bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mechanism of the plant roots’ soil-reinforcement based on generalized equivalent confining pressure
Authors: Guo Ping , Xia Zhenyao , Liu Qi , Xiao Hai , Gao Feng , Zhang Lun , Li Mingyi , Yang Yueshu , Xu Wennian 
Published: September 2020

Background
To quantitatively evaluate the contribution of plant roots to soil shear strength, the generalized equivalent confining pressure (GECP), which is the difference in confining pressure between the reinforced and un-reinforced soil specimens at the same shear strength, was proposed and considered in terms of the function of plant roots in soil reinforcement.

Methods
In this paper, silt loam soil was selected as the test soil, and the roots of Indigofera amblyantha were chosen as the reinforcing material. Different drainage conditions (consolidation drained (CD), consolidation undrained (CU), and unconsolidated undrained (UU)) were used to analyse the influences of different root distribution patterns (horizontal root (HR), vertical root (VR), and complex root (CR)) and root contents (0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) on the shear strength of soil-root composites.

Results
The cohesion (c) values of the soil-root composites varied under different drainage conditions and root contents, while the internal friction angle (φ ) values remain basically stable under different drainage conditions. Under the same root content and drainage conditions, the shear strength indexes ranked in order of lower to higher were HR, VR and CR. The GECP of the soil-root composites with a 0.75% root content was 1.5–2.0 times that with a 0.50% root content and more than 5 times that with a 0.25% root content under the CD and CU conditions. The GECP in reinforced soil followed the sequence of CD > CU > UU. The GECP of the plant roots increased as confining pressure increased under CD and CU conditions while showed a complex change to the confining pressure under the UU condition.

Conclusion
It was concluded that the evaluation of plant root reinforcing soil based on GECP can be used to measure effectively the influences of roots on soil under different drainage conditions and root distribution patterns.
Clostridioides difficile infection after cardiac surgery: Assessment of prevalence, risk factors and clinical outcomes—retrospective study
Authors: Rzucidło-Hymczak Anna , Hymczak Hubert , Olechowska-Jarząb Aldona , Gorczyca Anna , Kapelak Boguslaw , Drwiła Rafał , Plicner Dariusz 
Published: September 2020

Background
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. There is little available data regarding risk factors of CDI for patients who undergo cardiac surgery. The study evaluated the course of CDI in patients after cardiac surgery.

Methods
Of 6,198 patients studied, 70 (1.1%) developed CDI. The control group consisted of 73 patients in whom CDI was excluded. Perioperative data and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results
Patients with CDI were significantly older in comparison to the control group (median age 73.0 vs 67.0, P = 0.005) and more frequently received proton pump inhibitors, statins, β-blockers and acetylsalicylic acid before surgery (P = 0.008, P = 0.012, P = 0.004, and P = 0.001, respectively). In addition, the presence of atherosclerosis, coronary disease and history of malignant neoplasms correlated positively with the development of CDI (P = 0.012, P = 0.036 and P = 0.05, respectively). There were no differences in the type or timing of surgery, aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass time, volume of postoperative drainage and administration of blood products between the studied groups. Relapse was more common among overweight patients with high postoperative plasma glucose or patients with higher C-reactive protein during the first episode of CDI, as well as those with a history of coronary disease or diabetes mellitus (P = 0.005, P = 0.030, P = 0.009, P = 0.049, and P = 0.025, respectively). Fifteen patients died (21.4%) from the CDI group and 7 (9.6%) from the control group (P = 0.050). Emergent procedures, prolonged stay in the intensive care unit, longer mechanical ventilation and high white blood cell count during the diarrhea were associated with higher mortality among patients with CDI (P = 0.05, P = 0.041, P = 0.004 and P = 0.007, respectively).

Conclusions
The study did not reveal any specific cardiac surgery-related risk factors for development of CDI.
A high‐resolution (1.2 Å) crystal structure of the anti‐CRISPR protein AcrIF9
Authors: Kim Gi Eob , Lee So Yeon , Park Hyun Ho 
Published: September 2020

Prokaryotic adaptive immunity by CRISPR‐Cas systems, which confer resistance to foreign genetic elements, has been used by bacteria to combat viruses. To cope, viruses evolved multiple anti‐CRISPR proteins, which can inhibit system function through various mechanisms. Although the structures and mechanisms of several anti‐CRISPR proteins have been elucidated, those of the AcrIF9 family have not yet been identified. To understand the molecular basis underlying AcrIF9 anti‐CRISPR function, we determined the 1.2 Å crystal structure of AcrIF9. Structural and biochemical studies showed that AcrIF9 exists in monomeric form in solution and can directly interact with DNA using a positively charged cleft. Based on analysis of the structure, we suggest part of the anti‐CRISPR molecular mechanism by AcrIF9.
White matter and neurite morphology differ in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Authors: Goodman Adam M. , Allendorfer Jane B. , Blum Andrew S. , Bolding Mark S. , Correia Stephen , Ver Hoef Lawrence W. , Gaston Tyler E. , Grayson Leslie E. , Kraguljac Nina V. , Lahti Adrienne C. , Martin Amber N. , Monroe William S. , Philip Noah S. , Tocco Krista , Vogel Valerie , LaFrance W. Curt , Szaflarski Jerzy P. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo further evaluate the relationship between the clinical profiles and limbic and motor brain regions and their connecting pathways in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Indices (NODDI) multicompartment modeling was used to test the relationships between tissue alterations in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple psychiatric symptoms.MethodsThe sample included participants with prior TBI (TBI; N = 37) but no PNES, and with TBI and PNES (TBI + PNES; N = 34). Participants completed 3T Siemens Prisma MRI high angular resolution imaging diffusion protocol. Statistical maps, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), neurite dispersion [orientation dispersion index (ODI)] and density [intracellular volume fraction (ICVF), and free water (i.e., isotropic) volume fraction (V‐ISO)] signal intensity, were generated for each participant. Linear mixed‐effects models identified clusters of between‐group differences in indices of white matter changes. Pearson’s r correlation tests assessed any relationship between signal intensity and psychiatric symptoms.ResultsCompared to TBI, TBI + PNES revealed decreases in FA, ICVF, and V‐ISO and increases in MD for clusters within cingulum bundle, uncinate fasciculus, fornix/stria terminalis, and corticospinal tract pathways (cluster threshold α = 0.05). Indices of white matter changes for these clusters correlated with depressive, anxiety, PTSD, psychoticism, and somatization symptom severity (FDR threshold α = 0.05). A follow‐up within‐group analysis revealed that these correlations failed to reach the criteria for significance in the TBI + PNES group alone.InterpretationThe results expand support for the hypothesis that alterations in pathways comprising the specific PNES network correspond to patient profiles. These findings implicate myelin‐specific changes as possible contributors to PNES, thus introducing novel potential treatment targets.
Skin‐Interfaced Microfluidic Systems that Combine Hard and Soft Materials for Demanding Applications in Sweat Capture and Analysis
Authors: Choi Jungil , Chen Shulin , Deng Yujun , Xue Yeguang , Reeder Jonathan T. , Franklin Daniel , Oh Yong Suk , Model Jeffrey B. , Aranyosi Alexander J. , Lee Stephen P. , Ghaffari Roozbeh , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEccrine sweat contains a rich blend of electrolytes, metabolites, proteins, metal ions, and other biomarkers. Changes in the concentrations of these chemical species can indicate alterations in hydration status and they can also reflect health conditions such as cystic fibrosis, schizophrenia, and depression. Recent advances in soft, skin‐interfaced microfluidic systems enable real‐time measurement of local sweat loss and sweat biomarker concentrations, with a wide range of applications in healthcare. Uses in certain contexts involve, however, physical impacts on the body that can dynamically deform these platforms, with adverse effects on measurement reliability. The work presented here overcomes this limitation through the use of microfluidic structures constructed in relatively high modulus polymers, and designed in geometries that offer soft, system level mechanics when embedded low modulus elastomers. Analytical models and finite element analysis quantitatively define the relevant mechanics of these systems, and serve as the basis for layouts optimized to allow robust operation in demanding, rugged scenarios such as those encountered in football, while preserving mechanical stretchability for comfortable, water‐tight bonding to the skin. Benchtop testing and on‐body field studies of measurements of sweat loss and chloride concentration under imposed mechanical stresses and impacts demonstrate the key features of these platforms.
Synergetic Structural Transformation of Pt Electrocatalyst into Advanced 3D Architectures for Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Authors: Kim Jong Min , Kim Joo‐Hyung , Kim Jun , Lim Youngjoon , Kim Yongmin , Alam Afroz , Lee Jaeseung , Ju Hyunchul , Ham Hyung Chul , Kim Jin Young 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA new direction for developing electrocatalysts for hydrogen fuel cell systems has emerged, based on the fabrication of 3D architectures. These new architectures include extended Pt surface building blocks, the strategic use of void spaces, and deliberate network connectivity along with tortuosity, as design components. Various strategies for synthesis now enable the functional and structural engineering of these electrocatalysts with appropriate electronic, ionic, and electrochemical features. The new architectures provide efficient mass transport and large electrochemically active areas. To date, although there are few examples of fully functioning hydrogen fuel cell devices, these 3D electrocatalysts have the potential to achieve optimal cell performance and durability, exceeding conventional Pt powder (i.e., Pt/C) electrocatalysts. This progress report highlights the various 3D architectures proposed for Pt electrocatalysts, advances made in the fabrication of these structures, and the remaining technical challenges. Attempts to develop design rules for 3D architectures and modeling, provide insights into their achievable and potential performance. Perspectives on future developments of new multiscale designs are also discussed along with future study directions.
Optimizing Redox Reactions in Aprotic Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Hu Anjun , Zhou Mingjie , Lei Tianyu , Hu Yin , Du Xinchuan , Gong Chuanhui , Shu Chaozhu , Long Jianping , Zhu Jun , Chen Wei , Wang Xianfu , Xiong Jie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe lithium–sulfur battery is regarded as one of the promising energy‐storage devices beyond lithium‐ion battery due to its overwhelming energy density. The aprotic Li–S electrochemistry is hampered by issues arising from the complex solid–liquid–solid conversion process. Recently, tremendous efforts have been made to optimize the electrochemical reaction in Li–S batteries through rationally designing compositions and structures of cathodes. However, a deep and comprehensive understanding of the actual mechanisms of Li–S batteries and their impact on the performance is still insufficient. The vigorous development of various electrochemical analysis and in situ techniques establish a bridge between the microstructure of components and the macroscopic electrochemical performance, thus providing more scientific guidance for the optimal design of Li–S batteries. In this review, based on insights into the mechanism of aprotic Li–S electrochemistry with the aid of in situ characterization and electrochemical methods, the advanced innovations in optimizing Li–S batteries are systematically summarized, including the materials design, cathode configurations optimization, and electrolyte engineering, with the aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of cathodic redox processes and thus achieve high‐performance Li–S batteries. The current status and possible future directions of the field are accordingly outlined.
Mesoscale effect on bubble formation in step‐emulsification devices with two parallel microchannels
Authors: Mi Sheng , Jiang Shaokun , Zhu Chunying , Ma Youguang , Fu Taotao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe step‐emulsification devices with parallel microchannels are promising for the high‐throughput formation of bubbles. However, the mechanism for bubble formation in such devices remains unclear. In present study, the mesoscale concept of compromise in a competition is used to reveal the mechanism. Nitrogen is used as the dispersed phase, and aqueous solutions with different viscosities are used as the continuous phase. The flow patterns and characteristic parameters for bubble formation are studied by using a high‐speed camera. The characteristic parameters include the head distance of gas–liquid interface and the neck width, and the size and formation frequency of bubbles. Bubble formation is affected by the hydrodynamic feedback in the chamber and the interfacial evolution process, characterized by the relative magnitude of the evolution velocity for the head distance and the neck width of gaseous thread in both microchannels. It is found that the compromise effect is beneficial for the formation of bubbles with excellent monodispersity.
Multiobjective genetic programming for reinforced concrete beam modeling
Authors: Tahmassebi Amirhessam , Mohebali Behshad , Meyer‐Baese Anke , Gandomi Amir H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper presents the application of multiobjective genetic programming (MOGP) in engineering issues. An evolutionary symbolic implementation was developed based on a case study on prediction of the shear strength of slender reinforced concrete beams without stirrups including 1942 set of published test results. In the implementation of the MOGP model, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II with adaptive regression by mixing algorithm with considering the optimization of mean‐square error as the fitness measure and the subtree complexity was used. The developed MOGP model was compared to previously developed genetic programming models, different building codes, and additional machine learning based approaches. It is clearly shown that the MOGP model outperformed the other algorithms applied on this database and can be a general solution on any engineering problems with the main advantage of prediction equations without assuming prior form of the relevance among the input predictor variables.
Phenotypic diversity and genetic complexity of PAX3‐related Waardenburg syndrome
Authors: Somashekar Puneeth H. , Upadhyai Priyanka , Narayanan Dhanya L. , Kamath Nutan , Bajaj Shruti , Girisha Katta M. , Shukla Anju 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWaardenburg syndrome subtypes 1 and 3 are caused by pathogenic variants in PAX3. We investigated 12 individuals from four unrelated families clinically diagnosed with Waardenburg syndrome type 1/3. Novel pathogenic variants identified in PAX3 included single nucleotide variants (c.166C>T, c.829C>T), a 2‐base pair deletion (c.366_367delAA) and a multi‐exonic deletion. Two novel variants, c.166C>T and c.829C>T and a previously reported variant, c.256A>T in PAX3 were evaluated for their nuclear localization and ability to activate MITF promoter. The coexistence of two subtypes of Waardenburg syndrome with pathogenic variants in PAX3 and EDNRB was seen in one of the affected individuals. Multiple genetic diagnoses of Waardenburg syndrome type 3 and autosomal recessive deafness 1A was identified in an individual. We also review the phenotypic and genomic spectrum of individuals with PAX3‐related Waardenburg syndrome reported in the literature.
Robot‐Assisted Total Pancreatectomy With Autologous Islet Cell Transplantation: Perioperative Nursing Considerations
Authors: Williams Germaine M. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTChronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that causes pain and gastrointestinal problems in patients. Robot‐assisted total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplantation (TPAIT) is a surgical procedure for treating patients with CP that has been unresponsive to other treatments. After performing a total pancreatectomy, the surgical team isolates islet cells and then infuses them into the patient's liver. To provide the best possible care for patients undergoing TPAIT, perioperative nurses should understand the physiological functions of the pancreas, the etiology of and treatment options for CP, and their role in coordinating care for this patient population. This article discusses the disease process for CP, reasons for choosing the robotic approach to TPAIT, preparation of the OR for the procedure, the role of the RN circulator during a robot‐assisted TPAIT, and nursing management of the patient during the postoperative phase of care.
The moderating role of processing style in risk perceptions and risky decision making
Authors: Chan Eugene Y. , Saqib Najam U. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWhen evaluating risks, such as skydiving or taking an experimental drug, there are both possible harms and benefits to consider. In the current research, we hypothesize that individuals evaluating risks visually possibly see greater potential harms—but not more potential benefits—compared with those doing so verbally. This is likely because visualizing risks is inherently an affective experience, and negative affect (e.g., potential harms in risk taking) is more dominant than positive affect (e.g., potential benefits). This means that perceived harms are greater for visualizers, reducing their willingness to take risks. We obtain support for this theorizing across four studies, with visualizing individuals more likely to see harms from taking risks, leading to their risk aversion. This research thus demonstrates that visualizing risks asymmetrically shapes how individuals evaluate the two main components of risk taking (perceived harms, perceived benefits). We discuss the application of our findings to how individuals perceive risks in both the marketplace and policy settings.
How numeric advice precision affects advice taking
Authors: Schultze Thomas , Loschelder David D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAdvice is a powerful means to improve peoples' judgments and decisions. Because advice quality is rarely apparent, decision‐makers must infer it from the characteristics of the advisor or the advice itself. Here, we focus on a largely neglected advice characteristic that should signal quality: advice precision. In a preregistered, high‐powered study (N = 195), we tested the effects of advice precision on advice taking. Drawing from past research and theorizing on anchor precision, we derived and tested two competing hypotheses for the relation of advice precision and advice taking—one predicting a monotone increase in advice taking when advice precision increases and the other predicting a backfiring effect of overly precise advice resulting in an inverted U‐shape. Our results support the notion of a monotone, albeit not a strong monotone, relationship. Higher perceived advice quality correlated with individuals' advice taking. Consistent with the idea that advice precision serves as a cue for advice quality, the effect of advice precision on advice taking was statistically mediated by perceived advice quality. Although the mediation analysis does not allow for causal interpretation because we did not manipulate the mediating variable, it shows that the effect of advice precision on advice taking is not merely a demand effect. Implications of our findings for theory and practice are discussed.
Exploring the moderating effect of environmental facilitating conditions on environmentally responsible behaviour among tourists: Evidence from Perhentian Island, Malaysia
Authors: Go You‐How , Yii Kwang‐Jing , Loh Chun‐T'ing , Ching Suet‐Ling , Choong Chee‐Keong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPerhentian Island is one of the well‐known coral islands in Peninsular Malaysia that attracts a large number of tourists. To create economic returns, the Department of Marine Park Malaysia conserves various aquatic habitats and allows tourists to carry out their water activities. However, most tourists do not have intention of preserving and protecting the natural environment while carrying out their activities. Therefore, this study attempts to explore the moderating effect of environmental facilitating conditions on tourists' environmentally responsible behaviour. For testing the hypotheses, we survey 193 tourists on Perhentian Island. Our results provide two notable findings. First, environmental facilitating conditions moderate the relationship between environmental attitude and their environmentally responsible behaviour. Second, the environmental subjective norm is found to have a stronger direct effect on their environmentally responsible behaviour. This implies that government agencies and local authorities should provide favourable facilitating conditions to encourage tourists to be more environmentally responsible.
Methylome analyses of three glioblastoma cohorts reveal chemotherapy sensitivity markers within DDR genes
Authors: Kessler Tobias , Berberich Anne , Sadik Ahmed , Sahm Felix , Gorlia Thierry , Meisner Christoph , Hoffmann Dirk C. , Wick Antje , Kickingereder Philipp , Rübmann Petra , Bendszus Martin , Opitz Christiane , Weller Michael , van den Bent Martin , Stupp Roger , Winkler Frank , Brandes Alba , von Deimling Andreas , Platten Michael , Wick Wolfgang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundGliomas evade current therapies through primary and acquired resistance and the effect of temozolomide is mainly restricted to methylguanin‐O6-methyltransferase promoter (MGMT) promoter hypermethylated tumors. Further resistance markers are largely unknown and would help for better stratification.MethodsClinical data and methylation profiles from the NOA‐08 (104, elderly glioblastoma) and the EORTC 26101 (297, glioblastoma) studies and 398 patients with glioblastoma from the Heidelberg Neuro‐Oncology center have been analyzed focused on the predictive effect of DNA damage response (DDR) gene methylation. Candidate genes were validated in vitro.ResultsTwenty‐eight glioblastoma 5'‐cytosine‐phosphat‐guanine‐3' (CpGs) from 17 DDR genes negatively correlated with expression and were used together with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations in further analysis. CpG methylation of DDR genes shows highest association with the mesenchymal (MES) and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) II glioblastoma subgroup. MES tumors have lower tumor purity compared to RTK I and II subgroup tumors. CpG hypomethylation of DDR genes TP73 and PRPF19 correlated with worse patient survival in particular in MGMT promoter unmethylated tumors. TERT promoter mutation is most frequent in RTK I and II subtypes and associated with worse survival. Primary glioma cells show methylation patterns that resemble RTK I and II glioblastoma and long term established glioma cell lines do not match with glioblastoma subtypes. Silencing of selected resistance genes PRPF19 and TERT increase sensitivity to temozolomide in vitro.ConclusionHypomethylation of DDR genes and TERT promoter mutations is associated with worse tumor prognosis, dependent on the methylation cluster and MGMT promoter methylation status in IDH wild‐type glioblastoma.