bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of snail shell ash on black cotton soil
Authors: Ofuyatan O , Olowofoyeku A , Oluwafemi J 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Black cotton soil stabilization with various agricultural additives has attained a lot of success due to increase in the demand for agricultural products. The engineering properties of black cotton soil due to the swelling and shrinkage problem, a research was carried out on the effect of snail shell ash in the black cotton soil properties such as the Optimum moisture content (OMC), Maximum dry density (MDD), Atterberg limit, Shrinkage limit, and California bearing ratio (CBR) were studied. It has been observed by the experiments conducted on the sample by using snail shell ash of varying percentages (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20%) by weight of dry soil. Based on the results from the various tests carried out-(Specific gravity, Atterberg limit, Compaction test, Hydrometer Analysis, Shrinkage limit and California bearing ratio) it shows that the black cotton soil under the AASHTO soil classification and USCS soil classification, the black cotton soil is highly organic, so that leads to the use of hydrometer analysis-calibration method. The natural liquid limit value of the soil before the stabilization process is 54.8%, at 16% SSA it decreases to 40.4%. The OMC of its natural state is 18.82%, so at 12% SSA it decreases to 11.72%, while the MDD at the natural state is 1357Kg/m3, so at 16% SSA it increases to 1738 Kg/m3. The CBR value of the soil in natural state is 27.19, so at 16% SSA it increases to 40. The results demonstrated the positive effect of snail shell ash in black cotton soil at 16% snail shell ash improving the strength of the engineering properties.
KPI measurement on the 4G network within the University of Ilorin
Authors: Oje A. A , Edeki S. O. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe present work seeks to address the following question which serves a key motivation behind this research: ‘What if there is a guide on the University of Ilorin website or in the weekly published magazine within the school, guiding the student on which MNO is best for internet connectivity based on the location which they are at any point in time?″. This research is key to answering the question. Data was gathered through a walk test using TEMS Investigation 16.3.4 and analyzed using TEMS Discovery Device 10. The test was based on internet access on the 4G Network by users who are subscribed to the various MNOs that are serving within the school premises.
Performance analysis of service users’ perception of mobile network quality in the learning settings
Authors: Oje A. A , Edeki S. O. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper aims to provide information about the mobile network operators as presented by the users. The research tool used is a questionnaire that was distributed physically as well as online using google forms. One hundred fifty (150) questionnaires were distributed, and 101 recovered. There were 50 respondents online. The results obtained about the number of subscribers per Mobile Network Operator (MNO) reflects the data published by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), this by interpretation, proves the validity of the research data.
Design and implementation of electronic biomedical device for monitoring heartbeat rate and blood oxygen
Authors: Gabriella Igebu Anesi , Somefun Tobiloba , Olajube Ayobami , Samuel Isaac 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The ongoing innovative advancements in remote correspondence, low-power processors and electronic gadgets make the Internet of Things (IoT) a reality. With recent pandemic due to COVID-19, several industries have integrated IoT into their systems in order to aid continuous production and delivery of their service. In this study, an electronic biomedical sensor which is used to detect heartbeat rate and blood oxygen is synchronised with IoT to aid delivery of service of the healthcare sector to patients that can be placed under the category of outpatient. Furthermore, an app is designed using AdobeXD and developed using Flutter to communicate with electronic biomedical sensor for patients’ data record and emergency communication.
A new approach for the solution of the Black-Scholes equation with barrier option constraints
Authors: Fadugba SE , Edeki SO 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper introduces an efficient approach to solve the Black-Scholes Partial Differential Equation (BSPDE) with Barrier Option Constraints (BCOs). The approach of the Laplace–Adomian Decomposition Method (LADM), which is the combination of the Laplace Transform Method (LTM) and the Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) is employed. The LTM is applied to the BSPDE, and the ADM is used for decomposing the solution of BSPDE into an infinite series. Moreover, the approximate solution obtained via LADM is expressed in the form of a convergent series with computed components. An illustrative example is presented, and the results are compared with the Analytical Value (AV). Hence, LADM is found to be effective and a powerful technique for obtaining an approximate solution of BSPDE with BCOs.
Analysis and multiple control measures for a typhoid fever disease model
Authors: Collins O C , Okeke J E 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Typhoid fever is one of the diseases that is affecting humanity globally especially in the developing countries where access to clean environment and food are limited. We formulate a dynamical system model to study the effects of multiple control measures (i.e, vaccination, treatment and environmental sanitation) in mitigating typhoid fever disease. The qualitative analysis of our model was carried out accordingly. The impact of introducing the control measures were estimated using appropriate mathematical analysis and numerical simulations.
External acoustic control of the laminar vortex shedding past a bluff body
Authors: Lemke Mathias , Citro Vincenzo , Giannetti Flavio 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper deals with the active control of the compressible flow past a bluff-body by means of external acoustic sources. We successfully suppress the transition leading to the von-Karman vortex street. The derived adjoint-based framework allows the determination of the corresponding acoustic sources for generic bluff-body shapes. In particular, we determine the optimal spatial position for the control, i.e. where the acoustic source is most efficient, and the associated temporal signal. For the proposed example, a two-dimensional cylindrical body, the resulting acoustic actuation is anti-symmetric and harmonic. We found that the limits of our control approach are related to the limits of linear acoustics. The methodology and the results proposed in this paper can be used to design a control strategy coupled with a continuation procedure able to obtain the unstable solutions beyond the critical threshold.
Perceived versus objective sleep quality in long-stay hospitalised older adults—a mixed methods study
Authors: Aluzaite Kristina , Wu Harry , Hyslop Brent , Young Jessica , Schultz Michael , Brockway Ben 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Hospital inpatients experience substantial sleep problems that have been linked with worse health outcomes, poor quality of life and the post-hospital syndrome. However, little is known about assessing sleep issues in older hospitalised patients.

Objective
To conduct an in-depth investigation on hospitalised older adults’ sleep challenges and methods of sleep assessment.

Design
Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting
Public hospital inpatient unit.

Subjects
Long-stay hospitalised older adults.

Methods
Data were collected using validated sleep questionnaires, actigraphy devices and qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics, multiple logistic regression and Cohen’s Kappa. Qualitative data were analysed with qualitative content analysis; findings compared to the quantitative assessments.

Results
We collected data on 33 older long-stay hospital inpatients, who were mean (SD) 80.2(7.4) years old, 57.6% female and were hospitalised following stroke, medical illness and orthopaedic fracture. Mean (SD) total sleep time and actigraphic sleep efficiency were 480.6(73.6) minutes and 81.5(11.2)%, respectively. About, 57.6% were poor sleepers (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) and 30.8% had indicators of clinical depression/low quality of life (WHO-5 well-being index). Three main themes were identified: “sleep assessment”; “factors that affect sleep”; “expectations of sleep”. Bad sleepers were more likely to feel a lack of control over their sleep, while good sleepers spoke about the ability to adjust and accept their circumstances.

Conclusions
We found high levels of sleep problems and identified substantial discrepancies between the validated sleep questionnaire and qualitative response data. Our findings indicate that standard assessment tools, such as PSQI, may not be suitable to assess sleep in hospitalised older adults and call for further investigations to build more appropriate methods. Further exploring psychological factors and expectations could potentially lead to novel interventions to improve sleep in this setting.
Is the US Gender Gap in Depression Changing Over Time? A Meta-Regression
Authors: Platt Jonathan M , Bates Lisa , Jager Justin , McLaughlin Katie A , Keyes Katherine M 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe depression gap refers to higher rates of depression among women than men. Change in the depression gap over time might elucidate social causes of this disparity—such as unequal college attendance or employment status. We conducted a meta-regression analysis to estimate variation in the depression gap over time by age, accounting for potential sources of variation between studies. Electronic databases and bibliographies were searched for English-language studies from January 1980 through October 2019; 144 independent estimates from US-representative samples met selection criteria (n = 813,189). The depression gap was summarized as prevalence ratios among studies using diagnostic instruments and as standardized mean differences among symptom-based studies. Primary study measures were baseline study year (range, 1982–2017) and age (age groups ranging, in years, from 10–59 and 60 or older). Compared with respondents aged ≥60 years, depression prevalence was greater among respondents aged 10–19 (prevalence ratio = 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.56). Over time, the depression gap did not change among adults, but it increased among adolescents (age-by-time interaction prevalence ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.08). Results were similar for symptom-based studies. The present study finds no evidence of a change in the depression gender gap for US adults; however, the gap increased among adolescents. Greater attention to factors driving this widening disparity in adolescent depression is needed.
Extensin, an underestimated key component of cell wall defence?
Authors: Castilleux Romain , Plancot Barbara , Vicré Maité , Nguema-Ona Eric , Driouich Azeddine 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Extensins are plant cell wall hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins known to be involved in cell wall reinforcement in higher plants, and in defence against pathogen attacks. The ability of extensins to form intra- and intermolecular cross-links is directly related to their role in cell wall reinforcement. Formation of such cross-links requires appropriate glycosylation and structural conformation of the glycoprotein.

Scope
Although the role of cell wall components in plant defence has drawn increasing interest over recent years, relatively little focus has been dedicated to extensins. Nevertheless, new insights were recently provided regarding the structure and the role of extensins and their glycosylation in plant–microbe interactions, stimulating an interesting debate from fellow cell wall community experts. We have previously revealed a distinct distribution of extensin epitopes in Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type roots and in mutants impaired in extensin arabinosylation, in response to elicitation with flagellin 22. That study was recently debated in a Commentary by Tan and Mort (Tan L, Mort A. 2020. Extensins at the front line of plant defence. A commentary on: ‘Extensin arabinosylation is involved in root response to elicitors and limits oomycete colonization’. Annals of Botany 125: vii–viii) and several points regarding our results were discussed. As a response, we herein clarify the points raised by Tan and Mort, and update the possible epitope structure recognized by the anti-extensin monoclonal antibodies. We also provide additional data showing differential distribution of LM1 extensin epitopes in roots between a mutant defective in PEROXIDASES 33 and 34 and the wild type, similarly to previous observations from the rra2 mutant defective in extensin arabinosylation. We propose these two peroxidases as potential candidates to specifically catalyse the cross-linking of extensins within the cell wall.

Conclusions
Extensins play a major role within the cell wall to ensure root protection. The cross-linking of extensins, which requires correct glycosylation and specific peroxidases, is most likely to result in modulation of cell wall architecture that allows enhanced protection of root cells against invading pathogens. Study of the relationship between extensin glycosylation and their cross-linking is a very promising approach to further understand how the cell wall influences root immunity.
Geographic patterns of genomic diversity and structure in the C4 grass Panicum hallii across its natural distribution
Authors: Palacio-Mejía Juan Diego , Grabowski Paul P , Ortiz Edgardo M , Silva-Arias Gustavo Adolfo , Haque Taslima , Des Marais David L , Bonnette Jason , Lowry David B , Juenger Thomas E 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Geographic patterns of within-species genomic diversity are shaped by evolutionary processes, life history and historical and contemporary factors. New genomic approaches can be used to infer the influence of such factors on the current distribution of infraspecific lineages. In this study, we evaluated the genomic and morphological diversity as well as the genetic structure of the C4 grass Panicum hallii across its complex natural distribution in North America. We sampled extensively across the natural range of P. hallii in Mexico and the USA to generate double-digestion restriction-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequence data for 423 individuals from 118 localities. We used these individuals to study the divergence between the two varieties of P. hallii, P. hallii var. filipes and P. hallii var. hallii as well as the genetic diversity and structure within these groups. We also examined the possibility of admixture in the geographically sympatric zone shared by both varieties, and assessed distribution shifts related with past climatic fluctuations. There is strong genetic and morphological divergence between the varieties and consistent genetic structure defining seven genetic clusters that follow major ecoregions across the range. South Texas constitutes a hotspot of genetic diversity with the co-occurrence of all genetic clusters and admixture between the two varieties. It is likely a recolonization and convergence point of populations that previously diverged in isolation during fragmentation events following glaciation periods.
MBG: Minimizer-based sparse de Bruijn Graph construction
Authors: Rautiainen Mikko , Marschall Tobias 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Motivation
De Bruijn graphs can be constructed from short reads efficiently and have been used for many purposes. Traditionally, long-read sequencing technologies have had too high error rates for de Bruijn graph-based methods. Recently, HiFi reads have provided a combination of long-read length and low error rate, which enables de Bruijn graphs to be used with HiFi reads.

Results
We have implemented MBG, a tool for building sparse de Bruijn graphs from HiFi reads. MBG outperforms existing tools for building dense de Bruijn graphs and can build a graph of 50× coverage whole human genome HiFi reads in four hours on a single core. MBG also assembles the bacterial E.coli genome into a single contig in 8 s.

Availability and implementation
Package manager: https://anaconda.org/bioconda/mbg and source code: https://github.com/maickrau/MBG.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Pain in Parkinson’s disease and the role of the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Mostofi Abteen , Morgante Francesca , Edwards Mark J , Brown Peter , Pereira Erlick A C 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Pain is a frequent and poorly treated symptom of Parkinson’s disease, mainly due to scarce knowledge of its basic mechanisms. In Parkinson’s disease, deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is a successful treatment of motor symptoms, but also might be effective in treating pain. However, it has been unclear which type of pain may benefit and how neurostimulation of the subthalamic nucleus might interfere with pain processing in Parkinson’s disease. We hypothesized that the subthalamic nucleus may be an effective access point for modulation of neural systems subserving pain perception and processing in Parkinson’s disease. To explore this, we discuss data from human neurophysiological and psychophysical investigations. We review studies demonstrating the clinical efficacy of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus for pain relief in Parkinson’s disease. Finally, we present some of the key insights from investigations in animal models, healthy humans and Parkinson’s disease patients into the aberrant neurobiology of pain processing and consider their implications for the pain-relieving effects of subthalamic nucleus neuromodulation. The evidence from clinical and experimental studies supports the hypothesis that altered central processing is critical for pain generation in Parkinson’s disease and that the subthalamic nucleus is a key structure in pain perception and modulation. Future preclinical and clinical research should consider the subthalamic nucleus as an entry point to modulate different types of pain, not only in Parkinson’s disease but also in other neurological conditions associated with abnormal pain processing.
The Pin1-CaMKII-AMPA Receptor Axis Regulates Epileptic Susceptibility
Authors: Hou Xiaojun , Yang Fan , Li Angcheng , Zhao Debao , Ma Nengjun , Chen Linying , Lin Suijin , Lin Yuanxiang , Wang Long , Yan Xingxue , Zheng Min , Lee Tae Ho , Zhou Xiao Zhen , Lu Kun Ping , Liu Hekun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Pin1 is a unique isomerase that regulates protein conformation and function after phosphorylation. Pin1 aberration contributes to some neurological diseases, notably Alzheimer’s disease, but its role in epilepsy is not fully understood. We found that Pin1-deficient mice had significantly increased seizure susceptibility in multiple chemical inducing models and developed age-dependent spontaneous epilepsy. Electrophysiologically, Pin1 ablation enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission to prefrontal cortex (PFC) pyramidal neurons without affecting their intrinsic excitability. Biochemically, Pin1 ablation upregulated AMPA receptors and GluA1 phosphorylation by acting on phosphorylated CaMKII. Clinically, Pin1 was decreased significantly, whereas phosphorylated CaMKII and GluA1 were increased in the neocortex of patients with epilepsy. Moreover, Pin1 expression restoration in the PFC of Pin1-deficient mice using viral gene transfer significantly reduced phosphorylated CaMKII and GluA1 and effectively suppressed their seizure susceptibility. Thus, Pin1-CaMKII-AMPA receptors are a novel axis controlling epileptic susceptibility, highlighting attractive new therapeutic strategies.
Intestinal Ultrasound to Assess Disease Activity in Ulcerative Colitis: Development of a novel UC-Ultrasound Index
Authors: Bots Steven , Nylund Kim , Löwenberg Mark , Gecse Krisztina , D’Haens Geert 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Intestinal ultrasound [IUS] is useful to assess inflammation in ulcerative colitis [UC] patients. We aimed to develop an ultrasonographic activity index using endoscopy as the reference standard.

Methods
Patients were included consecutively. IUS was performed within 3 weeks from endoscopy. IUS parameters and endoscopy were compared for each colonic segment [except the rectum]. The best parameters were used to construct a UC-IUS index, which was correlated with endoscopic disease activity using the Spearman’s rank test.

Results
In 60 patients, 207 colonic segments were evaluated endoscopically. Bowel wall thickness [BWT] &gt; 2.1 mm was optimal to discriminate between Mayo 0 and Mayo 1–3 (sensitivity 82.6%; specificity 93.0%; area under the curve [AUC] 0.910), a cut-off of 3.2 mm was optimal to discriminate between Mayo 0–1 and Mayo 2–3 [sensitivity 89.1%; specificity 92.3%; AUC 0.946] and BWT &gt; 3.9 mm was optimal for detection of Mayo 3 [sensitivity 80.6%; specificity 84.1%; AUC 0.909]. The presence of colour Doppler signal [CDS] predicted active disease, stretches of CDS were associated with Mayo 2–3, lack of haustrations predicted active disease and fat wrapping was associated with severe disease. Inter- and intra-rater intraclass correlation for BWT was substantial. Inter-rater agreement for CDS was substantial and ranged from slight to substantial for haustrations. Intra-rater agreement for CDS was substantial and ranged from moderate to almost perfect for haustrations. The index showed strong correlation with endoscopic disease activity [Mayo: ρ 0.830; p &lt; 0.001, UCEIS: ρ 0.759; p &lt; 0.001].

Conclusion
We developed an UC-IUS index which showed strong correlation with endoscopic disease activity using internal validation. It is currently being validated in prospective studies.
The starlet sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis, possesses body region-specific bacterial associations with spirochetes dominating the capitulum
Authors: Bonacolta Anthony M , Connelly Michael T , M. Rosales Stephanie , del Campo Javier , Traylor-Knowles Nikki 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Sampling of different body regions can reveal highly specialized bacterial associations within the holobiont and facilitate identification of core microbial symbionts that would otherwise be overlooked by bulk sampling methods. Here, we characterized compartment-specific associations present within the model cnidarian Nematostella vectensis by dividing its morphology into three distinct microhabitats. This sampling design allowed us to uncover a capitulum-specific dominance of spirochetes within N. vectensis. Bacteria from the family Spirochaetaceae made up 66% of the community in the capitulum, while only representing 1.2% and 0.1% of the communities in the mesenteries and physa, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis of the predominant spirochete sequence recovered from N. vectensis showed a close relation to spirochetes previously recovered from wild N. vectensis. These sequences clustered closer to the recently described genus Oceanispirochaeta, rather than Spirochaeta perfilievii, supporting them as members of this clade. This suggests a prevalent and yet uncharacterized association between N. vectensis and spirochetes from the order Spirochaetales.
TRANSDUCTIONAL INSTABILITY OF Tn5-INDUCED MUTATIONS: GENERALIZED AND SPECIALIZED TRANSDUCTION OF Tn5 BY BACTERIOPHAGE P1
Authors: Berg Claire M , Grullón Carmen A , Wang Aoquan , Whalen William A , Berg Douglas E 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Generalized transduction is commonly used to move transposon-induced mutations among bacterial strains by selecting for inheritance of a transposonencoded resistance determinant. Although complete cotransduction of the resistance determinant and the chromosomal mutation might be expected, it is often found that when Tn5(Kan) insertion mutations are transduced by bacteriophage P1 most of the nonmutant kanamycin-resistant transductants are due to specialized transduction of Tn5. Such P1::Tn5 specialized transducing phage are not found when a mutant Tn5 element lacking a functional transposase is employed.