bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abundance, predation, and habitat associations of lemming winter nests in northern Sweden
Authors: Vigués Jan , Norén Karin , Wilkinson Caitlin , Stoessel Marianne , Angerbjörn Anders , Dalerum Fredrik 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSpatially synchronous fluctuations of animal populations have profound ecological consequences, especially in northern latitudes. Spatially coupled fluctuations are often seen in small rodent populations, albeit with local and regional variations. While both resource limitation and predation influence rodent dynamics, their relative importance for generating spatial variation is less clear, particularly during winter. In this study, we quantify spatial variation in winter abundance of the Norwegian lemming (Lemmus lemmus) across three ecologically connected mountain areas in northern Sweden and evaluate whether the relative strength of bottom‐up and top‐down regulation influences such variation. Our data included observations of predated and nonpredated winter nests as well as environmental characteristics of nest locations and nest predation. While the direction of annual changes in lemming nest abundance was perfectly synchronized among the three areas, there were differences in nest abundance, potentially caused by contrasting amplitudes of temporal fluctuations in lemming winter populations. Mustelid predation was positively associated with decreasing lemming populations but did not differ in occurrence among the three areas. Lemming nests were predominantly observed in meadows, whereas areas prone to flooding and close to the tree line were underrepresented. Mustelid predation was most common close to the tree line, but not associated with geomorphological characteristics related to snow depth. We suggest that the observed differences in lemming winter abundances were caused by variations in the relative strength of bottom‐up and top‐down regulation in the three mountain areas. We encourage further studies evaluating how the relative strength of different processes influence local population regulation, and how such processes influence spatial variation in animal population dynamics at different spatial scales.
Side effects and treatment initiation barriers of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vukadinović Davor , Abdin Amr , Anker Stefan D. , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Mahfoud Felix , Packer Milton , Butler Javed , Böhm Michael 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimsPhysicians are sometimes reluctant to initiate guideline‐directed therapy in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) due to concerns of adverse events. We explored the risk of hypotension, volume depletion, and acute kidney injury (AKI) on sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in HFrEF populations.Methods and resultsWe determined summary risk ratios (RRs) by conducting a meta‐analysis on reported aforementioned adverse events on SGLT2 inhibitors from randomized controlled trials. We explored robustness of meta‐analyses by computing fragility and/or reverse fragility index (FI or RFI) and its corresponding fragility quotient (FQ or RFQ) for each outcome. A total of 10 050 patients with HFrEF entered the final meta‐analysis. Hypotension was reported in 4.5% (219/4836) on SGLT2 inhibitors and in 4.1% (202/4846) on placebo (RR 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–1.31, p = 0.36). An RFI of 21 and RFQ of 0.002 suggest robust findings for hypotension. Volume depletion occurred in 9.4% (473/5019) on SGLT2 inhibitors and in 8.7% (438/5031) on placebo (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.95–1.21, p = 0.25), respectively. RFI of 19 and RFQ of 0.001 suggest moderately robust findings for volume depletion. AKI was reported in fewer patients (1.9% [95/4888]) on SGLT2 inhibitors than on placebo (2.8% [140/4899]) providing lower incidence of AKI (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.93, p = 0.02). FI of 14 and RFQ of 0.001 suggest moderately robust findings for AKI.ConclusionSodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor therapy is not associated with a clinically relevant risk of hypotension and volume depletion. Its use reduces the risk of AKI. This analysis supports current guideline recommendations on early use of SGLT2 inhibitors.
A novel 3D Tesla valve micromixer for efficient mixing and chitosan nanoparticle production
Authors: Guo Kefan , Chen Yao , Zhou Zheng , Zhu Shu , Ni Zhonghua , Xiang Nan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCurrent three‐dimensional micromixers for continuous flow reactions and nanoparticle synthesis are complex in structure and difficult to fabricate. This paper investigates the design, fabrication, and characterization of a novel micromixer that uses a simple spatial Tesla valve design to achieve efficient mixing of multiple solutions. The flow characteristics and mixing efficiencies of our Tesla valve micromixer are investigated using a combination of numerical simulations and experiments. The results show that in a wide range of flow rates, viscoelastic solutions with different concentrations can be well mixed in our micromixer. Finally, experiments on the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles are conducted to verify the practicability of our micromixer. Compared with nanoparticles prepared by conventional magnetic stirring, the size of nanoparticles prepared by micromixing is smaller and the distribution is more uniform. Therefore, our Tesla valve micromixer has significant advantages and implications for mixing chemical and biological reactions.
Evaluation and optimization of engine performance and exhaust emissions of a diesel engine fueled with diestrol blends
Authors: Rafiee Shahin , Shabani Zeinab , Khoshnevisan Benyamin , Ghobadian Barat , Nasiri Amin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBiofuel is a nontoxic and renewable fuel and could be used in diesel engines in combination with diesel to reduce emissions. The effects of various biodiesel–ethanol–diesel (BED) blends were investigated on the engine power, specific fuel consumption (SFC), engine vibration, and pollutant emissions. The engine experiments were performed using nine castor biodiesel and ethanol blends under five different engine speeds. The engine power was not influenced by different BED blends while B5E4, and B5E6 fuel blends had the highest SFC. The engine vibration slightly increased when fueled with BED blends. Hydrocarbon emission diminished by increasing biodiesel percentage in the blends, whereas it increased by substituting more ethanol in BED blends. NOx emission was increased by adding more biodiesel into BED blends, while ethanol performed vice versa. The results showed that CO emission was enhanced by increasing ethanol percentage, while it decreased with more biodiesel addition. There was not a remarkable difference in CO2 emissions between different treatments. A novel combination of an Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) modeling and Honeybee Mating Optimization (HBMO) method was adopted to find a global optimum BED blend considering various output parameters. The selected ANFIS model satisfactorily predicted the engine efficiency and exhaust emissions with R2, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE) of 0.99, 0.02, and 0.11, respectively. Consequently, using the HBMO algorithm, the BED blend with 15% of biodiesel, 6% of ethanol, and 79% of pure diesel was found to be the most optimal BED blend for a diesel engine at an engine speed of 950 rpm.
What happens in the course of positive mirror exposure? Effects on eating pathology, body satisfaction, affect, and subjective physiological arousal in patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Tanck Julia A. , Hartmann Andrea S. , Svaldi Jennifer , Hagena Silka , Osen Bernhard , Stierle Carolin , Vocks Silja 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveMirror exposure (ME) is a therapeutic technique to improve body image disturbance. However, evidence on the effectiveness of different forms of ME in clinical populations is lacking. The present study therefore analysed effects of ME on trait‐like and state measures of body image in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN).MethodThe present study therefore analysed effects of ME on trait‐like and state measures of body image in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). In total, 47 inpatients underwent 3 ME sessions guided by a therapist, with instructions to exclusively verbalise positively about their whole body. Participants completed questionnaires on trait‐like eating pathology and body image at the start and end of the study, and instruments on state affect and body satisfaction were administered directly before and after each ME session. Subjective physiological arousal and emotional valence relating to each body part were assessed within each session.ResultsThe results indicate significant improvements in eating pathology and body image regarding trait‐like measures in patients with AN and BN. Concerning state measures, negative affect significantly decreased and body satisfaction increased during ME. Physiological arousal decreased and positively valenced emotions relating to the various body parts increased.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that positively verbalising about one's body during ME improves eating pathology, body image, affect, and subjective physiological arousal, and thus seems to be an effective form of ME.
Insights into the interaction between typical amines and alkaline minerals for improved CO2 absorption and mineralization
Authors: Ji Long , Li Jiabi , Liu Nan , Wang Wenzhong , Zheng Xuan , He Qingyao , Hua Ming , Yan Shuiping 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAmine scrubbing is a mature technology to cut down CO2 emissions from human activities but suffers from a high energy consumption of solvent regeneration. The integrated CO2 absorption and mineralization (IAM) process can effectively reduce the energy consumption of amine regeneration by replacing traditional thermal regeneration with chemical regeneration via CO2 mineralization. However, a fundamental understanding of the interaction between typical amines and alkaline minerals was still lacking. In this paper, the effects of amine types on amine regeneration, alkaline metal leaching, and CaCO3 precipitation during the IAM process were explored by using five typical amines and Ca(OH)2/Mg(OH)2. Results showed very different regeneration kinetics and efficiencies were observed in five selected amine solutions, which displayed a decreased performance in the order TEA > MDEA > DEA > AMP > MEA. The regeneration performance was significantly affected by the dissolution of Ca(OH)2/Mg(OH)2 which was inversely proportional to the trend of their pKa values. TEA displayed the largest regeneration efficiency of about 95% by Ca(OH)2 and 83% by Mg(OH)2, which was much larger than other amines reported in the open literature, due to its lower pKa value than other selected amines. More interestingly, the particle size of CaCO3 produced from amine solutions was smaller than that from CaCl2 solution reported in the literature. There was a rough linear relationship between CaCO3 particle size and amine pKa values. TEA induced the formation of nano scaled CaCO3, which might be attributed to the adsorbing of TEA on the CaCO3 crystal and inhibiting the crystal growth. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of cardiac MRI in the diagnosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐associated myocarditis
Authors: Cau Riccardo , Solinas Cinzia , De Silva Pushpamali , Lambertini Matteo , Agostinetto Elisa , Scartozzi Mario , Montisci Roberta , Pontone Gianluca , Porcu Michele , Saba Luca 
Published: June 2022

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐induced cardiotoxicity is a rare immune‐related adverse event (irAE) characterized by a high mortality rate. From a pathological point of view, this condition can result from a series of causes, including binding of ICIs to target molecules on nonlymphocytic cells, cross‐reaction of T lymphocytes against tumor antigens with off‐target tissues, generation of autoantibodies and production of proinflammatory cytokines. The diagnosis of ICI‐induced cardiotoxicity can be challenging, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) represents the diagnostic tool of choice in clinically stable patients with suspected myocarditis. CMR is gaining a central role in diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular damage in cancer patients, and it is entering international cardiology and oncology guidelines. In this narrative review, we summarized the clinical aspects of ICI‐associated myocarditis, highlighting its radiological aspects and proposing a novel algorithm for the use of CMR.
The religion effect on corporate cash holding in China: Buddhism and Taoism
Authors: Xiong Lingyun , Xiao Lijuan , Bai Min , Qin Yafeng , Yang Lijuan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBuddhism and Taoism have been deeply rooted in China for generations and both of them have a profound impact on the local culture and social norms. By employing 23,999 firm‐year observations between 2008 and 2018, we examine how local religious norms affect corporate cash policies. We provide strong evidence that religiosity significantly reduces the level of corporate cash holdings, by mitigating financial constraints and earnings management of the listed companies. Managers from religious areas make more effective investments and distribute more dividends. Furthermore, our findings document that religion has a more pronounced influence on cash holdings amongst the firms with the smaller size, lower leverage, higher marketization, effective internal control and facing fierce market competition. Overall, Buddhism and Taoism, constituting the main religious norms in China, significantly optimize the firms' cash holdings and firm value.
Calculation of absolute Raman scattering cross‐sections using vibrational self‐consistent field/vibrational configuration interaction wave functions
Authors: Carvalho Jhonatas R. , Vidal Luciano N. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn the present study, the differential scattering cross‐sections, depolarization ratios and Raman shifts of small molecular systems are obtained from configuration iteration wave functions of vibrational self‐consistent field (VSCF) states. The transition polarizabilities were modeled using the Placzek approximation, neglecting those contributions not arising from the electric dipole mechanism. This theoretical approach is considered a good approximation for samples that absorb in the UV range if the excitation radiation falls in the visible region, as is the case of the molecules selected for the present study, namely: water, methane, and acetylene. Potential energy and electronic polarizability surfaces are calculated by the CCSD(T) and CC3 methods with aug‐cc‐p(C)V(T,Q,5)Z basis sets. The vibrational Hamiltonian includes the vibrational angular momentum contribution of the Watson kinetic energy operator. As expected, due to the variational nature of the VSCF and vibrational configuration interaction (VCI) methods, the Raman transition wavenumbers are substantially improved over the harmonic predictions. Surprisingly, the scattering cross‐sections obtained using the harmonic approximation or the VSCF method better agrees with the experimental values than those cross‐sections predicted using VCI wave functions. The more significant deviations of the VCI results from the experimental reference may be related to the significant uncertainties of the measured cross‐sections. Still, it may also indicate that the VCI Raman transition moments may require a more accurate description of the electronic polarizability surface. Finally, the depolarization ratios calculated for H2O and C2D2 using harmonic and VCI wave functions have similar accuracy, whereas, for C2H2 and C2HD, the VCI results are more accurate.
Charge transport in molecular junctions: General physical pictures, electrical measurement techniques, and their challenges
Authors: Peng Hao Howard , Chen Chun‐hsien 
Published: June 2022

AbstractInvestigations on charge transport (CT) at a molecular scale are essential for both fundamental science and miniaturized electronic devices. A prototypical platform for studying CT through molecules is configured as electrode‐molecule‐electrode (EME). The quantum mechanical nature and microscopic interfacial interaction enrich the journey of the transporting charge through EME junctions, which have inspired many theoretical efforts into this interdisciplinary topic. In parallel, several experimental techniques have been developed to characterize EME CT properties. This mini‐review aims to provide general physical pictures for those new to this field to comprehend molecular‐scale CT. Prevalent experimental techniques termed break‐junctions are briefly reviewed, which are often corroborated with simple physical models to characterize CT through EME junctions. Challenges of these techniques and concerns over the use of simple models are also complied herein to facilitate the understanding of CT through various EME systems.
A myriad of posterior fossa cysts: A single center experience
Authors: Yadav Arushi , Singh Chanchal , Dagar Savita , Shastri Aditi , Prakash Ritika , Thakur Seema 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAntenatal posterior fossa cystic lesions are intimidating due to overlapping imaging features of benign and severe malformations. Sonographic assessment of the posterior fossa with good resolution median sagittal and axial views, either primary or secondarily reconstructed, plays the lead role in antenatal evaluation, further enhanced when sequential assessments are added. We present 10 cases of fetal posterior fossa cystic lesions diagnosed in the first and second trimesters that were sequentially analyzed and followed up till delivery or termination. The ultrasound imaging appearance, evolution, and morphometry have been presented in this article.
Pitfalls of iron supplementation in parenteral nutrition admixtures for children with intestinal failure
Authors: Herdes Rachel E. , Oliveira Stephanie B. , Kocoshis Samuel A. , Bernieh Anas , Namjoshi Shweta S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundPediatric patients with intestinal failure are at increased risk for iron deficiency. Supplementation is not routinely included in parenteral nutrition solutions. There is currently limited research related to the safety of iron supplementation in parenteral nutrition and for intravenous forms used in patients with intestinal failure. Current American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and ESPGHAN guidelines promote the use of enteral iron, acknowledging the risks of using iron supplementation within parenteral nutrition admixtures.MethodsWe review a patient case and the current available literature related to iron in parenteral nutrition.ResultsFive major concerns are identified: peroxidation reactions, incompatibility, hypersensitivity, infection risk, and iron overload.ConclusionWe propose an argument against the preferential use of iron supplementation within parenteral nutrition in children with intestinal failure when enteral supplementation or intermittent parenteral infusion may be sufficient.
The role of Collembola for litter decomposition under minimum and conventional tillage
Authors: Hanisch Jörg , Engell Ilka , Linsler Deborah , Scheu Stefan , Potthoff Martin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe role of soil mesofauna in decomposition processes still is debated and this applies in particular to arable systems.AimThis study investigates the role of Collembola in decomposition processes of crop residues in two different tillage systems.MethodsWe conducted a litterbag experiment in a long‐term field site in Germany managed by conventional tillage (CT; mouldboard ploughing) and minimum tillage (MT). Litterbags filled with maize leaf litter of two mesh sizes (2 mm and 48 μm) were used. Litterbags were buried at 23 cm (CT) and 5–8 cm (MT), and retrieved after 2, 5 and 7 months. Litter mass, concentrations of carbon and nitrogen, litter C/N ratio as well as the abundance and community structure of Collembola and the incorporation of maize‐derived carbon into Collembola were investigated.ResultsMesofauna enhanced the loss of litter carbon, while litter mass loss was reduced. Litter C/N ratio in MT was generally lower than that in CT and decreased faster in litterbags with coarse mesh size. Abundance of Collembola in litterbags in CT exceeded that in MT, but species composition remained unaffected by tillage. Overall, Collembola effectively colonised the litter irrespective of tillage system, but benefited in particular from translocation deeper into the soil by conventional tillage.ConclusionsMesofauna accelerates litter carbon loss and increases litter nitrogen accumulation irrespective of tillage system. This may reduce nitrogen losses due to leaching in winter and facilitate nitrogen capture from decomposing litter material by crops in the following season, thereby contributing to the sustainable management of arable systems.
The functions and applications of GDSL esterase/lipase proteins in agriculture: A review
Authors: Aparato Vincent P. M. , Suh Dae‐Yeon 
Published: June 2022

AbstractGDSL esterase/lipase proteins (GELPs) compose a family of enzymes identified by a unique “GDSL” amino acid sequence motif. GELPs can accept a broad range of substrates and are functionally diverse. They are involved in various key physiological processes in plants such as cuticle development, seed oil storage, male fertility, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. Thus, genetic manipulation of GELPs has the potential to be beneficial in agriculture. As examples, the Seed Fatty Acid Reducer proteins in rapeseed (Brassica napus) function in seed oil degradation, and their down‐regulation (or knockout) may increase rapeseed oil yield. Xanthophyll acyltransferase in wheat (Triticum aestivum) catalyzes the esterification of lutein for storage, and enhancing its activity may produce wheat grains with higher carotenoid content. In this review, we aim to highlight various GELPs in globally important crops including maize, rice, wheat, soybean, and rapeseed, and discuss their potential as targets for genetic modification which will be useful in improving crop yield, quality, or both.
Expression retargeting from images to three‐dimensional face models represented in texture space
Authors: Tu Ziqi , Weng Dongdong , Liang Bin , Luo Le 
Published: June 2022

AbstractFacial expressions play a very important role in creating a vivid and realistic virtual character. This paper proposes a convolutional neural network‐based facial expression retargeting framework named EXPUV‐Net, which can extract expression information from an image and transfer it to a specified 3D face. With the help of the nonlinear generator, the proposed framework can generate rich facial expressions and does not rely on the blendshape model. A data augmentation approach is adopted in this paper, which can improve the adaptability of the proposed framework. The framework can realize expression retargeting for face models with different topologies. This paper also demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed framework through some experiments and compares it with some linear face model‐based methods for facial component extraction and face reconstruction. The results show that the proposed framework has better performance than the linear methods. The proposed framework is very helpful for facial expression generation for virtual characters.