bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Schizocladia ischiensis organellar genomes: estimating the origin of multicellularity in heterokonts and the emergence of shallow ocean ecosystems
Authors: Phillips Naomi , Braun Edward L. , Boore Jeffrey , Cheda Brian , Salomon Mathew P. , Kawai Hiroshi , Yamagishi Takahiro 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Brown algae are key members of coastal marine ecosystems and the most recent eukaryotic lineage to transition to multicellularity. Browns are members of a heterogeneous assemblage of organisms, heterokonts, that include photosynthetic plankton, (e.g. diatoms) and non-photosynthetic taxa like the pseudofungi or labyrinthulas. We hypothesized that the origin of brown algae would coincide with the assembly of shallow coastal ecosystems. Testing this hypothesis required a robust estimate of the timeframe for the origin of multicellularity in the Gyristan (lineage including Oomycota and Ochrophyta) heterokonts and the diversification of the brown algae. A relaxed clock analysis that included organellar data from the closest sister of brown algae, Schizocladia ischiensis and other heterokonts enabled a robust estimation of this timeframe.

Results

Consistent with Gyristan heterokonts, the plastid and mitochondrial genomes of S. ischiensis were circular (cp ~138,101 bp, mt ~ 41,773 bp) with similar genes and genome architecture. The comparison of its organellar protein-coding genes with those of other heterokonts (21 cpDNA, 28 mtDNA) including outgroups were used to estimate the following divergence times: (1) The Gyristan assemblage split into autotrophic (Ochrophyta) and heterotrophic (Oomycetes) clades in the Paleozoic (~ 457 Ma) with the transition to multicellularity early in the Mesozoic. (2) Several phytoplankton lineages (e.g., Diatoms) diversified toward the end of the Mesozoic into the Cenozoic consistent with paleontological records and estimated stable oceanic conditions. (3) The brown algae, main architects of key coastal benthic ecosystems, arose toward the end of the Mesozoic with main lineages like the kelps or rockweeds diversifying into the Cenozoic. These divergences were consistent with fossil records and physical data for the emergence of shallow water coastal environments.

Conclusions

S. ischiensis’ organellar genomes combined with robust multigene phylogenomic molecular clock analyses placed the origin of brown algae late in the Mesozoic consistent to paleontological time estimates and plate tectonic models for the emergence of shallow coastal environments. These data robustly supported the hypothesis that the origin and diversification of brown algae was central to the assembly of rocky shallow coastal ecosystems. Furthermore, important communities like kelps forests or rockweed beds are relatively recent marine ecosystems.
Chest CT for Detecting COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Xu Buyun , Xing Yangbo , Peng Jiahao , Zheng Zhaohai , Tang Weiliang , Sun Yong , Xu Chao , Peng Fang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to perform a systematic review and meta- analysis regarding the diagnostic test accuracy of chest CT for detecting Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI were searched up to March 12, 2020. We included studies providing information regarding diagnostic test accuracy of chest CT for COVID-19 detection. The methodologic quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies–2 tool. Sensitivity and specificity were pooled.RESULTS: Ten studies (n = 2657 patients) were included. The risks of bias in all studies were moderate in general. Pooled sensitivity was 93% (95% CI: 85 - 97%), and only one study reported specificity (25%, 95% CI:22-30%). There was substantial heterogeneity according to the Cochran Q test (p < 0.01) and Higgins I2 heterogeneity index (96% for sensitivity). After dividing the studies into two groups based on the study site, we found that the sensitivity of chest CT was great in Wuhan (the most affected city by the epidemic) and the sensitivity values were very close to each other (97%, 96% and 99%, respectively). In the regions other than Wuhan, the sensitivity varied from 69% to 98%.CONCLUSION: Chest CT offers the great sensitivity for detecting COVID-19, especially in region with severe epidemic situation. However, the specificity is low. In the context of emergency disease control, chest CT provide a fast, convenient and effective method to early recognize suspicious cases and might contribute to confine epidemic.
Estimation of Bulk Permittivity of the Moon’s Surface Using Lunar Radar Sounder On-board Selenological and Engineering Explorer
Authors: Hongo Keigo , Toh Hiroaki , Kumamoto Atsushi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Site-dependent bulk permittivities of the lunar uppermost media were estimated based on the data from Lunar Radar Sounder onboard the Selenological and Engineering Explorer (SELENE). It succeeded in sounding almost all over the Moon’s surface in a frequency range around 5 MHz to detect subsurface reflectors beneath several lunar maria such as Mare Imbrium. However, it is necessary to estimate the permittivity of the surface regolith of the Moon in order to determine the actual depths to those reflectors instead of apparent depths assuming a speed of light in the vacuum. In this study, we determined site-dependent bulk permittivities by two-layer models consisting of a surface regolith layer over a half-space with uniform but different physical properties from the layer above. Those models consider the electrical conductivity as well as the permittivity, whose trade-off was resolved by utilizing the correlation between titanium content and measured physical properties of lunar rock samples. Distribution of the titanium content on the Moon’s surface had already been derived by spectroscopic observation from SELENE as well.Four lunar maria, viz., Mare Serenitatis, Oceanus Procellarum, Mare Imbrium, and Mare Crisium, were selected as regions of evident reflectors, where we estimated the following four physical properties of each layer, i.e., bulk permittivity, porosity, loss tangent and electrical conductivity to conclude the actual depths of the reflectors are approximately 200m on average. The bulk permittivity ranges from 2.96 at Mare Imbrium to 6.37 at Oceanus Procellarum, whereas the porosity takes the values between 1.8% to 41.1% in the respective maria. It was found that although the bulk permittivity of the four lunar maria differs from a mare to a mare, it shows a good correlation with their composition, viz., their titanium content.
MiR-3622a-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer by reducing stemness features and EMT through targeting spalt-like transcription factor 4
Authors: Chang Shuchen , Sun Guangli , Zhang Dan , Li Qing , Wan Yemin , Zhou Xi , Lu Qiulu , Han Xiuxiu , Chen Xue , Xing Ting , Liu Qiaoling , Ren Yumeng , Zhang Shuoqiu , Qian Haihua 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs which act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors through targeting specific mRNAs. MiR-3622a-3p is found to be decreased in colorectal cancer (CRC) in TCGA database and there are few reports about the role of miR-3622a-3p in cancers. Our research aimed to explore the effect of miR-3622a-3p in CRC. Methods MiR-3622a-3p expression in CRC tissues and cells was examined by qRT-PCR. The effect of miR-3622a-3p on proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion of CRC cells were investigated by a serious of biological function assays. We performed dual luciferase assay to confirm the interaction between miR-3622a-3p and its potential target gene. Western blot was carried out to determine the effect of miR-3622a-3p on stemness features and EMT. Tumor xenograft model and in vivo metastasis model were established using nude mice. The CRC organoid model was constructed with fresh CRC tissues. Results MiR-3622a-3p was down-regulated in CRC tissues and cells. Biological function assays revealed that miR-3622a-3p could inhibit the malignant biological properties of CRC. MiR-3622a-3p suppressed stemness features and EMT of CRC cells by SALL4 mRNA degradation. The results of animal experiments showed miR-3622a-3p could inhibit CRC cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo . The growth of organoids was also suppressed by miR-3622a-3p. Conclusions Taken together, the results of our study indicate miR-3622a-3p exerts antioncogenic role in CRC by downregulation of SALL4. The research on miR-3622a-3p might provide a new insight into treatment of CRC.
Evaluation of the contribution of tropical cyclone seeds to changes in tropical cyclone frequency due to global warming in high-resolution multi-model ensemble simulations
Authors: Yamada Yohei , Kodama Chihiro , Satoh Masaki , Sugi Masato , Roberts Malcolm J , Mizuta Ryo , Noda Akira T , Nasuno Tomoe , Nakano Masuo , Vidale Pier Luigi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Previous projections of the frequency of tropical cyclone genesis due to global warming, even in terms of sign of the change, depends on the chosen model simulation. Here, we systematically examine projected changes in tropical cyclones using six global atmospheric models with medium-to-high horizontal resolutions included in the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project/High-Resolution Model Intercomparison Project. Changes in the frequency of tropical cyclone genesis could be broken down into the contributions from (i) the tropical cyclone seed, a depression having a closed contour of sea level pressure with a warm core and (ii) the survival rate, the ratio of the frequency of tropical cyclone genesis to that of tropical cyclone seeds. The multi-model ensemble mean indicates that tropical cyclone genesis frequencies are significantly decreased during the period 1990–2049, which is attributable to changes in tropical cyclone seeds. Analysis of the individual models shows that although most models project a more or less decreasing trend in tropical cyclone genesis frequencies and seeds, the survival rate also contributes to the result in some models. This study indicates the usefulness of decomposition into the frequency of the tropical cyclone seeds and the survival rate to understand the cause of uncertainty in projected frequencies of tropical cyclone genesis.
Prevalence and incidence of cancer related lymphedema in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Torgbenu Eric , Luckett Tim , Buhagiar Mark A. , Chang Sungwon , Phillips Jane L 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Little is known about the prevalence and incidence in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) of secondary lymphedema due to cancer. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and incidence in LMICs of secondary lymphedema related to cancer and/or its treatment(s) and identify risk factors. Method A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched in June 2019 for peer-reviewed articles that assessed prevalence and/or incidence of cancer-related lymphedema in LMICs. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Estimates of pooled prevalence and incidence estimates were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI), with sub-group analyses grouping studies according to: country of origin, study design, risk of bias, setting, treatment, and lymphedema site and measurement. Heterogeneity was measured using X ² and I 2 , with interpretation guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. Results Of 8766 articles, 36 were included. Most reported on arm lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment (n=31), with the remainder reporting on leg lymphedema following gynecological cancer treatment (n=5). Arm lymphedema was mostly measured by arm circumference (n=16/31 studies), and leg lymphedema through self-report (n=3/5 studies). Eight studies used more than one lymphedema measurement. Only two studies that measured prevalence of leg lymphedema could be included in a meta-analysis (pooled prevalence =10.0%, 95%CI 7.0 – 13.0, I 2 =0%). The pooled prevalence of arm lymphedema was 27%, with considerable heterogeneity (95%CI 20.0 – 34.0, I 2 =94.69%, n =13 studies). The pooled incidence for arm lymphedema was 21%, also with considerable heterogeneity (95%CI 15.0 – 26.0, I 2 =95.29%, n =11 studies). There was evidence that higher BMI (>25) was associated with increased risk of arm lymphedema (OR: 1.98, 95%CI 1.45 – 2.70, I 2 =84.0%, P< 0.0001, n =4 studies). Conclusion Better understanding the factors that contribute to variability in cancer-related arm lymphedema in LMICs is an important first step to developing targeted interventions to improve quality of life. Standardising measurement of lymphedema globally and better reporting would enable comparison within the context of information about cancer treatments and lymphedema care.
IoT-Flock: An Open-source Framework for IoT Traffic Generation
Authors: Ghazanfar Syed , Hussain Faisal , Rehman Atiq Ur , Fayyaz Ubaid U. , Shahzad Farrukh , Shah Ghalib A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Network traffic generation is one of the primary techniques that is used to design and analyze the performance of network security systems. However, due to the diversity of IoT networks in terms of devices, applications and protocols, the traditional network traffic generator tools are unable to generate the IoT specific protocols traffic. Hence, the traditional traffic generator tools cannot be used for designing and testing the performance of IoT-specific security solutions. In order to design an IoT-based traffic generation framework, two main challenges include IoT device modelling and generating the IoT normal and attack traffic simultaneously. Therefore, in this work, we propose an open-source framework for IoT traffic generation which supports the two widely used IoT application layer protocols, i.e., MQTT and CoAP. The proposed framework allows a user to create an IoT use case, add customized IoT devices into it and generate normal and malicious IoT traffic over a real-time network. Furthermore, we set up a real-time IoT smart home use case to manifest the applicability of the proposed framework for developing the security solutions for IoT smart home by emulating the real world IoT devices. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework can be effectively used to develop better security solutions for IoT networks without physically deploying the real-time use case.
Professional Image of Nursing and Midwifery in East Africa: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Ndirangu Eunice Wambui , Sarki Ahmed , Mbekenga Columba , Edwards Grace 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that there is a negative image of nursing and midwifery that does not promote nursing and midwifery as attractive career options. Furthermore, there is a paucity of studies documenting how nursing and midwifery is perceived in East Africa, and where such studies exist they are country-specific. The aim of this study was to explore views regarding the image of nursing and midwifery among nurses and midwives in three East African countries, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.Methods: An exploratory descriptive cross-sectional study administered online using Survey Monkey Questionnaires assessed the views and perceptions of nurses, midwives and doctors regarding the image of nursing and midwifery professions. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi square tests were used to analyse the data. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 24.Results: A total of 551 participants took part in the study. The majority were females (61.8%), registered nurses/midwives (45.8%), and aged 30-39 years (34.2%). The majority of the respondents were from Kenya (39.7%) and Uganda (32.9%). About two-thirds of the nurses and midwives in this study perceived nursing/midwifery as both trusted and respected professions and expressed having a level of control over how their image was portrayed. Conversely, the nurses and midwives were conscious that the public had mixed responses about the nursing/midwifery professions specifically, some members of the public described nurses/midwives as professionals, knowledgeable and caring, others perceived nurses/midwives to be rude, cruel, unkind, lazy, unkempt, and maids.Conclusion: This study offers an interesting insight about the image of nursing/midwifery in East Africa. Findings from this study will inform policy makers and educators about key concepts that affect the image of nursing and midwifery in East Africa. The findings will be used to design marketing materials to help improve the image of nursing and midwifery in the region and other African countries.
Truncated Inception Net: COVID-19 Outbreak Screening using Chest X-rays
Authors: Das Dipayan , Santosh KC , Pal Umapada 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Since December 2019, the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused world-wide turmoil in less than a couple of months, and the infection, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is spreading at an unprecedented rate. AI-driven tools are used to identify Coronavirus outbreaks as well as forecast their nature of spread, where imaging techniques are widely used, such as CT scans and chest X-rays (CXRs). In this paper, motivated by the fact that X-ray imaging systems are more prevalent and cheaper than CT scan systems, a deep learning-based Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, which we call Truncated Inception Net, is proposed to screen COVID-19 positive CXRs from other non-COVID and/or healthy cases. To validate our proposal, six different types of datasets were employed by taking the following CXRs: COVID-19 positive, Pneumonia positive, Tuberculosis positive, and healthy cases into account. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 99.96% (AUC of 1.0) in classifying COVID- 19 positive cases from combined Pneumonia and healthy cases. Similarly, it achieved an accuracy of 99.92% (AUC of 0.99) in classifying COVID-19 positive cases from combined Pneumonia, Tuberculosis and healthy CXRs. To the best of our knowledge, as of now, the achieved results outperform the existing AI-driven tools for screening COVID-19 using CXRs.
Cases Report of Cured Novel Coronavirus-infected Pneumonia Patients with Viral Nucleic Acid Test Positive in Fecal Specimens
Authors: Han Mei , Zou Jingbo , Tian Wenguang , Wei Xiaoyu , Zhou Yang , Qiao Jie , Li Xia , Zhou Jing , Sun Tiangyuan , Ou Yiheng , Zhou Zongyu , Chen Yaokai , Pan Pingliang , zhang junjie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China (COVID-19) represents a significant and urgent threat to global health. We report here five cases of COVID-19 infection patients in our clinical practices who are medically stable and presumed to successfully “cleared” the virus after antiviral treatments. Case presentation: The clinical evaluation depends on the viral nucleic acid test in respiratory specimens by real-time PCR reverse transcription (RT-PCR) assays according to the authorized guidance. We found that the stool samples of these cured patients remain positive in RT-PCR assay while the virus is undetectable in respiratory specimens. RT-PCR molecular diagnostic assay was designed to specifically detect the presence of viral RNA. Thus, the positive result in the fecal specimens implies the existence of viable virions with the patients. Conclusions: This highlights the importance to look closely at the assessment standard of medical treatment, as well as the need for reevaluation of the criteria for the initial screening, prevention, and care of patients with this emerging infection.
Urinary MCP-1 and TWEAK as non-invasive markers of disease activity and treatment response in patients with lupus nephritis in South Africa
Authors: Moloi Mothusi W , Rusch Jody A , Omar Fierdoz , Ekrikpo Udeme , Dandara Collet , Bello Aminu K , Jayne David , Okpechi Ikechi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background:
Treatment of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) requires judicious use of immunosuppression. Novel biomarkers may be useful for monitoring disease activity and treatment response. We assessed the utility of urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (uMCP-1) and urinary tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (uTWEAK) for disease activity and treatment response monitoring in South Africans with LN.
Methods:
We recruited consenting patients with active LN confirmed on kidney biopsy. Urinary levels of MCP-1 and TWEAK were assayed at baseline and after completion of induction therapy using ELISA methods. We also collected relevant demographic, clinical and biochemical data for patients included in this study.
Results:
The mean age of patients in this study was 29.8 ± 10.7 years, 60% were patients of mixed ancestry, 70% had proliferative LN and mean spot urine proteinuria at baseline was 0.37 (0.18-0.59) g/mmolCr. At completion of induction therapy, the level of uMCP-1 had reduced to 314.5 (IQR: 197.0 – 622) pg/mgCr from a baseline of 1092.7 (IQR: 578.6-1848) pg/mgCr (P=0.06) while uTWEAK had reduced to 36.0 (IQR: 17.0-88.0) pg/mgCr from 159.0 (IQR: 88.5-295.5) pg/mgCr (P=0.03). For patients reaching early complete or partial remission, both biomarkers had significantly declined in their urine: uMCP-1 (p=0.018) and uTWEAK (p=0.015). There was no reduction of both biomarkers in patients not achieving remission and no association between uMCP-1 or uTWEAK with renal histological features.
Conclusion:
Our study shows that uMCP-1 and uTWEAK are elevated in patients with active LN, correlated with the remission status (response to treatment) at the end of induction therapy and can therefore be useful for monitoring disease activity and treatment response.