bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of medical interventions on admission characteristics in children with congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy
Authors: Loomba Rohit S. , Rausa Jacqueline , Dorsey Vincent , Bronicki Ronald A. , Villarreal Enrique G. , Flores Saul 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroduction:Children with congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy are a unique patient population. Different therapies continue to be introduced with large practice variability and questionable outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of various medications on intensive care unit length of stay, total length of stay, billed charges, and mortality for admissions with congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy.Materials and methods:We identified admissions of paediatric patients with cardiomyopathy using the Pediatric Health Information System database. The admissions were then separated into two groups: those with and without inpatient mortality. Univariate analyses were conducted between the groups and the significant variables were entered as independent variables into the regression analyses.Results:A total of 10,376 admissions were included these analyses. Of these, 904 (8.7%) experienced mortality. Comparing patients who experienced mortality with those who did not, there was increased rate of acute kidney injury with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.3 to 5.8, p < 0.01], cardiac arrest with an OR 7.5 (95% CI 6.3 to 9.0, p < 0.01), and heart transplant with an OR 0.3 (95% CI 0.2 to 0.4, p < 0.01). The medical interventions with benefit for all endpoints after multivariate regression analyses in this cohort are methylprednisolone, captopril, enalapril, furosemide, and amlodipine.Conclusions:Diuretics, steroids, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers all appear to offer beneficial effects in paediatric cardiomyopathy admission outcomes. Specific agents within each group have varying effects.
Upper Limit of Electron Fluxes Observed in the Radiation Belts
Authors: Zhang Kun , Li Xinlin , Zhao Hong , Xiang Zheng , Khoo Leng Ying , Zhang Wenxun , Hogan Benjamin , Temerin Michael A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRadiation belt electrons have a complicated relationship with geomagnetic activity. We select electron measurements from 7 years of DEMETER and 6 years of Van Allen Probes data during geomagnetic storms to conduct statistical analysis focusing on the correlation between electron flux and Dst index. We report, for the first time, an upper limit of electron fluxes observed by both satellites throughout the inner and outer belts across a wide energy range from ∼100s keV to multi‐MeV. The upper flux limit is determined at different L's and energies, for example, 1.9 × 107/cm2‐s‐sr‐MeV at 470 keV at L = 1.5 and 3.6 × 105/cm2‐s‐sr‐MeV at 3.4 MeV at L = 4 (Van Allen Probes). We present the energy spectra of the electron flux upper limit at different L shells and find the measured upper flux limit to be at least three times higher than the predicted flux from the AE8/AE9 models, although the spectral shape is remarkably similar. We show that the average flux with an applied time lag is better correlated with the Dst index and that the time lag optimizing the correlation coefficient is larger at lower L and at higher energies. These findings present the underlying challenges to model the dynamic variation of relativistic electrons in the inner magnetosphere and are important information for space weather considerations.
A Self‐Calibration Variance‐Component Model for Spatial Downscaling of GRACE Observations Using Land Surface Model Outputs
Authors: Zhong Detang , Wang Shusen , Li Junhua 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHigh‐resolution data of total water storage play a key role in assessing trends and availability of water resources. This study presents an iterative adjustment method based on the Self‐calibration Variance‐Component Model (SCVCM) for spatially downscaling GRACE‐derived Total Water Storage Anomaly (GRACE TWSA) from its original coarse resolution (∼300 km) to a high resolution (5 km) through integrating Land Surface Model (LSM) simulated high‐resolution Terrestrial Water Storage Anomaly (LSM TWSA). The proposed method takes the GRACE TWSA and the LSM TWSA, which includes soil water content, snow water equivalent, and plant water, as inputs with unknown uncertainties. It then establishes an observation system to estimate the unknown TWSA at the high resolution through an iterative adjustment process based on a posteriori variance‐component estimation technique. By applying the method to the coarse‐resolution (∼300 km) GRACE TWSA from the JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) mascon solution and the high‐resolution (5 km) LSM TWSA from the Ecological Assimilation of Land and Climate Observations (EALCO) model, we evaluated its benefit and effectiveness. The results show that the proposed method is capable to downscale GRACE TWSA with improved uncertainties. The downscaled GRACE TWSA are also evaluated through in situ groundwater monitoring well observations and the results show a certain level agreement between the estimated and observed trends.
Single-electron operations in a foundry-fabricated array of quantum dots
Authors: Ansaloni Fabio , Chatterjee Anasua , Bohuslavskyi Heorhii , Bertrand Benoit , Hutin Louis , Vinet Maud , Kuemmeth Ferdinand 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSilicon quantum dots are attractive for the implementation of large spin-based quantum processors in part due to prospects of industrial foundry fabrication. However, the large effective mass associated with electrons in silicon traditionally limits single-electron operations to devices fabricated in customized academic clean rooms. Here, we demonstrate single-electron occupations in all four quantum dots of a 2 x 2 split-gate silicon device fabricated entirely by 300-mm-wafer foundry processes. By applying gate-voltage pulses while performing high-frequency reflectometry off one gate electrode, we perform single-electron operations within the array that demonstrate single-shot detection of electron tunneling and an overall adjustability of tunneling times by a global top gate electrode. Lastly, we use the two-dimensional aspect of the quantum dot array to exchange two electrons by spatial permutation, which may find applications in permutation-based quantum algorithms.
Curated findings and implications in duplex ultrasound interrogation of the scrotum or varicoceles
Authors: Wu Size , Zuo Dongshen , Cai Dongyan , Chen Qingfang , Li Ya 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to curate clustered findings of duplex ultrasound in the evaluation of spermatic venous varicoceles, and deliver more responses to the present concerns. Archives of 979 men who had undergone scrotum and spermatic venous plexus duplex ultrasound were reviewed. In the duplex ultrasound interrogation, the sizes of the larger vessels of the spermatic venous plexus, peritesticular vessels, and testicular volume and relevant parameters were measured. Findings of the vessels were analyzed. One hundred and eight-one out of 979 patients had varicoceles. Color Doppler flow signal was rendered in veins of pampiniform plexus but not in peritesticular vessels in 501 out of 979 patients; 101 out of 501 patients had veins of pampiniform plexus ≤ 3 mm, no color Doppler flow signal could be rendered in the veins in the 101 patients at supine and standing positions without Valsalva maneuver, color Doppler flow signal could be rendered in the veins in 82 out of 101 patients at supine and standing positions with Valsalva maneuver; no color Doppler flow signal could be rendered in the veins from 19 out of 101 patients with and without Valsalva maneuver at supine and standing positions. 37 out of 979 patients with 61 ipsilateral testicular volume ≤ 5 mL had no vessel diameter > 2 mm. The incidences of varicoceles corresponding to different ranges of testicular volume of 1–5 mL, 5.1–10 mL, 10.1–15 mL, 15.1–20 mL, 20.1–25 mL, and 25.1–30 mL were 0.0%, 6.9%, 8.3%, 6.63%, 20.94%, and 59.1%, respectively. The comparisons of incidences of varicocele between distribution percentages of different ranges of testicular volume of 1–5 mL and others (of 5.1 mL and more) were all significant (all P < 0.05). The correlation coefficient between the different ranges of testicular volume and the incidence of varicoceles was 0.829. Increased testicular volume may be also a factor for the development of varicoceles. Dilated peritesticular vessels may be collateral veins of spermatic veins, anterior and posterior scrotal veins, or proximal vas deferens.
Fabrication of nanochitosan incorporated polypyrrole/alginate conducting scaffold for neural tissue engineering
Authors: Manzari-Tavakoli Asma , Tarasi Roghayeh , Sedghi Roya , Moghimi Ali , Niknejad Hassan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe utilization of conductive polymers for fabrication of neural scaffolds have attracted much interest because of providing a microenvironment which can imitate nerve tissues. In this study, polypyrrole (PPy)–alginate (Alg) composites were prepared using different percentages of alginate and pyrrole by oxidative polymerization method using FeCl3 as an oxidant and electrical conductivity of composites were measured by four probe method. In addition, chitosan-based nanoparticles were synthesized by ionic gelation method and after characterization merged into PPy–Alg composite in order to fabricate a conductive, hydrophilic, processable and stable scaffold. Physiochemical characterization of nanochitosan/PPy–Alg scaffold such as electrical conductivity, porosity, swelling and degradation was investigated. Moreover, cytotoxicity and proliferation were examined by culturing OLN-93 neural and human dermal fibroblasts cells on the Nanochitosan/PPy–Alg scaffold. Due to the high conductivity, the film with ratio 2:10 (PPy–Alg) was recognized more suitable for fabrication of the final scaffold. Results from FT-IR and SEM, evaluation of porosity, swelling and degradation, as well as viability and proliferation of OLN-93 neural and fibroblast cells confirmed cytocompatiblity of the Nanochitosan/PPy–Alg scaffold. Based on the features of the constructed scaffold, Nanochitosan/PPy–Alg scaffold can be a proper candidate for neural tissue engineering.
Mapping QTL hotspots associated with weed competitive traits in backcross population derived from Oryza sativa L. and O. glaberrima Steud.
Authors: Bharamappanavara Muralidhara , Siddaiah Anantha M. , Ponnuvel Senguttuvel , Ramappa Lokesha , Patil Basavaraj , Appaiah Manoj , Maganti Sheshu Madhav , Sundaram Raman Meenakshi , Shankarappa Shashidhar Kadadanamari , Tuti Mangal Deep , Banugu Sreedevi , Parmar Brajendra , Rathod Santosha , Barbadikar Kalyani M. , Kota Suneetha , Subbarao Lella Venkata , Mondal Tapan Kumar , Channappa Gireesh 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTo improve grain yield under direct seeded and aerobic conditions, weed competitive ability of a rice genotype is a key desirable trait. Hence, understanding and dissecting weed competitive associated traits at both morphological and molecular level is important in developing weed competitive varieties. In the present investigation, the QTLs associated with weed competitive traits were identified in BC1F2:3population derived from weed competitive accession ofO. glaberrima(IRGC105187) andO. sativacultivar IR64. The mapping population consisting of 144 segregating lines were phenotyped for 33 weed competitive associated traits under direct seeded condition. Genetic analysis of weed competitive traits carried out in BC1F2:3population showed significant variation for the weed competitive traits and predominance of additive gene action. The population was genotyped with 81 genome wide SSR markers and a linkage map covering 1423 cM was constructed. Composite interval mapping analysis identified 72 QTLs linked to 33 weed competitive traits which were spread on the 11 chromosomes. Among 72 QTLs, 59 were found to be major QTLs (> 10% PVE). Of the 59 major QTLs, 38 had favourable allele contributed from theO. glaberrimaparent. We also observed nine QTL hotspots for weed competitive traits (qWCA2a,qWCA2b,qWCA2c,qWCA3,qWCA5, qWCA7,qWCA8,qWCA9, andqWCA10) wherein several QTLs co-localised. Our study demonstratesO. glaberrimaspecies as potential source for improvement for weed competitive traits in rice and identified QTLs hotspots associated with weed competitive traits.
VDAC1 in the diseased myocardium and the effect of VDAC1-interacting compound on atrial fibrosis induced by hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Klapper-Goldstein Hadar , Verma Ankit , Elyagon Sigal , Gillis Roni , Murninkas Michael , Pittala Srinivas , Paul Avijit , Shoshan-Barmatz Varda , Etzion Yoram 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) is a key player in mitochondrial function. VDAC1 serves as a gatekeeper mediating the fluxes of ions, nucleotides, and other metabolites across the outer mitochondrial membrane, as well as the release of apoptogenic proteins initiating apoptotic cell death. VBIT-4, a VDAC1 oligomerization inhibitor, was recently shown to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, as validated in mouse models of lupus and type-2 diabetes. In the present study, we explored the expression of VDAC1 in the diseased myocardium of humans and rats. In addition, we evaluated the effect of VBIT-4 treatment on the atrial structural and electrical remodeling of rats exposed to excessive aldosterone levels. Immunohistochemical analysis of commercially available human cardiac tissues revealed marked overexpression of VDAC1 in post-myocardial infarction patients, as well as in patients with chronic ventricular dilatation\dysfunction. In agreement, rats exposed to myocardial infarction or to excessive aldosterone had a marked increase of VDAC1 in both ventricular and atrial tissues. Immunofluorescence staining indicated a punctuated appearance typical for mitochondrial-localized VDAC1. Finally, VBIT-4 treatment attenuated the atrial fibrotic load of rats exposed to excessive aldosterone without a notable effect on the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation episodes induced by burst pacing. Our results indicate that VDAC1 overexpression is associated with myocardial abnormalities in common pathological settings. Our data also indicate that inhibition of the VDAC1 can reduce excessive fibrosis in the atrial myocardium, a finding which may have important therapeutic implications. The exact mechanism\s of this beneficial effect need further studies.
Multiple forms of hotspots of tetrapod biodiversity and the challenges of open-access data scarcity
Authors: Grattarola Florencia , Martínez-Lanfranco Juan A. , Botto Germán , Naya Daniel E. , Maneyro Raúl , Mai Patricia , Hernández Daniel , Laufer Gabriel , Ziegler Lucía , González Enrique M. , da Rosa Inés , Gobel Noelia , González Andrés , González Javier , Rodales Ana L. , Pincheira-Donoso Daniel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe uneven spatial distribution of biodiversity is a defining feature of nature. In fact, the implementation of conservation actions both locally and globally has progressively been guided by the identification of biodiversity ‘hotspots’ (areas with exceptional biodiversity). However, different regions of the world differ drastically in the availability of fine-scale data on the diversity and distribution of species, thus limiting the potential to assess their local environmental priorities. Within South America—a megadiverse continent—Uruguay represents a peculiar area where multiple tropical and non-tropical eco-regions converge, creating highly heterogeneous ecosystems, but where the systematic quantification of biodiversity remains largely anecdotal. To investigate the constraints posed by the limited access to biodiversity data, we employ the most comprehensive database for tetrapod vertebrates in Uruguay (spanning 664 species) assembled to date, to identify hotspots of species-richness, endemism and threatened species for the first time. Our results reveal negligible spatial congruence among biodiversity hotspots, and that tetrapod sampling has historically concentrated in only a few areas. Collectively, our study provides a detailed account of the areas where urgent biodiversity monitoring efforts are needed to develop more accurate knowledge on biodiversity patterns, offering government and environmental bodies a critical scientific resource for future planning.
Morphological function of toe fringe in the sand lizard Phrynocephalus mystaceus
Authors: Zheng Peng , Liang Tao , An Jing , Shi Lei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractToe fringe is the most typical morphological feature of lizards adapted to sandy environments, and it is simple in shape, can evolve repeatedly, and has a high degree of repetition; therefore, this feature is suitable for testing the adaptive convergence suggested by form-environment correlations.Phrynocephalus mystaceusmainly lives in dune habitats, has a developed bilateral toe fringe, and exhibits fast sand-burying behavior for predator avoidance. We tested the effects of resecting the medial and bilateral toe fringes on the locomotor performance and sand-burying performance ofP. mystaceus.The results showed that the maximum sprint speed and acceleration on sand substrate did not significantly differ under different conditions (P > 0.05). Sand-burying performance scores of the unresected individuals were significantly greater than those of the resected individuals (P < 0.05). A partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis showed that the relative area of toe fringe was the main factor affecting the sand-burying performance of unresectedP. mystaceus. For lizards without fringe, the PLS regression showed that the swinging index of the hind-limb was the main factor affecting the sand-burying performance of the lizard. A comparison of the swinging indexes of the hind-limb of the lizard under three states revealed that under the unresected states, the frequency of the swinging of the hind-limb was significantly higher than those of lizards with resected bilateral fringes, further indicating that the lizards compensated for the loss of fringe by increasing the time and frequency of swinging of the hind-limb. A path analysis also showed that the fringe affected the sand-burying performance ofP. mystaceusnot only directly but also indirectly by affecting the frequency of the swinging of the hind-limb. After the bilateral toe fringe was removed, a significant negative correlation between locomotor and sand-burying performance was observed (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results provide experimental evidence that toe fringe is positively associated with the sand-burying performance ofP. mystaceus.
Soil fungal and bacterial communities in southern boreal forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains and their relationship with soil properties
Authors: Vuong Thi-Minh-Dien , Zeng Jian-Yong , Man Xiu-Ling 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLittle is known about the relationship between soil microbial communities and soil properties in southern boreal forests. To further our knowledge about that relationship, we compared the soil samples in southern boreal forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains—the southernmost boreal forest biome in the world. The forests can be divided into boardleaf forests dominated by birch (Betula platyphylla) or aspen (Populus davidiana) and coniferous forests dominated by larch (Larix gmelinii) or pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica). Results suggested different soil microbial communities and soil properties between these southern boreal forests. Soil protease activity strongly associated with soil fungal communities in broadleaf and coniferous forests (p < 0.05), but not with soil bacterial communities (p > 0.05). Soil ammonium nitrogen and total phosphorus contents strongly associated with soil fungal and bacterial communities in broadleaf forests (p < 0.05), but not in coniferous forests (p > 0.05). Soil potassium content demonstrated strong correlations with both soil fungal and bacterial communities in broadleaf and coniferous forests (p < 0.05). These results provide evidence for different soil communities and soil properties in southern boreal forest, and further elucidate the explicit correlation between soil microbial communities and soil properties in southern boreal forests.
Brassicaceae transcriptomes reveal convergent evolution of super-accumulation of sinigrin
Authors: Yang Jinghua , Li Zhangping , Lian Jinmin , Qi Guoning , Shi Pibiao , He Jiawei , Hu Zhongyuan , Zhang Mingfang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWasabi, horseradish and mustard are popular pungent crops in which the characteristic bioactive hydrolysis of specialized glucosinolates (GSLs) occurs. Although the metabolic pathways of GSLs are well elucidated, how plants have evolved convergent mechanisms to accumulate identical GSL components remains largely unknown. In this study, we discovered that sinigrin is predominantly synthesized in wasabi, horseradish and mustard in Brassicaceae. We de novo assembled the transcriptomes of the three species, revealing the expression patterns of gene clusters associated with chain elongation, side chain modification and transport. Our analysis further revealed that several gene clusters were convergently selected during evolution, exhibiting convergent shifts in amino acid preferences in mustard, wasabi and horseradish. Collectively, our findings provide insights into how unrelated crop species evolve the capacity for sinigrin super-accumulation and thus promise a potent strategy for engineering metabolic pathways at multiple checkpoints to fortify bioactive compounds for condiment or pharmaceutical purposes.
Application of Double-Threaded Locking Adaptation Plates used to Repair a Radius and Ulna Fracture in a Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)
Authors: Malak Anthony , Levien Andrew S. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective This study is a case description of the clinical application of locking plates to repair fractures in the radius and ulna of a 9-month-old, male domestic rabbit.
Study Design This study is a case report.
Results Double-threaded locking adaptation plates of 1.5 mm were fixated to the radius and ulna of the rabbit using the principles of orthogonal plating. Radiographs of the left radius and ulna were obtained at 8 weeks postoperatively depicting complete osseous union of the fracture and no implant complications were observed.
Clinical Significance The authors describe the first clinical report of 1.5 mm locking adaptation plates having been used in repairing radius and ulna fractures in a domestic rabbit.
Universal features of annealing and aging in compaction of granular piles
Authors: Gago Paula A. , Boettcher Stefan 
Published: December 2020

Significance
We explore the compaction dynamics of a granular pile after a hard quench from a liquid into the glassy regime. First, we establish that the otherwise athermal granular pile during tapping exhibits annealing behavior comparable to glassy polymer or colloidal systems. Like those other systems, the pile undergoes a glass transition and “freezes” into different nonequilibrium glassy states at low agitation for different annealing speeds, starting from the same initial equilibrium state at high agitation. Then, we quench the system instantaneously from the highly agitated state to below the glass transition regime to study the ensuing aging dynamics. In this classic aging protocol, the density increases (i.e., the potential energy of the pile decreases) logarithmically over several decades in time. Instead of system-wide, thermodynamic measures, here we identify the intermittent, irreversible events (“quakes”) that actually drive the glassy relaxation process. We find that the event rate decelerates hyperbolically, which explains the observed increase in density when the integrated contribution to the downward displacements is evaluated. We argue that such a hyperbolically decelerating event rate is consistent with a log-Poisson process, also found as a universal feature of aging in many thermal glasses.