bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporating abiotic controls on animal movements in metacommunities
Authors: McLeod Anne M. , Leroux Shawn J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLocal dynamics are influenced by regional processes. Meta‐ecology, or the study of spatial flows of energy, materials, and species between local systems, is becoming increasingly concerned with accurate depictions of species movements and the impacts of this movement on landscape‐level ecosystem function. Indeed, incorporating diverse types of movement is a major frontier in metacommunity theory. Here, we synthesize literature to demonstrate that the movement of organisms between patches is governed by the interplay between both a species’ ability to move and the combined effects of landscape structure and physical flows (termed abiotic controls), which together we refer to as abiotic‐dependent species connectivity. For example, two lakes that share geographic proximity may be inaccessible for mobile fish species because they lack a river connecting them (landscape structure), but wind currents may disperse insects between them (physical flows). Empirical evidence suggests that abiotic controls, such as ocean currents, lead to abiotic‐dependent species connectivity and that, in nature, this type of connectivity is the rule rather than the exception. Based on this empirical evidence, we introduce a novel mathematical framework to demonstrate how species movement capabilities and abiotic conditions, can interact to influence metacommunity stability. We apply this framework to predict how incorporating abiotic‐dependent species connectivity applies to classic empirical examples of aquatic, aquatic‐terrestrial, and terrestrial experimental metacommunities. We demonstrate that incorporating abiotic‐dependent species connectivity into metacommunity models can lead to a much broader range of dynamics than models previously predicted, including a wider range of metacommunity stability. Our framework fills critical gaps in our basic understanding of organismal movement across landscapes and provides testable predictions for how such common natural phenomena impact landscape‐level ecosystem function. Finally, we present future perspectives for further development of meta‐ecological theory from questions about fragmentation to ecosystems. Anthropogenic change is not only leading to habitat loss from the damming of rivers to denuding the landscape, but altering the physical flows that have historically connected communities. Thus, recognizing the importance of these processes in tandem with species’ movement abilities is critical for predicting and preserving the structure and function of ecological communities.
Peptidylprolyl isomerase C (Ppic) regulates invariant Natural Killer T cell (iNKT) differentiation in mice
Authors: Paiva Ricardo S. , Ramos Camila V. , Azenha Sara R. , Alves Carolina , Basto Afonso P. , Graca Luis , Martins Vera C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPeptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase C (Ppic) is expressed in several bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic progenitors and in T‐cell precursors. Since the expression profile of Ppic in the hematoimmune system was suggestive that it could play a role in hematopoiesis and/or T lymphocyte differentiation, we sought to test that hypothesis in vivo. Specifically, we generated a Ppic‐deficient mouse model by targeting the endogenous locus by CRISPR/Cas9 and tested the requirement of Ppic in hematopoiesis. Several immune cell lineages covering BM progenitors, lymphocyte precursors, as well as mature cells at the periphery were analyzed. While most lineages were unaffected, invariant NKT (iNKT) cells were reduced in percentage and absolute cell numbers in the Ppic‐deficient thymus. This affected the most mature stages in the thymus, S2 and S3, and the phenotype was maintained at the periphery. Additionally, immature transitional T1 and T2 B lymphocytes were increased in the Ppic‐deficient spleen, but the phenotype was lost in mature B lymphocytes. In sum, our data show that Ppic is dispensable for myeloid cells, platelets, erythrocytes, αβ, and γδ T lymphocytes in vivo in the steady state, while being involved in B‐ and iNKT cell differentiation.
Forging C−S(Se) Bonds by Nickel‐catalyzed Decarbonylation of Carboxylic Acid and Cleavage of Aryl Dichalcogenides
Authors: Zhou Jing‐Ya , Zhu Yong‐Ming 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA nickel‐catalyzed decarbonylation of carboxylic acids cross‐coupling protocol has been developed for the straightforward C−S(Se) bond formation. This reaction is promoted by a commercially‐available, user‐friendly, inexpensive, air and moisture‐stable nickel precatalyst. Various carboxylic acids and a wide range of aryl dichalcogenide substrates were tolerated in this process which afforded products in good to excellent yields. In addition, the present reaction can be conducted on gram scale in good yield.
A power‐challenging theory of society, or a conservative mindset? Upward and downward conspiracy theories as ideologically distinct beliefs
Authors: Nera Kenzo , Wagner‐Egger Pascal , Bertin Paul , Douglas Karen M. , Klein Olivier 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEven though conspiracy theories are diverse, they are typically construed as a homogeneous phenomenon. Using classic theorizations of conspiracy theories by Popper and Moscovici, we propose to distinguish between belief in upward conspiracy theories (i.e., targeting relatively powerful groups) and downward conspiracy theories (i.e., targeting relatively powerless groups). The former are theorized as power‐challenging beliefs and the latter are theorized as being underpinned by conservative ideology. Across three studies conducted in Belgium (totalN = 2363), we show that these two types of conspiracy beliefs indeed relate differently to power‐challenging attitudes (i.e., political extremism, feelings of leadership breakdown) and conservative ideology. Specifically, upward conspiracy beliefs were characterized by a U‐shaped relationship with political orientation (i.e., an “extremism” bias), and a strong relationship with feelings of leadership breakdown. By contrast, downward conspiracy beliefs were strongly associated with conservative ideology. Both types of conspiracy beliefs were, however, positively correlated.
Electrochemical Oxidation Behavior of Nitrogen Dioxide for Gas Detection Using Boron Doped Diamond Electrodes
Authors: Triana Yunita , Irkham  , Einaga Yasuaki 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe electrochemical oxidation reaction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) using boron doped diamond (BDD) electrodes is presented. Cyclic voltammetry of NO2 in a 0.1 M KClO4 solution exhibits oxidation peaks at +1.1 V and +1.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) which are attributable to oxidation of HONO and NO2−, respectively. Moreover, the pH and scan rate dependences were investigated to study the oxidation mechanism. A linear calibration curve was observed in the concentration range of ∼1 to 5 mM (R2=0.99) with a detection limit of 11.1 ppb (S/B=3) for HONO and 58.6 ppb (S/B=3) for NO2−. In addition, the analytical performance was compared with those using glassy carbon, platinum and stainless steel as the working electrode.
Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous sequence stratigraphy and allogenic controls in proximal terrestrial environments (Southern Junggar Basin, NW China)
Authors: Guan Xutong , Wu Chaodong , Zhou Tianqi , Tang Xueying , Ma Jian , Fang Yanan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe terrestrial sequence stratigraphy in proximal terrestrial environments is different from its counterpart in distal terrestrial and marine environments. The Southern Junggar Basin in NW China has preserved well‐exposed proximal terrestrial outcrops and its Jurassic–Cretaceous sequence boundary remains contentious. The goal of this paper is to (a) establish a model of allogenic‐controlling mechanisms of a proximal terrestrial sequence, (b) investigate the Jurassic–Cretaceous sequence boundary, (c) the Jurassic climate, and (d) tectonic movements in Central Asia. The sequence stratigraphic framework was established assisted by the determination of the accommodation space/sediment supply (A/S) ratio, including two second‐order sequences (SS) and six third‐order sequences (SQ) in the Jurassic, as well as a second‐order sequence in the Cretaceous. SS1 was mainly controlled by a warm and humid climate and lake level fluctuations in a weak extensional tectonic setting; SS2 was mainly controlled by an arid climate and compressional tectonic movements; SS3 was mainly controlled by a semi‐humid climate and lake transgression in a stable tectonic setting. Additionally, the Jurassic–Cretaceous sequence boundary was distinguished within the Kalazha Formation based on its sedimentary characteristics, sedimentary evolution, and different allogenic controls. It is concluded that the proximal terrestrial sequences exhibit rapid sedimentary facies change, thick coarse‐grained sediments, and multiple provenances. Climate, tectonic movements, and lake level fluctuation dominate in different stages of basin evolution. Moreover, the sediment supply is more emphasized, and the accommodation space/sediment supply ratio, which corresponds to different channel geometry types, plays a critical role in identifying system tracts and sequence stratigraphic surfaces.
Computational study on heat transfer and MHD‐electrified flow of fractional Maxwell nanofluids suspended with SWCNT and MWCNT
Authors: Babitha  , Madhura K. R. , Makinde O. D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRecent developments in fluid dynamics have been focusing on nanofluids, which preserve significant thermal conductivity properties and magnify heat transport in fluids. Classical nanofluid studies are generally confined to models described by partial differential equations of an integer order, where the memory effect and hereditary properties of materials are neglected. To overcome these downsides, the present work focuses on studying nanofluids with fractional derivatives formed by differential equations with Caputo time derivatives that provide memory effect on nanofluid characteristics. Further, heat transfer enhancement and boundary layer flow of fractional Maxwell nanofluid with single‐wall and multiple walls carbon nanotubes are investigated. The Maxwell nanofluid saturates the porous medium. Also, buoyancy, magnetic, electric, and heating effects are considered. Governing continuity, momentum, and energy equations involving Caputo time‐fractional derivatives reduced nondimensional forms using suitable dimensionless quantities. Numerical solutions for arising nonlinear problems are developed using finite difference approximation combined with L1 algorithm. The influence of involved physical parameters on flow and heat transfer characteristics is analyzed and depicted graphically. Our simulations found out that surface drag of Maxwell nanofluid with single‐walled carbon nanotubes dominates nanofluids with multiple walls carbon nanotubes, but the reverse trend is noticed for larger Grashof number values.
Cumulative COVID‐19 incidence, mortality and prognosis in cancer survivors: A population‐based study in Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy
Authors: Mangone Lucia , Gioia Francesco , Mancuso Pamela , Bisceglia Isabella , Ottone Marta , Vicentini Massimo , Pinto Carmine , Giorgi Rossi Paolo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aim of this population‐based study was to evaluate the impact of being a cancer survivor (CS) on COVID‐19 risk and prognosis during the first wave of the pandemic (27 February 2020 to 13 May 2020) in Reggio Emilia Province. Prevalent cancer cases diagnosed between 1996 and 2019 were linked with the provincial COVID‐19 surveillance system. We compared CS' cumulative incidence of being tested, testing positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), being hospitalized and dying of COVID‐19 with that of the general population; we compared COVID‐19 prognosis in CS and in patients without cancer. During the study period, 15 391 people (1527 CS) underwent real‐time polymerase chain reaction for SARS‐CoV‐2, of whom 4541 (447 CS) tested positive; 541 (113 CS) died of COVID‐19. CS had higher age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) of testing (1.28 [95% confidence interval, CI = 1.21‐1.35]), of positive test (IRR 1.06 [95% CI = 0.96‐1.18]) and of hospitalization and death (IRR 1.27 [95% CI = 1.09‐1.48] and 1.39 [95%CI = 1.12‐1.71], respectively). CS had worse prognosis when diagnosed with COVID‐19, particularly those below age 70 (adjusted odds ratio [OR] of death 5.03; [95% CI = 2.59‐9.75]), while the OR decreased after age 70. The OR of death was higher for CS with a recent diagnosis, that is, <2 years (OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 1.64‐5.21), or metastases (OR = 2.09; 95% CI = 0.88‐4.93). CS showed the same probability of being infected, despite a slightly higher probability of being tested than the general population. Nevertheless, CS were at higher risk of death once infected.
A pairwise and network meta‐analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of progestogens in threatened abortion
Authors: Zhao Hongqiong , He Wei , Yang Zhu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundProgesterone is widely used to prevent threatened miscarriage.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy and safety of progestogens in the treatment of threatened miscarriage.Search strategyPubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, CBM, and WanFang databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from the date of inception of the database to August 2020. The search terms included “abortion, threatened,” “progesterone,” and “progestogens.”Selection criteriaA network meta‐analysis was conducted of all the RCTs on threatened abortion so far to compare the efficacy and safety of different progestogens in the treatment of threatened abortion.Data collection and analysisOdds ratios for dichotomous data with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and the data were pooled using a random‐effects model. The surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) was calculated for efficacy and safety with different interventions.Main resultsA total of 59 RCTs with 10 424 participants were included. Oral dydrogesterone (DYD) had the lowest risk of miscarriage (SUCRA 100.0%), followed by vaginal progesterone (SUCRA 67.9%). Oral micronized progesterone had the highest risk of miscarriage (SUCRA 15.7%).ConclusionOral DYD is effective in the treatment of threatened miscarriage. The results of the present study can help patients make informed decisions about treatment options for threatened miscarriage.
Fipronil biodegradation and metabolization by Bacillus megaterium strain E1
Authors: do Prado Caio César Achiles , Pereira Rodrigo Matheus , Durrant Lucia Regina , Scorza Júnior Rômulo Penna , Bonfá Maricy Raquel Lindenbah 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDFipronil is a broad‐spectrum insecticide that is used extensively due to its effective action in pest control. However, environmental studies have shown it has high toxicity towards non‐target organisms as well. In addition, the degradation of fipronil can generate even more toxic and reactive metabolites in the environment. In the present study, bioprospecting for bacteria with the potential to degrade fipronil was performed using fipronil as the sole source of nitrogen and main source of carbon. From samples of corn culture soil with a history of fipronil application, isolation was performed using the microcosm enrichment method.RESULTSBacteria were isolated using fipronil (0.6 g L−1) as the sole nitrogen source and main carbon source. After preliminary tests, isolate E1 was selected and, following sequencing of 16S rRNA, it was found that the isolate E1 was a bacterium of the Bacillaceae family, Bacillus megaterium species. Growth was evaluated by dry biomass and degradation quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Strain E1 presented a 94% degradation of fipronil, as well as 91% and 96% degradation of its metabolites fipronil‐sulfide and fipronil‐sulfone, respectively, in 14 days, reducing its initial concentration from 0.6 g L−1 to 0.036 mg L−1.CONCLUSIONThe results showed that bioprospecting of the E1 strain, isolated from soil, showed efficiency in the biodegradation process of fipronil. This strain is a potential candidate for use in bioremediation processes in areas contaminated with fipronil and for use in further studies on the elucidation of the metabolic pathways of fipronil degradation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Students’ perceptions and attitudes about digital dental technology is associated with their intention to use it
Authors: Sheba Moamen , Comnick Carissa , Elkerdani Tarek , Ashida Sato , Zeng Erliang , Marchini Leonardo 
Published: April 2021

Purpose/ObjectivesTo investigate factors associated with predoctoral students’ intention to use dental technology in future practice using the theory of planned behavior.MethodsA comprehensive survey was developed consisting of 29 questions grouped in three main domains: knowledge, perception, and suggestions. After students had completed their digital dentistry didactic courses in 2019, the University of Iowa‐College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics D2, D3, and D4 classes completed the survey. The D1 class was excluded because they had not finished their digital dentistry didactic courses. The survey data were tabulated for each class separately to compare trends among classes. Each response was analyzed individually before creating scores for the various subdomains. A linear regression analysis was used to create the final model for the outcome variable (intention to use technology).ResultsThe response rate was 95% (n = 232). The mean age of participants was 25.7 years (SD = 2.7). There were significant differences between the classes in their knowledge (p < 0.0001), perceived quality of training (p < 0.0001), and all perceptions related to digital dentistry. Controlling for significant covariates among higher level students, there were significant associations between intention to use dental technology and greater knowledge scores (p = 0.05), attitude (p < 0.0001), subjective social norms (p = 0.02), and perceived control on the future use of technology (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsStudents may be motivated to use digital technology when they have good knowledge, feel that others are using it or endorsing its use, and perceive that they have control in their future practice.
Hypoglycemic attacks and growth failure are the most common manifestations of citrin deficiency after 1 year of age
Authors: Arai‐Ichinoi Natsuko , Kikuchi Atsuo , Wada Yoichi , Sakamoto Osamu , Kure Shigeo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCitrin deficiency develops in different symptomatic periods from the neonatal period to adulthood. Some infantile patients are diagnosed by newborn mass screening or symptoms of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency, some patients in childhood may develop hepatopathy or dyslipidemia as failure to thrive and dyslipidemia caused by citrin deficiency, and some adults are diagnosed after developing adult‐onset type 2 citrullinemia (CTLN2) with hyperammonemia or encephalopathy. A diagnosis is needed before the development of severe phenotypic CTLN2 but is often difficult to obtain because newborn mass screening cannot detect all patients with citrin deficiency, and undiagnosed patients often appear healthy in childhood. There are only a few reports that have described patients in childhood. To explore the clinical features of undiagnosed patients with citrin deficiency in childhood, we studied 20 patients who were diagnosed after the first year of life. Of these patients, 45% experienced hypoglycemic attacks in childhood. The acetoacetic acid level during hypoglycemic attacks was lower than expected. Growth failure at diagnosis (45%) was also noted. From the patients' history, fat‐ and protein‐rich food preferences (80%), a low birth weight (70%), and prolonged jaundice or infantile hepatopathy (40%) were identified. To diagnose citrin deficiency in childhood, we should ask about food preferences and a history of infantile hepatopathy for all children with severe hypoglycemia or growth failure and consider the genetic test for citrin deficiency if the patient has characteristic food preferences or a history of infantile hepatopathy.
Estimating the reference interval from a fixed effects meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Wenhao , Siegel Lianne , Zhou Jincheng , Zhu Motao , Tong Tiejun , Chen Yong , Chu Haitao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA reference interval provides a basis for physicians to determine whether a measurement is typical of a healthy individual. It can be interpreted as a prediction interval for a new individual from the overall population. However, a reference interval based on a single study may not be representative of the broader population. Meta‐analysis can provide a general reference interval based on the overall population by combining results from multiple studies. Methods for estimating the reference interval from a random effects meta‐analysis have been recently proposed to incorporate the within and between‐study variation, but a random effects model may give imprecise estimates of the between‐study variation with only few studies. In addition, the normal distribution of underlying study‐specific means, and equal within‐study variance assumption in these methods may be inappropriate in some settings. In this article, we aim to estimate the reference interval based on the fixed effects model assuming study effects are unrelated, which is useful for a meta‐analysis with only a few studies (e.g., ≤5). We propose a mixture distribution method only assuming parametric distributions (e.g., normal) for individuals within each study and integrating them to form the overall population distribution. This method is compared to an empirical method only assuming a parametric overall population distribution. Simulation studies have shown that both methods can estimate a reference interval with coverage close to the targeted value (i.e., 95%). Meta‐analyses of women daytime urination frequency and frontal subjective postural vertical measurements are reanalyzed to demonstrate the application of our methods.
Gas‐phase catalytic isomerization of n‐heptane using Pt/(CrOx/ZrO2)‐HMS catalysts: A kinetic modeling
Authors: Parsafard Nastaran , Garmroodi Ali , Mirzaei Shohreh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA systematic study has been conducted to optimize the process conditions and to evaluate the kinetic parameters for the isomerization reaction of n‐heptane on the novel platinum‐chromium/zirconium‐ hexagonal mesoporous silica (Pt/(CrOx/ZrO2)‐HMS) catalysts (PCZH). The kinetic experiments were performed in a fixed‐bed reactor at the reaction temperatures of 200–350°C, Cr/Zr molar ratio of 5–35, the n‐C7 flow rate of 2–4.5 cc h−1, and H2 flow rate of 20–45 cc min−1. The statistical analysis of all experimental data was carried out using analysis of variance to optimize the operating conditions for n‐heptane reactions. The results show that the incorporation of Cr into the Pt‐Zr‐HMS structure promotes the kinetic rate of the isomerization reaction. Sharp elevation from 0.08 to 0.3 mol g−1 s−1 in the isomerization kinetic rates can be observed in the PCZH(35) and a temperature of 350 °C, when the H2 flow rate increases from 20 to 45 cc min−1 at a constant flow rate of n‐C7 (4.5 cc h−1). The surface and contour plot verifies that the kinetic rate does not significantly vary with respect to studied temperatures and Cr/Zr ratio when the flow rate of isomerization feeds is considerably low. The experimental kinetic rate obtained on the optimum condition is in good agreement with the prediction of the response surface method. The kinetic model of Langmuir–Hinshelwood as well as a power‐law model was developed for this reaction. A reasonably good fit of the obtained data shows that the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model has a better performance to define the isomerization of the n‐heptane process.