bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale 3D quantitative imaging of 1.88 Ga Gunflint microfossils reveals novel insights into taphonomic and biogenic characters
Authors: Maldanis L. , Hickman-Lewis K. , Verezhak M. , Gueriau P. , Guizar-Sicairos M. , Jaqueto P. , Trindade R. I. F. , Rossi A. L. , Berenguer F. , Westall F. , Bertrand L. , Galante D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPrecambrian cellular remains frequently have simple morphologies, micrometric dimensions and are poorly preserved, imposing severe analytical and interpretational challenges, especially for irrefutable attestations of biogenicity. The 1.88 Ga Gunflint biota is a Precambrian microfossil assemblage with different types and qualities of preservation across its numerous geological localities and provides important insights into the Proterozoic biosphere and taphonomic processes. Here we use synchrotron-based ptychographic X-ray computed tomography to investigate well-preserved carbonaceous microfossils from the Schreiber Beach locality as well as poorly-preserved, iron-replaced fossil filaments from the Mink Mountain locality, Gunflint Formation. 3D nanoscale imaging with contrast based on electron density allowed us to assess the morphology and carbonaceous composition of different specimens and identify the minerals associated with their preservation based on retrieved mass densities. In the Mink Mountain filaments, the identification of mature kerogen and maghemite rather than the ubiquitously described hematite indicates an influence from biogenic organics on the local maturation of iron oxides through diagenesis. This non-destructive 3D approach to microfossil composition at the nanoscale within their geological context represents a powerful approach to assess the taphonomy and biogenicity of challenging or poorly preserved traces of early microbial life, and may be applied effectively to extraterrestrial samples returned from upcoming space missions.
Influence of irrigation regimes on competition indexes of winter and summer intercropping system under semi-arid regions of Pakistan
Authors: Amanullah  , Khalid Shah , Khalil Farhan , Imranuddin  
Published: May 2020

AbstractAn assessment of the competitive indexes in intercropping of different winter and summer based intercropping systems were studied, with the aim of increasing the productivity of these crops. Four winter crops, wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), barley (Hordeum vulgareL.), fababean (Vicia faba) and rapeseed (Brassica napus) and four summer crops, sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL.), pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoidumL.), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajanL.) and mungbean (Vigna radiateL.) were grown under two irrigation regimes with the pattern of two crops in each intercropping system, at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan in both winter and summer season during 2015–16 to 2016–17. The results showed that higher grain yield (kg ha−1) were recorded under sole cropping than intercropping. Higher grain yield was recorded in sole cropping, for all four crops. All crops grown in intercropping produced comparatively higher grains head−1and seeds pod−1than sole crop except pigeonpea. Intercropping systems were performed different in term of competition indexes which determined land utilization efficiency. Competition indexes revealed that in winter season wheat intercropped with fababean showed highest advantages of intercropping in term of land equivalent ratio (30%), relative crowding co-efficient (60%), actual yield loss (60%), area time equivalent ratio (27%), land utilization efficiency (83%), intercropping advantages (1060), monetary advantage index (Pakistani rupees (PKR) 46456) and system productivity index (3684) while in summer sorghum/pearl millet intercropped with pigeonpea was the most dominant intercropping systems in term of relative crowding co-Efficient (40%), actual yield loss (50%), land utilization efficiency (60%) intercropping advantages (1150) and system productivity index (1914). Aggressivity and competition ratio showed that cereals especially barley in winter and sorghum in summer season was highly competitive crops in the intercropping system. Most of the competition indexes values were higher for winter crops under limited irrigated condition while in case of summer crops intercropping indexes were higher under full irrigated condition. It was concluded that wheat intercropped with fababean, and sorghum/millet intercropped with mung bean was the most successful intercropping systems in winter and summer seasons, respectively under both irrigation regimes, for the semiarid region of Pakistan.
Genome Comparison Identifies Different Bacillus Species in a Bast Fibre-Retting Bacterial Consortium and Provides Insights into Pectin Degrading Genes
Authors: Datta Subhojit , Saha Dipnarayan , Chattopadhyay Lipi , Majumdar Bijan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRetting of bast fibres requires removal of pectin, hemicellulose and other non-cellulosic materials from plant stem tissues by a complex microbial community. A microbial retting consortium with high-efficiency pectinolytic bacterial strains is effective in reducing retting-time and enhancing fibre quality. We report comprehensive genomic analyses of three bacterial strains (PJRB 1, 2 and 3) of the consortium and resolve their taxonomic status, genomic features, variations, and pan-genome dynamics. The genome sizes of the strains are ~3.8 Mb with 3729 to 4002 protein-coding genes. Detailed annotations of the protein-coding genes revealed different carbohydrate-degrading CAZy classes viz. PL1, PL9, GH28, CE8, and CE12. Phylogeny and structural features of pectate lyase proteins of PJRB strains divulge their functional uniqueness and evolutionary convergence with closely related Bacillus strains. Genome-wide prediction of genomic variations revealed 12461 to 67381 SNPs, and notably many unique SNPs were localized within the important pectin metabolism genes. The variations in the pectate lyase genes possibly contribute to their specialized pectinolytic function during the retting process. These findings encompass a strong foundation for fundamental and evolutionary studies on this unique microbial degradation of decaying plant material with immense industrial significance. These have preponderant implications in plant biomass research and food industry, and also posit application in the reclamation of water pollution from plant materials.
A Pilot retrospective analysis of alpha-blockers on recurrence in men with localised prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Hart Jordan , Spencer Briohny , McDermott Catherine M , Chess-Williams Russ , Sellers Donna , Christie David , Anoopkumar-Dukie Shailendra 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWhile alpha-blockers are commonly used to reduce lower urinary tract symptoms in prostate cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, their impact on response to radiotherapy remains unknown. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to retrospectively determine if alpha-blockers use, influenced response to radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer. In total, 303 prostate cancer patients were included, consisting of 84 control (alpha-blocker naïve), 72 tamsulosin and 147 prazosin patients. The main outcomes measured were relapse rates (%), time to biochemical relapse (months) and PSA velocity (ng/mL/year). Recurrence free survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Prazosin significantly reduced biochemical relapse at both two and five-years (2.72%, 8.84%) compared to control (22.61%, 34.52%). Recurrence free survival was also significantly higher in the prazosin group. This remained after multivariable analysis (HR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.04–0.26, p < 0.001). Patients receiving prazosin had a 3.9 times lower relative risk of biochemical relapse compared to control. Although not statistically significant, tamsulosin and prazosin extended recurrence free survival by 13.15 and 9.21 months respectively. We show for the first time that prazosin may reduce risk of prostate cancer recurrence and delay time to biochemical relapse and provides justification for prospective studies to examine its potential as an adjunct treatment option for localised prostate cancer.
Tellurium as a successor of silicon for extremely scaled nanowires: a first-principles study
Authors: Kramer Aaron , Van de Put Maarten L. , Hinkle Christopher L. , Vandenberghe William G. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTrigonal-Tellurium (t-Te) has recently garnered interest in the nanoelectronics community because of its measured high hole mobility and low-temperature growth. However, a drawback of tellurium is its small bulk bandgap (0.33 eV), giving rise to large leakage currents in transistor prototypes. We analyze the increase of the electronic bandgap due to quantum confinement and compare the relative stability of various t-Te nanostructures (t-Te nanowires and layers of t-Te) using first-principles simulations. We found that small t-Te nanowires (≤4 nm2) and few-layer t-Te (≤3 layers) have bandgaps exceeding 1 eV, making Tellurium a very suitable channel material for extremely scaled transistors, a regime where comparably sized silicon has a bandgap that exceeds 4 eV. Through investigations of structural stability, we found that t-Te nanowires preferentially form instead of layers of t-Te since nanowires have a greater number of van der Waals (vdW) interactions between the t-Te-helices. We develop a simplified picture of structural stability relying only on the number of vdW interactions, enabling the prediction of the formation energy of any t-Te nanostructure. Our analysis shows that t-Te has distinct advantages over silicon in extremely scaled nanowire transistors in terms of bandgap and the t-Te vdW bonds form a natural nanowire termination, avoiding issues with passivation.
Cognitive plausibility in voice-based AI health counselors
Authors: Kannampallil Thomas , Smyth Joshua M. , Jones Steve , Payne Philip R. O. , Ma Jun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractVoice-based personal assistants using artificial intelligence (AI) have been widely adopted and used in home-based settings. Their success has created considerable interest for its use in healthcare applications; one area of prolific growth in AI is that of voice-based virtual counselors for mental health and well-being. However, in spite of its promise, building realistic virtual counselors to achieve higher-order maturity levels beyond task-based interactions presents considerable conceptual and pragmatic challenges. We describe one such conceptual challenge—cognitive plausibility, defined as the ability of virtual counselors to emulate the human cognitive system by simulating how a skill or function is accomplished. An important cognitive plausibility consideration for voice-based agents is its ability to engage in meaningful and seamless interactive communication. Drawing on a broad interdisciplinary research literature and based on our experiences with developing two voice-based (voice-only) prototypes that are in the early phases of testing, we articulate two conceptual considerations for their design and use—conceptualizing voice-based virtual counselors as communicative agents and establishing virtual co-presence. We discuss why these conceptual considerations are important and how it can lead to the development of voice-based counselors for real-world use.
The Effects of Vitamin D on Metabolic Profiles in Women with
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Williams Ashley , Babu Jeganathan Ramesh , Wadsworth Danielle D. , Burnett Donna , Geetha Thangiah 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis systematic review aims to evaluate all epidemiological evidence in the
literature linking the effect of vitamin D supplementation to metabolic and
hormonal functions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The literature
search was performed with two databases, namely Medline/PubMed and Web
of Science, until 20 May 2019 for both observational and experimental studies
concerning relationships between vitamin D and polycystic ovary syndrome. A
total of ten studies with randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled
trial design from 2008 to 2019 were selected for this review. The inclusion
criteria were women 18–45 years of age with polycystic ovary syndrome
and comparing the metabolic or endocrine parameters between placebo and vitamin
D supplementation groups. A total of ten studies were selected for this review.
We found that vitamin D supplementation had a significant effect on insulin
metabolism, total serum testosterone, hirsutism, C-reactive protein, and total
antioxidant capacity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Evidence from
available randomized controlled trials suggests that patients with polycystic
ovary syndrome should take vitamin D supplementation for the beneficial effect
of metabolic profiles. However, future research is needed regarding the
beneficial effects in women who are non-obese with polycystic ovary syndrome, as
well as more studies with larger sample sizes.
COVID-19-Triage: Wer bleibt stationär? Das Modell Essen
Authors: Fistera David , Risse Joachim , Manegold Randi , Pabst Dirk , Konik Margarete , Dolff Sebastian , Witzke Oliver , Schaarschmidt Benedikt Michael , Taube Christian , Kill Clemens , Holzner Carola 
Published: May 2020

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Wenig ist bisher bekannt über die optimale Ersteinschätzung fußläufiger Patienten mit Verdacht auf COVID-19-Infektion oder bereits bestätigter Infektion. Insbesondere der zu erwartende Massenanfall von Erkrankten verlangt nach einer raschen, effizienten und sicheren Unterscheidung zwischen ambulanter Therapieführung, stationärer Überwachung und ggf. Intensivtherapie.
Methode Wir präsentieren das in der Universitätsmedizin Essen (UME) entwickelte und verwendete Modell einer möglichst sicheren und effizienten Triage außerhalb des Katastrophenfalls. Das beschriebene Modell der UME ist eine Kombination aus klinischer Einschätzung durch Vitalparameter und Manchester-Triage-Skala (MTS), optional ergänzt durch POCT-Labor, EKG, CT-Pulmonalisangiografie, SARS-CoV-2-PCR sowie ausführlichere Labordiagnostik. Es erfolgte eine Validierung anhand von 100 konsekutiven Patienten. 3 konkrete Patientenbeispiele verdeutlichen das Modell.
Ergebnisse Im Rahmen des Regelbetriebs ergab sich in den ersten 2 Wochen eine gute Trennschärfe zwischen stationär behandlungsbedürftigen und ambulanten Patienten. 16 Patienten wurden primär stationär aufgenommen. Bei den 84 initial „ambulant“ klassifizierten Patienten kam es zu 7 Wiedervorstellungen binnen 14 Tagen, 3 hiervon aus anderen Gründen. Eine Patientin musste hierbei aufgrund von progredienter Dyspnoe stationär aufgenommen werden.
Fazit Das vorgestellte Triage-Modell bewährt sich in der Praxis, wobei weitere Anpassungen je nach Erfahrung und Patientenanfall vorgesehen sind.
A Distinct Scenario of a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease and Comorbid Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Onder Halil 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn literature, patients with coexistence of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and Parkinsons’s disease (PD) have been rarely reported. Herein, I illustrate the evaluation processes of a remarkable patient with PD and comorbid NPH from my experience, which I think may provide crucial perspectives regarding the management problems of these patients. Besides, the patient had also developed bipolar disorder in the follow-up course and extrapyramidal side effects related to antipsychotic medications, which further complicated the treatment process. I think that results of future reports of larger case series including the long-term follow-up of this group of patients with coexisting NPH and PD would provide substantial perspectives regarding the contributory effects of these two pathophysiologies, as well as management, of NPH in these specific patients with neurodegenerative pathology.
JOB STRESS AND COPING AMONG FISHERMEN
Authors: Jacob Janella Mariam , George Linu Sara ,   Savitha
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Fishing in Indian villages is considered one of the major occupations for the villagers. The work related health problems encountered by fishermen are vast. Long hours, extreme weather and working with heavy machinery contribute to a high mortality rate in fishermen. Despite a long standing acknowledgement of the dangers and mortality associated with fishing, there has been little research in this field
Objectives: The objectives of the study were to: assess the job stress and coping among fishermen, find the relationship between job stress and coping, find the association between job stress, coping and demographic variables such as age, religion, marital status, type of family, education, monthly income and work experience.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive survey was under taken among 140 fishermen using structured questionnaire. SPSS 16.0 software was used for data analysis. Frequency, percentage, Pearsons product moment correlation and Chi-square were used.
Results: Majority of the subjects had moderate stress (62.1%) and moderate cope (91.4%). It is found in the study that there is significant 2 relationship between job stress and coping. There is significant association between job stress and work experience (? = 6.90, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Fishermen who work for long hours in the sea without any contact with their families are prone to problems with their work and their personal life as it is unsafe at sea.
A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE PERCEPTION ON DEATH AND DYING AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN SELECTED COLLEGES OF NURSING IN UDUPI DISTRICT, KARNATAKA STATE
Authors: Jawahar Preethy , Alex Soumya , George Anice 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: The objectives of the study were assess nursing students perception on death and dying and to identify the perception on death and dying among nursing students of different levels.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive survey design was used. Data were collected from 210 nursing students in selected Colleges of Nursing in Udupi district, Karnataka state by using semi structured questionnaire.
Result: Thoughts: while caring dying patients and their families, 66.6% perceived thoughts regarding the physical, emotional, spiritual care given to patients who were dying and 77.6% regarding their family or friends. 57.1% perceived thoughts regarding their sufferings, 88% perceived thoughts about a realization that death is a part of life, 29.5% perceived thoughts about the survival and 42.8% perceived that being able to care for dying patients as a privilege and it is an opportunity to work with those who are going through the dying process.
Feelings: 40.5% nursing students had physiological symptoms like nausea, muscle tension, headache, 53.8% had fear, 68.5% developed compassion, 86.6% had sadness and 46.2% developed anxiety while caring for dying patients and their families.
Challenges: 67.1% of nursing students unaware about how to communicate with unresponsive patient, 61.9% expressed they had language barrier and 71.4% developed problems related to severe emotions while caring dying patients and their families.
Conclusion: There is a great need to educate students about death and dying, cultural competence, communication skills and coping with emotional stress.
SOMATOFORM AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION-A CASE REPORT
Authors:   Savithaa
Published: May 2020

AbstractSomatoform disorders are characterized by a concern with the body and are among the most common reason for seeking medical help. Mr. X, a 47 year old male presented to the psychiatric department with persistent belching, fatigue and anxiety symptoms with autonomic arousal related to his work and health. Patient was treated with antipsychotics and cognitive behavioural therapy. Patient and family members were psycho educated about the illness.
GINGIVAL DEPIGMENTATION: CASE SERIES FOR FOUR DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
Authors: S. Sharath K. , Shah Rahul , Thomas Biju , Madani Shabeer Mohamed , Shetty Shamila 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGingival melanin pigmentation occurs in all races in variable amount caused by melanin granules. The degree of pigmentation varies from person to person. Excessive gingival pigmentation may be a major esthetic concern for many patients. Methods of deepithelialization of the pigmented or discolored areas of gingiva using different methods such as scalpel method, bur method or laser method are well documented. The procedure for all three techniques has been described and evaluated here. Following presentation encloses a case series in which depigmentation of upper anterior gingival was carried out. The case presented with moderate to severe pigmented gingival (DOPI score ≥ 3) which were treated with one of the above mentioned techniques. The results of these cases suggested that ablation of the gingiva by a Diode laser, abrasion with a scalpel or rotary round bur is good enough to achieve esthetic satisfaction and fair wound healing without infection or severe pain.
Risk Factors for Postpartum Maternal Infection Following Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery Complicated by Chorioamnionitis
Authors: Daifotis Helen A. , Smith Megan M. , Denoble Anna E. , Dotters-Katz Sarah K. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective Guidelines for the management of chorioamnionitis include intrapartum antibiotics, while postpartum antibiotics after spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) are reserved high-risk women. Our objective is to describe the incidence of and risk factors for postpartum infection after SVD complicated by chorioamnionitis.
Study Design This is a retrospective study of SVDs with clinically diagnosed chorioamnionitis at a single center. The primary outcome was a composite of postpartum infection. Women who developed the primary outcome were compared with those who did not using bivariate statistics. Regression models were developed to estimate adjusted odds of outcomes.
Results In this cohort, 346 women underwent SVD complicated by chorioamnionitis. Of these, 23 (6.6%) developed postpartum infections (endometritis n = 7, urinary tract infection/pyelonephritis n = 6, sepsis n = 4, and perineal wound infection n = 6). Receipt of antibiotics intra- or postpartum did not differ between groups, but women with postpartum infections were more likely to deliver prior to 32 weeks (17.4 vs. 4.9%, p = 0.04). When controlling for antibiotic use, delivery at < 32 weeks was associated with 3.8-fold increased (95% confidence interval: 1.07–13.7) odds of postpartum infection.
Conclusion Postpartum infections occur in ∼1/15 women delivering vaginally with chorioamnionitis, with those who deliver at < 32 weeks' gestation being at increased risk.
A typology of the mass/count distinction in Brazil and its relevance for mass/count theories
Authors: Lima Suzi , Rothstein Susan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWhile much work has been done on the description of the mass/count distinction in different geographical areas, Brazilian Indigenous languages are still highly underrepresented in the field. This paper presents the results of a project that involved researchers describing the mass/count distinction in 15 Brazilian Indigenous languages, based on a questionnaire we prepared in 2016 in order to explore the distribution of bare nouns, plurals, numerals, and quantifiers (seeAppendix). Three main observations will be drawn. First, number marking and countability are independent. Second, counting is not restricted to natural atoms. Third, since there seems to be no systematic symmetry in the distribution of plurals, numerals, and quantifiers, we argue that the standard diagnostics for countable vs. non-countable nouns are highly language-specific.