bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of multi‐layer soil moisture prediction using support vector machines and ensemble Kalman filter coupled with remote sensing soil moisture datasets over an agriculture dominant basin in China
Authors: Zhu Qian , Wang Yushi , Luo Yulin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSoil moisture prediction is of great importance in crop yield forecasting and drought monitoring. In this study, the multi‐layer root zone soil moisture (0‐5, 0‐10, 10‐40 and 40‐100 cm) prediction is conducted over an agriculture dominant basin, namely the Xiang River Basin, in southern China. The support vector machines (SVM) coupled with dual ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) technique (SVM‐EnKF) is compared with SVM for its potential capability to improve the efficiency of soil moisture prediction. Three remote sensing soil moisture products, namely SMAP, ASCAT and AMSR2, are evaluated for their performance in multi‐layer soil moisture prediction with SVM and SVM‐EnKF, respectively. Multiple cases are designed to investigate the performance of SVM, the effectiveness of coupling dual EnKF technique and the applicability of the remote sensing products in soil moisture prediction. The main results are as follows: (a) The efficiency of soil moisture prediction with SVM using meteorological variables as inputs is satisfactory for the surface layers (0‐5 and 0‐10 cm), while poor for the root zone layers (10‐40 and 40‐100 cm). Adding SMAP as input to SVM can improve its performance in soil moisture prediction, with more than 47% increase in theR‐value and at least 11% reduction in RMSE for all layers. However, adding ASCAT or AMSR2 has no improvement for its performance. (b) Coupling dual EnKF can significantly improve the performance of SVM in the soil moisture prediction of both surface and the root zone layers. The increase inR‐value is above 80%, while the reduction in BIAS and RMSE is respectively more than 90% and 63%. However, adding remote sensing soil moisture products as inputs can no further improve the performance of SVM‐EnKF. (c) The SVM‐EnKF can eliminate the influence of remote sensing soil moisture extreme values in soil moisture prediction, therefore, improve its accuracy.
Laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation therapy: Use of a perirectal fat interposition graft
Authors: Hayashi Tokumasa , Cortes Auran Rosanne , Sawada Yugo , Tokiwa Shino , Nagae Mika , Muta Nao , Swe Myat Noe , Nariroth Keo , Nomura Masayoshi 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionWe present a case of laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation therapy using a perirectal fatty tissue interposition graft.Case presentationA 72‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with vesicovaginal fistula induced by radiation therapy. Repair of the vesicovaginal fistula was achieved via laparoscopic approach. The fistula was exposed, followed by excision of fistula tract, fine dissection to achieve a traction‐free approximation of bladder mucosa, then water‐tight closure. An interposition graft derived from the perirectal fat was inserted to reduce the risk of repair failure. The patient did not have the incontinence problem at 1‐year follow‐up.ConclusionThe laparoscopic approach for vesicovaginal fistula repair is minimally invasiveness. Preparation of the interposition graft derived from the perirectal fatty tissue was easy and its mobility to achieve closure of the fistula was acceptable. Thus, this procedure is feasible for the repair of poorly vascularized tissues such as radiation‐induced fistulas.
Insights into polyester plastic biodegradation by carboxyl ester hydrolases
Authors: Gricajeva Alisa , Nadda Ashok Kumar , Gudiukaite Renata 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEnvironmental pollution caused by polyesters has become a major ecological safety concern that needs to be managed urgently. One way to resolve this problem is giving the spotlight to current emerging research of microbial biocatalysts. During the last two decades many researchers have reported the ability to break down and modify natural and synthetic polyesters using different microbial carboxyl ester hydrolases (lipases, esterases, cutinases, PETases, etc.) also called polyesterases, and contribution of these enzymes towards the reduction of plastic levels in the future. Continuous search of such lipolytic biocatalysts and their improvement via protein engineering strategies results in beneficial findings making the use of polyesterases in the biodegradation of plastics increasingly more realistic. The present review provides a comprehensive insight into the structural properties enabling microbial lipolytic‐type carboxyl ester hydrolases to effectively catalyze the cleavage of ester linkages in different polyester plastics. Moreover, the management of extensively used polyester plastics using different lipolytic enzymes as an innovative eco‐friendly solution is presented in this report. Furthermore, improvement of polyesterases via protein engineering for the development of more effective and suitable polyester‐degrading lipolytic biocatalysts is summarized in this review as well. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Facilitated lignocellulosic biomass digestibility in anaerobic digestion for biomethane production: microbial communities' structure and interactions
Authors: Faisal Shah , Thakur Nandini , Jalalah Mohammed , Harraz Farid A , Al‐Assiri Mohammad Sultan , Saif Irfan , Ali Gohar , Zheng Yuanzhang , Salama El‐Sayed 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLignocellulosic biomass is a highly available and suitable candidate for biogas/biomethane production. However, high concentration of recalcitrant lignin is the major obstacle in successful anaerobic digestion (AD). The main aim of this review is to highlight the applications and challenges of lignocellulosic biomass in AD from the recent reports. Potential approaches to improve instabilities in mesophilic AD process (such as microbial communities' development, co‐digestion, biofilm carrier's addition, and essential nutrients supplement) were also reported. This review goes one more step deeper to discuss the key microbes involved in lignocellulosic biomass degradation. Biofilm carriers provide attached growth systems for microbes in AD and acts as redox mediators to accelerate the biotransformation of recalcitrant pollutants. Addition of nanoparticles (NPs) stimulate Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Methanosaeta, Methanobacterium, and Methanosarcina population which further improve biomethanation. The comprehensive study of these proposed strategies and microbial stimulation through additives would make the lignocellulosic biomethanation more feasible. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Micro‐morphological identification study on Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. and its adulterants based on stereo microscope and desktop scanning electron microscope
Authors: Kang Shuai , Nie Li‐xing , Zheng Yu‐guang , Zuo Tian‐tian , Wang Ying , Shi Jia , Ma Shuang‐Cheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Chinese Materia Medica, Cordyceps sinensis (called “Dongchongxiacao” in Chinese), used as a tonic for nearly 600 years by Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been recorded by Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This drug is rare and precious, which in turn lead to the emergence of adulterants derived from the same genus of Cordyceps. The adulterants which can be commonly found in the market are Cordyceps gunnii (called “Gunichongcao” in Chinese), Cordyceps liangshanensis (called “Liangshanchongcao” in Chinese), and Cordyceps gracilis (called “Xinjiangchongcao” in Chinese). This study combined a desktop scanning electron microscope and stereo microscope to distinguish C. sinensis from the above three adulterants especially on their different characters of caterpillar parts. Referring to the professional entomological literature, the micro‐morphological features including the cuticle of the abdomen and the planta of abdomen prolegs were observed, photographed, and expressed based on the description of macroscopic characters. The identification method studied in this article is more convenient, quick, and environmental friendly.
LINC00460 promotes pancreatic cancer progression by sponging miR‐491‐5p
Authors: Wu Jiali , Sun Shuxin , Liao Wei , Chen Enni , Wang Xiaonan , Song Yunda , Duan Fangting , Deng Wuguo , Li Shengping 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundA growing body of studies have suggested that LINC00460 is instrumental in tumorigenesis and tumour progression. Nonetheless, the biological function and mechanisms of LINC00460 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain vague.MethodsAnalysis based on public databases and a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction were performed to screen for differentially expressed lncRNAs in PDAC and to detect LINC00460 expression in PDAC cell lines and clinical samples. The survival of patients in the up‐regulated and down‐regulated LINC00460 expression groups was compared by using the Kaplan–Meier method. In addition, the potential biological functions of LINC00460 in PDAC were explored by cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays and rescue experiments were applied to demonstrate the mechanism by which LINC00460 could directly bind to and inhibit miR‐491‐5p.ResultsLINC00460 is up‐regulated in PDAC and correlates with adverse survival outcomes. The results of functional tests verified that LINC00460 knockdown inhibited both cell proliferation and cell migration. Additionally, knockdown led to G0/G1 cell cycle blockage and enhanced cell apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations revealed that LINC00460 directly binds to and attenuates the tumour suppressor miR‐491‐5p, thus accelerating PDAC progression.ConclusionsThis research showed that LINC00460 is overexpressed in PDAC and correlates with adverse clinical outcomes. Additionally, LINC00460 promotes the aggressiveness of PDAC by targeting miR‐491‐5p. Thus, LINC00460 may serve as diagnostic biomarker of PDAC and a new target for PDAC therapy.
Radiation therapy in the adjuvant treatment of hyperkeratotic palmoplantar psoriasis: a case study
Authors: Shirley Bronwyn , Andrae Madeline , Le Lay Tegan , Collins Michael 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPsoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the skin and nails, causing debilitating pain and having an adverse effect on the patients’ life. Typical treatment regimens involve topical and systemic therapies in combination with phototherapy. However, patients with extensive, chronic disease may encounter treatment resistance, with limited or no success of these therapies. Radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for benign skin lesions; however, recommended dose, fractionation and long‐term follow‐up is not well established within the literature making clinical implementation challenging. Furthermore, RT may induce the Koebner Phenomenon, exacerbating the disease. This case study presents a patient with chronic hyperkeratotic palmoplantar psoriasis who was offered RT as a last resort. A total dose of 6Gy was delivered using photons and superficial energies. Significant reduction in extent of disease was seen as a result, with the patient no longer wheelchair‐bound and able to mobilise with minimal discomfort. This case is a single example of RT as a successful treatment for chronic palmoplantar psoriasis; however, a larger sample size and clinical trial is needed to ascertain dose and fractionation for optimal long‐term control. Implementation of such treatments within departments invites clinicians to further develop RT practices and provide much needed relief to a new cohort of patients with non‐malignant conditions.
Twelve‐year outcomes of intestinal failure–associated liver disease in children with short‐bowel syndrome: 97% transplant‐free survival and 81% enteral autonomy
Authors: Torres Clarivet , Badalyan Vahe , Mohan Parvathi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOur aim was to analyze the outcomes in children with short‐bowel syndrome (SBS), parenteral nutrition dependence (PND), and intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) treated in our Intestinal Rehabilitation Program (IRP) during 2007–2018. We retrospectively reviewed charts of 135 patients with SBS‐PND at the time of enrollment in IRP; of these, 89 (66%) had IFALD, defined as conjugated bilirubin (CB) of ≥2 mg/dl at enrollment and/or abnormal liver biopsy showing stage 2–4 fibrosis. Outcomes included resolution of CB, enteral autonomy, laboratory parameters (platelets, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index), growth trends, transplant rates, and mortality. Of the 89 patients, 74 had elevated CB at enrollment; the other 15 had normalized CB but had fibrosis on liver biopsy. Thirty‐eight patients had liver biopsies: 36 (95%) had fibrosis, including 21/36 with bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis. The median proportion of residual small bowel was 23% (interquartile range, 13%–38%) of the expected length for age and median, daily energy requirement by PN was 100%. Two received a transplant, three died (one posttransplant), and the remaining 85 survived; 69 (81%) achieved enteral autonomy. Seventy‐three (99%) of the 74 patients with hyperbilirubinemia normalized their CB with medical treatment. In a subset of eight of 89 patients with initial platelet count of <100,000/μl(median 50,500/μl) and median CB of 21 mg/dl, seven achieved CB normalization and had improved platelet count. Overall survival was 97% (censored 96.3%). We demonstrate high transplant‐free survival and enteral autonomy rates among children with SBS‐IFALD relying on low‐dose soybean lipid emulsion.
Logistic Regression Analysis of Conventional Ultrasound, and Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Characteristics
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Meng Ke , Zhou Mao Ping , Liu Yuan , Li Nan , Liu Gang , Wang Zhi Li 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesThis study aimed to screen the significant sonographic features for differentiation of benign and malignant superficial lymph nodes (LNs) by logistic regression analysis and fit a model to diagnose LNs.MethodsA total of 204 pathological LNs were analyzed retrospectively. All the LNs underwent conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations. A total of 16 suspicious sonographic features were used to assess LNs. All variables that were statistically related to the diagnosis of LNs were included in the logistic regression analysis in order to ascertain the significant features of diagnosing LNs, and to establish a logistic regression analysis model.ResultsThe significant features in the logistic regression analysis model of diagnosing malignant LNs were absence of echogenic hilus, age, and absence of hilum after enhancement. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the formula to predict whether LNs were malignant was established. The area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) was 0.908 and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 85.0%, 92.9%, and 85.3%, respectively.ConclusionThe logistic regression model for the significant sonographic features of conventional US and CEUS is an effective and accurate diagnostic tool for differentiating malignant and benign LNs.
An Integrated Population Model for Harvest Management of Atlantic Brant
Authors: Roberts Anthony J. , Dooley Joshua L. , Ross Beth E. , Nichols Theodore C. , Leafloor James O. , Dufour Kevin W. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTAtlantic brant (Branta bernicla hrota) are important game birds in the Atlantic Flyway and several long‐term monitoring data sets could assist with harvest management, including a count‐based survey and demographic data. Considering their relative strengths and weaknesses, integrated analysis to these data would likely improve harvest management, but tools for integration have not yet been developed. Managers currently use an aerial count survey on the wintering grounds, the mid‐winter survey, to set harvest regulations. We developed an integrated population model (IPM) for Atlantic brant that uses multiple data sources to simultaneously estimate population abundance, survival, and productivity. The IPM abundance estimates for data from 1975–2018 were less variable than annual mid‐winter survey counts or Lincoln estimates, presumably reflecting better accounting for observer error and incorporation of demographic estimates by the IPM. Posterior estimates of adult survival were high (0.77–0.87), and harvest rates of adults and juveniles were positively correlated with more liberal hunting regulations (i.e., hunting days and the daily bag limit). Productivity was variable, with the percent of juveniles in the winter population ranging from 1% to >40%. We found no evidence for environmental relationships with productivity. Using IPM‐predicted population abundances rather than mid‐winter survey counts alone would have meant fewer annual changes to hunting regulations since 2004. Use of the IPM could improve harvest management for Atlantic brant by providing the ability to predict abundance before annual hunting regulations are set, and by providing more stable hunting regulations, with fewer annual changes. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Estimating Admixture at the Population Scale: Taking Imperfect Detectability and Uncertainty in Hybrid Classification Seriously
Authors: Santostasi Nina L. , Gimenez Olivier , Caniglia Romolo , Fabbri Elena , Molinari Luigi , Reggioni Willy , Ciucci Paolo 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTIntrogressive hybridization between domestic dogs and wolves (Canis lupus) represents an emblematic case of anthropogenic hybridization and is increasingly threatening the genomic integrity of wolf populations expanding into human‐modified landscapes. But studies formally estimating prevalence and accounting for imperfect detectability and uncertainty in hybrid classification are lacking. Our goal was to present an approach to formally estimate the proportion of admixture by using a capture‐recapture (CR) framework applied to individual multilocus genotypes detected from non‐invasive samples collected from a protected wolf population in Italy. We scored individual multilocus genotypes using a panel of 12 microsatellites and assigned genotypes to reference wolf and dog populations through Bayesian clustering procedures. Based on 152 samples, our dataset comprised the capture histories of 39 individuals sampled in 7 wolf packs and was organized in bi‐monthly sampling occasions (Aug 2015−May 2016). We fitted CR models using a multievent formulation to explicitly handle uncertainty in individual classification, and accordingly examined 2 model scenarios: one reflecting a traditional approach to classifying individuals (i.e., minimizing the misclassification of wolves as hybrids; Type 1 error), and the other using a more stringent criterion aimed to balance Type 1 and Type 2 error rates (i.e., the misclassification of hybrids as wolves). Compared to the sample proportion of admixed individuals in the dataset (43.6%), formally estimated prevalence was 50% under the first and 70% under the second scenario, with 71.4% and 85.7% of admixed packs, respectively. At the individual level, the proportion of dog ancestry in the wolf population averaged 7.8% (95% CI = 4.4−11%). Balancing between Type 1 and 2 error rates in assignment tests, our second scenario produced an estimate of prevalence 40% higher compared to the alternative scenario, corresponding to a 65% decrease in Type 2 and no increase in Type 1 error rates. Providing a formal and innovative estimation approach to assess prevalence in admixed wild populations, our study confirms previous population modeling indicating that reproductive barriers between wolves and dogs, or dilution of dog genes through backcrossing, should not be expectedper seto prevent the spread of introgression. As anthropogenic hybridization is increasingly affecting animal species globally, our approach is of interest to a broader audience of wildlife conservationists and practitioners. © 2021 The Authors.The Journal of Wildlife Managementpublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Improvement of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) yield quality through a coupled intercropping system and vermicompost application along with maintenance of soil microbial activity
Authors: Rezaei‐Chiyaneh Esmaeil , Amirnia Reza , Fotohi Chiyaneh Satar , Maggi Filippo , Barin Mohsen , S. Razavi Bahar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe effects of an intercropping system combined with organic fertilizer application on the yield quality of medicinal plants and the involved mechanisms have not been well elucidated. To evaluate the effects of different fertilizers (vermicompost and chemical fertilizers) on the dragonhead essential oil (DEO) productivity (dragonhead = Dracocephalum moldavica L.) (D) in sole cropping and intercropping with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (CB), a 3‐year field experiment was carried out using a factorial based on randomized complete block design. We found that the highest common bean seed yield and dry matter productivity of dragonhead were obtained from sole cropping fertilized with vermicompost. Regarding the major DEO constituents, the highest content of geranyl acetate (42.2%), geranial (23.4%), and geraniol (17.81%) were recorded using the cropping ratio of 2D:1CB following the use of vermicompost. Soil micro‐biochemical parameters (basic microbial respiration, substrate‐induced respiration, microbial biomass carbon, alkaline and acid phosphatase, and urease) in the intercropping systems were found to be higher than those of the corresponding sole croppings. The highest soil microbial activity was observed in the intercropping ratios of 2D:1CB and 1D:2CB following the use of vermicompost. Furthermore, the highest land equivalent ratios (LER = 1.28) were achieved in the intercropping ratio 2D:1CB after vermicompost application. Thus, this combination of stimulated soil microbial activity and functionality, which in turn accelerated nutrient mobilization and availability, enhanced plant performance. Therefore, we can conclude that intercropping dragonhead with common bean at the ratio of 2D:1CB coupled with vermicompost application can be introduced as an alternative and sustainable strategy to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
Real‐variable characterizations of local Hardy spaces on spaces of homogeneous type
Authors: He Ziyi , Yang Dachun , Yuan Wen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLet be a space of homogeneous type, with upper dimension μ, in the sense of R. R. Coifman and G. Weiss. Let η be the Hölder regularity index of wavelets constructed by P. Auscher and T. Hytönen. In this article, the authors introduce the local Hardy space via local grand maximal functions and also characterize via local radial maximal functions, local non‐tangential maximal functions, local atoms and local Littlewood–Paley functions. Furthermore, the authors establish the relationship between the global and the local Hardy spaces. Finally, the authors also obtain the finite atomic characterizations of . As an application, the authors give the dual spaces of when , which further completes the result of G. Dafni and H. Yue on the dual space of . This article also answers the question of R. R. Coifman and G. Weiss on the nonnecessity of any additional geometric assumptions except the doubling condition for the radial maximal function characterization of when .