bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inferring species interactions from ecological survey data: A mechanistic approach to predict quantitative food webs of seed feeding by carabid beetles
Authors: Pocock Michael J. O. , Schmucki Reto , Bohan David A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEcological networks are valuable for ecosystem analysis but their use is often limited by a lack of data because many types of ecological interaction, for example, predation, are short‐lived and difficult to observe or detect. While there are different methods for inferring the presence of interactions, they have rarely been used to predict the interaction strengths that are required to construct weighted, or quantitative, ecological networks.Here, we develop a trait‐based approach suitable for inferring weighted networks, that is, with varying interaction strengths. We developed the method for seed‐feeding carabid ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) although the principles can be applied to other species and types of interaction.Using existing literature data from experimental seed‐feeding trials, we predicted a per‐individual interaction cost index based on carabid and seed size. This was scaled up to the population level to create inferred weighted networks using the abundance of carabids and seeds from empirical samples and energetic intake rates of carabids from the literature. From these weighted networks, we also derived a novel measure of expected predation pressure per seed type per network.This method was applied to existing ecological survey data from 255 arable fields with carabid data from pitfall traps and plant seeds from seed rain traps. Analysis of these inferred networks led to testable hypotheses about how network structure and predation pressure varied among fields.Inferred networks are valuable because (a) they provide null models for the structuring of food webs to test against empirical species interaction data, for example, DNA analysis of carabid gut regurgitates and (b) they allow weighted networks to be constructed whenever we can estimate interactions between species and have ecological census data available. This permits ecological network analysis even at times and in places when interactions were not directly assessed.
Cl–/ClO–process on SnO2‐based electrodes in low‐concentrated NaCl solutions
Authors: Shmychkova Olesia , Girenko Dmitry , Velichenko Alexander 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAnode processes on SnO2‐based electrodes in low‐concentrated NaCl solutions have been investigated. The current‐voltage curves for 25 tin oxide anodes doped with various amounts of platinum group metals in 0.5 M NaClO4and 0.5 M NaClO4+ 0.5 M NaCl have been analyzed. The correlation criterion between the catalytic activity of the coating in relation to the reaction of synthesis of NaClO, NaClO3from low‐concentrated NaCl solutions, and the oxygen evolution overpotential was found. The formulated criterion is fully met by SnO2‐coatings doped with both palladium (5‐15 at.%) and platinum (5‐10 at.%), which are the optimal electrocatalysts for the synthesis of sodium hypochlorite. In this case, their catalytic activity does not depend on the concentrations of dopant in the range, which allows to obtain anodes with reproducible properties by pyrolysis. The current efficiency of NaClO is 90‐95% and current efficiency of chlorate is less than 1% during the electrolysis of 0.15 M NaCl on Ti/SnO2‐Pt‐Pd anodes at 40‐60 mA/cm2. Palladium exists in the form of PdO phase in the electrocatalytic coating Ti/SnO2‐Pt‐Pd. The surface oxygen concentration in H2Oadsand OHadsis comparable to the oxygen content of the phase oxides of tin and palladium in the coating containing 19.5 at.% Pd, indicating a high surface content of adsorbed water. Palladium oxides are the main centers of water adsorption, and their presence on the surface of the anodes contributes to the hydroxylation of the surface. Most likely, this property of palladium compounds provides its high electrocatalytic activity in the reaction of formation of hypochlorite, which involves labile oxygen‐containing particles low bonded to the surface.
Quality of life among undergraduate university students during COVID‐19 movement control order in Sarawak
Authors: Cheah Whye Lian , Law Leh Shii , Teh Keng Hoong , Kam Su Ling , Voon Grace Ern Hui , Lim Han Yong , Shashi Kumar Nuhes Seelan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsThis study aimed to examine the quality of life (QoL) and health satisfaction of undergraduate university students in Sarawak during MCO and its association with socio‐demographic profiles.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, QoL and satisfaction of health of 503 undergraduate university students (63.4% females) from a public university was assessed online using the World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL)‐BREF instrument.ResultsThe overall QoL and satisfaction with health were 3.7 ± 0.87 and 3.9 ± 0.82, respectively. Male students showed significantly lower mean scores for the environmental domains than female students (63.37 ± 16.21 vs 68.10 ± 14.00, P < .01). Students who lived inside the campus (vs outside campus) showed significantly lower mean score for the physical health (61.49 ± 13.94 vs 67.23 ± 13.93, P < .01), environmental health (58.35 ± 15.07 vs 70.49 ± 13.21, P < .01), overall QoL (3.39 ± 0.90 vs 3.84 ± 0.83, P < .01), and satisfaction with health (3.71 ± 0.90 vs 3.97 ± 0.77, P < .01). Students with parent's income below RM5000 (vs parent's income more than RM5000) had significantly lower mean score for the environmental domain (65.06 ± 14.35 vs 68.20 ± 15.74, P < .05). Others ethnicity scored significantly lower than Bumiputera Sarawak and Malay while Bumiputera Sarawak scored significantly lower than Chinese in physical health domain (Malay = 65.73 ± 13.40, Chinese = 63.24 ± 15.35, Bumiputra Sarawak = 67.35 ± 13.30, Others = 60.84 ± 15.88, P < .05). Malay (69.99 ± 15.20) scored significantly higher than other ethnicities (Chinese = 63.58 ± 15.80; Bumiputera Malaysia = 65.23 ± 13.66; others = 63.98 ± 15.59) in environmental domain (P < .01). When comparing between religions, the results also showed there were significant differences between different religion groups in overall QoL (Islam = 3.75 ± 0.93, Christianity = 3.77 ± 0.79, Others = 3.34 ± 1.14, P < .05), physical health (Islam = 65.00 ± 13.86, Buddhism = 68.40 ± 11.99, Christianity = 64.77 ± 14.94, Others = 61.00 ± 16.03, P < .05), and environmental health (Islam = 69.66 ± 15.48, Buddhism = 64.99 ± 11.36, Christianity = 64.87 ± 15.61, Others = 62.13 ± 16.28, P < .05).ConclusionBy understanding university students' QoL in this global disaster, relevant authorities would provide a better rehabilitation and assistance to those affected ones.
Mortality risk among 5‐year survivors of childhood cancer in Germany—Results from the CVSS study (Cardiac and Vascular late Sequelae in long‐term Survivors of childhood cancer study)
Authors: Merzenich Hiltrud , Baaken Dan , Schneider Astrid , Neu Marie A. , Wingerter Arthur , Faber Jörg , Wild Philipp S. , Spix Claudia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe growing population of long‐term childhood cancer survivors is at increased risk for severe, therapy‐related late effects and premature mortality. The cardiac and vascular late sequelae in long‐term survivors of childhood cancer (CVSS) study is a cohort of patients from Germany diagnosed with a neoplasia prior to 15 years of age in the time period 1980 to 1990. Late mortality was evaluated in a total of 4505 individuals who survived 5 years or more after the initial diagnosis (5‐year survivors). Survivors with a second primary tumor were excluded. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated. By December 2014, 400 patients had died. Available cause of death information from 188 individuals was used to estimate cause‐specific mortality for all deceased persons. Compared to the population of (former) West Germany, we observed an excess overall mortality risk (SMR = 9.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.62‐10.51). After correcting for missing cause of death information, an increased cancer mortality (SMR = 43.50, 95% CI = 25.79‐73.50) in the 5‐year survivors was detected. Cardiac death was ascertained in 14 individuals, resulting in an SMR of 10.85 (95% CI = 2.80‐32.02) after correcting for missing values. In conclusion, childhood cancer survivors diagnosed in Germany in 1980 to 1990 have a higher mortality risk overall and an elevated risk of dying from cancer and cardiac causes in particular. The results are consistent with those of international cohort studies. However, the reported results are based on few cases and individuals with secondary cancers were excluded.
Early weight loss is an independent risk factor for shorter survival and increased side effects in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer undergoing first‐line treatment within the randomized Phase III trial FIRE‐3 (AIO KRK‐0306)
Authors: Liu Lian , Erickson Nicole Tonya , Ricard Ingrid , von Weikersthal Ludwig Fischer , Lerch Markus M. , Decker Thomas , Kiani Alexander , Kaiser Florian , Heintges Tobias , Kahl Christoph , Kullmann Frank , Scheithauer Werner , Link Hartmut , Höffkes Heinz‐Gert , Moehler Markus , Gesenhues Alena Britta , Theurich Sebastian , Michl Marlies , Modest Dominik P. , Algül Hana , Stintzing Sebastian , Heinemann Volker , Holch Julian W. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBody weight loss is frequently regarded as negatively related to outcomes in patients with malignancies. This retrospective analysis of the FIRE‐3 study evaluated the evolution of body weight in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). FIRE‐3 evaluated first‐line FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan) plus cetuximab or bevacizumab in mCRC patients with RAS‐WT tumors (ie, wild‐type in KRAS and NRAS exons 2‐4). The prognostic and predictive relevance of early weight loss (EWL) regarding patient outcomes and treatment side effects were evaluated. Retrospective data on body weight during first 6 months of treatment were evaluated (N = 326). To correlate with efficacy endpoints and treatment side effects, patients were grouped according to clinically significant EWL ≥5% and <5% at Month 3. Age constituted the only significant predictor of EWL following a linear relationship with the corresponding log odds ratio (P = .016). EWL was significantly associated with the incident frequencies of diarrhea, edema, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Further, a multivariate analysis revealed EWL to be an independent negative prognostic factor for overall survival (32.4 vs 21.1 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13‐2.38; P = .0098) and progression‐free survival (11.8 vs 9.0 months; HR: 1.72; 95% CI = 1.18‐2.5; P = .0048). In conclusion, EWL during systemic treatment against mCRC is significantly associated with patient age. Patients exhibiting EWL had worse survival and higher frequencies of adverse events. Early preventative measures targeted at weight maintenance should be evaluated, especially in elderly patients being at highest risk of EWL.
Effect of irrigation regimes using saline water on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) yield and water productivity in an arid environment*
Authors: El Mokh Fathia , Nagaz Kamel , Alva Ashok Kumar , Masmoudi Mohamed Moncef , Ben Mechlia Netij 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA 2‐year study was conducted to assess the effects of irrigation regimes using saline water on soil salinization, yield, water productivity, and net income of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under actual farming conditions in arid regions of Tunisia. Faba bean (cvs. Luz de Otono and local) was grown on a sandy soil and drip‐irrigated with water having an electrical conductivity of 6 dS m−1. Two deficit irrigation (DI70 and DI40) and one full irrigation (FI) strategy consisting of applications of 40%, 70%, and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), respectively, were compared to the traditional farmers' irrigation method (FM) in which 16 mm irrigation were applied every 5 days from planting till harvest. Results showed that the lowest soil salinity values at harvest were observed under FI treatment, while the highest were obtained with DI40 and the FM. The maximum values of faba bean yields were obtained under FI and the lowest with the FM. No significant reduction in yields was observed with the DI70 treatment compared to FI, while DI40 and the FM significantly decreased the fresh pod yields. Using 12%–20% more irrigation water than FI treatment, the FM did not improve soil salinity but resulted in a significant yield reduction compared to FI. Total water productivity values varied between 4.9 (FM) and 14 kg m−3 (DI40) across different years and treatments. Compared to the FM, which applies fixed amounts with the same frequency, the FI strategy, which adapts the irrigation amounts to the actual crop water requirements, was more productive and provided a significant advantage in terms of yield and net income. Under limited availability of irrigation water, adoption of the DI70 treatment was found to be a good alternative as it allowed 30% water saving and was subject to limited negative effects on soil salinity, yield, and net income.
Emerging bioremediation technologies for the treatment of textile wastewater containing synthetic dyes: a comprehensive review
Authors: Srivastava Ankita , Rani Radha M , Patle Dipesh S , Kumar Sushil 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe tremendous increase in human population and industrialization has exacerbated the existing problem of water pollution to a great extent. The textile industry is the major cause of this problem due to its significant use of organic synthetic dyes as coloring materials during the dyeing process. The presence of color in wastewater is a major environmental concern, as these dyes are resistant to degradation by physio‐chemical treatments. Bioremediation is an attractive method that can completely degrade these dyes while also being cost‐effective. This comprehensive review aims to provide a brief insight into bioremediation based on some of the latest emerging wastewater treatment technologies for the removal of synthetic dyes. Starting with the importance of decolorization of synthetic dyes and their environmental impacts, different physio‐chemical treatment technologies are analyzed with a special emphasis on their limitations. The bioremediation of textile wastewater with detailed biodegradation mechanisms using different bacterial species (bacteria, fungal, algae, enzyme, and mixed culture) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions is thoroughly discussed. In this article, the major factors affecting the implementation of biological treatment are explained. In addition, the latest emerging treatment technologies, such as nano‐bio materials, genetic engineering, phytoremediation, electro‐bioremediation (microbial electrochemistry technology, MET), and integrated/hybrid technologies (such as biological processes with physio‐chemical processes, electro‐coagulation, adsorption, ultra‐filtration, membrane, and advanced oxidation) are critically reviewed; their challenges and the future perspectives in textile wastewater treatment are also highlighted. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Comparing dental student preclinical self‐assessment in the United States and Japan
Authors: Tabassian Lilia J. , Nagasawa Masako , Ba Aisha K. , Akiba Nami , Akiba Yosuke , Uoshima Katsumi , Ohyama Hiroe 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurpose/objectivesSelf‐assessment is an essential skill for dental professionals. Understanding global trends in self‐assessment can highlight the learning needs of students across a diversity of cultural backgrounds. The aim of this study is to compare the self‐assessment ability of dental students in the United States and Japan, where cultural backgrounds may differ.MethodsStudents in the United States (n = 176) completed a typodont premolar and anterior Class II and Class III preparation and restoration. Students in Japan (n = 175) completed a typodont premolar crown preparation. Students and faculty then evaluated the student performance using rubrics for each respective procedure. The difference between the student's self‐assessment score and the average faculty score (S–F gap) was calculated and the data were analyzed.ResultsThe mean S–F gap was 2.8% in Japan and 7.6% in the United States. This indicates that Japanese students tended to assess themselves closer to their faculty graders than students in the United States. On average, students in both countries scored themselves higher than their faculty graders. Students in the United States more frequently overestimated their performance and students in Japan more frequently underestimated their performance. For students in the lower quartile, the mean S–F gap was 5.1% in Japan and 14.6% in the United States, indicating a large cultural discrepancy in the lower quartile groups.ConclusionsAlthough different preclinical procedures were compared, our findings demonstrated that Japanese students may score themselves more closely to their faculty assessors than students in the United States. Further investigation with more students completing the same preclinical activity will be needed.
Microscopic segmentation and classification of COVID‐19 infection with ensemble convolutional neural network
Authors: Amin Javeria , Anjum Muhammad Almas , Sharif Muhammad , Rehman Amjad , Saba Tanzila , Zahra Rida 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe detection of biological RNA from sputum has a comparatively poor positive rate in the initial/early stages of discovering COVID‐19, as per the World Health Organization. It has a different morphological structure as compared to healthy images, manifested by computer tomography (CT). COVID‐19 diagnosis at an early stage can aid in the timely cure of patients, lowering the mortality rate. In this reported research, three‐phase model is proposed for COVID‐19 detection. In Phase I, noise is removed from CT images using a denoise convolutional neural network (DnCNN). In the Phase II, the actual lesion region is segmented from the enhanced CT images by using deeplabv3 and ResNet‐18. In Phase III, segmented images are passed to the stack sparse autoencoder (SSAE) deep learning model having two stack auto‐encoders (SAE) with the selected hidden layers. The designed SSAE model is based on both SAE and softmax layers for COVID19 classification. The proposed method is evaluated on actual patient data of Pakistan Ordinance Factories and other public benchmark data sets with different scanners/mediums. The proposed method achieved global segmentation accuracy of 0.96 and 0.97 for classification.
Pulmonary and blood dendritic cells from sarcoidosis patients more potently induce IFNγ-producing Th1 cells compared with monocytes
Authors: Lepzien Rico , Nie Mu , Czarnewski Paulo , Liu Sang , Yu Meng , Ravindran Avinash , Kullberg Susanna , Eklund Anders , Grunewald Johan , Smed-Sörensen Anna 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease mainly affecting the lungs. The hallmark of sarcoidosis are granulomas that are surrounded by activated T cells, likely targeting the disease-inducing antigen. IFNγ-producing Th1 and Th17.1 T cells are elevated in sarcoidosis and associate with disease progression. Monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and required for T cell activation. Several subsets of monocytes and DCs with different functions were identified in sarcoidosis. However, to what extent different monocyte and DC subsets can support activation and skewing of T cells in sarcoidosis is still unclear. In this study, we performed a transcriptional and functional side-by-side comparison of sorted monocytes and DCs from matched blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of sarcoidosis patients. Transcriptomic analysis of all subsets showed upregulation of genes related to T cell activation and antigen presentation in DCs compared with monocytes. Allogeneic T cell proliferation was higher after coculture with monocytes and DCs from blood compared with BAL and DCs induced more T cell proliferation compared with monocytes. After coculture, proliferating T cells showed high expression of the transcription factor Tbet and IFNγ production. We also identified Tbet and RORγt coexpressing T cells that mainly produced IFNγ. Our data show that DCs rather than monocytes from sarcoidosis patients have the ability to activate and polarize T cells towards Th1 and Th17.1 cells. This study provides a useful in vitro tool to better understand the contribution of monocytes and DCs to T cell activation and immunopathology in sarcoidosis.
Validation of a 3D CT imaging method for quantifying implant migration following anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Jun Bong‐Jae , Ricchetti Eric T. , Haladik Jeffrey , Bey Michael J. , Patterson Thomas E. , Subhas Naveen , Li Zong‐Ming , Iannotti Joseph P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGlenoid component loosening remains a common complication following anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA); however, plain radiographs are unable to accurately detect early implant migration. The purpose of this study was to validate the accuracy of a method of postoperative, three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) imaging with metal artifact reduction (MAR) to detect glenoid component migration following anatomic TSA. Tantalum bead markers were inserted into polyethylene glenoid components for implant detection on 3D CT. In‐vitro validation was performed using a glenoid component placed into a scapula sawbone and incrementally translated and rotated, with MAR 3D CT acquired at each test position. Accuracy was evaluated by root mean square error (RMSE). In‐vivo validation was performed on six patients who underwent anatomic TSA, with two postoperative CT scans acquired in each patient and marker‐based radiostereometric analysis (RSA) performed on the same days. Glenoid component migration was calculated relative to a scapular coordinate system for both MAR 3D CT and RSA. Accuracy was evaluated by RMSE and paired Student's t‐tests. The largest RMSE on in‐vitro testing was 0.24 mm in translation and 0.11° in rotation, and on in‐vivo testing was 0.47 mm in translation and 1.04° in rotation. There were no significant differences between MAR 3D CT and RSA measurement methods. MAR 3D CT imaging is capable of quantifying glenoid component migration with a high level of accuracy. MAR 3D CT imaging is advantageous over RSA because it is readily available clinically and can also be used to evaluate the implant‐bone interface.
Prognostic factors, disparity, and equity variables impacting prognosis in bone sarcomas of the hand: SEER database review
Authors: Jawad Muhammad Umar , Bayne Christopher O. , Farhan Saif , Haffner Max R. , Carr‐Ascher Janai , Alvarez Elysia , Thorpe Steven W. , Randall R. Lor 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrimary sarcomas originating from the bones of hand and wrist are rare but carry a significant burden of morbidity.MethodsNational Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database from 1975 to 2017 was queried to report incidence and survival data in 237 patients in the United States. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression were used to determine the prognostic factors affecting survival. χ2 test was used to assess the correlation.ResultsIncidence of hand and wrist sarcoma was 0.017 per 100 000 persons in 2017 and has not significantly changed since 1975 (p > 0.05). Disease‐specific 5‐year and 10‐year survival for the entire cohort was 90% and 84%, respectively. On multivariate analysis race “others,” histology other than “osteosarcoma,” “undifferentiated” grade, and size “≥6 cm” were predictors of worse disease‐specific survival. Cross‐tabulation of race with other significant prognostic factors on univariate analysis revealed a significant correlation of race with every other significant prognostic factor except for grade.ConclusionsThe current study is an analysis of a population‐based registry reporting incidence and survival data for patients with sarcoma of hand and wrist. Independent prognostic factors include race, histology, grade, and size. There is a lack of improvement in survival over the last four decades.