bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Facile Liquid Phase Exfoliation of Tungsten Diselenide using Dimethyl Sulfoxide as Polar Aprotic Solvent to Produce High‐quality Nanosheets
Authors: Kashyap Pradeep Kumar , Kumar Ashish , Srivastava Ritu , Gupta Sarika , Gupta Bipin Kumar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) ultra‐thin nanosheets of semiconducting layered structure of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are in high demand for fundamental studies as well as potential applications in optoelectronic devices, advanced display devices and many more. The real challenge in this area is to produce large scale nanosheets with a single stable phase.Herein, we report a top‐down strategy for liquid‐phase exfoliation of bulk tungsten diselenide (WSe2) powder to produce hexagonal (2H) few layers (2–3 layers) of nanosheets by ultra‐sonication method using a highly‐efficient dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as polar aprotic solvent. As produced nanosheets are further characterized by different spectroscopic techniques such as Raman and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy to validate the quality of exfoliated WSe2 nanosheets and estimated the direct optical band gap after exfoliation of WSe2. Further, the Raman spectroscopy evidences the transition from bulk to few layers of WSe2 nanosheets. The TEM/HRTEM images and XPS results also confirm the good quality and efficient exfoliation of WSe2 nanosheets. Moreover, the estimated optical band gap from UV‐Vis and Tauc plot confirm the transition occurs from indirect band gap (∼1.27 eV) to direct optical band gap ∼1.55 eV after exfoliation of WSe2 nanosheets. Hence, the proposed method provides a simple, large scale and inexpensive exfoliation approach to produce high‐quality single phase 2H‐WSe2 nanosheets.
Zebrafish heart regenerates after chemoptogenetic cardiomyocyte depletion
Authors: Missinato Maria A. , Zuppo Daniel A. , Watkins Simon C. , Bruchez Marcel P. , Tsang Michael 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundZebrafish can regenerate adult cardiac tissue following injuries from ventricular apex amputation, cryoinjury, and cardiomyocyte genetic ablation. Here, we characterize cardiac regeneration from cardiomyocyte chemoptogenetic ablation caused by localized near‐infrared excited photosensitizer‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.ResultsExposure of transgenic adult zebrafish, Tg(myl7:fapdl5‐cerulean), to di‐iodinated derivative of the cell‐ permeable Malachite Green ester fluorogen (MG‐2I) and whole‐body illumination with 660 nm light resulted in cytotoxic damage to about 30% of cardiac tissue. After chemoptogenetic cardiomyocyte ablation, heart function was compromised, and macrophage infiltration was detected, but epicardial and endocardial activation response was much muted when compared to ventricular amputation. The spared cardiomyocytes underwent proliferation and restored the heart structure and function in 45–60 days after ablation.ConclusionsThis cardiomyocyte ablation system did not appear to activate the epicardium and endocardium as is noted in other cardiac injury models. This approach represents a useful model to study specifically cardiomyocyte injury, proliferation and regeneration in the absence of whole organ activation. Moreover, this system can be adapted to ablate distinct cell populations in any organ system to study their function in regeneration.
Simulated heat waves reduce cognitive and motor performance of an endotherm
Authors: Danner Raymond M. , Coomes Casey M. , Derryberry Elizabeth P. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Heat waves cause mass mortality of animals, including humans, across the globe annually, which has drawn new attention to how animals cope with high air temperatures. Recent field research has explored behavioral responses to high air temperatures, which can influence reproductive success and mortality.

Less well studied are the effects of high air temperatures on cognition, which may underlie behavioral changes. Specifically, it is poorly known if cognitive declines occur at high temperatures, and if cognitive and motor components of behavior are similarly affected.

We tested how well zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis), a model for cognition research, performed two learned foraging tasks (color association and detour‐reaching) at mild (22°C) and high (43 and 44°C) air temperatures that occur naturally in their range. We habituated birds to the trial conditions and temperatures on days preceding the test trials and at the trial temperature for 30 min immediately prior to each test trial. Trials lasted less than 10 min. At high air temperatures, zebra finches exhibited heat dissipation behaviors during most tasks, suggesting thermoregulatory challenge.

Cognitive performance declined at high air temperatures in two of three measures: Color association was unaffected, but birds missed more food rewards, and did more unproductive behaviors. Motor performance declined at high temperatures on the color association task, including longer times to complete the task, move between food rewards, and process individual seeds. Performance declines varied among components of behavior and among individuals.

We combined our behavioral data with existing climate data and predicted that in the austral summer of 2018–2019, zebra finches experienced air temperatures that caused cognitive and motor declines in our captive birds in 34% and 45% of their Australian range, respectively.

This study provides novel experimental evidence that high air temperatures cause cognitive and motor performance decline in birds. Further, our results provide insights to how those declines might affect bird ecology and evolution. First, differences in declines among behavioral components may allow identification of behaviors that are most susceptible to decline in the wild. Second, variation in performance declines and heat dissipation behaviors among individuals suggests variability in heat tolerance, which could lead to differential fitness in the wild. Last, these results suggest that high air temperatures cause cognitive declines in the wild and that understanding cognition could help refine predictive models of population persistence.
Controlling Factors and Prediction of Lead Uptake and Accumulation in Various Soil–Pepper Systems
Authors: Shi Jingxuan , Xu Qiao , Zhou Zhen , Wu Xiaoshuai , Tong Jianhao , Cai Qiongyao , Wu Qianhua , Shi Jiyan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a typical toxic heavy metal element in soils and plants, which has a potential threat to human health through the food chain. Uptake of Pb in the soil–vegetable system has attracted broad attention, whereas reports on the main controlling factors of Pb uptake and accumulation in different soil–vegetable systems are limited. The effect of soil properties on Pb uptake and accumulation in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was studied by a pot experiment with 16 typical soils in China. The results showed that the Pb bioavailability was lower in alkaline soils, and that soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), CaCO3, and total phosphorus contents might influence the uptake and transfer of Pb by peppers. Soil pH and CEC were the most significant factors affecting Pb accumulation in pepper fruits. Soil pH was negatively correlated with Pb uptake and accumulation due to its influence on Pb mobility and bioavailability. The accumulation of Pb decreased as soil CEC increased, which might inhibit the absorption and transfer of Pb in peppers. The multiple linear regression function based on soil Pb content, pH, and CEC could provide enough information for a good prediction of the accumulation of Pb in soil–pepper systems (R2 = 0.733). The results are in favor of developing a Pb threshold for vegetables in agricultural soils in China, thus improving the food safety of crops. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1443–1451. © 2021 SETAC
Abstract
Controlling factors and prediction models of lead (Pb) accumulation in pepper in different soils in China. CEC = cation exchange capacity.
Illicit Drugs as a Potential Risk to the Aquatic Environment of a Large Freshwater Lake after a Major Music Festival
Authors: Maasz Gabor , Molnar Eva , Mayer Matyas , Kuzma Monika , Takács Péter , Zrinyi Zita , Pirger Zsolt , Kiss Tibor 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The present study strengthens the view that residues of drugs of abuse may become widespread surface water contaminants following a local music festival. Overall, 10 illicit drugs were detected from the aquatic environment after the festival; cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine were present in the highest concentrations. The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites over 3 monitored festival yr suggested that consumption of these drugs was temporally linked with events. Weather conditions seriously influenced detection of contaminants deriving from events at the lakeshore. Most of the illicit drugs retained their pharmacological activities, with a potentially adverse impact on wildlife. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1491–1498. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Abstract
Illicit drugs on the aquatic environment after a major music festival. MDAI = 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane; MDA = 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; MDMA = 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
The link between health and economic preferences: Evidence from 22 OECD countries
Authors: Cen Xi , Johnston David W. , Kung Claryn S. J. , Shields Michael A. , Sun Eric C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe study the link between health status and economic preferences using survey data from 22 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries. We hypothesize that there is a relationship between poor health and the preferences that people hold, and therefore their choices and decisions. We find that individuals with a limiting health condition are more risk averse and less patient, and that this is true for physical and mental health conditions. The magnitudes of the health gap are approximately 60% and 70% of the gender gap in risk and time preferences, respectively. Importantly, the health gaps are large for males, females, young, old, school dropouts, degree holders, employed, nonemployed, rich, and poor. They also hold for countries with different levels of gross domestic product (GDP), inequality, social expenditure, and disease burden.
Opioid reduction in ambulatory thyroid and parathyroid surgery after implementing enhanced recovery after surgery protocol
Authors: Lide Riley C. , Creighton Erin Weatherford , Yeh Jessica , Troughton Mikayla , Hollowoa Blake , Merrill Tyler , Robbins Alexa , Orman Gray , Breckling Meghan , Vural Emre , Moreno Mauricio , Stack Brendan C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundOpioid abuse is widespread in the United States and the risk for chronic use is increased in surgical patients, including patients with thyroid and parathyroid.MethodsRecords for 171 patients prior to and 67 patients following implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for ambulatory thyroid/parathyroid surgeries were reviewed. The ERAS included superficial cervical plexus block, multimodal premedication, and postoperative reliance on acetaminophen and ibuprofen with judicious prescribing of opioids.ResultsPost‐ERAS patients were prescribed a mean 72 morphine milligram equivalents (MME); pre‐ERAS patients were prescribed a mean 163 MME (p < 0.001). 97.1% of pre‐ERAS patients were prescribed opioids with 91.1% filled; 68.7% of post‐ERAS study patients were prescribed opioids with 84.8% filled.ConclusionImplementation of ERAS and focus on prescribing practices decreased the MME prescribed and used for ambulatory thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Future steps include increased patient education and tracking pain scores and medication utilization out of hospital.
Appearance characteristics of incision, satisfaction with the aesthetic effect, and quality of life in of thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy
Authors: Liu Yong Hong , Xue Ling Bo , Zhang Shuai , Yang Yan Fang , Li Jie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the correlation between satisfaction with aesthetic effect (SAE) and quality of life (QoL) in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy and identify the impact of appearance characteristics of scars on SAE.MethodsThis prospective, single‐centre, cross‐sectional study from November 2018 to June 2019 enrolled 285 thyroid cancer patients three months after their thyroidectomy. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 was used to assess QoL 3 months after thyroidectomy, while the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) was used to assess the SAE of patients.ResultsThe mean PSAS score was 35.00, and the mean QoL score was 69.96. Correlation analysis demonstrated that PSAS was negatively correlated with QoL score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, marital status, radiotherapy, surgery type, neurological deficits, and PSAS were independent risk factors with decreased QoL. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that scar colour, stiffness, thickness, irregularity and length were positively correlated with poor PSAS. Scar irregularity and length were independent risk factors with poor PSAS.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that scar irregularity and length were independent risk factors with SAE, and poor SAE was correlated with decreased QoL in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy.
The vulnerabilities of the Brazilian health workforce during health emergencies: Analysing personal feelings, access to resources and work dynamics during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lotta Gabriela , Fernandez Michelle , Corrêa Marcela 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPublic health emergencies are a test of resilience for health systems, which depend on health workforces that are well managed and cared for. The COVID‐19 pandemic exposed the weakness of many health systems in preparing their health workforces. The crisis also exacerbated the unequal conditions between different professions, an issue that is still understudied in the workforce literature. This paper analyzes the consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic for different health professionals, considering the ways in which Brazil's the health system does or does not protect them. We also analyse the role of pre‐existing inequalities between different professions and social groups within the workforce in shaping their different experiences of the pandemic. We present data comparing the perceptions of different health professionals facing the pandemic in Brazil: physicians, nurses, and community health workers. Data were collected in an online survey in Brazil with 1630 health care workers between June 15th and July 1st. Findings suggest that none of the professions felt well prepared to work under emergencies. However, differences relating to professional background were exacerbated during the pandemic, creating unequal conditions for different health workers. These inequalities may pose new challenges for the post‐pandemic scenario.
Significance of exponential space‐based heat source and inclined magnetic field on heat transfer of hybrid nanoliquid with homogeneous–heterogeneous chemical reactions
Authors: Al‐Kouz Wael , Swain Kharabela , Mahanthesh Basavarajappa , Jamshed Wasim 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMany chemical reactive methods, like combustion, catalysis, and biochemical involve homogeneous–heterogeneous chemical reaction (HHCR). The collaboration among the heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions is exceedingly multifarious, including the creation and depletion both within the liquid and catalytic surfaces. Here, we observe the influences of Cu and Al2O3 nanoparticles past an elongating sheet under HHCR. An inclined magnetic field with an acute angle is applied to the direction of the flow. Further, radiative heat, temperature, and exponential space‐based heat source aspects are modifying the thermal equation. The governing nonlinear equations are deciphered by utilizing the Runge–Kutta‐based shooting method. It is found that HHCR reduces the solute layer thickness, whereas the increase in the angle of inclination of applied magnetism thickens momentum layer thickness.
Effects of environmental factors on changing sex structure of cultivated mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) in the coastal zone of the Black Sea
Authors: Chelyadina Natalya , Pospelova Natalya , Popov Mark 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAnthropogenically‐induced stressors such as eutrophication and pollution cause fundamental changes of environmental factors in many coastal ecosystems worldwide and may subsequently alter the sex structure of bivalve populations. Such a change of sex structure was observed in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis at the Black Sea coast of Crimea, where the sex ratio shifted toward male mussels. This pattern may be caused by the sex inversion in females, higher female mortality, and their falling off to the bottom. Experiments with cultivated mussels M. galloprovincialis were conducted in natural and laboratory conditions to identify the reasons for this phenomenon. The inversion of the mussel sex proceeds in one direction: from females to males. The change of sex occurs under the influence of environmental factors during the post‐spawning restructuring of gonads. Such factors can be adverse hydrological and hydrochemical conditions; environmental pollution; food availability; age and size of mollusks. The sex inversion of mussels in the polluted water area was 20% higher than in the relatively clean water of the mussel farm. The higher mortality of mussel females (69%) in the polluted area as compared to the clean one (19%) was also observed. In a laboratory experiment, the mortality level of females was 34% higher than that of males. The sex ratio on the farm, 1:2.9 (♀:♂), and on the bottom under the farm, 2.6:1 (♀:♂), was found, and the predominance of females at the bottom under the farm was noted. A bias in the sex structure in one direction—from females to males—can have economic implications in aquaculture as well as ecological significance. The increasing anthropogenic impacts on natural mussel populations can cause abnormal bias of sex ratio.
The developmental hourglass model and recapitulation: An attempt to integrate the two models
Authors: Uesaka Masahiro , Kuratani Shigeru , Irie Naoki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRecapitulation is a hypothetical concept that assumes embryogenesis of an animal parallels its own phylogenetic history, sequentially developing from more ancestral features to more derived ones. This concept predicts that the earliest developmental stage of various animals should represent the most evolutionarily conserved patterns. Recent transcriptome‐based studies, on the other hand, have reported that mid‐embryonic, organogenetic periods show the highest level of conservation (the developmental hourglass model). This, however, does not rule out the possibility that recapitulation would still be detected after the mid‐embryonic period. In accordance with this, recapitulation‐like morphological features are enriched in late developmental stages. Moreover, our recent chromatin accessibility‐based study provided molecular evidence for recapitulation in the mid‐to‐late embryogenesis of vertebrates, as newly evolved gene regulatory elements tended to be activated at late embryonic stages. In this review, we revisit the recapitulation hypothesis, together with recent molecular‐based studies that support the developmental hourglass model. We contend that the recapitulation hypothesis does not entirely contradict the developmental hourglass model and that these two may even coexist in later embryonic stages of vertebrates. Finally, we review possible mechanisms underlying the recapitulation pattern of chromatin accessibility together with the hourglass‐like evolutionary conservation in vertebrate embryogenesis.
Development of a novel multi‐strain wheat Qu with high enzyme activities for Huangjiu fermentation
Authors: Yu Peibin , Du Jing , Cao Chunlei , Cai Guolin , Sun Junyong , Wu Dianhui , Lu Jian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDWheat Qu has long been used as a fermentation starter to produce Huangjiu. Wheat Qu quality depends on its microbial community structure and the hydrolytic enzymes generated by the micro‐organisms.RESULTSStrain YF1 and YF2 were successfully screened as they exhibited high acidic protease (231.9 ± 1.4 U g−1) and cellulase (7.1 ± 0.6 U g−1) activities. Based on a morphological and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene, YF1 and YF2 were identified as Rhizopus oryzae and Aspergillus niger, respectively. Cooked wheat Qu was produced using mixed fungal starter fermentations with Aspergillus oryzae SU‐16, YF1, and YF2. For Qu‐making, the optimized conditions for fermentation time, water content, and inoculum size were 47.8 h, 69.4%, and 6.1%, respectively. Under these conditions, compared with single‐strain cooked wheat Qu, enzyme activities of amylase, acidic protease, and cellulase increased by 27.4%, 657.1%, and 1276.2%, respectively. Short peptides and free amino acids contents increased by 19.6% and 131.8%, respectively. This wheat Qu was used for Huangjiu brewing, and the alcohol content increased by approximately 14.6% because of the increased starch hydrolysis efficiency mainly attributed to its high enzyme activity.CONCLUSIONUsing mixed fungal strains as starter cultures may be an efficient strategy to improve wheat Qu quality, with great potential for application in industrial Huangjiu production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Secondary prevention of hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma with current antiviral therapies
Authors: Choi Jonggi , Lim Young‐Suk 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOver the past decades, marked advancement has been made in the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Due to highly effective antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with CHB has also been dramatically improved. However, current antiviral therapies for CHB cannot completely abolish the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, current treatment guidelines for CHB should be interpreted with caution given that HBV‐associated hepatocarcinogenesis could be underway in patients who are not eligible for antiviral therapies by current guidelines. Therefore, efforts to reconcile treatment guidelines with recent clinical evidence should be made for reducing further development of HCC. In this article, we review the secondary prevention of HBV‐related HCC with current antiviral therapies.