bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial abilities to degrade global environmental plastic polymer waste are overstated
Authors: Lear G , Maday S D M , Gambarini V , Northcott G , Abbel R , Kingsbury J M , Weaver L , Wallbank J A , Pantos O 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Internationally, the environmental damage caused by the improper disposal of approximately 100 Mt of plastic waste per annum is of growing concern. Attempts to address this issue have generated many hundreds of scientific studies announcing the discovery of novel plastic-degrading microorganisms and their respective enzymes. On closer inspection, however, evidence remains sparse for the microbial degradation of most of the plastic polymers produced globally. We systematically surveyed the international literature to confirm how many microorganisms proposed to degrade plastics (n = 664) cause substantial (i.e. ⩾20% mass) losses of virgin polymer, rather than losses of plastic additives, filler, and/or shedding of polymer micro-fragments. We noted where degradation was only demonstrated for artificially aged polymer since physicochemical ageing procedures increase the abundance of monomers and oligomers such that they may be degraded by microbial activity. Additionally, artificial ageing may introduce functional groups to the polymer backbone, creating more locations susceptible to microbial degradation than would otherwise occur in the environment. We identified multiple studies demonstrating the effective microbial degradation of heterochain plastic polymers such as polylactic acid, polycaprolactone and polyethylene terephthalate (i.e. polymers containing elements other than carbon in the backbone structure). However, in the literature, we find no evidence for the substantial degradation of unadulterated polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride, homochain polymers which represent the overwhelming majority of global plastics production. Current research demonstrates that the pre-treatment of plastics with elevated temperature or UV-light may speed physicochemical plastic degradation, with valuable applications for downstream microbial processing. However, evidence for the microbial degradation of most plastic polymers in current circulation is lacking. We outline simple criteria that should be met before announcing the microbial degradation of plastic polymers. We hope this may help to address largely unsubstantiated expectations that microorganisms can degrade many plastic polymers in situ.
Classical simulation of contextuality through hiding the disturbance
Authors: Zhan Xiang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Contextuality is one of the key non-classical features of nature as predicted by quantum theory and is also a crucial resource for quantum information. In this paper, we propose a method to simulate this non-classical feature using a classical system. Our model includes measurements that disturb some states of the measured system and states under restricted distribution to hide the disturbance from examinations of compatibility. This model is feasible for both state-independent and state-dependent contextualities and enables arbitrary sequences of measurements that are allowed by contextuality experiments. Moreover, we show a toy experiment with a specific classical system can realize the simulation, which provides a new insight to understand contextuality.
Effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate and different SiC quantities on electrodeposited Ni-Co alloy coatings
Authors: Ababsa Asma , Ben Temam Hachemi , Hasan Gamil Gamal , Althamthami Mohammed , Malfi And Najran 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Ni-Co nanocomposites Prepared by electrodeposition in a modified Watts bath containing various quantities of silicon carbide SiC and the organic additive sodium dodecyl sulfate SDS as a surfactant. The influence of nanoparticle incorporation on the electrodeposit microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and deformation process was studied. Vickers micro-hardness and weight loss tests were used to study the mechanical properties and morphology. The microstructure has also been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Co-deposition of uniformly dispersed SiC particles, on the other hand, was found to improve the extreme tensile strength of the deposits significantly; SDS lowered the surface tension, allowing the SiC particles to fill in all remaining gaps to achieve a homogeneous surface. A process involving atoms that can dramatically improve flexibility. The incorporation of SiC particles and raising the strain rate encouraged a ductile fracture mode in a nano-crystalline Ni-Co matrix, which demonstrated a mixed mod behavior of flexible and brittle fracture; it was evident that the addition of SDS increases the concentration of SiC particles in general on Ni-Co samples. Moreover, compare Ni-Co with various amounts of SiC and Ni-Co/SiC with adding SDS. Furthermore, to achieve the highest possible electroplating efficiency.
Machine learning based data driven inkjet printed electronics: jetting prediction for novel inks
Authors: Brishty Fahmida Pervin , Urner Ruth , Grau Gerd 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Machine learning (ML) as a predictive methodology can potentially reduce the configuration cost and workload of inkjet printing. Inkjet printing has many advantages for additive manufacturing and printed electronics including low cost, scalability, non-contact printing and on-demand customization. Inkjet generates droplets with a piezoelectric dispenser controlled through frequency, voltage pulse and timing parameters. A major challenge is the design of jettable inks and the rapid optimization of stable jetting conditions whilst preventing common problems (no ejection, perturbation, satellite drop, multiple drops, drop breaking, nozzle clogging). Material consuming trial and error experiments are replaced here with a ML based jetting window. A dataset of machine and material properties is created from literature and experimental data. After exploratory data analysis and feature identification, various (linear and non-linear) regression models are compared in detail. The models are trained on 80% of the data and root mean square error (RMSE) is calculated on 20% test data. Simple polynomial relationships between the input and output features yield coarse prediction. Instead, small ensembles of decision trees (DTs) (boosted DTs and random forests) have improved predictive power for drop velocity and radius with RMSE of 0.39 m s−1 and 2.21 µm respectively. The mean absolute percentage error is 3.87%. The models are validated with experimentally collected data for a novel ink where no data points with this ink were included in the training set. Additionally, several classification algorithms are utilized to categorize ink and printer parameters by jetting regime (‘single drop’, ‘multiple drops’, ‘no ejection’). Categorization and regression models are combined to improve overall model prediction. This article demonstrates that ML can be used to predict ink jetting behavior from 11 different ink and printing parameters. Different algorithms are analyzed and the optimal combination of algorithms is identified. It is shown that experimental and literature data can be combined and an initial dataset is created that other reserachers can build on in the future. ML enables efficient material and printing parameter selection speeding up the development of novel ink materials for printed electronics by eliminating jetting experiments that are money, time and material intensive.
Order of zeros of Dedekind zeta functions
Authors: Hu Daniel , Kaneko Ikuya , Martin Spencer , Schildkraut Carl 
Published: March 2022

Answering a question of Browkin, we provide a new unconditional proof that the Dedekind zeta function of a number field

L
L

has infinitely many nontrivial zeros of multiplicity at least 2 if

L
L

has a subfield

K
K

for which

L

/

K

L/K

is a nonabelian Galois extension. We also extend this to zeros of order 3 when

G
a
l
(
L

/

K
)

Gal(L/K)

has an irreducible representation of degree at least 3, as predicted by the Artin holomorphy conjecture.
Illustrating How to Simulate Data From Directed Acyclic Graphs to Understand Epidemiologic Concepts
Authors: Fox Matthew P , Nianogo Roch , Rudolph Jacqueline E , Howe Chanelle J 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Simulation methods are a powerful set of tools that can allow researchers to better characterize phenomena from the real world. As such, the ability to simulate data represents a critical set of skills that epidemiologists should use to better understand epidemiologic concepts and ensure that they have the tools to continue to self-teach even when their formal instruction ends. Simulation methods are not always taught in epidemiology methods courses, whereas causal directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) often are. Therefore, this paper details an approach to building simulations from DAGs and provides examples and code for learning to perform simulations. We recommend using very simple DAGs to learn the procedures and code necessary to set up a simulation that builds on key concepts frequently of interest to epidemiologists (e.g., mediation, confounding bias, M bias). We believe that following this approach will allow epidemiologists to gain confidence with a critical skill set that may in turn have a positive impact on how they conduct future epidemiologic studies.
Addressing Extreme Propensity Scores in Estimating Counterfactual Survival Functions via the Overlap Weights
Authors: Cheng Chao , Li Fan , Thomas Laine E , Li Fan (Frank) 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) approach is popular for evaluating causal effects in observational studies, but extreme propensity scores could bias the estimator and induce excessive variance. Recently, the overlap weighting approach has been proposed to alleviate this problem, which smoothly down-weights the subjects with extreme propensity scores. Although advantages of overlap weighting have been extensively demonstrated in literature with continuous and binary outcomes, research on its performance with time-to-event or survival outcomes is limited. In this article, we propose estimators that combine propensity score weighting and inverse probability of censoring weighting to estimate the counterfactual survival functions. These estimators are applicable to the general class of balancing weights, which includes IPTW, trimming, and overlap weighting as special cases. We conduct simulations to examine the empirical performance of these estimators with different propensity score weighting schemes in terms of bias, variance, and 95% confidence interval coverage, under various degrees of covariate overlap between treatment groups and censoring rates. We demonstrate that overlap weighting consistently outperforms IPTW and associated trimming methods in bias, variance, and coverage for time-to-event outcomes, and the advantages increase as the degree of covariate overlap between the treatment groups decreases.
New data for palaeoclimatic reconstructions in the upper/middle Uruguay River Basin: caesalpinioid Fabaceae woods in the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Ramos R Soledad , Brea Mariana , Kröhling Daniela M , Contreras Silvina A 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe El Palmar Formation is the principal unit deposited during the Late Pleistocene by the Uruguay River in eastern Entre Ríos province, Argentina and north-western Uruguay. The Arroyo Yuquerí fossiliferous locality (c. 31°36′ S, 58°06′ W), part of the El Palmar Formation, is one of the richest sites in fossil woods. This article describes and determines 11 fossil woods, including seven new species closely related to modern Parapiptadenia, Microlobius, Anadenanthera, Pseudopiptadenia (Mimoseae, Fabaceae) and Chloroleucon, Enterolobium and Cedrelinga (Ingeae, Fabaceae). Coexistence approach, nearest living relatives (NLR) methods and mesomorphic and vulnerability indices were used to determine palaeoclimatic conditions. Comparisons of NLR of fossil woods, coupled with other previously identified taxa, suggest that a mature and evergreen woodland was present in the middle Uruguay River Basin during some Pleistocene events (MIS 5a and MIS7, according to absolute datings of the fossiliferous sedimentary unit). This caesalpinoid legume woodland was shaped by an environment with abundant humidity, and the structure of the water conduction system in the studied species was efficient. Finally, the results indicate a more humid and warmer climate than at present in the study area.
Cervical lymph nodes and ovarian teratomas as germinal centres in NMDA receptor-antibody encephalitis
Authors: Al-Diwani Adam , Theorell Jakob , Damato Valentina , Bull Joshua , McGlashan Nicholas , Green Edward , Kienzler Anne Kathrin , Harrison Ruby , Hassanali Tasneem , Campo Leticia , Browne Molly , Easton Alistair , Soleymani majd Hooman , Tenaka Keiko , Iorio Raffaele , Dale Russell C , Harrison Paul , Geddes John , Quested Digby , Sharp David , Lee Soon Tae , Nauen David W , Makuch Mateusz , Lennox Belinda , Fowler Darren , Sheerin Fintan , Waters Patrick , Leite M Isabel , Handel Adam E , Irani Sarosh R 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Autoantibodies against the extracellular domain of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) NR1 subunit cause a severe and common form of encephalitis. To better understand their generation, we aimed to characterize and identify human germinal centres actively participating in NMDAR-specific autoimmunization by sampling patient blood, CSF, ovarian teratoma tissue and, directly from the putative site of human CNS lymphatic drainage, cervical lymph nodes. From serum, both NR1-IgA and NR1-IgM were detected more frequently in NMDAR-antibody encephalitis patients versus controls (both P &lt; 0.0001). Within patients, ovarian teratoma status was associated with a higher frequency of NR1-IgA positivity in serum (OR = 3.1; P &lt; 0.0001) and CSF (OR = 3.8, P = 0.047), particularly early in disease and before ovarian teratoma resection. Consistent with this immunoglobulin class bias, ovarian teratoma samples showed intratumoral production of both NR1-IgG and NR1-IgA and, by single cell RNA sequencing, contained expanded highly-mutated IgA clones with an ovarian teratoma-restricted B cell population. Multiplex histology suggested tertiary lymphoid architectures in ovarian teratomas with dense B cell foci expressing the germinal centre marker BCL6, CD21+ follicular dendritic cells, and the NR1 subunit, alongside lymphatic vessels and high endothelial vasculature. Cultured teratoma explants and dissociated intratumoral B cells secreted NR1-IgGs in culture. Hence, ovarian teratomas showed structural and functional evidence of NR1-specific germinal centres. On exploring classical secondary lymphoid organs, B cells cultured from cervical lymph nodes of patients with NMDAR-antibody encephalitis produced NR1-IgG in 3/7 cultures, from patients with the highest serum NR1-IgG levels (P &lt; 0.05). By contrast, NR1-IgG secretion was observed neither from cervical lymph nodes in disease controls nor in patients with adequately resected ovarian teratomas. Our multimodal evaluations provide convergent anatomical and functional evidence of NMDAR-autoantibody production from active germinal centres within both intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structures and traditional secondary lymphoid organs, the cervical lymph nodes. Furthermore, we develop a cervical lymph node sampling protocol that can be used to directly explore immune activity in health and disease at this emerging neuroimmune interface.
Global DNA methylation of WTC prostate cancer tissues show signature differences compared to non-exposed cases
Authors: Yu Haocheng , Tuminello Stephanie , Alpert Naomi , van Gerwen Maaike , Yoo Seungyeul , Mulholland David J , Aaronson Stuart A , Donovan Michael , Oh William K , Gong Yixuan , Wang Li , Zhu Jun , Taioli Emanuela 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
There is increased incidence of prostate cancer (PC) among World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed responders and community members, with preliminary evidence suggestive of more aggressive disease. While previous research is supportive of differences in DNA methylation and gene expression as a consequence of WTC exposure, as measured in blood of healthy individuals, the epigenetics of WTC PC tissues has yet to be explored. Patients were recruited from the World Trade Center Health Program. Non-WTC PC samples were frequency matched on age, race/ethnicity and Gleason score. Bisulfite-treated DNA was extracted from tumor tissue blocks and used to assess global DNA methylation with the MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Differential and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. RNA from the same tumor blocks was used for gene expression analysis to further support DNA methylation findings. Methylation data were generated for 28 samples (13 WTC and 15 non-WTC). Statistically significant differences in methylation were observed for 3,586 genes; on average WTC samples were statistically significantly more hypermethylated (P = 0.04131). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed hypermethylation in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), hypoxia, mitotic spindle, TNFA signaling via NFKB, WNT signaling, and TGF beta signaling pathways in WTC compared to non-WTC samples. The androgen response, G2M and MYC target pathways were hypomethylated. These results correlated well with RNA gene expression. In conclusion, long-term epigenic changes associated with WTC dust exposure were observed in PC tissues. These occurred in genes of critical pathways, likely increasing prostate tumorigenesis potential. This warrants analysis of larger WTC groups and other cancer types.
Side effects of statins: from pathophysiology and epidemiology to diagnostic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Ruscica Massimiliano , Ferri Nicola , Banach Maciej , Sirtori Cesare R , Corsini Alberto 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Treatment with statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, has proven beneficial preventive effects on cardiovascular events. However, discontinuation due to intolerance and non-adherence remain two of the major gaps in both primary and secondary prevention. This leads many patients with high-risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) to be inadequately treated or not to achieve target lipid level goals, and as consequence they undergo an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of this review is thus to give an overview of the reasons for discontinuation and on the possible mechanisms behind them. Although statins, as a class, are generally safe, they are associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and hepatic transaminase elevations. Incidence of cataracts or cognitive dysfunction and others presented in the literature (e.g. proteinuria and haematuria) have been never confirmed to have a causal link. Conversely, debated remains the effect on myalgia. Muscle side effects are the most commonly reported, although myalgia is still believed by some to be the result of a nocebo/drucebo effect. Concerning mechanisms behind muscular side effects, no clear conclusions have been reached. Thus, if on one side it is important to identify individuals either at higher risk to develop a side effect, or with confirmed risk factors and conditions of statin intolerance, on the other side alternative strategies should be identified to avoid an increased ASCVD risk.
Are primary care providers’ nutrition care and food insecurity screening practices associated with their perceptions of team-based care?
Authors: Williams April R , Hines Anika L , Dow Alan W , Sabo Roy T , Thomson Maria D 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Screening for food insecurity (FI) and providing nutrition care are important management strategies for chronic diseases, but rates are low. Aspects of team-based care and providers’ nutrition competence may help inform interventions to improve these services. The objectives of this study were to describe US primary care providers’ FI screening and nutrition care practices (counselling, referrals, and time spent counselling) and test for associations with scored measures of their perceptions of team-based care (care continuity, patient-centredness, coordination with external providers and resources) and nutrition competence (confidence counselling and attitudes towards nutrition).

Methods
Cross-sectional online survey data of primary care providers were described and analysed for associations using Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Results
Of provider respondents (N = 92), 35% (n = 32) worked in clinics that screen for FI and had higher team perceptions (P = 0.006) versus those who do not. Those who reported counselling &gt;30% patients about nutrition (57%, n = 52) and referring &gt;10% patients to nutrition professionals (24%, n = 22) had significantly better attitudes towards nutrition (P = 0.013 and P = 0.04, respectively) compared with those with lower counselling and referral rates. Half (n = 46) of the providers reported spending &gt;3-min counselling each patient about nutrition and had higher patient-centred care (P = 0.004) and nutrition competence (P &lt; 0.001) compared with those who spent less time counselling.

Conclusion
Providers in clinics that screen for FI had higher overall perceptions of team-based care, but their nutrition competence was not significantly different. Meanwhile, reported more time counselling was associated with a culture of patient-centredness. Promoting team-based care may be a mechanism for improving FI screening and nutrition care.
Stress changes caused by exsolution of magmatic fluids within an axisymmetric inclusion
Authors: Belardinelli Maria Elina , Nespoli Massimo , Bonafede Maurizio 
Published: March 2022

SUMMARY
In volcanic regions ascending magma is subject to depressurization and is generally accompanied by exsolution of volatiles. We assume a process in which these volatiles propagate upward across newly fractured and permeable rock layers, bringing a sharp increase of pore pressure and temperature within a thin disc-shaped region (inclusion). Thermo-poro-elastic (TPE) inclusion models provide a mechanism to explain seismicity and deformation induced by p and T changes in absence of new magma emplacement in volcanic contexts. They are also suitable to represent the mechanical effects due to fluid extraction and re-injection in geothermal fields. In the present work analytic solutions are provided for the displacement, strain and stress fields assuming a TPE unbounded medium. Significant deviatoric stress is generated by positive increments of pore pressure and temperature: the stress field is fully deviatoric outside the TPE inclusion, but a strong isotropic stress component is present within, leading to highly heterogeneous faulting mechanisms: if the disc plane is horizontal, thrust faulting mechanisms are favoured within the TPE disc over optimally oriented faults and normal mechanisms above. The model is easily generalized to a vertically thick disc with variable temperature and pore-pressure changes: then, an extensional environment can be obtained even within the TPE inclusion assuming upward decreasing of pore pressure and temperature changes. The supplied analytical solution may be used to model near-field TPE inclusion effects and to validate more complex numerical modelling.