic approaches explaining how these processes enhance nutrient and mineral bioavailability and phytochemical bioactivity while minimizing the undesirable effects of antinutritional factors that coexist in the complex food matrix.
Magnetic two‐dimensional layered crystals meet with ferromagnetic semiconductors
Authors: Guo Yilv , Wang Bing , Zhang Xiwen , Yuan Shijun , Ma Liang , Wang Jinlan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe existence of intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductors (FMSs) in two‐dimensional (2D) materials has been a long‐term concern and pursuit. Recent breakthroughs in the 2D FMSs, such as CrGeTe3 and CrX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) from bulk down to monolayer, have stimulated intensive researches on new physical phenomena and creative concepts. This minireview mainly summarizes recent progress of 2D intrinsic FMSs in theoretical side, and focuses on the ongoing strategies proposed to enhance ferromagnetism, involving the mechanisms of magnetic exchange interaction and the significance of magnetic anisotropy. Meanwhile, spin‐related multifunctionality with ultrathin FMSs and their van de Waals heterostructures in magnetoelectric, valleytronic, and nondissipative electronic technology are introduced, as well as the current challenges and the prospects in this field are discussed.image
Organic additive engineering toward efficient perovskite light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Liu Yuqiang , Ono Luis K. , Qi Yabing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPerovskite materials with excellent optical and electrical properties are promising for light‐emitting diodes. In the field of perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs), organic materials additive engineering has been proved to be an effective scheme for enhancing efficiency and stability in PeLEDs. Most impressively, the reported external quantum efficiency of PeLEDs based on perovskite‐organic composite has reached over 20%. Herein, we will review the important progress of the organic materials' additive‐modified PeLEDs and discuss the remaining problems and challenges and the key research direction in the near future.image
Reenvisioning Literacy Development for English Learners: Amplifying the Curriculum, Amplifying Leadership
Authors: Walqui Aída , Bunch George C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis department focuses on literacy leaders, including school and instructional leaders, teachers, and external partners, who are working to improve outcomes for adolescent and adult learners in a wide range of education settings. Columns investigate the challenges and complexities inherent in such work and share lessons learned, impactful strategies and approaches, and promising pathways forward.
A microRNA Approach to Discriminate Cortical Low Bone Turnover in Renal Osteodystrophy
Authors: Nickolas Thomas L , Chen Neal , McMahon Donald J , Dempster David , Zhou Hua , Dominguez James , Aponte Maria A , Sung Joshua , Evenepoel Pieter , D'Haese Patrick C , Mac‐Way Fabrice , Moyses Rosa , Moe Sharon 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTA main obstacle to diagnose and manage renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is the identification of intracortical bone turnover type (low, normal, high). The gold standard, tetracycline‐labeled transiliac crest bone biopsy, is impractical to obtain in most patients. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Guidelines recommend PTH and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) for the diagnosis of turnover type. However, PTH and BSAP have insufficient diagnostic accuracy to differentiate low from non‐low turnover and were validated for trabecular turnover. We hypothesized that four circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate osteoblast (miRNA‐30b, 30c, 125b) and osteoclast development (miRNA‐155) would provide superior discrimination of low from non‐low turnover than biomarkers in clinical use. In 23 patients with CKD 3‐5D, we obtained tetracycline‐labeled transiliac crest bone biopsy and measured circulating levels of intact PTH, BSAP, and miRNA‐30b, 30c, 125b, and 155. Spearman correlations assessed relationships between miRNAs and histomorphometry and PTH and BSAP. Diagnostic test characteristics for discriminating low from non‐low intracortical turnover were determined by receiver operator curve analysis; areas under the curve (AUC) were compared by χ2test. In CKD rat models of low and high turnover ROD, we performed histomorphometry and determined the expression of bone tissue miRNAs. Circulating miRNAs moderately correlated with bone formation rate and adjusted apposition rate at the endo‐ and intracortical envelopes (ρ = 0.43 to 0.51;p< 0.05). Discrimination of low versus non‐low turnover was 0.866, 0.813, 0.813, and 0.723 for miRNA‐30b, 30c, 125b, and 155, respectively, and 0.509 and 0.589 for PTH and BSAP, respectively. For all four miRNAs combined, the AUC was 0.929, which was superior to that of PTH and BSAP alone and together (p< 0.05). In CKD rats, bone tissue levels of the four miRNAs reflected the findings in human serum. These data suggest that a panel of circulating miRNAs provide accurate noninvasive identification of bone turnover in ROD. © 2020 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width as predictors of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Assulyn Tikva , Khamisy‐Farah Rola , Nseir William , Bashkin Amir , Farah Raymond 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground and aimChronic inflammation has an important role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes through immunologic inflammatory mechanisms. Simple new inexpensive inflammatory markers may contribute to the detection of microalbuminuria. Aim of our study is to evaluate the predictive value of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) for microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients for possible application as prognostic factors for the prediction of microalbuminuria and the progression of disease in patients with diabetes.MethodsA total of 168 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were classified into gender‐ and BMI‐matched three groups according to hemoglobin A1c and microalbuminuria: Group A: 53 patients with controlled diabetes, Group B: 57 patients with uncontrolled diabetes, both without microalbuminuria, and Group C: 58 patients with uncontrolled diabetes with microalbuminuria. Levels of NLR, MPV, and RDW between the study groups were examined and compared.ResultsA significant difference in NLR was found between Group C and groups A and B (P < .001, P = .005, respectively). A statistically significant difference in RDW was found between groups B and C (P = .014). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of inflammatory markers and microalbuminuria prediction showed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.675 for NLR (CI 0.58‐0.76, P < .001) and 0.614 for RDW (CI 0.52‐0.70, P = .013). NLR value of 2.54 has 39.7% sensitivity, 78.8% specificity, and 45% positive predictive value (PPV). RDW value of 14.44 has 37.9% sensitivity, 76% specificity, and 41.5% PPV.ConclusionsNeutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and RDW have PPV for microalbuminuria in diabetic patients.
A randomized crossover trial of elamipretide in adults with primary mitochondrial myopathy
Authors: Karaa Amel , Haas Richard , Goldstein Amy , Vockley Jerry , Cohen Bruce H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous (SC) elamipretide dosing on exercise performance using the 6 min walk test (6MWT), patient‐reported outcomes measuring fatigue, functional assessments, and safety to guide the development of the Phase 3 trial.MethodsMMPOWER‐2 was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial that enrolled participants (N = 30) with genetically confirmed primary mitochondrial myopathy. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to 40 mg/day SC elamipretide for 4 weeks followed by placebo SC for 4 weeks, separated by a 4‐week washout period, or the opposite sequence. The primary endpoint was the distance walked on the 6MWT.ResultsThe distance walked on the 6MWT by the elamipretide‐treated participants was 398.3 (±134.16) meters compared with 378.5 (±125.10) meters in the placebo‐treated group, a difference of 19.8 m (95% confidence interval, −2.8, 42.5; P = 0.0833). The results of the Primary Mitochondrial Myopathy Symptom Assessment Total Fatigue and Total Fatigue During Activities scores showed that participants treated with elamipretide reported less fatigue and muscle complaints compared with placebo (P = 0.0006 and P = 0.0018, respectively). Additionally, the Neuro‐QoL Fatigue Short Form and Patient Global Assessment showed reductions in symptoms (P = 0.0115 and P = 0.0421, respectively). In this 4‐week treatment period, no statistically significant change was observed in the Physician Global Assessment (P = 0.0636), the Triple Timed Up and Go (P = 0.8423) test, and wrist/hip accelerometry (P = 0.9345 and P = 0.7326, respectively). Injection site reactions were the most commonly reported adverse events with elamipretide (80%), the majority of which were mild. No serious adverse events or deaths were reported.ConclusionsParticipants who received a short‐course treatment of daily SC elamipretide for 4 weeks experienced a clinically meaningful change in the 6MWT, which did not achieve statistical significance as the primary endpoint of the study. Secondary endpoints were suggestive of an elamipretide treatment effect compared with placebo. Nominal statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were seen in patient‐reported outcomes. The results of this trial provided an efficacy signal and data to support the initiation of MMPOWER‐3, a 6‐month long, Phase 3 treatment trial in patients with primary mitochondrial myopathy.
Impact of soil incorporation of biochar on environmental radioactivity
Authors: Szewczak Kamil , Jednoróg Sławomir , Wołoszczuk Katarzyna , Szlązak Radosław , Podgórska Zuzanna , Rafalska‐Przysucha Anna , Gluba Łukasz , Łukowski Mateusz 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBiochar (charcoal made from biomass in the pyrolysis process) has found broad application in agriculture. It helps to improve both the physical and chemical properties of soil through decontamination of heavy metals and pesticides. This work examines the potential for biochar application to improve the radiological condition of soil. We investigated the activity concentration of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soil samples collected from fields treated with various doses of biochar (in 1–100 Mg ha−1). In addition, we directly measured radon emission rate at the experimental fields. The analyses were performed using gamma spectrometry and an active method for radon emission using an AlphaGUARD instrument equipped with an accumulation box. The results of activity concentration assessments for six radionuclides, five natural and one anthropogenic, show that the only effect of biochar application into the soil is associated with the reduction of soil bulk density by this material. The radon emission rate increased by 6 mBq m−1 s−1, on average, depending on the biochar dose (from 1 to 100 Mg ha−1). Our results demonstrate that application of biochar into soil kept without vegetation had a limited influence on the radioactivity in the environment.