bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strontium isotope dynamics reveal streamflow contributions from shallow flow paths during snowmelt in a montane watershed, Provo River, Utah, USA
Authors: Hale Colin A. , Carling Gregory T. , Nelson Stephen T. , Fernandez Diego P. , Brooks Paul D. , Rey Kevin A. , Tingey David G. , Packer Brian N. , Aanderud Zachary T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractQuantifying the routing of snowmelt to surface water is critical for predicting the impacts of atmospheric deposition and changing land use on water quality in montane catchments. To investigate solute sources and streamflow in the montane Provo River watershed (Utah, USA), we used time‐series 87Sr/86Sr ratios sampled at three sites (Soapstone, Woodland and Hailstone) across a gradient of bedrock types. Soils are influenced by aeolian dust contributions, with distinct 87Sr/86Sr ratios relative to siliciclastic bedrock, providing an opportunity to investigate shallow versus deeper flow paths for controlling water chemistry. At the most upstream site (Soapstone), Sr concentrations averaged ~17 μg/L with minimal dilution during snowmelt suggesting subsurface flow paths dominated streamflow. However, a decrease in 87Sr/86Sr ratios from ~0.717 during baseflow to as low as ~0.713 during snowmelt indicated the activation of shallow flow paths through dust‐derived soils. In contrast, downstream sites receiving water inputs from Sr‐rich carbonate bedrock (Woodland and Hailstone) exhibited strong dilution of Sr from ~120 to 20 μg/L and an increase in 87Sr/86Sr ratios from ~0.7095 to ~0.712 during snowmelt. A three‐component mixing model using 87Sr/86Sr ratios and Sr concentrations at Soapstone showed water inputs were dominated by direct snowmelt and flushed soil water during runoff and groundwater during baseflow. At Woodland and Hailstone, a two‐component mixing model showed that the river was a mixture of groundwater and up to 75% upstream channel water during snowmelt. Our findings highlight the importance of flushed soil water for controlling stream water discharge and chemistry during snowmelt, with the signal from the upstream site propagating downstream in a nested catchment. Further, aeolian dust contributes to the solute chemistry of montane streams with potential impacts on water quality along shallow flow paths. Potential contaminants in these surface soils (e.g., Pb deposition in dust) may have significant impacts on water quality during snowmelt runoff.
Changes in postoperative inpatient and outpatient opioid utilization after pharmacist‐led order set standardization and education for total knee and hip replacement at an academic medical center
Authors: Patel Kenil , Stranges Paul M. , Bobko Aimee , Yan Connie H. , Thambi Mathew 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionOpioid analgesics are often overprescribed after orthopedic procedures. Several strategies have been implemented nationally to curb opioid overprescription with modest success. At an institutional level, one novel idea is to implement surgery‐specific guidelines limiting opioid quantities prescribed postoperatively.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of our institution's new standardized postoperative multimodal pain regimen guidance on cumulative opioid prescribed postoperatively at discharge, as measured in morphine equivalent dose (MED).MethodsAdults (≥18 years old) who underwent total knee or total hip replacement from August 2019 through March 2020 were eligible. Patients not prescribed opioids at discharge, incarcerated, or had postoperative stays 7 or more days were excluded. A pharmacist‐led standardized protocol was implemented on 21 November 2020, and provider education was completed on 18 December 2021. Patients were assigned to historical (August 2019 to November2019) or standardized (December 2019 to March 2020) cohorts based on discharge date. Secondary outcomes are cumulative and per‐prescription opioid pills, morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) prescribed at discharge, inpatient opioid, diazepam, and gabapentin utilization, and outpatient post‐op opioid and pain outcomes.ResultsForty patients preintervention and 52 patients postintervention were included. For postoperative discharge opioids prescribed, median cumulative MED decreased 46% (560.0 vs 300.0, P < .001), quantity of pills decreased 14.3% (70 vs 60, P = .03), and MEDD decreased 16.7% (60.0 vs 50.0, P < .001). Inpatient opioid exposure decreased 49% (38.1 vs 19.4, P < .001), concurrent diazepam (20.0% vs 1.9%, P = .009), and gabapentin (85.0% vs 13.5%, P < .001) use with opioids also decreased. Postoperative pain scores did not significantly differ (4.0 vs 5.0, P = .63).ConclusionPharmacist‐led standardized protocol implementation resulted in reduced postoperative opioid prescription and exposure, and decreased concurrent use of high‐risk drugs without affecting pain control. Opportunities exist to further decrease opioid prescribing by matching inpatient requirements.
Production of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Chu Ronghao , Li Rui , Wang Chen , Ban Rui 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRiboflavin is one of the main micronutrients required for the human body for cellular respiration. It is the precursor of flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide coenzymes crucial for the production of energy. The development of biotechnology has given rise to microbial procedures that strongly compete with the chemical synthesis approach and hence the fermentation process of riboflavin by microorganisms was initiated. Therefore, the main aim of this review is to investigate the production of riboflavin by Bacillus subtilis fermentation. The introduction of the microbial synthesis method has found that regulatory and structural genes involved in the synthesis of vitamin B2 are overexpressed, which has eventually enhanced the strain productivity and production of the vitamin via industrial fermentation. Using B. subtilis to synthesize riboflavin can reduce the production cost and increase the yield of riboflavin. The emergence of microbial synthesis methods has effectively increased the yield of riboflavin, and the study of the process of riboflavin synthesis by B. subtilis is of great significance for improving production, reducing costs and using renewable raw materials. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Geosmin synthase ges1 knock‐down by siRNA in the dikaryotic fungus Tricholoma vaccinum
Authors: Abdulsalam Oluwatosin , Ueberschaar Nico , Krause Katrin , Kothe Erika 
Published: December 2021

AbstractGenetic manipulation for generating knock‐out experiments is essential in deciphering the precise function of a gene. However, dikaryotic fungi pose the inherent challenge of having two allelic versions of each gene, one in each nucleus. In addition, they often are slow‐growing and do not withstand protoplasting, which is why Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation has been adapted. To obtain knock‐out strains, however, is not feasible with a mere deletion construct transformation and screening for deletions in both nuclear copies. Hence, a convenient method using chemically synthesized dicer substrate interfering RNA (DsiRNA) for posttranscriptional interference of targeted mRNA was developed, based on the fungal dicer/argonaute system inherent in fungi for sequence recognition and degradation. A proof‐of‐principle using this newly established method for knock‐down of the volatile geosmin is presented in the dikaryotic fungus Tricholoma vaccinum that is forming ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with spruce trees. The gene ges1, a terpene synthase, was transcribed with a 50‐fold reduction in transcript levels in the knockdown strain. The volatile geosmin was slightly reduced, but not absent in the fungus carrying the knockdown construct pointing at low specificity in other terpene synthases known for that class of enzymes.
Antioxidant and anti‐tyrosinase activity of a novel stilbene analogue as an anti‐browning agent
Authors: Xia Wei , Chen Kai , Zhu Yu‐Zhu , Zhang Chang‐Jun , Chen Yu‐Lin , Wang Fan , Xie Yuan‐Yuan , Hider Robert C , Zhou Tao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDTyrosinase inhibitors find potential application in food, cosmetic and medicinal products, but most of the identified tyrosinase inhibitors are not suitable for practical use because of safety regulations or other problems. For the purpose of development of novel tyrosinase inhibitors that meet the requirement for practical application, a novel stilbene analogue (SA) was designed.RESULTSSA was found to possess a potent inhibitory effect against both mono‐ and diphenolase activities of mushroom tyrosinase, with IC50 values of 1.56 and 7.15 μmol L–1, respectively. Compared with a natural tyrosinase inhibitor – kojic acid – the anti‐tyrosinase effect of SA was significantly improved. Analysis of inhibition kinetics indicated that SA was a reversible and competitive–noncompetitive mixed‐type inhibitor. SA was also found to possess more potent antioxidant activities (DPPH, superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability) than those of kojic acid. Cell viability studies revealed that SA was non‐toxic to two cell lines. Furthermore, an anti‐browning test demonstrated that SA effectively delayed the blackening of shrimp.CONCLUSIONSA has potential as an anti‐browning agent in foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
One‐step preparation of hydrogel based on different molecular weights of chitosan with citric acid
Authors: Wei Benxi , Zou Jin , Pu Qianqian , Shi Ke , Xu Baoguo , Ma Yongkun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDChitosan‐based hydrogels have been prepared previously by a two‐step protocol in which chitosan was first dissolved in dilute acetic acid and then crosslinked by glutaraldehyde or genipin. This was a time‐consuming method, which had the disadvantages of high costs and biological safety problems.RESULTSScanning electron microscopy (SEM) results verified the successful preparation of hydrogels based on high, medium, and low molecular‐weight chitosan (HCS, MCS, and LCS), respectively. The hydrogels prepared with HCS, MCS, and LCS were formed through the accumulation of different‐sized crystals. The framework density of the hydrogel was enhanced by an increase in the chitosan molecular weight and exhibited a crack pore pattern composed of flake particles. Medium molecular‐weight chitosan‐based hydrogel exhibited the highest specific surface area and total pore volume, with values of 3.81 m2 g–1 and 0.0109 cm3 g–1, respectively. The water absorption rate of the chitosan based hydrogels was influenced by its molecular weights at the sequence of LCS > HCS > MCS, while the maximum compression stress was affected at the sequence of HCS > MCS > LCS. The network structure was enhanced with an increase in the chitosan molecular weight and reached maximum stress levels of 4.50, 1.50 and 0.75 MPa for HCS‐, MCS‐, and LCS‐based hydrogels, respectively.CONCLUSIONCitric acid was shown to be an effective dissolving and crosslinking agent in the preparation of MCS‐ and HCS‐based hydrogels. The physiochemical properties of the hydrogels were enhanced as the molecular weight of the chitosan increased. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Soil and water conservation in terraced and non‐terraced cultivations: an extensive comparison of 50 vineyards
Authors: Pijl Anton , Wang Wendi , Straffelini Eugenio , Tarolli Paolo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the soil and water conservation (SWC) impact of steep‐slope agricultural practices (e.g. terraces) has arguably never been more relevant than today, in the face of widespread intensifying rainfall conditions. In Italy, a diverse mosaic of terraced and non‐terraced cultivation systems have historically developed from local traditions and more recently from the introduction of machinery. Previous studies suggested that each type of vineyard configuration is characterised by a specific set of soil degradation patterns. However, an extensive analysis of SWC impacts by different vineyard configurations is missing, while this is crucial for providing robust guidelines for future‐proof viticulture. Here, we provide a unique extensive comparison of SWC in 50 vineyards, consisting of 10 sites of 5 distinct practices: slope‐wise cultivation (SC), contour cultivation (CC), contour terracing (CT), broad‐base terracing (BT) and oblique terracing (OT). A big‐data analysis approach of physical erosion modelling based on high‐resolution LiDAR data is performed, while four predefined SWC indicators are systematically analysed and statistically quantified. Regular contour terracing (CT) ranked best across all indicators, reflecting a good combination of flow interception and homogeneous distribution of runoff and sediment under intense rainfall conditions. The least SWC‐effective practices (SC, CC, and OT) were related to vineyards optimised for trafficability by access roads or uninterrupted inter‐row paths, which created high upstream‐downstream connectivity and are thus prone to flow accumulation. The novel large‐scale approach of this study offers a robust comparison of SWC impacts under intense rainstorms, which is becoming increasingly relevant for the sustainable future management of such landscapes.
Rubber, rubber and rubber: How 75 years of successive rubber plantation rotations affect topsoil quality?
Authors: Panklang Phantip , Thoumazeau Alexis , Chiarawipa Rawee , Sdoodee Sayan , Sebag David , Gay Frédéric , Thaler Philippe , Brauman Alain 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRubber tree plantations (Hevea brasiliensis) cover large areas in the tropics. In historical producing regions like South Thailand, rubber has been planted by smallholders for three successive rotations lasting a total of 75 years. Despite possible consequences on topsoil, the long‐term impacts of repeated rubber plantations on soil quality remain unknown. This study aims to better understand how various factors linked to long‐term rubber land use and land use change affect topsoil physico‐chemical properties and soil organic carbon (SOC) thermal stability. We focus on the effects of three factors: i. deforestation (change from forest to first rubber plantation); ii. the age of the rubber stand (immature vs. mature); and iii. long‐term rubber cultivation (first, second or third successive rotation) over a chronosequence in farmers plots. Our results show that soil was deeply degraded after deforestation to a rubber plantation. Long‐term rubber cultivation is also detrimental for the soil and has a more negative impact on soil physico‐chemical properties and carbon dynamics, than the age of the rubber stand (e.g., on average, decrease of 50% of SOC content between forest and third rotation). At the third rotation, after 50 years of rubber cultivation, the quality of the 0–10 cm soil layer was very low, with an increase in SOC thermal stability. At this stage, logging practices upset the sustainability of the system. These impacts could be limited by less destructive practices during planting.
Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for face and neck rejuvenation: A systematic review
Authors: Austin Grace K. , Struble Sarah L. , Quatela Vito C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency technology has emerged as a treatment for aesthetic rejuvenation.ObjectiveTo examine radiofrequency for facial and neck rejuvenation, clinical studies were assessed on effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for acne, acne scars, and facial aging by subjective and objective measures.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed. Eligibility criteria included articles in English, primary literature, clinical or ex vivo studies, use of radiofrequency, and face or neck treatment. Ablative techniques, home‐use devices, combined modalities, and studies unrelated to rejuvenation were excluded. All studies were appraised for quality and biases.ResultsWe identified 121 articles. Radiofrequency effectively treated acne by reducing sebum levels and lesion count and improving acne scars. Radiofrequency demonstrated a volumetric reduction in facial fat, and improved skin laxity, elasticity, and global skin aesthetic. Patient satisfaction was higher for those desiring modest rejuvenation. There were histological changes consistent with repair response, neocollagenesis, and neoelastinogenesis. Radiofrequency was safe apart from one patient who developed a neck fistula.ConclusionMost studies demonstrated radiofrequency treatment of acne, scars, or facial rhytids had positive subjective improvement ratings. Objective studies demonstrated reduction of acne, decreased scarring, lifting effect, improvement in elasticity and collagen, volumetric fat changes, and wrinkle reduction.
Survival Benefit of Split‐Liver Transplantation for Pediatric and Adult Candidates
Authors: Bowring Mary G. , Massie Allan B. , Schwarz Kathleen B. , Cameron Andrew M. , King Elizabeth A. , Segev Dorry L. , Mogul Douglas B. 
Published: December 2021

Patient and graft survival are similar following whole‐liver transplantations (WLTs) versus split‐liver transplantations (SLTs) among pediatric and adult recipients, yet SLTs are rarely used. We sought to determine the survival benefit associated with accepting a splittable graft offer for SLT versus declining and waiting for a subsequent offer using 2010 to 2018 Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) data on 928 pediatric and 1814 adult liver transplantation candidates who were ever offered a splittable graft. We compared eventual mortality, regardless of subsequent transplants, between those patients who accepted versus declined a split liver offer with adjustments for Pediatric End‐Stage Liver Disease/Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, diagnosis, and weight among pediatric candidates and matching for MELD score, height, and offer among adult candidates. Among pediatric candidates ≤7 kg, split liver offer acceptance versus decline was associated with a 63% reduction in mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.170.370.80 [P = 0.01]; 93.1% versus 84.0% 1‐year survival after decision). Within 1 year of decline for those ≤7 kg, 6.4% died and 31.1% received a WLT. Among pediatric candidates >7 kg, there was no significant difference associated with acceptance of a split liver offer (aHR, 0.631.071.82 [P = 0.81]; 91.7% versus 94.4% 1‐year survival after decision). Within 1 year of decline for those >7 kg, 1.8% died and 45.8% received a WLT. Among adult candidates, split liver offer acceptance was associated with a 43% reduction in mortality (aHR, 0.390.570.83 [P = 0.005]; 92.2% versus 84.4% 1‐year survival after decision). Within 1 year of decline for adult candidates, 7.9% died and 39.3% received a WLT. Accepting split liver offers for SLT could significantly improve survival for small children and adults on the waiting list.
Adaptive configurational force‐based propagation for brittle and fatigue crack analysis
Authors: Bird Robert , Coombs William M. , Giani Stefano 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis article presents a ‐adaptive crack propagation method for highly accurate 2D crack propagation paths which requires no a priori knowledge of the tip solution. The propagation method is designed to be simple to implement, only ‐adaptivity is required, with the propagation step size independent of the initial mesh allowing users to obtain high fidelity crack path predictions for domains containing multiple cracks propagating at different rates. The proposed method also includes a crack path derefinement scheme, where elements away from the crack tip are derefined whilst elements close to the crack tip are small so capture the fidelity of the crack path. The result is that the propagation of cracks over an increasingly larger distances has negligible increased computational effort and effect on the propagation path prediction. The linear elastic problem is solved using the hp discontinuous Galerkin symmetric interior penalty finite element method, which is post‐processed to obtain the configurational force at each tip to a user defined accuracy. Several numerical examples are used to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and capability of the method. Due to the method's high accuracy crack path solutions of benchmark problems that are prolifically used in the literature are challenged.
Fluorescence Sensing Performance of Carbon Dots of Functionalization toward Sunset Yellow
Authors: Xu Jinxia , Sun Jingru , Yan Fanyong , Zhang Hao , Ma Ran , Zang Yueyan , Guan Shan , Wang Xiang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSunset yellow (FCF), a commonly used food additive, can brighten foods, but the improper amount of addition can also cause various diseases. Herein, the fluorescence sensor CDs‐PTD for detecting FCF is synthesized by functionalizing carbon dots (CDs) with 3,4,9,10‐pertetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTD). The prepared CDs‐PTD shows excitation‐independent fluorescence behavior with maximum fluorescence emission at 553 nm under 490 nm excitation and high quantum yields (21.4%). With the presence of FCF, the fluorescence of the sensor is quenched due to fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The CDs‐PTD exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward FCF in the range of 0–180 × 10−6 m with a low detection limit of 106.8 × 10−9 m. In addition, the sensor is applied to the detection of FCF in beverage samples with recoveries ranging from 97% to 106%. And a portable CDs‐PTD/agarose gel reagent strip is prepared for the assessment of FCF content within 15 min. The CDs‐PTD can be an ideal sensor for detecting FCF in food, and provides a new idea for the detection of food additives.
Structure of the human Ccr4‐Not nuclease module using X‐ray crystallography and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy distance measurements
Authors: Zhang Qionglin , Pavanello Lorenzo , Potapov Alexey , Bartlam Mark , Winkler Gerlof Sebastiaan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRegulated degradation of mature, cytoplasmic mRNA is a key step in eukaryotic gene regulation. This process is typically initiated by the recruitment of deadenylase enzymes by cis‐acting elements in the 3' untranslated region resulting in the shortening and removal of the 3′ poly(A) tail of the target mRNA. The Ccr4‐Not complex, a major eukaryotic deadenylase, contains two exoribonuclease subunits with selectivity toward poly(A): Caf1 and Ccr4. The Caf1 deadenylase subunit binds the MIF4G domain of the large subunit CNOT1 (Not1) that is the scaffold of the complex. The Ccr4 nuclease is connected to the complex via its leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domain, which binds Caf1, whereas the catalytic activity of Ccr4 is provided by its EEP domain. While the relative positions of the MIF4G domain of CNOT1, the Caf1 subunit, and the LRR domain of Ccr4 are clearly defined in current models, the position of the EEP nuclease domain of Ccr4 is ambiguous. Here, we use X‐ray crystallography, the AlphaFold resource of predicted protein structures, and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine and validate the position of the EEP nuclease domain of Ccr4 resulting in an improved model of the human Ccr4‐Not nuclease module.