bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific trait variability and community assembly in hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) across an elevational gradient in the eastern Himalayas, India
Authors: Mungee Mansi , Athreya Ramana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We investigated some aspects of hawkmoth community assembly at 13 elevations along a 200‐ to 2770‐m transect in the eastern Himalayas, a little studied biodiversity hot spot of global importance. We measured the morphological traits of body mass, wing loading, and wing aspect ratio of 3,301 free‐ranging individuals of 76 species without having to collect or even constrain them. We used these trait measurements and T‐statistic metrics to assess the strength of intracommunity (“internal") and extra‐community (“external”) filters which determine the composition of communities vis‐a‐vis the regional pool of species.

The trait distribution of constituent species turned out to be nonrandom subsets of the community‐trait distribution, providing strong evidence for internal filtering in all elevational communities. The external filter metric was more ambiguous. However, the elevational dependence of many metrics including that of the internal filter provided evidence for external (i.e., environmental) filtering. On average, a species occupied as much as 50%–75% of the total community‐trait space, yet the T‐statistic metric for internal filter was sufficiently sensitive to detect a strong nonrandom structure in the trait distribution.

We suggest that the change in T‐statistic metrics along the environmental gradient may provide more clues to the process of community assembly than previously envisaged. A large, smoothly varying and well‐sampled environmental span would make it easier to discern them. Developing T‐statistics for combined analysis of multiple traits will perhaps provide a more accurate picture of internal/filtering and niche complementarity. Moths are a hyperdiverse taxon and a very important component of many ecosystems. Our technique for accurately measuring body and wing dimensions of free‐ranging moths can generate trait database for a large number of individuals in a time‐ and resource‐efficient manner for a variety of community assembly studies using this important taxon.
Accommodating the role of site memory in dynamic species distribution models
Authors: DiRenzo Graziella V. , Miller David A. W. , Hossack Blake R. , Sigafus Brent H. , Howell Paige E. , Muths Erin , Grant Evan H. C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFirst‐order dynamic occupancy models (FODOMs) are a class of state‐space model in which the true state (occurrence) is observed imperfectly. An important assumption of FODOMs is that site dynamics only depend on the current state and that variations in dynamic processes are adequately captured with covariates or random effects. However, it is often difficult to understand and/or measure the covariates that generate ecological data, which are typically spatiotemporally correlated. Consequently, the non‐independent error structure of correlated data causes underestimation of parameter uncertainty and poor ecological inference. Here, we extend the FODOM framework with a second‐order Markov process to accommodate site memory when covariates are not available. Our modeling framework can be used to make reliable inference about site occupancy, colonization, extinction, turnover, and detection probabilities. We present a series of simulations to illustrate the data requirements and model performance. We then applied our modeling framework to 13 yr of data from an amphibian community in southern Arizona, USA. In this analysis, we found residual temporal autocorrelation of population processes for most species, even after accounting for long‐term drought dynamics. Our approach represents a valuable advance in obtaining inference on population dynamics, especially as they relate to metapopulations.
Disentangling Mechanisms Behind Chronic Lethality through Toxicokinetic–Toxicodynamic Modeling
Authors: Gergs André , Hager Jutta , Bruns Eric , Preuss Thomas G. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Ecotoxicological profiles of the 3 insecticides imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and flupyradifurone in terms of acute and chronic effects were analyzed in Chironomus riparius. Toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic modeling revealed that chironomids would die from starvation as a result of prolonged feeding inhibition under chronic exposures. The starvation effect is an indirect cause for mortality, which, for the neonicotinoids, adds to the direct/acute mortality, although the results suggests that this additional effect is not relevant for flupyradifurone. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1706–1712. © 2021 Bayer Inc. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Association between sex and survival in patients with head and neck spindle cell carcinoma
Authors: Hennocq Quentin , Saintigny Pierre , Quilhot Pauline , Bertolus Chloé , Foy Jean‐Philippe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundHead and neck spindle cell carcinoma (HNSpCC) is a rare histological variant associated with worse outcomes. Our objective was to identify clinicopathological factors associated with survival in patients with HNSpCC compared to patients with conventional head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).MethodsUsing clinical data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we performed a survival analysis in patients with HNSpCC or HNSCC between 2004 and 2016.ResultsA total of 458 HNSpCC and 77 104 HNSCC were identified, including 17% and 16% female, respectively. Five‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) was 63.90% and 73.90% in patients with HNSpCC and HNSCC, respectively. Sex (hazard ratio [HR] for females = 2.816; CI: 1.139–6.965; p = 0.025) was significantly associated with DSS in HNSpCC while no association was observed between sex and DSS in HNSCC.ConclusionHNSpCC in women is a specific subgroup of HNSCC, which is associated with a poor prognosis.
Clear identification of the rare solitary external iliac lymph node metastasis of testicular cancer by using indocyanine green fluorescence guidance
Authors: Enei Yuki , Urabe Fumihiko , Miki Jun , Iwatani Kosuke , Hisakane Akira , Yasue Keiji , Yanagisawa Takafumi , Kimura Takahiro , Egawa Shin 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionThere are few reports on indocyanine green fluorescence‐guided surgery in testis‐related diseases.Case presentationA 38‐year‐old man underwent orchiectomy for left testicular cancer. Pathological diagnosis was pT1 seminoma. Seven years after the surgery, solitary left external iliac lymph node metastasis was suspected. We decided to perform laparoscopic lymph node dissection combined with indocyanine green fluorescence injection. During the operation, we injected indocyanine green fluorescence into his left inner inguinal ring and found that the lymph node was directly drained from the injection point. The pathological diagnosis of the indocyanine green fluorescence‐positive left external iliac lymph node was testicular cancer metastasis.ConclusionWe experienced a case of solitary left external iliac lymph node recurrence in testicular cancer. Using indocyanine green fluorescence injection, we could visualize the lymphatic drainage route, which helped us identify the lymph node as the primary landing site of metastasis.
Binding Se into nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheets for high‐performance potassium storage
Authors: Huang Huijuan , Luo Xiao , Yao Yu , Zhou Xuefeng , Jiang Yu , Guo Chunli , Liu Jiaqin , Wu Xiaojun , Yu Yan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSelenium cathode has been demonstrated as a promising candidate of cathode material for low‐cost and high‐energy density potassium ion batteries (PIBs). Nevertheless, their applications are prevented by poor electrochemical performance due to the shuttle effect of high‐order polyselenides, the sluggish diffusion of bigger K+, and the huge volumetric expansion during cycling. In this work, we design a multifunctional Se host (N‐HCNS) by grafting ZIF‐8‐derived microporous carbon onto the surface of N‐doped porous carbon nanosheets. The obtained N‐HCNS carbon matrix integrates conductivity, captivity, and immobility abilities, which inhibits the polyselenides shuttle, improves the Se utilization, and buffers the volume change during cycling. The 3D hollow carbon skeleton enhances the infiltration of electrolytes. As an cathode for PIBs, the Se@N‐HCNS electrode delivers an unprecedented life‐span (260 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 2000 cycles) and exhibits a remarkable rate capacity (339 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals the effective adsorption of K2Se with pyridine and pyrrole nitrogen doping in carbon matrix. The unique synergetic design of electrode not only gives insight into the reaction mechanism but also highly emphasizes the potential capabilities of N‐doped carbon in K‐Se batteries.image
Carbofuran cytotoxicity, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and cell death in human umbilical vein endothelial cells: Evidence of vascular toxicity
Authors: Saquib Quaiser , Siddiqui Maqsood A. , Ansari Sabiha M. , Alwathnani Hend A. , Al‐Khedhairy Abdulaziz A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCarbofuran is a broad‐spectrum carbamate insecticide, which principally inhibits the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme in the nervous system. Nonetheless, their selective action is not restricted to a single species and expanded to humans. No studies are available on the toxicological effects of carbofuran in the endothelial cells (ECs), which first confronts the toxicants in blood vessels. Hence, we have exposed the human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) with carbofuran for 24 h, which significantly reduced the cell survival to 25.16% and 33.48% at 500 and 1,000 μM analyzed by MTT assay. In the neutral red uptake (NRU) assay, 16.68%, 30.99%, and 58.11% survival decline was found at 250, 500, and 1,000 μM of carbofuran. HUVECs exposed to carbofuran showed significant increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicating oxidative stress at low concentrations. In parallel, HUVECs showed hyperpolarization effects in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) upon carbofuran exposure. Carbofuran induced DNA damage in HUVECs measured as 8.80, 11.82, 35.56, and 79.69 Olive tail moment (OTM) in 100‐, 250‐, 500‐, and 1,000‐μM exposure groups. Flow cytometric analysis showed apoptotic peak (SubG1) and G2M arrest in the HUVECs exposed to carbofuran. Overall, our novel data confirm that carbofuran is toxic for the EC cells, especially at the higher concentrations, which may affect the vascular functions and possibly angiogenesis. Hence, carbofuran should be applied judiciously, and detailed vascular studies are warranted to gain an in‐depth information focusing the transcriptomic and translation changes employing suitable in vivo and in vitro test models.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in premenopausal women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shengir Mohamed , Chen Tianyan , Guadagno Elena , Ramanakumar Agnihotram V , Ghali Peter , Deschenes Marc , Wong Philip , Krishnamurthy Srinivasan , Sebastiani Giada 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are prevalent conditions sharing common pathogenic factors. We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis aiming to investigate the association between NAFLD and PCOS among premenopausal PCOS patients.MethodsRelevant studies were systematically identified from scientific databases until 2019. We calculated pooled odds ratio (OR) using a random‐effect model, and heterogeneity was addressed through I2. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression for various covariates were performed.ResultsOf the 1833 studies retrieved, 23 studies with 7148 participants qualified for quantitative synthesis. The pooled result showed that women with PCOS had a 2.5‐fold increase in the risk of NAFLD compared to controls (pooled OR 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.20–2.82). In subgroup analyses comparing PCOS to controls, South American/Middle East PCOS patients had a greater risk of NAFLD (OR 3.55, 95% CI 2.27–5.55) compared to their counterpart from Europe (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.85–2.67) and Asia (OR 2.63, 95% CI 2.20–3.15). Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome were more frequent in the PCOS group (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44–2.71 and OR 3.39, 95% CI 2.42–4.76, respectively). Study quality and body mass index (BMI) were the only covariates that showed a relationship with the outcome in the meta‐regression, with a regression coefficient of −2.219 (95% CI −3.927 to −0.511) and −1.929 (95% CI −3.776 to −0.0826), respectively.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis indicates that premenopausal PCOS patients are associated with 2.5‐fold increase in the risk of NAFLD, and BMI seems to be the main cofactor.
Demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of COVID‐19 in children: The role of mean platelet volume in predicting hospitalization and severity
Authors: Guner Ozenen Gizem , Sahbudak Bal Zumrut , Umit Zuhal , Bilen Nimet Melis , Yildirim Arslan Sema , Yurtseven Ali , Saz Eylem Ulas , Burcu Barutcuoglu , Sertoz Ruchan , Kurugol Zafer , Ozkinay Ferda 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThere have been a limited number of studies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of COVID‐19 and to identify the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) in predicting the prognosis in children. A single‐center retrospective study, including 251 confirmed and 65 suspected COVID‐19 cases, was conducted between March 11, 2020, and December 11, 2020. In the confirmed COVID‐19 group, 48 (19.1%) patients were asymptomatic, 183 (72.9%) mild, 16 (6.4%) moderate, 1 (0.4%) severe, and 3 were (1.2%) critically ill. Confirmed COVID‐19 patients had significantly lower mean values of white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count, platelet, and hemoglobin (p < .001). However, there was no significant difference in MPV levels between the two groups (p = .894). C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, fibrinogen, and NT‐pro‐BNP mean values were significantly lower in confirmed COVID‐19 cases than suspected cases (p < .001). A total of 55 (21.9%) patients required hospitalization due to COVID‐19, and MPV, WBC, CRP, procalcitonin, D‐dimer, and NT‐pro‐BNP were statistically higher in hospitalized patients than those in outpatients. The multivariate analysis of confirmed COVID‐19 cases according to the severity of disease showed that lymphopenia and higher levels of fibrinogen significantly associated with severe clinical symptoms. Decision tree analysis showed that the most powerful predictor of hospitalization due to COVID‐19 was the D‐dimer (p < .001). MPV values are not associated with COVID‐19 disease severity. However, MPV can be used with other parameters such as WBC, CRP, procalcitonin, D‐dimer, and NT‐pro‐BNP to predict hospitalization.
Following mass transport through barrier membranes with confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Demoor Rodrigo , Guarepi Valentín , Cisilino Adrián , Alvarez Vera , Tomba J. Pablo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis work describes a setup to characterize the effective diffusivity of barrier membranes to mass transport. Membranes with controlled and well‐defined barrier microstructures are produced from an elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. Physical obstacles to mass transport are generated by carving in the matrix microscopic holes with well‐defined shapes and in specific positions. Lateral Raman mapping is used to follow mass transport of a penetrant molecule, hexadecanol (HDOL), in the carved matrix. The influence of circular and elongated holes over mass transport is examined by monitoring the HDOL Raman intensity over time, after it passes the barrier microstructure. Results are compared with computer simulations of mass transport and excellent agreement is found. It is shown that holes act as bidimensional barriers to HDOL and that the effective diffusion coefficient of HDOL in the barrier membrane is reduced with respect to that of the homogenous material. Overall, Raman measurements provide a valuable base of data generation to contrast theoretical models of mass transport in heterogeneous barrier membranes.
Effect of Structure and Hydration Level on Water Diffusion in Chitosan Membranes
Authors: Bazargan Gloria , Fischer Sean A. , Gunlycke Daniel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBioprotonic devices show promise for medicinal/therapeutic treatments because of their ability to deliver a controlled flow of small molecules and ions to living organisms. These devices rely on biocompatible, conductive polymer membranes to facilitate molecular/ionic transport. Herein, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are used to probe the effects structure and hydration level on water diffusion in chitosan‐based polymer membranes. The diffusion coefficient of water is shown to be highest in membranes with low overall densities and weak non‐covalent interactions. Insight from these results may aid in optimizing the molecular/ionic transport properties of polymer membranes for bioprotonic applications.
Therapeutic and Prebiotic Effects of Five Different Native Starches on Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Mice Model of Colonic Colitis
Authors: Xu Zhenzhen , Liu Wei , Zhang Yuhan , Zhang Di , Qiu Bin , Wang Xianshu , Liu Jie , Liu Lina 
Published: February 2021

ScopeThe availability of studies related to the effects of natural macronutrients on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain relatively limited. This study investigates whether and to what extent the consumption of five different native starches alleviate the clinical symptoms and dysbiosis of gut microbiota associated with colitis.Methods and ResultsUsing dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced mouse model of colitis, the potential effects of native potato starch (PS), pea starch (PEAS), corn starch (CS), Chinese yam starch (CYS), and red sorghum starch (RSS) on the clinical manifestations and dysbiosis of gut microbiota are studied. Compared to CS and RSS, the consumption of PEAS, PS, and CYS significantly diminishes clinical enteritis symptoms, including reduced disease activity index, and the alleviated degree of colonic histological damage. Furthermore, the analysis of gut microbiota reveals the significant prebiotic characteristics of PEAS, PS and CYS, as indicated by the maintenance of gut microbiota hemostasis and the inhibition of typically pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Helicobacter hepaticus.ConclusionStarches from potato, pea, and Chinese yam alleviate colitis symptoms in a mouse model, and also show significant prebiotic characteristics. These findings suggest a cost‐effective and convenient dietary strategy for the management of IBD.
Nerve biopsy: Current indications and decision tools
Authors: Nathani Dev , Spies Judith , Barnett Michael H. , Pollard John , Wang Min‐Xia , Sommer Claudia , Kiernan Matthew C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAfter initial investigation of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of neuropathy, a clinical decision is made for a minority of patients to undergo further assessment with nerve biopsy. Many nerve biopsies do not demonstrate a definitive pathological diagnosis and there is considerable cost and morbidity associated with the procedure. This highlights the need for appropriate selection of patients, nerves and neuropathology techniques. Additionally, concomitant muscle and skin biopsies may improve the diagnostic yield in some cases. Several advances have been made in diagnostics in recent years, particularly in genomics. The indications for nerve biopsy have consequently changed over time. This review explores the current indications for nerve biopsies and some of the issues surrounding its use. Also included are comments on alternative diagnostic modalities that may help to supplant or reduce the use of nerve biopsy as a diagnostic test. These primarily include extraneural biopsy and neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance neurography and nerve ultrasound. Finally, we propose an algorithm to assist in deciding when to perform nerve biopsies.
Optimizing the catalytic activity of flame‐spray‐pyrolyzed Pt/Fe2O3 catalyst toward CO oxidation: Effect of fluorination and reduction
Authors: Sarkodie Bismark , Hu Yanjie , Bi Wei , Jiang Jiechao , Li Chunzhong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractComprehending the characteristics of nanocatalyst and the effect of pretreatment on its catalytic performance is of great importance in the field of catalysis. The present study probes the catalytic performance of fluorinated Pt/Fe2O3 prepared by one step flame spray pyrolysis and the effect of pretreatment in CO oxidation. The characterization reveals that in‐situ fluorination of Pt/Fe2O3 in high temperature flame process contributed to low temperature reducibility, improved dispersion abundant surface oxygen vacancies and reactive hydroxyl groups. It is noteworthy that the optimal catalytic performance was attained after reduction of fluorinated Pt/Fe2O3 in 10% H2 at 200 °C (F‐Pt/Fe‐200). The abundant surface hydroxyl group and oxygen vacancies facilitated faster reaction. The in‐situ DRIFTS reveals the consumption of hydroxyl group in F‐Pt/Fe‐200 which contributed to the amelioration of CO oxidation. Aside the better stability of F‐Pt/Fe‐200, complete conversion of 2% and 4% CO was achieved at 150 °C and 200 °C, respectively, indicating the feasible utilization of flame‐made fluorinated Pt/Fe2O3. Conclusively, the fluorine formed a strong bond with Pt, which ameliorated oxidative and thermal stability.
Coal based carbon dots: Recent advances in synthesis, properties, and applications
Authors: He Ziguo , Liu Shengjun , Zhang Cheng , Fan Liyuan , Zhang Jian , Chen Qian , Sun Yudie , He Lifang , Wang Zhicai , Zhang Kui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCarbon dots are zero‐dimensional carbon nanomaterials with quantum confinement effects and edge effects, which have aroused great interests in many disciplines such as energy, chemistry, materials, and environmental applications. They can be prepared by chemical oxidation, electrochemical synthesis, hydrothermal preparation, arc discharge, microwave synthesis, template method, and many other methods. However, the raw materials' high cost, the complexity and environmental‐unfriendly fabrication process limit their large‐scale production and commercialization. Herein, we review the latest developments of coal‐based carbon dots about selecting coal‐derived energy resources (bituminous coal, anthracite, lignite, coal tar, coke, etc.) the developments of synthesis processes, surface modification, and doping of carbon dots. The coal‐based carbon dots exhibit the advantages of unique fluorescence, efficient catalysis, excellent water solubility, low toxicity, inexpensive, good biocompatibility, and other advantages, which hold the potentiality for a wide range of applications such as environmental pollutants sensing, catalyst preparation, chemical analysis, energy storage, and medical imaging technology. This review aims to provide a guidance of finding abundant and cost‐effective precursors, green, simple and sustainable production processes to prepare coal‐based carbon dots, and make further efforts to exploit the application of carbon dots in broader fields.