bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Goiter surgery recommendations in sub‐Saharan Africa in humanitarian cooperation
Authors: Martinez José Gil , González Miguel , Hernández Quiteria , Rodríguez María Angeles , Torregrosa Nuria , Gil Elena , Cascales Pedro Antonio , Delgado Miguel Angel , Sancho Joan , Lopez‐Lopez Victor , Rodriguez Jose Manuel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe standard treatment for endemic goiter is usually total thyroidectomy. In low‐ and middle‐income countries, the management of thyroid disease, which is commonplace in fully developed countries, is not always possible. The purpose of this study is to establish a treatment algorithm to calculate the extent of thyroidectomy based on the risk factors of each patient.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study conducted during the period between 2017 and 2019. A total of 287 patients with thyroid pathology were treated in Maragua Hospital (Kenya). The results of surgical treatment were analyzed after the implementation of an individualized treatment protocol.ResultsOne hundred and sixty patients with different types of goiter underwent surgery: solitary nodule (54.4%), multi‐nodular goiter (30.6%), diffuse goiter (10.6%), and intrathoracic goiter (3.8%). The techniques used were hemithyroidectomy (78.8%), Dunhill thyroidectomy (9.4%), bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (6.9%), and total thyroidectomy (3.1%). There was no mortality. The surgical morbidity rate was 16% (only one major complication (3b)). Two cases of dysphonia were resolved in the first week. There were three cases of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, two of which resolved in the first week and the other of which was definitive. The follow‐up at 6 months was 67%. The cancer rate found in the resection specimens was 5%.DiscussionThe implementation of individualized surgical protocols for thyroid surgery in sub‐Saharan Africa can improve outcomes. The cooperation projects can increase access to complex surgical treatment for patients with limited resources in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Liquid Crystalline Composite Stabilized by Epoxy Polymer with Boscage‐Like Morphology for Energy‐Efficient Smart Windows with High Stability
Authors: Chen Gang , Hu Junmei , Xu Jianjun , Sun Jian , Xiao Jiumei , Zhang Lanying , Wang Xiao , Hu Wei , Yang Huai 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSmart windows, which can provide comfortable indoor conditions for cars or buildings and protect the privacy of people, have attracted much attention. Traditional acrylate‐based smart windows have the disadvantages of high energy consumption and poor stability. Herein, an energy‐efficient smart window based on a liquid crystalline composite stabilized by an epoxy polymer with boscage‐like morphology is reported. This epoxy polymer is prepared by cationic polymerization of the liquid crystalline epoxy monomer E6M in vertically oriented negative nematic liquid crystals. The orientation of the liquid crystals is controlled by the epoxy polymer, which makes the composite film transparent and switchable to scattering by an electric field. Therefore, the composite film can be used in an energy‐efficient reverse‐mode smart window. The reverse‐mode smart window has better cycling stability than does acrylate, owing to the better mechanical properties endowed by the polymer matrix with a unique morphology and high stress tolerance.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation for Selecting Proportion of G2/CIIR Composite with Optimal Damping Properties
Authors: Lan Yunrui , Song Weijin , Wang Jincheng 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this work, the mechanism and optimal ratio of dendritic amino‐terminated aromatic polyamide G2 as a damping agent to improve the damping properties of chlorinated butyl rubber (CIIR) are studied. G2 can effectively improve the damping properties of CIIR composite by hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The types and quantities of hydrogen bonds in the gradient proportional G2/CIIR_Cell systems are counted, while the contribution of single factor hydrogen bond to the damping characteristics of G2/CIIR composite is explored. Finally, the proportion of G2/CIIR composite with optimal damping properties is selected to be 22/100, which contains 6 α‐type hydrogen bonds and 12 β‐type hydrogen bonds. Meanwhile, this CIIR composite shows excellent mechanical properties, as well as its glass transition temperature (Tg) is 223.7845 K. Thus, it is a kind of CIIR composite material with high damping properties and wide application prospects.
Role of Lysosomal Gene Variants in Modulating GBA‐Associated Parkinson's Disease Risk
Authors: Straniero Letizia , Rimoldi Valeria , Monfrini Edoardo , Bonvegna Salvatore , Melistaccio Giada , Lake Julie , Soldà Giulia , Aureli Massimo , Shankaracharya  , Keagle Pamela , Foroud Tatiana , Landers John E. , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Zecchinelli Anna , Cilia Roberto , Di Fonzo Alessio , Pezzoli Gianni , Duga Stefano , Asselta Rosanna 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo date, variants in the GBA gene represent the most frequent large‐effect genetic factor associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the reason why individuals with the same GBA variant may or may not develop neurodegeneration and PD is still unclear.ObjectivesTherefore, we evaluated the contribution of rare variants in genes responsible for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) to GBA‐PD risk, comparing the burden of deleterious variants in LSD genes in PD patients versus asymptomatic subjects, all carriers of deleterious variants in GBA.MethodsWe used a custom next‐generation sequencing panel, including 50 LSD genes, to screen 305 patients and 207 controls (discovery cohort). Replication and meta‐analysis were performed in two replication cohorts of GBA‐variant carriers, of 250 patients and 287 controls, for whom exome or genome data were available.ResultsStatistical analysis in the discovery cohort revealed a significantly increased burden of deleterious variants in LSD genes in patients (P = 0.0029). Moreover, our analyses evidenced that the two strongest modifiers of GBA penetrance are a second variation in GBA (5.6% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.023) and variants in genes causing mucopolysaccharidoses (6.9% vs. 1%, P = 0.0020). These results were confirmed in the meta‐analysis, where we observed pooled odds ratios of 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.83, P = 0.0063), 4.36 (95% CI = 2.02–9.45, P = 0.00019), and 1.83 (95% CI = 1.04–3.22, P = 0.038) for variants in LSD genes, GBA, and mucopolysaccharidosis genes, respectively.ConclusionThe identification of genetic lesions in lysosomal genes increasing PD risk may have important implications in terms of patient stratification for future therapeutic trials. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.
Multivariate drought analysis for the temperature homogeneous regions of India: Lessons from the Gomati River basin
Authors: Bhatt Diva , Mall R. K. , Raju K. N. Prudhvi , Suryavanshi Shakti 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDroughts inflict significant loss on agricultural economies. Gomati River basin, the area of the present study, is located within the Ganga River floodplains, which approximately coincide with the north central temperature homogeneous region (NCTHR) of India. Gomati basin is a non‐perennial one supporting water intensive agricultural crops. To ascertain the occurrence of droughts (if any) from 1986 to 2015 within Gomati River basin, in terms of inter‐dependencies of drought causing variables through study of multivariate drought indices, is the main objective of the present study. Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used in combination with the Copula approach to construct multivariate standardized drought indices (MSDIs) for drought onset detection through simulation in the face of data scarcity. Although MSDI based assessment of the basin as a whole did not detect any droughts, in the upper basin, MSDIs indicated the possibilities of impending agricultural droughts marked by their consistent variability aroundnear‐normalconditions. This methodology can be used to detect drought situations in data scarce non‐perennial river basins within the Ganga River floodplains including the NCTHR of India.
Utilization of discarded Cymbopogon flexuosus root waste as a novel lignocellulosic fiber for lightweight polymer composite application
Authors: Somasundaram Raja , Rajamoni Rajesh , Suyambulingam Indran , Divakaran Divya , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Siengchin Suchart 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe viability of using cellulosic Cymbopogon flexuosus root (CFR) fiber waste from the industry as a reinforcing material in a polyester‐reinforced composite was investigated. Initially, CFR anatomy, mechanical, thermal, physio‐chemical, morphological, and spectroscopy behaviors were investigated. Spectroscopy and chemical analysis were evidence for the richness of cellulose content (74.33%) in the fiber which reflected in increased tensile strength of 315.22 ± 61.72 MPa and thermal stability 272.31°C. Fiber reinforcement was varied from 0 to 50 wt% at random orientation and mechanical, and water absorption properties were correlated with the glass fiber reinforced composite of the same weight percentage. The composite with a 40% fiber combination has an enhancement in mechanical, morphological, and thermal characterization. This comprehensive study confirms the usage of this bio‐material in replacing harmful synthetic material in structural, marine and mechanical industrial applications.
Identification of antidiabetic components in Uncariae Rammulus Cum Uncis based on phytochemical isolation and spectrum–effect relationship analysis
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Fang‐Fang , Jiang Zheng‐Meng , Liu E‐Hu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesUncariae Rammulus Cum Uncis (URCU) is a commonly used herbal medicine to treat diabetes. This work is aimed to discover and identify the antidiabetic components from URCU extract.MethodsColumn chromatography and recrystallisation were used to separate individual compounds from URCU extract, and the obtained individual compounds were used for determination of α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. Molecular docking was applied to predict the molecular interactions. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for fingerprint analysis of 12 batches of URCU. HPLC fingerprints were assessed by the similarity analysis (SA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The spectrum–effect relationship analysis of URCU was assessed by orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) and bivariate correlation analysis (BCA).ResultsA total of 10 potential bioactive compounds were isolated and six of them showed potent α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 4.21–166.10 μM). The molecular docking results revealed that the binding energy was consistent with the results of α‐glucosidase inhibition activity analysis (−8.55 to −4.84 kcal/mol). The ethanol extracts of the 12 batches of URCU showed inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase in a dose‐dependent manner, and the IC50 values ranged from 0.94 μg/mL to 12.57 μg/mL. The spectrum–effect relationship analysis results indicated that 13 peaks might be potential antidiabetic compounds in URCU, including 18 (hyperoside) and 19 (rutin).ConclusionA comprehensive connection between URCU chemical components and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity was established for the first time by using a spectrum–effect relationship model, which might be applicable to the quality control of URCU.
Inequality and growth in Portugal: A reappraisal for the period 1986–2017
Authors: Fernandes Miguel , Andrade João S. , Duarte Adelaide , Simões Marta 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the inequality‐growth nexus for Portugal over the period 1986–2017. Portugal is a country that has recorded a decelerating growth trajectory together with high levels of inequality, coupled with relatively low levels of human capital and productivity. We compute different measures of earnings inequality using microdata from the Quadros de Pessoal database and use them to estimate VAR and SVAR A‐B models with four variables (human capital, inequality, investment, and output) to empirically assess the sign of the relationship between inequality and growth, as well as the underlying mechanisms of transmission. The results from the impulse response analysis indicate that a shock to inequality has a negative impact on growth and on human capital availability, as well as an initial negative impact on investment which eventually becomes positive. The evidence found highlights the human capital, savings, and domestic demand channels as good candidates to explain the relationship between inequality and growth in Portugal.
The benefits of informed management of sunlight in production greenhouses and polytunnels
Authors: Robson T. Matthew , Pieristè Marta , Durand Maxime , Kotilainen Titta K. , Aphalo Pedro J. 
Published: March 2022

Societal Impact StatementThe effective management of light is beneficial for growers of plants in greenhouses, polytunnels and under cloches. The materials and structures used to construct these environments often create light‐limited conditions for crops and change the spectral composition of sunlight they receive. Combining practical measures, drawn from knowledge of plant photobiology, allows growers to monitor, forecast and optimise conditions in their growing environment according to its geographical location and the crop grown. Improved management of light through these measures could be expected to improve food quality and yield, and potentially reduce use of energy, water and pesticides.SummaryHorticultural production in greenhouses and in polytunnels expands the viable geographic range of many crop species and extends their productive growing season. These semi‐controlled growing environments buffer natural fluctuations in heat, cold and light and hold potential to improve food security with a low environmental footprint. Over the last decade, technological advances in cladding materials, smart filters, photo‐electric cells for energy production and LED lighting have created opportunities to improve the light environment within these structures. In parallel, there have been large advances in plant photobiology, underpinned by progress in identifying the mechanisms of photomorphogenesis and photoprotection, mediated by plant photoreceptors and their interactions, across regions of the spectrum. However, there remains unexploited potential to synthesise and transfer knowledge from these fields to horticulture, particularly with respect to tailoring the use of sunlight to specific locations and production systems. Here, we systematically explain (1) the value of modelling and monitoring patterns of sunlight to allow for informed design of the growth environment; (2) the means of optimising light conditions through selection of materials and structures; (3) the requirements of different crop plants in terms of the amount and spectral composition of light that will benefit yield and food quality; (4) the potential to combine this knowledge for effective management of the sunlight; and, finally, (5) the additional benefits these actions may bring to growers and society at large, beyond the crops themselves, in terms of water use and energy efficiency.
Risedronate or exercise for lean mass preservation during menopause: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Flores Laura E. , Kupzyk Kevin , Waltman Nancy , Beavers Kristen M. , Bilek Laura 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe menopause transition is marked by hormonal shifts leading to body composition changes, such as fat mass gain and lean mass loss. Weight‐bearing and resistance exercise can help maintain lean mass during the menopause transition; however, uptake is low. Preclinical research points to bisphosphonates as also being effective in preventing loss of lean mass. Thus, we sought to investigate whether bisphosphonate therapy can mitigate loss of lean mass and outperform weight‐bearing exercise in the years immediately following menopause.MethodsData come from the Heartland Osteoporosis Prevention Study (NCT02186600), where osteopenic, postmenopausal women were randomized to bisphosphonate (n = 91), weight‐bearing/resistance exercise (n = 92), or control (n = 93) conditions over a 1 year period. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry‐derived body composition measures (including total lean mass, total fat mass, lean mass index, and lean‐to‐fat mass ratio) were ascertained at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Adherence to risedronate and weight‐bearing exercise was defined as the percentage of dosages taken and exercise sessions attended. Intent‐to‐treat analysis using linear modelling was used to generate treatment effects on body composition. Secondary analysis utilized per‐protocol analysis and included adjustment for weight change.ResultsA total of 276 women (age: 54.5 years; 83.3% Caucasian; body mass index: 25.7 kg/m2) were included in the analyses; 12 month adherence to the risedronate and exercise interventions was 89% and 64%, respectively. Group‐by‐time interactions were observed for lean mass, revealing that exercise (0.43 ± 1.49 kg) and risedronate groups (0.31 ± 1.68 kg) gained significantly more lean mass than control group (−0.15 ± 1.27 kg) over 12 months. However, after controlling for weight change in secondary analysis, the difference in lean mass change between control and risedronate became non‐significant (P = 0.059).ConclusionsResults suggest that both 12 months of oral risedronate and 12 months of weight‐bearing exercise may diminish lean mass loss experienced during the menopause transition as compared with control. The lean mass‐sparing effect for risedronate may be driven by overall weight change.
Stability analysis of delayed Markovian jump systems with delay switching and state signals and applications
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Ren Yunshuai 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article addresses the asymptotical mean square stability problem of continuous‐time delayed Markovian jump systems (MJSs). Different from the existing delayed MJS models, time‐varying delays are contained in not only system state but also switching signal and could lead to great difficulties. An auxiliary system approach is developed to handle the difficulties, in which the traditionally delayed state and a new delayed exponential matrix are both involved. Based on the established model, sufficient stability conditions with solvable forms are given by using a Lyapunov function approach and some novel techniques. More extensions about an MJS under sampled switching and state signals are further considered, and so does the stabilization problem. A numerical example is offered to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the methods proposed in this study.
Shallow coastal water turbidity monitoring using Planet Dove satellites
Authors: Li Jiwei , Carlson Rachel R. , Knapp David E. , Asner Gregory P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTurbidity monitoring in shallow coastal waters is fundamental to marine ecosystem research, management and protection. Satellite‐based water turbidity monitoring can be conducted at a greater spatial extent and higher temporal frequency than field measurements. The new Planet Dove satellite constellation has a daily revisit frequency and higher spatial resolution than Sentinel or Landsat satellites, allowing Planet Dove to track water turbidity dynamics in greater detail when suitable atmospheric correction is provided. We developed a new shallow coastal water turbidity estimation algorithm for Planet Dove and similar multi‐spectral satellites. Our algorithm accounts for bottom reflectance in total water‐leaving radiance to derive turbidity values in shallow coastal waters. We tested the algorithm with data from 235 Dove satellite images at five sites with different water conditions (Pelekane Bay, Big Island, Hawai‘i; Hilo Bay, Big Island, Hawai‘i; Kilo Nalu and Ala Wai, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i; Fagatele Bay, American Samoa; Vieques Island, Puerto Rico). We then validated satellite‐derived turbidity results (RMSE = 0.79–1.12 FNU [Formazin Nephelometric Unit]) using 75 days of field‐measured data, ranging in turbidity from 0.1 to 11.6 FNU in the five sites. Results show that our algorithm accurately detects turbidity in critical nearshore environments. In Hawai‘i, we used ~6700 Dove images to support a weekly turbidity monitoring study at a large geographic scale. We found this new, shallow‐water algorithm can be effectively applied to Dove satellite data to monitor water turbidity at high temporal resolution.
Efficient and Selective CO2 Reduction to Formate on Pd‐Doped Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2: Dynamic Catalyst Reconstruction and Accelerated CO2 Protonation
Authors: Huang Wenjing , Wang Yijin , Liu Jiawei , Wang Yu , Liu Daobin , Dong Jingfeng , Jia Ning , Yang Lan , Liu Chuntai , Liu Zheng , Liu Bin , Yan Qingyu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractExploring catalyst reconstruction under the electrochemical condition is critical to understanding the catalyst structure–activity relationship as well as to design effective electrocatalysts. Herein, a PbF2 nanocluster is synthesized and its self‐reconstruction under the CO2 reduction condition is investigated. F− leaching, CO2‐saturated environment, and application of a cathodic potential induce self‐reconstruction of PbF2 to Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2, which effectively catalyze the CO2 reduction to formate. The in situ formed Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 discloses >80% formate Faradaic efficiencies (FEs) across a broad range of potentials and achieves a maximum formate FE of ≈90.1% at −1.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Kinetic studies show that the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) on the Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 is rate‐limited at the CO2 protonation step, in which proton is supplied by bicarbonate (HCO3−) in the electrolyte. To improve the CO2RR kinetics, the Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 is further doped with Pd (4 wt%) to enhance its HCO3− adsorption, which leads to accelerated protonation of CO2. Therefore, the Pd‐Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 (4 wt%) reveals higher formate FEs of >90% from −0.8 to −1.2 V versus RHE and reaches a maximum formate FE of 96.5% at −1.2 V versus RHE with a current density of ≈13 mA cm−2.
Core‐Shell Nanostructured Ru@Ir–O Electrocatalysts for Superb Oxygen Evolution in Acid
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Fu Xianbiao , Xia Fanjie , Zhang Wenqing , Ma Dongsheng , Zhou Yu , Peng Hong , Wu Jinsong , Gong Xueqing , Wang Dong , Yue Qin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe design of highly active and durable catalysts for the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid remains an urgent yet challenging goal in water electrolysis. Herein, a core‐shell nanostructured Ru@Ir–O catalyst with tensile strains and incorporated oxygens is introduced in the Ir shell that holds an extremely low OER overpotential of 238 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in acid. The material also shows a remarkable 78‐fold higher mass activity than the conventional IrO2 at 1.55 V in 0.5 M H2SO4. Structural characterization and theoretical calculations reveal that the core–shell interaction and tensile strain cause band position shift and charge redistribution. These electronic factors furthermore optimize the bonding strength of O* and HOO* intermediates on the surface, yielding significantly boosted OER activity relative to the conventional IrO2.