bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Sassafras tzumu Hemsl. Seedlings Under Cadmium (Cd) Stress
Authors: Zhao Hongyi , Guan Juelan , Liang Qing , Zhang Xueyuan , Hu Hongling , Zhang Jian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The effects of cadmium stress on the growth and physiological characteristics of Sassafras tzumu Hemsl. were studied in pot experiments. Five Cd levels were tested (CT: 0 mg/kg, Cd5: 5 mg/kg, Cd20: 20 mg/kg, Cd50: 50 mg/kg, and Cd100: 100 mg/kg). The growth and physiological characteristics of the sassafras seedlings in each level were measured. The results showed that soil Cd had negative influences on sassafras growth and reduced the net growth of plant height and the biomass of leaf, branch and root. The contents of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde increased with increasing cadmium concentration; this indicated that cadmium stress had a certain effect on the peroxidation of the inner cell membranes in the seedlings that resulted in damage to the cell membrane structure. Superoxide dismutase activity increased in treatments Cd50 and Cd100 compared to that in the other treatments, while peroxidase activity increased steadily with increasing cadmium concentration; these results suggest that peroxidase is likely the main protective enzyme involved in the reactive oxygen removal system in sassafras seedlings. The increase in proline content with increasing cadmium concentration indicated that cadmium stress induced proline synthesis to resist osmotic stress in the seedlings. Compared to that in CT, the soluble sugar content declined under the different treatments. The soluble protein content first increased and then decreased with increasing cadmium stress. At different levels of cadmium stress, the chlorophyll content in the seedlings first increased and then decreased, and it was higher in the Cd5 and Cd20 treatments than that in the CT treatment. These results reflect that cadmium has photosynthesis-promoting effects at low concentrations and photosynthesis-suppressing effects at high concentrations. The photosynthetic gas exchange parameters and photosynthetic light-response parameters showed downward trends with increasing cadmium concentration compared with those in CT; these results reflect the negative effects of cadmium stress on photosynthesis in sassafras seedlings.
Poor Linkage to Care for HIV-positive OVC with Disabled Caregivers: A Longitudinal Study in Tanzania
Authors: Bajaria Shraddha , Exavery Amon , Toroka Noreen , Abdul Ramadhani 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDespite extensive efforts to scale up counseling and testing services and care and treatment clinics (CTCs) in Tanzania, linkage between points of diagnosis and CTCs needs to be improved for children. Studies have looked at barriers such as lack of trained health providers, poor referral system, economic costs or distance to health facilities, but fewer assessed the association between caregivers’ vulnerability such as disability and linkage of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in their care to health facilities. This study describes the magnitude of caregivers’ disability and assesses its relationship with successful linkage to care of their OVC living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.Methods Data for this analysis come from the USAID Kizazi Kipya project in 79 councils of Tanzania. Data on HIV risk, service use and ART adherence among OVC aged 0-19 years were collected during the project’s quarterly routine data collection (Oct 2017-Sep 2018). Characteristics of caregivers were collected during the project beneficiary screening and enrollment process. Generalized estimating equation models were used to analyze the factors that are associated with linkage of 14,538 HIV positive OVC to CTC, who were taken care of by 11,834 caregivers. ResultsThe majority of caregivers (70%) were females, had completed primary education (67%), 54% were married or cohabiting. Of all the OVC, 3% were living with disabled caregivers; of whom 89% were physically disabled while the rest were mentally disabled. OVCs living with disabled caregivers were less likely to be linked to care (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58, 0.99). Factors positively associated with OVC linkage to care were high caregivers education level (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.51, 2.63) and OVC living with a HIV positive caregivers (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12, 1.41). OVC living in household with high socio-economic status were less likely to be linked to care (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.67, 0.86) than those in low-SES households.ConclusionThese results suggest HIV positive OVC living with disabled caregivers had poor linkage to care. The findings highlight the need to focus attention to the disabilities-led household to promote inclusion and improve access to the HIV services.
Yield, Nutrient Quality and Water and Phosphorus Recovery Efficiencies of Alfalfa under Different Drip Irrigation and Phosphorus Levels in Northern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Liu Junying , Li Shengyi , Sun Yanliang , Liu Xuanshuai , Lu Weihua , Ma Chunhui , Zhang Qianbing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Rational water and fertilizer management have an important impact on alfalfa production. This research aimed to explore the effects of water and phosphorus (P) fertilizer on hay yield, nutrient quality, water-use efficiency (WUE) and phosphorus-recovery efficiency (PRE) of each cut of alfalfa under drip irrigation and to determine the best water and P interaction model for high quality and yield of alfalfa. In this study, different irrigation levels, i.e., 5.25, 6.0, and 6.75 ML ha-1 (referred to as W1, W2, W3, respectively), and P fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg P2O5 ha-1 referred to as P0, P1, P2, P3, respectively) were set to determine the hay yield and nutrient quality of each cut of alfalfa under drip irrigation and to calculate WUE and PRE. The hay yield of each cut of alfalfa increased first and then decreased with increased P fertilizer under the same irrigation amount, and there was no significant difference among different irrigation treatments with respect to the hay yield of alfalfa. The crude protein (CP) reached a maximum under the W2P2 treatment. WUE decreased gradually with an increasing irrigation amount under the same P application. The WUE of alfalfa increased first and then decreased with the increase of P application under the same irrigation amount, and WUE was 0.20%–4.75% (2016) and 1.31%–6.22% (2017) higher in the P treatments than in the non-phosphorus treatments. PRE decreased gradually with increasing P application under the same irrigation amount. Therefore, we conclude that moderate irrigation (6.0 ML ha-1) and P fertilizer (100 kg P2O5 ha-1) combined with application, the alfalfa has higher WUE and PRE, and can significantly promote the alfalfa hay yield and nutrient quality of each cut.
Perception of women toward childbirth positions among women on postnatal unit at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma town, South West Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study
Authors: Jiregna Bikila , Demeke Tigist , Sewmehone Enatfenta , Nemera Gugsa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The women have been giving birth at health facilities without considering their preference of birth positions. Accordingly, they routinely positioned at lithotomy position as standard medical practices during normal vertex vaginal childbirths, which results in negative maternal and neonatal outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to understand women’s perception of birth positions.Objective: To explore perception of women toward child birthing positions among women on postnatal unit at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma town, Ethiopia 2020.Methods and Materials: A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed among women from postnatal and maternity care providers were selected purposively. The audio was transcribed, translated, coded, and categorized to respective identified themes. Then, thematized by Archive for Technology, Lifeworld and Everyday Language.text interpretation (ATLAS.ti version 8) software for thematic analysis in triangulation with the quantitative findings.Results: The women and health care providers were responded on factors affecting the use of alternative birth positions in the health facility. The women were positioned at common supine positions due to women’s lack of awareness about birth positions, women’s passivity to respect their decision-making on their position of preference, and health care professionals’ knowledge and skill gaps on alternative childbirth positions.Conclusion and recommendations: The women were coerced and adopted birth positions directed by health care providers. Therefore, health care providers’ practice should be intensified through the provision and implementation of evidence-based alternative birth positions.
Multivalent Nanoparticle-Based Vaccines Protect Hamsters Against SARS-CoV-2 After a Single Immunization
Authors: Chiba Shiho , Frey Steven J. , Halfmann Peter J. , Kuroda Makoto , Maemura Tadashi , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Kane Ravi S. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc as worldwide SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and death rates climb unabated. Effective vaccines remain the most promising approach to counter SARS-CoV-2. Yet, while promising results are emerging from COVID-19 vaccine trials, the need for multiple doses and the challenges associated with the widespread distribution and administration of vaccines remain concerns. Here, we engineered the coat protein of the MS2 bacteriophage1,2 and generated nanoparticles displaying multiple copies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. The use of these nanoparticles as vaccines generated high neutralizing antibody titers and protected Syrian hamsters3 from a challenge with SARS-CoV-2 after a single immunization with no infectious virus detected in the lungs. This nanoparticle-based vaccine platform thus provides protection after a single immunization and may be broadly applicable for protecting against SARS-CoV-2 and future pathogens with pandemic potential.
Trans-Oral Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery and Trans-Areola Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery: Which Offers A Better Quality of Life?
Authors: Shen Shuang , Hu Xiaochi , Qu Rui , Guo Youming , Luo Libo , Chen Xin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Endoscopic thyroidectomy via the oral vestibular approach (ETVOA) and endoscopic thyroidectomy via the areola approach (ETAA) are becoming more favored in China. Compared with conventional open surgery, both methods avoid the scarring on the neck, but only ETVOA obviates scarring of the skin, which may helps patients achieve a better quality of life (QOL). However, the benefit of the QOL from this technique has not been adequately investigated, therefore this study compared the QOL outcomes between ETVOA and ETAA. Methods: We enrolled 131 patients in this study. ETAA surgery and ETVOA surgery were performed in 74 patients and 57 patients, respectively. These patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, and their QOL was evaluated using a thyroid surgery-specific questionnaire and a short-form health survey (SF-36). Results: There were no differences in clinical characteristics such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and tumor size between the two groups. The volume of intraoperative blood loss, cost of hospitalization, and complications between the two procedures showed no differences. Compared with ETAA, ETVOA has a longer operation time, no drainage, and shorter hospital stay. In the QOL questionnaire, several parameters in ETVOA were better. The satisfaction scores of patients undergoing ETVOA were higher. In addition, the cosmetic satisfaction in patients who received ETOVA was significantly better than that of patients who underwent ETAA. The degree of neck movement disorder in patients with ETVOA was milder. Patients who received ETVOA had higher score on the SF-36. Conclusions: Compared with ETAA, ETVOA can acquire better cosmetic results and make patients quick return to normal life.Patients who underwent ETVOA achieved high-level QOL.
Low Temperature Chemical Synthesis of Intermetallic TiFe Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Absorption
Authors: Kobayashi Yasukazu , Yamaoka Shohei , Yamaguchi Shunta , Hanada Nobuko , Tada Shohei , Kikuchi Ryuji 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Nanosizing of TiFe hydrogen storage alloy is conducted to facilitate its activation. Here, pure intermetallic TiFe nanoparticles (45 nm) were prepared using chemical reduction of oxide precursors at 600 °C, which is the lowest temperature ever used in chemical synthesis. This was achieved using a strong reducing agent (CaH2) in a molten LiCl. When used for hydrogen absorption, the obtained nanoparticles surprisingly exhibited almost no hydrogen absorption. The results demonstrated that TiFe nanoparticles are more difficult to activate than the bulk powder because the oxidized surface layers of the nanoparticles become stabilized, which prevents the morphological change necessary for their activation.
Prizes Signal Scientific Revolutions
Authors: Jin Ching , Ma Yifang , Uzzi Brian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Scientific revolutions affect funding, investments, and technological advances, yet predicting their onset and projected size and impact remains a puzzle. We investigated a possible signal predicting a topic’s revolutionary growth – its association with a scientific prize. Our analysis used original data on nearly all recognized prizes associated with 11,539 scientific topics awarded between 1960 and 2017 to examine the link between prizes and a topic’s unexpected growth in productivity, impact, and talent. Using difference-in-differences regressions and counterfactuals of matched prizewinning and non-prizewinning topics, we found that in the year following the receipt of a prize, a topic experiences an onset of extraordinary growth in impact and talent that continues into the future. At between five to 10 years after the prize year, prizewinning topics are 38% more productive and 31% more impactful in citations, retain 53% more incumbents, and gain 35% more new entrants and 46% more star scientists than their non-prizewinning peer topics. While prizewinning topics grow unexpectedly fast in talent and impact, funding does not drive growth; rather, growth is positively associated with the recency of work on the topic, discipline-specific rather than general awards, and prize money. These findings advance understanding of scientific revolutions and identify variations in prize characteristics that predict the timing and size of a topic’s revolutionary growth. We discuss the implications of these findings on how funding agencies and universities make investments and scientists commit time and resources to one topic versus another, as well as on the quality of research.
Predictive Values of Multiple Non-Invasive Markers for Myocardial Fibrosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients With&nbsp;Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Li Yumin , Liu Jia , Cao Yukun , Han Xiaoyu , Shao Guozhu , Zhou Xiaoyue , Gu Jin , Liu Tong , Cui Yue , Shi Heshui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, but little is known about the utility of non-invasive markers for detecting LGE. This study aims to explore the association between cardiacspecific biomarkers, CMR myocardial strain, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and LGE in HCM patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF) and investigate the predictive values of these indexes for LGE. We recruited 33 healthy volunteers and 86 HCM patients with preserved EF to undergo contrast-enhanced CMR examinations. In total, 48 of 86 HCM patients had the presence of LGE. Serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) levels were elevated in LGE-positive patients compared with LGE-negative patients. The LGE-positive patients had lower global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) strains than the LGE-negative group and the healthy controls. The LGE% was independently associated with the Nt-proBNP levels, GCS, MWT and beta-blocker treatment. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the combined parameters of Nt-proBNP≥108 pg/mL and MWT≥17.3 mm had good diagnostic performance for LGE, with a specificity of 81.3% and sensitivity of 70.0%. These data indicate that serum Nt-proBNP is a potential biomarker associated with LGE% and, combined with MWT, were useful for identifying myocardial fibrosis in HCM patients with preserved EF. Additionally, LV GCS may be a more sensitive indicator for reflecting the presence of myocardial fibrosis than GLS.
Effect of Process Parameters on Density and Mechanical Behaviour of a Selective Laser Melted 17-4PH Stainless Steel Alloy
Authors: Huang Liang , Cao Yan , Li Gaohong , Li Yao , Dang Yunpeng , Wang Yuanfei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
17-4 PH stainless steel alloy has been widely used in the field of defense industry such as weapon equipment, aerospace, nuclear energy and so on because of its high strength, high toughness, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. In order to meet the flexible manufacturing requirements of multi-variety small batch complex structure products with lower cost and higher efficiency, Selective laser melted 17-4PH stainless steel alloy has become the focus of research in the field of rapid alloy manufacturing in recent years. This paper studied the density characteristics and the distribution characteristics of holes and spheroidization phenomena of 17-4 PH pre-alloyed powder subjected to multidimensional temperature conduction under selective laser melting, and the mechanism of defect generation under temperature conduction is proposed. Finally, the optimal selection of the combination of different process parameters waere carried out by orthogonal test, and it was found that the comprehensive mechanical behaviour of the 17-4 PH stainless steel alloy after formed exceeded the ASTM A564 standard (the yield strength is 1132 MPa, the tensile strength is 1323 MPa, the elongation is 16.6%).
Analysis of cellular senescence in gingival tissues and gingival fibroblast cultures
Authors: Furukawa Masae , Matsuda Kazunari , Kurosawa Mie , Wang Jingshu , Watanabe Maki , Aoki Yu , Shikama Yosuke , Matsushita Kenji 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Senescence in periodontal tissues may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. In this study, we analyzed cellular senescence in gingival tissues of aged mice and in gingival fibroblast cultures and investigated the relationship of cellular senescence with the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The proportions of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal)-positive cells and the mRNA expression levels of p16 and p21 in gingival tissues and gingival fibroblasts from 20-month-old mice were significantly higher than those in gingival tissues and gingival fibroblasts from 10-week-old mice. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α as well as the numbers of total macrophages and M1 macrophages were increased in gingival tissues of aged mice. Expression of these senescence-associated molecules was also increased in long-term passaged or hydrogen peroxide-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts; however, it was significantly suppressed by treatment with the senolytic drug ABT-263. These results suggest that cellular senescence can be induced in gingival fibroblasts in culture as was observed in gingival tissues of aged mice. An increase in senescent cells in the gingiva may be associated with the pathogenesis of periodontitis in part through activating an inflammatory response in periodontal tissues.
Finite Element Analysis of Cornea and Lid Wiper During Blink, With and Without Contact Lens
Authors: R Vivek , S Meenatchi , Thomas Rinu , Ve Ramesh , Pai Raghuvir , Khader Shah Mohammed Abdul , Hazarika Manali , Poojary Rakshath , H Girish 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Contact Lens-related Discomfort (CLD) is one of the major problems in about 50% of contact lens users. It is a symptom of a variety of conditions such as Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy (LWE), Superior Epithelial Arcuate Lesion (SEAL), Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), Superior Limbic Keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) and dry eye disease; which affect the quality of life. Hence, it is essential to investigate the underlying cause of CLD. During a blink, the under surface of the eyelid tends to interact with the cornea and the conjunctiva. The presence of a contact lens can add to the biomechanical changes on these surfaces. To estimate these changes with and without a contact lens, a Finite Element Model (FEM) of the eyelid wiper, eyeball and contact lens was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics®. Biomechanical properties such as von Mises stress and displacement were calculated. Our study concluded that large stress formed in the lid wiper could be the reason for the occurrence of LWE and SLK without contact lens in the eye. When the contact lens was in situ, large stress was found in the superior 1.3mm of the cornea which could be responsible for the development of SEAL and superior LSCD.
Efficacy and Predictability of Muller's Muscle-conjunctival Resection with Different Tarsectomy Lengths for Unilateral Blepharoptosis Treatment
Authors: Yeh So Hung , Laio Shu-Lang , Wei Yi-Hsuan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the efficacy and predictability of Muller's muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) with different lengths of tarsectomy for the treatment of unilateral mild-to-moderate blepharoptosis.Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent MMCR with tarsectomy for unilateral mild-to-moderate blepharoptosis between January 2016 and December 2019 was performed. Individuals with adequate photographic documentation and good levator function were included. Data on age, gender, surgical designs, pre-operative and post-operative marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and tarsal platform show (TPS), and complications were retrieved. Results: Sixty patients underwent 8-mm MMCR with 1- or 2-mm tarsectomy; 53 patients (88.3%) showed postoperative symmetry of MRD1 within 1 mm. The average postoperative improvement in MRD1 was 2.15±0.8 mm. Thirty-two patients received 8-mm MMCR with 1-mm tarsectomy (group 1), and 28 patients underwent 8-mm MMCR with 2-mm tarsectomy (group 2). In group 1, postoperative symmetry rate was 90.6%, and the mean elevation of MRD1 was 1.66±0.6 mm. In group 2, postoperative symmetry rate was 85.7%, and the mean elevation of MRD1 was 2.72±0.6 mm. Both groups showed postoperative symmetry of TPS and significant improvement in eyelid position (p<0.0001). No complications or overcorrections were noted.Conclusions: MMCR with tarsectomy was proven to be a safe, rapid, and effective method for patients with mild-to-moderate ptosis. Predictability and symmetry of the outcome were statistically confirmed. We further suggest a 2.1-mm expected MRD1 elevation as a cut point for choosing between 1- or 2-mm tarsectomy.