bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of sources, diversity, and variability of bacterial aerosols in Athens, Greece: a pilot study
Authors: Metaxatos Angelina , Manibusan Sydonia , Mainelis Gediminas 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study is the first attempt to describe the composition, diversity, and potential sources of bacterial aerosols in the urban air of Athens by DNA barcoding (analysis of 16S rRNA genes). It is also the first field application of the recently developed Rutgers Electrostatic Passive Sampler (REPS) to study the microbial diversity of aerosols. Three sampling campaigns 6–10 days in duration were conducted in the summer and fall of 2019. The completely passive REPS captured a sufficient amount of biological material to demonstrate the diversity of airborne bacteria and their variability over time. Overall, in the air of Athens, 793 OTUs were detected. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant Phyla, while the Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria were the minor Phyla. The observed Phyla were further classified into 54 families. The families with high prevalence across our samples contained genera known to have pathogenic species, e.g., Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Gemella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Neisseria; many species belonging to human or animal commensal microbiota were also detected. The paper discusses the likely sources of observed airborne bacteria, including soil, plants, animals, humans. Given the variability in bacterial composition over time, it is obvious that the contribution of those sources to airborne microbiota is dynamic. However, a more accurate linkage between the sources and airborne bacteria requires further study. Also, the exact functional and ecological role and, even more importantly, the impact of observed bacterial aerosols on public health and the ecosystem is still unknown and required further analysis.
Competition in depleting resource environments shapes the thermal response of population fitness in a disease vector
Authors: Huxley Paul , Murray Kris , Pawar Samraat , Cator Lauren 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Mathematical models that incorporate the temperature dependence of lab-measured life history traits are increasingly used to predict how climatic warming will affect ectotherms, including disease vectors and other arthropods. These temperature-trait relationships are typically measured under laboratory conditions that ignore how conspecific competition in depleting resource environments—a commonly occurring scenario in nature—regulates natural populations. Here, we used laboratory experiments on the mosquito Aedes aegypti, combined with a stage-structured population model, to show that intensified larval competition in ecologically-realistic depleting resource environments can significantly diminish the vector’s maximal population-level fitness across the entire temperature range, cause a 6°C decrease in the optimal temperature for fitness, and contract its thermal niche width by 10°C. Our results provide evidence for future studies to consider competition dynamics under depleting resources when predicting how eukaryotic ectotherms will respond to climatic warming.
Immobilized Covalent Triazine Frameworks Films as Effective Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hu Xunliang , Hussain Irshad , Tan Bien 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have recently been demonstrated as promising materials for photocatalytic water splitting and are usually used in the form of suspended powder. From a practical point of view, immobilized CTFs materials are more suitable for large-scale water splitting applications, owing to their convenient separation and recycling potential. However, existing synthetic approaches mainly result in insoluble and unprocessable powders, which makes their future device application still a huge challenge. Herein, we report an aliphatic amine-assisted interfacial polymerization method to obtain free-standing, crystalline CTFs film with excellent photoelectric performance. The lateral size of the film was up to 250 cm2, the average thickness can be regulated from 30-500 nm. The crystalline structure was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis. Intrigued by the good light absorption, crystalline structure, and big lateral size of the film, it was immobilized on a glass support that exhibited good photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance (5.4 mmol h-1 m-2) and was easy to recycle.
Research on Cutting Force and Surface Integrity of TC18 Titanium Alloy by Longitudinal Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Milling
Authors: Xie Weibo , Wang Xikui , Liu Erbo , Wang Jian , Tang Xiaobin , Li Guangxi , Zhang Jian , Yang Liquan , Chai Yongbo , Zhao Bo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In order to study the influence of rotational speed and amplitude on the surface integrity, TC18 titanium alloy samples were milled by the process of conventional milling and longitudinal ultrasonic vibration assisted milling. The experimental data were obtained by dynamometer, thermometer, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and three-dimensional surface topography instrument for observation and analysis. The results show that the rotational speed has a significant effect on the cutting force, cutting temperature, surface morphology and surface residual stress. Compared with ordinary milling, the surface micro-texture produced by ultrasonic vibration milling is more regular, , and with the increase of rotational speed, the influence of ultrasonic vibration on cutting force and cutting temperature decrease. There are adverse effects on surface roughness after ultrasonic vibration superposition. The influence of ultrasonic vibration on the surface residual compressive stress is also greatly reduced when the rotational speed is greater than 2400 rpm. In addition, a certain depth of plastic deformation layer can be formed under the surface of ultrasonic vibration machining, and the depth of deformation layer increases with the increase of vibration.
High Dose Vitamin-D-substitution in patients with COVID-19: study protocol for a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-centre study- VitCov Trial
Authors: Jaun Fabienne , Lüthi-Corridori Giorgia , Abig Kristin , Makhdoomi Anja , Haas Philippe , Schuetz Philipp , Braendle Michael , Gabutti Luca , ELzi Luigia , Muser Juergen , Leuppi-Taegtmeyer Anne B , Gizendanner Stéphanie , Tarr Philipp , Leuppi Joerg D. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) pandemic has caused more than a million deaths and new treatments are urgently needed. Factors associated with a worse Covid-19 prognosis include old age (> 65 years), ethnicity, male sex, obesity and people with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases. Further, vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with acute respiratory failure due to Covid-19. Vitamin D deficiency is a modifiable risk factor, which - according to a recent clinical case series – has the prospect of reducing hospital stay, intensive care and fatal outcomes. Vitamin D has potent immunomodulatory property sand its supplementation might improve important outcomes in critically ill and vitamin D deficient Covid-19 patients. Despite the evidence that supports an association between vitamin D deficiency and Covid-19 severity, there is uncertainty about the direct link. The aim of the trial is therefore to assess if high dose vitamin D supplementation has a therapeutic effect in vitamin D deficient patients with Covid-19.MethodsRandomized, placebo-controlled double blind, multi-centre study trial to compare a high single dose of vitamin D (140’000 IU) followed by treatment as usual (TAU) (VitD + TAU) with treatment as usual only (placebo + TAU) in patients with Covid-19 and vitamin D deficiency.DiscussionVitamin D substitution in patients with Covid-19 and vitamin D deficiency should be investigated for efficacy and safety. The objective of the study is to test the hypothesis that patients with vitamin D deficiency suffering from Covid-19 treated under standardized conditions in hospital will recover faster when additionally treated with high dose vitamin D supplementation. Latest studies suggest, that vitamin D supplementation in patients with Covid-19 is highly recommended to positively influence the course of the disease. With this randomised controlled trial, a contribution to new treatment guidelines shall be made.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04525820 and SNCTP: 2020 − 01401
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of the Lifestyle, Exercise and Diet (LEAD) Study: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Combined Exercise and Diet Intervention in Older Adults with Vascular Risk Factors and Early Dementia Risk
Authors: Koblinsky Noah , Anderson Nicole , Ajwani Fatim , Parrott Matthew , Dawson Deirdre , Marzolini Susan , Oh Paul , MacIntosh Bradley , Middleton Laura , Ferland Guylaine , Greenwood Carol 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Healthy diet and exercise are associated with reduced risk of dementia in older adults. Evidence for the impact of clinical trials on brain health is less consistent, especially with dietary interventions which often rely on varying intervention approaches. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 6-month intervention combining exercise with a novel dietary counselling approach among older adults with vascular risk factors (VRFs) and early dementia risk. Methods: Participants with VRF’s and SCD or early MCI were cluster randomized into the intervention (exercise + Baycrest Brain-healthy Eating Approach (EX+DIET)) or control group (exercise + brain health education (EX+ED)). Both groups participated in 1-hour of supervised exercise per week and were prescribed additional exercise at home. EX+DIET involved 1-hour per week of group-based dietary counselling comprising didactic education focused on brain healthy eating recommendations, goal setting and strategy training. Whereas, EX+ED involved 1-hour per week of group-based brain health education. The primary outcome was change in hippocampal volume from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included fitness, diet, cognition, and blood biomarkers. Recruitment challenges and early discontinuation of the trial due to COVID-19 necessitated a revised focus on feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Results: Of 190 older adults contacted, 14 (7%) were eligible and randomized, constituting 21% of our recruitment target. All participants completed the intervention and attended 90% of exercise and diet/education sessions on average. All 6-month follow-up assessments pre-COVID-19 were completed but disruptions to testing during the pandemic resulted in incomplete data collection. No serious adverse events occurred and all participants expressed positive feedback about the intervention. Mean improvements in peak oxygen consumption were observed in both EX+DIET (d = .98) and EX+ED (d =1.15) groups. Substantial improvements in diet and HbA1c were observed in the EX+DIET group compared to EX+ED (d = 1.75 and 1.07, respectively). Conclusions: High adherence and retention rates were observed among LEAD participants and preliminary findings illustrate improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and diet quality. These results indicate that a larger trial is feasible if difficulties surrounding recruitment can be mitigated. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03056508
The importance of overbank deposits and paleosol analyses for comprehensive volcanic hazard evaluation: The case of Holocene volcanism at Miravalles Volcano, Costa Rica
Authors: Ryan Peter Crowley , Alvarado Guillermo , McCanta Molly , Barca Malia , Davis Gabrielle , de Mendoza Luis Hurtado 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
On the flanks of the dormant Miravalles volcano, systematic fieldwork and radiocarbon dating of buried humus-rich soils (paleosols) and wood fragments, augmented by mineralogical and geochemical analysis, reveal extensive and previously undocumented Holocene activity. Phase 1 consisted of 8.3 ka (~6300 BCE) volcanic debris avalanche and thick lapilli blast and fallout deposit that appear coeval. Hiatus 1 marks 2600 years of inactivity ensued followed by Phase 2 lapilli interbedded with ~5.5 ka lahars below a 5.3 ka basaltic lava flow (~3400 BCE). Hiatus 2 lasted 1800 years from 5.3 ka to 3.5 ka (3300-1500 BCE), after which a very active Phase 3 ensued (3.5 to 0.5 ka; 1600 BCE to 1500 CE) with > four lapilli eruptions, > 4 lahars, > 6 layers of ash and pumice, and small andesitic lava flows. The most recent evidence for eruption is an 880-year-old (0.9 ka; 1070 CE) lapilli overlain by gravels that may represent distal lahar sediments. Evidence indicates the occurrence of at least two, if not three, destructive lahars on the southwest flank of Miravalles in the past 500 years. The overbank sedimentary record indicates much more activity of Miravalles volcano over the past 3500 years (since 1500 BCE) than previously known, with a minimum of 24 events in that span. Overbank floodplain deposits are likely to contain the most compete record of recent activity in active and dormant volcanoes, and in the absence of dateable vegetation fragments, radiocarbon dating of paleosol A-horizons is very useful, with a precision of ~ 10%, i.e. 800 + 80 ybp.
Understanding the Contaminant Chemistry of Water Resource at Urban Solid Waste Disposal Site, Hyderabad, India
Authors: Peddi Nageswara Rao , Reddy A G S , Kumar Ravi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

The Hyderabad urban solid waste dump site though located on a rocky hillock has highly weathered mantle apart from inter-connected network of fractures. These hydrological features favored massive dissipation of contaminants into the surface as well as sub-surface water resources. The surface water bodies in the vicinity turned into leachate pools and groundwater in the zone of influence is not fit for any use. It is assumed that apart from hydrological factors hydrogeochemical characteristics also contributed to contamination of pore water. Efforts were made through the Paper to underline the preferential chemistry of water resources at solid waste disposal sites that stimulated the ion enrichment. Both surface (15) and groundwater (79) samples were gathered during 2011 and 2012 hydrological cycles and tested for major parameters. Few samples (15) of 2012 were also analyzed to determine TOC, BOD, and COD. The general order of abundance of prominent ion species in groundwater was Cl-, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, HCO3- and SO42-. Very high and similar Cl- concentration in surface water (37 meq/l) and contaminated groundwater (40 mq/l) establish that solid waste stockpile was the point source through leachate. The presence of high (>200 mg/l) TOC, BOD and COD in many surface and groundwater samples supports the inference. Modified Piper plots display the Ca-Mg-Cl and Ca-Mg-HCO3 were the dominant hydrochemical facies in groundwater, whereas many surface water and few groundwater samples belong to Na-Cl/SO4 type. A good correlation (~0.90) between Cl- - Ca2+, TH, Na+, and Mg2+ points out that these ion species were from the same source. Gibbs plots, positive CAI-1 and 2, together with >2 ratios of Ca2+/Mg2+, Cl-/Na+ in many samples divulge water-rock interaction and ion exchange were also controlling the hydrochemistry. The low HCO3-/Cl-, TA/TH and SO42-/HCO3- values indicate an insufficient influx of freshwater and non-lithogenic sources altered the groundwater chemistry. >0.50 ratio of Na++K+/TZ+, Ca2+/Na+, Ca2+/HCO3- together with cross plots of Na+K vs Cl-+ SO42-, HCO3-+ SO42- vs Ca2++Mg2+ and Langelier and Ludwig (modified) diagram confirm the multiple ionization processes were operating in aqueous system. Favorable hydrochemistry in the form of alkaline water, high TH, Cl- and prevailing redox conditions as well as methanogenic phase of dump yard might have spurred up ion enrichment activity within the zone of influence of point source.
The Effects of Molar Activity on [18f]FDOPA Uptake in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors.
Authors: Stormezand Gilles N. , Schreuder Romano S.B.H. , Brouwers Adrienne H. , Slart Riemer H.J.A. , Elsinga Philip H. , Walenkamp Annemiek M.E. , Dierckx Rudi A.J.O. , Glaudemans Andor W.J.M. , Luurtsema Gert 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background6-[18F]fluoro-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl alanine ([18F]FDOPA) is a commonly used PET tracer for the detection and staging of neuroendocrine tumors. In neuroendocrine tumors. [18F]FDOPA is decarboxylated to [18F]dopamine via the enzyme amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), leading to increased uptake when there is increased AADC activity. Recently In our hospital, a new GMP compliant multi-dose production of [18F]FDOPA has been developed, [18F]FDOPA-H, resulting in a higher activity yield, improved molar activity and a lower administered mass than the conventional method ([18F]FDOPA-L). AimThis study aimed to investigate whether the difference in molar activity affects the [18F]FDOPA uptake at physiological sites and in tumor lesions, in patients with NET. It was anticipated that the specific uptake of [18F]FDOPA-H would be equal to or higher than [18F]FDOPA-L.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 50 patients with pathologically confirmed NETs and stable disease who underwent PET scanning using both [18F]FDOPA-H and [18F]FDOPA-L within a time span of 5 years. A total of 100 [18F]FDOPA scans (50 [18F]FDOPA-L and 50 [18F]FDOPA-H with average molar activities of 8 and 107 GBq/mmol) were analyzed. The SUVmean was calculated for physiological organ uptake and SUVmax for tumor lesions in both groups for comparison, and separately in subjects with low tumor load (1-2 lesions) and higher tumor load (3-10 lesions). ResultsComparable or slightly higher uptake was demonstrated in various physiological uptake sites in subjects scanned with [18F]FDOPA-H compared to [18F]FDOPA-L, with large overlap being present in the interquartile ranges. Tumor uptake was slightly higher in the [18F]FDOPA-H group with 3-10 lesion (SUVmax 6.83 vs. 5.19, p<0.001). In the other groups, no significant differences were seen between H and L.Conclusion[18F]FDOPA-H provides a higher activity yield, offering the possibility to scan more patients with one single production. Minor differences were observed in SUV’s, with slight increases in uptake of [18F]FDOPA-H in comparison to [18F]FDOPA-L. This finding is not an concern for clinical practice, but could be of importance when quantifying follow-up scans while introducing new production methods with a higher molar activity of [18F]FDOPA
Power Efficient Multichannel Discrete Time Based LTI System for DSP
Authors: Jain Vivak , Chakrabarti Prasun , Hati Ananda Shankar , Kumar Prince 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a power-efficient multichannel discrete-time system based on a Cat swarm-based optimization algorithm for multi-signaling processing of the different signals from different musical instruments. The purpose is to provide an adjustable signaling rate to avoid aliasing. The multichannel discrete-time system can increase and decrease the sampling frequency by fraction value according to the incoming signal's maximum frequency from various musical instrument sources. Here, the multichannel discrete-time system introduces zeros and removes the samples uniformly according to requirements. To make it power efficient and reduce resource utilization by applying particle swarm optimization algorithm at the implementation time on FPGA.
A Study of The Clinical Viability of A Prototype Compton Camera for Prompt Gamma Imaging Based Proton Beam Range Verification
Authors: Polf Jerimy , Barajas Carlos A. , Kroiz Gerson C. , Peterson Stephen W. , Maggi Paul , Mackin Dennis S. , Beddar Sam , Gobbert Matthias K. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We present Compton camera (CC) based PG imaging for proton range verification at clinical dose rates. PG emission from a tissue-equivalent phantom during irradiation with clinical proton beams was measured with a prototype CC. Images were reconstructed of the raw measured data and of data processed with a neural network (NN) trained to identify “true” and “false” PG events. From these images, we determine if PG images produced by the prototype CC could provide clinically useful information about the in vivo range of the proton beams delivered during proton beam radiotherapy. NN processing of the data was found necessary to allow identification of the proton beam path from the PG images. Furthermore, to allow the localization of the end of the proton beam range with a precision of ≤ 3mm with the prototype CC, ~1 x 109 protons would need to be delivered, which is on the order of magnitude delivered for a standard proton radiotherapy treatment field. To obtain higher precision in beam range determination and to allow imaging a single proton pencil beam delivered within the full treatment field, further improvements in PG detection rates by the CC, NN data processing, and image reconstruction algorithms are needed.
Landscape Resistance Index Aiming At Functional Forest Connectivity
Authors: Vanderley-Silva Ivan , Valente Roberta Averna 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The terrestrial surface is the basis for defining the species dispersion paths and overcoming the matrix resistance. In this approach, connecting paths with high levels of integrity must avoid barriers and anthropized areas. In this context, the main objective of this study was to develop the Landscape Resistance Index based on environment integrity. It was developed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), supported by the criteria of Land Surface Temperature, Nighttime Reflectance, and Inverted NDVI, which are called observed variables. The landscape studied in the Green Belt Biosphere Reserve of São Paulo has suffered from urban sprawl. However, it has significant remnants of the Atlantic Forest, which is a biodiversity hotspot. Our results indicated criteria variability in the landscape, however, modeled through the SEM, obtaining a significant adjustment of the Landscape Resistance Index, with CFI of 1.00 and RMSEA of 0.00. The index reflects the resistance levels of the land-use/land-cover, expressed by the class interval, ranging from 0% (1.73) to 100% (493.88), with the highest values associated with the anthropized uses and forest isolation. This way, the index based on environmental attributes reflects the structure of functional forest connectivity, supporting the planning design of forest corridors across landscapes.