bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the effects of climate variable and timescale selection on uncertainties in dryness/wetness trends in conterminous China
Authors: Ma Tianxiao , Liang Yu , Sunde Michael G. , Lau Matthew K. , Liu Bo , Wu Mia M. , He Hong S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAnalysing dryness/wetness trends, which is typically achieved by examining drought indices, is an essential approach for assessing extreme climate events. However, since there are differences among studies in terms of selected climate variables and timescales used to calculate drought indices, there is uncertainty regarding the magnitude and direction of the dryness/wetness, trend even for the same region. We used 40 years weather station data (1970–2010) and studied the uncertainties of dryness/wetness trends in conterminous China. The effects of selected climate variables, timescales and their interaction on the dryness/wetness trends were quantified by comparing the Standardized Precipitation Index, Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) with the Thornthwaite equation and SPEI with the Penman–Monteith equation at 3‐, 12‐ and 24‐month timescales. The results indicated that (a) higher uncertainties occurred in relatively arid and humid regions; (b) timescale tended to exaggerate the effect of climate variables, even though its effect was substantially lower than climate variables; (c) relative humidity and precipitation were the primary climate variables affecting observed dryness/wetness trend uncertainties. Since the key climate variables changed depending on the selected timescale, the role of timescale should be further examined the Inner Mongolia and Northeast regions. In general, the study results suggest that the trend analysis of dryness/wetness should include the interaction of both climate variable and timescale selection, particularly when a single drought index is used to estimate the dryness/wetness trend in diverse regions.
Parenteral Protein Decision Support System Improves Protein Delivery in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Alrifai Mhd Wael , Mulherin David P. , Weinberg Stuart T. , Wang Li , Lehmann Christoph U. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundManagement of neonatal parenteral protein intake for preterm infants is challenging and requires daily modifications of the dose to account for the infant's postnatal age, birth weight, current weight, and the volume and protein concentration of concurrent enteral nutrition. The objective of this study was to create and evaluate the Parenteral Protein Calculator (PPC), a clinical decision support system to improve the accuracy of protein intake for preterm infants who require parenteral nutrition (PN).Materials and MethodsWe integrated the PPC into the computerized provider order entry system and tested it in a randomized controlled trial (routine or PPC). Infants were eligible if they were ≤3 days old, had a birth weight ≤1500 g, and had no inborn error of metabolism. The primary outcome was the appropriate total protein intake, defined as target protein dose ±0.5 g/kg.ResultsWe randomly allocated 42 infants for 221 PN days in the control group and 211 in the PPC group. Total protein intake in the PPC group was more accurate as compared with the control group (appropriate protein dosing: odds ratio = 5.8; 95% CI, 2.7–12.4). Absolute deviation from protein target was 0.41 g/kg (0.24–0.58) lower in the PPC group.ConclusionThe PPC improved appropriate protein dosing for premature infants receiving PN. Further studies are needed to test whether clinical decision support systems will reduce uremia and improve growth and to replicate similar findings in the cases of other PN nutrients.
Recombinant thrombomodulin lectin‐like domain attenuates Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide‐induced osteoclastogenesis and periodontal bone resorption
Authors: Chang Lan‐Yun , Lai Chao‐Han , Kuo Cheng‐Hsiang , Chang Bi‐Ing , Wu Hua‐Lin , Cheng Tsung‐Lin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundEvidence demonstrates that the thrombomodulin (TM) lectin domain (TMD1) exerts anti‐inflammatory functions. Lipopolysaccharides derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg‐LPS) are considered a major pathogenic factor for chronic periodontitis, promoting inflammation, osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of recombinant TMD1 (rTMD1) in suppression of Pg‐LPS‐induced osteoclastogenesis and periodontal bone loss.MethodsIn vitro, the effects of Pg‐LPS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and rTMD1 on osteoclast differentiation were investigated using receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vivo, the effects of rTMD1 treatment were evaluated in a model of experimental periodontitis induced by direct injection of Pg‐LPS into the vestibular gingiva.ResultsAdministration of Pg‐LPS to RANKL‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages resulted in upregulation of CD86 and osteoclast marker (eg, Dc‐stamp and Trap) gene expression and increase of pro‐inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., TNF‐α) during osteoclast differentiation, and rTMD1 can attenuate these effects. Also, rTMD1 inhibited Pg‐LPS‐enhanced in vitro bone resorption in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, TNF‐α promoted phosphorylation of p38 and ERK during osteoclast differentiation, and the signal activation can be inhibited by rTMD1. Finally, treatment with rTMD1 hindered Pg‐LPS‐induced alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis in mice.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that rTMD1 attenuates Pg‐LPS‐enhanced M1 macrophage polarization, osteoclastogenesis and periodontal bone resorption and thus holds therapeutic promise for periodontitis.
Preparation of palm (Elaeis oleifera) pressed fibre cellulose nanocrystals via cation exchange resin: characterisation and evaluation as Pickering emulsifier
Authors: Soo Yee‐Theng , Ng Shi‐Wan , Tang Teck‐Kim , Ab Karim Nur Azwani , Phuah Eng‐Tong , Lee Yee‐Ying 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDPalm pressed fibre (PPF) is a cellulose‐rich biomass residue produced during palm oil extraction. Its high cellulose content allows the isolation of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). CNC has attracted scientific interest due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility and low cost. The present study isolated CNC from PPF using a cation exchange resin, which is an environmentally friendly and less harsh hydrolysis method than conventional mineral acid hydrolysis. Isolated CNC was used to stabilise an oil‐in‐water emulsion and the emulsion stability was evaluated in terms of droplet size, morphology and physical stability.RESULTSPPF was subjected to alkali and bleach treatment prior to hydrolysis, which successfully removed 54% and 75% of non‐cellulosic components (hemicellulose and lignin, respectively). Hydrolysis conditions of 5 h, 15:1 (w/w) resin‐to‐pulp ratio and 50 °C produced CNC particles of 50–100 nm in length. CNC had a crystallinity index of 42% and appeared rod‐like morphologically. CNC‐stabilised emulsion had better stability when used in combination with soy lecithin (SL), a well‐established, commonly used food stabiliser. Emulsion stabilised by the binary mixture of CNC and SL had droplet size, morphology and physical stability comparable to those of emulsion stabilised using SL.CONCLUSIONSCNC was successfully isolated from PPF through a cation exchange resin. This offers an alternative usage for the underutilised PPF to be converted into value‐added products. Isolated CNC was also found to have promising potential in the stabilisation of Pickering emulsions. These results provide useful information indicating CNC as a natural and sustainable stabiliser for food, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Leonardite iron humate and synthetic iron chelate mixtures in Glycine max nutrition
Authors: Cieschi María T , Lucena Juan J 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of this work was to study the possible synergic effect between mixtures with iron leonardite humate (L/Fe3+) and synthetic chelates iron (Ch/Fe3+: o,oEDDHA /Fe3+ or HBED/Fe3+), and to reevaluate the classical chelate shuttle‐effect model. Different molar ratios of L/Fe3+:Ch/Fe3+, different doses, and different sampling times were used in hydroponic and soil experiments using soybean (Glycine max) as a model Strategy I crop in calcareous conditions. Ligand competition between the humate and chelating agents was also examined.RESULTSIron humate participates in the chelate shuttle mechanism, providing available Fe to the chelating agent and then to the plants, showing a slight synergic effect. After a few days, the contribution of the chelates to the Fe nutrition decreases substantially, but the contribution of the humates is maintained.CONCLUSIONSThe most efficient ratio was two parts of iron humates and one part of iron chelate. In particular, HBED/Fe3+ was the most suitable iron chelate because its lasting effect fits the iron humate long‐term effect better. The soluble iron in soil increased and the shoot‐to‐root iron translocation improved due to a synergic effect by a shuttle effect exerted by iron chelate in the mixture. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential foraminiferal nitrate transport in sediments in contact with oxic overlying water
Authors: Xu Zhaomeng , Liu Sumei , Ning Xiaoyan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSedimentary denitrification accounts for more than half of the global marine fixed nitrogen loss, but this removal is often restricted by nitrate diffusive supply in sediments. The results of this study showed that foraminiferal nitrate transport may supply nitrate below the nitrate penetration depth and promote nitrogen removal in sediments in contact with oxic overlying water. Six dominant foraminiferal species in the Yellow Sea sediments accumulated high concentrations of intracellular nitrate (25–68 mM), which is 1000 times higher than the maximum pore water nitrate concentration. Notably, this is the first time that Protelphidium tuberculatum, the most dominant species at almost all stations, is reported to have elevated intracellular nitrate. P. tuberculatum contributes 45% to 92% of the foraminiferal intracellular nitrate pools and plays an important role in foraminiferal nitrate transport. The potential foraminiferal denitrification rates below the nitrate penetration depth induced by foraminiferal nitrate transport ranged from 4 to 117 μmol N m−2 d−1 and contributed 3% to 81% of sedimentary denitrification. The intensity of foraminiferal nitrate transport showed a negative correlation with the nitrate penetration depth and positively correlated with the chlorophyll a (Chl a) and chloroplastic pigment equivalent concentrations, which indicate that shallower redox depth (nitrate penetration depth) and increased food supply (Chl a, chloroplastic pigment equivalent) may promote foraminiferal nitrate transport. The trophic oxygen model was modified by adding the pore water nitrate to explain foraminiferal nitrate transport in various marine environments, and this modified trophic oxygen model predicts the observed high foraminiferal nitrate transport intensity.
A New Synthetic Strategy for Polymeric Bromine Precursors: One‐Step Change from Bromine‐Containing Polymers to Functional Polymers
Authors: Yu Gang , Xu Qian , Li Shuyi , Gu Yu , Lu Yanbing , Xu Weijian , Wu Ruoxi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPostmodification methods are effective tools in preparing functional polymers, and novel end‐group reactions have attracted much attention from researchers for postmodification applications. Here, a new high‐efficiency postmodification method is proposed, which can change bromine‐containing polymers to functional polymers in one step. Phenol, 1‐hydroxynaphthalene, and 4‐(2‐phenyldiazenyl)‐phenol (AzoOH) are successfully grafted onto the polymeric branch chain of bromine‐containing polymers, i.e., homopolymer, bromoethyl methyl acrylate, (pBMEA) and amphiphilic block copolymer p(BMEA)‐b‐p(mPEG), with a high grafting rate that is near 100%. Also, the micelles of the postmodified amphiphilic block copolymer p(BMEA‐Azo)‐b‐p(mPEG) are broken up under ultraviolet irradiation. The proposed method can be used as a platform to prepare a variety of stimuli‐responsive polymeric nanoparticles.
On the completeness and the decidability of strictly monadic second‐order logic
Authors: Takagi Kento , Kashima Ryo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRegarding strictly monadic second‐order logic (SMSOL), which is the fragment of monadic second‐order logic in which all predicate constants are unary and there are no function symbols, we show that a standard deductive system with full comprehension is sound and complete with respect to standard semantics. This result is achieved by showing that in the case of SMSOL, the truth value of any formula in a faithful identity‐standard Henkin structure is preserved when the structure is “standardized”; that is, the predicate domain is expanded into the set of all unary relations. In addition, we obtain a simpler proof of the decidability of SMSOL.
Cost gap, Shapley, or nucleolus allocation: Which is the best game‐theoretic remedy for the low‐risk anomaly?
Authors: Auer Benjamin R. , Hiller Tobias 
Published: January 2021

Empirical research in investment management has discovered the puzzling phenomenon that, contrary to established capital market theory, low‐risk assets tend to earn larger returns than their high‐risk counterparts. In a recent contribution, Auer and Hiller (2019) emphasize that an inadequate quantification of risk may be the root of this problem. By interpreting a portfolio as a cooperative game, they arrive at the interesting finding that using assets' risk‐based Shapley values instead of classic stand‐alone risk measures has the potential to solve the low‐risk puzzle. In this article, we extend their study first by considering additional game‐theoretic risk allocation schemes, namely, the cost gap technique and the nucleolus method, and then by improving their simulation design via a larger number of assets and a supplementary determination of risk–return slopes. We find that the Shapley method outperforms the alternatives with respect to the generation of positive risk–return slopes.
A 4‐minute solution for submillimeter whole‐brain T1ρ quantification
Authors: Zhu Yanjie , Liu Yuanyuan , Ying Leslie , Qiu Zhilang , Liu Qiegen , Jia Sen , Wang Haifeng , Peng Xi , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Liang Dong 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo develop a robust, accurate, and accelerated T1ρ quantification solution for submillimeter in vivo whole‐brain imaging.MethodsA multislice T1ρ mapping solution (MS‐T1ρ) was developed based on a two‐acquisition scheme using turbo spin echo with RF cycling to allow for whole‐brain coverage with 0.8‐mm in‐plane resolution. A compressed sensing–based fast imaging method, SCOPE, was used to accelerate the MS‐T1ρ acquisition time to a total scan time of 3 minutes 31 seconds. A phantom experiment was conducted to assess the accuracy of MS‐T1ρ by comparing the T1ρ value obtained using MS‐T1ρ with the reference value obtained using the standard single‐slice T1ρ mapping method. In vivo scans of 13 volunteers were acquired prospectively to validate the robustness of MS‐T1ρ.ResultsIn the phantom study, the T1ρ values obtained with MS‐T1ρ were in good agreement with the reference T1ρ values (R2 = 0.9991) and showed high consistency throughout all slices (coefficient of variation = 2.2 ± 2.43%). In the in vivo experiments, T1ρ maps were successfully acquired for all volunteers with no visually noticeable artifacts. There was no significant difference in T1ρ values between MS‐T1ρ acquisitions and fully sampled acquisitions for all brain tissues (p‐value > .05). In the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland‐Altman analyses, the accelerated T1ρ measurements show moderate to good agreement to the fully sampled reference values.ConclusionThe proposed MS‐T1ρ solution allows for high‐resolution whole‐brain T1ρ mapping within 4 minutes and may provide a potential tool for investigating neural diseases.
Optimization of adiabatic pulses for pulsed arterial spin labeling at 7 tesla: Comparison with pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Wang Kai , Shao Xingfeng , Yan Lirong , Ma Samantha J. , Jin Jin , Wang Danny J. J. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo optimize and evaluate adiabatic pulses for pulsed arterial spin labeling at ultrahigh field 7 tesla.MethodsFour common adiabatic inversion pulses, including hyperbolic secant, wideband uniform rate smooth truncation, frequency offset corrected inversion, and time‐resampled frequency offset corrected inversion pulses, were optimized based on a custom‐defined loss function that included labeling efficiency and inversion band uniformity. The optimized pulses were implemented in flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery sequences and tested on phantom and 11 healthy volunteers with 2 constraints: 1) specific absorption rate normalized; and 2) equal peak RF amplitude, respectively. A pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling sequence was implemented for comparison. Quantitative metrics such as perfusion and relative labeling efficiency versus residual tissue signal were calculated.ResultsAmong the 4 pulses, the wideband uniform rate smooth truncation pulse yielded the lowest loss in simulation and achieved a good balance between labeling efficiency and residual tissue signal from both phantom and in vivo experiments. Wideband uniform rate smooth truncation–pulsed arterial spin labeling showed significantly higher relative labeling efficiency compared to the other sequences (P < .01), whereas the perfusion signal was increased by 40% when the highest amplitude was used. The 4 pulsed arterial spin labeling sequences yielded comparable perfusion signals compared to pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling but with less than half the specific absorption rate.ConclusionOptimized wideband uniform rate smooth truncation pulse with the highest amplitude allowed was recommended for 7 tesla pulsed arterial spin labeling.
Discrete geometric modeling of granular soils based on statistical percolative principles: A 2D implementation
Authors: Pinkert Shmulik , Larom Yuval 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study proposes a new geometric modeling approach for a discrete representation of a realistic pore‐scale morphology by using an amorphous, non‐Euclidean, geometry of the shape of soil grains. The soil‐skeleton composition process follows a consistent, statistically based, algorithm by implementing ideas derived from both fractal and percolation theories. Although the model yields random amorphous soil morphology, the global (geotechnical) scale of the obtained soil skeleton is consistent and well defined. The paper drives the fundamental principles of the model and suggests specific functions for practical use. An inverse analysis is also shown, in which the model parameters can be determined based on the specific grading curve characteristics that are required. The model is implemented in 2D but can be used as a general basis for 3D modeling.
Electroconvulsive seizures lead to lipolytic‐induced gene expression changes in mediobasal hypothalamus and decreased white adipose tissue mass
Authors: Takefusa Marika , Kubo Yuki , Ohno Marie , Segi‐Nishida Eri 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsElectroconvulsive seizure (ECS) therapy is highly effective in the treatment of several psychiatric disorders, including depression. Past studies have shown that the rodent model of ECS reveals the activation of multiple brain regions including the hypothalamus, suggesting that this method of brain stimulation broadly regulates central neuronal function, which results in peripheral function. The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) plays an important role in feeding and energy homeostasis. Our previous study showed that ECS increases the expression of anorexigenic factors in the VMH and has an anorexigenic effect in a mouse model. Since the VMH is also suggested to play a critical role in the peripheral lipid metabolism of white adipose tissue (WAT), we hypothesized that ECS alters lipid metabolism via activation of the VMH.Methods and ResultsHere, we demonstrate that repeated ECS suppresses the fat mass of epididymal WAT and significantly increases the expression levels of lipolytic and brown adipose tissue markers such as Adrb3, Hsl/Lipe, and Ppargc1a. In the VMH, ECS increased the expression of multiple genes, notably Bdnf, Adcyap1, and Crhr2, which are not only anorexigenic factors but are also modulators of lipid metabolism. Furthermore, gold‐thioglucose‐induced hypothalamic lesions affecting the VMH abolished the effect of ECS on the WAT, indicating that hypothalamus activation is required for the phenotypic changes seen in the epididymal WAT.ConclusionOur data demonstrates a new effect of ECS on the lipid metabolism of WAT via induction of hypothalamic activity involving the VMH.
PEDOT: PSS‐grafted graphene oxide‐titanium dioxide nanohybrid‐based conducting paper for glucose detection
Authors: Paul Geetu , Verma Sakshi , Jalil Owais , Thakur Deeksha , Pandey Chandra Mouli , Kumar Devendra 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this work, efforts have been made to develop a conducting paper‐ (CP) based biosensor using poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(4‐styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐grafted reduced graphene oxide‐titanium dioxide (rGO‐TiO2) nanohybrid. The effect of different dopant (ethylene glycol [EG], glycerine and methanol) on the conductivity of the paper has been investigated, and it was observed that the conductivity of the CP significantly increases from 6.9 × 10−5 S/cm to 1.1 × 10−4 S/cm on treatment with EG. While, after the incorporation rGO‐TiO2 nanohybrid into PEDOT:PSS‐grafted paper, the conductivity increased to 4.9 × 10−2 S/cm. The fabricated flexible rGO‐TiO2@CP was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and amperometric techniques. The developed rGO‐TiO2@CP has been utilized for the immobilization of glucose oxidase for the quantitative estimation of glucose. Electrochemical results reveal that the modified CP shows high sensitivity (94.98 μAmM−1 cm−2) with a low limit of detection (0.01 mM) and can be a promising substitute over other expensive conventional electrodes.