bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disease‐related population declines in bats demonstrate non‐exchangeability in generalist predators
Authors: Wray Amy K. , Gratton Claudio , Jusino Michelle A. , Wang Jing Jamie , Kochanski Jade M. , Palmer Jonathan M. , Banik Mark T. , Lindner Daniel L. , Peery M. Zachariah 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe extent to which persisting species may fill the functional role of extirpated or declining species has profound implications for the structure of biological communities and ecosystem functioning. In North America, arthropodivorous bats are threatened on a continent‐wide scale by the spread of white‐nose syndrome (WNS), a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. We tested whether bat species that display lower mortality from this disease can partially fill the functional role of other bat species experiencing population declines. Specifically, we performed high‐throughput amplicon sequencing of guano from two generalist predators: the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). We then compared changes in prey consumption before versus after population declines related to WNS. Dietary niches contracted for both species after large and abrupt declines in little brown bats and smaller declines in big brown bats, but interspecific dietary overlap did not change. Furthermore, the incidence and taxonomic richness of agricultural pest taxa detected in diet samples decreased following bat population declines. Our results suggest that persisting generalist predators do not necessarily expand their dietary niches following population declines in other predators, providing further evidence that the functional roles of different generalist predators are ecologically distinct.
A comparison in species distribution model performance of succulents using key species and subsets of environmental predictors
Authors: Buckland Catherine E. , Smith Andrew J. A. C. , Thomas David S. G. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIdentifying the environmental drivers of the global distribution of succulent plants using the Crassulacean acid metabolism pathway of photosynthesis has previously been investigated through ensemble‐modeling of species delimiting the realized niche of the natural succulent biome. An alternative approach, which may provide further insight into the fundamental niche of succulent plants in the absence of dispersal limitation, is to model the distribution of selected species that are globally widespread and have become naturalized far beyond their native habitats. This could be of interest, for example, in defining areas that may be suitable for cultivation of alternative crops resilient to future climate change. We therefore explored the performance of climate‐only species distribution models (SDMs) in predicting the drivers and distribution of two widespread CAM plants, Opuntia ficus‐indica and Euphorbia tirucalli. Using two different algorithms and five predictor sets, we created distribution models for these exemplar species and produced an updated map of global inter‐annual rainfall predictability. No single predictor set produced markedly more accurate models, with the basic bioclim‐only predictor set marginally out‐performing combinations with additional predictors. Minimum temperature of the coldest month was the single most important variable in determining spatial distribution, but additional predictors such as precipitation and inter‐annual precipitation variability were also important in explaining the differences in spatial predictions between SDMs. When compared against previous projections, an a posteriori approach correctly does not predict distributions in areas of ecophysiological tolerance yet known absence (e.g., due to biotic competition). An updated map of inter‐annual rainfall predictability has successfully identified regions known to be depauperate in succulent plants. High model performance metrics suggest that the majority of potentially suitable regions for these species are predicted by these models with a limited number of climate predictors, and there is no benefit in expanding model complexity and increasing the potential for overfitting.
Collaborative governance or state regulation? Endless efforts but little capacity for sustainability transformation of the German textile sector
Authors: Beyers Felix , Leventon Julia , Heinrichs Harald 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCollaborative governance is increasingly demanded in multiple sectors and considered promising to address wicked sustainability challenges. Whether it meets these expectations remains uncertain, particularly as such initiatives take place within a broader landscape of public and private policies and projects. We explore how collaborative governance initiative is shaped by its broader landscape to deliver on its goals. To do so, we provide a framework for analysing governance modes and social interactions in collaborative governance. We use an exploratory case study of the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles (hereafter: Textiles Partnership). The partnership is a multi‐stakeholder, collaborative governance initiative that links to a variety of different initiatives, and highlights barriers and transformation potential both within and outside its boundaries. Based on qualitative interviews, analysis of policy documents and a focus group discussion, we show that the complexity of the landscape field is accompanied by capacity constraints for all actors involved. Such complexity raises questions about whether this governance mode influences actual change on the ground, or diverts energies into navigating and proliferating complexity with low levels of meaningful outcomes. There is a growing call from actors within the partnership towards more state‐centred regulation, resulting in a Due Diligence Act in 2021, to regulate corporate action across national borders. The evidence we present shows the need to reconsider the balance between state regulation and collaborative governance arrangements.
A Sensor for Selective Dopamine Determination Based on Overoxidized Poly‐1,5‐Diaminonaphthalene on Graphene Nanosheets
Authors: Abdelwahab Adel A. , Naggar Ahmed H. , Abd‐Elmottaleb M. , Abdel‐Hakim Mohamed 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAn effective nanocomposite sensor for selective electroanalytical dopamine (DA) determination using overoxidized conducting polymer of poly‐1,5‐diaminonaphthalene (OPoly‐1,5‐DAN) functionalized graphene nanosheets (GNS) was achieved. The OPoly‐1,5‐DAN/GNS nanocomposite polymer was prepared via an electropolymerization of 1,5‐DAN on GNS/GCE after 7 cycles of potential scan (−0.2 V to +0.9 V), followed by an electrooveroxidation of the nanocomposite Poly‐1,5‐DAN/GNS by the potential cycle (0.0 V to +1.8 V) for 2 scans. The OPoly‐1,5‐DAN was effectively designed by GNS as a uniformly distribution of nanocomposite that caused more accumulations of analyte due to large electrocatalytic active positions created on electrode surface. The high specific and sensitive performance of the OPoly‐1,5‐DAN/GNS nanocomposite polymer was conducted to greater effective electrons transferring behavior for DA with copresent of vitamin C (VC). The stable and suitable formation of OPoly‐1,5‐DAN/GNS nanocomposite polymer showed rapid charge transport voltammogram and obvious electrocatalytic activity to DA and eliminated VC response. Moreover, the OPoly‐1,5‐DAN/GNS displays an excellent responses to DA determination with wide linear range (LR) 1.0–150 μM and lower detection limit (DL) 8.82±0.1 nM as comparing with other studies. Additionally, the excellent reproducibility of OPoly‐1,5‐DAN/GNS as well as long‐term stability indicated that it is an excellent and effective electrochemical DA sensor. Finally, the electroanalytical application of the OPoly‐1,5‐DAN/GNS nanocomposite polymer was employed for the electroanalysis of DA in human urine.
Joint steepest descent and non‐stationary Richardson method for low‐complexity detection in massive MIMO systems
Authors: Khoso Imran A. , Zhang Xiaofei , Dai Xiaoming , Ahmed Adeel , Dayo Zaheer Ahmed 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSignal detection is a major challenge in massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) wireless systems due to array of hundreds of antennas. Linear minimum mean square error (MMSE) enables near‐optimal detection performance in massive MIMO but suffers from unbearable computational complexity due to complicated matrix inversions. To address this problem, we propose a novel low‐complexity signal detector based on joint steepest descent (SD) and non‐stationary Richardson (NSR) iteration method. The SD is applied to get an efficient searching direction for the following NSR method to enhance the performance. The key idea of the proposed algorithm is to utilize a combination of the scaled‐diagonal initialization and the system‐ and iteration‐dependent acceleration mechanism, so that the convergence can be significantly speeded up. An antenna‐ and eigenvalue‐based scaling parameter is introduced for the proposed detector to further improve the error‐rate performance. We also provide convergence guarantees for the proposed technique. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed joint detection approach attains superior performance compared to existing iterative approaches and provides a lower computational complexity than the conventional MMSE detector.
A weights direct determination neuronet for time‐series with applications in the industrial indices of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Authors: Mourtas Spyridon D. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe shortcomings of conventional back‐propagation neuronets, such as slow training speed and local minimum, are known to be addressed by neuronets trained under the weights‐and‐structure‐determination (WASD) algorithm. Derived from power activation feed‐forward neuronets, a multi‐input WASD for time‐series neuronet (MI‐WASDTSN) model is presented in this paper. The MI‐WASDTSN is equipped with a novel WASD for time‐series (WASDTS) algorithm, for handling time‐series modeling and forecasting problems. Employing a power sigmoid activation function, the WASDTS algorithm handles the model fitting and validation by determining the optimal input variables number and the weights of the MI‐WASDTSN. More specifically, the WASDTS algorithm finds and holds only the activation function powers that reduce the model's error during validation. Applications on Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED) industrial indices under three different patterns of time‐series validate our MI‐WASDTSN model in order to demonstrate its outstanding learning and forecasting performance. In addition, to support and advance the findings of this work, we created a MATLAB repository for interested users, which is freely available via GitHub.
Carer burden and psychological distress in young‐onset dementia: An Australian perspective
Authors: Kang Matthew , Farrand Sarah , Walterfang Mark , Velakoulis Dennis , Loi Samantha M. , Evans Andrew 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectivesCarer burden in dementia is associated with poor outcomes, including early nursing home placement for people with dementia and psychological distress for their carers. Carers of people with young‐onset dementia (YOD) are particularly vulnerable to carer burden. Yet they are often overlooked by clinicians as dementia services are generally designed for older people. We sought to estimate the rate of burden and psychological distress in carers of YOD at a state‐wide tertiary service based in Australia.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study examining 71 dyads from a Neuropsychiatry service. We collected patient demographic and clinical data including the Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment tool (NUCOG) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Carer data, such as demographics and psychological distress, were obtained using Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS‐21). Carer burden was rated using the Zarit Burden Inventory‐short version (ZBI).ResultsHigher carer burden, measured using ZBI, was associated with longer duration of dementia and greater severity of overall cognitive impairment. Carers who felt burdened reported higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety measured using DASS‐21. Multiple linear regression analysis found carer burden was independently predicted by duration of dementia, total cognition score and carers experiencing psychological stress.DiscussionWe found that patient variables of dementia duration and cognitive impairment and carer variable of carer stress to be associated with carer burden. Poor executive function was associated with carer stress. Early identification and management of carer burden and psychological distress is important for outcomes. Ideally, this should be provided by a specialist YOD service.
Elevated liver enzymes predict morbidity and mortality despite antiviral cure in patients with chronic hepatitis C: Data from the German Hepatitis C‐Registry
Authors: Tacke Frank , Klinker Hartwig , Boeker Klaus H. W. , Merle Uta , Link Ralph , Buggisch Peter , Hüppe Dietrich , Cornberg Markus , Sarrazin Christoph , Wedemeyer Heiner , Berg Thomas , Mauss Stefan ,   DHC‐R
Published: June 2022

Abstract
While direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) cure chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in almost all patients, some patients remain at risk of liver disease despite HCV cure. In order to identify risk factors indicating liver‐related morbidity and death after viral cure, we included 6982 patients from the national multicenter real‐world German Hepatitis C Registry with regular follow‐up visits for up to 7 years after DAA therapy. Definitions for normal liver function tests (in women/men) were alanine aminotransferase (ALT; ≤35/≤50 U/L), ALT according to American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD; ≤19/≤30 U/L), and gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT; ≤40/≤60 U/L). In our cohort, 97.4% of patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). At 24 weeks after SVR (SVR24), elevated ALT occurred in 657/6982 (9.4%), elevated ALT (AASLD) in 2609/6982 (37.4%), and elevated GGT in 1777/6982 (25.5%) patients. Risk factors for increased ALT at SVR24 were obesity, alcohol, cirrhosis, elevated baseline ALT, and non‐SVR. Increased GGT at SVR24 was significantly (p < 0.05) and independently associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.12), higher body mass index (OR, 1.04), age >50 years (OR, 1.60), liver cirrhosis (OR, 3.97), alcohol consumption (OR, 2.99), diabetes (OR, 1.63), non‐SVR (OR, 8.00), and elevated GGT at baseline (OR, 17.12). In multivariate regression analysis, elevated GGT at SVR24, particularly in combination with cirrhosis, was the best predictor for hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma development, and death, followed by elevated ALT (AASLD) and standard ALT, which predicted hepatic decompensation. Despite successful HCV therapy, elevated GGT at SVR24 and to a lesser extent ALT are predictive of the future clinical outcome and linked with liver‐associated comorbidities. This may highlight the relevance of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus, alcohol, and cirrhosis for the clinical outcome in a vulnerable population, even after HCV cure.
Latin American Attachment studies: A narrative review
Authors: Fourment Katherine , Espinoza Camila , Ribeiro Ana Carla Lima , Mesman Judi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAttachment theory´s core hypotheses (universality, normativity, sensitivity, and competence) are assumed to be applicable worldwide. However, the majority of studies on attachment theory have been conducted in Western countries, and the extent to which these core hypotheses are supported by research conducted in Latin America has never been systematically addressed. The purpose of this systematic narrative literature review is to provide an integrative discussion of the current body of empirical studies concerning attachment theory conducted in Latin American countries. For that purpose, a search was conducted in four electronic databases (Web of Science, PsycInfo, SciELO, and Redalyc) and 82 publications on attachment and/or sensitivity met inclusion criteria. None of the studies reported cases in which an attachment relationship was absent, and a predominance of secure attachment patterns was found, mainly for non‐risk samples (NRS). Sensitivity levels were generally deemed adequate in NRS, and related to attachment quality. Attachment security and caregivers’ sensitivity were positively associated with child outcomes. Attachment‐based intervention studies mostly showed efficacy. In conclusion, Latin American research supports the key theoretical assumptions of attachment theory, mainly in samples of urban middle‐class NRS. However, the field of attachment‐related research would be enriched by also investing in Latin American studies on caregiving rooted in local concepts and theories.
Actinium coordination chemistry: A density functional theory study with monodentate and bidentate ligands
Authors: Tomeček Josef , Li Cen , Schreckenbach Georg 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn the current study, the coordination chemistry of nine‐coordinate Ac(III) complexes with 35 monodentate and bidentate ligands was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) in terms of their geometries, charges, reaction energies, and bonding interactions. The energy decomposition analysis with naturals orbitals for chemical valence (EDA‐NOCV) and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) were employed as analysis methods. Trivalent Ac exhibits the highest affinities toward hard acids (such as charged oxophilic donors, fluoride), so its classification as a hard acid is justified. Natural population analysis quantified the involvement of 5f orbitals on Ac to be about 30% of total valence electron natural configuration indicating that Ac is a member of the actinide series. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to study the pairwise correlations among the bond lengths, ΔGreaction energies, charges on Ac and donor atoms, and data from EDA‐NOCV and QTAIM. Strong correlations and anticorrelations were found between Voronoi charges on donor atoms with ΔG, EDA‐NOCV interaction energies and QTAIM bond critical point densities.
Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes and monocytes and the status of cytokines in the clinical course of Covid‐19 patients
Authors: Idiz Ufuk O. , Yurttas Tahir T. , Degirmencioglu Serife , Orhan Bagnu , Erdogan Emre , Sevik Husnu , Sevinc Mert M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLymphopenia, T cell subgroup changes, and cytokine level differences are important in the early diagnosis and treatment of Covid‐19 cases and similar pandemics. We aimed to investigate the T cell, monocyte subgroups, and cytokine differences according to disease severity. A total of 46 volunteers were included in the study. According to disease status, there were three groups (control, mild, and severe). The age, gender, smoking status, temperature, heart rate and oxygen saturation, complete blood count, C‐reactive protein (CRP) was noted, and flow cytometric analyses were performed for T cell and monocyte subgroups, and cytokine levels. Temperature, heart rate, SPO2, white blood cell (WBC), lympocyte count, trombocyte count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, D‐dimer and CRP levels, lymphocyte %, lymphocyte/monocyte rate, monocyte subtypes (%), CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ cell counts, interleukin (IL)‐1β, TNF‐alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐18, IL‐23 were significantly different between groups. CRP, IL‐8, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, NK cells (%) have positive correlation and negative correlation was observed at lymphocyte (count), lymphocyte (%), lymphocyte/monocyte, classical monocyte (%), lymphocyte (count), CD3+ (count), CD4+ (count). As conclusion, lymphocyte (%), Lymphocyte (count), CRP levels, CD3+ and CD4+ cell counts strongly correlate with disease severity are valuable parameters for determining the prognoses of Covid‐19.
Evaluation of periodontal status and cytokine levels in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Enver Ayaz , Ozmeric Nurdan , Isler Sila Cagri , Toruner Murat , Fidan Cigdem , Demirci Gulsah , Elgun Serenay , Silva Andre Paes B. da 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontal diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD, ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn disease [CD]) have been reported to present with increased salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) concentrations of cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary and GCF levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐10, and IL‐17A and their associations with the periodontal statuses of UC, CD, and non‐IBD patients, and to analyze the interrelationships among these cytokines, IBD conditions, and periodontal diseases.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was performed with a total of 131 patients (62 women and 69 men, mean age 42.96±13.02 years). Patients were divided into three groups: UC, CD, and non‐IBD. Periodontal status was defined according to the 2017 World Workshop Disease Classification. Salivary and GCF cytokine levels were analyzed using ELISA.ResultsUC and CD patients diagnosed as having periodontitis and gingivitis presented with significantly higher levels of TNF‐α and lower levels of IL‐10 as compared with non‐IBD patients (p<0.05). UC patients diagnosed with periodontitis exhibited significantly higher scores of bleeding on probing (p = 0.011) and increased salivary and GCF IL‐1β levels as compared with CD patients (p = 0.005, and 0.012, respectively). Considering the active and remission status of IBD, salivary IL‐1β was found to be correlated with the parameters representing the severity of periodontal diseases in active UC and CD patients.ConclusionIn the presence of periodontal diseases, UC and CD patients showed different expression levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐10 in oral secretions as compared with non‐IBD patients.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy does not increase risk of major complication or failure to rescue in cytoreductive surgery
Authors: Macfie Rebekah C. , Cha Da Eun , Gleeson Elizabeth , Yu Allen , Cohen Noah , Sarpel Umut , Golas Benjamin , Hiotis Spiros , Labow Daniel 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionFailure to rescue (FTR) is defined as death after a major complication. We evaluated FTR after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with and without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).MethodsThe ACS NSQIP database 2005–2018 was reviewed for all cases of CRS. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes between those undergoing CRS alone and those undergoing CRS/HIPEC. Patients were matched on age, sex, ascites, diabetes, hypertension and resection of liver, pancreas, colon/rectum, diaphragm, stomach, small bowel, and/or spleen.ResultsThirty nine thousand one hundred and twenty‐six patients underwent CRS; 38,387 underwent CRS alone; 739 underwent CRS/HIPEC. After matching there were 726 patients in each arm. Patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC had higher risk of reintubation (25 [3.4%] vs. 13 [1.8%] p = 0.049), urinary tract infection UTI (44 [6.1%] vs. 25 [3.4%] p = 0.019) and sepsis (73 [10.1%] vs. 44 [6.1%] p = 0.005). Patients in the CRS arm required more transfusions (229 [31.5%] vs. 176 [24.2%] p = 0.002).There was no significant difference in FTR between the CRS and CRS/HIPEC groups (11 [4.0%] vs. 6 [2.3%] p = 0.258), nor in the pooled incidence of major complications (275 [37.9%] vs. 262 [36.1%] p = 0.48).ConclusionCRS/HIPEC is associated with increased rates of reintubation, UTI, and sepsis while CRS alone was associated with increased transfusion. However, the addition HIPEC to CRS did not increase the risk of pooled major complication or FTR.