bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Late Paleocene-Early Eocene Foraminiferal Assemblage and Carbon Isotope Excursion Indicating Hyperthermal Events in Paleotropical Succession of Northwestern India
Authors: Khanolkar Sonal , Choudhury Tathagata Roy , Saraswati Pratul Kumar , Banerjee Santanu 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
This study focuses on marine sediments of the late Paleocene-early Eocene (∼55.5–49 Ma) interval from the Jaisalmer Basin of western India. It demarcates the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) using foraminiferal biostratigraphy and carbon isotope stratigraphy. A negative carbon isotope excursion of 4.5‰ delineates the PETM within the basin. We demarcate five foraminiferal biofacies using the detrended correspondence analysis. These reflect characteristics of ecology, bathymetry, relative age, and environment of deposition of the foraminifera. They record the response of foraminifera to the warmth of the PETM. Biofacies A was deposited within an inner neritic setting ∼55.5 Ma and includes benthic foraminifera Haplophragmoides spp., Ammobaculites spp., and Lenticulina spp. The presence of Pulsiphonina prima and Valvulineria scorbiculata in Biofacies B suggests an increase in runoff conditions in the basin. Fluctuating trophic conditions prevailed between ∼54–50 Ma. It is evidenced by alternating Biofacies C (endobenthic and chiloguembelinids of eutrophic conditions) and Biofacies D (epibenthic and acarininids of oligotrophic conditions). Biofacies E is dominated by deep-dwelling parasubbotinids, indicating an increase in bathymetry, possibly corresponding to the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (∼49 Ma).
Time-saving Effects Using Helicopter Transportation: Comparison to a Ground Transportation Time Predicted Using a Social Navigation Software
Authors: Jang Ji Young , Kim Jang Hun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
IntroductionPrevious comparison studies regarding two types of transportation, helicopter (HEMS) versus ground emergency medical services (GEMS), have shown underlying heterogeneity as these options have completely different routes and consequent times with reference to one patient. To compare the two types of transportation on a case-by-case basis, we analyzed the retrospectively reviewed HEMS and predicted GEMS data using an open-source navigation software.MethodsPatients transferred by military HEMS from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. The HEMS records on the time of notification, injury point and destination address, and time required were reviewed. The GEMS data on distance and the predicted time required were acquired using open-source social navigation systems. Comparison analyses between the two types of transportation were conducted. Further, linear logistic regression analyses were performed on the distance and time of the two options.ResultsA total of 183 patients were enrolled. There was no statistical difference (p=0.3021) in the distance between the two types of transportation, and the HEMS time was significantly shorter than that of GEMS (61.31 vs. 116.92 minutes, p<0.001). The simple linear curves for HEMS and GEMS were separately secured, and two graphs presented the statistical significance (p) as well as reasonable goodness-of-fit (R2). In general, the HEMS graph demonstrates a more gradual slope and narrow distribution compared to that of GEMS. ConclusionIdeally, HEMS is identified as a better transportation modality because it has a shorter transportation time (56 minutes saved) and a low possibility of potential time delays (larger R2).Running tileHelicopter vs. navigation-based ground ambulance
Epigenome-wide association study of level and change in cognitive abilities from midlife through late-life
Authors: Karlsson Ida , Ericsson Malin , Wang Yunzhang , Jylhävä Juulia , Hägg Sara , Aslan Anna K. Dahl , Reynolds Chandra A. , Pedersen Nancy L. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Epigenetic mechanisms are important in aging and may be involved in late-life changes in cognitive abilities. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study of leukocyte DNA methylation in relation to level and change in cognitive abilities, from midlife through late-life in 535 Swedish twins. Results: Methylation levels were measured with the Infinium Human Methylation 450K or Infinium MethylationEpic array, and all sites passing quality control on both arrays were selected for analysis (n=250 816). Empirical Bayes estimates of individual intercept (age 65), linear, and quadratic change were obtained from latent growth curve models of cognitive traits and used as outcomes in linear regression models. Significant sites (p<2.4×10-7) were followed-up in between-within twin pair models adjusting for familial confounding, and full growth modelling. We identified six significant associations between DNA methylation and level of cognitive abilities at age 65: cg18064256 (PPP1R13L) with processing speed and spatial ability; cg04549090 (NRXN3) with spatial ability; cg09988380 (POGZ), cg25651129 (-), and cg08011941 (ENTPD8) with working memory. The genes are involved in neuro-inflammation, neuropsychiatric disorders, and ATP metabolism. Within-pair associations were approximately half that of between-pair associations across all sites. In full growth curve models, associations between DNA methylation and cognitive level at age 65 were of small effect sizes, and associations between DNA methylation and longitudinal change in cognitive abilities of very small effect sizes. Conclusions: Leukocyte DNA methylation was associated with level, but not change in cognitive abilities. The associations were substantially attenuated in within pair analyses, indicating they are influenced in part by genetic factors.
Screening of Wetland Plants Subjected to Stress From Polychlorinated Biphenyls Contaminated Soils
Authors: Khalid Foqia , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Jamil Nadia , Qadir Abdul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Soil pollution due to electric and electronic waste (e-waste) has become a major problem that is degrading environment and drawing worldwide attention. PCBs are widespread and have potential health risk so their removal from the environment has become an international priority. Phytoremediation is considered as highly accepted and good method for treatment of contaminated soils. Current study was conducted to investigate the abilities of several promising wetland plants to degrade and dechlorinate PCBs and demonstrate their advantages in disappearance of polychlorinated biphenyls. The soils samples were collected from PCB-contaminated sites at Layyari, Karachi Pakistan. Under both floody and dry condition plants including Alternanthera sessilis (L.), Bacopa moneiri (L.) Pennell, Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Juncus articulatus L., Cyperus arenarius Retz were grown. For dechlorination of PCBs three treatments were set up in a fully randomized layout of greenhouse pots. Soil from those pots was extracted and further analyzed by Gas chromatography equipped with a 63Ni electron capture detector. The detection limits of PCBs ranged from 0.009 to 0.082 µg/kg. In total PCBs degradation ratio was 22.44% while in high chlorinated PCBs almost 15.26% of the high polychlorinated biphenyls were removed from the soil after 2 month in the wetland planted soil, while only 4.64% was removed in the drowned control and 6.54% in the unplanted control. Present study concludes that this method only has high efficiency in removal of low chlorinated biphenyls, while low efficiency even nothing in removal of high components.
An Integrated Importance-Performance Analysis and Modified Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach to Sustainable City Assessment
Authors: Lee Say Wah , Xue Ke 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sustainable urban development has been a popular subject in urban studies and related disciplines. Owing to the challenges faced by cities worldwide to accommodate the growing urban populations, it is becoming ever more important for innovative research on sustainable urban development to be performed to help cities achieve sustainability. This study develops and tests an integrated approach to sustainable city assessment, which is a combination of importance-performance analysis (IPA) and modified analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Questionnaires designed following the IPA concept were distributed to residents of three cities. The importance scores from the collected data were factorized and the relative scores of the factors were then converted into pairwise comparisons using a formula developed in this study. The derived criteria weights were applied to the performance scores to evaluate the cities’ relative overall sustainability performance. This approach replaces the AHP’s 1–9 scale with the IPA’s importance rating scale, which is a Likert scale, in the questionnaire. Based on the findings, implications and future research suggestions were provided.
Growth Performance and Survivability of the Asian Seabass Lates Calcarifer Reared Under Hyper-Saline, Hypo-Saline and Freshwater Environments in a Closed Aquaculture System
Authors: Hassan Habib Ul , Ali Qadeer Mohammad , Masood Zubia , Siddique Mohammad Abdul Momin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Salinity is one of the most critical environmental parameters regarding fish physiology, modifying food intake and growth performance in many fish species. The present study has investigated the effects of different salinity levels on growth performance, feeding and survival of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer juveniles. Asian seabass juveniles were reared at 0, 5, 22, 36, and 42 ppt salinity. One five hundred ninety-eight fish individuals with an average weight 1.2 ± 0.11 g were randomly distributed (166 fish/Tank) in 5 concrete tanks (30×6×4 feet) each; length × width × depth) and volume 19,122 L, for total forty days. Initially feeding rate of 6% biomass per day with 42% crude protein-containing diets daily. The feeding rate adjusted according to fish biomass every week. The results showed that salinity level had a significant effect on the weight gain, average daily weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, survival rate, total biomass and health indices (p < 0.05). The highest WG (39.11±1.49 g), ADWG, (1.00±0.12 g), SGR (8.74±0.03 % d-1) and lowest FCR (0.96±0.20) observed with T3 (22 ppt salinity) treatment, which was significantly higher compared to other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Among the health indices, the highest hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index found with 22 ppt salinity treatment, which was also significantly higher than the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the treatments in terms of survival rate (p > 0.05), but the maximum survival rate (98.89±0.0 %) in T3 (22 ppt) and T2 (5 ppt). The maximum level of crude proteins (19.99±1.4%) was found in the whole-body biochemical composition (% of wet weight) of Asian sea bass juveniles in T3 treatment group reared at 22 ppt salinity. The second-order polynomial regression showed that 20 ppt salinity is optimum for the best growth of Asian sea bass. Thus, our present work would provide valuable information to the fish farmers for culturing the sea bass as well as its management along the inland and coastline of Pakistan.
Spatiotemporal variability in groundwater chemistry of a mountainous catchment with complex geologic and climate gradients in south west India
Authors: Gayathri J A , Raj Vipin T , Sreel K , Maya K , Vandana M , Padmalal D 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Mountainous catchments are one of the world’s important water sources that sustains a major portion of global population and a rich biodiversity. The groundwater quantity and quality of mountainous watersheds are depended generally on the geologic characteristics and climate gradients. Although many groundwater studies have been carried out in the midlands and lowlands of many river basins, not enough focus has been paid to the mountainous catchments of tropics. Here we report a case study on groundwater quality and controlling factors of a mountainous catchments of the Western Ghats mountain ranges of peninsular India - the Bhavani river basin, which is identified as a testbed for long-term monitoring of the Critical Zone process. A total of 88 water samples were collected seasonally for assessing various physico-chemical parameters, solute contents and scaling properties. The results of the study revealed that the hydrochemistry of groundwater is influenced by both silicate and carbonate weathering. Mineral stability indices computed for the groundwater reveal that about 52 % of the samples are supersaturated with carbonate minerals and often exhibit scaling due to solute overloading. Among the contributing factors that determine water quality of groundwaters, chemical weathering and anthropogenic activities play a significant role.
Experimental Study on the Adoption of Flushing Technique in Successive Alkalinity-Producing Systems with a Focus on Influence Radius of Orifice
Authors: Lee Dong-Kil , Cheong Young-Wook 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
As a successive alkalinity-producing system pond for purifying mine drainage is operated, sediment accumulates in the limestone layer of the pond, and as the amount of accumulated sediment increases, the water permeability and treatment efficiency of the pond decrease. Hence, a flushing system is required, comprising of a network of perforated pipes installed in the limestone layers, to periodically discharge sediment and mine drainage to the outside. The performance of a flushing system depends on four distinct characteristics of the system: the characteristics of the limestone layer, the sediment, the flow, and the flushing device. However, existing studies have evaluated the performance of the entire system without considering these conditions. In this study, a new experimental method for designing a flushing system is proposed. This method is based on an experiment to evaluate the influence radius of orifice, which is the radius of the spherical volume around an orifice that can suck sludge by flushing. The results showed that the flow rate of water through the orifice in the glass bead layer matched well with the Blake–Kozeny formula, and that the greater the diameter of the orifice, the greater the influence radius of orifice. The influence radius of orifice according to the diameter and spacing of the orifice was evaluated, which provides a key criterion for designing a flushing system.
An Attempt to Optimize the Outcome of Penetrating Keratoplasty in Congenital Aniridia-Associated Keratopathy (AAK).
Authors: Farah Christian Joe , Fries Fabian , Latta Lorenz , Käsmann-Kellner Barbara , Seitz Berthold 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To propose an optimized microsurgical and medical approach to reduce the risk of complications after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in patients with aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK).
Methods
Retrospective observational case series of 25 PKP performed in 16 patients with AAK. Preoperative indications were endothelial decompensation and vascularised scars (68%) or graft failure (32%) due to limbal stem cell deficiency. The optimized approach included a combination of a small corneal graft size (around 7.0mm), interrupted 10-0-Nylon sutures, simultaneous AMT as a patch, large bandage contact lens, temporary lateral tarsorrhaphy, postoperative autologous serum eye drops, and systemic immunosuppression. Main outcome measures included: Visual acuity, transplant survival and complications encountered during follow-up of 107 weeks on average.
Results
A complete modified keratoplasty scheme was used in 10 of 25 PKP (group 1), while at least one of the modifications was missing in the other 15 PKP (group 2). After 8 weeks follow-up, the epithelium was closed in 23 eyes. Visual acuity improved in 19 eyes at 6 months follow-up, and remained stable in 6 eyes. None of the eyes showed a decrease in visual acuity. At the last post-operative follow-up, this visual improvement persisted in 14 eyes and graft survival rate after 156 weeks (3 years) was 69% in group 1 vs. 44% in group 2 (p = 0.39, logrank test). Secondary corneal neovascularisation (8%), scarring (4%), ulcer (4%) or graft rejection (8%) happened mostly in the second group which was missing at least one of the suggested modifications.
Conclusions
PKP in congenital aniridia must be considered as a high-risk keratoplasty. An optimized therapeutic approach seems to be promising in order to reduce the postoperative complication rate in these most difficult eyes.
A New Basal Hadrosaurid (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) From the Latest Cretaceous Kita-ama Formation in Japan: the Rise of Hadrosaurs
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshitsugu , Takasaki Ryuji , Kubota Katsuhiro , Fiorillo Anthony 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Here we describe a partial hadrosaurid skeleton from the marine Maastrichtian Kita-ama Formation of the Izumi Group in Japan as a new taxon, Yamatosaurus izanagii gen. et sp. nov. Our phylogenetic analysis demonstrates it belongs to the Hadrosauridae, composed of Hadrosaurus foulkii + (Yamatosaurus izanagii + (Saurolophinae + Lambeosaurinae). Yamatosaurus izanagii is unique in having only one functional tooth/row in the middle of the dentary dental battery and complete absence of the branched ridges on the occlusal surfaces. The coracoid lacks a biceps tubercle as in non-hadrosaurid hadrosauroids, suggesting its presence is a key feature for the clade of Saurolophinae and Lambeosaurinae. The evolutionary rate analysis further supports that shoulder and forelimb features, which are likely to be involved in locomotion, are important for the early evolution of Hadrosauridae. Our biogeographic analyses show that the basal Hadrosauridae was widely distributed in Asia and Appalachia, and the clade of Saurolophinae and Lambeosaurinae originated in Asia. The contemporaneous occurrence of basal (Yamatosaurus izanagii) and derived (Kamuysaurus japonicus) hadrosaurids during the Maastrichtian in Japan is the first record in Asia. Because of a long geographical distance between these localities, they may not co-exist but show some level of provinciality.
Processes and evolution of the Pleistocene coastal sedimentary succession of Es Codolar (Southern Eivissa, Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean): insights from soft sediment deformation structures.
Authors: Villalonga Laura del Valle , Pomar Francesc , Fornós Joan J , Gelabert Bernadí , Timar-Gabor Alida 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We analyze the evolution of the undeformed Middle to Late Pleistocene deposits of Es Codolar (Southern Eivissa, Western Mediterranean). The outcrop records a succession characterized by the alternation of aeolian, colluvial and alluvial fan deposits and palaeosols that result in a complex stratigraphic architecture. In this area, aeolian beds, colluvial deposits and palaeosols are exposed along sea-cliffs for almost 500 m, allowing detailed descriptions both of the general sedimentological and geomorphological features of the Middle to Late Pleistocene deposits. Several different types of soft-sediment deformation structures are described (Load-casts structures, injection structures, water-scape structures, rizoconcretions), which will help us in the understanding of the climatic evolution and the syn and post-depositional processes. In this way, main processes triggering the formation of these structures seem to be sea level changes together with a wetter environment during warmer climatic episodes.
Comparison of BAK-preserved Latanoprost and Polyquad-preserved Travoprost on Ocular Surface Parameters in Patients with Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Muz Omer Ersin , Dagdelen Kenan , Pirdal Tuncay , Guler Mete 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
To compare the effect of two different prostaglandin analogues (Travatan® vs. Xalatan®) on ocular surface parameters.
Methods
This study includes 44 eyes of 44 patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). Patients were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved latanoprost and polyquad-preserved travoprost. Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) levels and ocular surface parameters including ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining scores, and Schirmer test scores of patients were performed at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment and compared.
Results
The age, sex ratio, visual acuity, central corneal thickness, and cup/disc ratio were similar between the groups. A decrease in IOP levels (23.3 ± 2.5 to 15.5 ± 2.3), TBUT (5.5 ± 2.3 to 4.1 ± 1.7 sec), Schirmer test values (11.3 ± 5.9 to 8.6 ± 4.7 sec), and a worsening in OSDI scores (44.6 ± 15.2 to 55.1 ± 13.1) and staining scores (1.7 ± 1.6 to 2.3 ± 1.8) were observed in all patients in the first month of treatment (p < 0.05, for all). No further worsening was detected during the 1-year follow-up. There was no difference between the groups in terms of alterations in IOP levels and ocular surface parameters.
Conclusion
Travatan® and Xalatan® have a similar effect on IOP levels and ocular surface parameters in patients with POAG and OHT.
Non-Recursive Adaptive Control Design Methodology for Nonlinear Systems With Mismatched Time-Varying Disturbances
Authors: Dong Xin , Chuanlin Zhang , Cui Chenggang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a non-recursive adaptive control scheme for a class of lower-triangular nonlinear systems with mismatched time-varying disturbances. As a result, an exact tracking control scheme is constructed straightforwardly from the system in a novel non-recursive synthesis manner. Firstly, with the help of higher-order sliding mode observer (HOSMO), the original system is delicately transformed into an equivalent stabilizable system. Then, a non-recursive stabilizer with a simple update mechanism for the dynamic gain can be derived. Subsequently, a rigorous stability analysis shows the theoretical justification of the proposed design framework. New characteristics of the proposed algorithm are mainly twofold: 1) The proposed adaption mechanism could substantially adjust the transient-time performance with the presence of different levels of disturbances. 2) The composite control design procedure is essentially detached with stability analysis, which could largely facilitate practical implementations.