bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of regional and global climate models for the investigation of monsoon rainfall variability over the North‐West Himalayan region
Authors: Kundu Sudip Kumar , Singh Charu , Chauhan Prakash 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPresent study is an attempt to evaluate the rainfall pattern obtained from the selected Regional Climate Models (RCMs) which participated in Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment for the South Asia region (CORDEX‐SA) and the Global Climate Models (GCMs) which participated in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) with respect to the high‐resolution ground‐based Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) rainfall data during the principal monsoon season (i.e., June 1 to September 30) from 1976 to 2000 over the states of Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttarakhand (UK) in North‐West Himalayan Region (NWH). Considering the inter‐model differences, the multimodel means (MMM) of both of the CORDEX‐SA and CMIP5 models have been compared with the IMD gridded rainfall data set so as to find out the suitable set of models (whether CORDEX‐SA or CMIP5) for assessing the rainfall variability over this region. The CORDEX‐MMM indicates a poor relationship with IMD data compared with the CMIP5‐MMM over both the NWH states of HP and UK. CMIP5‐MMM demonstrates better ability to represent extreme rainfall events as compared with the CORDEX‐MMM. Significant bias has been noted for both of the CORDEX‐MMM and CMIP5‐MMM with respect to the IMD data sets, nevertheless, differences were found to be minimal in case of CMIP5‐MMM in comparison to CORDEX‐MMM. In case of the simulated rainfall from CMIP5‐MMM over both HP and UK regions, RMSE, MAE and bias, all are much smaller than that of the CORDEX‐MMM simulations with respect to the IMD rainfall data. Further to this, CMIP5‐MMM notably performs better in case of delineating extreme cases of inter‐annual variability except CORDEX‐MMM for the state of UK. Results presented here encompass the entire spectrum of summer monsoon rainfall variability, for example, daily, monthly, seasonal, inter‐annual and extreme rainfall over the NWH region. Based on the comprehensive analysis of global and regional models, it is noted that the CMIP5‐MMM has better ability to simulate rainfall pattern during monsoon season compared with the finer resolution CORDEX‐MMM for both the states of UK and HP. Therefore, it is suggested that CMIP5 models may be utilized to investigate the rainfall variability at daily, seasonal and interannual scales over the NWH region for various forcing scenarios rather than the outputs from CORDEX‐SA domain.
Timing of Acoustic Hearing Changes After Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Jensen Megan J. , Isaac Heba , Hernandez Helin , Oleson Jacob , Dunn Camille , Gantz Bruce J. , Hansen Marlan R. 
Published: December 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the timing of acoustic hearing changes among hearing preservation Cochlear implant (CI) recipients. To determine differences in hearing outcomes based on device type and demographic factors. To determine if there is a relationship between the extent of early hearing loss after CI and the subsequent rate of continued hearing loss.Study DesignProspective, single subject study.MethodsTwo hundred and eleven subjects who received a hearing preservation CI were included in the study—80 Nucleus Hybrid L24 (Cochlear), 47 422/522 (Cochlear), 24 S8 (Cochlear), 14 S12 (Cochlear), 6 SRW (Cochlear), 21 SLIM J (Advanced Bionics), and 19 Flex (Med‐EL). Of these, 127 were included in the subsequent analyses. Audiometric thresholds (low frequency pure‐tone‐averages) were collected and compared pre and postoperatively.ResultsLong‐term hearing preservation rates were 65% (52/80) for L24, 83% (20/24) for S8, 79% (11/14) for S12, 83% (5/6) for SRW, 54% (25/47) for 422/522, 91% (21/23) for SLIM J, and 84% (16/19) for Flex. Hearing loss was not related to device type (P = .9105) or gender (P = .2169). Older subjects (age ≥65) had worse hearing outcomes than younger subjects after initial device activation (age <65, P = .0262). There was no significant difference in rate of hearing loss over time between older and younger patients (P = .0938). Initial postoperative hearing loss was not associated with the rate of long‐term hearing loss.ConclusionsLong‐term low frequency hearing preservation is possible for CI recipients and is not associated with gender or device type. Rate of hearing loss over time is not dependent on patient age. Early hearing loss after CI does not predict the rate of long‐term hearing loss.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:2036–2043, 2022
Winter inverse lake stratification under historic and future climate change
Authors: Woolway R. Iestyn , Denfeld Blaize , Tan Zeli , Jansen Joachim , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , La Fuente Sofia 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMillions of lakes inversely stratify during winter. Seemingly subtle variations in the duration of winter stratification can have major ecological effects by, for example, altering the vertical distribution of oxygen and nutrients in lakes. Yet, the influence of climate change on winter stratification has been largely unexplored. To fill this knowledge gap, here we used a lake‐climate model ensemble to investigate changes in winter stratification from 1901 to 2099 across 12,242 representative lakes situated throughout the Northern Hemisphere. By the end of the 21st century, winter stratification duration is projected to shorten by an average of 18.5–53.9 d under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6–8.5. Projected changes are faster in warmer geographical regions, in which 35–69% of lakes will no longer inversely stratify by 2070–2099 under RCPs 2.6–8.5. This shortening and loss of winter stratification will likely have numerous implications for lakes, including the misalignment of lifecycle events causing shifts in biodiversity.
The systemic immunosuppressive effects of peripheral corticosteroid injections: A narrative review of the evidence in the context of COVID‐19
Authors: Regan Paul , Elkhalifa Shuayb , Barratt Paul 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionInjected glucocorticoid's (corticosteroids) are commonly used in musculoskeletal practice. The current global COVID‐19 pandemic has increased attention on the potential for locally injected corticosteroids to exert a systemic immunosuppressive effect and the implications this may have in relation to COVID‐19 infection and vaccination.AimThis narrative review summarises the evidence regarding the potential systemic immunosuppressive effects of peripheral corticosteroid injections in relation to the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodA narrative review was selected to allow inclusion of evidence related to a diverse range of topics relevant to this subject in order to provide the most comprehensive and clinically relevant guidance for clinicians.Results/discussionCurrent evidence demonstrates that cytotoxic, phagocytic and antigen presenting cells involved in both the innate and adaptive immune responses are suppressed for 48 h post‐injection and messenger cytokines that are integral to immune function are suppressed for over 96 h post‐injection. This potentially reduces an individual's ability to prevent viral infection, limit early viral replication, and delays activation of adaptive immune mechanisms (T and B lymphocytes) and subsequent viral clearance and elimination. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis can be suppressed for 2–4 weeks or longer following peripheral corticosteroid injections. The role of the HPA axis in immune function is not fully understood, however this could potentially indicate longer lasting immunosuppression.ConclusionsThis review found evidence of suppression of immune cell numbers for the first 48 h post‐injection, cytokines for over 96 h post‐injection and HPA axis suppression lasting for 2–4 weeks or longer. There is currently no evidence that these physiological changes translate into a clinically meaningful increased risk of COVID‐19 infection or related morbidity or mortality, but there is also no persuasive evidence that they do not. This review discusses the implications of the current evidence in relation to shared decision making, informed consent, risk management and COVID‐19 vaccination to provide clinicians with a pragmatic guide to help navigate the current uncertainty regarding the potential immunosuppressive effects of peripheral corticosteroid injections.
From Marginalized to Avant‐Garde: An Essay in Honor of Leith Mullings
Authors: Wali Alaka 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn 1999, Leith Mullings and I were having dinner at one of her favorite restaurants on the Upper West Side, after a long day working on a book about the Harlem Birth Right Project. Leith reflected on the lives of Black women that we were documenting and the impact of their continued, systematic exposure to structural and intersecting inequalities. Leith remarked that Black women need not be characterized as “marginalized”; rather, Black women’s experiences placed them at the vanguard of experiencing the material consequences of a rapidly accelerating and expanding capitalist system. What Black women experienced and resisted was what would eventually be felt by others forced under by the inexorable tidal wave of neoliberal capitalist forces. Her words would prove to be prophetic.
Assessing the concentration of conjugated fatty acids within pomegranate seed oil using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR)
Authors: Ün İlker , Ün Şule Şahin , Tanrıkulu Nazim , Ünlü Aişe , Ok Salim 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionPomegranate seed is rich in oil, and seed oil of pomegranate consists of conjugated fatty acids with different percentages.ObjectivesThe current contribution covers how to determine percentages of different isomeric conjugated fatty acids.MethodsThe percentages of these isomers are analysed by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) using benzoic acid as an internal reference chemical with a well‐defined amount. Linear mathematical equations are developed for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids found in pomegranate seed oil.ResultsThe developed approach is utilised for the pomegranate seed oils prepared in the laboratory and tested for commercial samples. Among the oils derived at the laboratory, the Yeni Hicaz pomegranate cultivar seeds yielded the highest fraction of punicic acid. Among the acids, punicic acid was the one with the highest fraction, while linolenic acid was the one with the lowest percentage.ConclusionsThese results are important in identifying pomegranate seed oils. Among the commercial samples tested with the current approach, only one of them showed similar content analysis as in the laboratory‐derived oils.
Halogen‐free flame‐retardant cable compounds: Influence of magnesium‐di‐hydroxide filler and coupling agent on EVA/LLDPE blend system morphology
Authors: Heinz Michael , Callsen Christoph , Stöcklein Waldemar , Altstädt Volker , Ruckdäschel Holger 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjective of this work was to deeper understand the influence of a grafted coupling agent in EVA/LLDPE based blends containing mineral filler acting as a flame‐retardant. EVA/LLDPE blends (50:50 phr) containing magnesium‐di‐hydroxide (MDH) were compounded. For comparison, parts (4%–5%) of LLDPE were substituted with MAA‐g‐LLDPE copolymer as a coupling agent. No influence of the coupling agent was observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis. A strong influence of different filler ratios (0%–60%) was detected by rheological investigations. Morphological studies revealed significant differences in blend morphology and filler location caused by phase transition which is close to the 50:50 composition. The coupling agent improved the compatibility of the blend in that a reduced phase size could be observed. The addition of the coupling agent relocated the mineral filler from being mainly located in the EVA phase into the interphase and created a connection between both polymeric phases which resulted in improved thermo‐mechanical performance.
Systematic approach to validate and implement digital phenotyping tool for soybean: A case study with PlantEye
Authors: Manavalan Lakshmi Praba , Cui Ivan , Ambrose Karen V. , Panjwani Shyam , DeLong Sarah , Mleczko Michal , Spetsieris Konstantinos 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAgriculturally beneficial soil microorganisms (biologicals) have long been recognized as a component to enhance crop growth and yield. However, efficacy and predictability of the microbes have been low because of a knowledge gap between lab‐based selection and field performance. Bayer's Crop Science research group focuses on a key prerequisite to close this gap by understanding the plant physiological parameters improved by the application of several hundred biologicals as seed coatings and then selecting the best performers using desirable phenotypes at greenhouse prior to field screening. In such large scale screening efforts, the challenge lies in obtaining manual phenotyping measurements, which is both tedious and inefficient. Digital phenotyping tools were adopted to address this challenge. PlantEye (PE) laser scanner was selected as the high‐throughput phenotyping technology for evaluation. Specifically, suitability of PE was evaluated in the greenhouse to screen biological seed treatments in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The adoption of PE digital phenotyping technology was based on successfully evaluating and establishing its comparability to a standard manual measurement using a leaf area meter (i.e., reference method). Initial study performed in soybean showed a strong correlation (0.91) between reference and PE measurements. However, an important bottleneck is defining criteria for validating the results in the context of application to a screening program. In this study, exploratory analyses were performed to evaluate effect of experimental parameters (e.g., soil type, plant location in greenhouse) on plant phenotypic variation. In addition, a standard methodology is proposed to establish the comparability between reference method and PE by formulating a quantitative approach. The approach can be applied to PE as well as similar digital phenotyping tools.
Structural and functional characterization of fosfomycin resistance conferred by FosB from Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Wiltsie Vanessa , Travis Skye , Shay Madeline R. , Simmons Zachary , Frantom Patrick , Thompson Matthew K. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Gram‐positive pathogen Enterococcus faecium is one of the leading causes of hospital‐acquired vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) infections. E. faecium has extensive multidrug resistance and accounts for more than two million infections in the United States each year. FosB is a fosfomycin resistance enzyme found in Gram‐positive pathogens like E. faecium. Typically, the FosB enzymes are Mn2+‐dependent bacillithiol (BSH) transferases that inactivate fosfomycin through nucleophilic addition of the thiol to the antibiotic. However, our kinetic analysis of FosBEf shows that the enzyme does not utilize BSH as a thiol substrate, unlike the other well characterized FosB enzymes. Here we report that FosBEf is a Mn2+‐dependent L‐cys transferase. In addition, we have determined the three‐dimensional X‐ray crystal structure of FosBEf in complex with fosfomycin at a resolution of 2.0 Å. A sequence similarity network (SSN) was generated for the FosB family to investigate the unexpected substrate selectivity. Three non‐conserved residues were identified in the SSN that may contribute to the substrate selectivity differences in the family of enzymes. Our structural and functional characterization of FosBEf establishes the enzyme as a potential target and may prove useful for future structure‐based development of FosB inhibitors to increase the efficacy of fosfomycin.
Identification, analysis, and modeling of the YUCCA protein family genome‐wide in Coffea canephora
Authors: Uc‐Chuc Miguel A. , Kú‐González Ángela F. , Jiménez‐Ramírez Irma A. , Loyola‐Vargas Víctor M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAuxin is involved in almost every aspect of plant growth and development, from embryogenesis to senescence. Indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) is the main known natural auxin that is synthesized by enzymes tryptophan aminotransferase of arabidopsis (TAA) and YUCCA (YUC) of the flavin‐containing monooxygenases family (FMO) from one of the tryptophan‐dependent pathways. Genome‐wide identification and comprehensive analysis of the YUC‐protein family have been conducted in Coffea canephora in the present study. A total of 10 members CcYUC gene family were identified in C. canephora. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CcYUC protein family is evolutionarily conserved, and they consist of four groups. In contrast, bioinformatic analysis predicted a hydrophobic transmembrane helix (TMH) for one CcYUC (YUC10) member only. Isoelectric point (pI), molecular mass (Ms), signal peptide, subcellular localization, and phosphorylation sites were predicted for CcYUC proteins. YUC enzymes require the prosthetic group flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and the cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) for their enzymatic activity. Therefore, we include the molecular docking for CcYUC2‐FAD‐NADPH‐IPyA and yucasin, which is a specific inhibitor for YUC activity. The docking results showed FAD and NADPH binding at the big and small domain sites, respectively, in CcYUC2. IPyA binds very close to FAD along the big domain, and yucasin competes for the same site as IPA, blocking IAA production. Furthermore, in silico point mutations affect the stability of the CcYUC2‐4 proteins.
Cyclized Polyacrylonitrile as a Promising Support for Single Atom Metal Catalyst with Synergistic Active Site
Authors: Liu Lulu , Duan Yandong , Liang Yu , Kan Amin , Wang Lin , Luo Qingzhi , Zhang Yaqiang , Zhang Bingkai , Li Zhen , Liu Jing , Wang Desong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMetal single atom catalysts (SAC) have been successfully used in heterogeneous catalysis but developing a scalable and economic support for SAC is still a great challenge. Here, cyclized polyacrylonitrile (CPAN) is proposed as a promising support for single atom metal catalysts. CPAN can be easily prepared from cheap industrial product polyacrylonitrile (PAN), which has excellent processability. A series of SAC on CPAN (M/CPAN, M = Ag, Cu, Ru) are designed and the catalytic activities of the as synthesized M/CPAN are investigated by the model reduction reaction of p‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). M/CPAN presents excellent catalytic performance with high stability and theoretical calculations elucidate that Ag/CPAN synergistically catalyze 4‐NP reduction following the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L‐H) mechanism with 4‐NP preferentially adsorbing at the Ag sites and H adsorbing at the bridge C sites. These results, for the first time, reveal that the single atom on CPAN can catalyze 4‐NP reduction efficiently. This methodology provides a convenient route for the preparation of a variety of SAC, and this strategy is readily scalable and holds great potential in catalytic applications.
Intelligent and Multifunctional Graphene Nanomesh Electronic Skin with High Comfort
Authors: Qiao Yancong , Li Xiaoshi , Wang Jiabin , Ji Shourui , Hirtz Thomas , Tian He , Jian Jinming , Cui Tianrui , Dong Ying , Xu Xinwei , Wang Fei , Wang Hong , Zhou Jianhua , Yang Yi , Someya Takao , Ren Tian‐Ling 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAs the aging population increases in many countries, electronic skin (e‐skin) for health monitoring has been attracting much attention. However, to realize the industrialization of e‐skin, two factors must be optimized. The first is to achieve high comfort, which can significantly improve the user experience. The second is to make the e‐skin intelligent, so it can detect and analyze physiological signals at the same time. In this article, intelligent and multifunctional e‐skin consisting of laser‐scribed graphene and polyurethane (PU) nanomesh is realized with high comfort. The e‐skin can be used as a strain sensor with large measurement range (>60%), good sensitivity (GF≈40), high linearity range (60%), and excellent stability (>1000 cycles). By analyzing the morphology of e‐skin, a parallel networks model is proposed to express the mechanism of the strain sensor. In addition, laser scribing is also applied to etch the insulating PU, which greatly decreases the impedance in detecting electrophysiology signals. Finally, the e‐skin is applied to monitor the electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram (EEG), and electrooculogram signals. A time‐ and frequency‐domain concatenated convolution neural network is built to analyze the EEG signal detected using the e‐skin on the forehead and classify the attention level of testers.
Nanoarchitectonics for Abused‐Drug Biosensors
Authors: Moradi Rasoul , Khalili Nazila Pour , Septiani Ni Luh Wulan , Liu Chia‐Hung , Doustkhah Esmail , Yamauchi Yusuke , Rotkin Slava V. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRapid, accessible, and highly accurate biosensors for the detection of addictive and abused drugs are needed to reduce the adverse personal and societal impacts of addiction. Modern sensors that utilize next‐generation technologies, e.g., nanobiotechnology and nanoarchitectonics, have triggered revolutionary progress in the field as they allow accurate detection and tracking of trace levels of major classes of drugs. This paper reviews advances in the field of biosensors for the detection of commonly abused drugs, both prescribed such as codeine and morphine, and illegal narcotics like cocaine.
Factors influencing duration of neonatal cranial ultrasound: A pilot study of retrospective data
Authors: Dare Naomi , Ramis Mary‐Anne 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundCranial ultrasound is frequently used for diagnostic and/or routine screening in neonates. Exploring factors associated with scan duration is warranted to ensure alignment to clinical guidelines.AimTo identify factors associated with neonatal cranial scan time.MethodsA retrospective pilot study was undertaken in a tertiary hospital. A sample of completed neonatal scans was examined from July 1 to December 31, 2017. Data were analysed for statistical differences between groups. Correlational and regression analysis was undertaken to explore associations.ResultsAnalysis of 201 cases revealed estimated scan duration ranged from 4 to 54 min with median estimated scan time being 11.00 min (IQR = 6 min). Mann–Whitney U tests identified scans undertaken by two operators took significantly longer than single operator scans (5 min longer; U = 1175.500; p < .001). Additionally, scans with pathological findings were significantly longer than scans without (2 min longer; U = 3710.000; p = .004). Number of scan operators (r = .378; p < .001) and presence of pathology (r = .155; p = .003) were significantly correlated with estimated scan duration, representing medium and small effect size, respectively. Both variables explained 29% of variance in estimated scan duration (R2 = 0.294; F = 39.260; p = <.001).ConclusionResults identified significant associations between variables, providing baseline data for scanning practices in our setting.
Statistics with Imprecise Probabilities—A Short Survey
Authors: Augustin Thomas 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis chapter aims at surveying and highlighting in an introductory way some challenges and big opportunities a paradigmatic shift to imprecise probabilities could induce in statistical modelling. Working with an informal understanding of imprecise probabilities, we discuss the concepts of model imprecision and data imprecision as the two main types of imprecision in statistical modelling. Then we provide a short survey of some major developments, methodological questions and applications of imprecise probabilistic models under model imprecision in the context of different inference schools and summarize some recent developments in the area of data imprecision.