bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of indirect and direct scoring methods to relate biochemical soil quality indicators to ecosystem services
Authors: Xia Yushu , Wander Michelle 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSoil health assessments use scoring curves to quantify relationships between soil quality indicators (SQIs) and ecosystem services (ESSs). We evaluated methods for scoring curve development using three labile C pools (β‐glucosidase [BG], fluorescein diacetate [FDA] hydrolysis, and permanganate oxidizable carbon [POXC]). Concepts and methods for SQI interpretation used by established frameworks were assessed, with 129 studies reporting relationships to either soil organic C (SOC) (n = 367), a common surrogate for indirect estimation of ESSs, or direct measures of crop yield (n = 88), soil respiration (n = 66), and N2O and CH4 emissions (n = 51). Indirect assessment of BG using SOC and site covariates resolved tillage‐based differences (P < .05). Correlations between SOC and SQIs observed under different land uses suggested that use of SOC for indirect scoring would be more effective for FDA than POXC. Direct relationships were generally positive between SQIs and yield (89%), soil respiration (89%), and N2O and CH4 emissions (76%), but such relationships could be nonlinear. Direct assessment revealed that both positive and negative ESS outcomes increased with labile C fraction abundance that complicates the assignment of ESS‐based SQI scores. Although direct SQI scores are relatively easy to interpret, relationships between scores and SQIs can vary 10‐fold for different sites and cropping systems (upland versus rice paddy), which is much greater than treatment‐based differences observed within single sites. To quantify relationships between SQIs and ESS outcomes, one must measure influential site covariates (SQI–ESS covariates) along with details about management, sampling, and analysis.
Effect of Different Rotational Speeds of the Extruder on the Structure of Corn Starch
Authors: Dong Yuqing , Wang Bin , Fang Youxin , Xu Xin , Yan Shouxin , Cui Bo , Abd El‐Aty A. M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this study, corn starch samples that are treated at different rotational speeds (native corn starch, 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 Hz) are prepared by twin‐screw extrusion, and the structure of corn starch is evaluated. The results show that the crystallinity, degree of order, and degree of the double helix of corn starch decrease with increasing screw speed. In addition, in the gelatinization performance test, the rotational speed is found to have a substantial effect on the peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, and rebound viscosity. With increasing screw speed, the long‐branched chain of the corn starch sample changes into short branched chains, and the molecular weight distribution width index increases continuously. This study provides a theoretical basis for the large‐scale extrusion of corn starch.
Recent advances in high‐loading catalysts for low‐temperature fuel cells: From nanoparticle to single atom
Authors: Shen Lixiao , Ma Miao , Tu Fengdi , Zhao Zigang , Xia Yunfei , Goh Kokswee , Zhao Lei , Wang Zhenbo , Shao Guangjie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLow‐temperature fuel cells (LTFCs) are considered to be one of the most promising power sources for widespread application in sustainable and renewable energy conversion technologies. Although remarkable advances have been made in the mass activity of catalysts, mass transport impedance needs to be urgently addressed at a well‐designed membrane electrode assembly (MEA) scale. Increasing the loading of electrocatalysts is conducive to prepare thinner and more efficient MEAs owing to the resulting enhanced reactant permeability, better proton diffusion, and lower electrical resistance. Herein, recent progress in high‐loading (≥40 wt.%) Pt nanoparticle catalysts (NPCs) and high‐loading (≥2 wt.%) single‐atom catalysts (SACs) for LTFC applications are reviewed. A summary of various synthetic approaches and support materials for high‐loading Pt NPCs and SACs is systematically presented. The influences of high surface area and appropriate surface functionalization for Pt NPCs, as well as coordination environment, spatial confinement effect, and strong metal‐support interactions (SMSI) for SACs are highlighted. Additionally, this review presents some ideas regarding challenges and future opportunities of high‐loading catalysts in the application of LTFCs.
Prescribing cholinesterase inhibitors in mild cognitive impairment—Observations from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Authors: Stage Eddie , Svaldi Diana , Sokolow Sophie , Risacher Shannon L. , Marosi Krisztina , Rotter Jerome I. , Saykin Andrew J. , Apostolova Liana G. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionAnalyses of off‐label use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has produced mixed results. Post hoc analyses of observational cohorts, such as the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), have reported deleterious effects in AChEI‐treated subjects (AChEI+). Here, we used neuroimaging biomarkers to determine whether AChEI+ subjects had a greater rate of neurodegeneration than untreated (AChEI–) subjects while accounting for baseline differences.MethodsWe selected 121 ADNI MCI AChEI+ subjects and 151 AChEI– subjects with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan; 82 AChEI+ and 110 AChEI– also had a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) scan. A subset (83 AChEI+ and 98 AChEI–) had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) assessment for amyloid positivity. Linear regression models were used to compare the effect of treatment on changes in Mini‐Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating‐Sum of Boxes scores. We used standard regression in SPM (for baseline) and the SPM toolbox sandwich estimator, SwE (for longitudinal) for comparisons of AChEI+ and AChEI– FDG PET and MRI data.ResultsAt baseline, the AChEI+ group had significantly reduced cortical gray matter density (GMD) and more hypometabolism than AChEI– subjects. The greater rate of atrophy and hypometabolic changes over time in AChEI+ compared to AChEI– subjects did not survive correction for baseline differences. AChEI+ participants were more likely to be amyloid‐positive and have lower GMD and FDG standardized uptake value ratio than AChEI– at baseline. AChEI+ subjects showed greater atrophy over time, which remained significant after controlling for amyloid status.DiscussionOur data suggest that the observed differences in rates of cognitive decline, atrophy, and hypometabolism are likely the result of significant baseline differences between the groups. Furthermore, the data indicate no treatment effect of AChEI (positive of negative), rather that physicians prescribe AChEI to subjects who present with more severe clinical impairment. This alone may account for the negative effect seen previously in the ADNI population of AChEI use among MCI subjects.
Novelty‐like activation of locus coeruleus protects against deleterious human pretangle tau effects while stress‐inducing activation worsens its effects
Authors: Omoluabi Tamunotonye , Torraville Sarah E. , Maziar Aida , Ghosh Abhinaba , Power Kyron D. , Reinhardt Camila , Harley Carolyn W. , Yuan Qi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe earliest abnormality associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the presence of persistently phosphorylated pretangle tau in locus coeruleus (LC) neurons. LC neuron numbers and fiber density are positive predictors of cognition prior to death. Using an animal model of LC pretangle tau, we ask if LC activity patterns influence the sequelae of pretangle tau. We seeded LC neurons with a pretangle human tau gene. We provided daily novelty‐ or stress‐associated optogenetic activation patterns to LC neurons for 6 weeks in mid‐adulthood and, subsequently, probed cognitive and anatomical changes. Prior LC phasic stimulation prevented spatial and olfactory discrimination deficits and preserved LC axonal density. A stress‐associated activation pattern increased indices of anxiety and depression, did not improve cognition, and worsened LC neuronal health. These results argue that variations in environmental experiences associated with differing LC activity patterns may account for individual susceptibility to development of AD in humans.
Genetic diversity and structure of captive gentoo penguin populations in Japan
Authors: Aoki Yuna , Zaitsu Yosuke , Kurita Masanori , Phillips Richard A. , Tadano Ryo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUntil the last decade, gentoo penguins were usually split into two subspecies, northern gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua papua) breeding in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and other subantarctic islands and southern gentoo penguins (P. papua ellsworthi) breeding in the South Sandwich, South Orkney and South Shetland islands, and Antarctic Peninsula. Recent genetics research, however, suggests that the population at South Georgia is much more closely related to those further south and should be included in P. papua ellsworthi. In Japanese zoos and aquariums, captive breeding of gentoo penguins is conducted separately in three populations: “Captive‐South Georgia,” originating from South Georgia, “Captive‐South Shetlands,” originating from South Shetlands, and “Captive‐Unknown,” originating from at least one founder of unknown subspecies. The aims of the present study were to investigate the genetic diversity and differentiation of these captive populations using microsatellite analysis. Genetic diversity in each captive population was similar to that found in the wild, although they had much lower contemporary effective population sizes. Pairwise genetic differentiation indexes (FST) among the three captive populations were as follows: 0.0309 (“Captive‐South Georgia” and “Captive‐Unknown”), 0.1094 (“Captive‐South Georgia” and “Captive‐South Shetlands”), and 0.1214 (“Captive‐South Shetlands” and “Captive‐Unknown”). Using Bayesian clustering, there was relatively high genetic differentiation between the “Captive‐South Shetlands” group, which formed a distinct cluster, and individuals of the “Captive‐Unknown” group, which were assigned to clusters in common with “Captive‐South Georgia.” The results from the present study are useful for future management of captive gentoo penguin populations in Japan.
Two-photon exchange in leptophilic dark matter scenarios
Authors: Garani Raghuveer , Gasparotto Federico , Mastrolia Pierpaolo , Munch Henrik J. , Palomares-Ruiz Sergio , Primo Amedeo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In leptophilic scenarios, dark matter interactions with nuclei, relevant for direct detection experiments and for the capture by celestial objects, could only occur via loop-induced processes. If the mediator is a scalar or pseudo-scalar particle, which only couples to leptons, the dominant contribution to dark matter-nucleus scattering would take place via two-photon exchange with a lepton triangle loop. The corresponding diagrams have been estimated in the literature under different approximations. Here, we present new analytical calculations for one-body two-loop and two-body one-loop interactions. The two-loop form factors are presented in closed analytical form in terms of generalized polylogarithms up to weight four. In both cases, we consider the exact dependence on all the involved scales, and study the dependence on the momentum transfer. We show that some previous approximations fail to correctly predict the scattering cross section by several orders of magnitude. Moreover, we quantitatively show that form factors in the range of momentum transfer relevant for local galactic dark matter, can be significantly smaller than their value at zero momentum transfer, which is the approach usually considered.
Esc peptides as novel potentiators of defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator: an unprecedented property of antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Ferrera Loretta , Cappiello Floriana , Loffredo Maria Rosa , Puglisi Elena , Casciaro Bruno , Botta Bruno , Galietta Luis J. V. , Mori Mattia , Mangoni Maria Luisa 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMutations in the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein lead to persistent lung bacterial infections, mainly due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causing loss of respiratory function and finally death of people affected by CF. Unfortunately, even in the era of CFTR modulation therapies, management of pulmonary infections in CF remains highly challenging especially for patients with advanced stages of lung disease. Recently, we identified antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), namely Esc peptides, with potent antipseudomonal activity. In this study, by means of electrophysiological techniques and computational studies we discovered their ability to increase the CFTR-controlled ion currents, by direct interaction with the F508del-CFTR mutant. Remarkably, this property was not explored previously with any AMPs or peptides in general. More interestingly, in contrast with clinically used CFTR modulators, Esc peptides would give particular benefit to CF patients by combining their capability to eradicate lung infections and to act as promoters of airway wound repair with their ability to ameliorate the activity of the channel with conductance defects. Overall, our findings not only highlighted Esc peptides as the first characterized AMPs with a novel property, that is the potentiator activity of CFTR, but also paved the avenue to investigate the functions of AMPs and/or other peptide molecules, for a new up-and-coming pharmacological approach to address CF lung disease.
Ethoxy acetalated dextran-based nanocarriers accomplish efficient inhibition of leukotriene formation by a novel FLAP antagonist in human leukocytes and blood
Authors: Kretzer Christian , Shkodra Blerina , Klemm Paul , Jordan Paul M. , Schröder Daniel , Cinar Gizem , Vollrath Antje , Schubert Stephanie , Nischang Ivo , Hoeppener Stephanie , Stumpf Steffi , Banoglu Erden , Gladigau Frederike , Bilancia Rossella , Rossi Antonietta , Eggeling Christian , Neugebauer Ute , Schubert Ulrich S. , Werz Oliver 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLeukotrienes are pro-inflammatory lipid mediators generated by 5-lipoxygenase aided by the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP). BRP-201, a novel benzimidazole-based FLAP antagonist, inhibits leukotriene biosynthesis in isolated leukocytes. However, like other FLAP antagonists, BRP-201 fails to effectively suppress leukotriene formation in blood, which limits its therapeutic value. Here, we describe the encapsulation of BRP-201 into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and ethoxy acetalated dextran (Ace-DEX) nanoparticles (NPs), aiming to overcome these detrimental pharmacokinetic limitations and to enhance the bioactivity of BRP-201. NPs loaded with BRP-201 were produced via nanoprecipitation and the physicochemical properties of the NPs were analyzed in-depth using dynamic light scattering (size, dispersity, degradation), electrophoretic light scattering (effective charge), NP tracking analysis (size, dispersity), scanning electron microscopy (size and morphology), UV–VIS spectroscopy (drug loading), an analytical ultracentrifuge (drug release, degradation kinetics), and Raman spectroscopy (chemical attributes). Biological assays were performed to study cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and efficiency of BRP-201-loaded NPs versus free BRP-201 to suppress leukotriene formation in primary human leukocytes and whole blood. Both PLGA- and Ace-DEX-based NPs were significantly more efficient to inhibit leukotriene formation in neutrophils versus free drug. Whole blood experiments revealed that encapsulation of BRP-201 into Ace-DEX NPs strongly increases its potency, especially upon pro-longed (≥ 5 h) incubations and upon lipopolysaccharide-challenge of blood. Finally, intravenous injection of BRP-201-loaded NPs significantly suppressed leukotriene levels in blood of mice in vivo. These results reveal the feasibility of our pharmacological approach using a novel FLAP antagonist encapsulated into Ace-DEX-based NPs with improved efficiency in blood to suppress leukotriene biosynthesis.
eNOS controls angiogenic sprouting and retinal neovascularization through the regulation of endothelial cell polarity
Authors: Smith Tracy L. , Oubaha Malika , Cagnone Gael , Boscher Cécile , Kim Jin Sung , El Bakkouri Yassine , Zhang Ying , Chidiac Rony , Corriveau Jeanne , Delisle Chantal , Andelfinger Gregor U. , Sapieha Przemyslaw , Joyal Jean-Sébastien , Gratton Jean-Philippe 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe roles of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in the regulation of angiogenesis are well documented. However, the involvement of eNOS in the sprouting of endothelial tip-cells at the vascular front during sprouting angiogenesis remains poorly defined. In this study, we show that downregulation of eNOS markedly inhibits VEGF-stimulated migration of endothelial cells but increases their polarization, as evidenced by the reorientation of the Golgi in migrating monolayers and by the fewer filopodia on tip cells at ends of sprouts in endothelial cell spheroids. The effect of eNOS inhibition on EC polarization was prevented in Par3-depleted cells. Importantly, downregulation of eNOS increased the expression of polarity genes, such as PARD3B, PARD6A, PARD6B, PKCΖ, TJP3, and CRB1 in endothelial cells. In retinas of eNOS knockout mice, vascular development is retarded with decreased vessel density and vascular branching. Furthermore, tip cells at the extremities of the vascular front have a marked reduction in the number of filopodia per cell and are more oriented. In a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), eNOS deficient mice are protected during the initial vaso-obliterative phase, have reduced pathological neovascularization, and retinal endothelial tip cells have fewer filopodia. Single-cell RNA sequencing of endothelial cells from OIR retinas revealed enrichment of genes related to cell polarity in the endothelial tip-cell subtype of eNOS deficient mice. These results indicate that inhibition of eNOS alters the polarity program of endothelial cells, which increases cell polarization, regulates sprouting angiogenesis and normalizes pathological neovascularization during retinopathy.
New ways of treatment of fractures of the humeral shaft: does the combination of intramedullary nail osteosynthesis and cerclage improve the healing process?
Authors: von der Helm Franziska , Fenwick Annabel , Reuter Jan , Adolf-Lisitano Leonard , Mayr Edgar , Förch Stefan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction
The humeral shaft fracture is a rare fracture of the long bones with various treatment options. Dreaded complications such as lesions of the radial nerve or non-unions make the decision for what kind of therapy option more difficult. Biomechanically the upper arm is mostly exposed to rotational forces, which affect intramedullary nail osteosynthesis. Additive cerclage may compensate for these in spiral fractures. The aim of this study is to investigate what effect a combination of intramedullary nail osteosynthesis and limited invasive cerclage has on the rate of healing. In addition, this study addresses the question if complications arise as a result of cerclage.

Methods
In this retrospective study, 109 patients were evaluated, who, during a period of 6 years, underwent operative treatment of a humerus shaft fracture with a combination of intramedullary nail osteosynthesis and additive cerclage. The primary end point was to establish the rate of healing. A secondary end point was to evaluate complications such as infections and damage to the nerve. This was followed by an examination of patient files and X-ray images and a statistical analysis with SPSS.

Results and conclusion
The healing process shows a non-union rate of 2.6%, and complications such as secondary radial nerve lesions of 4.6%. The antegrade intramedullary nail osteosynthesis with limited invasive, additive cerclage reduces the risk of non-union and does not lead to an increased risk of iatrogenic damage to the radial nerve. Wound healing was not impaired and there were no infections through the cerclage in our patient cohort.
Finding light in dark archives: using AI to connect context and content in email
Authors: Decker Stephanie , Kirsch David A. , Kuppili Venkata Santhilata , Nix Adam 
Published: December 2021

AbstractEmail archives are important historical resources, but access to such data poses a unique archival challenge and many born-digital collections remain dark, while questions of how they should be effectively made available remain. This paper contributes to the growing interest in preserving access to email by addressing the needs of users, in readiness for when such collections become more widely available. We argue that for the content of email to be meaningfully accessed, the context of email must form part of this access. In exploring this idea, we focus on discovery within large, multi-custodian archives of organisational email, where emails’ network features are particularly apparent. We introduce our prototype search tool, which uses AI-based methods to support user-driven exploration of email. Specifically, we integrate two distinct AI models that generate systematically different types of results, one based upon simple, phrase-matching and the other upon more complex, BERT embeddings. Together, these provide a new pathway to contextual discovery that accounts for the diversity of future archival users, their interests and level of experience.
Subsequent surgery after primary ACLR results in a significantly inferior subjective outcome at a 2-year follow-up
Authors: von Essen Christoffer , Cristiani Riccardo , Lord Lise , Stålman Anders 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To analyze minimal important change (MIC), patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) and treatment failure after reoperation within 2 years of primary ACL reconstruction and compare them with patients without additional surgery.

Methods
This is a retrospective follow-up study of a cohort from a single-clinic database with all primary ACLRs enrolled between 2005 and 2015. Additional surgery within 2 years of the primary ACLR on the ipsilateral knee was identified using procedural codes and analysis of medical records. Patients who completed the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire preoperatively and at the 2-year follow-up were included in the study. MIC, PASS and treatment failure thresholds were applied using the aggregate KOOS (KOOS4) and the five KOOS subscales.

Results
The cohort included 6030 primary ACLR and from this 1112 (18.4%) subsequent surgeries were performed on 1018 (16.9%) primary ACLRs. 24 months follow-up for KOOS was obtained on 523 patients (54%) in the reoperation group and 2084 (44%) in the no-reoperation group. MIC; the no-reoperation group had a significantly higher improvement on all KOOS subscales, Pain 70.3 vs 60.2% (p < 0.01), Symptoms 72.1 vs 57.4% (p < 0.01), ADL 56.3 vs 51.2% (p < 0.01), Sport/Rec 67.3 vs 54.4% (p < 0.01), QoL 73.9 vs 56.3% (p < 0.01). PASS; 62% in the non-reoperation group reported their KOOS4 scores to be satisfactory, while only 35% reported satisfactory results in the reoperated cohort (p < 0.05). Treatment failure; 2% in the non-reoperation group and 6% (p < 0.05) in the reoperation group considered their treatment to have failed.

Conclusion
Patients who underwent subsequent surgeries within 2 years of primary ACLR reported significantly inferior outcomes in MIC, PASS and treatment failure compared to the non-reoperated counterpart at the 2-year follow-up. This study provides clinicians with important information and knowledge about the outcomes after an ACLR with subsequent additional surgery.

Level of evidence
III.