bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real‐world clinical outcomes of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir treatment in HCV genotype 1‐ and 2‐infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis: A nationwide multicenter study by the Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kurosaki Masayuki , Nakamura Shinichiro , Hasebe Chitomi , Kojima Yuji , Furuta Koichiro , Kobashi Haruhiko , Kimura Hiroyuki , Ogawa Chikara , Yagisawa Hitoshi , Uchida Yasushi , Joko Kouji , Akahane Takehiro , Arai Hirotaka , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Narita Ryoichi , Ide Yasushi , Sato Takashi , Kusakabe Atsunori , Tsuji Keiji , Mori Nami , Kondo Masahiko , Mitsuda Akeri , Izumi Namiki 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe real‐world virological efficacy and safety of interferon‐free direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy with sofosbuvir (SOF) and velpatasvir (VEL) were assessed in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1‐ and 2‐infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis. A total of 65 patients with HCV‐related decompensated cirrhosis (Child‐Pugh score of 7 points or more) who were treated with the SOF/VEL regimen were enrolled. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate and safety profile were analyzed. SVR was defined as undetectable serum HCV RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). The percentages of patients with undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the start of therapy were 81.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.5–89.9) (52/64), 98.4% (95% CI, 91.2–100.0) (60/61), and 98.5% (95% CI, 91.7–100.0) (64/65), respectively. The overall SVR rate was 92.3% (95% CI, 83.0–97.5) (60/65). Albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) scores decreased during and after treatment (p < 0.001), and there were significant differences between baseline and end of treatment and between baseline and SVR12. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in SVR rates according to patient age, sex, HCV genotype (subtype), Child‐Pugh classification, modified ALBI grade, presence of ascites, presence of hepatic coma, or history of hepatocellular carcinoma. In all subpopulations, the SVR rates were higher than 80%. There were no severe adverse events associated with the treatment. The SOF/VEL regimen showed good virological efficacy and acceptable safety even in patients with HCV‐related decompensated cirrhosis.
Evaluation of daily precipitation analyses in E‐OBS (v19.0e) and ERA5 by comparison to regional high‐resolution datasets in European regions
Authors: Bandhauer Moritz , Isotta Francesco , Lakatos Mónika , Lussana Cristian , Båserud Line , Izsák Beatrix , Szentes Olivér , Tveito Ole Einar , Frei Christoph 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGridded analyses of observed precipitation are an important data resource for environmental modelling, climate model evaluation and climate monitoring. In Europe, datasets that resolve the rich mesoscale variations widely exist for the national territories, but similar datasets covering the entire continent are more recent. Here, we evaluate daily precipitation in two newly available pan‐European datasets: E‐OBS (v19.0e), a statistical analysis from rain‐gauge data, and ERA5, the new global reanalysis from ECMWF. Special interest is on how the refinements of grid spacing, the methodological upgrades and the quantification of uncertainty (ensemble), bear on capabilities at the mesoscale. The evaluation is conducted in three subregions, the Alps, the Carpathians and Fennoscandia, and involves as reference high‐quality regional datasets derived from dense rain‐gauge data. The study suggests that E‐OBS and ERA5 agree qualitatively well with the reference datasets. Major mesoscale patterns in the climatology (mean, wet‐day frequency, 95% quantile) are reproduced. The improvement over earlier versions of the datasets is evident. ERA5 was found to overestimate mean precipitation in all regions, related to too many wet days. The accuracy of E‐OBS was found to depend on station density, with spatial and temporal variations clearly less accurate in data sparse regions. In comparison, E‐OBS turned out to be superior to ERA5 in regions with dense data, but the two datasets are on a par in regions with sparse data, and partly ERA5 has advantages. For both datasets we find that the spatial resolution is coarser than the grid spacing, with overly smooth fields and an underestimation of high quantiles. Also, both datasets were found to be clearly overconfident in their uncertainty characterization (too small ensemble spread). Overall, the two datasets advance the characterization of precipitation on a pan‐European scale, but users are advised to take residual limitations into account in applications.
The thermal state of the North Atlantic and macro‐circulation conditions in the Atlantic‐European sector, and changes in sunshine duration in Central Europe
Authors: Marsz Andrzej A. , Matuszko Dorota , Styszyńska Anna 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article explains the reasons for the long‐term variability in sunshine duration (SD) in Central Europe. It presents a recently discovered mechanism regulating changes in sunshine duration, not described so far in the literature. The periods of global dimming and global brightening were linked with changes in the annual frequency of the macrotypes of the middle‐tropospheric circulation and the variability in the surface component of the thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic (NA THC). On the basis of the totals of annual sunshine duration from the years 1951–2015 from 21 stations located in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it was shown that changes in NA THC account for onethird of the variability in sunshine duration, while changes in the frequency of macrotypes W and E, forced by the changes in NA THC, each separately account for about 26 and 22% of the variability in the totals of annual sunshine duration in Central Europe.
Tuning isothermal crystallization kinetics by minor similar solute element substitution in novel La‐(AlGa)‐C metallic glasses
Authors: Xu Tao , Zhang Leilei , Li Xuan , Zhuo Longchao , Jian Zengyun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn the present text, the effects of minor similar solute element Ga substitution for Al on the isothermal crystallization kinetics of novel light RE‐based La‐(AlGa)‐C metallic glasses (MGs) were systematically investigated between La60Al26Ga4C10 MG and the precursor La60Al30C10 MG by using phase analysis, Johnson–Mehl–Avrami and Arrhenius using x‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The incubation period, the accomplishment time of the whole process, and the diversity of both the precipitated phases and the varying trend of the local Avrami exponent are elevated by minor similar solute element Ga substitution for Al, respectively. Additionally, the Avrami exponent of different isothermal crystallization temperature changes from g n > 2.5 to a combination of values 1.5 < n < 2.5 and a value n > 2.5 given by minor similar solute element Ga substitution for Al, corresponding to the crystallization characteristics changing from crystallization with promoting nucleation rate to a combination of crystallization with a reducing nucleation rate and crystallization with promoting nucleation rate. Moreover, the isothermal crystallization process becomes more difficult after minor similar solute element Ga substitution for Al, due to the reduced Avrami exponent and the intensified local activation energy.
Soil salinity and sodicity changes after a one‐time application of flue gas desulphurization gypsum to paddy fields
Authors: Zhang Wenchao , Zhao Yonggan , Wang Shujuan , Li Yan , Zhuo Yuqun , Liu Jia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSodic soil is more likely to deteriorate in paddy fields than in other fields. Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum can reclaim sodic soils, but how long a one‐time application of FGD gypsum provides benefits in paddy fields is poorly understood. In this study, soil salinity, sodicity, and soluble and exchangeable cation concentrations were evaluated over a 7‐year period to investigate the reclamation of sodic soil in a paddy field by FGD gypsum. After 7 years, compared with those in the initial soil, the pH, sodium adsorption ratio, and exchangeable sodium percentage of the topsoil (0–20 cm) decreased by at least 2 units, 72.2% and 80.9%, respectively. In the process of FGD gypsum reclamation, substantial changes in topsoil salinity and sodicity occurred mainly between the 4th and 5th years of reclamation, representing the boundary of the FGD gypsum dissolution stage, which was followed by the soil reclamation maintenance stage. In the FGD gypsum dissolution stage, soil salinity was dominated by Ca2+ that accumulated in the 0–10 cm soil layer. Over time, the exchangeable Ca2+ concentration decreased with soil depth to 40 cm. In the reclamation maintenance stage, FGD gypsum was basically depleted, but the sodicity still showed a significant decrease compared with that in the initial soil. These results indicate that FGD gypsum can significantly and effectively reclaim sodic soil in paddy fields for at least 7 years. Though the FGD gypsum was exhausted 5 years after its application, reclamation continued to be maintained due to the presence of exchangeable Ca2+.
Microscopic Carriers of Plasticity in Glassy Polystyrene
Authors: Mols Roy H. M. , Vogiatzis Georgios G. , van Breemen Lambèrt C. A. , Hütter Markus 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe relevant parts of the microstructure participating in the plastic deformation of glassy polystyrene are identified. This is achieved by performing quasi‐static deformation simulations of an atomistic representation of polystyrene, within a thermodynamic framework, under experimentally realistic boundary conditions (controlled compressive strain, atmospheric pressure in the lateral directions, and room temperature). In particular, it is shown that discontinuities in the free energy in the course of deformation are representative of microscopic plastic events, which are strongly correlated with the heterogeneous non‐affine deformation of the phenyl‐rings. However, despite the induced anisotropy during deformation, the phenyl‐rings do not show any preferred orientation during deformation. The rearrangements of the microstructure during the discontinuities are analyzed further in terms of a local best‐fit deformation gradient tensor (a modified version of the procedure introduced by Falk and Langer in 1998) as well as the stretch‐ and rotation‐components of the local deformation of clusters of atoms that show significant non‐affine deformation. This analysis shows that the local deformation is highly heterogeneous, and locally the strains and rotations can be orders of magnitude larger than the imposed deformation, giving rise to plastic deformation of the material.
Increased diagnosis of enlarged vestibular aqueduct by multiplex PCR enrichment and next‐generation sequencing of the SLC26A4 gene
Authors: Tian Yongan , Xu Hongen , Liu Danhua , Zhang Juanli , Yang Zengguang , Zhang Sen , Liu Huanfei , Li Ruijun , Tian Yingtao , Zeng Beiping , Li Tong , Lin Qianyu , Wang Haili , Li Xiaohua , Lu Wei , Shi Ying , Zhang Yan , Zhang Hui , Jiang Chang , Xu Ying , Chen Bei , Liu Jun , Tang Wenxue 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is the commonest malformation of inner ear accompanied by sensorineural hearing loss in children. Three genes SLC26A4, FOXI1, and KCNJ10 have been associated with EVA, among them SLC26A4 being the most common. Yet, hotspot mutation screening can only diagnose a small number of patients.MethodsThus, in this study, we designed a new molecular diagnosis panel for EVA based on multiplex PCR enrichment and next‐generation sequencing of the exon and flanking regions of SLC26A4. A total of 112 hearing loss families with EVA were enrolled and the pathogenicity of the rare variants detected was interpreted according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.ResultsOur results showed that 107/112 (95.54%) families carried SLC26A4 biallelic mutations, 4/112 (3.57%) carried monoallelic variants, and 1/112 (0.89%) had none variant, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 95.54%. A total of 49 different variants were detected in those patients and we classified 30 rare variants as pathogenic/likely pathogenic, of which 13 were not included in the Clinvar database.ConclusionOur diagnostic panel has an increased diagnostic yield with less cost, and the curated list of pathogenic variants in the SLC26A4 gene can be directly used to aid the genetic counseling to patients.
Relative Effectiveness of D-Frame Dip Nets, Quatrefoil Light Traps, and Towed Ichthyoplankton Nets for Larval Muskellunge
Authors: Krebs Jared E. , Brandt Ethan J. , Dembkowski Daniel J. , Isermann Daniel A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Muskellunge Esox masquinongy are large, predatory game fish whose association with shallow, complex habitats is well documented, particularly during early life stages. Despite this association, relatively little guidance exists regarding effective sampling of Muskellunge larvae and previous efforts to sample larval Muskellunge have been met with limited success. Therefore, our objective was to determine the relative effectiveness of three sampling gears for capturing naturally produced Muskellunge larvae. Larvae were sampled during 2019 and 2020 at known Muskellunge spawning locations in Snipe Lake, Wisconsin, with D-frame dip nets (1,000-µm mesh), quatrefoil light traps, and towed ichthyoplankton nets (1,000-µm mesh). Sixty larval Muskellunge were captured across all gears, and catches in D-frame dip nets comprised nearly 87% (52 of 60) of the total catch. Furthermore, D-frame dip nets captured the broadest size range of larval Muskellunge (TL range = 14–33 mm). Greater effectiveness of D-frame dip nets in comparison with other gears is likely related to their ability to be used in and around structurally complex habitats without fouling or clogging. Our results suggest that D-frame dip nets should be considered as a cost- and time-effective tool for targeting larval Muskellunge in complex habitats.
Development of a validated HPTLC‐bioautographic method for evaluation of aromatase inhibitory activity of plant extracts and their constituents
Authors: Dawood Hend M. , Shawky Eman , Hammoda Hala M. , Metwally Aly M. , Ibrahim Reham S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionAromatase is a CYP450 enzyme that catalyses the conversion of androgens into oestrogens, where the decrease in the production of oestrogens aided by aromatase inhibitors is considered a target in post‐menopausal breast cancer therapy. TLC‐bioautography is a technique employed for combining chromatographic separations on TLC plates with bioassays. This is the first report to evaluate aromatase inhibitory activity using this technique.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to develop and validate a new TLC‐bioautographic method for determination of aromatase inhibitory activity in 14 plant extracts. Two quantitation methods, the peak area method and reciprocal iso‐inhibition volume (RIV) method, were compared and investigated to attain reliable results. Factors affecting the enzymatic reaction (temperature, pH, enzyme and substrate concentrations … etc.) were also investigated to attain the optimum parameters.MethodologyTLC assisted by digital image processing was implemented for quantitative estimation of the aromatase inhibition of 14 plant extracts using chrysin as positive control. The fluorometric substrate dibenzyl fluorescein (DBF) was utilised for the assay, where inhibitory compounds were visualised as dark spots against a blue fluorescent background. Two software programs, Sorbfil® videodensitometer (in the peak area method) and ImageJ® (in the RIV method), were thoroughly validated using the International Council on Harmonisation (ICH) guideline and used for quantitation.ResultsThe RIV method showed superiority over the peak area method in the quantitation results of the tracks with non‐homogenous background with %RSD values of 0.98 and 1.49 compared with 2.86 and 3.58, respectively. Further, the methods allow the comparison of the activity of different unknown inhibitory compounds without the need for a reference or a positive control.ConclusionUsing the TLC‐bioautographic method by image processing combined with the RIV quantitation method, simultaneous separation and quantitation of aromatase inhibitory components could be applied to estimate the relative activity of various plant extracts.
Comprehensive insights into host‐pathogen interaction between brown planthopper and a fungal entomopathogen by dual RNA sequencing
Authors: Wang Zheng‐Liang , Pan Hai‐Bo , Li Mu‐Yu , Wu Wei , Yu Xiao‐Ping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe brown planthopper (BPH) is one of the most destructive pests of rice, causing tremendous yield and economic losses every year. The fungal entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae was previously proved to have great potential for BPH biocontrol. Genome‐wide insight into the insect‐fungus interaction is crucial for genetic improvement of M. anisopliae to enhance its virulence to BPH but still has been poorly explored.RESULTSUsing dual RNA‐seq approach, we present here a global view of host and fungal gene expressions in BPH adults during the fungal infection. The results revealed that BPH could initiate strong defense responses against the fungal attack by upregulating the expressions of a large number of genes, including genes involved in cuticle formation, immune response, cell detoxification and biomacromolecule metabolism. Correspondingly, the fungal entomopathogen could induce a series of genes to infect and modulate BPH, including genes involved in fungal penetration, invasive growth, stress resistance and virulence. Three host defense‐related genes (NlPCE4, NlPOD1 and NlCYP4DE1) were chosen for further function analysis. RNAi‐mediated knockdown of NlPCE4 caused a significant decrease in BPH survival, but no obvious effects on the survival rates were detected by the suppression of NlPOD1 and NlCYP4DE1. Combination of dsRNA injection and fungal infection could significantly enhance the BPH‐killing speed, as synergistic mortalities were observed in co‐treatments of RNAi and M. anisopliae infection.CONCLUSIONOur study provides a comprehensive insight into molecular mechanisms of host‐pathogen interaction between BPH and M. anisopliae and contributes to future development of new efficient biocontrol strategies for BPH biocontrol.
Direct infusion and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry analysis of phospholipid regioisomers
Authors: Fabritius Mikael , Yang Baoru 
Published: June 2021

RationalePhospholipids are important components of cell membranes that are linked to several beneficial health effects such as increasing plasma HDL cholesterol levels, improving cognitive abilities and inhibiting growth of colon cancer. The role of phospholipid (PL) regioisomers in all these health effects is, however, largely not studied due to lack of analytical methods.MethodsElectrospray ionization mass spectrometry in negative mode produces structurally informative fragment ions resulting from differential dissociation of fatty acids (FAs) from the sn‐1 and sn‐2 positions, primarily high‐abundance [RCOO]− ions. The fragment ion ratios obtained with different ratios of regiopure phospholipid reference compounds were used to construct calibration curves, which allow determination of regioisomeric ratios of an unknown sample. The method was developed using both direct infusion mass spectrometry (MS) and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HILIC‐MS).ResultsThe produced calibration curves have high coefficients of determination (R2 >0.98) and the fragment ion ratios in replicate analyses were very consistent. A test mixture containing 60/40% ratios of all available regioisomer pairs was analyzed to test and validate the functionality of the calibration curves. The results were accurate and reproducible. However, regioisomeric quantification of certain chromatographically overlapping compounds is restricted by the relatively wide window in precursor ion selection of the MS instrument used.ConclusionsThis method establishes a framework for analysis of phospholipid regioisomers. Specific regioisomers can be quantified using the existing data, and method development will continue with improving chromatographic separation and exploring the fragmentation patterns and efficiencies of different PL classes and FA combinations, ultimately to refine this method for routine analysis of natural fats and oils.
Plan‐Draw‐Evaluate (PDE) pattern in students' collaborative drawing: Interaction between visual and verbal modes of representation
Authors: Park Joonhyeong , Tang Kok‐Sing , Chang Jina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe use of group drawing to promote student‐generated representation is a common instructional strategy as it combines the benefits of using visual representation and collaborative talk. Although the affordances of group drawing have increasingly been emphasized in science education, few studies have investigated how drawing as a visual mode interacts with group discourse as a verbal mode as well as how that interaction facilitates the development of students' collective ideas. Informed by theories in classroom discourse and multimodality, this paper examines the interaction process between a verbal and visual mode of representation as groups of students engaged in collaborative drawing during guided science inquiry lessons. On the basis of the analysis of data from a science class that adopted group drawing, we found and documented a recurring pattern, Plan‐Draw‐Evaluate or PDE pattern, in how the interaction between the verbal and visual modes occurred during collaborative drawing. This PDE pattern consisted of a triad of moves that alternate between the two modes and fulfilled various discursive purposes, such as suggesting, requesting, recording, visualizing, elaborating, agreeing, and rejecting. The PDE pattern provided a basic social structure that facilitated the collaboration and progression of students' ideas. With illustrations of PDE patterns and its variations, we argue that the PDE pattern provides an insight into the dynamic organization of interactions involved in group drawing that takes into consideration the multimodal affordances of verbal and visual modes of representation and the progression of ideas developed through collaborative discourse.
Understanding Carbon Nanotube‐Based Ionic Diodes: Design and Mechanism
Authors: Peng Ran , Pan Yueyue , Liu Biwu , Li Zhi , Pan Peng , Zhang Shuailong , Qin Zhen , Wheeler Aaron R. , Tang Xiaowu (Shirley) , Liu Xinyu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe rectification of ion transport through biological ion channels has attracted much attention and inspired the thriving invention and applications of ionic diodes. However, the development of high‐performance ionic diodes is still challenging, and the working mechanisms of ionic diodes constructed by 1D ionic nanochannels have not been fully understood. This work reports the systematic investigation of the design and mechanism of a new type of ionic diode constructed from horizontally aligned multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes decorated at their two entrances. The major design and working parameters of the MWCNT‐based ionic diode, including the ion channel size, the driven voltage, the properties of working fluids, and the quantity and length of charge modification, are extensively investigated through numerical simulations and/or experiments. An optimized ionic current rectification (ICR) ratio of 1481.5 is experimentally achieved on the MWCNT‐based ionic diode. These results promise potential applications of the MWCNT‐based ionic diode in biosensing and biocomputing. As a proof‐of‐concept, DNA detection and HIV‐1 diagnosis is demonstrated on the ionic diode. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the working principle of the MWCNT‐based ionic diodes and will allow rational device design and optimization.