bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced light absorption and charge recombination control in quantum dot sensitized solar cells using copper and manganese doped cadmium sulfide quantum dots
Authors: Tung Ha Thanh , Phuc Dang Huu , Chung Nguyen Thi Kim , Thuy Nguyen Thuy Ngoc 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this work, photovoltaic devices with CdSe QDs‐photoanodes doped Cu and Mn metals using the Successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method for high‐efficiency performance. Here, the molar dopant of Cu was studied from 0% to 5%, while Mn molar was changed between 0% and 40% to optimize conditional experiment. This result shows an increase of current density in both CdSe doped on Cu and Mn as a result of the enhancing light absorption and reducing recombination when a ZnS layer was used as passivation. In fact, a high 4.24% of efficiency for CdSe doped on Cu and 3.9% of efficiency for CdSe doped on Mn were archived comparing with pure CdSe QDs.
Inositol hexaphosphate modulates the behavior of macrophages through alteration of gene expression involved in pathways of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory responses, and resolution of inflammation pathways
Authors: Wee Yinshen , Yang Chieh‐Hsiang , Chen Shau‐Kwaun , Yen Yu‐Chun , Wang Ching‐Shuen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractInositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a dietary compound commonly obtained from corn, rice, etc. Although we may consume significant amount of IP6 daily, it is unclear whether this diet will impact macrophages’ fate and function. Therefore, we characterized the underlying relationship between IP6 and macrophage polarization in this study. We specifically examined the signature gene expression profiles associated with pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory responses, and resolution of inflammation pathways in macrophages under the influence of IP6. Interestingly, our data suggested that IP6 polarizes bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) into an M2a‐like subtype. Our results also demonstrated that IP6 reduces lipopolysaccharide‐induced apoptosis and pro‐inflammatory responses in macrophages. In contrast, the expression levels of genes related to anti‐inflammatory responses and resolution of inflammation pathways are upregulated. Our findings collectively demonstrated that IP6 has profound modulation effects on macrophages, which warrant further research on the therapeutic benefits of IP6 for inflammatory diseases.
Deuterium‐Stabilized (R)‐Pioglitazone (PXL065) Is Responsible for Pioglitazone Efficacy in NASH yet Exhibits Little to No PPARγ Activity
Authors: Jacques Vincent , Bolze Sébastien , Hallakou‐Bozec Sophie , Czarnik Anthony W. , Divakaruni Ajit S. , Fouqueray Pascale , Murphy Anne N. , Van der Ploeg Lex H.T. , DeWitt Sheila 
Published: April 2021

The antidiabetic drug pioglitazone is, to date, the most efficacious oral drug recommended off‐label for the treatment of nondiabetic or diabetic patients with biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, weight gain and edema side effects have limited its use for NASH. Pioglitazone is a mixture of two stereoisomers ((R)‐pioglitazone and (S)‐pioglitazone) that interconvert in vitro and in vivo. We aimed to characterize their individual pharmacology to develop a safer and potentially more potent drug for NASH. We stabilized the stereoisomers of pioglitazone with deuterium at the chiral center. Preclinical studies with deuterium‐stabilized (R)‐pioglitazone (PXL065) and (S)‐pioglitazone demonstrated that (R)‐pioglitazone retains the efficacy of pioglitazone in NASH, including reduced hepatic triglycerides, free fatty acids, cholesterol, steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte enlargement, and fibrosis. Although both stereoisomers inhibit the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier, PXL065 shows limited to no peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) activity, whereas (S)‐pioglitazone appears responsible for the PPARγ activity and associated weight gain. Nonetheless, in preclinical models, both stereoisomers reduce plasma glucose and hepatic fibrosis to the same extent as pioglitazone, suggesting that these benefits may also be mediated by altered mitochondrial metabolism. In a phase 1a clinical study, we demonstrated safety and tolerability of single 7.5‐mg, 22.5‐mg, and 30‐mg doses of PXL065 as well as preferential exposure to the (R)‐stereoisomer in comparison to 45‐mg pioglitazone. Conclusion: PXL065 at a dose lower than 22.5 mg is predicted to exhibit efficacy for NASH equal to, or greater than, 45‐mg pioglitazone without the potentially detrimental weight gain and edema. The development of PXL065 for NASH represents a unique opportunity to leverage the therapeutic benefits of pioglitazone, while reducing or eliminating PPARγ‐related side effects.
Hydrological management strategies for the control of algal blooms in regulated lowland rivers
Authors: Li Jian , Yin Wei , Jia Haiyan , Xin Xiaokang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractReservoirs of lowland floodplain rivers with eutrophic backgrounds cause variations in the hydrological and hydraulic conditions of estuaries and low‐dam reservoir areas, which can promote planktonic algae to proliferate and algal bloom outbreaks. Understanding the ecological effects of variations in hydrological and hydraulic processes in lowland rivers is important for algal bloom control. In this study, the middle and lower reaches of the Han River, China, a typical regulated lowland river with a eutrophic background, are selected. Based on the effect of hydrological and hydraulic variability on algal blooms, a hydrological management strategy for river algal bloom control is proposed. The results showed that (a) differences in river morphology and background nutrient levels cause significant differences in the critical threshold flow velocities for algal bloom outbreaks between natural river and low‐dam reservoir sections; there is no uniform threshold flow velocity for algal bloom control. (b) There are significant differences in the river hydrological/hydraulic conditions between years with and without algal blooms. The average river flow, water level and velocity in years with algal blooms are significantly lower than those in years without algal blooms. (c) For different river sections where algal blooms occur and to meet the threshold flow velocities, the joint operation of cascade reservoirs and diversion projects is an effective method to prevent and control algal blooms in regulated lowland rivers. This study is expected to deepen our understanding of the ecological significance of special hydrological processes and guide algal bloom management in regulated lowland rivers.
Introduction to ‘A tribute to Edward P. Glenn (1947–2017): A legacy of scientific environmental assessment and applications in hydrological processes’
Authors: Nagler Pamela L. , Hultine Kevin R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis special issue (SI) ‘A Tribute to Edward P. Glenn (1947‐2017): A legacy of Scientific Environmental Assessment and Applications in Hydrological Processes’ is a celebration of the extensive work of Dr. Ed Glenn that was instrumental across multiple sub‐disciplines of hydrology. The SI highlights four primary areas of hydrological processes that are cornerstones of Ed Glenn's over four decades of research. These contributions cover the following specialties: (i) Hydrology in the Colorado River Delta; (ii) Riparian ecosystem water use; (iii) Riparian Plant ecophysiology and ecohydrology; and (iv) Methods and models to characterize evapotranspiration. Since Ed was passionate about the dryland delta at the end of the Colorado River, we begin with four research studies that focus on this special region on the U.S.–Mexico border which encompasses four states (Baja and Sonora in Mexico and California and Arizona in United States) as well as tribal communities in the transboundary area. The Colorado River delta reaches the Northern Gulf of California in the Sea of Cortez which has been designated as a UNESCO international biosphere reserve (‘Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar’), which includes the Upper Gulf of California and Delta of the Colorado River (‘Reserva de la Biosfera Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Río Colorado’). Ed spent the majority of his last three decades on water balance studies and on ground‐based transpiration quantification for validation of satellite and airborne remote sensing methods. We wrap up the special issue with contributions related to improving satellite and airborne remote sensing estimation of actual evapotranspiration. It is our pleasure to summarize the 16 research studies contributed to the special issue to honour Ed Glenn's research interests.
Immune cytopenias as a continuum in inborn errors of immunity: An in‐depth clinical and immunological exploration
Authors: Zama Daniele , Conti Francesca , Moratti Mattia , Cantarini Maria E. , Facchini Elena , Rivalta Beatrice , Rondelli Roberto , Prete Arcangelo , Ferrari Simona , Seri Marco , Pession Andrea 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) are disorders characterized by immune‐mediated destruction of hematopoietic cell lineages. A link between pediatric immune cytopenias and inborn errors of immunity (IEI) was established in particular in the combined and chronic forms.ObjectiveAim of this study is to provide clinical‐immunological parameters to hematologists useful for a prompt identification of children with immune cytopenias deserving a deeper immunological and genetic evaluation.MethodsWe retrospectively collected 47 pediatric patients with at least one hematological disorder among which persistent/chronic ITP, AIHA, and AIN, aged 0–18 years at onset of immune cytopenias and/or immune‐dysregulation. The cohort was divided into two groups (IEI+ and IEI−), based on the presence/absence of underlying IEI diagnosis. IEI+ group, formed by 19/47 individuals, included: common variable immune deficiency (CVID; 9/19), autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS; 4/19), DiGeorge syndrome (1/19), and unclassified IEI (5/19).ResultsIEI prevalence among patients with ITP, AIHA, AIN, and Evans Syndrome was respectively of 42%, 64%, 36%, and 62%. In IEI+ group the extended immunophenotyping identified the presence of statistically significant (p < .05) specific characteristics, namely T/B lymphopenia, decrease in naїve T‐cells%, switched memory B‐cells%, plasmablasts%, and/or immunoglobulins, increase in effector/central memory T‐cells% and CD21low B‐cells%. Except for DiGeorge and three ALPS patients, only 2/9 CVID patients had a molecular diagnosis for IEI: one carrying the pathogenic variant CR2:c.826delT, the likely pathogenic variant PRF1:c.272C> and the compound heterozygous TNFRSF13B variants p.Ser144Ter (pathogenic) and p.Cys193Arg (variant of uncertain significance), the other one carrying the likely pathogenic monoallelic variant TNFRSF13B:p.Ile87Asn.ConclusionThe synergy between hematologists and immunologists can improve and fasten diagnosis and management of patients with immune cytopenias through a wide focused clinical/immunophenotypical characterization, which identifies children worthy of IEI‐related molecular analysis, favouring a genetic IEI diagnosis and potentially unveiling new targeted‐gene variants responsible for IEI phenotype.
Retracted: Family planning services use: A shared responsibility between men and women of reproductive age in Hubei province, China
Authors: Kuete Martin , Li CuiLing , Yang Fan , Huang Qiao , Yuan HongFang , Ngueye Sipeuwou Christiane Hilary , Ma XiuLan , Founou Carrel Raspail , Zhao Kai , Xiong ChengLiang , Zhang HuiPing 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveEffective use of family planning (FP) services significantly improves sexual and reproductive health of both women and men. Recently, the Chinese government has launched the two‐child policy allowing families to have an additional child. This study aimed to explore the population's interest for FP services, unmet needs, and expectations.MethodsA cross‐sectional study using stratified random sampling was conducted in 102 counties of Hubei province and 17 555 randomized individuals from rural, transitional, and urban areas were interviewed through a guided semi‐structured questionnaire.ResultsThe Han ethnicity dominated our population and number of living children per family ranged from zero to six. Although 81% reported FP services and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as a shared responsibility, the contraceptives used excluding condoms, were mainly intrauterine devices (76%), tubal ligation (16%), and vasectomy (8%). Although 24% of participants had a history of contraceptive failure, effective contraceptive use after failure among men remained lower (6% for tubal ligation and vasectomy) and 74% of naive contraceptive users strongly rejected vasectomy. Demographic factors, awareness of FP services/SRH, discussing and making joint decisions, and gender discrepancies were strongly associated with unmet FP services/SRH needs (P < 0.001).ConclusionFamily planning services use roughly varied with the population's unmet needs and expectations, which should be considered to sustain the strategies.
Role of the support and chloride during the purification of 1‐pentene in alkyne/alkene streams over Pd catalysts
Authors: Cordoba Misael , Betti Carolina , Martínez Bovier Luciana , García Lina , Coloma‐Pascual Fernando , Ramírez Alfonso , Quiroga Mónica E , Lederhos Cecilia R 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDPd nanoparticles over different supports were evaluated during the alkyne selective hydrogenation of medium chain (C7 and C5) and the 1‐pentene purification at mild operational conditions (150 kPa and 303 K). The role of support and chloride was investigated; γ‐Al2O3, γ‐Al2O3 modified with Mg, CaCO3 and activated carbon were used as supports, and PdCl2 as precursor salt. The classical Lindlar catalyst was used as reference.RESULTSSurface acidity of supports, active sites dispersion and surface species (MgO, PdxClyOz and/or functional groups) can favor or disfavor the desorption of 1‐alkene during the purification of 1‐pentene stream. The smallest particle sizes (3.8–10.0 nm) favor the dissociative adsorption of hydrogen over Pd° active sites, promoting good catalytic behavior. The best synthesized catalysts are Pd/Al–Mg and Pd/Ca, and their high selectivity (≥90%) is favored by the presence of superficial acidic Lewis sites. On the contrary, lower selectivity (74–80%) is assessed on catalysts with Brönsted acidic sites (Pd/Al and Pd/RX3) that favored the undesired overhydrogenation or isomerization reactions.CONCLUSIONThe geometric and electronic properties of the support have a major influence on the activity and selectivity of the catalysts. Low loaded Pd catalysts supported on Al2O3‐Mg and CaCO3 (Pd/Al‐Mg, Pd/Ca) can be used for the purification of medium or large terminal alkenes at mild reaction conditions as an alternative to the toxic Lindlar commercial catalyst. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Extreme temperature indices in Eurasia in a CMIP6 multi‐model ensemble: Evaluation and projection
Authors: Zhao Yimin , Qian Cheng , Zhang Wenjun , He Dong , Qi Yajie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIt is important to project the changes in extreme temperature in Eurasia, where more than two‐thirds of the world's population reside. Employing Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) simulations and extreme temperature indices defined by the expert team on climate change detection and Indices, we firstly evaluate the performance of the CMIP6 models, and then project the spatial patterns of changes in extreme temperature in different periods under shared social‐economic Pathway scenarios and at different global warming levels. The results show that the performance of the CMIP6 models in simulating the indices of the coldest day (TXn), the coldest night (TNn), summer days (SU), tropical nights (TR) and frost days (FD) are good. Therefore, these five indices were selected for projection. Overall, TXn, TNn, SU and TR show an increasing trend and FD a decreasing trend, consistent with global warming in the future. The responses to global warming tend to be strongest in high latitudes for TXn and TNn, in high latitudes and high‐altitude areas for FD, and in some low‐latitude areas for SU and TR. At the local scale over Eurasia, where the change is larger than the regional median level, the changes in extreme temperature indices at 1.5°C of global warming above pre‐industrial levels are projected to be reduced by 30–55% and 55–85%, respectively, compared with the situation at 2.0°C and 3.0 warming. If global warming could be controlled to within 2.0°C, the changes in extreme temperature indices over Eurasia would be reduced by up to 60% compared with the situation at 3.0°C warming. Therefore, if global warming can be controlled to within a low warming target, the risk of extreme temperature change will be greatly reduced in these regions.
Southern African temperature responses to major volcanic eruptions since 1883: Simulated by CMIP5 models
Authors: Harvey Pamela J. , Grab Stefan W. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough volcanic forcing impacts on climate have gained much international attention during recent years, focus has largely been at hemispheric scale, and most particularly on the Northern Hemisphere (NH). Here we investigate the impact of major volcanic eruptions since 1883 on southern African climate, with a view to establishing potential sub‐regional differences across a variety of temporal scales. To this end, we use historical simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 5 (CMIP5) to study near‐surface temperature responses to four major eruptions (Krakatau, 1883; Santa Maria, 1902; Agung, 1963; Pinatubo, 1991) over six sub‐regions of southern Africa. Results show significant cooling across all sub‐regions after each eruption. However, we detect considerable sub‐regional differences in the amplitude, timing and duration of responses. For instance, stronger temperature departures occur in northern rather than southern sub‐regions where diurnal and annual temperature ranges are normally greater. While significant responses occur within the first year after each eruption, there is a more delayed response in three of the sub‐regions (southwestern coast and central southern Africa) following the Santa Maria eruption. Strongest responses follow the Krakatau eruption in all sub‐regions, while the weakest response follows the Santa Maria eruption in western sub‐regions and the Agung eruption in eastern sub‐regions. Most regions experience the strongest temperature departures during austral autumn and winter (MAM and JJA), and weakest during spring (SON).
Partial‐film mulch returns the same gains in yield and water use efficiency as full‐film mulch with reduced cost and lower pollution: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Lei Tong , Luo Caixia , Zhang Runze , Hu Changlu , Xu Jiaxing , Sadras Victor , Yang Xueyun , Zhang Shulan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlastic film mulch is widely used to improve crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE, yield per unit evapotranspiration) in semi‐arid regions. It is commonly applied as partial‐film mulch (PM: at least 50% soil cover) or full‐film mulch (FM: complete soil cover). The PM has lower economic and environmental cost; hence it would be a superior technology provided it delivers similar gains in yield and WUE in relation to FM.RESULTSTo solve contradictory results from individual studies, we compared FM and PM in a meta‐analysis of 100 studies with 1881 comparisons (685 for wheat; 1196 for maize). Compared with bare ground, FM and PM both increased yield of wheat (20–26%) and maize (37–52%), and WUE of wheat (16–20%) and maize (38–48%), with statistically undistinguishable differences between PM and FM. The increases in crop yield and WUE were stronger at elevation > 1000 m, with annual precipitation<400 mm, and on loess soil, especially for maize.CONCLUSIONSWe concluded that partial‐film mulch could replace full‐film mulch to return similar yield and WUE improvement, with reduced cost and environmental pollution. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Differences Between Infectious Disease Events in First Liver Transplant Versus Retransplantation in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study
Authors: Kusejko Katharina , Neofytos Dionysios , Hirsch Hans H. , Meylan Pascal , Boggian Katia , Hirzel Cedric , Garzoni Christian , Kouyos Roger D. , Mueller Nicolas J. , Schreiber Peter W. ,   the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study
Published: April 2021

Retransplantation after graft failure is increasingly performed, and inferior graft survival, patient survival, and quality of life has been reported. The role of infectious disease (ID) events in this less favorable outcome is unknown. We analyzed ID events after first liver transplantation (FLTpx) and retransplantation (reLTpx) in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study. Clinical factors were compared after FLTpx and reLTpx, and survival analysis was applied to compare the time to ID events after FLTpx and after reLTpx, adjusted for age, sex, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, donor type, liver transplant type (whole versus split liver), and duration of transplant surgery. In total, 60 patients were included (65.0% male, median age of 56 years). Overall, 343 ID events were observed: 204 (59.5%) after the FLTpx and 139 (40.5%) after reLTpx. Bacterial infections were most frequent (193/343, 56.3%), followed by viral (43/343, 12.5%) and fungal (28/343, 8.2%) infections, with less infections by Candida spp. but more by Aspergillus spp. after reLTpx (P = 0.01). The most frequent infection site was bloodstream infection (86, 21.3%), followed by liver and biliary tract (83, 20.5%) and intraabdominal (63, 15.6%) infections. After reLTpx, more respiratory tract and surgical site infections were observed (P < 0.001). The time to first infection was shorter after FLTpx (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.5; 95%‐confidence interval [CI], 0.3‐1.0; P = 0.04). Reduced hazards for ID events after reLTpx were also observed when modelling recurrent events (adjusted HR, 0.5; CI, 0.3‐0.8; P = 0.003). The number of infections was comparable after FLTpx and reLTpx; however, differences regarding infection sites and fungal species were observed. Hazards were reduced for infection after reLTpx.