bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meteorological cause and characteristics of widespread heavy precipitation in the Texas Gulf watershed 2003–2018
Authors: Mullens Esther D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRecent pluvial years, extreme precipitation, and highly variable precipitation in the Southern Plains have produced substantial socioeconomic damage. While numerous studies examine the characteristics of heavy precipitation, explicit identification of meteorological ‘cause’ (e.g., thunderstorms, extratropical cyclones, weather fronts, etc.) is often excluded from climatological analyses. This work examines the meteorological cause and associated characteristics of widespread heavy precipitation (WHP) in the Texas‐Gulf watershed, using 16 years of weather observations and Stage IV multi‐sensor precipitation. WHP days are those with heavy rain (24‐hr accumulation at or above 95th percentile) that have spatial coverage and/or basin‐wide accumulations ≥90th percentile. Using expert assessment, WHP days and events (the latter as the total duration of distinct weather system in the watershed) are categorized into meteorological causes. WHP days possess longer durations and higher rain rates, and are important contributors to annual accumulation. Disaggregation of WHP days/events by cause reveals notable seasonal and interannual variability, with a tendency for frontal systems to dominate annually. Recent pluvial years have featured increased duration of frontal systems, while dry years showed a dearth of extratropical cyclones and summer mesoscale convection. While duration is statistically distinct between different cause categories for certain seasons and causes, rain‐rates generally were generally not found to depend on the event type. WHP events were accompanied by numerous meteorological and surface hazards, most notably severe thunderstorms during spring and summer, while the proportional contribution of flood hazard reports peaked during the fall. Ultimately, the climatological information extracted from this work may benefit researchers, planners, and water‐resource professionals dealing with precipitation extremes in the region.
Challenge for management without tracheostomy tube after laryngo‐tracheal separation in children with neurological disorders
Authors: Morimoto Noriko , Maekawa Takanobu , Kubota Masaya , Kitamura Masayuki , Takahashi Nozomi , Kubota Mitsuru 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe present study analyzed surgical outcomes of laryngotracheal separation (LTS) in children with neurological disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate respiratory impairment and severe complications after LTS in children, and identify the possibility of permanent tracheostomy without a tracheostomy tube as the safest respiratory management method.MethodsTwenty‐eight patients (male:female = 16:12) with neurological disorders (6 months to 32 years) who underwent LTS between January 2012 and April 2018 were reviewed. Tracheal diameter, Cobb angle, and sternocervical spine distance (SCD) were measured to assess the potential risk and possibility of removing tracheostomy tube management.ResultsTracheostomy tube could be removed shortly after LTS in 57% (16/28). However, nine of these patients developed respiratory problems that required tracheostomy tube placement 2 years after LTS. New requirements for a tracheostomy tube as a stent were strongly correlated with SCD (P < .05, odds ratio > 1) as well as tracheal deformity.ConclusionsRespiratory management in neurologically impaired children after LTS without a tracheostomy tube is challenging because thoracic deformity during physical growth affects tracheal disfiguration. Thoracic deformities and progression of scoliosis should be considered in respiratory management approaches in children with neurological disorders, and long‐term follow‐up by computed tomography is necessary.LEVEL OF EVIDENCEIV
The effect of chemical species on the electrochemical reactions and corrosion product layer of carbon steel in CO2 aqueous environment: A review
Authors: Basilico Edoardo , Marcelin Sabrina , Mingant Remy , Kittel Jean , Fregonese Marion , Ropital Francois 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study summarizes the chemical effects that can occur during the corrosion process of carbon steel in a CO2‐saturated aqueous environment. Particularly, it focuses more on the results that small chemical contaminations in the environment have on the corrosion process. Underground waters present complex chemistry with several different dissolved ions (chlorides, carbonates) even in high concentrations that impact substantially the corrosion rates of these materials. Moreover, gas impurities present in the gas mixture, such as oxygen in carbon capture and storage applications, constitute a supplementary form of significant contamination in the CO2‐saturated aqueous environment. In particular, the effect on both electrochemical reactions and corrosion product layer is examined for several chemical species that are commonly present either in the gas mixture or in underground waters.
The Mutation Matters: CSF Profiles of GCase, Sphingolipids, α‐Synuclein in PDGBA
Authors: Lerche Stefanie , Schulte Claudia , Wurster Isabel , Machetanz Gerrit , Roeben Benjamin , Zimmermann Milan , Deuschle Christian , Hauser Ann‐Kathrin , Böhringer Judith , Krägeloh‐Mann Ingeborg , Waniek Katharina , Lachmann Ingolf , Petterson Xuan‐Mai T. , Chiang Ruby , Park Hyejung , Wang Bing , Liepelt‐Scarfone Inga , Maetzler Walter , Galasko Douglas , Scherzer Clemens R. , Gasser Thomas , Mielke Michelle M. , Hutten Samantha J. , Mollenhauer Brit , Sardi S. Pablo , Berg Daniela , Brockmann Kathrin 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundWith pathway‐specific trials in PD associated with variants in the glucocerebrosidase gene (PDGBA) under way, we need markers that confirm the impact of genetic variants in patient‐derived biofluids in order to allow patient stratification merely based on genetics and that might serve as biochemical read‐out for target engagement.ObjectiveTo explore GBA‐pathway‐specific biomarker profiles cross‐sectionally (TUEPAC‐MIGAP, PPMI) and longitudinally (PPMI).MethodsWe measured enzyme activity of the lysosomal glucocerebrosidase, CSF levels of glucosylceramides (upstream substrate of glucocerebrosidase), CSF levels of ceramides (downstream product of glucocerebrosidase), lactosylceramides, sphingosines, sphingomyelin (by‐products) and CSF levels of total α‐synuclein in PDGBA patients compared to PDGBA_wildtype patients.ResultsCross‐sectionally in both cohorts and longitudinally in PPMI: (1) glucocerebrosidase activity was significantly lower in PDGBA compared to PDGBA_wildtype. (2) CSF levels of upstream substrates (glucosylceramides species) were higher in PDGBA compared to PDGBA_wildtype. (3) CSF levels of total α‐synuclein were lower in PDGBA compared to PDGBA_wildtype. All of these findings were most pronounced in PDGBA with severe mutations (PDGBA_severe). Cross‐sectionally in TUEPAC‐MIGAP and longitudinally in PPMI, CSF levels of downstream‐products (ceramides) were higher in PDGBA_severe. Cross‐sectionally in TUEPAC‐MIGAP by‐products sphinganine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate and longitudinally in PPMI species of by‐products lactosylceramides and sphingomyelin were higher in PDGBA_severe.InterpretationThese findings confirm that GBA mutations have a relevant functional impact on biomarker profiles in patients. Bridging the gap between genetics and biochemical profiles now allows patient stratification for clinical trials merely based on mutation status. Importantly, all findings were most prominent in PDGBA with severe variants. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Physiotherapists' awareness, knowledge and confidence in screening and referral of suspected axial spondyloarthritis: A survey of UK clinical practice
Authors: Steen Eliza , McCrum Carol , Cairns Melinda 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAxial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory disease associated with significant diagnostic delays and is commonly missed in assessments of persistent back pain.ObjectiveTo explore musculoskeletal physiotherapists' awareness, knowledge and confidence in screening for signs, symptoms and risk factors of suspected axSpA and criteria for rheumatology referral.DesignAn online UK survey was undertaken combining back pain vignettes (reflecting axSpA, non‐specific back pain and radicular syndrome) and questioning on features of suspected axSpA. Recruitment utilised online professional forums and social media. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and conceptual content analysis for free text responses.Results132 survey responses were analysed. Only 67% (88/132) of respondents identified inflammatory pathologies as a possible cause of persistent back pain. Only 60% (79/132) recognised the axSpA vignette compared to non‐specific low back pain (94%) and radicular syndrome (80%). Most suspecting axSpA would refer for specialist assessment (77/79; 92%). Awareness of national referral guidance was evident in only 50% of ‘clinical reasoning’ and 20% of ‘further subjective screening’ responses. There was misplaced confidence in recognising clinical features of axSpA (≥7/10) compared to knowledge levels shown, including high importance given to inflammatory markers and human leucocyte antigen B27 (median = 8/10).ConclusionsMusculoskeletal physiotherapists may not be giving adequate consideration to axSpA in back pain assessments. Awareness of national referral guidance was also limited. Professional education on screening and referral for suspected axSpA is needed to make axSpA screening and referral criteria core knowledge in musculoskeletal clinical practice, supporting earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
Enumerating Predation on Chinook Salmon, Delta Smelt, and Other San Francisco Estuary Fishes Using Genetics
Authors: Brandl Scott , Schreier Brian , Conrad J. Louise , May Bernie , Baerwald Melinda 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The establishment of nonnative predatory fish species is a worldwide phenomenon often having adverse effects on native species. Trophic interactions are complex, and uncertainty is a common theme in discussions of nonnative predator management. Several fishes of the San Francisco Estuary have experienced significant declines in recent decades due to multiple factors, including habitat alteration and predation. The role of predation as a direct cause of mortality remains an open question, as does whether habitat conditions play a role in promoting predation on species of concern. Recent studies using visual identification of prey have found little to no evidence of predation on species listed under the Endangered Species Act such as Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus and juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. To increase the likelihood of detecting predation, this study employed a genetic approach. We combined this technique with habitat and water quality data to investigate the role that habitat may be playing on incidence of predation. This study focused on detection of predation on Chinook Salmon and Delta Smelt, six other native fish species, and six nonnative fish species by Striped Bass Morone saxatilis and other piscivores. Unlike previous studies in the region, the proportion of predators with no prey detected in their gut contents was high (47–81%). The study detected Delta Smelt in 1.3% of Striped Bass—considerably higher than other contemporary predation studies in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. In April 2014, 6.6% of Striped Bass were positive for Chinook Salmon—substantially higher than observed in recent visual diet studies. Interestingly, native species comprised a relatively high proportion of Striped Bass prey (60%). Water temperature and conductivity were identified as significant predictors of Chinook Salmon presence in Striped Bass gut contents. This research also suggests that predation on soft-bodied prey may be an overlooked segment of the diets of piscivores.
Isolation of exfoliated boron nitride nanotubes via ethyl cellulose wrapping
Authors: De los Reyes Florencio D. , Fujieda Tadashi , Takeuchi Akifumi , Kawai Tsuyoshi , Nonoguchi Yoshiyuki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBoron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are simultaneously isolated and dispersed in organic solvents using a non‐aromatic and highly flexible polymer ethyl cellulose (EC). The colloidal dispersion containing individualized EC‐wrapped BNNTs is stabilized via non‐covalent functionalization through CH‐π and OH‐π interactions between EC and BNNTs. FESEM, TEM, UV‐VIS, FT‐IR, and TG analyses confirm the efficiency of using a simplified and less destructive method without prior heat treatment to enhance the purity and dispersibility of BNNTs in our designed system. This provides a practical approach to the purification and dispersion of BNNTs from a bulk‐produced source, for the fabrication of materials that require large amount of high‐quality BNNTs.
Beliefs, attitudes and knowledge of cardiovascular healthcare providers on mobilization
Authors: Najjar Caroline , Dima Diana , de Boer Jane , Goldfarb Michael 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo assess the beliefs, attitudes and knowledge of nurses, physicians and physiotherapists in a cardiovascular intensive care unit (CICU) on patient mobilization.DesignSurvey of CV healthcare providers in the CICU at two academic tertiary care hospitals.MethodsThe validated Patient Mobilization Attitudes and Beliefs Survey was distributed to CV providers. The survey is a 26‐item self‐administered questionnaire that assesses providers' perceived barriers in three domains: attitude, behaviour and knowledge.ResultsParticipants (N = 142) completed the survey (nurses, N = 67, physicians, N = 59 and physiotherapists, N = 16; 155 eligible participants, 91.6% overall completion rate). Nurses had lower overall knowledge, attitude and behaviour barriers to mobilization than physicians, but higher than physiotherapists (all p < .001). The highest barriers to mobilization for nurses were adequate staffing, patient‐level and time restraint. These findings should inform efforts to overcome existing barriers and to transform acute cardiovascular mobility culture.
Conjoint use of Naphthalene Diimide and Fullerene Derivatives to Generate Organic Semiconductors for n–type Organic Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Birajdar Shailesh S. , Brixi Samantha , Rao Pedada Srinivasa , Bhosale Rajesh S. , Kobaisi Mohammad Al , Gupta Akhil , Lessard Benoît H. , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we described the design, synthesis, and characterization of two novel naphthalene diimide (NDI) core‐based targets modified with terminal fullerene (C60) yield – so called S4 and S5, in which NDI bearing 1 and 2 molecules of C60, respectively. The absorption, electrochemical and thin‐film transistor characteristics of the newly developed targets were investigated in detail. Both S4 and S5 displayed broad absorption in the 450–500 nm region, owing to the effect of conjugation due to fullerene functionalities. The electrochemical measurement suggested that the HOMO and the LUMO energy levels can be altered with the number of C60 units. Both S4 and S5 were employed as organic semiconductor materials in n‐channel transistors. The thin film transistor based on S4 exhibited superior electron mobility (μe) values ranging from 1.20×10−4 to 3.58×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 with a current on‐off ratio varying from 102 to 103 in comparison with the performance of S5 based transistor, which exhibited μe ranging from 8.33×10−5 to 2.03×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 depending on channel lengths.
Positive Health Externalities of Mandating Paid Sick Leave
Authors: Pichler Stefan , Wen Katherine , Ziebarth Nicolas R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA growing economic literature studies the optimal design of social insurance systems and the empirical identification of welfare‐relevant externalities. In this paper, we test whether mandating employee access to paid sick leave has reduced influenza‐like‐illness (ILI) transmission rates as well as pneumonia and influenza (P&I) mortality rates in the United States. Using uniquely compiled data from administrative sources at the state‐week level from 2010 to 2018 along with difference‐in‐differences methods, we present quasi‐experimental evidence that sick pay mandates have causally reduced doctor‐certified ILI rates at the population level. On average, ILI rates fell by about 11 percent or 290 ILI cases per 100,000 patients per week in the first year.
Factors influencing nature interactions vary between cities and types of nature interactions
Authors: Oh Rui Ying Rachel , Fielding Kelly S. , Nghiem Thi Phuong Le , Chang Chia‐Chen , Shanahan Danielle F. , Gaston Kevin J. , Carrasco Roman L. , Fuller Richard A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

There is mounting concern that people living more urbanised, modern lifestyles have fewer and lower quality interactions with nature, and therefore have limited access to the associated health and well‐being benefits. Yet, variation in the different types of nature interactions and the factors that influence these interactions across populations are poorly understood.

We compared four types of nature interactions by administering surveys across two cities that differ markedly in urbanisation pattern and population density—Singapore and Brisbane—: (a) indirect (viewing nature through a window at work or at home); (b) incidental (spending time in nature as part of work); (c) intentional interactions in gardens; and (d) intentional interactions in public urban greenspace.

Our results show that Singapore respondents spent about half as much time (25.8 hr/week) interacting with nature as Brisbane respondents (52.3 hr/week), and indirect interactions were the most prevalent across both cities.

Nature orientation, age, income and gender significantly predicted the duration of nature interactions in both cities, while self‐reported health, education and ethnicity additionally predicted the duration of nature interactions only for Brisbane. Also, the relationship(s) between each factor and duration could differ in direction and effect size between the types of nature interactions.

As such, we conclude that there is much local variation in the dynamics of interactions between people and nature, and that focused studies are needed to develop effective interventions addressing declines in nature interactions in different locations.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Association between the timing of asthma diagnosis and medication use during pregnancy
Authors: Issa Simone , Longo Cristina , Forget Amélie , Blais Lucie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStudy objectiveTo assess whether asthma medication use during pregnancy differs in women newly diagnosed with asthma early in pregnancy (first 19 weeks of pregnancy) compared to those newly diagnosed up to 2 years pre‐pregnancy.DesignA retrospective population‐based cohort study.Data sourceTo conduct this study, we used the Quebec Asthma and Pregnancy Database (QAPD) constructed by linking two administrative health databases from the province of Quebec (Canada): the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec and Maintenance et Exploitation des Données pour l’Étude de la Clientèle Hospitalière databases.PatientsA cohort comprising pregnant women newly diagnosed with asthma at any time in the 2 years prior to pregnancy or during the first 19 weeks of pregnancy was selected from the QAPD.Measurements and Main ResultsWe assessed the number of filled prescriptions of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), ICS/long‐acting β2 agonists (LABA), and short‐acting β2 agonists (SABA), as well as the number of days’ supply of oral corticosteroid (OCS) from the 20th week of pregnancy until delivery. Poisson regression was used to compare the rates of asthma medication use in women diagnosed pre‐pregnancy versus early in pregnancy. The cohort included 1731 women newly diagnosed with asthma pre‐pregnancy and 359 women newly diagnosed with asthma early in pregnancy. Women diagnosed early in pregnancy were more likely to use ICS (adjusted rate ratio: 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–2.3) and SABA (adjusted rate ratio: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7–2.4) from the 20th week of pregnancy until delivery than those newly diagnosed pre‐pregnancy. No significant differences were observed in the use of ICS/LABA [adjusted rate ratio: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.7–1.3] and OCS [adjusted rate ratio: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6–1.2].ConclusionThe higher use of ICS and SABA observed in women newly diagnosed with asthma early in pregnancy may suggest a more persistent asthma phenotype caused by pregnancy‐triggered hormonal changes.
Dual‐spectroscopic real‐time monitoring of the reduction reaction between aristolochic acid I and Fe2+ and its bio‐application
Authors: Gao Ce , Zhang Qijia , Ma Liping , Lu Xuemei , Wu Shiwei , Song Peng , Xia Lixin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAristolochic acid (AA) is widely present in herbal medicine. Aristolochic acid I (AAI) and aristolochic acid lactam (AAT), as the main active ingredients in AAs, have serious nephrotoxicity, strong carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity. AAT is a metabolite of AAI in the human body. AAI can be reduced by Fe2+ both in the human body and soil. A new dual spectrum is proposed to monitor the reaction directly from the human protein serum (HAS) and A549 cells through surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and its biological product AAT through fluorescence detection (FLD) spectra based on its unique spectral response. In order to better monitor the reduction reaction, the AAI detection conditions are optimized, including concentration, pH, reducing agent, and reaction time. During the experiment, Ag@Au is selected as the SERS substrate. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the prepared SERS support substrate. CCK‐8 assays showed that the viability of cells decline after adding AAI. Fe2+ was found to detect AAI in endogenous A 549 cells.
Crystal structure and molecular dynamics simulations of a promiscuous ancestor reveal residues and an epistatic interaction involved in substrate binding and catalysis in the ATP‐dependent vitamin kinase family members
Authors: Gonzalez‐Ordenes Felipe , Bravo‐Moraga Felipe , Gonzalez Evelin , Hernandez‐Cabello Leslie , Alzate‐Morales Jans , Guixé Victoria , Castro‐Fernandez Victor 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEnzymes with hydroxymethylpyrimidine/phosphomethylpyrimidine kinase activity (HMPPK) are essential in the vitamin B1 (thiamine pyrophosphate) biosynthesis and recycling pathways. In contrast, enzymes with pyridoxal kinase activity (PLK) produce pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6), an essential cofactor for various biochemical reactions. In the ATP‐dependent vitamin kinases family, the members of PLK/HMPPK‐like subfamily have both enzymatic activities. It has been proposed that the promiscuous PLK activity of ancestral HMPPK enzymes could have been the starting point for this activity. In earlier work, we reconstructed the ancestral sequences of this family and characterized the substrate specificity of the common ancestor between PLK/HMPPK‐like and HMPPK enzymes (AncC). From these studies, the Gln45Met mutation was proposed as a critical event for the PLK activity emergence. Here, we crystallize and determine the AncC structure by X‐ray crystallography and assess the role of the Gln45Met mutation by site‐directed mutagenesis. Kinetic characterization of this mutant shows a significant increase in the PL affinity. Through molecular dynamics simulation and MM/PBSA calculations some residues, important for substrate interactions and catalysis, were identified in the wild type and in the mutated ancestor. Interestingly, a strong epistatic interaction responsible for the evolutionary pathway of the PLK activity in PLK/HMPPK‐like enzymes was revealed. Also, other putative mutations relevant to PLK activity in modern PLK/HMPPK‐like enzymes were identified.