bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in measurement of amylase activity--a comparative study.
Authors: Kaufman R A , Tietz N W 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We evaluated four kinetic amylase procedures with respect to kinetics, analytical range, blank rates, reagent stability, reagent impurities, interfering substances, and intrinsic sensitivities. Each of the methods is shown to have its own unique advantages and disadvantages. A preliminary discussion of some alternative methods, in which glycosidic p-nitrophenyl alpha-oligosaccharides are substrates, is included.
DNA nucleotidylexotransferase of normal persons and leukemic patients.
Authors: Yasmineh W G , Smith B M , Bloomfield C D 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We describe a relatively simple and rapid assay for DNA nucleotidylexotransferase (EC 2.7.7.31) activity in normal lymphocytes and leukemic cells from blood and (or) bone marrow of patients with various types of leukemia. We followed the method of Beutler and Kuhl (Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 70: 733, 1978) but separated the product of the reaction by precipitation on filter-paper disks instead of by centrifugation. Normal lymphocytes had a mean activity of 13.5 (SD = 9.21; range 3 to 35) pU/10(8) cells. Leukemic cells from the peripheral blood of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia had a mean activity slightly greater than normal (48 pU/10(8) cells); those from patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia had a mean activity of 863 pU/10(8) cells, or 62-fold the normal mean. Similarly, cells from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in acute phase had a normal activity when the cell proliferation was myelogenous, but much higher activities when the cell proliferation was lymphoblastic. Cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia had normal activity. In leukemic patients, approximately similar results were obtained with cells isolated from bone marrow.
Birds in fragmented Amazonian rainforest: Lessons from 40 years at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project
Authors: Stouffer Philip C 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
For decades, ecologists have studied fundamental questions of how Amazonian biodiversity is maintained, and whether that diversity can persist following deforestation. The long history of avian research at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, near Manaus, Brazil, has helped advance this understanding in the context of a broader research program focused on rainforest fragments embedded in a dynamic matrix. By sampling birds beginning before fragments were isolated, in the late 1970s, and continuing the protocol to the present, our work has revealed community dynamics driven not just by area and isolation, but also by larger landscape patterns, particularly second growth recovery over decadal scales. Fragments permanently lose some bird species, but their communities need not follow a trajectory toward catastrophic change. Our challenge now is to determine under what conditions remnant patches and developing second growth can support not just the rich diversity of Amazonian rainforest species but also their population processes and emergent community properties.
Proximity to oil wells in North Dakota does not impact nest success of ducks but lowers nest densities
Authors: Skaggs Cassandra G , Ringelman Kevin M , Loesch Charles R , Szymanski Michael L , Rohwer Frank C , Kemink Kaylan M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Over the past decade, the United States has seen a rapid increase in oil and gas extraction from areas where resources were previously thought to be unrecoverable, particularly the Bakken shale formation in North Dakota. The Bakken overlaps with the Prairie Pothole Region, the most critical habitat in North America for breeding ducks, where oil and gas extraction through hydraulic fracturing has the potential to impact more than a million duck pairs in the United States alone. Here, we evaluated the effect of oil and gas development on nesting ducks in 2015–2017 across 5 counties in North Dakota. Using data from ~4,000 nests we found that nest survival was higher at sites composed of a higher percentage of grassland, and for nests found closer to major roads. We found no effect of any metric of oil and gas extraction activity on duck nest survival. Using survival-corrected estimates of nest density, we found higher densities of nests closer to roads, but lower nest densities at sites surrounded by more wells. Our top-ranked model indicated that nest density was predicted to decline by 14% relative to sites with no development, given the average number of wells (3.15 wells) within 1,500 m of a site. However, within a nesting field, we found no evidence that ducks were avoiding petroleum-related infrastructure at smaller spatial scales. Our results indicate mixed effects of oil and gas development on nesting waterfowl, and highlight both the resiliency of dabbing ducks to environmental change and the need for additional research on other aspects of duck breeding biology.
Fecal MicroRNAs Show Promise as Noninvasive Crohn’s Disease Biomarkers
Authors: Wohnhaas Christian T , Schmid Ramona , Rolser Marcel , Kaaru Eric , Langgartner Dominik , Rieber Kathrin , Strobel Benjamin , Eisele Claudia , Wiech Franziska , Jakob Ines , Gantner Florian , Herichova Ivona , Vinisko Richard , Böcher Wulf O , Visvanathan Sudha , Shen Fei , Panzenbeck Mark , Raymond Ernest , Reber Stefan O , Delić Denis , Baum Patrick 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Short non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various cellular processes during disease progression of Crohn’s disease (CD) and remarkably stable in feces, which make them attractive biomarker candidates for reflecting intestinal inflammatory processes. Here we investigated the potential of fecal miRNAs as noninvasive and translational CD biomarkers.

Methods
MiRNAs were screened in feces of 52 patients with CD and 15 healthy controls using RNA sequencing and the results were confirmed by PCR. The relationship between fecal miRNA levels and the clinical CD activity index (CDAI) or CD endoscopic index of severity (CDEIS) was explored, respectively. Additionally, fecal miRNAs were investigated in dextran sodium sulfate, adoptive T-cell transfer, and Helicobacter typhlonius/stress-induced murine colitis models using the NanoString platform.

Results
Nine miRNAs (miR-15a-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-128-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-223-5p, and miR-3074-5p) were significantly (adj. P &lt; 0.05, &gt;3-fold) increased whereas 8 miRNAs (miR-10a-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-192-5p, miR-200a-3p, miR-375, miR-378a-3p, and let-7g-5p) were significantly decreased in CD. MiR-192-5p, miR-375, and miR-141-3p correlated (P &lt; 0.05) with both CDAI and CDEIS whereas miR-15a-5p correlated only with CDEIS. Deregulated expression of miR-223-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-15a-5p, miR-24-3p, and miR-200a-3p was also observed in murine models. The identified altered fecal miRNA levels reflect pathophysiological mechanisms in CD, such as Th1 and Th17 inflammation, autophagy, and fibrotic processes.

Conclusions
Our translational study assessed global fecal miRNA changes of patients with CD and relevant preclinical models. These fecal miRNAs show promise as translational and clinically useful noninvasive biomarkers for mechanistic investigation of intestinal pathophysiology, including monitoring of disease progression.
NipahVR: a resource of multi-targeted putative therapeutics and epitopes for the Nipah virus
Authors: Gupta Amit Kumar , Kumar Archit , Rajput Akanksha , Kaur Karambir , Dar Showkat Ahmed , Thakur Anamika , Megha Kirti , Kumar Manoj 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging and priority pathogen from the Paramyxoviridae family with a high fatality rate. It causes various diseases such as respiratory ailments and encephalitis and poses a great threat to humans and livestock. Despite various efforts, there is no approved antiviral treatment available. Therefore, to expedite and assist the research, we have developed an integrative resource NipahVR (http://bioinfo.imtech.res.in/manojk/nipahvr/) for the multi-targeted putative therapeutics and epitopes for NiV. It is structured into different sections, i.e. genomes, codon usage, phylogenomics, molecular diagnostic primers, therapeutics (siRNAs, sgRNAs, miRNAs) and vaccine epitopes (B-cell, CTL, MHC-I and -II binders). Most decisively, potentially efficient therapeutic regimens targeting different NiV proteins and genes were anticipated and projected. We hope this computational resource would be helpful in developing combating strategies against this deadly pathogen.
Database URL: http://bioinfo.imtech.res.in/manojk/nipahvr/
Outcome of thoracoscopic repair of type-C esophageal atresia: a single-center experience from North Africa
Authors: Elbarbary Mohamed M , Shalaby Aly , Elseoudi Mohamed , Seleim Hamed M , Ragab Moutaz , Fares Ahmed E , Khairy Dalia , Wishahy Ahmed M K , Alkonaiesy Ramy M , Eltagy Gamal , Bahaaeldin Khaled 
Published: February 2020

Summary
Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia is gaining popularity worldwide attributable to availability and advances in minimally invasive instruments. In this report, we presented our experience with thoracoscopic esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) repair in our tertiary care institute. A prospective study on short-gap type-C EA/TEF was conducted at Cairo University Specialized Pediatric Hospital between April 2016 and 2018. Excluded were cases with birth weight &lt; 1500 gm, inability to stabilize physiologic parameters, or major cardiac anomalies. The technique was standardized in all cases and was carried out by operating team concerned with minimally invasive surgery at our facility. Primary outcome evaluated was successful primary anastomosis. Secondary outcomes included operative time, conversion rate, anastomotic leakage, recurrent fistula, postoperative stricture, and time till discharge. Over the inclusion period of this study, 136 cases of EA/TEF were admitted at our surgical NICU. Thoracoscopic repair was attempted in 76 cases. In total, 30 cases were pure atresia/long gap type-C atresia and were excluded from the study. Remaining 46 cases met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Mean age at operation was 8.7 days (range 2–32), and mean weight was 2.6 Kg (range 1.8–3.6). Apart from five cases (10.8%) converted to thoracotomy, the mean operative time was 108.3 minutes (range 80–122 minute). A tension-free primary anastomosis was possible in all thoracoscopically managed cases (n = 41) cases. Survival rate was 85.4% (n = 35). Anastomotic leakage occurred in seven patients (17%). Conservative management was successful in two cases, while esophagostomy and gastrostomy were judged necessary in the other for five. Anastomotic stricture developed in five cases (16.6%) of the 30 surviving patients who kept their native esophagus. Despite the fact that good mid-term presented results may be due to patient selection bias, thoracoscopic approach proved to be feasible for management of short-gap EA/TEF. Authors of this report believe that thoracoscopy should gain wider acceptance and pediatric surgeons should strive to adopt this procedure.
Magnetometric resistivity tomography using chaos polynomial expansion
Authors: Vu M T , Jardani A , Revil A , Jessop M 
Published: February 2020

SUMMARY
We present an inversion algorithm to reconstruct the spatial distribution of the electrical conductivity from the analysis of magnetometric resistivity (MMR) data acquired at the ground surface. We first review the theoretical background of MMR connecting the generation of a magnetic field in response to the injection of a low-frequency current source and sink in the ground given a known distribution of electrical conductivity in the subsurface of the Earth. The forward modelling is based on sequentially solving the Poisson equation for the electrical potential distribution and the magnetostatic (Biot and Savart) equation for the magnetic field. Then, we introduce a Gauss–Newton inversion algorithm in which the logarithm of the electrical conductivity field is parametrized by using the chaos polynomial expansion in order to reduce the number of model parameters. To illustrate how the method works, the algorithm is successfully applied on four synthetic models with 3-D heterogeneous distribution of the electrical conductivity. Finally, we apply our algorithm to a field case study in which seepage was known to be occurring along an embankment of a headrace channel to a power station.
Belonging home: capabilities, belonging and mental health recovery in low resourced settings
Authors: Cappo David , Mutamba Brian , Verity Fiona 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
There are significant barriers to the development of a ‘balanced model’ of mental health in low-income countries. These include gaps in the evidence base on effective responses to severe mental health issues and what works in the transition from hospital to home, and a low public investment in primary and community care. These limitations were the drivers for the formation of the non-government organization, YouBelong Uganda (YBU), which works to contribute to the implementation of a community-based model of mental health care in Uganda. This paper overviews an intervention protocol developed by YBU, which is a combined model of parallel engagement with the national mental hospital in Kampala, Uganda, movement of ‘ready for discharge’ patients back to their families and communities, and community development. The YBU programme is theoretically underpinned by a capabilities approach together with practical application of a concept of ‘belonging’. It is an experiment in implementation with hopes that it may be a positive step towards the development of an effective model in Uganda, which may be applicable in other countries. Finally, we discuss the value in joining ideas from social work, sociology, philosophy, public health and psychiatry into a community mental health ‘belonging framework’.
Power and diplomacy in the post-liberal cyberspace
Authors: Barrinha André , Renard Thomas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
It is becoming widely accepted that we have transitioned, or are now transitioning, from an international liberal order to a different reality. Whether that reality is different solely in terms of power dynamics, or also in terms of values and institutions, is up for discussion. The growing body of literature on ‘post-liberalism’ is used as an entry-point for this article, which aims to explore how the post-liberal transition applies to cyberspace. We explore how power dynamics are evolving in cyberspace, as well as how established norms, values and institutions are contested. The article then looks at the emergence of cyber diplomacy as a consequence and response to the post-liberal transition. As it will be argued, if cyberspace was a creation of the liberal order, cyber-diplomacy is a post-liberal world practice. What role it plays in shaping a new order or building bridges between different political visions, and what it means for the future of cyberspace, will constitute key points of discussion.
Attitudes towards Anglicisms in Contemporary Standard Slovak
Authors: Panocová Renáta 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The extensive spread of anglicisms in the last decades is a tendency that can be observed in a number of languages, including Slovak. This situation immediately raises concerns about the possible effects on national languages. In Slovakia, the attitudes to borrowings from English find their place between two poles of a continuum. On one hand, there are Slovak users (not only linguists) who are strongly against borrowings and especially anglicisms. Some even consider them a serious threat to Slovak as a national language which is part of Slovak identity. On the other hand, some users are keen to use English words in their Slovak. Then many Slovak speakers are confused as to what is acceptable and seek help from an official authority. The authority is represented by Jazykovedný ústav Ľudovíta Štúra Slovenskej akadémie vied (Ľudovít Štúr Institute of Linguistics of the Slovak Academy of Science). The Institute has set up a Linguistic Advice Service to answer questions about correct use. There is a database of the questions and answers which can be searched by key words or browsed in alphabetical order. The analysis focuses on the queries concerning anglicisms. The results of the analysis show how different attitudes to anglicisms in Slovak correlate with the lexicographic treatment of the words.
A lattice Boltzmann simulation of oblique impact of a single rain droplet on super-hydrophobic surface with randomly distributed rough structures
Authors: Shusheng Zhang , Hao Lu , Li-Zhi Zhang , Saffa Riffat , Zafer Ure , Huaguan Zhang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In this paper, oblique impact of a single rain droplet on super-hydrophobic surface with randomly distributed rough structures was investigated by lattice Boltzmann method. The effects of the impact angle of the droplet as well as the skewness and kurtosis of rough surface on the bouncing ability of the droplet were in this paper. It was found that the oblique impact can effectively reduce the contact time in the process of droplet bouncing off, because the energy consumption caused by the pinning effect is reduced. Moreover, the contact time most possibly reaches the shortest when the impact angle is 45°. Decreasing the skewness and keeping the kurtosis around 4.0 can enhance the bouncing ability during the droplet oblique impact on randomly distributed rough surfaces. The results are useful for the design of building structures.
L2-Cohomology, Derivations, and Quantum Markov Semi-Groups onq-Gaussian Algebras
Authors: Caspers Martijn , Isono Yusuke , Wasilewski Mateusz 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe study (quasi-)cohomological properties through an analysis of quantum Markov semi-groups. We construct higher order Hochschild cocycles using gradient forms associated with a quantum Markov semi-group. By using Schatten-${\mathcal{S}}_p$ estimates we analyze when these cocycles take values in the coarse bimodule. For the 1-cocycles (the derivations) we show that under natural conditions we obtain the Akemann–Ostrand property. We apply this to $q$-Gaussian algebras $\Gamma _q(H_{{\mathbb{R}}})$. As a result $q$-Gaussians satisfy AO$^+$ for $\vert q \vert \leqslant \dim (H_{{\mathbb{R}}})^{-1/2}$. This includes a new range of $q$ in low dimensions compared to Shlyakhtenko [ 34].
Adapting and evaluating a deep learning language model for clinical why-question answering
Authors: Wen Andrew , Elwazir Mohamed Y , Moon Sungrim , Fan Jungwei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To adapt and evaluate a deep learning language model for answering why-questions based on patient-specific clinical text.

Materials and Methods
Bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) models were trained with varying data sources to perform SQuAD 2.0 style why-question answering (why-QA) on clinical notes. The evaluation focused on: (1) comparing the merits from different training data and (2) error analysis.

Results
The best model achieved an accuracy of 0.707 (or 0.760 by partial match). Training toward customization for the clinical language helped increase 6% in accuracy.

Discussion
The error analysis suggested that the model did not really perform deep reasoning and that clinical why-QA might warrant more sophisticated solutions.

Conclusion
The BERT model achieved moderate accuracy in clinical why-QA and should benefit from the rapidly evolving technology. Despite the identified limitations, it could serve as a competent proxy for question-driven clinical information extraction.
Extraction of Sulfamethazine from Feed Samples
Authors: Blanchflower John W , Rice Desmond A 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The efficiency of a number of published extraction solvents for sulfamethazine in feeds was evaluated. Poor recoveries were obtained with several of the solvents when sulfamethazine was extracted from commerically pelleted feed samples. Recoveries ranged from 48 to 94%. A 75% methanol acetic acid extractant gave the best results
Determination of Dimetridazole and Ipronidazole in Feeds at Cross-Contamination Levels
Authors: Hughes Duane D 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A rapid method for the determination of dimetridazole and ipronidazole in feeds is described. The compounds are extracted from a borate buffer (pH 8.65) with benzene, partitioned into IN HC1, and then partitioned back into benzene from a basic aqueous phase. The benzene extract is concentrated and injected onto a nonpolar (Apiezon L) gas chromatographic column for determination by 63Ni electroncapture detection. Recoveries from feeds of various composition, spiked at 0.2 ppm with both dimetridazole and ipronidazole, ranged from 70 to 115%; for the same feeds spiked at 1 ppm or more, the recoveries were greater than 80%. Carbadox, furazolidone, levamisole, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, sulfamethazine, sulfaquinoxaline, arsanilic acid, piperazine, penicillin, and commonly added vitamins and minerals do not interfere. A 2-dimensional thin layer chromatographic system is presented as a means of additional identification.
Complete Amino Acid Analysis in Hydrolysates of Foods and Feces by Liquid
Chromatography of Precolumn Phenylisothiocyanate Derivatives
Authors: Sarwar Ghulam , Botting Herbert G , Peace Robert W 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The amino acid analysis method using precolumn phenylisothiocyanate (PITC) derivatization and liquid chromatography was modified for accurate determination of methionine (as methionine sulfone), cysteine/cystine (as cysteic acid), and all other amino acids, except tryptophan, in hydrolyzed samples of foods and feces. A simple liquid chromatographic method (requiring no derivatization) for the determination of tryptophan in alkaline hydrolysates of foods and feces was also developed. Separation of all amino acids by liquid chromatography was completed in 12 min compared with 60-90 min by ion-exchange chromatography. Variation expressed as coefficients of variation (CV) for the determination of most amino acids in the food and feces samples was not more than 4%, which compared favorably with the reproducibility of ion-exchange methods. Data for amino acids and recoveries of amino acid nitrogen obtained by liquid chromatographic methods were also similar to those obtained by conventional ion-exchange procedures.
Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Ivermectin in Bovine Serum
Authors: Oehler Delbert D , Miller J Allen 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A rapid, sensitive method is described for the determination of ivermectin concentrations in bovine serum. Ivermectin is extracted by passing a sample through a reverse-phase C18 cartridge. A silicapacked cartridge is used to purify the extract further. Ivermectin is quantitated by liquid chromatography with detection at 245 nm. Recoveries were 95 ± 4% for samples fortified with 20 ppb ivermectin. Concentrations as low as 2 ppb can be detected in 5 g samples.