bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overdose Administration of Thermostable Newcastle Disease Vaccines to Naïve Unvaccinated 6 Weeks Old Cockerels at NVRI, Vom Plateau state, Nigeria
Authors: Egbuji A. N. , Chukwuedo A. , Shedua L. N. , Gyallak J. K. , Swomen L. N. , Obene N. C. , Akachi U. K. , Ngwu H. C. , Idahor K. O. , Muhammad M. , Enurah L. U. 
Published: March 2020

One hundred and fifty (150) unvaccinated 6 weeks old cockerel were divided into six groups of 25 birds each. Pre-vaccination haemagglutination inhibition (HI) mean titers values of 21.4, <21, 21 <21 21 and 21.6 were observed for groups A, B, C, D E and F respectively. Two batches of Newcastle Disease vaccine (NDVI-2) of 50 and 200 doses produced at National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, with EID50 value of 7.7 and 7.6 per dose were administered to groups B and D at 10x (10 times the normal dose) of NDVI-2 via the intra-ocular and intranasal routes. The rest of the groups were administered normal doses of NDVI-2 through the intra-ocular route. Consequently, 40% of the vaccinated birds were randomly selected and sero-monitored twice at 2 and 4 weeks intervals. No observable ND clinical signs were seen in both groups B and D irrespective of the vaccine over dosage. Post-vaccination (HI) immune profiling of the vaccinated flock revealed steady increase in the HI mean titer value per group, while groups B and D which had 10x the normal dose showed high response in comparison to groups that had NDVI-2 standard dose. HI immune profile results 2 weeks post-vaccination revealed HI mean titer values of 23.0, 24.0, 23.2 24.2 23.6 and 24.4 for groups A, B, C, D, E and F respectively; week 4 post-vaccination haemagglutination inhibition mean titer values of 23.6, 25.4, 23.0 25.7 25.2 and 24.0 for the respective groups. Week 8 HI mean titer values of 22.2, 21.8, 22.4 22.5 23.2 and 21.8 were equally observed. While week 12 HI mean titer values of 22.0, 21.8, 22.0 22.0 21.8 and 21.8 were recorded. Post-vaccination HI mean titer values showed that groups B and D with 10x the normal dose had no observable adverse clinical signs but rather high ND antibody response was observed in groups where overdose of standard NDVI-2 vaccine were administered and evidence of ND antibody depletion was equally observed in all the vaccinated groups irrespective of the dose administrated.
Tracing the evolution of fatty acid‐binding proteins (FABPs) in organisms with a heterogeneous fat distribution
Authors: Zhang Yuru , Zhang Junmei , Ren Yanhua , Lu Ronghua , Yang Liping , Nie Guoxing 
Published: March 2020

The distribution of fat among both invertebrate and vertebrate groups is heterogeneous. Studies have shown that fatty acid‐binding proteins (FABPs), which mainly bind and transport fatty acids, play important roles in the regulation of fat storage and distribution. However, the systematic and genome‐wide investigation of FABP genes in organisms with a heterogeneous fat distribution remains in its infancy. The availability of the complete genomes of Caenorhabditis elegans, Callorhinchus milii, and other organisms with a heterogeneous fat distribution allowed us to systematically investigate the gene structure and phylogeny of FABP genes across a wide range of phyla. In this study, we analyzed the number, structure, chromosomal location, and phylogeny of FABP genes in 18 organisms from C. elegans to Homo sapiens. A total of 12 types of FABP genes were identified in the 18 species, and no single organism exhibited all 12 fatty acid‐binding genes (FABPs). The absence of a specific FABP gene in tissue may be related to the absence of fat storage in the corresponding tissue. The genomic loci of the FABP genes were diverse, and their gene structures varied. The results of the phylogenetic analysis and the observation of conserved gene synthesis of FABP family genes/proteins suggest that all FABP genes may have evolved from a common ancestor through tandem duplication. This study not only lays a strong theoretical foundation for the study of fat deposition in different organisms, but also provides a new perspective regarding metabolic disease prevention and control and the improvement of agricultural product quality.
Raman Optical Activity of Proteins
Authors: Fujisawa Tomotsumi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Raman optical activity
(
ROA
) spectroscopy measures a small difference of Raman scattering intensities between excitations with right‐ and left‐circularly polarized incident lights, or the difference between the right‐ and left‐circularly polarized Raman scattering intensities using unpolarized excitation. The ROA spectrum reflects the conformations of chiral molecules most sensitively, providing their detailed structural information in solution. The unique capability of ROA spectroscopy has been utilized to study the conformations of various molecules in solution phase. This article features the applications of ROA spectroscopy to the protein structure analyses. The ROA spectra are particularly sensitive to the secondary structures. Staring from the basic theory of ROA, the experimental setup, and the typical spectral properties of proteins, this article describes the recent applications of ROA to a variety of proteins, including intrinsically disordered protein and chromophoric proteins. Besides, the latest analyses of ROA spectra using advanced calculation methods, and the spectral simulation of oligopeptides, proteins, and protein complexes are also presented.
Set‐up error and dosimetric analysis of HexaPOD evo RT 6D couch combined with cone beam CT image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for primary malignant tumor of the cervical spine
Authors: Jiang Ping , Zhang Xile , Wei Shuhua , Zhao Tiandi , Wang Junjie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the set‐up error and consequent dosimetric change in HexaPOD evo RT 6D couch under image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IG‐IMRT) for primary malignant tumor of the cervical spine.MethodsTen cases with primary malignant tumor of the cervical spine were treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in our hospital from August 2013 to November 2014. The X‐ray volumetric images (XVI) were scanned and obtained by cone‐beam CT (CBCT). The six directions (6D) of set‐up errors of translation and rotation were obtained by planned CT image registration. HexaPOD evo RT 6D couch made online correction of the set‐up error, and then the CBCT was conducted to obtain the residual error.ResultsWe performed set‐up error and dosimetric analysis. First, for the set‐up error analysis, the average error in three translation directions of 6D set‐up error of the primary tumor of the cervical spine was <2 mm, whereas the single maximum error (absolute value) is 7.0 mm. Among average errors of rotation direction, Rotation X (RX) direction 0.67° ± 0.04°, Rotation Y (RY) direction 1.06° ± 0.06°, Rotation Z (RZ) direction 0.78° ± 0.05°; and the single maximum error in three rotation directions were 2.8°, 3.8°, and 2.9°, respectively. On three directions (X, Y, Z axis), the extended distance from clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) was 3.45, 3.17, and 3.90 mm by calculating, respectively. Then, for the dosimetric analysis, the parameters, including plan sum PTV D98 and D95, planning gross tumor volume D98 and D95, V100% of the plan sum were significantly lower than the treatment plan. Moreover, Dmax of the spinal cord was significantly higher than the treatment plan.Conclusion6D set‐up error correction system should be used for accurate position calibration of precise radiotherapy for patients with malignant tumor of the cervical spine.
Foot and Leg Muscle Weakness in People With Midfoot Osteoarthritis
Authors: Arnold John B. , Halstead Jill , Grainger Andrew J. , Keenan Anne‐Maree , Hill Catherine L. , Redmond Anthony C. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo compare foot and leg muscle strength in people with symptomatic midfoot osteoarthritis (OA) with asymptomatic controls, and to determine the association between muscle strength, foot pain, and disability.MethodsParticipants with symptomatic midfoot OA and asymptomatic controls were recruited for this cross‐sectional study from general practices and community health clinics. The maximum isometric muscle strength of the ankle plantarflexors, dorsiflexors, invertors and evertors, and the hallux and lesser toe plantarflexors was measured using hand‐held dynamometry. Self‐reported foot pain and foot‐related disability were assessed with the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index. Differences in muscle strength were compared between groups. Multivariable regression was used to determine the association between muscle strength, foot pain, and disability after adjusting for covariates.ResultsPeople with midfoot OA (n = 52) exhibited strength deficits in all muscle groups, ranging from 19% (dorsiflexors) to 30% (invertors) relative to the control group (n = 36), with effect sizes of 0.6–1.1 (P < 0.001). In those with midfoot OA, ankle invertor muscle strength was negatively and independently associated with foot pain (β = –0.026 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –0.051, –0.001]; P = 0.045). Invertor muscle strength was negatively associated with foot‐related disability, although not after adjustment for depressive symptoms (β = –0.023 [95% CI –0.063, 0.017]; P = 0.250).ConclusionPeople with symptomatic midfoot OA demonstrate weakness in the foot and leg muscles compared to asymptomatic controls. Preliminary indications from this study suggest that strengthening of the foot and leg muscles may offer potential to reduce pain and improve function in people with midfoot OA.
Association of Rural Setting With Poorer Disease Outcomes for Patients With Rheumatic Diseases: Results From a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Hollick Rosemary J. , Macfarlane Gary J. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo assess whether clinical and patient‐reported outcomes are poorer for individuals with inflammatory and noninflammatory rheumatic diseases living in rural locations.MethodsWe searched 6 databases for articles that reported on primary peer‐reviewed research, published in English between 1990 and 2019, that focused on selected rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis [RA], psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, or osteoarthritis [OA]) and quantified either patient‐reported or clinically measured outcomes by a measure of rurality or remoteness. Selected articles were synthesized narratively.ResultsEight eligible publications, including 753 rural and 929 urban patients, evaluated outcomes in RA (5 studies) and OA (3 studies). Studies were small, single center, and rarely provided a definition of rurality. Aspects relating to rurality, such as access to services, were not measured. In RA, some studies suggested greater functional disability and disease activity in rural dwellers. In OA, there was some evidence to suggest that rural dwellers presented with more advanced degenerative hip changes, and that illness perceptions and coping differed between rural and urban dwellers. No studies examined work outcomes. Potentially important confounding factors such as socioeconomic status were rarely considered.ConclusionThere remains considerable uncertainty whether outcomes differ for patients with rheumatic disease in rural settings. There is a need for larger scale studies characterizing participants in relation to place of residence in order to determine whether rurality is an independent predictor of outcome or a surrogate marker for socioeconomic factors.
Modified Disease Activity Score at 3 Months Is a Significant Predictor for Rapid Radiographic Progression at 12 Months Compared With Other Measures in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Movahedi Mohammad , Weber Deborah , Akhavan Pooneh , Keystone Edward C. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveProgressive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is responsible for joint damage causing disabilities, but there is no agreement on which disease measures best predict radiographic progression. We aimed to determine which disease activity measures, including the disease activity score, the modified disease activity score in 28 joints with C‐reactive protein testing (M‐DAS28‐CRP), the Clinical Disease Activity Index, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, at baseline and 3 months best predicted rapid radiographic progression (RRP) in patients with early RA.MethodsData were used from PREMIER, a 2‐year, multicenter, double‐blind, active comparator controlled study with methotrexate (MTX)–naïve patients with RA and active disease for less than 3 years. Treatments included adalimumab plus oral MTX, adalimumab, or oral MTX. Only patients in the MTX arm were analyzed in this study. RRP was defined as a change in the modified total Sharp score of less than 3.5 at month 12. The logistic regression analysis assessed the impact of measures at baseline and 3 months on RRP at 12 months. Best cutoff points of the M‐DAS28‐CRP were also estimated by using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsA total of 149 patients were included (female patients: n = 113 [75.8%]; positive rheumatoid factor: n = 127 [85.2%]; mean [SD] age: 52.9 [13.3] years; mean [SD] disease duration: 0.8 [0.9] year; mean [SD] M‐DAS28‐CRP: 6.3 [0.9]). After adjusting for potential confounders, only the M‐DAS28‐CRP at baseline (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.70‐6.36) and 3 months (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.43‐4.56) strongly predicted RRP at 12 months. M‐DAS28‐CRP of 4.5 and 2.6 at baseline and 3 months, respectively, maximized positive and negative predictive values for prediction of RRP.ConclusionThe M‐DAS28‐CRP was a stronger predictor at baseline and 3 months for RRP compared with other disease activity measures. Removing tender joint count and patient global assessment from the DAS28‐CRP improves prediction of RRP.
Unveiling the Effects of Hydrolysis‐Derived DMAI/DMAPbIx Intermediate Compound on the Performance of CsPbI3 Solar Cells
Authors: Bian Hui , Wang Haoran , Li Zhizai , Zhou Faguang , Xu Youkui , Zhang Hong , Wang Qian , Ding Liming , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Jin Zhiwen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroducing hydroiodic acid (HI) as a hydrolysis‐derived precursor of the intermediate compounds has become an increasingly important issue for fabricating high quality and stable CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the materials composition of the intermediate compounds and their effects on the device performance remain unclear. Here, a series of high‐quality intermediate compounds are prepared and it is shown that they consist of DMAI/DMAPbIx. Further characterization of the products show that the main component of this system is still CsPbI3. Most of the dimethylammonium (DMA+) organic component is lost during annealing. Only an ultrasmall amount of DMA+ is doped into the CsPbI3 and its structure is stabilized. Meanwhile, excessive DMA+ forms Lewis acid–base adducts and interactions with Pb2+ on the CsPbI3 surface. This process passivates the CsPbI3 film and decreases the recombination rate. Finally, CsPbI3 film is fabricated with high crystalline, uniform morphology, and excellent stability. Its corresponding PSC exhibits stable property and improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 17.3%.
Ion Exchange/Insertion Reactions for Fabrication of Efficient Methylammonium Tin Iodide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Li Fengzhu , Jiang Ke‐Jian , Zhang Yanyan , Fan Haochen , Zhang Yue , Miao Yu , Huang Jin‐Hua , Gao Caiyan , Zhou Xueqin , Wang Fuyi , Yang Lian‐Ming , Zhan Chuanlang , Song YanLin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe low toxicity, narrow bandgaps, and high charge‐carrier mobilities make tin perovskites the most promising light absorbers for low‐cost perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the development of the Sn‐based PSCs is seriously hampered by the critical issues of poor stability and low power conversion efficiency (PCE) due to the facile oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+ and poor film formability of the perovskite films. Herein, a synthetic strategy is developed for the fabrication of methylammonium tin iodide (MASnI3) film via ion exchange/insertion reactions between solid‐state SnF2 and gaseous methylammonium iodide. In this way, the nucleation and crystallization of MASnI3 can be well controlled, and a highly uniform pinhole‐free MASnI3 perovskite film is obtained. More importantly, the detrimental oxidation can be effectively suppressed in the resulting MASnI3 film due to the presence of a large amount of remaining SnF2. This high‐quality perovskite film enables the realization of a PCE of 7.78%, which is among the highest values reported for the MASnI3‐based solar cells. Moreover, the MASnI3 solar cells exhibit high reproducibility and good stability. This method provides new opportunities for the fabrication of low‐cost and lead‐free tin‐based halide perovskite solar cells.
Maize nitrogen use efficiency improved due to density tolerance increase since the 1950s
Authors: Ma Daling , Yu Xiaofang , Ming Bo , Li Shaokun , Xie Ruizhi , Gao Julin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMeeting maize (Zea mays L.) production targets of high grain yields and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) requires the development of stress‐tolerant cultivars and corresponding cultivation practices that maximize efficiency. Therefore, our objectives were to (i) determine the impacts of N application rate, planting density, and maize cultivar (which have improved with each successive release date) on the N partial productivity factor (PFPN) and N agronomic efficiency (AEN), and to (ii) characterize the responses of maize cultivars indexes to different cultivation conditions. We found that maize PFPN and AEN values were affected by N application, planting density, and cultivar. The PFPN and AEN declined with increasing N but increased with increasing planting density or genetic improvement (i.e. later year of release). The responses of PFPN and AEN to planting density and N application, taken either as single factors or as interacting factors, were greater for recently released cultivars than for older cultivars. The PFPN and AEN values were not automatically associated with maize yields, indicating that the genetic improvements that led to increases in PFPN and AEN were due to unconscious selection. Thus, improvements in NUE resulted from improvements in cultivars’ tolerance to planting density stresses and from cultivation practices that employed higher planting densities from the 1950s to 2010.
Plant population and row spacing effects on corn: Phenotypic traits of positive yield‐responsive hybrids
Authors: Bernhard Brad J. , Below Frederick E. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCorn (Zea mays L.) hybrids differ in their yield response to plant population and/or row spacing changes. The objective of this study was to identify the hybrid phenotypic traits underlying intensive plant population and row spacing yield responses to help breeders select for hybrids to be placed in these possible management systems. In 2017 and 2018, six commercial hybrids were planted at 94,000, 109,000, 124,000, and 139,000 plants ha−1 in a 76‐cm or 51‐cm row spacing at two locations in Illinois. In general, the more recently released hybrids and full‐season hybrids tended to have greater yields in response to both higher planting population and narrower row spacing. Of the 46 measured phenotypic traits, those related to shoot biomass had more plasticity than many of the leaf traits (i.e. total leaves, leaf length, leaf angle, etc.) in response to plant spatial arrangement, but root traits had even greater plasticity. While the hybrids had inherently distinct phenotypic traits, there was no difference between hybrids in the plasticity extent of their shoot or root traits in response to plant population and/or row spacing alterations. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to identify the key phenotypic traits (predictors) of hybrids with increased yield in response to greater planting populations and narrower row spacing. These key traits for increased yields were related to capturing more sunlight (leaf angle, width, length, and area per plant), plant size (stover biomass per hectare, shoot biomass per hectare, and plant width), and root weight per plant.
Morpho‐physiological traits, antioxidant capacity, and nitrogen metabolism in ramie under nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Rehman Muzammal , Yang Mei , Fahad Shah , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Liu Lijun , Liu Feihu , Deng Gang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOptimum fertilization is one of the challenges to agricultural sustainability. Understanding the physiological and biochemical response of plants to available nutrients is important for optimization of crop management practices. Present study investigated the effects of different levels of N fertilizer (N0 = 0 kg ha−1[Control], N1 = 140 kg ha−1[Low], N2 = 280 kg ha−1[Medium], and N3 = 420 kg ha−1[High]) on growth, gaseous exchange, antioxidant capacity, and N metabolism in ramie (Boehmeria niveaL.) under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Nitrogen application improved the plant growth, chlorophyll contents, and antioxidant activity of ramie; the maximum shoot fresh biomass (91 g), shoot dry biomass (13.7 g), number of leaves (46.5), and number of stems (6.4) were recorded at medium N rate. However, the growth was reduced under high N rate. Except for intercellular CO2concentration, all the other gas exchange parameters were significantly affected by the N levels. Increasing N level improved the activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate synthase (GOGAT), and enhanced the chlorophyll and soluble protein contents in ramie leaves. Thus, N fertilizer at medium rate is relatively more effective in the growth of ramie and biomass production.
Reproductive ecology and postpollination development in the hydrophilous monocot Ruppia maritima
Authors: Taylor Mackenzie L. , Giffei Bridget L. , Dang Christie L. , Wilden Ana E. , Altrichter Kristine M. , Baker Emma C. , Nguyen Richard , Oki Dayton S. 
Published: March 2020

PremiseWater‐pollination (hydrophily) is a rare but important pollination mechanism that has allowed angiosperms to colonize marine and aquatic habitats. Hydrophilous plants face unique reproductive challenges, and many have evolved characteristic pollen traits and pollination strategies that may have downstream consequences for pollen performance. However, little is known about reproductive development in the life history stage between pollination and fertilization (the progamic phase) in hydrophilous plants. The purpose of this study was to characterize reproductive ecology and postpollination development in water‐pollinated Ruppia maritima L.MethodsNaturally pollinated inflorescences of R. maritima were collected from the field. Experimental pollinations using both putatively outcross and self pollen were conducted in the greenhouse and inflorescences were collected at appropriate intervals after pollination. Pollen reception, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, and carpel morphology were characterized.ResultsRuppia maritima exhibits incomplete protogyny, allowing for delayed selfing. Pollen germinated within 15 min after pollination. The average shortest possible pollen tube pathway was 425 μm and pollen tubes first reached the ovule at 45 min after pollination. The mean adjusted pollen tube growth rate was 551 μm/h.ConclusionsRuppia pollen is adapted for rapid pollen germination, which is likely advantageous in an aquatic habitat. Small effective pollen loads suggest that pollen competition intensity is low. Selection for traits such as a long period of stigma receptivity, fast pollen germination, and carpel morphology likely played a larger role in shaping postpollination reproductive development in Ruppia than evolution in pollen tube growth rates.