bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic costs of invasive alien ants worldwide
Authors: Angulo Elena , Hoffmann Benjamin D , Ballesteros-Mejia Liliana , Taheri Ahmed , Balzani Paride , Renault David , Cordonnier Marion , Bellard Céline , Diagne Christophe , Ahmed Danish A , Watari Yuya , Courchamp Franck 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Invasive ants are amongst the most destructive and widespread invaders across the globe; they can strongly alter invaded ecosystems and are responsible for the displacement of numerous native ant species. Several studies have reported that invasive ants can lead to substantial economic costs. In this study, we search, describe and analyze 1,621 reported costs of invasive ants using the InvaCost database. Economic costs, reported since 1930 for 12 ant species in 27 countries, totaled US$ 56.92 billion. The largest costs were associated with two species, Solenopsis invicta and Wasmannia auropunctata (US$ 36.91 and 19.91 billion respectively); and two countries, USA and Australia (US$ 28.62 and 27.94 billion respectively). Potential costs (i.e., expected or predicted costs) constituted the vast majority of the reported costs (80.4%). Overall, damage costs amounted to 96.3% of the total cost, impacting mostly the agriculture, public and social welfare sectors, whereas management costs primarily resulted from post-invasion management (US$ 1.78 billion), with much lower amounts dedicated to prevention (US$ 235.62 million). Beside the taxonomic bias, cost information lacked for ~ 77% of the invaded countries per species, and the geographic coverage of costs was only ~ 18% within invaded countries with costs reported. Our synthesis suggests that the global costs of invasive ants are massive but largely underreported, and thus most likely grossly underestimated. We advocate for more and improved cost reporting of invasive ants through better collaborations between managers, practitioners and researchers, a crucial basis for adequately informing future budgets and improving proactive management actions of invasive ants.
Ox-LDL induced endothelial progenitor cells oxidative stress via p38/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Jiang Qijun , Li Chengpeng , Gong Zhigang , Li Zhigang , Ding Shifang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
In many studies, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) highly expressing antioxidant protein were induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by Oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Nrf2 which was resently reported to regulate the antioxidant genes and cellular redox regulators was highly expressed in EPCs. However, its role in ox-LDL induced EPCs oxidative stress and apoptosis has not been fully illustrated.
Methods
EPCs isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with different concentration of ox-LDL, Keap1 siRNA and a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, then used to assay the whole cellular Nrf2 (total Nrf2, t-Nrf2), cytoplasmic Nrf2 (c-Nrf2), nuclear Nrf2 (n- Nrf2), NAD(P) H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) protein levels and Bax /Bcl-2 with western blot, NQO1 mRNA levels with RT-PCR, ROS level with H2DCF-DA, the loss/disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) with JC-1, apoptosis with Annexin-V and PI,migration ability with transwell chambers and tube formation.
Results
The ox-LDL treatment decreased the n-Nrf2/Histone H3 to c-Nrf2/GAPDH ratio, NQO1 mRNA and protein expression levels. Treatment of ox-LDL enhanced the ROS production, induced loss of membrane potential, increase in cell shrinkage, pyknotic nuclei and apoptosis of EPCs. The Keap1 knockdown with Keap1 siRNA increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, the NQO1 mRNA and protein transcription levels, and prevented ox-LDL induced ROS generation and formation of JC-1 monomers. Treatment of ox-LDL increased the activation of p38. Pretreatment with SB203580 significantly eliminated ox-LDL induced the inhibition of Nrf2 nuclear translocation, the depression of the mRNA transcription levels of NQO-1, the ROS generation and the formation of JC-1 monomers in EPCs. The pretreatment of Keap1 siRNA decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio which was increased by the treatment of ox-LDL in EPCs. The ox-LDL treatment decreased EPCs migration activity and tube formation. Whereas the pre-treatment with Keap1 siRNA preserved the migration ability and tube formation of EPCs
Conclusion
Ox-LDL induced EPCs oxidative stress and apoptosis via p38/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.
Differences in clinical and computed tomography imaging features between two types of mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney: Suggestions for patient management
Authors: Chen Juan , Liu Hui , Li Meng-Si , Liu Wen-Guang , Masokano Ismail Bilal , Peng Ying , Feng De-Yun , Pei Yi-Gang , Li Wen-Zheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background To analyze the differences in clinical features and computed tomography characteristics in the two types of mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney (MESTK) and to establish a treatment plan for the MESTK types.Methods 17 patients underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) before surgery and had a pathological diagnosis of MESTK were enrolled. Their clinical information (R.E.N.A.L.Nephrometry Score (R.E.N.A.L.－NS), radical nephrectomy (RN), partial nephrectomy (PN), etc.) were collected. The radiological features included renal sinus fat invagination (SFI), maximal diameter (MD), capsule and septa of the tumor, etc. were also analyzed. They were divided into two types according to the MDsolid/MDtumor ratio (type A with > 63%; type B with ≤ 63%). An independent-sample t-test and Fisher exact test were used to assess the differences between the two groups. Results MESTKs demonstrated a variable multi-septate cystic and solid components with a delayed enhancement. There were 9 patients for type A and 8 subjects for type B. Compared with type A, the lesions in type B have larger MD (79.13±39.06 vs. 41.22±24.19, p = 0.028), higher R.E.N.A.L.－NS (10.03±0.50 vs. 8.95±1.26, P＜0.001), higher RN (75.00% vs.22.22%, p =0.015), larger SFI (87.5% vs.33.3%, p=0.05), more septa (100% vs. 0%, p <0.001) and more capsule (100% vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001).Conclusion Type B MESTK has more hazardous features compared with type A, suggesting that RN is more suitable for type B and PN for type A.
Discovery of an ultra-quantum spin liquid
Authors: Yang Yanxing , Tan Cheng , Zhu Zihao , Zhang J. , Ding Zhaofeng , Wu Qiong , Chen Changsheng , Shiroka Toni , MacLaughline Douglas , Varma Chandra , Shu Lei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Quantum fluctuations are expected to lead to highly entangled spin-liquid states in some two-dimensional spin-1/2 compounds. We have synthesized and measured thermodynamic properties and muon relaxation rates in two related such compounds, one of which is the least disordered of this kind synthesized hitherto and reveals intrinsic properties of a class of spin-liquids. Its measured properties can all be simply characterized by scale invariant time-dependent fluctuations with a single parameter. The specific heat divided by temperature and muon relaxation rates are both temperature independent at low temperatures, followed by a logarithmic decrease with increasing temperature. Even more remarkably, ∼57% of the magnetic entropy is missing down to temperatures of O(10−3) the exchange energy, independent of magnetic field up to gµBH > kBT . This is evidence that quantum fluctuations lead either to a gigantic specific heat peak from topological singlet excitations below such temperatures, or to an extensively degenerate topological singlet ground state. These results reveal an ultra-quantum state of matter.
Caregivers’ health literacy and management of presumptive malaria in children under five: A cross-sectional study from Ghana
Authors: Boateng Millicent Addai , Asuman Derek , Agyei-Baffour Peter , Enemark Ulrika 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Low health literacy is associated with poor health status, poor self-management, and poor use of healthcare. This study assessed the associations of caregivers’ health literacy, incidence of malaria in children, use of healthcare and associated household costs in the management of malaria in children under five years.Method: This is a cross-sectional study with data (N=1270) collected in November - December 2017. We used hierarchical cluster analysis to generate health literacy profiles of caregivers based on responses to the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). We run logistic regression models and generalized linear models with incidence of malaria, desirable use of healthcare and household costs as dependent variables, and health literacy profiles and other socio-demographic and access variables as covariates. Results: We generated 7 caregiver health literacy profiles with Profile 1 characterised by overall high scores, Profile 4 by overall moderate scores and Profile 7 by overall low scores on nine health literacy dimensions. With Profile 4 as reference, children of caregivers in Profile 7 had 69% increased odds of an incident of malaria and no difference in odds for those of Profile 1. Profiles 1 and 7 both had reduced odds of desirable use of healthcare, 26% and 58% respectively. Caregivers in Profile 1 incurred higher spending, while caregivers in Profile 7 incurred lower spending on management of malaria in children as compared to Profile 4. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that general health literacy of caregivers as measured by the HLQ may not be influential in incidence of malaria, desirable use of healthcare and household costs in the management of malaria in children under five years in Ghana where malaria is highly prevalent. The use of hierarchical cluster analysis was feasible in the analysis of comprehensive health literacy and facilitated analysis on use of healthcare and associated costs.
Ultra-stable all-solid-state sodium-metal batteries enabled by perfluoropolyether-based electrolytes
Authors: WANG Xiaoen , Zhang Cheng , Sawczyk Michal , Yuan Qinghong , Chen Fangfang , Mendes Tiago , Howlett Patrick , Fu Changkui , Searles Debra J. , Kral Petr , Hawker Craig , Whittaker Andrew , Forsyth Maria 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Rechargeable batteries paired with sodium (Na)-metal anodes are considered as one of the most promising high energy and low-cost energy storage systems. However, the use of highly reactive Na metal and the formation of Na dendrites during battery operation have caused significant safety concerns, especially when highly flammable liquid electrolytes are used. Herein, we design and develop a solvent-free solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based block copolymer for safe and stable all-solid-state Na-metal batteries. Compared with traditional poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or PEG SPEs, our results suggest that block copolymer design allows for the formation of self-assembled microstructures leading to high storage modulus at elevated temperatures with the PEG domains providing transport channels even at high salt concentration (EO/Na+ = 8:2). Moreover, it is demonstrated that the incorporation of PFPE segments enhances the Na+ transference number of the electrolyte to 0.46 at 80 oC. Finally, the proposed SPE exhibits highly stable symmetric cell cycling performance with high current density (0.5 mA cm-2 and 1.0 mAh cm-2, up to 1300 hours). The assembled all-solid-state Na-metal batteries with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode demonstrate outstanding rate performance, high capacity retention and long-term charge/discharge stability (CE = 99.91%) after more than 900 cycles.
Feasibility and Accuracy of the Automated Software for Dynamic Quantification of Left Ventricular and Atrial Volumes and Function in a Large Unselected Population
Authors: Italiano Gianpiero , Tamborini Gloria , Fusini Laura , Mantegazza Valentina , Volpato Valentina , Celeste Fabrizio , Gripari Paola , muratori manuela , Lang Roberto , Pepi Mauro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of machine learning based automated dynamic quantification of left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) volumes in an unselected population.MethodsWe enrolled 600 unselected patients (12% in atrial fibrillation) clinically referred for transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE), who also underwent 3D echocardiography (3DE) imaging. LV ejection fraction (EF), LV and LA volumes were obtained from 2D images; 3D images were analysed using Dynamic Heart Model (DHM) software resulting in LV and LA volume-time curves. A subgroup of 140 patients underwent also cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Average time of analysis, feasibility, and image quality were recorded and results were compared between 2DTTE, DHM and CMR.ResultsThe use of DHM was feasible in 529/600 cases (88%). When feasible, the boundary position was considered accurate in 335/522 patients (64%), while major (n=43) or minor (n=156) borders corrections were needed. The overall time required for DHM datasets was approximately 40 seconds, resulting in physiologically appearing LV and LA volume–time curves in all cases. As expected, DHM LV volumes were larger than 2D ones (end-diastolic volume: 173±64 vs 142±58 mL, respectively), while no differences were found for LV EF and LA volumes (EF: 55%±12 vs 56%±14; LA volume 89±36 vs 89±38 mL, respectively). The comparison between DHM and CMR values showed a high correlation for LV volumes (r=0.70 and r=0.82, p<0.001 for end-diastolic and end-systolic volume, respectively) and an excellent correlation for EF (r= 0.82, p<0.001) and LA volumes.ConclusionsThe DHM software is feasible, accurate and quick in a large series of unselected patients, including those with suboptimal 2D images or in atrial fibrillation.
Rapid Induction of Dopaminergic Neuron Loss Accompanied by Lewy Body-Like Inclusions in A53T BAC-SNCA Transgenic Mice
Authors: Okuda Shinya , Uemura Norihito , Sawamura Masanori , Taguchi Tomoyuki , Ikuno Masashi , Uemura Maiko T. , Yamakado Hodaka , Takahashi Ryosuke 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. Pathological features of PD include dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and intraneuronal α-Synuclein (α-Syn) inclusions called Lewy bodies (LBs). Since there is no treatment to either halt or slow the progression of PD, it is highly demanded to establish a rodent model that recapitulates the clinicopathological features of PD within a short period to efficiently investigate the pathological mechanisms and test disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).MethodsWe injected human and mouse α-Syn-preformed fibrils (hPFFs and mPFFs, respectively) into the hemilateral dorsal striatum of wild-type mice, wild-type human α-Syn bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic (WT BAC-SNCA Tg) mice, and A53T human α-Syn BAC transgenic (A53T BAC-SNCA Tg) mice, and conducted pathological and behavioral analyses.ResultsWT BAC-SNCA Tg and A53T BAC-SNCA Tg mice expressed a comparable amount of α-Syn (2.9 and 2.7-fold more α-Syn, respectively, than wild-type mice) in the brains. mPFF injections induced more severe α-Syn pathology in most brain regions, including the ipsilateral SNpc, than hPFF injections in all genotypes at 1 month post-injection. Among the mPFF-injected mice, the A53T BAC-SNCA Tg mice exhibited the most severe α-Syn pathology as early as 0.5 month (2 weeks) post-injection. Consistent with these observations, in vitro fibrillization assay revealed that a mixture of A53T human α-Syn and mouse α-Syn seeded with mPFFs aggregated most rapidly among the conditions tested. The mPFF-injected A53T BAC-SNCA Tg mice showed a 38% reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the ipsilateral SNpc, apomorphine-induced rotational behavior, and motor dysfunction at 2 months post-injection. Notably, the reduction in TH-positive density in the striatum and microglial activation preceded the obvious TH-positive neuron loss in the SNpc.Conclusions﻿Our data indicate that the extent of α-Syn pathology induced by α-Syn PFF injection depends on the types of α-Syn PFFs and exogenously expressed α-Syn in Tg mice. The mPFF-injected A53T BAC-SNCA Tg mice recapitulate the pathological processes of PD more rapidly than previously reported mouse models, suggesting their usefulness for testing DMTs as well as analyzing the pathological mechanisms.
KLK3 as a possible novel early biomarker of environmental exposure in young women living in Polluted area
Authors: Raimondo Salvatore , Gentile Mariacira , Esposito Giusy , Gentile Tommaso , Ferrara Ida , Crescenzo Claudia , Palmieri Mariangela , Cuomo Felice , Filippo Stefania De , Piscopo Marina , montano luigi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Kallikrein Related Peptidase 3 (KLK3) is secreted by Skene's glands and, is considered ancestral homologues of the male prostate gland and has long been used as a biological marker of prostate cancer. Recent studies have shown that the synthesis of KLK3 can be induced by steroid hormones in different tissues of women and in the menstrual cycle it seems to follow the cyclic variation of estradiol and progesterone. In addition, some environmental pollutants such as bisphenols, phthalate / DBP (DiButyl Phthalate) affect AR (Androgen Receptors) mediated signalling that directly regulates KLK3 secretion. This suggests that environmental factors may play a role in KLK3 secretion.Methods: 61 healthy women living in a high environmental impact (HEI) area, 58 healthy women living in a low environmental impact (LEI) area were evaluated on possible presence or changes of KLK3 in serum at different phases of the menstrual cycle: blood samples taken in the follicular phase 5th-6th day, ovulatory phase 12th -13th day and luteal phase 19th -20th day of the menstrual cycle. For this aim, an ultra-sensitive kit for KLK3 with a detection limit of 0.001 ng / mL was used.Results KLK 3 values​​showed two opposite peaks, women from HEI had a positive peak in the ovulatory phase with mean value of 9.90 ± 3.21 pg / mL while women from LEI had a negative peak in the ovulatory phase with mean values ​​of 3.07 ± 1.49 pg / mL. Progesterone, showed a correlation with KLK3. Women from HEI had higher KLK3 values on average and no significant changes were evident between the three withdrawals in the different phases of the cycle. In contrast, women from LEI had a statistically significant decrease between the follicular and ovulatory phase (p <0.0001) and a statistically significant increase (p <0.0001) between the ovulatory and luteal phase.Conclusions: The data obtained seem to go beyond the known role of KLK3. The dosage of KLK3 during the various phases of the menstrual cycle, simple to carry out and with low costs, can represent an effective and early biomarker to assess environmental exposure and useful to recognize the risk early and protect female health, not only reproductive.
Climate change impacts on rainfed maize yields in Zambia under conventional and optimized crop management
Authors: Siatwiinda Siatwiinda Mabele , Supit Iwan , Hove Bert van , Yerokun Olusegun , Ros Gerard H. , de Vries Wim 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Maize production in Zambia is characterized by significant yield gaps attributed to nutrient management and climate change threatens to widen these gaps unless agronomic management is optimized. Insights in the impacts of climate change on maize yields and the potential to mitigate negative impacts by crop management is currently lacking for Zambia. Using five Global Circulation models and the WOFOST crop model, we assessed expected climate change and the impacts on maize yields at a 0.5° × 0.5° spatial resolution for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. Impacts were assessed for two future periods (i.e. near future: 2035–2066 and far future: 2065–2096) in comparison with a reference period (1971–2001). The average surface temperature and summer days (above 30°C) are projected to increase strongly in the southern and western regions. Precipitation is expected to decline, except in the northern regions while the number of wet days decline everywhere, indicating a shortening growing season. The risk of crop failure in western and southern regions increases due to dry spells and heat stress while crops in the northern regions will be threatened by flooding or waterlogging due to heavy precipitation. The simulated decline in the water limited and water- and nutrient- limited maize yields varied from ca 15–20% in the near future and from ca 20–40% in the far future, mainly due to the expected temperature increases. Optimizing management by adjusting planting dates and maize varieties can counteract these impacts by 6–29%. Quantitatively, the existing gaps between water limited yields and nutrient limited maize yields are substantially larger than the expected yield decline due to climate change. Improved nutrient management is therefore crucial to avoid crop yield decline and might even increase crop yields in Zambia.
Effects of temperature on interfacial evolution and mechanical properties of pure titanium and carbon steel sheets bonded via new multi-pass continuous hot-roll diffusion with nickel interlayer
Authors: Lin Chun-Ming Jimmy , Rizi Mohsen Saboktakin , Chen Chia-Kai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study performed experiments and thermodynamic calculations to elucidate the effects of diffusion temperature on interfacial evolution and mechanical properties of pure titanium and carbon steel (i.e., steel) sheets bonded via a new type of multi-pass continuous hot-roll diffusion with nickel interlayer. The interfacial evolution results revealed that this new type of multi-pass continuous hot-roll diffusion treatment showed a very good adherence due to its metallurgy bonding, because it made a remarked improve to between compound and intermetallic compounds relationship. Secondly, in mechanical properties results revealed that the highest shear strength (∼470 MPa) was obtained at a processing temperature of 850°C. The highest peel strength (∼21 N/mm) was obtained in the sample processed at 900°C. Bonding temperatures above and below these levels reduced the bond strength respectively due to poor atom diffusion and excessive compound formation, resulting in joint failure at the Ti-Ni interface. Extensive cleavage planes with various alignments were observed on the fracture surfaces in these cases. Overall, a hot-rolling temperature of 850°C was found to provide the optimal tradeoff between interfacial bonding strength and ductility. This work provided an economical and convenient solution for broadening the engineering application of interface between sheets of pure titanium and steel.
Vibration-based tool wear monitoring using Artificial Neural Networks fed by Spectral centroid indicator &amp; RMS of CEEMDAN modes
Authors: NOUIOUA Mourad , BOUHALAIS Mohamed Lamine 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In machining processes various phenomena occur during cutting operation. These phenomena can disturb the production through the reduction of part quality and accuracy. Therefore, a mastery of this cutting phenomena is needed to define the machining parameters and take full advantage of manufacturing process. An easy way to classify these phenomena is by monitoring incontrollable parameters, such as generated temperature and vibration. The acquired vibration signals can provide information regarding tool life, cutting performances and workpiece defects. This paper evaluates the possibility of monitoring the tool life during the turning process of AISI 1045 steel using Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV), the surface roughness has been measured along with the tool-wear until reaching its limit value of 300µm. Furthermore, this paper also outlines the application of CEEMDAN technique to process the acquired signals for the monitoring processes. RMS and SCI indicators have been used to describe the wear progress, then, the artificial neural network has been adopted to achieve a real time wear monitoring. The obtained results qualified the SCI indicator and ANN for online monitoring.