bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher probability of abrupt shift from drought to heavy rainfall in a warmer world
Authors: Zhang Boen , Wang Shuo , Zscheischler Jakob 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The abrupt shift from drought to heavy rainfall can lead to consecutive drought-flood hazards with high socioeconomic losses. However, past and future changes in such abrupt shift events remain poorly understood. Here we show that the lagged dependence of drought and heavy rainfall may double the probability of consecutive drought-flood hazards that would be expected from the independent occurrence of both hazards. The average historical probability of abrupt shift is 53% and will increase robustly with warming across mid- and high-latitude areas. Such increases may even emerge in the regions with projected decreases in both droughts and heavy rainfall events. Future droughts are more likely to terminate along with intense convection and strong water vapor convergence exceeding those in future normal periods, potentially amplifying the probability and intensity of heavy rainfall following droughts. Such rainfall intensification would seriously challenge the adaptation of global water infrastructure to rapid drought-flood cycles.
The "unclear problem" category: An analysis of its implications and effects on the emergency medical dispatch process in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Christensen Helle Collatz , Otten Sterre , Rehbock Cassandra , Krafft Thomas , Haugaard Martin Vang , Pilot Eva 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveAn effective emergency medical dispatch process is vital to provide appropriate prehospital care to patients. It increases patient safety and ensures the sustainable use of medical resources. Although Copenhagen has a sophisticated emergency medical services (EMS) system with a significant focus on public welfare, more than 10% of emergency calls are still being categorized as an "unclear problem" and are thus not categorized as "symptom-specific". Therefore, the objective of this research is to gain a better understanding of underlying implications that lead to the categorization of an emergency call as "unclear". This research investigates the effects of the "unclear problem" category (UPC) on the medical dispatching process at the emergency medical dispatch center in Copenhagen. Also, it explores the effectiveness of educating medical dispatchers about the use of the UPC to reduce its use. MethodsThis was a register-based study based on medical emergency call data. Descriptive analyses were conducted to investigate the effect of using the UPC on the medical dispatching process and determine the impact of alerting medical dispatchers to reduce its use. ResultsThe UPC accounted for 11.4% of the calls. Elderly patients were most often dispatched with the UPC. The UPC could impact the medical dispatching process in several potentially harmful, ways. Namely, it could lead to under or over triage and lead to inefficient use of EMS resources. Sensitizing medical dispatchers about the use of the UPC could have contributed to the decrease in the use of the UPC. ConclusionThe use of the UPC could have negative implications on patients' outcomes and the efficient use of EMS resources due to its possible impact on over-or under triage. The UPC is mainly used when dispatching the elderly. Nonetheless, the use of the UPC decreased throughout the study period after the medical dispatchers were alerted about the implications of its use.
Soil microbes influence nitrogen limit on the plant biomass of the alpine steppe, North Tibet
Authors: wu jianbo , Zhao Hui , Wang Xiaodan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
It is uncertain that plant biomass of grassland was co-limited by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) or only limited by N or P. Moreover, it is also unclear why plant biomass was not limited by the P when the N was added at grassland ecosystem. The N and P additional experiment was conducted at the alpine steppe from 2013 to 2017. Results from analyzing response ratio of shoot biomass and leaf N and P concentration to N and P addition suggested that N is the main limiting factor for plant biomass of alpine steppe, and P is synergistic with N in contributing to biomass. Based on the N:P stoichiometry, plants have to increase P absorption due to N addition. Results of SEM analysis showed plant and fungi promoted the activity of phosphatase. At the same time, the abundance of fungi and saprotrophic group associated with decomposition were increased due to N addition, which would provide more P for plant. Those results suggested P deficit of plant due to N addition would be alleviated. Similarly, plant have to increase the N absorption when P was added. Although activity of urease was enhanced by soil microbes and plant, there was a little substrate for microbes because plant biomass was not increased due to P addition. Therefore, composition and function of soil microbes were affected by plant and soil N:P due to N addition, and then delivered P for plant, which will influence the effect of N on plant biomass at alpine steppe.
Exploring airshed and watershed exposure pathways as mediators of the association between proximity to surface mining and adverse birth outcomes in Central Appalachia
Authors: Ruktanonchai Corrine Warren , McKnight Molly Xi , Buttling Lauren Grace , Kolivras Korine N , Krometis Leigh-Anne , Gohlke Julia M 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Previous work has determined an association between proximity to active surface mining in coal producing counties within Central Appalachia and an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW); however, the relative importance of specific exposure pathways explaining this association remains poorly understood. Multiple potential exposure pathways to surface mining activities exist during gestation, including inhalation of particulate matter (airshed exposure), or via exposure to impacted surface waters (watershed exposure). Here, we perform a mediation analysis to explore these pathways and the odds of adverse birth outcomes.
Methods
We obtained birth records acquired through health departments in WV, KY, VA and TN between 1990 and 2015. Surface mine extents for each year were identified through remotely sensed Landsat imagery. Corresponding airsheds were estimated using the HYSPLIT4 atmospheric trajectory model, while watersheds were assigned using United States Geological Survey’s Watershed Boundary Dataset boundaries. We performed logistic regression to determine associations between exposure and the odds of preterm birth, low birthweight, and term low birthweight, and iteratively included within our models: a) the percent of active surface mining landcover within a 5 km buffer of maternal residence; b) the cumulative potential exposure to air pollutants via the airshed experienced at the maternal residence, and; c) the percent of land experiencing surface mining within the watershed of residency.
Results
Our baseline models found that active surface mining was associated with an increased odds of PTB (1.09, 1.05 – 1.13) and LBW (1.06, 1.02 – 1.11), while controlling for significant predictors. When mediators were added to the base model, the association between active mining and birth outcomes was reduced (PTB: 1.04, 0.99 – 1.09; LBW 1.04, 0.99 – 1.10), while the odds of PTB and LBW increased with airshed exposure (PTB: 1.14, 1.11 – 1.18; LBW: 1.06, 1.03 – 1.10).
Conclusions
Results were consistent with a hypothesis of mediation via airshed, but suggested mediation via watershed was less likely. These results suggest that air pollution resulting from surface mining activities may be the primary exposure pathway explaining the association between maternal residence proximity to active surface mining and PTB and LBW.
The Proton and Neutron as Distortional Structures in the Geometric Manifold
Authors: Koehler Dale. R. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
It is shown in the present work that the distorted-space model of matter as extended to mimics of the proton and neutron can be described as muonic-based structures. These distorted-geometry structures exhibit non-Newtonian features wherein the hole or core-region fields of the structure (negative pressure core for a positive-charge positive-pressure large-r structure) do not behave functionally in a r−4 manner and terminate at zero at the radial origin (no singularity). Of particular interest is that of r−6 energy-density behavior at structural radial distances near the core of the distortion, a region also displaying potential-well behavior.
Comparison of fourteen Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen Tests for SARS-CoV-2: Use &amp; Sensitivity
Authors: Pérez-Martínez Zulema , Martín Gabriel , Sandoval Marta , Rojo-Alba Susana , Boga Jose Antonio , Melón Santiago , ÁLvarez-Argüelles Marta Elena 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Fast sensitive techniques are advisable for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Various rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection tests have been developed, but type and quality of the sample, stage of the disease and viral load can all have an impact on their sensitivity. For this study, a total of 486 swabs were processed and checked with various commercially available tests, and then compared with q(RT)-PCR (the gold-standard method). Total sensitivity varied considerably, for example, 42.10% (nal von minden and Tody Laboratories), 68.42% (Cahnos) and 84.78% (PCL). Sensitivity reached 100% when cycle threshold (Ct) was lower than 22 in almost all tests, although this dropped considerably when Ct was higher above 30, where only three tests identified 40% or more positive samples and in 5 cases it was 0%. What is more, only two cases were 100% accurate when viral load was higher than 5 log/103 cells and accuracy was 0% in 12 cases where viral load was lower than 4 log/103 cells. These results, particularly taking into consideration the fact they used normalized viral load, suggest that antigen detection tests have their role in the fast triage of positive patients, but that considerable care should be taken with negative results, which is even more important if they are used for massive screening.
Immune erythrocyte antibodies in adult patients with sickle cell disease and blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria: a comparative study
Authors: Adewoyin A.S. , Daramola O.A. , Ogbenna A.A. , Adeyemo T.A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Blood transfusion is a mainstay in SCD treatment. Erythrocyte alloimmunization is known to complicate the transfusional care of patients with SCD. Immune alloantibodies are associated with hemolytic transfusion reactions and transfusion refractoriness. We aimed to determine the prevalence, specificities, and clinical associations/risk factors of immune erythrocyte alloantibodies among adult patients with SCD compared with healthy blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria, through a cross-sectional study. All participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to obtain details on bio-data, hemoglobin phenotype, blood transfusion history, and SCD history where relevant. Blood specimens obtained from each participant were subjected to antibody screening/identification using tube agglutination method. The mean age of the SCD participants and healthy blood donors was 27.92 and 29.04 years, respectively. The majority (72.5%) of the SCD participants had received at least 1 unit of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in their lifetime, compared with only 7.5 percent of blood donors. Six SCD participants (7.5%) tested positive for atypical erythrocyte alloantibodies, with none among blood donors. Most of the antibodies (75%) belonged to the Rh blood group system. The most frequent antibody was anti-E, followed by anti-C and anti-D. Advancing age (30 years or more), recent transfusions (last 4 weeks), higher transfusion rates, and established renal disease were significantly associated with alloimmunization (p values of 0.026, 0.043, 0.002, and 0.043, respectively). This study suggests blood transfusion as a strong risk factor for RBC alloimmunization in SCD patients. Extended RBC phenotyping is recommended for all patients with SCD, especially those receiving regular transfusions.
Persistent and mobile organic chemicals in water resources: occurrence and removal options for water utilities
Authors: Scheurer Marco , Sandholzer Anna , Schnabel Tobias , Schneider-Werres Stephanie , Schaffer Mario , Börnick Hilmar , Beier Silvio 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Persistent and mobile (PM) substances are being recognized as serious threats to water resources and drinking water suppliers have to use advanced treatment if raw waters are contaminated with such compounds. In this study, analytical methods for 25 micropollutants for which insufficient or no data on their occurrence in surface waters and on their behavior during drinking water treatment were available, were developed. More than 120 surface water samples were analyzed and laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the compounds' behavior during aerobic bank filtration (BF), activated carbon treatment, and ozonation. Ensulizole, 1,3-diphenylguanidine and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid revealed the highest detection frequencies in the Rhine river. Concentration level and detection frequency correlated positively with the wastewater fraction. However, street run-off is likely an additional discharge pathway for 1,3-diphenylguanidine. In simulated BF, seven (six) substances could be classified as persistent (very persistent). By applying powdered activated carbon, 42% of the substances were well removed as was the case for 50% of the compounds when applying 0.2 mg/L O3. In total, eight of the substances detected in surface waters were weakly removed by at least one of the investigated removal processes and may cause problems for drinking water suppliers.
Investigation of the low impact development strategies for highly urbanized area via auto-calibrated Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)
Authors: Ekmekcioğlu Ömer , Yılmaz Muhammet , Özger Mehmet , Tosunoğlu Fatih 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the low impact development (LID) practices on sustainable urban flood storm water management. We applied three LID techniques, i.e. green roof, permeable pavements and bioretention cells, on a highly urbanized watershed in Istanbul, Turkey. The EPA-SWMM was used as a hydrologic-hydraulic model and the model calibration was performed by the well-known Parameter ESTimation (PEST) tool. The rainfall-runoff events occurred between 2012 and 2020. A sensitivity analysis on the parameter selection was applied to reduce the computational cost. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) was used as the objective function and it was calculated as 0.809 in the model calibration. The simulations were conducted for six different return periods of a storm event, i.e. 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years, in which the synthetic storm event hyetographs were produced by means of the alternating block method. The results revealed that the combination of green roof and permeable pavements have the major impact on both the peak flood reduction and runoff volume reduction compared to the single LIDs. The maximum runoff reduction percentage was obtained as 56.02% for a 10 years return period of a storm event in the combination scenario.
Highly efficient scavenging of Cr(VI) by two-dimensional titanium carbide nanosheets: kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics analysis
Authors: Lv Yinzhi , Chang Kaikai , Wu Hui , Fang Ping , Chen Chaogui , Liao Qing 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In this study, two-dimensional (2D) MXene material (Ti3C2Tx) was employed to investigate its potentials toward the Cr(VI) removal in aqueous system by batch experiments. Characterization techniques such as SEM-EDS, HRTEM, XRD, FI-TR and XPS were used to analyze the structure and interaction of Ti3C2Tx before and after Cr(VI) adsorption. The results indicated that the layered structure of Ti3C2Tx had unique surface functional properties and abundant active sites, such as –OH, Ti–O, C = O, which exhibited high adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) removal. The Cr(VI) adsorption capacity by Ti3C2Tx decreased with the increase of pH, and its maximum value can reach 169.8 mg/g at pH = 2.0. The adsorption kinetic was well-explained by a pseudo-second-order kinetic, indicating that chemical interaction played a dominant role in the adsorption of Cr(VI) on Ti3C2Tx. Meanwhile, the isotherm data was calculated to conform to the Freundlich isotherm model. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process of Cr(VI) on Ti3C2Tx was a spontaneous endothermic process. These experimental results revealed that Ti3C2Tx had tremendous potential in heavy metals adsorption from aqueous solutions.
Exendin-4 Improves Cognitive Function of Diabetic Mice via Increasing Brain Insulin Synthesis
Authors: Peng Xuemin , Shi Xiaoli , Huang Jiaojiao , Zhang Shujun , Yan Yongli , Ma Delin , Xu Weijie , Xu Weijie , Dong Kun , Tao Jing , Li Mengni , Yang Yan 
Published: September 2021

Background and Objective:
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) patients are more prone to develop
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We have previously shown that Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist
exendin-4 (Ex-4) reduces tau hyperphosphorylation in T2D animals through upregulating insulin
signaling, and peripheral injected Ex-4 increases insulin levels in the T2D brain. This study
aims to further clarify whether the elevated insulin in the brain is produced by nerve cells under the
action of Ex-4.

Methods:
The neuronal cell line-HT22 was treated with Ex-4 under high glucose or normal cultivation,
and the number of insulin-positive cells as well as the expression levels of insulin synthesis-related
genes were examined. The db/db mice were treated with the peripheral injection of Ex-4
and/or IntraCerebroVentricular (ICV) injection of siRNA to inhibit the expression of insulin synthesis-
related genes and the behavior tests were carried on. Finally, plasma glucose, Cerebrospinal
Fluid (CSF) glucose, CSF insulin, phosphorylation of tau, phosphorylation of AKT and GSK-3β of
db/db mice were detected.

Results :
We found that Ex-4 promoted the expression of insulin synthesis-related genes and induced
an obvious increase of insulin-positive HT-22 neuronal cells in a high glucose environment.
Peripheral injection of Ex-4 improved the cognitive function of db/db mice and increased brain insulin
levels which activated brain insulin signaling and subsequently alleviated tau hyperphosphorylation.
However, when siRNA-neurod1 was injected to block insulin synthesis, the cognitive function
of db/db mice was not improved under the action of Ex-4 anymore. Moreover, the brain insulin
levels dropped to an extremely low level, and the phosphorylation level of tau increased significantly.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that Ex-4 improved cognition function by promoting brain insulin
synthesis followed by the activation of brain insulin signaling and alleviation of tau hyperphosphorylation.
Ultrasound Accelerated Expedient and Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Aryl Sulfonates Using I2As Catalyst At Ambient Conditions
Authors: Zhu Sha , Wang Bin-Bin , Tan Mei-Chen , Qian Xiaofu , Ying Shengneng , Liu Yang , Li Cehua , Jin Zheng , Jiang Hongmei , Gui Qing-Wen 
Published: September 2021

:Aryl sulfonates were developed by ssing an energy-saving and eco-friendly approach, through ultrasound-assisted coupling reaction of readily sodium sulfinates with N-hydroxyphthalimide, under metal-free and mild conditions within 10 min at room temperature.
Advancement of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulation of Intestinal Flora: Mechanism-based Role in Disease Management
Authors: Hou Kaijian , Wu Zezhen , Chen Yongru , Zhu Dan , Zheng Yingmiao , Ali Khan Barkat 
Published: September 2021

Abstract:Intestinal microecology is the largest and most complex human microecology. The intestinal microflora plays an important role in human health. Imbalance of intestinal microflora contributes to the occurrence and development of many diseases. Recently, the treatment of human diseases by regulating intestinal microflora has become a research topic of interest. Traditional Chinese medicine considers the whole human body as the central concept in disease treatment strategies. It advocates maintaining the coordination and balance of the functions of various organs and systems of the human body, including the intestinal microflora. Traditional Chinese medicine improves the metabolism and immune function of the human body by regulating the intestinal microflora. The intestinal microflora could trigger pharmacological activity or reduce toxicity of drugs through regulating metabolism, which enables traditional Chinese medicine formulations to exert their best therapeutic effects. This review summarized the relationship between the intestinal microflora and digestive system, tumors, and other diseases. Furthermore, the role of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of tumors, and other diseases is discussed. The relationship among traditional Chinese medicine and the common intestinal microflora, pathogenesis of human diseases, and effective intervention methods were elaborated. In addition, we explored the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of various human diseases by regulating intestinal microflora to provide new treatment concepts. There is a close relationship between traditional Chinese medicine and the intestinal microflora. Traditional Chinese medicine formulations contribute to maintain the natural balance of the intestinal tract and the intestinal microflora to achieve treatment effects. This paper summarizes the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine formulations in regulating the intestinal microflora in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, it summarizes information on the application of the interaction between traditional Chinese medicine preparations and the regulation of intestinal microflora in the treatment of common human diseases. Intestinal microflora plays a key role in traditional Chinese medicine in maintaining the natural balance of physiology and metabolism of human body. It will provide a theoretical basis for the traditional Chinese medicine preparations in the prevention and treatment of common human diseases, and simulate future research on this aspect.
Current Advances and Outlook in Gastric Cancer Chemoresistance: A Review
Authors: Chen Zhe-Sheng , Lin Li-Zhu , Zhang Sheng-Xiong , Liu Wei , Ai Bo , Sun Ling-Ling 
Published: September 2021

Background:
Surgical resection of the lesion is the standard primary treatment of gastric
cancer. Unfortunately, most patients are already in the advanced stage of the disease when they
are diagnosed with gastric cancer. Alternative therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy,
can achieve only very limited benefits. The emergence of cancer drug resistance has always
been the major obstacle to the cure of tumors. The main goal of modern cancer pharmacology is to
determine the underlying mechanism of anticancer drugs.

Objective:
Here, we mainly review the latest research results related to the mechanism of chemotherapy
resistance in gastric cancer, the application of natural products in overcoming the chemotherapy
resistance of gastric cancer, and the new strategies currently being developed to treat tumors
based on immunotherapy and gene therapy.

Conclusion:
The emergence of cancer drug resistance is the main obstacle in achieving alleviation
and final cure for gastric cancer. Mixed therapies are considered to be a possible way to overcome
chemoresistance. Natural products are the main resource for discovering new drugs specific for
treating chemoresistance, and further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of natural product
activity in patients.