bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of sepiolite modified MXene composite membrane for oil/water separation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Yong , Deng Zhibin , Liu Xiang , Chen Yonggang , Zhang Jun , Liu Yongcong , Zeng Guangyong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractOily wastewater has caused serious damage to the ecological environment and became one of the main factors hindering the sustainable development of human society. Novel membrane materials are expected to be an effective way to solve the pollution due to its high separation efficiency. In this work, sepiolite (Sep), a natural inorganic clay material, was inserted into the adjacent MXene nanosheets, and a series of Sep@MXene/CA composite membranes were successfully constructed on the cellulose acetate (CA) commercial membrane through vacuum filtration method. The structure of nanomaterials and composite membranes were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The permeability and selectivity of Sep@MXene/CA composite membranes for lubricating oil emulsion were investigated in detail. The results showed that the modified composite membranes exhibited better hydrophilicity compared with pure MXene/CA membrane, which presented pure water flux of 611.2 and 820.3 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, respectively. In addition, the rejection ratio of lubricating oil was more than 95%. This work provides a new approach for the modification of MXene membrane and makes Sep@MXene/CA membrane show a good application potential for the treatment of oily wastewater.
Facile construction of cationic lignin modified bentonite–alginate nanocomposite gel for sustained release of alachlor
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng , Hou Xiaojun , Zou Peiyu , Zhang Min , Ma Lin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn our work, a cationic lignin (CL) modified bentonite‐alginate nanocomposite gel was prepared and used to enhance the sustained release of alachlor. The underlying gel structure‐release property relationships were explored. The results showed that the release of alachlor from nanocomposite gel was dominated by Fickian diffusion and closely related to the adsorption capacity and permeability of the matrix. The adsorption capacity of bentonite for alachlor was remarkably improved due to the modification of CL; Furthermore, the permeability of the matrix was further reduced via the electrostatic interaction between CL and the alginate. The release kinetics demonstrated that the sustained release property of modified bentonite‐alginate nanocomposite gels was significantly enhanced. The release time of 50% alachlor from bentonite‐alginate and modified bentonite‐alginate nanocomposite gels was 4.4 and 14.1 times longer than that of the release from pure alginate gel, respectively.
Symptom‐Based Cluster Analysis Categorizes Sjögren's Disease Subtypes: An International Cohort Study Highlighting Disease Severity and Treatment Discordance
Authors: McCoy Sara S. , Woodham Miguel , Bartels Christie M. , Saldanha Ian J. , Bunya Vatinee Y. , Maerz Noah , Akpek Esen K. , Makara Matthew A. , Baer Alan N. 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveAlthough symptom relief is a critical aspect for successful drug development in Sjögren's disease, patient experiences with Sjögren's‐related symptoms are understudied. Our objective was to determine how pain, dryness, and fatigue, the cardinal symptoms of Sjögren's disease, drive cluster phenotypes.MethodsWe used data from the Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) Registry and a Sjögren's Foundation survey. We performed hierarchical clustering of symptoms by levels of dryness, fatigue, and pain. Using international and US cohorts, we performed multiple logistic regression analysis to compare the clusters, which included comparisons of differences in symptoms, quality of life (QoL), medication use, and systemic manifestations.ResultsFour similar clusters were identified among 1,454 SICCA registrants and 2,920 Sjögren's Foundation survey participants: 1) low symptom burden in all categories (LSB); 2) dry with low pain and low fatigue (DLP); 3) dry with high pain and low to moderate fatigue (DHP); and 4) high symptom burden in all categories (HSB). Distribution of SICCA registrants matching the symptom profile for each cluster was 10% in the LSB cluster, 30% in the DLP cluster, 23% in the DHP cluster, and 37% in the HSB cluster. Distribution of survey participants matching the symptom profile for each cluster was 23% in the LSB cluster, 14% in the DLP cluster, 21% in the DHP cluster, and 42% in the HSB cluster. Individuals in the HSB cluster had more total symptoms and lower QoL but lower disease severity than those in the other clusters. Despite having milder disease as measured by laboratory tests and organ involvement, individuals in the HSB cluster received immunomodulatory treatment most often.ConclusionWe identified 4 symptom‐based Sjögren's clusters and showed that symptom burden and immunomodulatory medication use do not correlate with Sjögren's end‐organ or laboratory abnormalities. Findings highlight a discordance between objective measures and treatments and offer updates to proposed symptom‐based clustering approaches.
Cognitive function in patients with neuroborreliosis: A prospective cohort study from the acute phase to 12 months post treatment
Authors: Andreassen Silje , Solheim Anne Marit , Ljøstad Unn , Mygland Åse , Lorentzen Åslaug Rudjord , Reiso Harald , Beyer Mona Kristiansen , Harbo Hanne Flinstad , Løhaugen Gro Christine Christensen , Eikeland Randi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term cognitive problems after neuroborreliosis treatment remain a subject of debate. We have previously shown that cognitive problems are not present in the acute phase of neuroborreliosis, although fatigue is common. The aim of this study was to re‐assess the same patient cohort and evaluate long‐term outcomes.MethodsIn this follow‐up, we re‐assessed 58 patients with well‐characterized neuroborreliosis 12 months after completing treatment. The same protocol with eight subtests measuring attention and processing speed and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used to compare the results from the acute phase to 12 months post treatment.ResultsWe found no changes in attention or processing speed but a reduction in the level of fatigue (median score on FSS: 4.9 vs. 3.9, p < .001) from the acute phase to 12 months post treatment.ConclusionThe patient group did not develop problems with attention or processing speed post treatment, while the level of fatigue decreased.
Fluxionality of Subnano Clusters Reshapes the Activity Volcano of Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Zisheng , Zandkarimi Borna , Munarriz Julen , Dickerson Claire E. , Alexandrova Anastassia N. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe Sabatier activity volcano provides intuitive guide for catalyst design, but also imposes fundamental limitations on the composition and maximal activity of catalysts. We show that the ORR activity volcano is shifted and reshaped by the potential‐dependent fluxionality of subnano cluster catalysts. Fluxionality causes the typically under‐binding Ag/Au to gain optimal activity in the cluster form, and surpass Pt/Pd. Furthermore, isomerization of clusters as a function of the potential breaks linear scaling relationships, enabling surpassing the volcano “apex” relative to the bulk. The effect is likely general for fluxional cluster catalysts.
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Sclerosis, the Ottawa Protocol
Authors: Puyade Mathieu , Brunet Francis , Carolina Rush , Fergusson Nathan , Makedonov Ilia , Freedman Mark S. , Atkins Harold 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAutologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is increasingly used to treat patients with highly active multiple sclerosis (MS) refractory to disease‐modifying therapy. Briefly, cyclophosphamide and filgrastim are used to mobilize autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) into the circulation. HSC are harvested by leukapheresis, purified using a CD34 immunomagnetic selection process, and cryopreserved. Busulphan, cyclophosphamide, and rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin are used to destroy the patient's autoreactive immune system, followed by infusion of the previously collected HSC, which reconstitute a naïve and self‐tolerant immune system. Many MS patients experience durable remissions with no evidence of new disease activity following aHSCT. Treatment‐related toxicity is rare, but potentially life‐threatening complications necessitate appropriate patient selection by MS neurologists and HSCT physicians. AHSCT must be performed with a highly trained multidisciplinary team expert to minimize morbidity and mortality. We present the current aHSCT procedure for an MS indication at The Ottawa Hospital, developed from our program's 20‐year experience. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Candidate selectionBasic Protocol 2: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization, collection, purification, and cryopreservationBasic Protocol 3: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantationBasic Protocol 4: Supportive care following recovery from aHSCT (Beyond 100 days)Basic Protocol 5: Ongoing evaluation of multiple sclerosis
Recycling of Zinc−Carbon Batteries into MnO/ZnO/C to Fabricate Sustainable Cathodes for Rechargeable Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shangguan Enbo , Wang Liming , Wang Yingchao , Li Linpo , Chen Mingxing , Qi Jing , Wu Chengke , Wang Mingyu , Li Quanmin , Gao Shuyan , Li Jing 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAcidic zinc−carbon dry batteries have been widely used in life because of their low cost. However, a great quantity of used batteries is discarded as refuse, which not only wastes resources but also leads to environmental contamination. To reuse spent batteries on a large scale, this study concerns a simple, effective, and sustainable strategy to turn them into MnO/ZnO/C composites. After a conventional leaching treatment followed by pyrolysis, the rust cathode materials can be reduced to MnO/ZnO/C. When serving as a rechargeable zinc‐ion battery cathode, this electrode provides a maximum reversible capacity of around 362 mAh g−1MnO) and a rate capability of 191 mAh g−1MnO at a high current rate of 1.20 A g−1. Furthermore, ZnO gradually dissolves in the electrolyte with the increase of discharge cycles, replenishing the Zn2+ content in the electrolyte and further enhancing cycling stability (98.02 % after 500 cycles). The device also exhibits a remarkable energy density of 336.37 Wh kg−1, low self‐discharge rate, and can efficiently power a LED panel. This strategy offers an economical and facile route to convert zinc−carbon battery waste into useful materials for aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries.
An efficient self‐deployment methodology for maximized coverage of mobile underwater sensor networks
Authors: Roy Aditya , Roy Sahadev 
Published: May 2022

SummaryA well‐optimized and well‐performed communication network protocol is necessary to build successful underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs). But for wired and wireless communication, medium access control (MAC) has a great effect on network performance and optimization. But unlike land‐based MAC protocols, underwater MAC protocols come with various challenges and issues like high propagation delay, limited bandwidth for communication signals, large attenuation in network signals, and the high noise level in signals. It is very challenging to build a well‐optimized underwater MAC protocol. Also, in UWASN, sensor nodes are generally divided into sub‐network parts to reduce the propagation delay of data signals. But this creates the problem of non‐uniform traffic load in sensor nodes. So, considering these issues, dynamic hold time MAC (DHT‐MAC) protocol is proposed here. In this protocol, depending on the distance from the central node, sensor nodes are divided into two sub‐network zones (parent node and child node). Depending on the traffic load and propagation delay, the child nodes can change their respective parent nodes dynamically. Advantage of the proposed method is that, if any of the parent nodes stops working, the child node will connect to the nearest parent node. When collecting the data signals, it has been observed that child nodes have a light traffic load compared to parent nodes. So dynamic cooperative transmission MAC (DCT‐MAC) protocol which is a contention‐based MAC protocol has been used in child nodes and as parent nodes have high traffic load, reservation‐based MAC protocol has been used.
Pan‐European phylogeography of the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Authors: Plis Kamila , Niedziałkowska Magdalena , Borowik Tomasz , Lang Johannes , Heddergott Mike , Tiainen Juha , Bunevich Aleksey , Šprem Nikica , Paule Ladislav , Danilkin Aleksey , Kholodova Marina , Zvychaynaya Elena , Kashinina Nadezhda , Pokorny Boštjan , Flajšman Katarina , Paulauskas Algimantas , Djan Mihajla , Ristić Zoran , Novák Luboš , Kusza Szilvia , Miller Christine , Tsaparis Dimitris , Stoyanov Stoyan , Shkvyria Maryna , Suchentrunk Franz , Kutal Miroslav , Lavadinović Vukan , Šnjegota Dragana , Krapal Ana‐Maria , Dănilă Gabriel , Veeroja Rauno , Dulko Elżbieta , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTo provide the most comprehensive picture of species phylogeny and phylogeography of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), we analyzed mtDNA control region (610 bp) of 1469 samples of roe deer from Central and Eastern Europe and included into the analyses additional 1541 mtDNA sequences from GenBank from other regions of the continent. We detected two mtDNA lineages of the species: European and Siberian (an introgression of C. pygargus mtDNA into C. capreolus). The Siberian lineage was most frequent in the eastern part of the continent and declined toward Central Europe. The European lineage contained three clades (Central, Eastern, and Western) composed of several haplogroups, many of which were separated in space. The Western clade appeared to have a discontinuous range from Portugal to Russia. Most of the haplogroups in the Central and the Eastern clades were under expansion during the Weichselian glacial period before the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), while the expansion time of the Western clade overlapped with the Eemian interglacial. The high genetic diversity of extant roe deer is the result of their survival during the LGM probably in a large, contiguous range spanning from the Iberian Peninsula to the Caucasus Mts and in two northern refugia.
Evidence for a male‐biased sex ratio in the offspring of a large herbivore: The role of environmental conditions in the sex ratio variation
Authors: Hagen Robert , Ortmann Sylvia , Elliger Andreas , Arnold Janosch 
Published: May 2022

AbstractNumerous studies have examined whether the primary and/or secondary sex ratio in mammals, including humans, deviates from an equilibrium of 1:1. Although effect size in the sex ratio variation is expected to be low, a large sample size allows the identification of even small deviations from parity. In this study, we investigated whether the sex ratio of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) offspring at birth approaches parity, using a large data set from roe deer offspring tagged in Baden‐Württemberg (Germany, 1972–2019, N = 12,437). In addition, a systematic re‐analysis of available data on the secondary sex ratios of roe deer was conducted to test whether our finding withstood the accumulation of further data. The null hypothesis that the sex ratio of roe deer (prenatal sex ratio and sex ratio at birth) approaches parity was rejected. Moreover, the secondary sex ratio of roe deer offspring deviated from the male‐biased mean for relatively cold or warm weather conditions during autumn and winter. Our study provides strong evidence for a male‐biased sex ratio in a large herbivore and weak evidence for variations in the secondary sex ratio owing to environmental conditions. The pattern is highly relevant in the context of climate change and its impact on the population dynamics of large herbivores.
Invasion of Spartina alterniflora on Zostera japonica enhances the abundances of bacteria by absolute quantification sequencing analysis
Authors: Song Zenglei , Sun Yanyu , Liu Pengyuan , Wang Yibo , Huang Yanyan , Gao Yan , Hu Xiaoke 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPlant invasion can alter soil organic matter composition and indirectly impact estuary ecology; therefore, it is paramount to understand how plant invasion influences the bacterial community. Here, we present an absolute quantification 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the bacterial communities that were collected from Zostera japonica and Spartina alterniflora covered areas and Z. japonica degradation areas in the Yellow River Estuary. Our data revealed that the absolute quantity of bacteria in the surface layer was significantly (p < .05) higher than that in the bottom and degradation areas. Following the invasion of S. alterniflora, the abundances of Bacteroidia, Acidimicrobiaceae, and Dehalococcoidaceaewere enriched in the S. alterniflora sediment. In addition, variations in the composition of sediment bacterial communities at the phylum level were the most intimately related to total organic carbon (TOC), and the content of heavy metals could reduce the abundance of bacteria. This study provided some information to understand the effects of S. alterniflora invasion on Z. japonica from the perspective of microbiome level.
Interacting water, nutrients, and shrub age control steppe grass‐on‐shrub competition: Implications for restoration
Authors: Morcillo Luna , Bautista Susana 
Published: May 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that control grass–shrub interactions and coexistence is critical to the design of dryland management and restoration strategies. Using Stipa tenacissima tussocks as adult neighbor and Olea europaea var. sylvestris as target woody species, we performed a 5‐year‐long, large‐scale manipulative experiment to investigate the independent and combined effects of water and nutrient availability, and the modulating effects of O. europaea ontogeny on the net outcome of grass–shrub interaction. At two contrasting dryland sites, we conducted experimental plantings of Olea seedlings on two microsites: contiguous to a Stipa tussock (Stipa microsite) and on the intertussock bare‐soil areas (Open microsite), and manipulated resource availability by combining nutrient and water addition. The experiment followed a full factorial design, with all treatment combinations applied at each site. We monitored survival, height, and stem basal diameter of Olea individuals over a study period of 5 years. All across the wide range of conditions considered, negative effects of Stipa on Olea largely prevailed during the first 2 years after the plantation. We found that competition was stronger in the drier steppe, where extra inputs of water favored neutral interactions. Conversely, nutrient addition increased competition strength, particularly when combined with water inputs, pointing to the contrasting role of different resources and the importance of interactions between them in the control of plant–plant interaction outcome. The competition effects of Stipa faded with time and gradually shifted to neutral interaction as Olea individuals aged. Our results are particularly relevant to guide restoration efforts in formerly wooded xeric grasslands and rangelands.
Using large, open datasets to understand spatial and temporal patterns in lotic ecosystems: NEON case studies
Authors: Edmonds Jennifer W. , King Katelyn B. S. , Neely Merrie Beth , Hensley Robert T. , Goodman Keli J. , Cawley Kaelin M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLeveraging big, open data is the next frontier in ecology. The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a network of monitoring sites collecting ecological data from across the United States. Using a case study approach, we provide examples of how NEON data can be applied to address a few big questions in aquatic ecology. First, we examined spatial patterns in stream water chemistry, to determine whether sites tend to cluster into regions based on geographic proximity. We found that this was not the case, likely because the hydrologic, geologic, and anthropogenic factors that drive heterogeneity in stream water chemistry vary across smaller spatial scales. Second, we examined temporal variability in stream water chemistry. We determined that the majority of catchments are relatively chemostatic (i.e., discharge varies by orders of magnitude more than concentrations) and that differences between catchments are likely to shift across decades due to changes in network conductivity. Third, we tested predictions of the River Continuum Concept (RCC) along a gradient from a second‐order stream to a seventh‐order river. We found that longitudinal patterns in metabolism, carbon chemistry, and macroinvertebrate community composition generally follow the patterns predicted by the RCC. NEON is only in its third year of full operations, with a planned 30‐year life. The studies presented here show the utility of NEON data, while only using a subset of the many data products that NEON produces. The massive amounts and types of data NEON generates, in conjunction with other national‐scale datasets, will allow the research community to better understand how aquatic ecosystems function and respond to drivers of long‐term change.
The chemical ecology of tropical forest diversity: Environmental variation, chemical similarity, herbivory, and richness
Authors: Massad Tara Joy , Richards Lora A. , Philbin Casey , Yamaguchi Lydia Fumiko , Kato Massuo J. , Jeffrey Christopher S. , Oliveira Celso , Ochsenrider Kaitlin , de Moraes Marcílio M. , Tepe Eric J. , Cebrian‐Torrejon Gerardo , Sandivo McKenzie , Dyer Lee A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSpecies richness in tropical forests is correlated with other dimensions of diversity, including the diversity of plant–herbivore interactions and the phytochemical diversity that influences those interactions. Understanding the complexity of plant chemistry and the importance of phytochemical diversity for plant–insect interactions and overall forest richness has been enhanced significantly by the application of metabolomics to natural systems. The present work used proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR) profiling of crude leaf extracts to study phytochemical similarity and diversity among Piper plants growing naturally in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil. Spectral profile similarity and chemical diversity were quantified to examine the relationship between metrics of phytochemical diversity, specialist and generalist herbivory, and understory plant richness. Herbivory increased with understory species richness, while generalist herbivory increased and specialist herbivory decreased with the diversity of Piper leaf material available. Specialist herbivory increased when conspecific host plants were more spectroscopically dissimilar. Spectral similarity was lower among individuals of common species, and they were also more spectrally diverse, indicating phytochemical diversity is beneficial to plants. Canopy openness and soil nutrients also influenced chemistry and herbivory. The complex relationships uncovered in this study add information to our growing understanding of the importance of phytochemical diversity for plant–insect interactions and tropical plant species richness.