bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological dynamics imposes fundamental challenges in community‐based microbial source tracking
Authors: Wang Xu‐Wen , Wu Lu , Dai Lei , Yin Xiaole , Zhang Tong , Weiss Scott T. , Liu Yang‐Yu 
Published: January 2023

AbstractQuantifying the contributions of possible environmental sources (“sources”) to a specific microbial community (“sink”) is a classical problem in microbiology known as microbial source tracking (MST). Solving the MST problem will not only help us understand how microbial communities were formed, but also have far‐reaching applications in pollution control, public health, and forensics. MST methods generally fall into two categories: target‐based methods (focusing on the detection of source‐specific indicator species or chemicals); and community‐based methods (using community structure to measure similarity between sink samples and potential source environments). As next‐generation sequencing becomes a standard community‐assessment method in microbiology, numerous community‐based computational methods, referred to as MST solvers hereafter have been developed and applied to various real datasets to demonstrate their utility across different contexts. Yet, those MST solvers do not consider microbial interactions and priority effects in microbial communities. Here, we revisit the performance of several representative MST solvers. We show compelling evidence that solving the MST problem using existing MST solvers is impractical when ecological dynamics plays a role in community assembly. In particular, we clearly demonstrate that the presence of either microbial interactions or priority effects will render the MST problem mathematically unsolvable for MST solvers. We further analyze data from fecal microbiota transplantation studies, finding that the state‐of‐the‐art MST solvers fail to identify donors for most of the recipients. Finally, we perform community coalescence experiments to demonstrate that the state‐of‐the‐art MST solvers fail to identify the sources for most of the sinks. Our findings suggest that ecological dynamics imposes fundamental challenges in MST. Interpretation of results of existing MST solvers should be done cautiously.
Cortical hemodynamic response and networks in children with cerebral palsy during upper limb bilateral motor training
Authors: Zhang Tengyu , Xu Gongcheng , Huo Congcong , Li Wenhao , Li Zengyong , Li Wei 
Published: January 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the characteristics of functional brain activity is important for motor rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Using the functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology, the cortical response and networks of prefrontal (PFC) and motor cortices (MC) were analyzed for children with CP and typical development (CTD). Compared with CTD, the resting cortical response of dominant MC in children with CP increased, and the functional connectivity between cerebral areas decreased. In the motor state of children with CP, the coupling strength started from dominant MC increased compared with resting state, and the hemispherical autonomy index (HAI) of the dominant MC was higher than that in the CTD, which reflected the leading role of dominant MC in brain regulation during motor. The functional connectivity between bilateral MC was positively correlated with motor performance. This study provided effective indices for evaluating the motor function and real‐time impact of motor on brain networks.
Efficient removal of imidacloprid from sewage by Scenedesmus sp. TXH and the effects of environmental factors on its removal
Authors: Li Diantong , Li Jiayu , Yeerhazi Balijiang , Cheng Yongtao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith the rapid development of modern industry and agriculture, large amounts of sewage of various types are being discharged into water bodies every year, causing huge environmental pressure and posing a threat to organisms. Amongst different solutions to this problem, microalgae can remove pollutants including pesticides and antibiotics from water. In this work, an algal strain designated as Scenedesmus sp. TXH. was isolated from the Tangxun Lake Sewage Treatment Plant (Wuhan, China) and used to remove imidacloprid (IMI) from sewage. The removal efficiency, degradation products, removal of conventional contaminants [total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) ammonia nitrogen (NH4+‐N), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP)], the biochemical response of the microalgae, and the effects of environmental factors such as light intensity and temperature were investigated.RESULTSThe results showed that: (i) the highest IMI removal efficiency of ≈60% was achieved under 80 μmol m−2 s−1 at 25 °C; (ii) the removal of NH4+‐N, TDP and TDN in the sewage reached 90%, 90% and 65%, respectively; (iii) there was a significant linear relationship between the concentration of total chlorophyll and the removal of IMI in the sewage; and (iv) finally, based on the analysis of degradation products by mass spectrometer, three potential IMI degradation pathways were proposed.CONCLUSIONIn summary, our results showed that Scenedesmus sp. TXH can remove IMI and conventional nutrients efficiently from sewage, implying a potential application in sewage treatment in the near future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Biallelic TET2 mutations and canonical ASXL1 mutations are frequent and cooccur in Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN): An institutional experience and review of literature
Authors: Zhang Xi , Hsi Eric D. , Crane Genevieve M. , Cheng Yu‐Wei 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBlastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is recurrently mutated in epigenetic pathway genes. We studied the myeloid‐related genetic mutations in a cohort of five patients with BPDCN and one paired relapse case at our institution and identified a high frequency of biallelic TET2 and canonical ASXL1 (c.1934dupG) mutations. The number of cases is small, but the variant allele fraction (VAF) sums of the TET2 mutations, as well as the persistence of TET2 mutations in a case of relapsed BPDCN, suggest an ancestral/founder nature of TET2 clones in the cases. Further literature review shows a high frequency of biallelic TET2 mutations in reported cases of BPDCN.
Real‐world effectiveness of sotrovimab and remdesivir for early treatment of high‐risk hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: A propensity score adjusted retrospective cohort study
Authors: Koh Lin Pin , Chua Siang Li , Vasoo Shawn , Toh Matthias Paul Han Sim , Cutter Jeremy Nicholas , Nah Puay Hoon , Leo Yee‐Sin , Tay Jun Xin , Young Barnaby Edward , Lye David C. , Ong Sean W. X. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractEarly treatment of high‐risk COVID‐19 patients may prevent disease progression. However, there are limited data to support treatment of hospitalized or fully vaccinated patients with mild‐to‐moderate disease. In this retrospective cohort study, we studied the effect of early use of sotrovimab and remdesivir in high‐risk hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. We included PCR‐confirmed COVID‐19 patients admitted to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases who presented within the first 5 days of illness, and who were not requiring oxygen or ICU care at presentation. Sotrovimab‐ and remdesivir‐treated groups were compared with control (no early treatment). A multiple propensity‐score adjusted multivariable regression analysis was conducted with a composite primary endpoint of in‐hospital deterioration (oxygen requirement, ICU admission, or mortality). Of 1118 patients, 841 were in the control group, 106 in the sotrovimab group and 169 in the remdesivir group. The median age was 63 years (IQR 46–74 years) and 505 (45.2%) were female. In unvaccinated patients, both remdesivir and sotrovimab treatment were protective (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.19, 95% CI 0.064–0.60 and 0.18 [95% CI 0.066–0.47]), respectively. Contrarily, among the vaccinated patients there was no significant treatment effect with early remdesivir treatment (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 0.83–7.57, p = 0.10). Remdesivir and sotrovimab treatment, given early in the disease course to unvaccinated high‐risk patients, was effective in reducing the risk of in‐hospital deterioration and severe disease. This effect was not seen in fully vaccinated patients, which may be due to a small sample size or residual confounding.
Annual forecasting of high‐temperature days in China through grey wolf optimization‐based support vector machine ensemble
Authors: Ren Yijia , Shi Guowei , Sun Wei 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWith the intensification of anthropogenic warming and urbanization, high‐temperature weather poses an enormous threat to socio‐economic and human healthy. However, the studies on annual high‐temperature days forecasting based on machine learning are relatively deficient. This study proposes a support vector machine (SVM) ensemble model based on grey wolf optimization (GWO) to predict annual high‐temperature days in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing of China. Atmospheric circulation indices during 1959–2013 were utilized as inputs to train and validate models. The fivefold cross validation was used to expand the sample data and evaluate the performance of the member and ensemble models. The optimal ensemble model for Guangzhou has the highest average R (0.8939) and the lowest average root mean square error (RMSE; 3.3771), followed by the optimal ensemble models for Beijing (0.8871 and 3.6059) and Shanghai (0.7578 and 3.9968). Furthermore, compared with the typical SVM and optimal member models, the average validation RMSE of the optimal ensemble model was improved by 32.6 and 10.0% for Guangzhou, by 29.8 and 9.1% for Shanghai, and by 41.3 and 15.1% for Beijing, respectively. This study demonstrates that the GWO‐based SVM ensemble model can be a promising tool for annual high‐temperature days forecasting due to the nonlinear fitting power of the SVM, the hyperparameters tuning capability of the GWO algorithm, and the integration ability of ensemble learning.
A Xanthan‐Gum‐Stabilized PEG‐Conjugated Nanocurcumin Complex: Telescoping Synthesis for Enhanced Permeation Potential
Authors: Pandey Prem , Chaturvedi Supriya , Gumathannavar Rutuja , Shirolkar Mandar M. , Kanuru Vijay , Kulkarni Atul , Moh Sang Hyun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe report a facile room temperature telescoping synthesis of a nanocurcumin complex with 17.5‐fold permeation enhancement as determined by comparative in vitro permeation study with raw curcumin. The permeation results were further validated with in silico drug absorption prediction using ADMET predictors.
Turner syndrome‐omphalocele association: Incidence, karyotype, phenotype and fetal outcome
Authors: Bedei Ivonne , Gloning Karl‐Philipp , Joyeux Luc , Meyer‐Wittkopf Matthias , Willner Daria , Krapp Martin , Scharf Alexander , Degenhardt Jan , Heling Kai‐Sven , Kozlowski Peter , Trautmann Kathrin , Jahns Kai M. , Geipel Annegret , Tekesin Ismail , Elsässer Michael , Wilhelm Lucas , Gottschalk Ingo , Baumüller Jan‐Erik , Birdir Cahit , Schröer Andreas , Zöllner Felix , Wolter Aline , Schenk Johanna , Gehrke Tascha , Spaeth Alicia , Axt‐Fliedner Roland 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveOmphalocele is known to be associated with genetic anomalies like trisomy 13, 18 and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, but not with Turner syndrome (TS). Our aim was to assess the incidence of omphalocele in fetuses with TS, the phenotype of this association with other anomalies, their karyotype, and the fetal outcomes.MethodRetrospective multicenter study of fetuses with confirmed diagnosis of TS. Data were extracted from a detailed questionnaire sent to specialists in prenatal ultrasound.Results680 fetuses with TS were included in this analysis. Incidence of small omphalocele in fetuses diagnosed ≥12 weeks was 3.1%. Including fetuses diagnosed before 12 weeks, it was 5.1%. 97.1% (34/35) of the affected fetuses had one or more associated anomalies including increased nuchal translucency (≥3 mm) and/or cystic hygroma (94.3%), hydrops/skin edema (71.1%), and cardiac anomalies (40%). The karyotype was 45,X in all fetuses. Fetal outcomes were poor with only 1 fetus born alive.ConclusionTS with 45,X karyotype but not with X chromosome variants is associated with small omphalocele. Most of these fetuses have associated anomalies and a poor prognosis. Our data suggest an association of TS with omphalocele, which is evident from the first trimester.
Dosage exploration of meloxicam according to CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms based on a population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model
Authors: Jang Ji‐Hun , Jeong Seung‐Hyun , Lee Yong‐Bok 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundMeloxicam, used for treating inflammatory diseases, shows large differences in metabolism according to CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms; however, there are few studies on dose regimen setting based on quantitative predictions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the appropriate meloxicam dose regimen for each genotype through population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modeling of meloxicam by considering CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms.MethodsFor modeling, previously reported pharmacokinetic (plasma concentration)‐pharmacodynamic (inhibition of thromboxane B2 generation) data of meloxicam were collected for CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms (n = 43). And these data were mainly used in the modeling process. Through simulations of the established models, steady‐state pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic profiles were obtained according to meloxicam multiple exposures for each CYP2C9 genotype, and predictions were made based on dose regimen changes.ResultsGenetic polymorphisms of CYP2C9 were identified as key covariates that significantly affected pharmacokinetic variability of meloxicam between individuals. The developed meloxicam population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model predicted pharmacokinetic results of the 7.5 mg meloxicam administration groups (n = 26) for CYP2C9*1/*1 and *1/*3 as an external validation. The results of model simulation revealed that the differences were 2.39–5.42 times for steady‐state mean plasma concentrations and 1.21–1.71 times for the degree of inhibition of thromboxane B2 generation following multiple exposures for CYP2C9*1/*1 versus *1/*13, *1/*3, and *3/*3. This suggested that thromboxane B2 inhibition following increased plasma exposure to meloxicam differed significantly according to CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms. The dose of meloxicam in CYP2C9*1/*13, *1/*3, and *3/*3 was randomly adjusted to 1.6–15 mg to approximate the mean thromboxane B2 inhibition for CYP2C9*1/*1 at steady state, the dose intervals varied from 24 h to 48 h.ConclusionsThe results suggested that clinical dose adjustment of meloxicam would be necessary to account for CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms and reduce side effects. This study suggests a clearer direction for setting up clinical therapy based on personalized medicine and quantitative predictions for meloxicam.
Effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities on runoff change of the Weihe River basin, Northwest China
Authors: Wu Changxue , Xie Jian , Qiu Dexun , Xie Zhibo , Gao Peng , Mu Xingmin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe Weihe River has experienced a significant runoff decline in the past few decades, but the detailed and systematic analysis of different sub‐regions of the Weihe River basin (WRB) for a long time is insufficient. Based on the data of five hydrological stations from 1957 to 2018, this study investigated the variation of annual runoff both in the whole Weihe River basin (WWRB) and its sub‐regions: the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Weihe River (URWR, MRWR, LRWR, respectively), the Jing River basin (JRB), and the Beiluo River basin (BLRB). Moreover, the contribution of climate change and anthropogenic activities on runoff change was quantified by double mass curve (DMC) and hydrological sensitivity analysis (HSA) methods. The results showed that runoff of the URWR, MRWR, JRB, BLRB, and WWRB showed significant downward trends, and with the change‐point years of 1993, 1990, 1996, 1994, and 1993, respectively. Both results of DMC and HSA showed that anthropogenic activities were the main factors for runoff reduction. The contribution of human activities was largest in the JRB and BLRB, whereas lowest in the MRWR. Over the study period, land use has changed significantly in the basin, mainly manifested in the reduction of farmland, and the increase of construction land and grassland, indicating that intense anthropogenic activities have taken place. Moreover, the total water consumption of the WWRB increased evidently, which exacerbated the contradiction between supply and demand of water resources. The results of HSA showed that runoff was more sensitive to precipitation than to Ep. Precipitation reduced the runoff, while Ep increased runoff in the basin. The results of this study are helpful for understanding the regional hydrological situation in more detail, and can act as a reference for formulating reasonable water resources allocation schemes.
Strategic urban design for sustainable development: A framework for studio and practice
Authors: Ziafati Bafarasat Abbas 
Published: January 2023

AbstractUrban design seeks to apply the goals of sustainable development in the physical design of cities. It involves complex efforts to explore and address a whole range of urban issues in accordance with the goals of sustainable development. However, it faces challenges to consider the feelings of local communities about unsustainabilities in their environment and to impact the actual urban development. Deploying strategy, which is the science of making the most effective use of a situation to achieve goals, to urban design helps overcome these challenges. This study recommends an interdiscipline of strategic urban design. It proposes a framework of strategic urban design for participative, timely and implementable physical design for sustainable urban development. A cyclic framework of strategic urban design is proposed that comprises four steps: (i) set a goal for urban sustainability, (ii) explore unsustainabilities from citizens' perspective, (iii) explore unsustainabilities that are source of other unsustainabilities, and (iv) design multi‐projects to tackle source unsustainabilities. These steps are explained with methods and templates for application in urban design studio and practice.
The Influence of Acidic Oxygen Containing Groups Located on the Surface of Graphene Oxide (GO) on the Carbonation of Tricalcium Silicate (C3S) Based on Boehm's‐Theorem
Authors: Yaseen Sarah Abduljabbar , Yiseen Ghadah Abdaljabar , Li Zongjin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn various cementitious materials, the carbonation of tricalcium silicate (C3S) by the acidic oxygen‐containing groups located on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) can support cutting down the CO2 emissions, in addition to the formation of different crystalline CaCO3. The current work investigates the direct chemical reaction of dry‐C3S with 0.4 % GO solution and the mechanism of CH and CSH carbonation depending on the concept of Boehme's‐theorem. FTIR‐spectroscopy has been utilized to demonstrate and identify the effective transitions in the formulation of portlandite (Ca(OH)2), calcium‐silicate‐hydrate (CaO ⋅ SiO2 ⋅ H2O), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) polymorphs during the reaction. This paper clarifies the relationship between XRD peak intensity and morphologies of CaCO3 crystals resulting from using various weights of dry‐C3S. Thus, the XRD peak intensity of CaCO3 varies according to their morphologies. XRD‐Rietveld Refinement has examined the quantity percentages of the crystalline phases. The differences in the dissociation temperature (TGA) illustrate the possible variation in the structure and properties of CaCO3 crystals formed during the carbonation of CH and CSH. SEM with different magnifications was selected to observe the prevalent morphology of vaterite, aragonite, and calcite crystalline phases during the transformation process.
Polyanion‐Type Na3V2(PO4)2F3@rGO with High‐Voltage and Ultralong‐Life for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Guan Jieduo , Huang Qiaofeng , Shao Lianyi , Shi Xiaoyan , Zhao DongDong , Wang Liubin , Sun Zhipeng 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted much interest in the next generation of energy storage devices because of their elevated safety and inexpensive price. Polyanionic materials have been considered as underlying cathodes owing to the high voltage, large ionic channels and fast ionic kinetics. However, the low electronic conductivity limits their cycling stability and rate performance. Herein, mesoporous Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (N3VPF) nanocuboids with the size of 80–220 nm cladded by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been successfully prepared to form 3D composite (N3VPF@rGO) by a novel and fast microwave hydrothermal with subsequent calcination strategy. The enhanced conductivity, strengthened pseudocapacitive behaviors, enlarged DZn2+, and stable structure guarantee N3VPF@rGO with splendid Zn2+ storage performance, such as high capacity of 126.9 mAh g‐1 at 0.5 C (1 C = 128 mA g‐1), high redox potentials at 1.48/1.57 V, high rate capacity of 93.9 mAh g‐1 at 20 C (short charging time of 3 mins) and extreme cycling stability with capacity decay of 0.0074% per cycle after 5000 cycles at 15 C. The soft package batteries also present preeminent performance, demonstrating the practical application values. In situ X‐ray diffraction, ex situ transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal a reversible Zn2+ insertion/extraction mechanism.
The Suez Canal: Forthcoming Strategic and Geopolitical Challenges
Authors: Chorev Shaul 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe Suez Canal is a strategic narrow route (chokepoint), and a geostrategic link between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, en route to the Indian Ocean more broadly. The chapter examines the general strategic and geopolitical characteristics of the Suez Canal; the challenges, opportunities, and threats that Egypt, the country that owns, controls, and operates the canal, is likely to face over the coming decades; and how it might also influence the entire Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the global supply chains. The stability of the Egyptian regime is the most important factor for any economic benefit provided by the Suez Canal, as well as for any efforts to secure it and make it more accessible to two-way traffic. Egypt’s efforts to secure shipping should not be limited to the Suez Canal alone. The Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea are afflicted with many security threats, most notably piracy, which decrease the attractiveness of shipping through the Canal. In economic terms, Egypt should continue to develop the economic zone around the Canal, by investment and creation of jobs. Given its strategic and economic importance, Egypt should strive to turn this region from a periphery to a center.
China and the Suez Canal—Politics, Economy, and Logistics
Authors: Gonen Ehud 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe relations between China and Egypt are good and open, based on common economic and political interests as well as a deep mutual cultural appreciation since both China and Egypt are part of the four great river civilizations of the ancient world (The four civilizations are China and the Yang Cha River, Egypt and the Nile River, the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent and the Ganges River, and Mesopotamia and the Euphrates and Tigres rivers.). Egypt, even during Mao Zedong’s rule in China (1949–1976), enjoyed Chinese support as part of China’s support for the bloc of non-identifying countries, including East African countries such as Sudan, and benefited from the development of China–Africa relations.