bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of the avian sub-acute dietary toxicity test in ecological risk assessment and a path forward to reduce animal use
Authors: Bone Audrey J. , Brewer Larry , Habig Cliff , Levine Steve L. , Moore Dwayne R. J. , Plautz Stephanie 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has long required both avian sub-acute dietary and acute oral studies to inform risk assessments for pesticides. Recently, the USEPA collaborated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to determine whether the results of the acute oral avian toxicity test or the sub-acute dietary toxicity test consistently generated the greatest risk predictions in USEPA tier 1 assessments for pesticides first registered between 1998 and 2017. Their study concluded that in 99% of the cases, risk conclusions were driven by the acute oral study (OPPTS 850.2100, OCSPP 850.2100, or similar) because using these data results in higher risk quotients than sub-acute dietary data. Shortly after publishing these results, the USEPA released a formal memorandum providing guidance for waiving the sub-acute dietary study for most pesticides. The USEPA will, however, retain the option to require sub-acute dietary studies for pesticides with certain chemical properties. However, as the avian sub-acute dietary study has an exposure regimen that is often more representative of how birds are exposed to pesticides under actual use conditions than does the acute oral study (i.e., as part of a dietary item eaten over the course of a day and not a bolus dose), this study can provide useful context for risk assessment on a case-by-case basis. Decision criteria are needed to determine a path forward that both minimizes vertebrate animal testing and positions the avian sub-acute dietary data as an option for risk refinement. Decision criteria are proposed here with recommendations for refining the design of avian sub-acute dietary studies to ensure that the data generated are optimized to support a science-based acute avian risk assessment, supported by a case study demonstrating when and how sub-acute dietary studies may be used in a higher-tier risk assessment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1629–1638. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
KEY POINTS
Given recent guidance from the USEPA on waiving the avian sub-acute dietary study for pesticide registration, this article provides recommendations for the use of this study as a risk refinement option.
An all‐inclusive computer‐aided melanoma diagnosis based on soft computing
Authors: Jiao Xiongfei , Li Juan , Zhao Zhilei , Badami Benjamin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper provides a different optimized approach for melanoma diagnosis from the inputted dermoscopy images. The technique is a pipeline technique with four main steps, including noise reduction, lesion segmentation, feature selection, and final classification. For decreasing the complexity of the feature extraction stage, Fuzzy C‐means has been used. The classifier has been improved based on a developed decision tree. The modification of the classifier is based on a new enhanced design of a metaheuristic, called Quantum Fluid Search Optimizer. The efficiency of the suggested technique is calculated by considering some measurement indicators and their achievements are compared with five other latest methods. The results showed the maximum accuracy equal to 94.12% with the highest precision being achieved by the proposed method. The results also indicate that the proposed method with the highest value of 91.18% sensitivity against the other techniques, provides the highest reliability.
Using the River Ecosystem Service Index to evaluate “Free Moving Rivers” restoration measures: A case study on the Ammer river (Bavaria)
Authors: Becker Isabell , Egger Gregory , Gerstner Lars , Householder John Ethan , Damm Christian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRestoring natural fluvial dynamics is fundamental for sustaining biodiversity and functional integrity of river and floodplain ecosystems. In Central Europe, however, pervasive river regulation and bank protection have greatly impaired ecosystem functioning and many water bodies fail to achieve a good ecological status within the European Water Framework Directive. The “Free Moving Rivers” approach seeks to restore the ecological integrity of rivers and floodplains by creating appropriate conditions for natural fluvial dynamics. Principal goals of the approach include removing artificial constraints on river processes and expanding the river corridor to restore natural river habitats and structures. Lacking, however, are complementary tools that evaluate and predict changes to ecosystem services (ESSs) after implementation. Here, we describe a case study of the Ammer river in Bavaria, Germany, to (i) calculate the extent of the “Free Moving Rivers” corridor, and (ii) assess changes to ESSs of a proposed river restoration measure under two alternative land‐use scenarios. To do this, we apply the River Ecosystem Service Index (RESI), whereby individual ESSs are assessed in a spatially explicit way. We show how a proposed implementation of the “Free Moving Rivers” approach enhances three investigated ESSs: flood retention, sediment balance and habitat provision. We conclude that RESI is a potentially useful tool with wide applicability for restoration planning that synthesises floodplain complexity in such a way that facilitates decision making.
Efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate by 3D hollow petal‐like spherical NiCo2O4 nanomaterials for the decomposition of phenol solution: performance and mechanism
Authors: Lu Lingzhu , Yue Lijuan , Hao Liangyun , Niu Weibing , Cheng Ping , Zhu Yuanzheng , Zhang Shuping , Chen Chunguang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDPhenolic pollutant contamination is a serious problem. The advanced oxidation process based on sulfate radicals (SR‐AOPs) is an efficient technology for the degradation of phenolic contaminants in the aquatic environment. Bimetallic nanomaterials have attracted much attention because of their excellent catalytic performance in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Herein, 3D mesoporous NiCo2O4 hollow petal spheres with a specific surface area of 252.35 m2 g−1 were successfully prepared.RESULTSIn the NiCo2O4/PMS system, phenol (50 mg L−1) was absolutely removed within 25 min with a degradation rate constant (k) of 0.19651 min−1, which is 6.2 times higher than that of the Co3O4/PMS system. The excellent catalytic activity of NiCo2O4 is attributed to the larger amount of redox cycles of Co3+/Co2+ and Ni3+/Ni2+ as well as its large specific surface area and multi‐step pore channel structure. Moreover, the related influencing factors were systematically researched in the NiCo2O4/PMS system, including reaction temperature, solution pH, initial concentration, catalyst and PMS dose, as well as matrix species (HCO3−, Cl−, NO3−, and humic acid). The recycling tests revealed the outstanding chemical stability of NiCo2O4. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and quenching experiments verify that sulfate radical (SO4• −) acts as the leading role for phenol decomposition. The possible degradation path was proposed based on the several major degradation intermediates that were detected by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometer (GC–MS).CONCLUSIONThis research provides a facile and mild method for the fabrication of promising 3D heterogeneous catalysts for PMS activation and provides a green and promising technology for effective contaminant control in modern wastewater remediation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Cellular architecture of the testis of Egyptian wild boar (Sus scrofa) in young and adult age
Authors: Elghoul Mahmoud M. , Zaghloul Doaa M. , Morsy Kareem , Abumandour Mohamed M. A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTesticular parenchyma is split into lobules, each lobule contains convoluted seminiferous tubules surrounded by myoid cells and the interstitial tissue contains groups of Leydig cells. The seminiferous tubules are lined by two groups of cells the first one is the spermatogenic cells and the second one is Sertoli cells.
Spontaneous portosystemic shunt diameter predicts liver function after balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration
Authors: Tatsumi Akihisa , Maekawa Shinya , Osawa Leona , Katoh Ryo , Komiyama Yasuyuki , Nakakuki Natsuko , Takada Hitomi , Matsuda Shuya , Muraoka Masaru , Suzuki Yuichiro , Sato Mitsuaki , Takahashi Ei , Miura Mika , Amemiya Fumitake , Takano Shinichi , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Inoue Taisuke , Okada Hiroki , Araki Takuji , Onishi Hiroshi , Enomoto Nobuyuki 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and AimRecently, balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), performed for spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSS), has been receiving attention as a measure to improve liver function in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. However, it is unclear whether SPSS diameter is associated with changes in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and liver function after BRTO.MethodsIn 34 cirrhotic patients receiving BRTO for hepatic encephalopathy/gastric varices, the association of SPSS diameter with liver function at baseline and 6 months after BRTO and the accompanying changes in HVPG were investigated.ResultsPatients had Child–Pugh (CP) scores of A/B/C (7/19/8), SPSS diameters of ≤10 mm/11–20 mm/<20 mm (8/21/5), and an average observation period of 3.2 (0.3–8.5) years. SPSS diameter was significantly associated with male sex, alcohol use, and values of albumin, prothrombin time (PT%), and NH3 at baseline. Moreover, the SPSS diameter was significantly correlated with the changes in HVPG observed upon BRTO (r = 0.55, P = 0.005), and a large shunt diameter was significantly associated with a greater increase in HVPG. At 6 months, significant improvements in albumin, PT%, bilirubin, and NH3 were observed overall, but the improvement was marked in those with larger shunt diameters if they had CP A/B.ConclusionSPSS diameter was strongly associated with liver function at baseline and after BRTO and also with changes in HVPG, indicating that SPSS diameter is an important predictor of BRTO outcome.
Loading of cell cultures with cholesterol‐dextran particles as a new functional test for Niemann–Pick type C disease
Authors: Majer Filip , Asfaw Befekadu , Kuchař Ladislav , Mušálková Dita , Steiner‐Mrázová Lenka , Dobrovolný Robert , Ledvinová Jana , Hřebíček Martin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDeuterium‐labeled cholesterol‐dextran particles (d4‐CholDex), prepared by co‐precipitation, were internalized by cultured human skin fibroblasts and HEK293 cells. Subcellular particles from d4‐CholDex‐treated HEK293 cells were fractionated on iodixanol gradients. More than 60% of d4‐cholesterol (d4‐UC) in the gradient co‐fractionated with lysosomal markers and NPC1. This and formation of d4‐cholesteryl esters (d4‐CE) in the cells suggests that d4‐CholDex is lysosomally processed. In accordance with these findings, we observed an increase in lysosomal cholesterol content by fluorescence microscopy in CholDex‐loaded cells. Fibroblast cultures including 13 NPC1‐deficient, four heterozygous and six control lines were treated with d4‐CholDex at final d4‐UC concentration of 0.05 mg/ml (127.98 μmol/L) for 3 h and chased for 48 h in medium without d4‐CholDex. Concentrations of d4‐UC and d4‐CE in harvested cells were measured by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). d4‐UC/d4‐CE ratios were elevated in NP‐C lines compared to controls (n = 6, mean = 4.36, range = 1.89–8.91), with the highest ratios in severe NP‐C1 phenotypes and the lowest in adolescent/adult type patients. There were overlaps between NP‐C1 forms: early infantile (n = 1, mean = 48.6), late infantile (n = 4, mean = 36.3, range = 20.6–54.0), juvenile (n = 5, mean = 24.7, range = 13.4–38.3), adolescent/adult (n = 3, mean = 14.5, range = 11.7–19.8). The ratios in NP‐C1 heterozygotes were mildly elevated (n = 4, mean = 16.4, range = 14.9–17.4) and comparable to patients with adolescent/adult NP‐C1. The test can be useful in evaluation of suspected NP‐C patients with inconclusive results of biomarker or molecular tests. Its advantages include standardized preparation of particles with longer shelf life at 4 °C, quantitative results, and no requirement for radioactive chemicals.
Original and alteration mineral phases in the NWA 10628 Martian shergottite determined by micro‐Raman spectroscopy assisted with micro‐energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence imaging
Authors: Prieto‐delaVega Itziar , García‐Florentino Cristina , Torre‐Fdez Imanol , Huidobro Jennifer , Aramendia Julene , Arana Gorka , Castro Kepa , Madariaga Juan Manuel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNorthWest Africa 10628 (NWA 10628) is a shergottite found in Tindouf (Algeria) in 2014. Little is known on this meteorite apart from the Meteoritical Bulletin report. In this work, original and altered mineral phases of NWA 10628 were characterised by micro‐Raman spectroscopy assisted with micro‐energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence imaging. The matrix of the meteorite is dominated by high‐Ca pyroxenes, augite ((Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6) and diopside (CaMgSi2O6). Olivine and feldspars appeared as small crystals all along the matrix. Merrillite (Ca9NaMg(PO4)7) was found as big crystals in inclusions. As whitlockite (Ca9NaMg(PO4)6(HPO4)) can be transformed into merrillite at high temperature and pressure, we suggest that merrillite in the meteorite was originally whitlockite, before its ejection from Mars. Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) was found as small crystals and in fractures; this last one could come from terrestrial weathering because it was associated with calcite (CaCO3). Small anhydrite (CaSO4) crystals are shown in the bulk together with gypsum, probably from the partial dehydration of original Martian gypsum by the high‐pressure/temperature of ejection. Pyrite and marcasite (FeS2 polymorphs) minerals were detected, as well as their oxidation products, goethite (α‐FeO (OH)) and rozenite (FeSO4·4H2O), due to their terrestrial weathering. The identification of hematite (Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), ilmenite (FeTiO3) and anatase (TiO2) suggested that ulvospinel (Fe2TiO4) was the precursor on Mars, because ulvospinel is transformed into ilmenite by pressure and later ilmenite can be altered to magnetite/hematite and anatase by oxidative weathering on Earth. This non‐destructive analytical methodology provides deep mineralogical characterisation adequate for scarce samples like those returning from the Mars Sample Return mission.
The Dutch Infant Caregiving Assessment Scales: Psychometric properties in mothers with and without a severe psychiatric disorder
Authors: Choenni Vandhana , Kok Rianne , Verhulst Frank C. , van Lier Monique H. M. , Lambregtse‐van den Berg Mijke P. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesThis study examines the psychometric properties of the Dutch adaptation of the Infant Caregiving Assessment Scales (INCAS). This standardized observation procedure is the first to assess both emotional and instrumental caregiving skills of mothers with a severe psychiatric disorder, during the postpartum period.MethodsMothers with and without a severe psychiatric disorder (N = 123) were observed at home at the infant age of 6 weeks during daily caregiving; changing a diaper, bathing, dressing, and feeding. Recordings of observations were coded independently by trained coders, blind for group membership. Subsequently, the component structure, internal consistency, interrater reliability, and concurrent validity of the INCAS were examined.ResultsPrincipal component analysis largely confirmed the two a priori defined caregiving domains. The internal consistencies of the emotional and instrumental domains were deemed excellent and good, respectively. The interrater reliability was substantial for the emotional domain and moderate for the instrumental domain. Furthermore, evidence for good concurrent validity of the emotional domain was found. Lastly, significant correlations were found between specific instrumental caregiving skills and maternal neuropsychological functioning.ConclusionPsychometric findings support the INCAS as a comprehensive and reliable instrument for standardized assessment of caregiving by mothers with a severe psychiatric disorder.
Social determinants of health and obesity: Findings from a national study of US adults
Authors: Javed Zulqarnain , Valero‐Elizondo Javier , Maqsood Muhammad Haisum , Mahajan Shiwani , Taha Mohamad B. , Patel Kershaw V. , Sharma Garima , Hagan Kobina , Blaha Michael J. , Blankstein Ron , Mossialos Elias , Virani Salim S. , Cainzos‐Achirica Miguel , Nasir Khurram 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the association between social determinants of health (SDOH) burden and overweight/obesity in a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States.MethodsData for 161,795 adults aged ≥18 years from the 2013 to 2017 National Health Interview Survey were used. A total of 38 SDOH were aggregated to create a cumulative SDOH score, which was divided into quartiles (Q1‐Q4) to denote levels of SDOH burden. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was examined across SDOH quartiles in the total population and by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between SDOH quartiles and overweight/obesity, adjusting for relevant covariates.ResultsThere was a graded increase in obesity prevalence with increasing SDOH burden. At nearly each quartile, overweight and obesity rates were higher for middle‐aged and non‐Hispanic Black adults compared with their counterparts; additional differences were observed by sex. In fully adjusted models, SDOH‐Q4 was associated with 15%, 50%, and 70% higher relative prevalence of overweight, obesity class 1 and 2, and obesity class 3, respectively, relative to SDOH‐Q1.ConclusionsCumulative social disadvantage, denoted by higher SDOH burden, was associated with increased odds of obesity, independent of clinical and demographic factors.
Does the gut microbiota contribute to the antiobesity effect of exercise? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng Chen , Chen Xiang‐Ke , Tian Xiao Yu , Ma Alvin Chun‐Hang , Wong Stephen Heung‐Sang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess gut microbiota modifications after exercise in humans and animal models with obesity or type 2 diabetes and their role in exercise‐induced weight loss.MethodsA systematic search of six databases was conducted on July 31, 2021. The extracted data on body fat or body weight from human and animal studies were analyzed using random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsA total of 28 studies were included, with all studies reporting exercise‐induced gut microbiota modifications; however, the modified taxa varied among studies. Proteobacteria was the only taxa reported to be altered by exercise in more than one human and one animal study. Taxa belonging to Firmicutes were the most responsive to exercise in humans and mice, whereas Proteobacteria taxa were the most responsive to exercise in rats. A meta‐analysis was conducted to examine the weight‐lowering effect of exercise based on data subgrouped by altered or unaltered α‐diversity or β‐diversity. The association between the weight‐lowering effect of exercise and altered β‐diversity was observed in humans with obesity but not in animals.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that gut microbiota modifications contribute to exercise‐induced weight loss in obesity; however, their precise contributions, especially those of taxon‐level variations, remain to be investigated.
Self‐organization's responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic in China
Authors: Zhao Ting , Xu Jialiang , Tian Yuan , Zhang Qiwei , Yuan Junao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSelf‐organization was a key informal channel used to fight COVID‐19 in Wuhan when the local government and other formal organizations failed to respond in the very early stages of the pandemic. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of self‐organization during an emergency from both a demand‐driven and a social mission identity perspective. Using 14 cases, this study examines the lifecycles of self‐organization in alignment with the consistent changes in social demands. Volunteers' social mission identity and a flexible organizational structure have been identified as two major attributes of the outstanding performance of self‐organization. Moreover, self‐organization demonstrates a striking feature of noncontiguous service provision with the assistance of social media. This study extends the literature on the changing roles of governments and civil society to the emergency context.
Multifunctional liquid metal polymer composites
Authors: Guymon Gregory G. , Malakooti Mohammad H. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractLiquid metal polymer composites are an emerging class of functional materials with potentially transformative impacts in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and human‐computer interactions. By employing different processing methods, room temperature liquid metal inclusions can be embedded in insulating polymers like elastomers to incorporate functional properties of metals while the matrix remains soft and stretchable. These solid–liquid composites offer an interesting, yet complex multifunctional material system. In this review, we present an exclusive overview of the synthesis methods, structural and functional properties, and applications of gallium‐based liquid metal polymer composites. Common methods to control the size of liquid metal inclusions and their interaction in polymers are discussed. Moreover, the effect of liquid metal microstructures on the overall properties of the composites is summarized. We also highlight the new trends in terms of material composition, printing process, and novel applications of liquid metal polymer composites in intelligent systems.
Recent progress in conductive self‐healing hydrogels for flexible sensors
Authors: Qin Tao , Liao Wenchao , Yu Li , Zhu Junhui , Wu Meng , Peng Qiongyao , Han Linbo , Zeng Hongbo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFlexible sensors have great potential in the application of wearable and implantable devices, and conductive hydrogels have been widely used in wearable sensing devices due to their biomimetic structure, biocompatibility, adjustable transparency and stimuli‐responsive electrical properties. Conventional conductive hydrogels are prone to be damaged in their application process and lack of long‐term reliability. Inspired by natural organisms such as mussels, introduction of self‐healing capabilities has been regarded as a promising approach to extend the service life of hydrogel sensing devices. This work reviews the synthesis methods and the associated self‐healing mechanisms of representative conductive self‐healing hydrogels. The sensing principles and structural design of conductive hydrogel sensors are also reviewed and their applications for in vivo/in vitro signal monitoring are introduced. The remaining challenges and perspectives in this field are discussed in order to direct the future research on the integration of self‐healing capabilities, good sensing properties and excellent mechanical performances into flexible sensors.