bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of precipitation from the CRA40 dataset and new generation reanalysis datasets in the global domain
Authors: Li Chunxiang , Zhao Tianbao , Shi Chunxiang , Liu Zhiquan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe China Meteorological Administration recently released its first reanalysis product, the CRA40 dataset covering the time period 1979–2018. We evaluate the performance of the CRA40 dataset in reproducing the observed precipitation climatology and variations over the global domain and typical monsoon regions during the period 1980–2018. In this study, four additional reanalysis precipitation datasets—the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5 (ERA5), Japanese 55‐year reanalysis (JRA55), Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA2) and Climate Forecast System Reanalysis—are compared against the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). For the global climatology, there are considerable differences in the performance of the five reanalysis products over south‐central Asia (85–95°E, 20–40°N), where CRA40 exhibits the wettest bias across all months especially for the south of 30°N bands. JRA55 produces more intense precipitation with a larger bias over the Atlantic and Pacific intertropical convergence zones (ITCZs). Meanwhile, CRA40 tends to slightly underestimate low rainfall, but overestimates high rainfall. In terms of trend, except MERRA2, the average global/hemispheric precipitation increased by 0.02–0.11 mm/day/decade in all the reanalysis datasets, which is attributed to clearly increased trends along the ITCZ. In contrast, a non‐significant increasing trend is observed. JRA55 generally has the empirical orthogonal function pattern most consistent with the GPCP, with the highest spatial and temporal correlations. Moreover, CRA40 correlates better with the Niño 3.4 index, producing precipitation patterns similar to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. For six typical monsoon systems, CRA40 has a less consistent local precipitation average with a larger normalized standard deviation and centred root‐mean‐square error, and lower correlation coefficient than other reanalyses when compared with the GPCP.
Seasonal precipitation variability in mainland China based on entropy theory
Authors: Wu Guocan , Qin Shun , Huang Chengcheng , Ma Zhanshan , Shi Chunming 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPrecipitation plays a fundamental role in terrestrial modelling and is extremely vulnerable to climate change. It is particularly challenging to describe precipitation due to its intermittency and fluctuation at nearly all temporal and spatial scales. Precipitation variability represents the degree of unevenness in its distribution or its lack of uniformity over different scales. This study examined the seasonal variability of meteorological station precipitation observations during 1961–2018 over mainland China using entropy theory. The intensity disorder index (IDI) and apportionment disorder index (ADI) were used to characterize the distribution unevenness, including the number of precipitation days, and precipitation amounts. Six special regions were selected according to their geographical location and climate conditions to show the regional differences of the disorder indices. At the daily scale, the regional mean IDI was 0.4081 for the eastern Tibetan Plateau and the regional mean ADI was 0.9984 for north China, which were the largest value among the six regions investigated. The regional mean IDI was 0.1128 and the regional mean ADI was 0.4071 both for the Yangtze River Basin, which were the smallest value among the six regions investigated. Temporal variations of the DIs were also detected. The IDI have decreased not significantly in most regions, except increasing by 0.0223/decade and 0.0129/decade in southwest China during nighttime and daytime, respectively. The ADI decreased by −0.0191, −0.0275, −0.0229, and −0.0203/decade and passed the significant test at .05 level for northwest, northeast, north China, and eastern Tibetan Plateau at the daily scale, respectively. The results quantify the precipitation unevenness over mainland China, which can be treated as a reference for water resources management and land surface model evaluation.
Serum proteins associated with periodontitis relapse post‐surgery: A pilot study
Authors: Esberg Anders , Isehed Catrine , Holmlund Anders , Lindquist Susanne , Lundberg Pernilla 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe knowledge of which genes and proteins that are connected to the susceptibility to gingivitis with subsequent local tissue degradation seen in periodontitis is insufficient. Changes of serum proteins associated with recurrence of bleeding on probing (BOP) and increased periodontal pocket depths (PPD) after surgical treatment of periodontitis could reveal molecules that could be early signals of tissue destruction and/or of importance for systemic effects in other tissues or organs.MethodsWe performed a longitudinal pilot study and followed 96 inflammation‐related proteins over time in serum from patients who underwent surgical treatment of periodontitis (n= 21). The samples were taken before (time 0), and then at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Changes in protein levels were analysed in relation to the clinical outcome measures, that is, proportion of surfaces affected by BOP and PPD.ResultsChanges in treatment outcomes with early signs of relapse in periodontitis after surgical treatment, for example, increased BOP and PPDs, were during 12‐months follow up associated with increased serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and reduced serum levels of cystatin‐D protein.ConclusionThis study shows that clinical signs of recurrence of periodontitis after surgery are reflected in serum, but larger studies are needed for verification. Our novel findings of an association between increased PD‐L1‐ and decreased cystatin D‐levels and recurrence in periodontitis are interesting because PD‐L1 has been shown to facilitate bacterial infections and chronic inflammation and cystatin D to inhibit tissue destruction. Our results justify mechanistic studies regarding the role of these molecules in periodontitis.
A review of ASTM D7979 for the analysis of per‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in non‐potable water by co‐solvation with methanol and using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lipps William C. , Prakash Brahm , Schug Kevin A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPer‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances are large class of man‐made compounds known in the media as “forever chemicals”. In 2015, ASTM International published ASTM D7979, for the analysis of per‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in non‐potable water samples. This method extracts the substances by co‐solvation with methanol and measures targeted compounds using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. ASTM D7979 is a performance‐based method that analyzes 31 compounds plus 14 isotopically labeled surrogates. The minimum reporting limit is approximately 10 ng/L with an analytical range of 10–200 ng/L for most compounds. Expected recovery of surrogates and spiked matrices is 70–130%. Samples containing high suspended solids can be analyzed with minimal interferences and potential loss of analyte. The method is consistent with ASTM and EPA's sustainable development goals by using reduced volumes of sample, solvent, and minimizing hazardous solvents and sample preparation materials while maintaining data quality and detection limits that are suitable for the intended use. This paper covers the rationale, outlines some of the challenges associated with analysis of per‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, and describes the steps taken by the ASTM Committee D19 task group to develop, optimize, and validate this method.
The influence of lipid content and taxonomic affiliation on methane and carbon dioxide production from phytoplankton biomass in lake sediment
Authors: Hiltunen Minna , Nykänen Hannu , Syväranta Jari 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe greenhouse gases methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are end products of microbial anaerobic degradation of organic matter (OM) in lake sediments. Although previous research has shown that phytoplankton lipid content influences sediment methanogenesis, current understanding on how OM quality affects methanogenesis is still limited. Such information is needed to more accurately assess how lake greenhouse gas emissions may change in response to anthropogenic activities. We cultured 11 phytoplankton species from five classes and studied how taxonomic identity, C : N ratio, lipid content, and fatty acid composition of phytoplankton biomass affects the CH4 and net CO2 production in anaerobic lake sediments with an incubation experiment that lasted > 100 d. The carbon‐normalized potential CH4 (0.09–0.23 μmol mg C−1 d−1) and net CO2 (0.09–0.28 μmol mg C−1 d−1) production rates were not related to phytoplankton taxonomic affiliation (e.g., class, species), C : N ratio, or fatty acid composition of algal biomass. Methane or net CO2 production potentials did not increase with higher lipid content (10–30%); however, total fatty acid content had a weak correlation with CH4 production potential. In contrast to previous research, our results suggest that lipid content is of minor importance in determining methanogenesis rates from the biomass of multispecies phytoplankton communities settling on sediments. The decrease in CO2 concentration and the correlation between stable carbon isotope signatures of CH4 and molar ratio of CH4 and CO2 at the end of the experiment may indicate that importance of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, which uses CO2 when other substrates become limiting, increased during the long incubation.
Risk Factors for Beyond Milan Recurrence After Hepatic Resection for Single Hepatocellular Carcinoma No Larger Than 5 Centimeters
Authors: Kim Mina , Kim Taegyu , Lee Hyun Young , Hong Sung Yeon , Wang Hee‐Jung , Kim Bong‐Wan 
Published: April 2021

Hepatic resection (HR) is considered a treatment of choice for a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤5 cm in patients with preserved liver function. However, it is possible for these patients to develop a severe form of recurrence (beyond Milan recurrence [BMR] criteria). This recurrence could have been avoided if liver transplantation (LT) was performed primarily, as LT is believed to yield a more favorable oncological outcome compared with HR. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for BMR after HR and to verify whether primary LT can provide a more favorable outcome in patients with BMR risk factors. Data from 493 patients who underwent HR for HCC ≤5 cm between 1995 and 2016 were analyzed. Among them, 74 patients (15%) experienced BMR. The 10‐year survival rate of patients with BMR was significantly low compared with that of patients without BMR (22.6% versus 79.8%; P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, calculated hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥7 mm Hg and microvascular invasion were identified as the risk factors for BMR (P < 0.05). During the same period, 63 eligible patients underwent LT as a primary treatment for HCC ≤5 cm. No significant difference in long‐term survival rate was observed when no risk factor for BMR was present in the HR and LT groups (85.5% versus 100%; P = 0.39). However, 10‐year survival was poorer in the HR group in the presence of risk factors for BMR (60.6% versus 91.8%; P < 0.001). Among the patients with HCCs ≤5 cm, which are resectable and transplantable, LT is indicated when calculated hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥7 mm Hg and/or microvascular invasion is present.
Antimicrobial properties of Lactobacillus cell‐free supernatants against multidrug‐resistant urogenital pathogens
Authors: Scillato Marina , Spitale Ambra , Mongelli Gino , Privitera Grete Francesca , Mangano Katia , Cianci Antonio , Stefani Stefania , Santagati Maria 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe healthy vaginal microbiota is dominated by Lactobacillus spp., which provide an important critical line of defense against pathogens, as well as giving beneficial effects to the host. We characterized L. gasseri 1A‐TV, L. fermentum 18A‐TV, and L. crispatus 35A‐TV, from the vaginal microbiota of healthy premenopausal women, for their potential probiotic activities. The antimicrobial effects of the 3 strains and their combination against clinical urogenital bacteria were evaluated together with the activities of their metabolites produced by cell‐free supernatants (CFSs). Their beneficial properties in terms of ability to interfere with vaginal pathogens (co‐aggregation, adhesion to HeLa cells, biofilm formation) and antimicrobial activity mediated by CFSs were assessed against multidrug urogenital pathogens (S. agalactiae, E. coli, KPC‐producing K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, E. faecium VRE, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, C. albicans, C. glabrata). The Lactobacilli tested exhibited an extraordinary ability to interfere and co‐aggregate with urogenital pathogens, except for Candida spp., as well as to adhere to HeLa cells and to produce biofilm in the Lactobacillus combination. Lactobacillus CFSs and their combination revealed a strong bactericidal effect on the multidrug resistant indicator strains tested, except for E. faecium and E. faecalis. The antimicrobial activity was maintained after heat treatment but decreased after enzymatic treatment. All Lactobacilli showed lactic dehydrogenase activity and production of D‐ and L‐lactic acid isomers on Lactobacillus CFSs, while only 1A‐TV and 35A‐TV released hydrogen peroxide and carried helveticin J and acidocin A bacteriocins. These results suggest that they can be employed as a new vaginal probiotic formulation and bio‐therapeutic preparation against urogenital infections. Further, in vivo studies are needed to evaluate human health benefits in clinical situations.
The benefits and challenges of family genetic testing in rare genetic diseases—lessons from Fabry disease
Authors: Germain Dominique P. , Moiseev Sergey , Suárez‐Obando Fernando , Al Ismaili Faisal , Al Khawaja Huda , Altarescu Gheona , Barreto Fellype C. , Haddoum Farid , Hadipour Fatemeh , Maksimova Irina , Kramis Mirelle , Nampoothiri Sheela , Nguyen Khanh Ngoc , Niu Dau‐Ming , Politei Juan , Ro Long‐Sun , Vu Chi Dung , Chen Nan , Kutsev Sergey 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundFamily genetic testing of patients newly diagnosed with a rare genetic disease can improve early diagnosis of family members, allowing patients to receive disease‐specific therapies when available. Fabry disease, an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in GLA, can lead to end‐stage renal disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and stroke. Diagnostic delays are common due to the rarity of the disease and non‐specificity of early symptoms. Newborn screening and screening of at‐risk populations, (e.g., patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or undiagnosed nephropathies) can identify individuals with Fabry disease. Subsequent cascade genotyping of family members may disclose a greater number of affected individuals, often at younger age than they would have been diagnosed otherwise.MethodsWe conducted a literature search to identify all published data on family genetic testing for Fabry disease, and discussed these data, experts’ own experiences with family genetic testing, and the barriers to this type of screening that are present in their respective countries.ResultsThere are potential barriers that make implementation of family genetic testing challenging in some countries. These include associated costs and low awareness of its importance, and cultural and societal issues. Regionally, there are barriers associated with population educational levels, national geography and infrastructures, and a lack of medical geneticists.ConclusionIn this review, the worldwide experience of an international group of experts of Fabry disease highlights the issues faced in the family genetic testing of patients affected with rare genetic diseases.
An adaptive model order reduction method for nonlinear seismic analysis of civil structures based on the elastic–plastic states
Authors: Fang Ming , Wang Jian , Li Hui 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAs an approach to evaluating the seismic performance of civil structures, nonlinear seismic analysis faces a challenge in terms of computational efficiency for high‐fidelity simulations of large‐scale finite element models. In this article, an adaptive model order reduction (AMOR) method is proposed for alleviating the computational burden of nonlinear seismic analysis based on elastic–plastic states. The elastic–plastic states are classified as the initial‐elastic, plastic‐deforming, and residual‐elastic states. The finite element model of a civil structure is automatically partitioned into linear and nonlinear substructures according to the time‐varying spatial distribution of the plastic deformation zone, and the Craig–Bampton method was employed to construct the reduced governing equations in each elastic–plastic state. An elastic–plastic‐triggered reanalysis method was proposed to conduct a seamless transformation of the reduced governing equations between different elastic–plastic states. In the back‐off step, the reduced response vectors are projected back to the physical coordinate space. In the reanalysis step, the response vectors are initialized, partitioned, and transformed onto the hybrid coordinate space spanned by reduced‐order bases. Compared with a conventional time step integration method, the AMOR method yields comparative results with a higher computational efficiency.
The effect of vinyl trimethoxy silane as a flame‐retardant agent in ultraviolet curable resin based on palm oil
Authors: Sua Pei Ru , Azizah Abubakar , Azniwati Abd Aziz , Rozman Hj. Din , Tay Guan Seng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPalm oil was used as a raw material to produce flame retardant ultraviolet curable resin (POR). Polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 400 (PEG 400) was employed as a softening agent to produce coating films with different hardness, while vinyl trimethoxy silane (VTMS) was utilized as a reactive flame‐retardant monomer in the formulation. The resin was successfully cured using ultraviolet radiation with the presence of a photoinitiator. The results showed that the adhesion strength of the coating films was enhanced by the addition of VTMS in the formulation, at a different plasticity when compared with the control sample. From thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the increment of VTMS content had improved the thermal stability of the films. VTMS also plays a crucial role in improving the flame‐retardant properties of coated wood.
“Ceylon cinnamon”: Much more than just a spice
Authors: Suriyagoda Lalith , Mohotti Anoma Janaki , Vidanarachchi Janak K. , Kodithuwakku Suranga P. , Chathurika Madushani , Bandaranayake Pradeepa C. G. , Hetherington Alistair M. , Beneragama Chalinda K. 
Published: April 2021

Societal Impact StatementCinnamomum zeylanicum (“Ceylon cinnamon/true cinnamon”) is native to Sri Lanka. In addition to generating significant foreign income, over 350,000 families are involved in the cinnamon industry, demonstrating its long‐established role in the Sri Lankan society. The spice constitutes many bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties, in addition to therapeutic and preventive effects against many diseases and disorders. New uses of cinnamon continue to emerge, and in this review, we discuss the opportunities for crop and product improvement, which will likely impact positively on the lives and livelihood of the population in Sri Lanka.SummaryCinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, known as Ceylon cinnamon, is native to Sri Lanka, whereas Cinnamomum cassia J. Presl (Cassia cinnamon) and other types of Cinnamomum spp. are grown in China and many other parts of Asia. Ceylon cinnamon is relatively expensive due to its chemical composition, high quality, proven health benefits, and ultra‐low levels of the toxic chemical compound, coumarin, which is reported in comparatively high concentrations in Cassia cinnamon. In Sri Lanka, more than 350,000 families are involved in the cinnamon industry. Among the total agricultural produce of Sri Lanka, cinnamon exports provide the second highest in terms of income (second only to tea). In addition to the use of cinnamon as a spice, leaf and bark extracts are used in the food industry to (a) improve the postharvest life of perishable foods through antimicrobial activity and (b) control pests in postharvest storage (insecticidal activity). The human health benefits include antioxidant activity and therapeutic and preventative properties against diseases and disorders. The potential uses of Ceylon cinnamon in the global food industry, health, and cosmetics sectors are abundant. However, to ensure maximum benefits to producers and consumers, accredited laboratory testing and legislative procedures need to be developed and strengthened to detect and reduce malpractice and product adulteration in the global marketplace. There are also considerable opportunities for crop improvement. The application of contemporary genomic and genetic approaches coupled to plant breeding will be needed to improve yields and disease resistance and to safeguard production in the face of the threats posed by global environmental change.
Characterization of the SARS‐CoV‐2 E Protein: Sequence, Structure, Viroporin, and Inhibitors
Authors: Cao Yipeng , Yang Rui , Lee Imshik , Zhang Wenwen , Sun Jiana , Wang Wei , Meng Xiangfei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 epidemic is one of the most influential epidemics in history. Understanding the impact of coronaviruses (CoVs) on host cells is very important for disease treatment. The SARS‐CoV‐2 envelope (E) protein is a small structural protein involved in many aspects of the viral life cycle. The E protein promotes the packaging and reproduction of the virus, and deletion of this protein weakens or even abolishes the virulence. This review aims to establish new knowledge by combining recent advances in the study of the SARS‐CoV‐2 E protein and by comparing it with the SARS‐CoV E protein. The E protein amino acid sequence, structure, self‐assembly characteristics, viroporin mechanisms and inhibitors are summarized and analyzed herein. Although the mechanisms of the SARS‐CoV‐2 and SARS‐CoV E proteins are similar in many respects, specific studies on the SARS‐CoV‐2 E protein, for both monomers and oligomers, are still lacking. A comprehensive understanding of this protein should prompt further studies on the design and characterization of effective targeted therapeutic measures.