bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β‐Thalassemia pathogenic variants in a cohort of children from the East African coast
Authors: Macharia Alexander W. , Mochamah George , Uyoga Sophie , Ndila Carolyne M. , Nyutu Gideon , Tendwa Metrine , Nyatichi Emily , Makale Johnstone , Ware Russell E. , Williams Thomas N. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundβ‐Thalassemia is rare in sub‐Saharan Africa. Previous studies have suggested that it is limited to specific parts of West Africa. Based on hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) concentrations measured by HPLC, we recently speculated that β‐thalassemia might also be present on the East African coast of Kenya. Here, we follow this up using molecular methods.MethodsWe used raised hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) values (> 4.0% of total Hb) to target all HbAA members of a cohort study in Kilifi, Kenya, for HBB sequencing for β‐thalassemia (n = 99) together with a sample of HbAA subjects with lower HbA2 levels. Because HbA2 values are artifactually raised in subjects carrying sickle hemoglobin (HbS) we sequenced all participants with an HPLC pattern showing HbS without HbA (n = 116) and a sample with a pattern showing both HbA and HbS.ResultsOverall, we identified 83 carriers of four separate β‐thalassemia pathogenic variants: three β0‐thalassemia [CD22 (GAA→TAA), initiation codon (ATG→ACG), and IVS1‐3ʹ end del 25bp] and one β+‐thalassemia pathogenic variants (IVS‐I‐110 (G→A)). We estimated the minimum allele frequency of all variants combined within the study population at 0.3%.Conclusionsβ‐Thalassemia is present in Kilifi, Kenya, an observation that has implications for the diagnosis and clinical care of children from the East Africa region.
Does size matter? Perineometer and digital examination of a model levator hiatus
Authors: Tailor Visha K. , Bhide Alka A. , Fernando Ruwan , Digesu Giuseppe A. , Khullar Vik 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionEvaluation of the female pelvic floor muscles is commonly carried out with digital examination and assigning a modified Oxford scale score or vaginal manometry. Racial differences can influence the size of the levator hiatus (LH) with “black” or African nulliparous women having a significantly larger LH compared to Caucasian women. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of LH size on manometry readings of simulated pelvic floor muscle contractions (PFMCs) using a small and large model LH.MethodsSmall and large LH models were created using published data for size. Inflation of a pressure cuff placed circumferentially in the LH model represented a simulated PFMC. The models were examined in a supine position by three examiners and a perineometer twice each at varying simulated PFMC strength.ResultsPositive correlation was found between increasing simulated PFMC strength with a higher Oxford score following digital examination and manometry readings for both the small (rs = .87, rs = .98) and large (rs = .95, rs = .87) models. There was good to excellent inter and intraobserver correlation for digital assessment of both models. The manometry measurements showed a much larger incremental rise from baseline in the small model compared with the large model (P < .05).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that perineometer readings are affected by natural variations in LH size and PFMC strength. Therefore improvement to pelvic floor strength cannot be interpreted and measurements cannot be compared with others unless the LH size is known or digital examination is carried out.
Can nurses help improve self‐care of patients living with atrial fibrillation? A focus group study exploring patients' disease knowledge gaps
Authors: Toscos Tammy R. , Coupe Amanda , Wagner Shauna , Drouin Michelle , Roebuck Amelia E. , Daley Carly N. , Carpenter Maria D. , Mirro Michael J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsTo identify knowledge gaps and preferences for educational material to improve nurse–patient communication and self‐care.DesignUsing a mixed‐methods design, we conducted focus groups and quantitative surveys.MethodsWe conducted three focus groups with atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and support persons (N = 17 participants; 66 ± 16 years) at critical treatment junctures (recent diagnosis or medication switch). Patients and support persons were also surveyed on patient activation (self‐management skills and knowledge), medication adherence, AF knowledge and health literacy. Iterative thematic analysis was performed using focus group transcripts.ResultsAlthough most participants had adequate health literacy, most reported gaps in AF knowledge. Participants lacked disease‐related knowledge and were unsure how to manage health behaviours (e.g. diet and exercise). Few felt they received adequate education from their healthcare provider. Results emphasize the need for consistent information from nursing staff, in lay language, via both electronic and printed means.
Enabling coexistence: Navigating predator‐induced regime shifts in human‐ocean systems
Authors: Burt Jenn M. , Wilson Ḵii'iljuus Barbara J. , Malchoff Tim , Mack Wii‐tsts‐koom Anne , Davidson Skil Hiilans Allan , Gitkinjuaas  , Salomon Anne K. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Rapid system‐wide changes triggered by predators can pose considerable challenges to people. In the Northeast Pacific, the recovery of sea otters Enhydra lutris following their extirpation due to the 18th and 19th century fur trade is driving a social‐ecological regime shift with profound implications. While the ecological consequences of this shift are well documented, very little research has examined the conditions that enable or constrain people's ability to adapt to the social, economic and cultural changes that transpire.

Through a collaborative partnership and workshops with Indigenous knowledge holders spanning Alaska to British Columbia, along with quantitative and qualitative interviews in two Indigenous communities among the first to experience sea otter recovery, we examined people's perceptions of the social‐ecological conditions that affect their ability to adapt to these changes.

We found that communities differed in their relative rankings of adaptation‐enabling conditions; however, the following four broad strategies were perceived as critical to improving coexistence with sea otters: (a) strengthening Indigenous governance and decision‐making authority; (b) promoting adaptive co‐management; (c) weaving Indigenous knowledge and Western science into management plans and (d) establishing learning platforms. Both communities also identified that increased livelihood options and financial assistance would not compensate for lost food security.

Differences in enabling conditions and attitudes towards sea otters within and between communities can be attributed to the social‐ecological and political context in which sea otter recovery occurs.

Our study suggests that enhancing Indigenous peoples' ability to adapt to predator‐induced regime shifts will require a transformation in current resource governance systems if we are to navigate towards an ecologically sustainable and socially just operating space. Overall, this work highlights the need for more Indigenous authority, knowledge and leadership in addressing predator‐induced regime shifts in coupled human‐ocean systems.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The impact of statin discontinuation and restarting rates on the optimal time to initiate statins and on the number of cardiovascular events prevented
Authors: Pate Alexander , Elliott Rachel A. , Gkountouras Georgios , Thompson Alexander , Emsley Richard , van Staa Tjeerd 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionA patient is eligible for statins in England if they have a 10‐year risk of cardiovascular disease >10%. We hypothesize that if statin discontinuation rates are high it may be better to delay statin initiation until patients are at a higher risk, to maximize the benefit of the drug.MethodsA four‐state health state transition model was used to assess the optimal time to initiate statins after a risk assessment, in order to prevent the highest number of cardiovascular events, for a given risk profile (age, gender, risk) and adherence rate. A Clinical Practice Research Datalink dataset linked to Hospital Episodes Statistics and Office for National Statistics was used to inform the transition probabilities in this model, taking into account observed statin discontinuation and re‐continuation patterns.ResultsOur results suggest, if statins are initiated in a cohort of 50‐year old men with a 10% 10‐year risk, we prevent 4.78 events per 100 individuals. If we wait 10 years to prescribe, at which point 10‐year risk scores are at 20%, we prevent 5.45 events per 100 individuals. If the observed discontinuation rate was reduced by a sixth, third or half in the same cohort, we would prevent 7.29, 9.01 or 10.22 events per 100 individuals.ConclusionsIn certain scenarios, extra cardiovascular disease events could be prevented by delaying statin initiation beyond a risk of 10% until reaching a age (59 for men, 63 for women), based on statin discontinuation rates in England. The optimal time to initiate statins was driven by age, not by cardiovascular risk.
Proteomic analysis of “Oriental Beauty” oolong tea leaves with different degrees of leafhopper infestation
Authors: Chien Han‐Ju , Yang Man‐Miao , Wang Wei‐Chen , Hong Xiang‐Gui , Zheng Yi‐Feng , Toh Jie‐Teng , Wu Chia‐Chang , Lai Chien‐Chen 
Published: May 2020

RationaleOriental Beauty, a type of oolong tea native to Taiwan, is highly prized by connoisseurs for its unique fruity aroma and sweet taste. Leaves of Oriental Beauty vary in appearance, aroma, and taste, depending on the degree of tea green leafhopper (Jacobiasca formosana) infestation. In this study, the aim is to investigate the differential expression of proteins in leaves with low, medium, and high degrees of leafhopper infestation.MethodsProteomic techniques 2DE (two‐dimensional electrophoresis) and nanoscale liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) were used to investigate the differential expression of proteins in tea leaves with different degrees of leafhopper infestation.ResultsA total of 89 proteins were found to exhibit significant differences in expression. In a gene ontology analysis, most of these proteins participated in biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, transport, responses to stress, and amino acid metabolism.ConclusionsThese results indicated that the unique aroma and taste of the leaves might be influenced by their protein expression profiles, as well as related factors such as defensive responses to tea green leafhopper saliva.
Two‐color symmetry breaking in laser‐based secondary neutral mass spectrometry
Authors: Jerigova Monika , Lorenc Dusan , Velic Dusan 
Published: May 2020

RationaleAn alternative method of analysis for laser‐based secondary neutral mass spectrometry is introduced.MethodsBy mixing a fundamental 1240 nm wavelength of the near‐infrared laser field with an intensity of 1 × 1015 W/cm2 with its second harmonic generation wavelength of 620 nm, control is attained over the ion yield in secondary neutral mass spectrometry for a native silver surface and a surface covered with silver nanoparticles.ResultsThe ion yields of selected species in the mass spectra, such as a C2H4O2 surfactant fragment ion and the Ag ion, are enhanced or suppressed by a factor of 8 or 23, respectively, in comparison with single color post‐ionization. In addition, a significant suppression of ion fragmentation is demonstrated for both the silver sample and silver nanoparticles. Periodic variation of the ion yield with a modulation depth of 4% is observed depending upon the relative phase between the fundamental and second harmonic generated fields. These variations are explained in terms of tunneling ionization with symmetry‐broken fields.ConclusionsAn additional degree of freedom in a form of additional second color is introduced in laser‐based secondary neutral mass spectrometry. Ion yield control is extended in a form of symmetry‐broken fields.
An extremely rare case of nivolumab‐associated macroscopic duodenitis with spontaneous regression
Authors: Akizawa Takatora , Saraya Takeshi , Takakura Hiroki , Fujiwara Masachika , Ishii Haruyuki , Takizawa Hajime 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAn 82‐year‐old man was presented to our hospital due to epigastric and right hypochondrial pain 17 weeks after the initiation of intravenous treatment with nivolumab for recurrent lung adenocarcinoma as multiple lung and sternal metastases. Urgent gastroscopy revealed macroscopic duodenitis such as severe erythema, oedema, black‐coloured erosions, and ulcers located throughout the second portion of the duodenum, which was confirmed by abdominal computed tomography as circumferential thickening of the duodenal wall. Those lesions were pathologically considered as non‐specific inflammation and spontaneously disappeared within a month, suggesting nivolumab‐induced immune‐related adverse events.
Mapping complex coastal wetland mosaics in Gabon for informed ecosystem management: use of object‐based classification
Authors: Aldous Allison , Schill Steve , Raber George , Paiz Marie‐Claire , Mambela Emmanuel , Stévart Tariq 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWetlands of coastal Gabon provide many ecosystems services including flood protection, water purification and wildlife habitat. Effective sustainable management of this coastal zone is hindered by a lack of accurate wetland maps. Here we describe a novel method used to map the wetland ecosystems of nearly 100 000 km2 of wetland and upland habitat mosaic in the delta of the Ogooué River using an object‐based classification of optical and radar satellite imagery based on training data collected from unmanned aerial vehicle and a post‐classification accuracy assessment using helicopter‐based video. We identified 15 land cover classes, of which nine were wetland. A stratified random sample accuracy assessment of the final classification yielded an overall accuracy of 0.80. Despite the important role that wetland habitats play for wildlife and ecosystem functioning across the region, our results indicate these wetlands cover only 22% of the project area. As expected, most of the wetland habitats are found close to major water bodies, including the Ogooué River, estuaries near the cities of Libreville and Port Gentil and coastal lagoons to the south of these cities. When considering the six Wetlands of International Importance designated under the Ramsar Convention within the project area, only 33% of mapped wetlands fall within the Ramsar site boundaries and only 10% of mapped wetlands fall within protected areas. Furthermore, within the Ramsar sites, only 31% of the land cover was classified as wetland. In order to better manage these wetland resources, more effective Ramsar boundaries would include the extensive wetland habitats found along the coast from Port Gentil south to Loango National Park. These data are now available for managers to improve wetland management within designated Ramsar sites and improving protection designations for vulnerable habitats, for example by protecting wetland connectivity and other ecosystem processes.
Removal of Chromate and Nitrate Ions from Aqueous Solutions by CoxFe3‐xO4@silica Hybrid Nanoparticles Decorated with Cross‐Linked Tragacanth Gum: Experiment, Modeling and Optimization
Authors: Moghaddam Ali Zeraatkar , Jazi Mehdi Erfani , Allahrasani Ali , Khazaei Mohammad , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Vatanpour Vahid 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA hybrid nanocomposite cobalt ferrite and Tragacanth gum, denoted as CoxFe3‐xO4@silica@TG was developed and applied in concurrent removal of chromate and nitrate ions from wastewater. The results showed that the presence of Tragacanth gum considerably improved the capability of cobalt ferrite for removing the pollutants. The adsorption properties and surface morphology of the sorbent were compared with those of bare cobalt ferrite, Tragacanth gum, and Tragacanth gum cross‐linked copolymer. The properties of the proposed nanocomposite were studied using FT‐IR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. The effect of different factors including the amount of the adsorbent, sample pH, contact time and initial concentration was also evaluated and optimized through response surface methodology using central composite design. The optimal conditions for the adsorption of both chromate and nitrate ions (30 mg L−1 as the concentration of both of them) were pH=3, an adsorbent dose of 1 mg mL−1 and 22.4 min contact time. The adsorption process was found to follow the pseudo‐second order and intra‐particle diffusion kinetic models. The equilibrium adsorption data followed the Langmuir isotherm and the highest adsorption capacity was determined to be 44.1 and 30.7 mg g−1 for chromate and nitrate, respectively.
DFT Study of the Reaction Mechanism of N2O Decomposition on Au3+/0/− Clusters
Authors: Wu Lin‐Yu , Chen Cheng , Luo Lan , Wang Yong‐Cheng , Yin Bing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the reaction mechanism of Au3+/0/− clusters with N2O was studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The analysis of the potential energy surfaces showed that the Au3 neutral cluster exhibited highest catalytic activity on the decomposition of N2O, energy barrier is only 11.60 kcal/mol. The corresponding energy barriers for Au3− and Au3+ are 28.51 and 58.79 kcal/mol, respectively. The effects of Au3+/0/− clusters assistance analyzed using the activation strain model indicated that the dissociation of the N−O bond depends on the interaction energy of Au3 clusters and N2O. The electron transfer from the Au3+/0/− cluster to the N2O facilitates the dissociation of N−O bond. The analysis of frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) indicated that only the interaction of HOMO‐LUMO interactions is strongly enough and there is sufficient orbital overlap between the Au3+/0/− clusters and N2O, electron transfer can occur and activation of N2O can be achieved. The study of thermodynamic processes showed that there is evident correlation between the binding energy of the Au3O+/0/− cluster oxides and the barrier energy of the reaction. Therefore, the orbital interactions between Au3+/0/− and N2O and thermodynamic driving force have a great influence on the reaction. These results enrich our understanding of the catalytic dissociation of N2O by Au‐cluster‐based catalysts.
Recording the Electrochemical Profile of Pueraria Leaves for Polyphyly Analysis
Authors: Zhang Mingjun , Pan Bo , Wang Yangyang , Du Xinpeng , Fu Li , Zheng Yuhong , Chen Fei , Wu Weihong , Zhou Qinwei , Ding Su , Zhao Shichao 
Published: May 2020

AbstractElectrochemical profiles of Pueraria bouffordii, P. montana var. lobata, P. montana var. montana, P. montana var. thomsonii, Haymondia wallichii, Teyleria stricta and Toxicopueraria yunnanensis were recorded from leaf tissue after different solvent extractions. The voltammetric data recorded after different solvent extractions can be derived as patterns for species identification. The electrochemical behavior of plant tissue contains its electrochemical active compounds profile. As the distribution of chemical compounds in plants is controlled by genes, these profiles can reflect differences at the genetic level between species. The dendrogram deduced from the electrochemical profile has been used for polyphyly analysis. The result suggests the Teyleria stricta showed very distant relationships with other species. P. montana var. lobata, P. montana var. montana and P. montana var. thomsonii showed a close relationship because they were varietas. Interestingly, H. wallichii showed a close infrageneric relationship within these species, which disagrees with other morphological studies. In addition, the result also provides insight into phylogenetic status of the regionally Toxicopueraria yunnanensis.
Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Starch from Cassava Roots Differing in Growing Duration and Ploidy Level
Authors: Gourilekshmi Subrahmanyan S. , Jyothi Alummoottil N. , Sreekumar Janardanan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWide variability exists in starch properties even among the same botanical source depending on climatic factors, genotypic differences, harvesting period, etc. The present study is an attempt to understand changes in structure, composition and physicochemical properties of cassava starch with root development. Starch is isolated from five cultivars of cassava at different root harvesting periods starting from root initiation stage, that is, 2–12 months after planting. The cultivars are selected in such a way that they represent different growing duration (short and normal), ploidy level (diploid and triploid), and end use (industrial and edible). Amylose/amylopectin ratio varies in a narrow range (0.24–0.28) for the starch from different varieties. Starch granule morphology does not show any significant variation with root growth and cultivar, but the average granule size varies significantly. All the starches show A‐type X‐ray diffraction pattern and the percentage crystallinity ranges from 37% to 48%. Average chain length and molecular weight of the starch show varietal differences. Even though the swelling power, solubility, water binding capacity and paste clarity are not significantly affected by the root harvesting period, the cultivar differences are evident for these parameters. Significant differences in the physicochemical and functional properties of starch with ploidy of the plant are not observed.
Development of a sensor with a conductive textile for detecting decubitus ulcers
Authors: Tsuda Yuri , Odagaki Masato , Kondo Yasuhito 
Published: May 2020

The present paper describes the design and evaluation results of a sensor for measuring body pressure and sweat volume using conductive fibers. Pressure ulcers that develop from staying in the same posture for a long time are a serious problem in nursing care. The main causes of pressure ulcers are blockage of capillaries due to body pressure and skin structure degeneration due to sweat. To quantify the causes of pressure ulcers, Mengeng Liu et al. have developed a sensitive (14.4 kPa−1) pressure sensor using conductive fibers with excellent cleaning and flexibility. However, a conductive fiber sensor that focuses on both body pressure and sweating has not yet been established. Therefore, in the present research, we made a sensor that can measure body pressure and sweat volume with only fibers and evaluated the performance of the proposed method. The fabricated sensor is a parallel plate capacitive sensor made of two conductive fibers that sandwich an insulating cloth. When body pressure is applied, the distance between two parallel conductive fibers increases, and when sweat is applied, the dielectric constant of the fabric changes, increasing the capacitance of the sensor. Capacitance change can be evaluated by peak holding the output of the AC bridge circuit. Through an evaluation experiment using a vise and a constant temperature and constant‐humidity chamber, the fabricated sensor was confirmed to be able to measure a pressure change of 10 mmHg and a humidity change of 10%. This sensor, which can evaluate pressure and humidity (amount of adhering water) at the same time and at low cost, contributes to reducing the burden of nursing care. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.