bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate data and flowering times for 450 species from 1844 deepen the record of phenological change in southern Germany
Authors: Renner Susanne S. , Wesche Markus , Zohner Constantin M. 
Published: April 2021

PREMISEState‐sponsored weather stations became ubiquitous by the 1880s, yet many old climate data and phenological observations still need to be digitized and made accessible.METHODSWe here make available flowering times for 450 species of herbs and shrubs gathered in 1844 by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius (1794–1868), director of the Munich Botanical Garden. The data formed part of the world’s third‐oldest phenological monitoring network as we explain in a brief overview of the history of such networks. Using data from one of the world’s oldest continuously functioning weather stations, Hohenpeißenberg, we relate temperature to flowering in three species with short flowering times and herbarium collections made since 1844 within the city’s perimeter, namely, Anemone patens, A. pulsatilla, and Arum maculatum.RESULTSMean advances in flowering dates were 1.3–2.1 days/decade or 3.2–4.2 days/1°C warming. These advances are in keeping with similar advances in other European herbs during more recent periods.CONCLUSIONSFuture studies might use the 1844 flowering data made available here as a source of information on the availability of particular flowers for specialized pollinators including insects looking for oviposition sites, such as the Psychoda flies that become trapped in Arum inflorescences. Another use of Martius’s 1844 data would be their incorporation into larger‐scale analyses of flowering in southern‐central Europe.
Culturally Responsive Practices: Insights from a High‐Quality Math Afterschool Program Serving Underprivileged Latinx Youth
Authors: Yu Mark Vincent B. , Liu Yangyang , Soto‐Lara Stephanie , Puente Kayla , Carranza Perla , Pantano Alessandra , Simpkins Sandra D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHigh‐quality afterschool programs (ASPs) are opportunities to diversify the ways that Latinx youth from economically underprivileged communities experience STEM learning. Utilizing qualitative methods, based on the experiences and perspectives of low‐income Latinx middle school participants of a math enrichment ASP in Southern California, we identified four culturally responsive practices: (1) the promotion of an inclusive, safe, and respectful program climate, (2) engaging in personal conversations, (3) facilitating opportunities for mutual and math learning across diverse cultures and perspectives, and (4) the promotion of math and a range of social‐emotional skills across contexts. These practices helped youth feel more connected to the program, their peers, and program staff (college mentors); provided a platform for youth voice and contribution to the processes of teaching and learning; facilitated opportunities for skill development and practice across the different contexts of youth’s lives; interrelated with Latinx cultural values; and helped to promote youth’s engagement and math learning. Importantly, youth’s relationships with their mentors was a significant aspect of their experiences and perceptions of these practices. We argue that culturally responsive practices are necessary to achieve high‐quality programs and provide specific implications for how ASPs can implement them in the design and implementation of their programs.
Long‐term results of low‐intensity chemotherapy with clofarabine or cladribine combined with low‐dose cytarabine alternating with decitabine in older patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kadia Tapan M. , Ravandi Farhad , Borthakur Gautam , Konopleva Marina , DiNardo Courtney D. , Daver Naval , Pemmaraju Naveen , Kanagal‐Shamanna Rashmi , Wang Xuemei , Huang Xuelin , Pierce Sherry , Rausch Caitlin , Burger Jan , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Jain Nitin , Popat Uday , Estrov Zeev , Verstovsek Srdan , Jabbour Elias , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Kantarjian Hagop 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe treatment of older patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using intensive chemotherapy is associated with treatment intolerance and poor survival. We evaluated two new lower‐intensity regimens with clofarabine (n = 119) or cladribine (n = 129) combined with low‐dose cytarabine (LDAC) alternating with decitabine. We reviewed response rates by subgroup and long term outcomes of 248 patients with newly diagnosed non core‐binding‐factor AML treated on two clinical trials investigating double nucleoside‐analogue therapy (DNT) alternating with HMA from October, 2008 to April, 2018. Of 248 patients with a median age of 69 years (range, 49–85 years), 102 patients (41%) were ≥ 70 years, and 108 (44%) had adverse karyotype. Overall, 164 patients (66%) responded: 147 (59%) complete remission (CR) and 17 (7%) CR with incomplete count recovery (CRi). With a median follow up of 60 months, median relapse‐free and overall survival (OS) were 10.8 and 12.5 months, respectively. The 2‐year OS was 29%. Among patients with normal karyotype, the CR/CRi rate was 79% and the median OS 19.9 months. High response rates and OS were observed in patients with mutations in NPM1, FLT3, IDH2, and RUNX1. The 4‐ and 8‐week mortality rates were 2% and 11%, respectively. The backbone of clofarabine or cladribine and LDAC alternating with decitabine was effective and safe for the treatment of older patients with newly diagnosed AML. Incorporating targeted therapies could extend the efficacy of this approach and provide more curative therapeutic options in this AML population.
Age‐ and cognition‐related differences in the gray matter volume of the chimpanzee brain (Pan troglodytes): A voxel‐based morphometry and conjunction analysis
Authors: Mulholland Michele M. , Sherwood Chet C. , Schapiro Steven J. , Raghanti Mary Ann , Hopkins William D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSeveral primate species have been shown to exhibit age‐related changes in cognition, brain, and behavior. However, severe neurodegenerative illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), were once thought to be uniquely human. Recently, some chimpanzees naturally were documented to develop both neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, the main characteristics of AD pathology. In addition, like humans and other primates, chimpanzees show similar declines in cognition and motor function with age. Here, we used voxel‐based morphometry to examine the relationships among gray matter volume, age, and cognition using magnetic resonance imaging scans previously acquired from chimpanzees (N = 216). We first determined the relationship between age and gray matter volume, identifying the regions that declined with age. With a subset of our sample (N = 103), we also determined differences in gray matter volume between older chimpanzees with higher cognition scores than expected for their age, and older chimpanzees with lower than expected scores. Finally, we ran a conjunction analysis to determine any overlap in brain regions between these two analyses. We found that as chimpanzees age, they lose gray matter in regions associated with cognition. In addition, cognitively healthy older chimpanzees (those performing better for their age) have greater gray matter volume in many brain regions compared with chimpanzees who underperform for their age. Finally, the conjunction analysis revealed that regions of age‐related decline overlap with the regions that differ between cognitively healthy chimpanzees and those who underperform. This study provides further evidence that chimpanzees are an important model for research on the neurobiology of aging. Future studies should investigate the effects of cognitive stimulation on both cognitive performance and brain structure in aging nonhuman primates.
Antimicrobial activity of bleached cattail fibers (Typha domingensis) impregnated with silver nanoparticles and benzalkonium chloride
Authors: Koschevic Marivane Turim , de Araújo Renata Pires , dos Santos Garcia Vitor Augusto , Fakhouri Farayde Matta , de Oliveira Kelly Mari Pires , Arruda Eduardo José , Dufresne Alain , Martelli Sílvia Maria 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTypha domingensis (Cattail) fiber is a significant natural resource, abundant in cellulose. The study reports the useful utilization of T. domingensis fiber for physicochemical impregnation of silver nanoparticles and benzalkonium chloride, in the development of a material with antimicrobial activity. The fibers were pre‐treated with alkaline hydrogen peroxide (bleaching) for partial removal of lignin, pectin and waxes. Subsequently treated in a solution of different concentrations of benzalkonium chloride and Tollens' reagent. The new materials obtained were carefully investigated for their structure and thermal stability, morphology and susceptibility to antimicrobials (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimuruim, and Salmonella enteritidis). Fourier transform infrared spectra showed the presence of benzalkonium chloride. The morphology analysis showed the silver nanoparticles on the surface of the bleached fibers. The susceptibility profile to antimicrobials was confirmed by the formation of inhibition halos (≅11.26 mm). Based on the properties of the materials obtained, it can be concluded that the modified cattail fibers have the potential to be used as a functional filler, or coating, in the development of antimicrobial composites.
The role of ruthenium on the acidity of mixed alumina and silica phases and its impact on activity for ethanol dehydration
Authors: Kamsuwan Tanutporn , Jongsomjit Bunjerd , Herrera José E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRuthenium catalysts anchored on three distinct supports (γ‐Al2O3, γ‐χ‐Al2O3, and silica [SiO2]) are tested for ethanol dehydration at 250°C. The catalytic materials were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 physisorption, ammonia temperature programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD), FTIR, UV‐Vis spectroscopy, in situ UV‐Vis spectroscopy, H2 temperature programmed reduction experiments (H2‐TPR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) after reaction. The activity was correlated to the number of acid sites present in the support. However, the addition of Ru increased the activity for alumina supported catalysts. Product selectivity depends on the nature of the acid sites present on the catalytic material, with ruthenium playing a critical role on the acid properties of the catalysts.
Novel Designed PEG‐Dicationic Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids as Effective Plasticizers for Sustainable Polylactide
Authors: Zuo Huijie , Chen Xiangjian , Ding Yingli , Cui Liang , Fan Baomin , Pan Li , Zhang Kunyu 
Published: April 2021

Main observation and conclusionA series of novel polyethylene glycol‐dicationic imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (mPEG‐ILs) were synthesized by facile quaternization reaction from various elaborately designed di‐imidazoles and PEG, which were then studied as green plasticizers for sustainable polylactide (PLA) material. The influences of the chain structure, content, and molecular weight of the mPEG‐ILs on the plasticizing effect were systematically investigated by characterization of a series of PLA/mPEG‐ILs blending systems. FTIR results show there is combination of ion‐dipole interaction and hydrogen bonds interaction between PLA and mPEG‐ILs, which is beneficial for the compatibility. Thermal behaviors indicate that mPEG‐ILs have a significant plasticizing effect on PLA. Particularly, mPEG400‐amide‐IM can remarkably improve the mobility of PLA chain, leading to decreased glass transition temperature (Tg) and cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) of PLA. Tensile test results show that the ductility of plasticized PLA is greatly enhanced, and its elongation at break reaches 249.4%, which is 22 times that of neat PLA.
Ligand Accessibility Insights to the Dengue Virus NS3‐NS2B Protease Assessed by Long‐Timescale Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Kronenberger Thales , Sá Magalhães Serafim Mateus , Kumar Tonduru Arun , Gonçalves Maltarollo Vinícius , Poso Antti 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDengue is a tropical disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV), with an estimate of 300 million new cases every year. Due to the limited vaccine efficiency and absence of effective antiviral treatment, new drug candidates are urgently needed. DENV NS3‐NS2B protease complex is essential for viral post‐translational processing and maturation, and this enzyme has been extensively studied as a relevant drug target. Crystal structures often underestimate NS3‐NS2B flexibility, whereas they can adopt different conformational states depending on the bound substrate. We conducted molecular dynamics simulations (∼30 μs) with a non‐ and covalently bound inhibitor to understand the conformational changes in the DENV‐3 NS3‐NS2B complex. Our results show that the open‐closing movement of the protease exposes multiple druggable subpockets that can be investigated in later drug discovery efforts.
Thermal and Gas Adsorption Properties of Tröger's Base/Diaza‐cyclooctane Hybrid Ladder Polymers
Authors: Inoue Keiki , Selyanchyn Roman , Fujikawa Shigenori , Ishiwari Fumitaka , Fukushima Takanori 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) consisting of Tröger's base (TB) undergoes ring opening of the bicyclic amine upon N‐methylation followed by alkaline hydrolysis, resulting in a hybrid ladder polymer that contains diazacyclooctane (DACO) units with tert‐ and sec‐amino groups. The hybrid ladder polymers with various TB/DACO ratios can be prepared depending on the reaction conditions. Here we report a systematic study on the effect of DACO content on the thermal and gas adsorption properties of the hybrid ladder polymer. Using a PIM derived from 2,5‐diamino‐p‐xylene, we prepared hybrid ladder polymers with a DACO content ranging from 19% to 55% while having a similar molecular weight. The thermal stability of the hybrid ladder polymers, evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, is decreased with the increase in DACO content. Based on gas adsorption measurements, the increase in DACO content results in the decrease in the BET surface area but improves the gas adsorption selectivity for CO2 against N2, likely due to high basicity of the sec‐amino group of DACO unit. This result demonstrates that the partial TB‐to‐DACO conversion of the TB‐based PIM may provide a simple but useful strategy to design polymer materials that enable selective CO2 capture and/or separation.
Genetic gain in lint yield and its components of upland cotton released during 1963 to 2010 in Venezuela
Authors: Guzman Manuel A. , Vilain Luis A. , Rondon Tatiana M. , Sanchez Juan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo respond to the high demand for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber, constant enhancements by breeding or management are required. The study of the genetic progress shows the changes in traits over the years, providing information about the real contribution and benefits of breeding and management efforts. In order to estimate the genetic progress of nine upland cotton cultivars for the lowlands agroecology of Venezuela released from 1963 to 2010, evaluations were performed in three locations in Venezuela during 2012 and 2013. Lint yield (LY), boll weight (BW), number of seeds per boll (SB), seed index (SI), lint content or percent (LP), plant height (PH), and stem diameter (SD) were measured. Combined analysis of variance showed differences (P ≤ .01) among the cultivars, environments, and their interaction for all traits, except for SB and SI. All variables have increased for the period evaluated, except for PH that showed a gradual decrease of 0.12% yr–1. LY increased by 10.06 kg ha–1 yr–1 or 0.29% yr–1, which is a total of 503 kg ha–1 in 50 years. A reduction of PH (0.19 cm yr–1) was observed, meanwhile BW (0.0022 g yr–1), SB (0.0029 yr–1), SI (0.0038 g yr–1), SD (0.0013 cm yr–1), and LP (0.0071% yr–1) increased 0.04, 0.01, 0.04, 0.08 and 0.02% yr–1, respectively, in the same period. These results indicate that the introduction of genotypes with divergent backgrounds and development to specific agroecologies have contributed to constant genetic progress in cotton cultivated in Venezuela.
Human NK cells, their receptors and function
Authors: Quatrini Linda , Della Chiesa Mariella , Sivori Simona , Mingari Maria Cristina , Pende Daniela , Moretta Lorenzo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNK cells are cytotoxic components of innate lymphoid cells (ILC) that provide a first line of defense against viral infections and contribute to control tumor growth and metastasis. Their function is finely regulated by an array of HLA‐specific and non‐HLA‐specific inhibitory and activating receptors which allow to discriminate between healthy and altered cells. Human NK cells gained a major attention in recent years because of the important progresses in understanding their biology and of some promising data in tumor therapy. In this review, we will outline well‐established issues of human NK cells and discuss some of the open questions, debates, and recent advances regarding their origin, differentiation, and tissue distribution. Newly defined NK cell specializations, including the impact of inhibitory checkpoints on their function, their crosstalk with other cell types, and the remarkable adaptive features acquired in response to certain virus infections will also be discussed.
KRanTi: Blockchain‐based farmer's credit scheme for agriculture‐food supply chain
Authors: Patel Nirav , Shukla Arpit , Tanwar Sudeep , Singh Dhananjay 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe advent of agro‐industrialization has helped the agricultural food supply chain (AFSC) in introducing ease and innovation to other facets. In addition, Blockchain (BC) technology is revolutionizing each distributed data‐related application by adding authentication and trust among the system's stakeholders. Inspired by the above‐mentioned argument, this article proposes a system, KRanTi, to promote the supply chain of agricultural food by BC embedding across the 5G network. The 5G network upgrades the data connectivity by enhancing network infrastructure efficiency. In KRanTi, we present an efficient credit system that enables associated farmers to purchase the requisite agricultural raw product of higher quality without the pressure of instant payment. A score‐based farm‐food quality assurance system is then proposed, which guarantees optimal quality grading. Trust, transparency, and traceability are preserved through the implementation of Smart Contracts (SC) distributed across public Ethereum BC. The cost‐effective off‐line data storage service in AFSC is offered through the use of the Inter‐Planetary File System (IPFS), a shared storage system to hold all data from stakeholders. Results show that the efficiency of the proposed scheme KRanTi is improved compared with traditional schemes with metrics such as less than 1 millisecond latency with 99.99% reliability compared with LTE with 5G, scalability, packet failure ratio, BC performance, cost‐quality ratio, and data storage contrast.
Introduction to Relational Systems Evaluation
Authors: Urban Jennifer Brown , Archibald Thomas , Hargraves Monica , Buckley Jane , Hebbard Claire , Linver Miriam R. , Trochim William M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce Relational Systems Evaluation (RSE), the focal topic of this volume. RSE is a framework for program planning and evaluation that is theoretically grounded, empirically tested and focused on building evaluation capacity. Theoretically, RSE is rooted in an evolutionary approach to program development and evaluation informed by systems thinking. The application of RSE involves a collaborative partnership approach pairing evaluators or researchers with program practitioners, the use of collaborative modeling and planning tools, and an emphasis on nurturing an Evaluative Thinking mindset. The goal of RSE is to produce more thoughtful and useful evaluations and, ultimately, better programs.
Theoretical foundations and philosophical orientation of Relational Systems Evaluation
Authors: Trochim William M. , Urban Jennifer Brown 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEvolutionary Evaluation, Relational Developmental Systems Theory, and Systems Thinking are three broad foundational theoretical perspectives that characterize the shifting paradigm in contemporary evaluation. They are central to the development of Relational Systems Evaluation (RSE). From Evolutionary Evaluation, we focus on the variation and selection role of evaluation, as well as the notions of ontogeny, phylogeny, symbiosis, and co‐evolution. From Relational Developmental Systems Theory, we highlight how mutually beneficial bidirectional relations between a program and its environmental context can promote adaptive regulations. From Systems Thinking, we emphasize part–whole relationships, static and dynamic processes, the related concepts of scale and boundaries, multiple perspectives, and causal pathways. We propose that these theoretical elements—all of which are operationalized through RSE—can be transformative in our thinking about the next evolutionary stage for evaluation.
Transoral robotic surgery versus nonrobotic resection of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chillakuru Yeshwant , Benito Daniel A. , Strum David , Mehta Varun , Saini Prashant , Shim Timothy , Darwish Christina , Joshi Arjun S. , Thakkar Punam , Goodman Joseph F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) compared to nonrobotic surgery (NRS) on overall survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). We performed a retrospective study of patients with HPV+ and HPV− OPSCC undergoing TORS or NRS with neck dissection using the National Cancer Database from the years 2010–2016. Among patients with OPSCC in our cohort, 3167 (58.1%) patients underwent NRS and 2288 (41.9%) underwent TORS. TORS patients demonstrated better overall survival than NRS patients (HPV+ patients: aHR 0.74, p = 0.02; HPV− patients: aHR 0.58, p < 0.01). Subsite analysis showed TORS was correlated with improved survival in base of tongue (BoT) primaries for both HPV+ (aHR 0.46, p = 0.01) and HPV− (aHR 0.42, p = 0.01) OPSCC. Compared to NRS, TORS is associated with improved overall survival for HPV+ and HPV− OPSCC, as well as greater overall survival for BoT primaries.
Trends of solar radiation effects on the temperature of vertical surfaces of a modern terrace house
Authors: Ismail Mohd Rodzi , Rasli Nur Baitul Izati , Ramli Nor Azam 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis is a study done to investigate the effects of solar radiation on the wall surface temperature of a modern terrace house. It involves the analysis of the thermal fluctuations of common building materials used for walls or vertical surface areas such as the bricks, glass of the window, and metal doors. A thermal imager and data logging system was used in collecting the data for the Southeast and Northwest façades of the house. The imager gave resourceful data on the thermal heat trend of the walls and their surface temperature. The results show that a lighter wall surface color reduces the temperature of the surface. Furthermore, the bricks, which have a higher density hence a higher absorptivity due to their high capacity for storage of heat, decrease the flow of heat. However, the use of tinted glass on windows increases the surface temperature of the glass area of the wall surface. The metal also shows a high similarity with glass in terms of its thermal performance. In conclusion, the types of material used on wall surfaces have a significant impact on the wall temperature.