bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of livestock grazing on soil health and recovery of a degraded Andean Araucaria forest
Authors: Crovo Oscar , Aburto Felipe , da Costa‐Reidel Clara , Montecino Francisco , Rodríguez Rolando 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAraucaria araucana is an iconic long‐lived endangered tree species native to Southern Chile and Argentina. Araucaria forests and soils provide a myriad of ecosystem benefits to local communities, which are threatened by increasing anthropic‐driven disturbances like fire and livestock overgrazing. The main objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the effect of uncontrolled livestock grazing on soil health; and (ii) to identify a set of sensitive soil health indicators to grazing pressure. Twenty soil health indicators in two contiguous degraded forest areas with contrasting grazing pressure were considered. A substantial shift in forest structure and a 12% reduction in tree coverage on the overgrazed sites were observed. Overgrazing has substantially affected soil physical, chemical, and biological health indicators, making soil conditions less suitable for forest regeneration. Significant increments in C:P and N:P ratios were observed due to overgrazing (p < 0.01). Soil chemical properties such as Kjeldahl nitrogen, P‐fractions (total, inorganic, and available), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and pH were identified as the best indicators of overgrazing activity in these soils. Additionally, forest cover reduction and overgrazing altered soil physical indicators (e.g., saturated hydraulic conductivity, infiltration, and aggregate stability), suggesting changes in hydrological behavior with potential consequences in water storage and availability. Our results show that uncontrolled grazing in native protected forests degrades soils and forests, restricting forest regeneration and potentially accelerating erosive processes. These results emphasize the need for improved conservation plans for these endangered forests that systematically evaluates and monitors the direct and indirect effects of livestock grazing on soil health.
Acetylene Dicarboxylic Acid Diallyl Ester: A Versatile Monomer for Thiol–Ene Photocured Networks
Authors: Daglar Ozgun , Çakmakçi Emrah , Gunay Ufuk Saim , Hizal Gurkan , Tunca Umit , Durmaz Hakan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThiol–ene photopolymerization (TEP) is a highly advantageous method for the curing of unsaturated monomers, and the design of novel monomers to be used in TEP is an active area of research. The feasibility and the versatility of novel acetylene dicarboxylic acid diallyl ester (ACDAE)‐based monomers are synthesized and demonstrated. The electron deficient acetylenic core in ACDAE allows to apply three different click reactions, aza‐Michael, thio‐Michael, and metal‐free azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions, efficiently on it. Thus, three novel allylic monomers are synthesized and are used to prepare thiol–ene photopolymerized networks. All monomers are synthesized in good yields and structurally characterized by 1H NMR and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements. Thermal, thermomechanical, and mechanical properties, flame retardancy, transmittance, and the wettability of the networks are determined.
Impact of preconception weight loss on fasting glucose and pregnancy outcomes in women with obesity: A randomized trial
Authors: Price Sarah A. L. , Sumithran Priya , Nankervis Alison J. , Permezel Michael , Prendergast Luke A. , Proietto Joseph 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the effectiveness of a nonsurgical, preconception weight loss intervention on pregnancy outcomes in women with obesity.MethodsThis was a two‐arm, parallel‐group randomized controlled trial. A total of 164 women with BMI 30 to 55 kg/m2 who were aged 18 to 38 years and planning pregnancy were randomized to a 12‐week standard dietary intervention (SDI; n = 79) or a modified very low‐energy diet (VLED; n = 85). Participants were observed for ≤48 weeks while trying for pregnancy and then during pregnancy. The primary outcome was maternal fasting plasma glucose at 26 to 28 weeks’ gestation. Exploratory outcomes were individual and composite obesity‐related adverse pregnancy outcomes.ResultsWeight loss was greater in the VLED group (SDI 3.2 [0.6] kg vs. VLED 13.0 [0.5] kg, p < 0.01). In completers who had a singleton live birth (SDI 22/79 vs. VLED 35/85, p = 0.10), there was no difference in fasting glucose at 26 to 28 weeks’ gestation (SDI 4.8[0.2] mmol/L vs. VLED 4.6 [0.1] mmol/L, p = 0.42). However, the composite of adverse pregnancy outcomes was significantly lower in the VLED group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSubstantial prepregnancy weight loss in women with obesity does not alter fasting glucose at 26 to 28 weeks’ gestation but does reduce a composite of adverse pregnancy outcomes. A better understanding of metabolic changes in pregnancy after preconception weight loss may assist in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
A Potential Iterative Approach to 1,4‐Dihydro‐N‐Heteroacene Arrays
Authors: Plater M. John , Harrison William T. A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA new method for the synthesis of substituted 1,4‐dihydrophenazines is reported and the structure of N‐butyl‐5‐methyl‐3‐nitro‐5,10‐dihydrophenazine is proven by an X‐ray single‐crystal structure determination.
Factors associated with self‐rated difficulty to descend stairs in persons with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Stensdotter Ann‐Katrin , Vårbakken Kjartan , Roeleveld Karin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundDifficulty descending stairs is common in persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Clinically, it is important to know if and how this is explained by objectively measured difficulty to descend stairs, muscle weakness, pain, fear of movement, or knee joint status.ObjectiveTo identify the potential of these factors to explain self‐reported difficulty descending stairs.DesignCross sectional, case‐control.SettingHospital outpatient and physiotherapy clinic.ParticipantsTwenty‐eight men and women with knee OA (age 62.2 SD 5.9 years) and 31 controls (age 50.0 SD 8.5 years).InterventionNot applicable.Main outcome measuresUsing multivariate statistics, group comparisons were made for lower extremity kinematics (incorporating hip, knee, and ankle angles) and stance time in stair descent and lower extremity muscle strength. Then, a stepwise linear regression analysis was performed within the OA group to explain self‐reported difficulties in stair descent where pain, kinesiophobia, radiographic signs, and outcomes that differed from controls for stair‐descent kinematics and muscle strength were independent variables.ResultsMultivariate statistics showed that the OA group displayed different all‐over lower extremity kinematics (F8,42 = 2.44 p = .029, η2 = 0.32) and a longer stance time (F3,50 = 6.46; p = .001, η2 = 0.28) in stair descent and lower muscle strength (F7,47 = 2.39; p = .035, η2 = 0.26) compared to controls. Regression analysis within the OA group to explain self‐rated difficulties to descend stairs showed that the strongest association with kinesiophobia (ß = 0.607, p = .001) that combined with pain last week and radiographic signs explained almost 100% (ß = 0.972). Stair descent kinematics and strength variables that differed between groups did not explain self‐rated difficulties to descend stairs.ConclusionKinesiophobia and pain rather than stair‐descent kinematics and reduced muscle‐strength explained self‐rated difficulties in stair descent in the OA group.
Chromatographic‐mass spectrometric analysis of the urinary metabolite profile of chlorphenesin observed after dermal application of chlorphenesin‐containing sunscreen
Authors: Rubio Ana , Görgens Christian , Krug Oliver , Okano Masato , Fedoruk Matthew , Ahrens Brian , Geyer Hans , Thevis Mario 
Published: August 2021

Rationale:Chlorphenesin is an approved biocide frequently used in cosmetics, and its carbamate ester is an approved skeletal muscle relaxant in certain countries for the treatment of discomfort related to skeletal muscle trauma and inflammation. A major urinary metabolite is 4‐chlorophenoxy acetic acid (4‐CPA), also known as para‐chlorophenoxyacetate, which is also employed as a target analyte in sports drug testing to detect the use of the prohibited nootropic stimulant meclofenoxate. To distinguish between 4‐CPA resulting from chlorphenesin, chlorphenesin carbamate, and meclofenoxate, urinary metabolite profiles of chlorphenesin after legitimate use were investigated.Methods:Human administration studies with commercially available sunscreen containing 0.25% by weight of chlorphenesin were conducted. Six study participants dermally applied 8 g of sunscreen and collected urine samples before and up to 7 days after application. Another set of six study participants applied 8 g of sunscreen on three consecutive days, and urine samples were also taken for up to 5 days after the last dosing. Urine specimens were analyzed using liquid chromatography‐high resolution (tandem) mass spectrometry, and urinary metabolites were identified in accordance with literature data by accurate mass analysis of respective precursor and characteristic product ions.Results:In accordance with literature data, chlorphenesin yielded the characteristic urinary metabolites, chlorphenesin glucuronide, chlorphenesin sulfate, and 3‐(4‐chlorophenoxy)‐2‐hydroxypropanoic acid (4‐CPP), as well as the common metabolite 4‐CPA. 4‐CPA and 4‐CPP were observed at similar abundances, with urinary concentrations of 4‐CPA reaching up to ~1500 and 2300 ng/mL after single and multiple sunscreen applications, respectively.Conclusion:4‐CPA is a common metabolite of meclofenoxate, chlorphenesin, and chlorphenesin carbamate. Monitoring the diagnostic urinary metabolites of chlorphenesin provides conclusive supporting evidence of whether chlorphenesin or the prohibited nootropic meclofenoxate was administered.
Fault‐tolerant control design for a class of nonlinear systems with actuator malfunctions
Authors: Guo Kexin , Lyu Shangke , Yu Xiang , Qiao Jianzhong , Guo Lei , Zhang Youmin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article presents a single‐hidden‐layer feedforward network (SLFN) aided fault‐tolerant control (FTC) scheme for a class of nonlinear systems subject to actuator faults. First, the upper bounds of the norms of the unknown functions, which cover information of actuator faults and amplitude saturation degrees, are deployed. The upper bounds are approximated by SLFNs with adaptive techniques. Subsequently, a sliding mode control approach is presented to allow for prompt corrective reactions, with explicit consideration of multivariable conditions and control input constraints. Finally, simulation results based on a nonlinear Boeing 747 aircraft model are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FTC scheme.
The potential of “civic science education”: Theory, research, practice, and uncertainties
Authors: Levy Brett L. M. , Oliveira Alandeom W. , Harris Cornelia B. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper explores the potential ofcivic science education(CSE), which includes experiences that have been intentionally designed to foster or enhance individuals’ interactions with and/or engagement in science‐related public matters. To begin, we provide a theoretically‐grounded definition of CSE, including three sub‐categories: foundational, exploratory, and purposefully active. We then explore the scholarly arguments for why enacting CSE could help to support students’ science learning and civic engagement and also strengthen civil society. Next, the paper examines current educational practices related to CSE, such as citizen science, exploring socioscientific issues, and various civic education pedagogies, detailing what researchers have learned from empirical studies of these practices. Building on this prior theory and research, we argue that CSE could motivate students both to learn science and become engaged in civic issues, with slightly different expected outcomes across the three CSE categories. We conclude by encouraging educators and researchers to explore the great potential of such practices, providing specific recommendations for curriculum development and empirical studies.
Paper Based Low‐Cost and Portable Ultrasensitive Electroanalytical Devicefor The Detection of Uric Acid in Human Urine
Authors: Vishnu Nandimalla , Sihorwala Ahmed Z. , Sharma Chandra S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe electrochemical literature describes a plethora of devices for various applications. Design and development of such paper‐based analytical device(PAD) for sensing applications is paramount of interest. In this work, a PAD was developed using common office‐hold items like paper, pencil, crayons and scotch tape. On a paper, a three‐electrode system was developed by simple drawing with pencils, and the accessible area was confined by creating a hydrophobic barrier using color crayons. The newly developed PAD can hold a low‐dead volume of 25 μL for the analysis and is sealed at the bottom using scotch tape. In our preliminary approach, uric acid (UA), a critical biomarker, was demonstrated as a model analyte for the application of the developed PAD as an electrochemical sensor. The sensor exhibited better analytical performance for UA sensing in a wide range (0.1–1 mM) with appreciable reproducibility, sensitivity (0.3×10−3 A M−1) and selectivity over common interferents (ascorbic acid, urea and glucose). Furthermore, the developed electroanalytical approach was validated by testing the UA in non‐invasive bio‐sample (human urine). Such a cheap, portable, disposable, biocompatible, eco‐friendly and fully‐drawn PAD paves the way for the development of affordable ‘lab on paper’ devices for a wide range of bioanalytical applications.
A Sensitive Fluorescent Probe for Homocysteine/Cysteine in Pure Aqueous Media and Mitochondria
Authors: Su Sa , Chen Qianqian , Wang Chong , Jing Jing , Zhang Xiaoling 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBiothiols, involving homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), and glutathione (GSH), are very important in physiological and pathological processes and play critical roles in the sustainment of the cellular equilibrium. In order to grasp more information about physiological and pathological processes and make new advances in the medical industry, it′s indispensible to develop more useful tools to detect biothiols. Herein, we have successfully prepared a novel mitochondrial homocysteine/cysteine‐selective fluorescent probe. Based on nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) and intramolecular rearrangement cascade reactions, this fluorescent probe shows not only a mitochondria‐targeting property but also a stable function in pure aqueous media with rapid and sensitive responses toward Hcy/Cys. For one thing, it is able to realize fluorescence imaging of Hcy/Cys in mitochondria. For another, we can acquire information about biothiol‐relevant redox status via this potential probe. We hope this probe will help us to broaden our knowledge about the effects of biothiols especially Hcy/Cys.
Facile Ion Exchange Synthesis of Ag, Cu, and Sn Incorporated Defect Pyrochlore K2Ta2O6 towards Visible‐Light‐Responsive Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Angineni Rani , Angineni Jyothsna , Kumar Veldurthi Naveen , Venkataswamy Perala , Vithal Muga 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA novel series of Ag, Cu, and Sn ions incorporated defect pyrochlore K2Ta2O6 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by facile ion exchange method whereas pristine K2Ta2O6 was prepared by conventional hydrothermal method. All the samples were amply characterized by powder X‐ray Diffraction (PXRD), ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐Vis DRS), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques to understand their phase formation, optical properties, morphology, and chemical composition. The absorption edge of ion‐exchanged samples was red‐shifted remarkably, therefore they would respond under visible light. The photocatalytic activity of all samples was assessed by studying the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation. All samples show activity towards MB degradation and Cu−K2Ta2O6 exhibited superior photocatalytic performance (86 %) compared to others. Different scavenger tests were carried out to identify the reactive species, accountable for the decontamination of aqueous dye solution. Moreover, photoluminescence (PL) measurements were carried out to correlate the separation efficacy of photoinduced charge carriers and photocatalytic performance of all samples. This work may provide valuable information for exploring the as‐prepared photocatalysts towards more energy and environmental applications.
The impact of traceability on software maintenance and evolution: A mapping study
Authors: Tian Fangchao , Wang Tianlu , Liang Peng , Wang Chong , Khan Arif Ali , Babar Muhammad Ali 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSoftware traceability plays a critical role in software maintenance and evolution. We conducted a systematic mapping study with six research questions to understand the benefits, costs, and challenges of using traceability in maintenance and evolution. We systematically selected, analyzed, and synthesized 63 studies published between January 2000 and May 2020, and the results show that traceability supports 11 maintenance and evolution activities, among which change management is the most frequently supported activity; strong empirical evidence from industry is needed to validate the impact of traceability on maintenance and evolution; easing the process of change management is the main benefit of deploying traceability practices; establishing and maintaining traceability links is the main cost of deploying traceability practices; 13 approaches and 32 tools that support traceability in maintenance and evolution were identified; improving the quality of traceability links, the performance of using traceability approaches, and tools are the main traceability challenges in maintenance and evolution. The findings of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of deploying traceability practices in software maintenance and evolution phase and can be used by researchers for future directions and practitioners for making informed decisions while using traceability in maintenance and evolution.
A new way to test the WIMP dark matter models
Authors: Cheng Wei , He Yuan , Diao Jing-Wang , Pan Yu , Zeng Jun , Zhang Jia-Wei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the possibility of testing the weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter (DM) models by applying the simplest phenomenological model which introduces an interaction term between dark energy (DE) and WIMP DM, i.e., Q = 3γDMHρDM. In general, the coupling strength γDE is close to 0 as the interaction between DE and WIMP DM is very weak, thus the effect of γDE on the evolution of Y associated with DM energy density can be safely neglected. Meanwhile, our numerical calculation also indicates that xf ≈ 20 is associated with DM freeze-out temperature, which is the same as the vanishing interaction scenario. As for DM relic density, it will be magnified by $$ \frac{2-3{\upgamma}_{\mathrm{DM}}}{2}{\left[2\pi {g}_{\ast }{m}_{\mathrm{DM}}^3/\left(45{s}_0{x}_f^3\right)\right]}^{\gamma_{\mathrm{DM}}} $$

2
−
3

γ
DM

2

2
π

g
∗

m
DM
3

/

45

s
0

x
f
3

γ
DM

times, which provides a new way to test WIMP DM models. As an example, we analyze the case in which WIMP DM is a scalar DM. (SGL+SNe+Hz) and (CMB+BAO+SNe) cosmological observations will give γDM = $$ {0.134}_{-0.069}^{+0.17} $$

0.134

−
0.069

+
0.17

and γDM = −0.0008 ± 0.0016, respectively. After further considering the constraints from DM direct detection experiment, DM indirect detection experiment, and DM relic density, we find that the allowed parameter space of the scalar DM model will be completely excluded for the former cosmological observations, while it will increase for the latter ones. Those two cosmological observations lead to an almost paradoxical conclusion. Therefore, one could expect more stringent constraints on the WMIP DM models, with the accumulation of more accurate cosmological observations in the near future.
5d/6d Wilson loops from blowups
Authors: Kim Hee-Cheol , Kim Minsung , Kim Sung-Soo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We generalize Nakajima-Yoshioka’s blowup formula to calculate the partition functions counting the spectrum of bound states to half-BPS Wilson loop operators in 5d (and 6d) supersymmetric field theories. The partition function in the presence of a Wilson loop operator on the Ω-background is factorized when put on the blowup $$ \hat{\mathbb{C}} $$

ℂ
̂

2 into two Wilson loop partition functions under the localization. This structure provides a set of blowup equations for Wilson loop operators. We explain how to formulate the blowup equations and solve them to compute the partition functions of Wilson loop operators. We test this idea by explicitly calculating the Wilson loop partition functions in various 5d/6d field theories and comparing them against known results and expected dualities.
Radiotherapy for glioblastoma patients with poor performance status
Authors: Schröder Christina , Gramatzki Dorothee , Vu Erwin , Guckenberger Matthias , Andratschke Nicolaus , Weller Michael , Hertler Caroline 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose
There is limited information on treatment recommendations for glioblastoma patients with poor performance status. Here, we aim to evaluate the association of radiotherapy on survival in glioblastoma patients presenting with poor postoperative performance status in first-line setting.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data of 93 glioblastoma patients presenting with poor postoperative performance status (ECOG 2–4) at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, in the years 2005–2019. A total of 43 patients received radiotherapy with or without systemic therapy in the first-line setting, whereas 50 patients received no additive local or systemic treatment after initial biopsy or resection. Overall survival was calculated from primary diagnosis and from the end of radiotherapy. In addition, factors influencing survival were analyzed.

Results
Median overall survival from primary diagnosis was 6.2 months in the radiotherapy group (95% CI 6.2–14.8 weeks, range 2–149 weeks) and 2.3 months in the group without additive treatment (95% CI 1.3–7.4 weeks, range 0–28 weeks) (p < 0.001). This survival benefit was confirmed by landmark analyses. Factors associated with overall survival were extent of resection and administration of radiotherapy with or without systemic treatment. Median survival from end of radiotherapy was 3 months (95% CI 4.3–21.7 weeks, range 0–72 weeks), with 25.6% (n = 11) early termination of treatment and 83.7% (n = 36) requiring radiotherapy as in-patients. Performance status improved in 27.9% (n = 12) of patients after radiotherapy.

Conclusion
In this retrospective single-institution analysis, radiotherapy improved overall survival in patients with poor performance status, especially in patients who were amendable to neurosurgical resection.