bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach to Developing Thresholds for Total Dissolved Solids Using Standardized and Experimental Toxicity Test Methods
Authors: Brent Robert N. , Kunkel Jared , Tomek Zachary , Buchardt Dalton , DeLisle Peter F. , Sivers Sarah 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The increasing salinization of freshwater streams from anthropogenic land uses and activities is a growing global environmental problem. Increases in individual ions (such as sodium or chloride) and combined measures such as total dissolved solids (TDS) threaten drinking water supplies, agricultural and economic interests, and the ecological health of freshwater streams. Because the toxicity of high ionic strength waters depends on the specific ion composition, few water quality standards exist to protect freshwater streams from salinization. In the present study, we used a novel approach to develop site-specific and ecologically relevant TDS thresholds for the protection of aquatic life. The first step of the approach was to characterize the ion composition of the waterbody or region of interest and prepare artificial samples to match that composition. Using a combination of standardized toxicity test species and more ecologically relevant field-collected species, toxicity tests were then conducted on these artificial samples prepared at a range of TDS concentrations. The advantage of this approach is that water quality criteria can be developed for easy-to-measure generalized parameters such as TDS while ensuring that the criteria are protective of instream aquatic life and account for the complex interactions of the various ions contributing to salinization. We tested this approach in Sand Branch, Loudoun County, Virginia, USA, where salinization from hard rock mining and urban runoff has impaired aquatic life. Acute and chronic TDS thresholds of 938 and 463 mg/L, respectively, were developed in this stream and used for total maximum daily load development in the watershed. The approach provides a potential model for establishing protective thresholds for other waterbodies impacted by salinization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2782–2796. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Linking evolutionary potential to extinction risk: applications and future directions
Authors: Forester Brenna R , Beever Erik A , Darst Catherine , Szymanski Jennifer , Funk W Chris 
Published: August 2022

Extinction‐risk assessments play a major role in prioritizing conservation action at national and international levels. However, quantifying extinction risk is challenging, especially when including the full suite of adaptive responses to environmental change. In particular, evolutionary potential (EP) – the capacity to evolve genetically based changes that increase fitness under changing conditions – has proven difficult to evaluate, limiting its inclusion in risk assessments. Theory, experiments, simulations, and field studies all highlight the importance of EP in characterizing and mitigating extinction risk. Disregarding EP can therefore result in ineffective allocation of resources and inadequate recovery planning. Fortunately, proxies for EP can be estimated from environmental, phenotypic, and genetic data. Some proxies can be incorporated into quantitative extinction‐risk assessments, whereas others better inform basic conservation actions that maximize resilience to future change. Integration of EP into conservation decision making is challenging but essential and remains an important issue for innovation in applied conservation science.Front Ecol Environ 2022;
Basin modelling and source rock characteristics of the Late Palaeoproterozoic Cuizhuang Formation in the Yuncheng sub‐basin, North China: Implications for hydrocarbon generation and expulsion history
Authors: Khaled Ahmed , Li Rongxi , Xi Shengli , Yu Qiang , Wu Xiaoli , Zhao Bangsheng , Zhang Yanni , Zhao Di 
Published: August 2022

The present investigation is the first to provide information on the formation, process and influence factors for hydrocarbon generation and expulsion potential of the Cuizhuang Formation source rock in the Yuncheng sub‐basin to decipher the reason why no commercial petroleum resources have been found so far. In this study, data from the Jitan‐1 well in the Yuncheng sub‐basin were applied for the Cuizhuang Formation source rock basin modelling and organic geochemical analyses to reconstruct the burial and thermal evolution history and reveal the timing and process of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion. The modelling results indicate that the peak palaeotemperature of the Cuizhuang Formation source rock reached ~205°C in the Middle Carboniferous (~327 Ma) at a maximum burial depth of ~4000 m, when rapid burial subsidence and thermal events played a significant role in increasing thermal maturity. The Cuizhuang Formation generated and expelled small amounts of hydrocarbons from the Early Ordovician until the Middle Carboniferous, starting with the primary kerogen cracking and conversion to oil from the Early to Middle Ordovician (~476–461 Ma), corresponding to the thermal maturity values of 0.55–0.70 %VRo and transformation ratio (TR) <10%. The expulsion of most generated oil (0.70–1.30 %VRo, TR of 10%–90%) started from the Middle Ordovician to the Early Carboniferous (~461–351 Ma), before reaching the secondary cracking of the retained oil into gas (>1.30 %VRo and TR of 90%–100%) from the Early to Middle Carboniferous (~351–327 Ma). Destruction of the initial formation of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Yuncheng sub‐basin was primarily controlled by the Middle Carboniferous tectonic event with its major uplift‐erosion, resulting in the absence of potential hydrocarbon reservoirs in recent exploration activities in some parts of the Yuncheng sub‐basin.
Addressing disaster and health risks for sustainable outer space
Authors: Harris Myles , Duda Patrizia I. , Kelman Ilan , Glick Navonel 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Any future outer space exploration and exploitation should more fully consider disaster and health risks as part of aiming for sustainability. The advent of the so-called “New Space” race, age, or era characterized by democratization, commercialization, militarization, and overlapping outer space activities such as tourism presents challenges for disaster-related and health-related risks in and for outer space. Such challenges have been extensively researched for earth, but less so for space. This article presents an overview of key aspects for addressing disaster and health risks in outer space within a wider sustainability framing. After an introduction providing background and scope, this article's next section considers some key health and disaster risks within sustainable outer space and offers insights from earth. The following two sections apply this knowledge by focusing on how analogue missions and international legal and voluntary regimes can each be used to reduce risks and potentially make outer space healthier and safer. The findings advocate that there is a wealth of knowledge and experience about mitigating risks to health and disaster risk reduction on earth that can inform spaceflight and exploration. The examples explored include the physical, legal, and regulatory aspects of the “New Space” industry, which highlights the relevance of equating examples on earth. The article concludes that expectations must be managed regarding scenarios for which response, rescue, and recovery are precluded, prompting a necessary focus on prevention and risk reduction. In doing so, earth-based scenarios and aspects of the so-called “Old Space” offer useful insights and should be examined further for “New Space.” Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:994–1001. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Missense mutations in spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 delta variant contribute to the alteration in viral structure and interaction with hACE2 receptor
Authors: Mahmood Tousif Bin , Hossan Mohammad Imran , Mahmud Shafi , Shimu Mst. Sharmin Sultana , Alam Md. Jahidul , Bhuyan Md. Mahfuzur Rahman , Emran Talha Bin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionMany of the global pandemics threaten human existence over the decades among which coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is the newest exposure circulating worldwide. The RNA encoded severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus is referred as the pivotal agent of this deadly disease that induces respiratory tract infection by interacting host ACE2 receptor with its spike glycoprotein. Rapidly evolving nature of this virus modified into new variants helps in perpetrating immune escape and protection against host defense mechanism. Consequently, a new isolate, delta variant originated from India is spreading perilously at a higher infection rate.MethodsIn this study, we focused to understand the conformational and functional significance of the missense mutations found in the spike glycoprotein of SARS‐CoV‐2 delta variant performing different computational analysis.ResultsFrom physiochemical analysis, we found that the acidic isoelectric point of the virus elevated to basic pH level due to the mutations. The targeted mutations were also found to change the interactive bonding pattern and conformational stability analyzed by the molecular dynamic's simulation. The molecular docking study also revealed that L452R and T478K mutations found in the RBD domain of delta variant spike protein contributed to alter interaction with the host ACE2 receptor.ConclusionsOverall, this study provided insightful evidence to understand the morphological and attributive impact of the mutations on SARS‐CoV‐2 delta variant.
Parecoxib sodium alleviates ischemia reperfusion‐induced pulmonary injury via inhibiting ERK/NF‐κB and further activating the HIF‐1α pathway
Authors: Guo Jiantao , Yang Yiping 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe lungs are extremely vulnerable to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), which is characterized by intense inflammation, oxidative stress, alveolar damage, and vascular permeability. Parecoxib sodium (Pare) has been shown to exert protective effects against multiple I/R‐induced tissue injuries. However, its role in I/R‐induced lung injury remains unknown. This study aimed to reveal the roles and mechanisms of Pare in pulmonary I/R injury.MethodsSixty‐six rats were randomly divided into three groups: The sham‐operated group, the pulmonary I/R group, and the Pare‐pretreated I/R group. Pare at 10 mg/kg or saline (vehicle control) were intraperitoneally administered to rats once per day for 5 consecutive days before ischemia. Serum and tissue samples were harvested following 2 h of reperfusion. The oxygenation index (OI) and alveolar‐arterial oxygen partial pressure difference (PA‐aO2) were analyzed. The levels or activities of malondialdehyde, superoxidase dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, intracellular reactive oxygen species, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐8 were examined. The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured. The protein expression levels of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and their phosphorylated forms, and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) were detected. Histological changes were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Moreover, the survival rate following pulmonary I/R injury was recorded daily.ResultsPare significantly increased the OI, decreased the PA‐aO2, increased the levels of antioxidants, while decreasing the levels of oxidants, and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and the histopathological damage induced by I/R. Furthermore, Pare inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, suppressed the activation of ERK and NF‐κB, further increased HIF‐1α expression, and significantly improved the rat survival rate.ConclusionsPare pretreatment attenuated lung I/R injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response possibly via inhibiting the activation of the ERK/NF‐κB pathway and further activating the HIF‐1α pathway.
C–C chemokine receptor 5 and acute graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Yuan Jing , Ren Han‐yun 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe C–C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is mainly expressed in a variety of immune cells. It interacts with multiple chemokine ligands that mediate the trafficking and recruitment of effector cells toward sites of inflammation. CCR5 not only plays a critical role in cell growth, activation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration but also participates in the development of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.MethodsThis is a literature review article. The research design method is an evidence‐based rapid review. The present discourse aim is first to scrutinize and assess the available literature on CCR5 and acute GVHD. Standard literature and database searches were implemented, gathered relevant material, and extracted information was then assessed.ResultsCCR5 is a marker of GVHD effector cells, and CCR5 expression is elevated when acute GVHD occurs. CCR5 blockade with maraviroc in clinical trials results in a low incidence of acute GVHD. The immune mechanism includes that CCR5 blockade inhibits donor T cell migration and recruitment toward target organs, reduces the absolute numbers of donor T cells, is capable of slightly suppressing dendritic cell maturation, and reduces the percentage of Th1 and Th17 subsets. CCR5 blockade also inhibits internalization and activation of chemokines, inhibits proliferation and chemotaxis of T cells, and decreases the production of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ. In addition, there may be a form of crosstalk between CCR5 and CCR2. Inconsistently, infusion of CCR5−/− Tregs into lethally irradiated mice significantly increased the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into the liver, resulting in earlier and more severe GVHD.ConclusionThis review indicates that CCR5 plays an important role in pathogenesis and development of acute GVHD. Elucidating its role in different immune cells will aid the development of targeted therapeutic treatments.
Broadband spectral verification of optical clearing reversibility in lung tissue
Authors: Oliveira Luís R. , Ferreira Ricardo M. , Pinheiro Maria R. , Silva Hugo F. , Tuchin Valery V. , Oliveira Luís M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe increase of tissue transparency through sequential optical immersion clearing treatments and treatment reversibility have high interest for clinical applications. To evaluate the clearing reversibility in a broad spectral range and the magnitude of the transparency created by a second treatment, the present study consisted on measuring the spectral collimated transmittance of lung tissues during a sequence of two treatments with electronic cigarette (e‐cig) fluid, which was intercalated with an immersion in saline. The saline immersion clearly reverted the clearing effect in the lung tissue in the spectral range between 220 and 1000 nm. By a later application of a second treatment with the e‐cig fluid, the magnitude of the optical clearing effect was observed to be about the double as the one observed in the first treatment, showing that the molecules of the optical clearing agent might have converted some bound water into mobile water during the first treatment.
Diagnostic utility of lung echography for congestive heart failure performed by junior resident doctors
Authors: Nagaharu Keiki , Tsumura Natsumi , Itoh Toshiyuki , Murata Tetsuya 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundDyspnea is a high priority symptom in the emergency department, with heart failure (HF) as one of its leading causes. Recently, the “comet tail sign (CTS),” a pulmonary ultrasonographic sign, has been proposed as an efficacious tool for detecting pulmonary edema. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no published data regarding its utility when performed by non‐experts, including junior residents.MethodsBetween September 2017 and December 2018, patients with dyspnea, who were admitted to the ER, were enrolled. CTS was evaluated by junior residents at the ER. All patients were evaluated by cardiologists independently, and clinical HF was defined as requiring pharmacological intervention by a cardiologist. At the end of this study, we investigated the results of CTS, laboratory data, and available radiological images.ResultsA total of 95 patients were enrolled in the current study, wherein 42 patients were treated by cardiologists as those with clinical HF. Our results showed that CTS could identify clinical HF with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 81.1%. The sensitivity of CTS against brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (cut‐off value, 100 pg/ml) was calculated at 92.5%. Furthermore, when evaluated together with peripheral edema, CTS identified clinical HF with a sensitivity of 96%. False positives for CTS included bilateral pneumonia, hypoalbuminemia, and interstitial pneumonitis.ConclusionsOur results indicate that CTS is a simple and effective tool for the use of non‐experts, including junior residents.
Dipole Formation at Active Materials/P(NDI3N‐T‐Br) Interface in Organic‐Based Photovoltaic
Authors: Alghamdi Amira R. , Bjuggren Jonas M. , Pan Xun , Andersson Mats R. , Andersson Gunther G. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this work, a new potential electron transport material, poly[(N,N'‐bis(3‐(N,N‐dimethyl)‐N‐ethylammonium)propyl)naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl)‐alt‐2,5‐thiophene)]dibromide P(NDI3N‐T‐Br), is studied in conjunction with active layers formed by poly[2,3‐bis(3‐octyloxyphenyl)quinoxaline‐5,8‐diyl‐alt‐thiophene‐2,5‐diyl] (TQ1) and poly[[N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,5′‐(2,2′‐bithiophene)] (N2200). The energy levels of the active layer TQ1 and N2200 in contact with P(NDI3N‐T‐Br) have been determined by photoelectron spectroscopy. The dipole formed at the interface of the active layer and P(NDI3N‐T‐Br) is significantly different to the dipole formed at the respective interface with ITO. The dipole between the active layer and P(NDI3N‐T‐Br) blocks the transfer of holes from TQ1 to P(NDI3N‐T‐Br) which is desired, but the hole still transfers from the N2200 to P(NDI3N‐T‐Br) due to N2200 being an electron acceptor. This energy level alignment meets the expectation of using P(NDI3N‐T‐Br) as an interface layer in blocking the hole transfer to the interface layer when TQ1:N2200 is used in the active layer. The present work provides an understanding of P(NDI3N‐T‐Br) as charge extraction layer and indicates its potential to be used in organic photovoltaics.
Modification of the single‐tube radial forearm phalloplasty technique to allow for urinary meatal reconstruction: A report of two cases
Authors: Miller Travis Joseph , Saberski Ean Richard , Safa Bauback , Watt Andrew J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe free radial forearm flap is the gold standard technique for transgender phalloplasty due to superior complication rates compared to other methods. However, reconstruction of the urinary tract, including urethral lengthening and creation of a pars pendula urethra within the flap, carries a high rate of complications. The risk of complications and a lack of desire for standing urination are reasons patients elect for single‐tube phalloplasty. However, to date, single‐tube phalloplasties lack creation of a urinary meatus, which affects the aesthetics of the reconstruction. The purpose of this report is to describe a technique for creating an aesthetic urinary meatus in single‐tube phalloplasty. We herein describe the technique in the use of two healthy transgender males (ages 31 and 39). Both patients did not desire micturition through the neophallus, but still desired the appearance of a meatus at the tip of the neophallus. Single‐tube radial forearm phalloplasty was performed for both patients. The radial forearm flaps for each patient were 14 × 15 cm. Meatoplasty was performed at the time of flap elevation utilizing an intact 1 × 4 cm intact strip of ulnar sided skin during flap tubularization. This strip of skin was then invaginated to create a neomeatal pouch. The postoperative course was uncomplicated for both patients following at 5‐day hospital stay for flap monitoring. Follow up time was 7 and 8 months. The neomeatal pouch persisted in both patients and the patients were satisfied with the appearance of the tips of the neophalluses.
S‐band elliptical–cylindrical cavity resonator for material processing
Authors: Rodriguez Jose , Ampuero Jaime , Valderrama Waldo , Buttress Adam , Dodds Chris , Kingman Sam , Carrasco Hector 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe development of an elliptical–cylindrical cavity for microwave thermal processing of materials at high electric field strengths is reported. The design methodology based on numerical modeling is validated by experimental measurements. The system can create high‐power densities in the heated phases, excellent treatment uniformity, and stable operation without degenerated modes or polarization rotation as suffered by other commonly used circular resonator cavities.
Spectral calibration of photon‐counting detectors at high photon flux
Authors: Sidky Emil Y. , Paul Emily R. , Gilat‐Schmidt Taly , Pan Xiaochuan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundCalibration of photon‐counting detectors (PCDs) is necessary for quantitatively accurate spectral computed tomography (CT), but the calibration process can be complicated by nonlinear flux‐dependent physical factors such as pulse pile‐up.PurposeThis work develops a method for spectral sensitivity calibration of a PCD‐based spectral CT system that incorporates nonlinear flux dependence and can thus be employed at high photon flux.MethodsA calibration model for the spectral response and polynomial flux dependence is proposed, which incorporates prior x‐ray source spectrum and PCD models and that has a small set of parameters for adjusting to the spectral CT system of interest. The model parameters are determined by fitting transmission data from a known object of known composition: a step‐wedge phantom composed of different thicknesses of aluminum, a bone equivalent, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a soft‐tissue equivalent. This fitting employs Tikhonov regularization, and the regularization strength and the polynomial order for the intensity modeling are determined by bias and variance analysis. The spectral calibration and nonlinear intensity correction is validated on transmission measurements through a third material, Teflon, at different x‐ray photon flux levels.ResultsThe nonlinear intensity dependence is determined to be accurately accounted for with a third‐order polynomial. The calibrated spectral CT model accurately predicts Teflon transmission to within 1% for flux levels up to 50% of the detector maximum.ConclusionsThe proposed PCD calibration method enables accurate physical modeling necessary for quantitative imaging in spectral CT. Furthermore, the model applies to high flux settings so that acquisition times will not be limited by restricting the spectral CT system to low flux levels.