bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral gully and landslide erosion on an extreme anthropogenic landscape produced by mountaintop removal coal mining
Authors: Reed Miles , Kite Steve 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMountaintop removal/valley fill coal mining (MTR/VF) in central Appalachia has buried an estimated 4000 km of headwater streams, but the long‐term geomorphic consequences of the anthropogenic valley fills and associated mined landscapes are poorly understood. These anthropogenic landscapes are not intended to be maintained in perpetuity once reclamation is complete. Here we present the first ever field‐based study of erosional landforms on this type of mined landscape paired with the subsequent examination of 10 regional LiDAR (light detection and ranging) datasets for gullies and landslides in a transect from eastern Kentucky to central West Virginia. Field observations indicate that overtopping of or intentional discharge from drainage systems and overtopping of valley fill terraces can initiate gullying. We manually extracted 1328 gullies from 512 km2 of mined landscape within the LiDAR datasets. Gullies are predominantly located along the perimeter of the mined landscape with the majority of gullies associated with drainage systems. The number of gullies linearly scales with mined area (R2 = 0.66). We observed 387 landslides along the perimeter of MTR/VF. Within the datasets, landslides per km2 ranged from 0.1 to 3.9. We observed 34 landslides within fully reclaimed valley fills, a heretofore undocumented phenomenon. Over 90% of these landslides were in Kentucky datasets, which covered only 47% of total mined area analyzed. Previously measured regional differences in the angle of friction of mine spoils or construction practices may explain the abundance of gullies and elevated level of landslide occurrence in eastern Kentucky valley fills relative to West Virginia. Observations of erosion on regionally extensive MTR/VF landscapes warrant further study to better ascertain ecological impacts. Large‐scale alteration by surface mining in steep landscapes may generally lead to peripheral gully erosion. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Redesigned TOEIC Bridge® Tests: Relations to Test‐Taker Perceptions of Proficiency in English
Authors: Schmidgall Jonathan 
Published: April 2020

The redesigned four‐skills TOEIC Bridge® tests were designed to measure the listening, reading, speaking, and writing proficiency of beginning to low–intermediate English learners in the context of everyday life. In this paper, I describe two studies that were conducted to investigate claims about the meaningfulness of redesigned TOEIC Bridge test scores by comparing them to self‐assessments of listening, reading, speaking, and writing proficiency. In Study 1, test takers who participated in the redesigned TOEIC Bridge field test in Japan and Taiwan completed an online self‐assessment survey of their speaking and writing proficiency. In Study 2, test takers who participated in pretesting for the redesigned TOEIC Bridge Listening and Reading test in Japan and Taiwan completed a paper‐based self‐assessment survey of their listening and reading proficiency. Both studies were designed with the same research questions in mind in order to evaluate claims about the meaning of redesigned TOEIC Bridge test scores and to enhance the interpretation of test scores by relating them to test takers' self‐assessed ability to perform a variety of related tasks. The results indicated that self‐assessments had medium correlations with redesigned TOEIC Bridge Listening test scores (r = .55), Reading test scores (r = .54), Speaking test scores (r = .51), and Writing test scores (r = .46). These results compare favorably with the results of similar studies of the relationship between test scores and self‐assessments of language proficiency and provide evidence to support claims about the meaningfulness of TOEIC Bridge test scores. In addition, the pattern of results across TOEIC Bridge test proficiency levels and can‐do statements taken from language proficiency standards suggests that the tests meaningfully differentiate test‐takers' proficiency levels, an important consideration of test design.
Optimization of grape juice deacidification using mixture of adsorbents: A case study of Pekmez
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad , Alizadeh Khaledabad Mohammad , Moghaddas Kia Ehsan , Ghasempour Zahra 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGrape syrup (Pekmez or Dooshab) is one of the nutritious products developed through grape processing. One of the main challenges in the industrial manufacture of this product is the utilization of traditional pekmez earth for tartaric acid adsorption. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of calcium carbonate, nano‐silica, alumina, and activated carbon as adsorbents and also contact time in grape juice deacidification, and to determine the effects of these adsorbents on the physicochemical properties of grape juice by using the Box–Behnken statistical design. By applying different amounts of these adsorbents in grape juice, the magnitude of acidity decrement and the physicochemical properties such as acidity, pH, transmittance, the amount of reducing sugars, formalin index, and adsorption efficiency were investigated. Data analysis showed that different mixtures of adsorbents at different concentrations had significant effects on acidity and pH of the samples but no effects on the level of reducing sugars and formalin index were observed (p > .05). According to the results, the adsorption capacity with the highest calcium carbonate content (0.7 g/100 ml) was about 88%; the maximum acidity decrements of up to 92% were achieved using the treatments containing calcium carbonate, nano‐silica, and activated carbon, while alumina failed to affect the acidity of the samples. Optimum conditions were obtained in 1.27, 0.21, 0.7, and 0.07 g/100 ml alumina, nano‐silica, calcium carbonate, and activated carbon, respectively, resulting pH 4.3 and acidity 0.37% in grape syrup.
Transient appearance of Ca2+‐permeable AMPA receptors is crucial for the production of repetitive LTP‐induced synaptic enhancement (RISE) in cultured hippocampal slices
Authors: Tominaga‐Yoshino Keiko , Urakubo Tomoyoshi , Ueno Yukiko , Kawaai Katsuhiro , Saito Shinichi , Tashiro Tomoko , Ogura Akihiko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe have previously shown that repetitive induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) by glutamate (100 μM, 3 min, three times at 24‐hr intervals) provoked long‐lasting synaptic enhancement accompanied by synaptogenesis in rat hippocampal slice cultures, a phenomenon termed RISE (repetitive LTP‐induced synaptic enhancement). Here, we examined the role of Ca2+‐permeable (CP) AMPA receptors (AMPARs) in the establishment of RISE. We first found a component sensitive to the Joro‐spider toxin (JSTX), a blocker of CP‐AMPARs, in a field EPSP recorded from CA3‐CA1 synapses at 2–3 days after stimulation, but this component was not found for 9–10 days. We also observed that rectification of AMPAR‐mediated current appeared only 2–3 days after stimulation, using a whole‐cell patch clamp recording from CA1 pyramidal neurons. These findings indicate that CP‐AMPAR is transiently expressed in the developing phase of RISE. The blockade of CP‐AMPARs by JSTX for 24 hr at this developing phase inhibited RISE establishment, accompanied by the loss of small synapses at the ultrastructural level. These results suggest that transiently induced CP‐AMPARs play a critical role in synaptogenesis in the developing phase of long‐lasting hippocampal synaptic plasticity, RISE.
Successful introduction of milk after a negative double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge test is independent of the total dose and milk product used during the challenge test
Authors: van de Ven Celine A. , Herpertz Irene , van Lente Lidy , van der Meulen Gerbrich N. , Kamps Arvid W. A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundFailure of milk introduction after a negative food challenge test is reported in a substantial number of patients. For this reason, guidelines recommend that the total dose of milk protein for a food challenge test should be comparable to a normal serving.ObjectiveOur aim is to compare the success rate of milk introduction after a negative double‐blind placebo‐controlled challenge test performed with different doses of milk protein and different milk products.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of 485 patients challenged with a low or high dose of milk protein. Pasteurized milk and milk protein powder were used for the low‐dose challenge tests, and condensed milk for the high‐dose challenge tests. Successful introduction was defined as regular milk consumption, and discontinuation of further introduction due to the reappearance of symptoms as unsuccessful introduction. We also evaluated the association between milk products and successful introduction.ResultsThe outcome of 288 (59.4%) double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge tests was negative. There were no significant differences between the low and high dose of milk protein in patient characteristics, percentage of patients lost to follow‐up (15% vs 20%), in whom introduction had not yet been performed (4% vs 3.1%), reappearance of symptoms (18% vs 17%), and successful introduction (88.0% and 83.4%). Age, gender, specific immunoglobulin E for milk, dose of milk protein, and atopy were not associated with successful introduction. Children who experienced symptoms during the introduction were less likely to consume milk (P < .001). There was a nonsignificant trend toward higher successful introduction rate if pasteurized milk was used as test material compared to milk protein powder, and condensed milk.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceSuccessful introduction of milk after a negative challenge test is independent of the total dose of milk protein, and milk product used during the challenge test.
Predictive factors for time to cessation of urinary incontinence in primiparous adolescents after vaginal delivery
Authors: Babini Dominique , Lemos Andrea 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate predictive factors for the time to cessation of urinary incontinence (UI) and estimate the median time for its cessation in primiparous adolescents after vaginal delivery.MethodsA cohort study with 102 adolescents aged 10–19 years with UI after vaginal delivery was developed in the Physical Therapy Laboratory for Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor at the Federal University of Pernambuco between June 2017 and December 2019. Participants responded to the assessment form, providing information on the outcome of interest and possible predictive factors. For statistical analysis, the Cox regression model and the Kaplan–Meier method were used.ResultsRisk factors identified for the outcome of interest were: age 15–19 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HRa] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11–2.8); non‐instrumental delivery (HRa 2.95. 95% CI 1.19–7.53); adoption of vertical position during the expulsion stage of delivery (HRa 2.19, 95% CI 1.28–3.84); and absence of episiotomy (HRa 2.01, 95% CI 1.2–3.44). The median time to cessation of UI was 16 months (10–29).ConclusionHealth professionals should reflect on obstetric practices adopted during delivery in adolescents, especially among 10–14‐year‐olds, regarding the use of episiotomy, instrumental delivery, and parturient position during the expulsion stage of delivery.
Classical and quantum phases in hexagonal boron nitride‐combined van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Zheng Shoujun , Zhao Mali , Sun Linfeng , Yang Heejun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSince the discovery of graphene, two‐dimensional (2D) layered materials have attracted extensive attention owing to their unique properties and promising potential applications. In particular, van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, artificially stacked with 2D materials, have provided an excellent platform to explore various applications and to unveil long‐standing mysteries in quantum and condensed matter physics. Here, we discuss recent progress in novel classical and quantum phases in vdW heterostructures, emerging through thickness‐dependent hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) combined with graphene and transitional metal dichalcogenides. As a cornerstone of vdW heterostructures, the h‐BN plays diverse roles, such as tunneling barriers, dielectric layers, clean substrates, and capping layers, to realize numerous intriguing devices: field‐effect transistors, tunneling light‐emitting diodes, resonant tunneling diodes, nonvolatile memories, Bose‐Einstein condensation, topological insulators, and graphene‐based superconductors. The vdW heterostructures with various roles of h‐BN continue to enrich our knowledge for quantum physics and practical future device applications.image
Spreading area and shape regulate the apoptosis and osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells on circular and branched micropatterned islands
Authors: Jiao Fei , Zhao Yang , Sun Qing , Huo Bo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe topography of extracellular matrix regulates the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In particular, the effect of spreading shape or area on cellular differentiation and viability of individual MSCs cultured in the confined adhesive regions is an interesting fundamental issue. In this study, the adhesive patterns with the circularity of 0.1 or 1 and the areas of 314; 628; 1,256; or 2,512 μm2 were constructed using micropatterning technology. The expression of osteogenesis marker alkaline phosphatase and the apoptosis level of individual MSCs were measured using double fluorescent staining. Results indicated that individual MSCs confined in the small area showed an apoptotic tendency, and those in the large area might enter into osteogenesis. The branched shape with small circularity increased MSC viability but reduced their pluripotency compared with the circular shape. The expression of other osteogenesis markers, such as osteocalcin and Collagen I, confirmed that large and branched pattern promoted MSC osteogenesis. In addition, the transcriptional coactivator yes‐associated protein (YAP) was transferred higher in the nuclei of the large and branched cells than other micropatterned groups. This study suggested that the spreading area and shape of individual MSCs regulate their viability and osteogenesis through the YAP pathway.
HIV treatment outcomes among people with initiation CD4 counts >500 cells/µL after implementation of Treat All in South African public clinics: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dorward Jienchi , Sookrajh Yukteshwar , Gate Kelly , Khubone Thokozani , Mtshaka Nomsa , Mlisana Koleka , Ngobese Hope , Yende‐Zuma Nonhlanhla , Garrett Nigel 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe World Health Organisation recommends to Treat All people with HIV, irrespective of CD4 count. However, people with CD4 counts >500 cells/µL may be asymptomatic and therefore less motivated to adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We aimed to assess whether people initiated with CD4 counts >500 cells/µL had worse treatment outcomes compared to those initiated at lower CD4 counts.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study among non‐pregnant adults initiating ART at eight public clinics in South Africa between September 2016, when Treat All was implemented, and August 2017. We assessed whether initiation CD4 count >500 cells/µL was associated with the outcomes of attrition (death, lost to follow‐up or treatment interruption >180 days), and viraemia >1000 copies/mL, by twelve months using Cox proportional hazards and Poisson regression models.Results and discussionAmong 4952 patients initiating ART, the median age was 32.4 years (interquartile range (IQR) 27.2 to 39.7), 58.9% were women and 30.3% had an initiation CD4 count >500 cells/µL. After twelve months, 3382 (68.3%) were retained in care, 303 (6.1%) had transferred to another clinic, 1010 (20.4%) were lost to follow‐up, 232 (4.7%) had a treatment interruption >180 days and 25 (0.5%) were known to have died. Overall, 1267 experienced attrition at a median time of 91 days (IQR 23 to 213), with 302 of these (23.8%) experiencing attrition immediately after their ART initiation visit. Among those in care at twelve months with viral load results, 4.6% had viraemia. In multivariable analysis, the hazard of attrition was similar between patients newly eligible for ART with CD4 counts >500 cells/µL compared to those with CD4 ≤500 cells/µL (adjusted hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90 to 1.17). The risk of viraemia was lower among patients with CD4 counts >500 cells/µL compared to those with CD4 ≤500 cells/µL (adjusted risk ratio 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.92).ConclusionsAfter implementation of Treat All in South African public clinics, we found that patients newly eligible for ART with initiation CD4 counts >500 cells/µL had comparable or better outcomes compared to those with lower CD4 counts. These finding support ongoing implementation of Treat All in our setting.
Effectiveness of a combination therapy of traditional Chinese medicine and CO2 laser treatment for condyloma acuminatum
Authors: Xu Huaxiang , Shen Qinglin , Fan Bing , Xi Changqing , Wang Lili 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundCondyloma acuminatum (CA) is both highly infectious and frequently recurring and requires long‐term, repeated treatments, which seriously affect the physical and psychological health of patients. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a combination therapy of traditional Chinese medicine and CO2 laser on CA and the relationship between CA relapse and cellular immunity.MethodsThe study cohort consisted of 160 CA patients who underwent ambulatory treatment between January 2017 and January 2019 in the Department of Dermatology and Venerology of our hospital. The 160 patients were randomly divided into two groups: a combination therapy group (80 cases), who underwent CO2‐laser treatment followed by three courses of oral traditional Chinese medicine and a control group (80 cases), who were only treated with the CO2 laser to remove warts. The efficacy of the CO2‐laser treatment was evaluated on the first month after treatment and relapse was evaluated at monthly follow‐ups for 6 months. Additionally, 20 normal volunteers were also recruited. Three months before and after treatment, the cellular immunity factors of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets, including CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), were detected and compared between CA patients and normal volunteers, the combination therapy and control groups, and the relapse and cure groups to determine whether there were statistical differences.ResultsCompared with normal volunteers, CA patients exhibited lower CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, and IL‐2 levels and higher CD8+ levels (P < .05). In addition, the rates of relapse for the combination therapy and control groups were 25.7% and 40.8%, respectively. However, the comprehensive immunity factors showed no statistical difference (P > .05) before treatment. Three months after treatment, factors including CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were higher in the combination therapy group than in the control group (P < .05), and CD8+ and IL‐2 showed no statistical difference (P > .05); factors including CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, and IL‐2 were higher and CD8+ was lower in the cure group than in the relapse group (P < .05).ConclusionThe therapy combination of traditional Chinese medicine and CO2‐laser treatment can reduce the relapse rate of CA. It might be that traditional Chinese medicine combined with CO2‐laser treatment regulate liver meridian, Qi and blood, and restore the balance between various subgroups.
Serum HBV RNA composition dynamics as a marker for intrahepatic HBV cccDNA turnover
Authors: Hong Xupeng , Hu Jianming 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCurrent therapies can suppress the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) but cannot clear chronic HBV infection, which afflicts hundreds of millions worldwide. HBV persistence is sustained by the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), an episome in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes. cccDNA is refractory to current therapies and its clearance is the holy grail for HBV cure. However, it has been difficult to monitor the fate of cccDNA in the liver directly. The current study takes a novel approach to this critical issue by monitoring the dynamic change in the genetic composition of the serum HBV RNA, which appears to reflect the dynamics of intrahepatic cccDNA turnover.
Familial clustering of hepatitis C virus in a Pakistani population
Authors: Jamil Zubia , Waheed Yasir , Ahsan Omar , Najmi Muzammil H. , Yousuf Hamid 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPakistan has the second‐highest burden of hepatitis C patients in the world. A total of 683 individuals, who visited the Liver Clinic during the study period, were screened for the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A total of 534 individuals who showed positive HCV infection were grouped into the case group and 149 individuals with HCV negative status were grouped into the control group. A detailed questionnaire was used to collect demographic, clinical, HCV risk factor, and familial clustering data. HCV familial clustering was found in 30.1% in the case group compared with 17.4% in the control group. We also found 17% of patients had spouses who were also infected with HCV compared to 4% spouse infection in the control group. Only 3.7% of patients had HCV positive mothers. These results were further expanded by regression analysis that showed that family history and sexual history are independent risk factors for transmission of hepatitis C infection and mother's history has no significance as a risk factor for transmission. The major risk factor for getting HCV infection are dental procedures, unsafe injections, surgery, and blood transfusions. There is a strong need to increase awareness about HCV transmission routes among positive patients to reduce the chances of HCV familial clustering.
Utility of Formulas Using Fetal Thigh Soft Tissue Thickness in Estimating Weight in Gastroschisis
Authors: Chabra Shilpi , Sienas Laura , Hippe Daniel S. , Paulsene Wendy , Dighe Manjiri 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate the utility of the fetal thigh soft tissue thickness (STT) in calculating the estimated fetal weight (EFW) in fetuses with gastroschisis versus the standard formula of Hadlock et al (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1985; 151:333–337) compared to the actual birth weight (ABW).MethodsA retrospective study of neonates born with gastroschisis delivered at our institution was performed. Two reviewers measured the fetal thigh STT on saved images. The estimated gestational age, fetal biometric measurements, and ABW were abstracted. In addition to the Hadlock formula, 3 STT‐based formulas reported by Scioscia et al (Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2008; 31:314–320) and Kalantari et al (Iran J Reprod Med 2013; 11:933–938) were used to calculate the EFW.ResultsEighty‐two patients with gastroschisis qualified for inclusion in our study. The mean STTs ± SD as measured by readers 1 and 2 were 10.9 ± 2.7 and 10.6 ± 2.7 mm, respectively. Seventeen (21%) fetuses were small for gestational age at birth. The Hadlock formula underestimated the EFW relative to the ABW, with an average difference of −97 g (−3.9%) and − 5.1% in terms of growth percentiles. All of the STT‐based EFW formulas overestimated the EFW on average by 327 to 701 g (13%–24%) in terms of weight and 26% to 52% in terms of growth percentiles. The Hadlock formula classified 22 as having intrauterine growth restriction (sensitivity, 65%; specificity, 83%, based on the ABW). None of the STT‐based formulas classified any fetuses as intrauterine growth restricted.ConclusionsIn a group of patients with gastroschisis, we found that the EFW by the fetal thigh STT calculation overestimated the average fetal weight in all of our cases.