bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical Constituents from Aerial Parts of Baccharis sphenophylla and Effects against Intracellular Forms of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Silva Matheus L. , Costa‐Silva Thais A. , Antar Guilherme M. , Tempone Andre G. , Lago João Henrique G. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe hexane extract from aerial parts Baccharis sphenophylla Dusén ex Malme (Asteraceae) displayed activity against amastigote forms of Trypanossoma cruzi and was subjected to chromatographic steps to afford one unreported – 7α‐hydroxy‐ent‐abieta‐8(14),13(15)‐dien‐16,12β‐olide (1) and three known diterpenes – ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐19‐oic acid, (2), grandifloric acid (3), and 15β‐tiglinoyloxy‐ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐19‐oic acid (4), two sesquiterpenes – spathulenol (5) and oplopanone (6) – as well as hexacosyl p‐coumarate (7). Isolated compounds were characterized by NMR and ESI‐HR‐MS spectra and were evaluated in vitro for activity against amastigote forms of the parasite T. cruzi – the relevant clinical form in the chronic phase of Chagas disease. In addition, the activity of compounds 1–7 against NCTC cells was evaluated. Compounds 1 and 7 showed effectiveness with EC50 values of 21.3 and 16.9 μM, respectively. Both compounds also exhibited reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC50>200 μM) with SI values higher than 9.4 and 11.9. Obtained results suggest that the new ent‐abietane diterpene 1 and alkyl coumarate 7 could be used as prototypes for the development of novel and selective semisynthetic derivatives against intracellular forms of T. cruzi.
Synthesis of KUE‐siRNA Conjugates for Prostate Cancer Cell‐Targeted Gene Silencing
Authors: Yang Chao , Ma Dejun , Lu Liqing , Yang Xing , Xi Zhen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe delivery of siRNAs to selectively target cells poses a great challenge in RNAi‐based cancer therapy. The lack of suitable cell‐targeting methods seriously restricts the advance in delivering siRNAs to extrahepatic tissues. Based on prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐targeting ligands, we have synthesized a series of lysine‐urea‐glutamate (KUE)‐siRNA conjugates and verified their effective cell uptake and gene silencing properties in prostate cancers. The results indicated that the KUE‐siRNA conjugates could selectively enter PSMA+ LNCaP cells, eventually down‐regulating STAT3 expression. Based on post‐synthesis modification and receptor‐mediated endocytosis, this strategy of constructing ligand‐siRNA conjugates might provide a general method of siRNA delivery for cell‐targeted gene silencing.
In situ characterizations of solid–solid interfaces in solid‐state batteries using synchrotron X‐ray techniques
Authors: Lucero Marcos , Qiu Shen , Feng Zhenxing 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe solid–solid electrode–electrolyte interface represents an important component in solid‐state batteries (SSBs), as ionic diffusion, reaction, transformation, and restructuring could all take place. As these processes strongly influence the battery performance, studying the evolution of the solid–solid interfaces, particularly in situ during battery operation, can provide insights to establish the structure–property relationship for SSBs. Synchrotron X‐ray techniques, owing to their unique penetration power and diverse approaches, are suitable to investigate the buried interfaces and examine structural, compositional, and morphological changes. In this review, we will discuss various surface‐sensitive synchrotron‐based scattering, spectroscopy, and imaging methods for the in situ characterization of solid–solid interfaces and how this information can be correlated to the electrochemical properties of SSBs. The goal is to overview the advantages and disadvantages of each technique by highlighting representative examples, so that similar strategies can be applied by battery researchers and beyond to study similar solid‐solid interface systems.
Management of hyperkalemia in chronic heart failure using sodium zirconium cyclosilicate
Authors: Oshima Akira , Imamura Teruhiko , Narang Nikhil , Kinugawa Koichiro 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundSodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), a newly‐developed selective potassium binder, has been clinically available to treat hyperkalemia. SZC might be a promising option to manage hyperkalemia, particularly in patients with heart failure, who often require potassium‐sparing medications. However, the optimal initial dose of SZC therapy at a loading dose (30 g per day for the initial 2 days) versus a maintenance dose (5 g per day) remains unknown.MethodsConsecutive patients with heart failure and hyperkalemia who received 2‐day SZC therapy were retrospectively included. Safety and efficacy of SZC therapy were compared between the two strategies (maintenance versus loading).ResultsWe had 16 patients (76 years old, 11 men) who received 2‐day SZC therapy (4 maintenance dose group and 12 loading dose group). Serum potassium decreased 0.7 mEqL/L by 2‐day maintenance dose therapy and 1.3 mEq/L by 2‐day loading dose therapy. Following 2‐day SZC therapy, 25% of patients had hypokalemia, which was defined as serum potassium <4.0 mEq/L. Baseline lower serum potassium level was associated with the post‐SZC hypokalemia.ConclusionsSZC immediately decreases approximately 1.0 mEq/L of serum potassium in patients with heart failure and hyperkalemia. However, caution should be exercised when utilizing SZC at a loading dose specifically in those with mild hyperkalemia to prevent iatrogenic hypokalemia.
The level of sustainability and mutual fund performance in Europe: An empirical analysis using ESG ratings
Authors: Abate Guido , Basile Ignazio , Ferrari Pierpaolo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOver recent years, investors' attention on the environment, social responsibility, and governance (ESG) has been growing. At the same time, managers, investors, and regulators are interested in ascertaining whether mutual funds that invest in ESG‐compliant assets perform better than those with a low ESG commitment. The sustainability of funds' portfolios can be measured by ESG ratings, a measure of the financially material ESG factors of the securities held by a fund. Our study therefore aims to verify whether funds with high ESG ratings outperform funds with low ESG ratings, considering the risks taken, including higher moments, and costs borne by investors. Our analysis is carried out on a sample of 634 European mutual funds. By using data envelopment analysis, it provides evidence of the superior efficiency of funds investing in high ESG‐rated securities.
Parametric study of plasma active medium and gain saturation region in a Ne‐like soft X‐ray laser
Authors: Ghani‐Moghadam Ghazaleh , Rezaei Somayeh , Jafari Mohammad J. , Farahbod Amir H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPlasmas created by the interaction of high power optical laser with a target surface can be used as a source of soft X‐ray lasers. Plasma and pump laser characteristics play significant role in achieving high gain coefficient for such plasma based on soft X‐ray lasers. In the present work, the plasma active medium parameters for germanium element at a wavelength of 19.6 nm irradiated by a double‐pulse pump laser have been studied using MED103 hydrodynamic code. For this purpose, first, the effects of laser intensity, pulse width and delay time of two pulses on the gain coefficient have been investigated and the optimum conditions for the maximum gain extent of Ne‐like germanium soft X‐ray laser are obtained. Then, in order to calculate the intensity of such high gain lasers in which Linford equation is invalid, we have adopted the general formula of amplified spontaneous emission intensity, which is valid in all range of intensities even at much higher intensities than saturation intensity. Finally, the soft X‐ray laser intensities in the saturated areas for different plasma lengths have been calculated. The results show that the output of soft X‐ray laser intensity with 294 cm−1 gain coefficient can reach to about several times saturated intensity by applying a 1–2 mm plasma length as the active medium.
Nonstationary spatial correlation in New Zealand strong ground‐motion data
Authors: Chen Yilin , Bradley Brendon A. , Baker Jack W. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper presents new techniques for quantifying nonstationary spatial variations in strong ground motion, using data from recent well‐recorded earthquakes in New Zealand. The data set is unique in that many recording stations are relatively densely spaced, and multiple strong ground motions have been recorded at the same stations. This allows calculation of site‐specific and region‐specific correlations in ground‐motion amplitude for Wellington and Christchurch, and the results are compared to a model assuming stationary correlations at all locations. Strong nonstationarity in spatial correlation is observed in the Wellington and Christchurch regions. Heterogeneous geologic conditions appear to be associated with the nonstationary spatial correlation. Several factors influencing nonstationary spatial correlation were studied: (a) site‐specific residuals indicate deviation of correlation from a stationary model; (b) most earthquakes have no systematic effect on spatial correlations and there is no indication of a trend in correlations with magnitude; (c) rupture complexity is related to the variation of spatial correlations in ground‐motion residuals; (d) variation of site‐specific correlations cannot be resolved by using terms in Ground‐Motion Models. The nonstationary correlation approach provides an opportunity to incorporate the site‐specific effects in future correlation models.
An improved coulomb counting method based on dual open‐circuit voltage and real‐time evaluation of battery dischargeable capacity considering temperature and battery aging
Authors: Wang Shun‐Li , Xiong Xin , Zou Chuan‐Yun , Chen Lei , Jiang Cong , Xie Yan‐Xin , Stroe Daniel‐Ioan 
Published: July 2021

SummaryCoulomb Counting (CC) method plays an important role in the state of charge (SOC) estimation theory of lithium‐ion batteries, and a lot of improvement and optimization strategies are based on it. With the increasing demand for precise management of lithium‐ion battery systems, the performance of the traditional CC method is no longer suitable for more complex working conditions. First, the battery aging, extreme temperature, and high‐rate discharging were considered as the main influencing factors which limit the SOC estimation accuracy of the CC method, and the performance degradation mechanism of the traditional CC method under the influence of the above factors are experimentally analyzed, especially the change of battery total dischargeable capacity after aging, and the change rules of key parameters in the CC equation are analyzed. Then the initial SOC and the total dischargeable capacity of the CC method are modified and estimated respectively to realize the accurate estimation of SOC under complex working conditions, especially the accurate SOC estimation during the whole life cycle of lithium‐ion batteries. The experimental results show that the improved CC method can effectively deal with complex working conditions, and the comprehensive estimation accuracy of SOC is within 3.6%.
Optic–acoustic Analysis of Fish Assemblages at Petroleum Platforms
Authors: Bolser Derek G , Egerton Jack P , Grüss Arnaud , Erisman Brad E 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Petroleum platforms provide high-relief reef habitat in several ocean basins and are important to fishes and fishers alike. To determine which variables were important for shaping platform-associated fish assemblages on a basin-wide scale in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, we employed optic and acoustic methods to measure fish distribution (geographic and water-column), abundance, biomass, density, size, diversity, and richness at 54 platforms. We found that variables related to freshwater inflow and meso-scale circulation patterns (e.g., salinity) affected more metrics than platform characteristics (e.g., platform depth). Platform fish assemblages varied gradually along gradients of these variables instead of exhibiting distinct assemblage groupings in non-metric multidimensional scaling space. These effects contributed to the presence of biomass, density, diversity, and richness “hotspots” at platforms offshore of the Atchafalaya River. Our findings underscore the importance of freshwater inflow and circulation patterns in explaining variation in reef fish assemblages in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
2019–2020 Bushfire impacts on sediment and contaminant transport following rainfall in the Upper Murray River catchment
Authors: Biswas Tapas K. , Karim Fazlul , Kumar Anu , Wilkinson Scott , Guerschman Juan , Rees Gavin , McInerney Paul , Zampatti Brenton , Sullivan Andrew , Nyman Petter , Sheridan Gary J. , Joehnk Klaus 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
During the 2019–2020 Australian bushfire season, large expanses (~47%) of agricultural and forested land in the Upper Murray River catchment of southeastern (SE) Australia were burned. Storm activity and rainfall following the fires increased sediment loads in rivers, resulting in localized fish kills and widespread water-quality deterioration. We collected water samples from the headwaters of the Murray River for sediment and contaminant analysis and assessed changes in water quality using long-term monitoring data. A robust runoff routing model was used to estimate the effect of fire on sediment loads in the Murray River. Peak turbidity in the Murray River reached values of up to 4200 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), shown as pitch-black water coming down the river. The increase in suspended solids was accompanied by elevated nutrient concentrations during post-bushfire runoff events. The model simulations demonstrated that the sediment load could be five times greater in the first year after a bushfire than in the prefire condition. It was estimated that Lake Hume, a large reservoir downstream from fire-affected areas, would receive a maximum of 600 000 metric tonnes of sediment per month in the period immediately following the bushfire, depending on rainfall. Total zinc, arsenic, chromium, nickel, copper, and lead concentrations were above the 99% toxicant default guideline values (DGVs) for freshwater ecosystems. It is also likely that increased nutrient loads in Lake Hume will have ongoing implications for algal dynamics, in both the lake and the Murray River downstream. Information from this study provides a valuable basis for future research to support bushfire-related policy developments in fire-prone catchments and the mitigation of postfire water quality and aquatic ecosystem impacts. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1203–1214. © 2021 Commonwealth of Australia. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management © 2021 Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
KEY POINTS
This study provides information useful to our understanding of bushfire impacts on water quality. Heavy rainfall after the fires discharged large volumes of ash and sediment into the Murray River, resulting in widespread deterioration of water quality and localized fish kills. Even six months after fires, runoff from the burned catchment was still carrying large amounts of sediments, nutrients, and carbon. The new modeling method can be applied elsewhere to prepare for the adverse effects of rain following a bushfire by minimizing sediment in runoffs.
Genesurance counseling: Current training practices of genetic counseling graduate programs in the United States
Authors: Wagner Chelsea , Stein Quinn , Singletary Claire N. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn recent years, it has become apparent that patients expect genetic counselors to be able to address questions about insurance coverage for genetic testing and perform ‘genesurance’ tasks in and out of genetic counseling sessions. Anecdotally, many genetic counseling graduate programs have begun to incorporate genesurance training in some capacity. However, the amount, modality, and potential barriers to this training had not been previously studied; therefore, this study aimed to elucidate current graduate program practice regarding genesurance. Program Directors of Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) accredited programs who had students enrolled as of July 2019 (n = 50) were recruited through the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD) listserv and invited to complete an anonymous electronic survey via Qualtrics. Program Directors (PDs) from 25 ACGC accredited programs located in the United States completed the survey and were included in the analysis, responses from two ACGC Canadian programs were excluded due to small sample size and differences in healthcare systems. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and open‐ended responses were coded utilizing latent qualitative content analysis. The majority of respondents from the United States, 96.0% (24/25), report incorporating genesurance training into their curriculum utilizing a variety of training modalities including classroom, clinical, and online experiences. Most (81.0%) felt their trainees were adequately or very prepared to discuss genesurance issues. Despite varied methods of teaching modalities, PDs identified barriers to providing this training, including time constraints within the curriculum, lack of interest in the subject, as well as acknowledging the constantly changing landscape of billing and insurance. Despite these barriers, a baseline understanding of the impact of insurance on offering genetic testing and insight into how insurance impacts clinical practice may be beneficial to genetic counseling trainees, as it reflects the current genetic counselor's workflow and practice patterns.
Genetic counselors and legal recognition: A made‐for‐Canada approach
Authors: Lambert Deborah M. , Patrinos Dimitri , Knoppers Bartha Maria ,   GenCOUNSEL Study, Zawati Ma’n H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGenetic counseling is a fast‐growing profession in Canada. Yet, despite its growth, genetic counseling lacks legal recognition in the majority of Canadian provinces. Legal recognition serves to regulate professions, including genetic counseling, that if not properly regulated, expose the public to the risk of harm. Under Canadian law, there are three models of legal recognition: 1) the constitution of a professional order, 2) inclusion in a professional order, and 3) delegation. This paper explores the practical implications of these different models of legal recognition for genetic counselors. It focuses on the balancing act between protecting the public and the resources required to seek legal recognition under the three different models. With a small number of genetic counselors (n = 484, with 89% found in 4 provinces) compared to other professions, the route toward professional regulation for genetic counselors can be challenging. Though legal recognition occurs at the provincial rather than federal level in Canada, we nonetheless advocate for pan‐Canadian discussions that may benefit future pursuits of legal recognition.
Effects of chloride and nutrients on freshwater plankton communities
Authors: Greco Danielle A. , Arnott Shelley E. , Fournier Isabelle B. , Schamp Brandon S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIncreasing chloride concentrations threaten freshwater zooplankton. We questioned the protectiveness of the Canadian Water Quality Guideline for chloride because it is based on individual species studied under laboratory conditions and does not account for potential interactive factors, such as nutrient concentration. We exposed plankton communities to 30 chloride concentration increments for 6 weeks, crossed with either ambient or high nutrient treatments. Total zooplankton abundance, biomass, and richness declined with increasing chloride, with losses observed below the Canadian Water Quality Guideline. Nutrients did not affect the impact of chloride on zooplankton. Phytoplankton and protist responses varied by nutrient level. Under low nutrients, phytoplankton and protist abundance, biomass, and richness increased with chloride. Under high nutrients, phytoplankton and protist abundance and biomass were unaffected while richness decreased with chloride. These results indicate that current water quality guidelines do not sufficiently protect plankton and that nutrient context may alter phytoplankton and protist response.
Temporal Trends and Evolving Outcomes After Simultaneous Liver‐Kidney Transplantation: Results from the US SLKT Consortium
Authors: Cullaro Giuseppe , Sharma Pratima , Jo Jennifer , Rassiwala Jasmine , VanWagner Lisa B. , Wong Randi , Lai Jennifer C. , Magee John , Schluger Aaron , Barman Pranab , Patel Yuval A. , Walter Kara , Biggins Scott W. , Verna Elizabeth C. 
Published: July 2021

We aimed to understand the contemporary changes in the characteristics and the determinants of outcomes among simultaneous liver‐kidney transplantation (SLKT) recipients at 6 liver transplantation centers in the United States. We retrospectively enrolled SLKT recipients between 2002 and 2017 in the US Multicenter SLKT Consortium. We analyzed time‐related trends in recipient characteristics and outcomes with linear regression and nonparametric methods. Clustered Cox regression determined the factors associated with 1‐year and overall survival. We enrolled 572 patients. We found significant changes in the clinical characteristics of SLKT recipients: as compared with 2002, recipients in 2017 were older (59 versus 52 years; P < 0.001) and more likely to have chronic kidney disease (71% versus 33%; P < 0.001). There was a marked improvement in 1‐year survival during the study period: 89% in 2002 versus 96% in 2017 (P < 0.001). We found that the drivers of 1‐year mortality were SLKT year, hemodialysis at listing, donor distance, and delayed kidney allograft function. The drivers of overall mortality were an indication of acute kidney dysfunction, body mass index, hypertension, creatinine at SLKT, ventilation at SLKT, and donor quality. In this contemporary cohort of SLKT recipients, we highlight changes in the clinical characteristics of recipients. Further, we identify the determinants of 1‐year and overall survival to highlight the variables that require the greatest attention to optimize outcomes.
Rechargeable Pacemaker Technology in Deep Brain Stimulation: A Step Forward, But Not for Everyone
Authors: Runge Joachim , Nagel Johanna M. , Schrader Christoph , Saryyeva Assel , Krauss Joachim K. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundRechargeable implantable pulse generator (IPG) technology has several advantages over non‐rechargeable systems and is routinely used now in deep brain stimulation (DBS). Little is known about the occasional need and the circumstances for switching back to non‐rechargeable technology.CasesOut of a cohort of 640 patients, 102 patients received a rechargeable IPG at first implantation or at the time of replacement surgery. Out of these, 3 patients underwent preemptive replacement with non‐rechargeable devices for the following reasons: dissatisfaction with handling and recharge frequency (pallidal DBS in advanced Parkinson's disease/dystonia), severe DBS OFF status subsequent to missed recharging (subthalamic DBS in Parkinson's disease) and twiddler's syndrome (nucleus accumbens DBS in alcohol dependency).ConclusionsAlthough rechargeable IPG technology has been received well and is used widely, there are unexpected scenarios that require replacement surgery with non‐rechargeable IPGs.