bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating demography and distribution modeling for the iconic Leontopodium alpinum Colm. in the Romanian Carpathians
Authors: Maghiar Lăcrămioara M. , Stoica Ilie A. , Tanentzap Andrew J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Both climate change and human exploitation are major threats to plant life in mountain environments. One species that may be particularly sensitive to both of these stressors is the iconic alpine flower edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum Colm.). Its populations have declined across Europe due to over‐collection for its highly prized flowers. Edelweiss is still subject to harvesting across the Romanian Carpathians, but no study has measured to what extent populations are vulnerable to anthropogenic change.

Here, we estimated the effects of climate and human disturbance on the fitness of edelweiss. We combined demographic measurements with predictions of future range distribution under climate change to assess the viability of populations across Romania.

We found that per capita and per‐area seed number and seed mass were similarly promoted by both favorable environmental conditions, represented by rugged landscapes with relatively cold winters and wet summers, and reduced exposure to harvesting, represented by the distance of plants from hiking trails. Modeling these responses under future climate scenarios suggested a slight increase in per‐area fitness. However, we found plant ranges contracted by between 14% and 35% by 2050, with plants pushed into high elevation sites.

Synthesis. Both total seed number and seed mass are expected to decline across Romania despite individual edelweiss fitness benefiting from a warmer and wetter climate. More generally, our approach of coupling species distribution models with demographic measurements may better inform conservation strategies of ways to protect alpine life in a changing world.
Effects of Electronic and Electrical Waste–Contaminated Soils on Growth and Reproduction of Earthworm (Alma nilotica)
Authors: Nfor Brian , Fai Patricia Bi Asanga , Fobil Julius N. , Basu Niladri 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Informal recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) contaminates local environments with metals and other organic compounds. The adverse effects on native earthworm populations are poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to determine metal concentrations in soils from e-waste activity sites in Douala (Cameroon) and assess the effects of these soils on the growth and reproduction of the local earthworm, Alma nilotica. Concentrations of nine metals (arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], cobalt [Co], chromium [Cr], copper [Cu], mercury [Hg], nickel [Ni], lead [Pb], and zinc [Zn]) were measured in soil samples collected from eight e-waste activity and two non–e-waste sites. Earthworms were then exposed to these soils in the laboratory following test guidelines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Metal concentrations in the e-waste–contaminated soils were significantly higher than in the non–e-waste soils. The e-waste soils were found to have a different soil metal profile (Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Zn &gt; Cr &gt; Ni &gt; Co &gt; As &gt; Cd &gt; Hg) from that of the non–e-waste soils (Zn &gt; Cr &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Ni &gt; As &gt; Cd &gt; Co &gt; Hg). Earthworm growth and reproduction were significantly inhibited in organisms exposed to soils from e-waste sites. Reproduction was particularly affected, with a mean of 8 ± 5.6 offspring/10 worms in the e-waste–exposed worm groups compared with 90.5 ± 0.7 in non–e-waste soil worms. Notably, earthworm growth recovered during depuration in clean soil, indicating the possibility of remediation activities. The results demonstrate that soils at e-waste sites can affect the health of resident worm populations, which may be more sensitive than temperate species. They also highlight the potential of a bioassay-based approach in monitoring risks at e-waste sites. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:287–297. © 2021 SETAC
Abstract
Growth and reproduction of earthworms (Alma nilotica) in e-waste–contaminated soils.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants in Spiked-Sediment Toxicity Tests: Measuring Total and Freely Dissolved Concentrations in Porewater and Overlying Water
Authors: Hiki Kyoshiro , Fischer Fabian Christoph , Nishimori Takahiro , Watanabe Haruna , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Endo Satoshi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The sediment–water interface of spiked-sediment toxicity tests is a complex exposure system, where multiple uptake pathways exist for benthic organisms. The freely dissolved concentration (Cfree) in sediment porewater has been proposed as a relevant exposure metric to hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in this system. However, Cfree has rarely been measured in spiked-sediment toxicity tests. We first developed a direct immersion solid-phase microextraction method for measuring Cfree in overlying water and porewater in a sediment test using polydimethylsiloxane-coated glass fibers, resulting in sensitive and repeatable in situ measurements of HOCs. Then, we measured Cfree and total dissolved concentrations (Cdiss) in the sediment test systems with the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca and thoroughly evaluated the temporal and spatial profiles of four HOCs (phenanthrene, pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, and chlorpyrifos). Furthermore, we examined the relationship between the measured concentrations and the lethality of H. azteca. We found that the test system was far from an equilibrium state for all four chemicals tested, where Cdiss in overlying water changed over the test duration and a vertical Cfree gradient existed at the sediment–water interface. In porewater Cdiss was larger than Cfree by a factor of 170 to 220 for benzo[a]pyrene because of the strong binding to dissolved organic carbon. Comparison of the median lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos in the sediment test and those in water-only tests indicates that Cfree in porewater was the most representative indicator for toxicity of this chemical. The method and findings presented in the present study warrant further research on the chemical transport mechanisms and the actual exposure in sediment tests using different chemicals, sediments, and test species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3148–3158. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Effects of enzymatic hydrolysis on physicochemical property and antioxidant activity of mulberry (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) leaf protein
Authors: Sun Chongzhen , Shan Yangwei , Tang Xin , Han Duo , Wu Xiyang , Wu Hui , Hosseininezhad Marzieh 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTo improve the antioxidant efficiency of mulberry leaf protein (MLP), alcalase, protamex, papain, flavourzyme, neutrase, and trypsin were used to hydrolyze MLP. The yield of soluble peptides, secondary structures, molecular weight distributions, and antioxidant activities of MLP hydrolysates (MLPHs) were investigated. Results showed that the native MLP was rich in the fraction above 6.5 kDa and was mainly composed of β‐sheets, while MLPHs were abundant in the fractions of 0.3–0.6 kDa and 0.6–6.5 kDa and were mainly composed of disordered coils and β‐folds. Limited hydrolysis of MLP could lead to better antioxidant activity than extensive hydrolysis. After enzymatic hydrolysis, the content of total sugar and total phenol in MLP increased significantly. MLP hydrolysates prepared with neutrase, alcalase, and protamex were preferable to other enzymes. Meanwhile, an enzyme to substrate level of 1% and a hydrolysis time of 2 hr were the optimum conditions to obtain higher antioxidant hydrolysates using neutrase.
Effects of bariatric surgery on functional connectivity of the reward and default mode network: A pre‐registered analysis
Authors: Heinrichs Hannah S. , Beyer Frauke , Medawar Evelyn , Prehn Kristin , Ordemann Jürgen , Flöel Agnes , Witte A. Veronica 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObesity imposes serious health risks and involves alterations in resting‐state functional connectivity of brain networks involved in eating behavior. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment, but its effects on functional connectivity are still under debate. In this pre‐registered study, we aimed to determine the effects of bariatric surgery on major resting‐state brain networks (reward and default mode network) in a longitudinal controlled design. Thirty‐three bariatric surgery patients and 15 obese waiting‐list control patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, after 6 and 12 months. We conducted a pre‐registered whole‐brain time‐by‐group interaction analysis, and a time‐by‐group interaction analysis on within‐network connectivity. In exploratory analyses, we investigated the effects of weight loss and head motion. Bariatric surgery compared to waiting did not significantly affect functional connectivity of the reward network and the default mode network (FWE‐corrected p > .05), neither whole‐brain nor within‐network. In exploratory analyses, surgery‐related BMI decrease (FWE‐corrected p = .041) and higher average head motion (FWE‐corrected p = .021) resulted in significantly stronger connectivity of the reward network with medial posterior frontal regions. This pre‐registered well‐controlled study did not support a strong effect of bariatric surgery, compared to waiting, on major resting‐state brain networks after 6 months. Exploratory analyses indicated that head motion might have confounded the effects. Data pooling and more rigorous control of within‐scanner head motion during data acquisition are needed to substantiate effects of bariatric surgery on brain organization.
MRD abnormal expression predict poor outcomes for refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hao Qi , Liu Xinyue , Zhang Yongping , Zhang Dongmei , Li Boran , Wang Jingbo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe retrospectively analyzed data from 197 patients with refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (r/rAML) who underwent allo‐HCT between January 2013 and February 2020 in our center (patients with promyelocytic leukemia were excluded). Of all patients, 86 achieved a complete morphological remission (CR) before transplant, while 111 failed to do so (NR). In the CR group, 32 patients displayed minimal residual disease (MRD‐positive). According to their immunophenotype pre‐HCT, we divided the MRD‐positive group and NR group into three subgroups: MRD 0+ group (without any antigen abnormal expression of CD7+, CD56+, CD38−, or HLA‐DR−) 28 patients, MRD 1+ group (with one abnormal antigen expression of CD7+, CD56+, CD38−, or HLA‐DR−) 63 patients, MRD 2+ group (with two or more abnormal antigens expression of CD7+, CD56+, CD38‐, or HLA‐DR‐) 52 patients. 3‐year estimates of disease‐free survival (DFS) for MRD 0+, MRD 1+ and MRD 2+ patients were 59.5 ± 9.5%, 29.9 ± 6.1%, and 9.4 ± 5.1%, and 3‐year estimates of overall survival (OS) were 59.5 ± 9.5%, 34.5 ± 6.3%, and 14.5 ± 10.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis adjusted for genetic risk, blast cell level, secondary disease, age, sex, and donor relationship pre‐HCT, the hazard ratios of abnormal expression of CD7+, CD56+, HLA‐DR−, and CD38‐ were 6.69 (range 2.08–21.52; p = 0.001) for DFS, 2.24 (range 1.21–4.14; p = 0.010) for OS, and 7.18 (range 2.23–23.10; p = 0.001) for relapse compared with CD7−, CD56−, HLA‐DR+, and CD38+ patients. Our finding suggested that abnormal expression of CD7+, CD56+, HLA‐DR−, and CD38− is associated with poor outcomes, and the more number of abnormal antigens expression predict worse outcomes.
Bounding the mim‐width of hereditary graph classes
Authors: Brettell Nick , Horsfield Jake , Munaro Andrea , Paesani Giacomo , Paulusma Daniël 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA large number of ‐hard graph problems are solvable in time when parameterized by some width parameter. Hence, when solving problems on special graph classes, it is helpful to know if the graph class under consideration has bounded width. In this paper we consider maximum‐induced matching width (mim‐width), a particularly general width parameter that has a number of algorithmic applications whenever a decomposition is “quickly computable” for the graph class under consideration. We start by extending the toolkit for proving (un)boundedness of mim‐width of graph classes. By combining our new techniques with known ones we then initiate a systematic study into bounding mim‐width from the perspective of hereditary graph classes, and make a comparison with clique‐width, a more restrictive width parameter that has been well studied. We prove that for a given graph , the class of ‐free graphs has bounded mim‐width if and only if it has bounded clique‐width. We show that the same is not true for ‐free graphs. We identify several general classes of ‐free graphs having unbounded clique‐width, but bounded mim‐width; moreover, we show that a branch decomposition of constant mim‐width can be found in polynomial time for these classes. Hence, these results have algorithmic implications: when the input is restricted to such a class of ‐free graphs, many problems become polynomial‐time solvable, including classical problems, such as ‐
Colouring and
Independent Set, domination‐type problems known as Locally Checkable Vertex Subset and Vertex Partitioning (LC‐VSVP) problems, and distance versions of LC‐VSVP problems, to name just a few. We also prove a number of new results showing that, for certain and , the class of ‐free graphs has unbounded mim‐width. Boundedness of clique‐width implies boundedness of mim‐width. By combining our results with the known bounded cases for clique‐width, we present summary theorems of the current state of the art for the boundedness of mim‐width for ‐free graphs. In particular, we classify the mim‐width of ‐free graphs for all pairs with . When and are connected graphs, we classify all pairs except for one remaining infinite family and a few isolated cases.
Population Genetics of a Translocated Population of Mottled Ducks and Allies
Authors: Lavretsky Philip , Duenez Esmeralda , Kneece Molly , Kaminski Richard M. 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTTranslocating species is an important management tool to establish or expand the range of species. Success of translocations requires an understanding of potential consequences, including whether a sufficient number of individuals were used to minimize founder effects and if interspecific hybridization poses a threat. We provide an updated and comprehensive genetic assessment of a 1970s–1980s translocation and now established mottled duck (Anas fulvigula) population in South Carolina, USA. In addition to examining the population genetics of these mottled ducks, we simulated expected genetic assignments for generational hybrids (F1–F10), permitting formal purity assignment across samples to identify true hybrids and establish hybridization rates. In addition to wild mallards (A. platyrhynchos), we tested for presence of hybrids with migrant American black ducks (A. rubripes) and released domestic game‐farm mallards (A. p. domesticus). We used wild reference populations of North American mallard‐like ducks and sampled game‐farm mallards from 2 sites in South Carolina that could potentially interbreed with mottled ducks. Despite 2 different subspecies of mottled duck (Florida [A. f. fulvigula] and the Western Gulf Coast [A. f. maculatlus]) used in original translocations, we determined the gene pool of the Western Gulf Coast mottled duck was overwhelmingly represented in South Carolina's current population. We found no evidence of founder effects or inbreeding and concluded the original translocation of 1,285 mottled ducks was sufficient to maintain current genetic diversity. We identified 7 hybrids, including an F1 and 3 late‐staged (i.e., F2–F3 backcrosses) mottled duck × black duck hybrids, 1 F2‐mottled duck backcrossed with a wild mallard, and 2 F3‐mottled ducks introgressed with game‐farm mallard. We estimated a 15% hybridization rate in our mottled duck dataset; however, the general lack of F1 and intermediate hybrids were inconsistent with scenarios of high hybridization rates or presence of a hybrid swarm. Instead, our results suggested a scenario of infrequent interspecific hybridization between South Carolina's mottled ducks and congeners. We concluded that South Carolina's mottled duck population is sufficiently large now to absorb current hybridization rates because 85% of sampled mottled ducks were pure. These results demonstrate the importance in managing and maintaining large parental populations to counter hybridization. As such, future population management of mottled ducks in South Carolina will benefit from increased geographical and continued sampling to monitor hybridization rates with closely related congeners. We also suggest that any future translocations of mottled ducks to coastal South Carolina should originate from the Western Gulf Coast. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Direction‐of‐arrival estimation using estimator banks in low‐angle tracking for S‐band radar
Authors: Xu Saiqin , Chen Baixiao , Xiang Houhong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTracking low‐angle targets over an uneven surface are challenging because of the highly correlated, complicated, and volatile multipath signals encountered in radar. Especially, in the context of irregular reflector modulated by rough sea, which results in performance depravation of the existing direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation methods. An effective DOA estimation approach is based on maximum likelihood (ML) estimator which is referred to as optimal synthetic vector maximum likelihood (OSVML) method. The approach is essentially different, multipath signals are present that without known prior information of ideal model. The optimal projection space in estimator banks is spanned with direct subspace and indirect subspace to match the signals received by S‐band radar. Then, the performance of the proposed method is evaluated by simulations in terms of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and snapshot. Finally, field data sets acquired from S‐band radar are carried out to verify the practicability of the proposed method in a naval environment.
Harmonization of in‐plane resolution in CT using multiple reconstructions from single acquisitions
Authors: Vegas‐Sánchez‐Ferrero Gonzalo , Ramos‐Llordén Gabriel , Estépar Raúl San José 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeTo providea methodology that removes the spatial variability of in‐plane resolution using different CT reconstructions. The methodology does not require any training, sinogram, or specific reconstruction method.MethodsThe methodology is formulated as a reconstruction problem. The desired sharp image is modeled as an unobservable variable to be estimated from an arbitrary number of observations with spatially variant resolution. The methodology comprises three steps: (1) density harmonization, which removes the density variability across reconstructions; (2) point spread function (PSF) estimation, which estimates a spatially variant PSF with arbitrary shape; (3) deconvolution, which is formulated as a regularized least squares problem. The assessment was performed with CT scans of phantoms acquired with three different Siemens scanners (Definition AS, Definition AS+, Drive). Four low‐dose acquisitions reconstructed with backprojection and iterative methods were used for the resolution harmonization. A sharp, high‐dose (HD) reconstruction was used as a validation reference. The different factors affecting the in‐plane resolution (radial, angular, and longitudinal) were studied with regression analysis of the edge decay (between 10% and 90% of the edge spread function (ESF) amplitude).ResultsResults showed that the in‐plane resolution improves remarkably and the spatial variability is substantially reduced without compromising the noise characteristics. The modulated transfer function (MTF) also confirmed a pronounced increase in resolution. The resolution improvement was also tested by measuring the wall thickness of tubes simulating airways. In all scanners, the resolution harmonization obtained better performance than the HD, sharp reconstruction used as a reference (up to 50 percentage points). The methodology was also evaluated in clinical scans achieving a noise reduction and a clear improvement in thin‐layered structures. The estimated ESF and MTF confirmed the resolution improvement.ConclusionWe propose a versatile methodology to reduce the spatial variability of in‐plane resolution in CT scans by leveraging different reconstructions available in clinical studies. The methodology does not require any sinogram, training, or specific reconstruction, and it is not limited to a fixed number of input images. Therefore, it can be easily adopted in multicenter studies and clinical practice. The results obtained with our resolution harmonization methodology evidence its suitability to reduce the spatially variant in‐plane resolution in clinical CT scans without compromising the reconstruction's noise characteristics. We believe that the resolution increase achieved by our methodology may contribute in more accurate and reliable measurements of small structures such as vasculature, airways, and wall thickness.
Complete Pathological Response After Neoadjuvant Short-Course Immunotherapy with Ipilimumab and Nivolumab in Locally Advanced MSI-H/dMMR Rectal Cancer
Authors: Trojan Jörg , Stintzing Sebastian , Haase Oliver , Koch Christine , Ziegler Paul , Demes Melanie , Jelas Ivan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients with colorectal carcinoma and high-grade microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or deficiency in mismatch repair (dMMR) exceptionally respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs are more active in treatment-naïve patients than in patients with refractory MSI-H/dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer and even more active in patients with locally advanced tumors.

Material and Methods
A 33-year-old male patient with Lynch syndrome was diagnosed with a locally advanced rectal cancer and refused standard neoadjuvant chemoradiation because of the potential harm of sexual dysfunction. MMR and microsatellite instability status were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and fragment length polymerase chain reaction followed by capillary electrophoresis.

Results
After MSI-H/dMMR was confirmed, the patient was treated with ICIs (1 mg/kg ipilimumab at day 1 and 3 mg/kg nivolumab at day 1 and 15). A complete clinical response was documented at day 21 after start of treatment. The patient underwent a total mesorectal excision at day 30. In the extirpated tissue, a complete pathological response was confirmed.

Conclusion
In MSI-H/dMMR locally advanced rectal cancer short-course ICI treatment is highly effective and may be discussed in patients with dMMR locally advanced rectal cancer.

Key Points