bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Changes During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Results Of A National Survey in Singapore
Authors: Long Victoria JE , Liu Jean CJ 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionAs part of infection control measures for COVID-19, individuals have been encouraged to adopt both preventive (e.g., handwashing) and avoidant behavioural changes (e.g., avoiding crowds). In this study, we examined whether demographics predicted the likelihood that a person would adopt these behaviours in Singapore.Materials and Methods1145 participants responded to an online survey conducted between 7 March - 21 April 2020. As part of the survey, we collected demographic information and asked participants to report which of 17 behaviour changes they had undertaken because of the outbreak. We ran regression models to predict, using demographic information: (1) the total number of behavioural changes undertaken, (2) the number of preventive changes undertaken, and (3) the number of avoidant changes undertaken. Finally, we sought to identify predictors of persons who: (4) declared that they had not undertaken any of these measures following the outbreak.ResultsFemales and those who were younger adopted more preventive behaviours: whereas females were more likely to increase handwashing frequency, younger individuals were more likely to wear face masks prior to legislation. Females and those who were married adopted more avoidant behaviours, with both groups avoiding crowded areas and staying home more than usual. Females also voluntarily reduced physical contact, whereas those who were married chose outdoor venues and relied on online shopping.ConclusionOur characterisation of behavioural changes provides a baseline for public health advisories. Moving forward, local health authorities can focus their efforts to encourage segments of the population who do not readily adopt infection control measures against COVID-19.
IFN signaling and neutrophil degranulation transcriptional signatures are induced during SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Rosa Bruce A. , Ahmed Mushtaq , Singh Dhiraj K. , Choreño-Parra José Alberto , Cole Journey , Jiménez-Álvarez Luis Armando , Rodríguez-Reyna Tatiana Sofía , Singh Bindu , Gonzalez Olga , Carrion Ricardo , Schlesinger Larry S. , Martin John , Zúñiga Joaquín , Mitreva Makedonka , Khader Shabaana A. , Kaushal Deepak 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe novel virus SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than 14 million people worldwide resulting in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Limited information on the underlying immune mechanisms that drive disease or protection during COVID-19 severely hamper development of therapeutics and vaccines. Thus, the establishment of relevant animal models that mimic the pathobiology of the disease is urgent. Rhesus macaques infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibit disease pathobiology similar to human COVID-19, thus serving as a relevant animal model. In the current study, we have characterized the transcriptional signatures induced in the lungs of juvenile and old rhesus macaques following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We show that genes associated with Interferon (IFN) signaling, neutrophil degranulation and innate immune pathways are significantly induced in macaque infected lungs, while pathways associated with collagen formation are downregulated. In COVID-19, increasing age is a significant risk factor for poor prognosis and increased mortality. We demonstrate that Type I IFN and Notch signaling pathways are significantly upregulated in lungs of juvenile infected macaques when compared with old infected macaques. These results are corroborated with increased peripheral neutrophil counts and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio in older individuals with COVID-19 disease. In contrast, pathways involving VEGF are downregulated in lungs of old infected macaques. Using samples from humans with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19, we validate a subset of our findings. Finally, neutrophil degranulation, innate immune system and IFN gamma signaling pathways are upregulated in both tuberculosis and COVID-19, two pulmonary diseases where neutrophils are associated with increased severity. Together, our transcriptomic studies have delineated disease pathways to improve our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 to facilitate the design of new therapeutics for COVID-19.
Single-cell analyses of the corneal epithelium: Unique cell types and gene expression profiles
Authors: Sonam Surabhi , Bangru Sushant , Perry Kimberly J. , Kalsotra Auinash , Henry Jonathan J. 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTCorneal Epithelial Stem Cells (CESCs) and their proliferative progeny, the Transit Amplifying Cells (TACs), are responsible for homeostasis and maintaining corneal transparency. Owing to our limited knowledge of cell fates and gene activity within the cornea, the search for unique markers to identify and isolate these cells remains crucial for ocular surface reconstruction. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of corneal epithelial cells from stage 49-51Xenopuslarvae. We identified five main clusters with distinct molecular signatures, which represent apical, basal and keratocyte cell types as well as two discrete proliferative cell types in the bi-layered epithelium. Our data reveal several novel genes expressed in corneal cells and spatiotemporal changes in gene expression during corneal differentiation. Through gene regulatory network analysis, we identified key developmental gene regulons, which guide these different cell states. Our study offers a detailed atlas of single-cell transcriptomes in the frog corneal epithelium. In future, this work will be useful to elucidate the function of novel genes in corneal homeostasis, wound healing and cornea regeneration, which includes lens regeneration inXenopus.SUMMARY STATEMENTThis study identifies cell types and transcriptional heterogeneity in the corneal epithelium that regulate its differentiation, and facilitates the search for corneal stem cell markers.
Datanator: an integrated database of molecular data for quantitatively modeling cellular behavior
Authors: Roth Yosef D. , Lian Zhouyang , Pochiraju Saahith , Shaikh Bilal , Karr Jonathan R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntegrative research about multiple biochemical subsystems has significant potential to help advance biology, bioengineering, and medicine. However, it is difficult to obtain the diverse data needed for integrative research. To facilitate biochemical research, we developed Datanator (https://datanator.info), an integrated database and set of tools for findingcloudsof multiple types of molecular data about specific molecules and reactions in specific organisms and environments, as well as data about chemically-similar molecules and reactions in phylogenetically-similar organisms in similar environments. Currently, Datanator includes metabolite concentrations, RNA modifications and half-lives, protein abundances and modifications, and reaction rate constants about a broad range of organisms. Going forward, we aim to launch a community initiative to curate additional data. Datanator also provides tools for filtering, visualizing, and exporting these data clouds. We believe that Datanator can facilitate a wide range of research from integrative mechanistic models, such as whole-cell models, to comparative data-driven analyses of multiple organisms.
Quantitative lineage analysis identifies a long-term progenitor niche for the hepato-pancreato-biliary organ system
Authors: Willnow David , Benary Uwe , Margineanu Anca , Vignola Maria Lillina , Pongrac Igor M. , Karimaddini Zahra , Vigilante Alessandra , Wolf Jana , Spagnoli Francesca M. 
Published: August 2020

SummarySingle cell-based studies have revealed tremendous cellular heterogeneity in stem cell and progenitor compartments, suggesting continuous differentiation trajectories with intermixing of cells at various states of lineage commitment and notable degree of plasticity during organogenesis1–5.The hepato-pancreato-biliary organ system relies on a small endoderm progenitor compartment that gives rise to a variety of different adult tissues, including liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and extra-hepatic bile ducts6, 7. Experimental manipulation of various developmental signals in the mouse embryo underscored an important cellular plasticity in this embryonic territory6, 8. This is also reflected in the existence of human genetic syndromes as well as congenital or environmentally-caused human malformations featuring multiorgan phenotypes in liver, pancreas and gallbladder6, 8. Nevertheless, the precise lineage hierarchy and succession of events leading to the segregation of an endoderm progenitor compartment into hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic structures are not yet established. Here, we combine computational modelling approaches with genetic lineage tracing to assess the tissue dynamics accompanying the ontogeny of the hepato-pancreato-biliary organ system. We show that a long-term multipotent progenitor domain persists at the border between liver and pancreas, even after pancreatic fate is specified, contributing to the formation of several organ derivatives, including the liver. Moreover, using single-cell RNA sequencing we define a specialized niche that possibly supports such long-term cell fate plasticity.
Nitric Oxide Synthase inhibition counteracts the stress-induced DNA methyltransferase 3b expression in the hippocampus of rats
Authors: de Sousa Maciel Izaque , Sales Amanda Juliana , Casarotto Plinio C , Castrén Eero , Biojone Caroline , Joca Sâmia R. L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIt has been postulated that activation of NMDA receptors (NMDAr) and nitric oxide (NO) production in the hippocampus is involved in the behavioral consequences of stress. Stress triggers NMDAr-induced calcium influx in limbic areas, such as the hippocampus, which in turn activates neuronal NO synthase (nNOS). Inhibition of nNOS or NMDAr activity can prevent stress-induced effects in animal models, but the molecular mechanisms behind this effect are still unclear. In this study, cultured hippocampal neurons treated with NMDA or dexamethasone showed increased of DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) mRNA expression, which was blocked by pre-treatment with nNOS inhibitor nω-propyl-L-arginine (NPA). In rats submitted to the Learned Helplessness paradigm (LH), we observed that inescapable stress increased of DNMT3b mRNA expression at 1h and 24h in the hippocampus. The NOS inhibitors 7-NI and aminoguanidine (AMG) decreased the number of escape failures in LH, and counteracted the changes in hippocampal DNMT3b mRNA induced in this behavioral paradigm. Altogether, our data suggest that NO produced in response to NMDAr activation following stress upregulates DNMT3b in the hippocampus.
Performance of an automated anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay in prepandemic cohorts
Authors: Riester Elena , Krieter Beda , Findeisen Peter , Laimighofer Michael , Schoenfeld Kathrin , Laengin Tina , Niederhauser Christoph 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay (Roche Diagnostics) was developed to provide an accurate and reliable method for the detection of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We evaluated the specificity of the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay in prepandemic sample cohorts across five sites in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.MethodsSpecificity of the immunoassay was evaluated using anonymised, frozen, residual serum and/or plasma samples from blood donors or routine diagnostic testing. All samples were collected before September 2019 and therefore presumed negative for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. Cohorts included samples from blood donors, pregnant women and paediatric patients. Point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsOverall specificities for the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay in 9575 samples from blood donors (n = 6714) and diagnostic specimens (n = 2861) were 99.82% (95% CI 99.69-99.91) and 99.93% (95% CI 99.75-99.99), respectively. Among 2256 samples from pregnant women, specificity was 99.91% (95% CI 99.68-99.99). Among 205 paediatric samples, specificity was 100% (95% CI 98.22-100).ConclusionThe Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay demonstrated a very high specificity across blood donor samples and diagnostic specimens from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Our findings support the use of the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay as a potential tool for determination of an immune response following previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the general population, including in blood donors, pregnant women and paediatric populations.
System identification of flybar-less rotorcraft UAV
Authors: T.K. Khadeeja Nusrath , V.P. Lulu , Singh Jatinder 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to build an accurate mathematical model which is necessary for control design and attitude estimation of a miniature unmanned rotorcraft and its subsequent conversion to an autonomous vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach
Frequency-domain system identification of a small-size flybar-less remote controlled helicopter is carried out based on the input–output data collected from flight tests of the instrumented vehicle. A complete six degrees of freedom quasi-steady dynamic model is derived for hover and cruise flight conditions.

Findings
The veracity of the developed model is ascertained by comparing the predicted model responses to the actual responses from flight experiments and from statistical measures. Dynamic stability analysis of the vehicle is carried out using eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The identified model represents the vehicle dynamics very well in the frequency range of interest.

Research limitations/implications
The model needs to be augmented with additional terms to represent the high-frequency dynamics of the vehicle.

Practical implications
Control algorithms developed using the first principles model can be easily reconfigured using the identified model, because the model structure is not altered during identification.

Originality/value
This paper gives a practical solution for model identification and stability analysis of a small-scale flybar-less helicopter. The estimated model can be easily used in developing control algorithms.
Black lives matter…still: moving beyond acknowledging the problem toward effective solutions in graduate training and education
Authors: Thomas Kecia , Ashburn-Nardo Leslie 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThe aim of the study is to revisit the importance of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and to encourage more attention to White supremacy in the academy, especially with regards to the development and mentoring of graduate students.Design/methodology/approachThe study reflects on the urgency of the BLM movement given the death of George Floyd and others.FindingsThe article highlights the ways in which the training and development of graduate students can reinforce systems of exclusion and marginalization while reinforcing existing systems of privilege and the status quo. The essay concludes with recommendations for creating greater systems of inclusion for programs, departments and higher education institutions.Practical implicationsRecommendations are given to initiate culture change.Originality/valueThis is a follow-up to the 2017 special issue.
The influence of soldering process parameters on the optical and thermal properties of power LEDs
Authors: Ptak Przemysław , Górecki Krzysztof , Skwarek Agata , Witek Krzysztof , Tarasiuk Jacek 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to present the results of investigations that show the influence of soldering process parameters on the optical and thermal parameters of power LEDs.

Design/methodology/approach
The power LEDs were soldered onto metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) substrates in different soldering ovens: batch and tunnel types, characterized by different thermal profiles. Three types of solder pastes based on Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7 with the addition of TiO2 were used. The thermal and optical parameters of the diodes were measured using classical indirect electrical methods. The results of measurements obtained were compared and discussed.

Findings
It was shown that the type of oven and soldering thermal profile considerably influence the effectiveness of the removal of heat generated in the LEDs tested. This influence is characterized by thermal resistance changes. The differences between the values of this parameter can exceed 20%. This value also depends on the composition of the soldering paste. The differences between the diodes tested can exceed 15%. It was also shown that the luminous flux emitted by the diode depends on the soldering process used.

Practical implications
The results obtained could be useful for process design engineers for assembling power LEDs for MCPCBs and for designers of solid-state light sources.

Originality/value
This paper presents the results of investigations into the influence of the soldering profiles and soldering pastes used on the effectiveness of the removal of heat generated in power LEDs. It shows and discusses how the factors mentioned above influence the thermal resistance of the LEDs and optical parameters that characterize the light emitted.
Shifts in ectomycorrhizal exploration types parallel leaf and fine root area with forest age
Authors: Wasyliw Joshua , Karst Justine 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The abundance of fine roots and leaves in forests typically peaks during mid‐succession and then declines. If fine root area declines more rapidly than leaf area, this could contribute disproportionately to stand decline. However, trees also partner with symbiotic ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi that facilitate nutrient acquisition of fine roots. Ectomycorrhizal fungi can use the carbohydrates provided by their plant partners to produce emanating fungal tissues which increase soil exploration potential but may also prove costly. We suggest two competing hypotheses to frame the response of ectomycorrhizas to stand age: (a) the ‘functional offset’ hypothesis posits that the abundance of ectomycorrhizas with emanating tissues (‘Distance’ mycorrhizas) increases with stand age and (b) the ‘energy‐limited’ hypothesis posits that carbon available for root symbionts decreases with stand age resulting in fewer Distance mycorrhizas. In the first hypothesis, EcM functional traits offset root abundance, while in the second, traits parallel root abundance.

To test these competing hypotheses, we sampled fine roots to a depth of 90 cm and used allometric equations to estimate changes in root and leaf area index across a chronosequence of Pinus banksiana stands ranging from 2 to 76 years average tree age. We also examined fine roots microscopically to track changes in the abundance of EcM functional types. We used DNA‐based methods to sequence EcM fungi and confirm roots were of P. banksiana.

Both fine root and leaf area of pine increased for the first 30–36 years (until Mid age) and then plateaued, while the ratio of leaf to fine root area was similar across the age gradient. Also, changes to fine root area with stand age depended on soil depth. The abundance of Distance mycorrhizas was lowest at the youngest plots and increased until Mid age, where it peaked, contrary to the functional offset hypothesis. Instead, the abundance of Distance mycorrhizas paralleled changes to leaf area, aligned with the energy‐limited hypothesis.

Synthesis. Ectomycorrhizas do not offset the function of roots, rather shifts in exploration type likely reflect adjustments to carbon supply from hosts.
Off‐label prescribing of stimulant medication to students: a qualitative study on the general practitioner perspective
Authors: De Bruyn Sara , Wouters Edwin , Ponnet Koen , Tholen Robert , Masquillier Caroline , Remmen Roy , Van Hal Guido 
Published: August 2020

AbstractStudents’ use of prescription stimulants to enhance study performance is increasingly under the spotlight. Medical guidelines discourage general practitioners (GPs) from prescribing stimulants to students without a diagnosis; yet a considerable proportion of students acquire them from GPs. Building on Eisenberg’s theoretical framework on clinical decision‐making and Conrad’s sociological concept of biomedical enhancement, this study examined the social context of GPs’ off‐label prescribing decisions for stimulants, using data from 21 semi‐structured interviews, including vignettes, undertaken with Flemish GPs. Results identified two groups of GPs: (1) hard‐liners who strictly follow medical guidelines and who would only prescribe in case of an appropriate diagnosis and (2) context‐dependent GPs who would prescribe stimulants depending on the patients’ symptoms and extent of need. GPs’ decisions depend on one‐on‐one doctor‐patient interactions (i.e. the extent of empathy from the doctor and the extent of assertiveness from the patient); the extent to which GPs define concentration problems as medical problems; GPs’ interactions with fellow health care workers; as well as GPs’ interaction with the wider community. By disentangling these influences, this paper advances both theoretical and practical understanding of the sociological context in which GPs’ off‐label prescribing behaviour occurs.
Primers to highly conserved elements optimized for qPCR‐based telomere length measurement in vertebrates
Authors: Hudon Stephanie F. , Palencia Hurtado Esteban , Beck James D. , Burden Steven J. , Bendixsen Devin P. , Callery Kathleen R. , Sorensen Forbey Jennifer , Waits Lisette P. , Miller Robert A. , Nielsen Ólafur K. , Heath Julie A. , Hayden Eric J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTelomere length dynamics are an established biomarker of health and ageing in animals. The study of telomeres in numerous species has been facilitated by methods to measure telomere length by real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR). In this method, telomere length is determined by quantifying the amount of telomeric DNA repeats in a sample and normalizing this to the total amount of genomic DNA. This normalization requires the development of genomic reference primers suitable for qPCR, which remains challenging in nonmodel organism with genomes that have not been sequenced. Here we report reference primers that can be used in qPCR to measure telomere lengths in any vertebrate species. We designed primer pairs to amplify genetic elements that are highly conserved between evolutionarily distant taxa and tested them in species that span the vertebrate tree of life. We report five primer pairs that meet the specificity and reproducibility standards of qPCR. In addition, we demonstrate an approach to choose the best primers for a given species by testing the primers on multiple individuals within a species and then applying an established computational tool. These reference primers can facilitate qPCR‐based telomere length measurements in any vertebrate species of ecological or economic interest.