bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a superstructure optimization framework for the design of municipal solid waste facilities
Authors: Puchongkawarin Channarong , Mattaraj Supatpong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The main objective of this study is to develop a decision-making tool for the design of the optimal municipal solid waste (MSW) facilities based on superstructure optimization. Currently, the disposal of MSW is a major problem due to the lack of awareness of the negative impacts resulting from dumping MSW into the environment. This poses a challenge for the authorities. MSW valorization such as anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and gasification has been increasingly focused on as an approach when handling MSW to enhance both economic and environmental sustainability. However, with an increasing array of processing technologies, the design of MSW facilities involving the integration of these technologies is becoming tedious and unmanageable. To deal with this problem, superstructure optimization is proposed. It is an effective tool for the design of several chemical processes because it is able to consider all potential process alternatives including the optimal solution using mathematical models based on mass and energy balances. Uncertainty is incorporated into the optimization framework to enhance the robustness of the solution. The proposed methodology was applied in the design process of the MSW facility in Ubon Rathathani Province, Thailand, with the objective function of maximizing the profit. The optimization problem was developed as Mixed Integer Linear Programming and it was solved using an optimization platform, General Algebraic Modeling System, with CPLEX as the solver related to obtaining the optimal solution. The results show there to be as positive profit that is economically viable compared to the use of landfill technology.
Patterns of white matter degeneration in remote brain areas from the basal ganglion lesion of ischemic stroke patients with motor impairment
Authors: cao xuejin , Wang Zan , Chen Xiaohui , Liu Yanli , Wang Wei , Abdoulaye Idriss Ali , Yang Xi , Zhang Shiyao , Guo Xiaoying , Wu Shanshan , Guo Yijing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have revealed distinct white matter characteristics of the brain following diseases. Beyond the lesion-symptom mapping, recent studies have demonstrated extensive structural and functional alterations of remote areas to local lesions caused by stroke in the brain. Here, we further investigated the structural changes from a global level using DTI data through multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and network-based statistic (NBS). Methods: Ten ischemic stroke patients with basal ganglia lesions and motor dysfunctions and eleven demographically matched adults as controls underwent brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans. DTI data were processed to obtain fractional anisotropy (FA) maps and MVPA was used to explore brain regions that play an important role in classification based on FA maps. The white matter (WM) structural network was constructed by the deterministic fiber tracking approach according to the Automated Anatomical Labeling (AAL) atlas. NBS was used to explore differences in structural networks between groups. Results: MVPA applied to FA images correctly identified stroke patients with a statistically significant accuracy of 100% (P≤0.001). Compared with the controls, the study patients showed FA reductions in the perilesional basal ganglia and brainstem, with a few showing reductions in bilateral frontal lobes. Using NBS, we found a significant decrease in FA-weighted WM subnetwork in stroke patients. Conclusions: We identified some patterns of WM degeneration affecting brain areas remote to the ischemic lesion, revealing the abnormal organization of WM network in stroke patients, which may be helpful for the understanding of the neural mechanisms of stroke sequela.
Economic evaluation of a web-based menu planning intervention to improve childcare service adherence with dietary guidelines.
Authors: Reeves Penny , Edmunds Kim , Szewczyk Zoe , Grady Alice , Yoong Sze Lin , Wolfenden Luke , Wyse Rebecca , Finch Megan , Stacey Fiona , Wiggers John , Searles Andrew 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDespite the known benefits of healthy eating in childhood, few Australian childcare services provide food that is consistent with dietary guidelines. The effectiveness of a web-based menu planning intervention to increase childcare service provision of healthy foods and decrease provision of discretionary foods in long day-care services in Australia was assessed in a randomised controlled trial. Here we consider the costs, consequences, cost-effectiveness and budget impact of the intervention using data collected within the trial. MethodsThe prospective trial-based economic evaluation involved 54 childcare services across New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Services were randomised to a 12-month intervention or usual care. The intervention involved access to a web-based menu planning and decision support tool, and online resources. Effectiveness measures included: mean number of food groups, overall menu and individual food group compliance with dietary guidelines, and mean servings of food groups at 12 months. Costs (reported in $AUD, 2017/18) were evaluated from both health sector and societal perspectives. The direct cost to support uptake of the intervention was calculated, as were costs to each childcare service. The incremental cost of the intervention was calculated as the net difference in the cost to undertake menu planning and review plus the direct cost of the intervention. Incremental cost–effectiveness ratios (ICERs) including uncertainty intervals, were estimated for differences in costs and effects between intervention and control groups. A relative value index was calculated to determine overall value for money.ResultsOver the 12 months of the trial, we calculated a difference in cost between usual practice and intervention groups of -$482 (95% UI -$859, -$56). While the measured increase in menu and food group compliance within the trial did not reach statistical significance, there were significant improvements in mean servings of fruit and discretionary food, represented in the cost-consequence analysis. The calculated relative value index of 1.1 suggests that the intervention returns acceptable value for money for the outcomes generated.ConclusionCompared to usual practice, web-based programs may offer an efficient and sustainable alternative for childcare services to improve the provision of healthy foods to children in their care. Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000974404
Forest land use discontinuity and northern red oak Quercus rubra introduction change biomass allocation and life strategy of lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Authors: Woziwoda Beata , Dyderski Marcin K. , Jagodziński Andrzej M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Multi-purpose use of forests in a sustainable way forces a recognition of how introduction of alien woody species in forests with different land use histories affect native plants other than trees. Lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea is an important understory component of temperate and boreal forests and provider of valuable non-wood forest products. Here we studied effects of land use changes and introduction of Northern red oak Quercus rubra on lingonberry in mesic Scots pine forests (in central Poland). We measured lingonberry cover, height of shoots, biomass of stems and leaves, and fruit productivity. Shoots were collected within 200 research plots located in recent and ancient Scots pine forests, with and without Q. rubra.Results: We found that V. vitis-idaea reached lower cover, aboveground biomass and fruit production in recent than ancient forests and in forests with than without Q. rubra. The fruit production in recent pine forest was only 2% of that reported in ancient pine forest, and V. vitis-idaea did not reproduce generatively in forests with Q. rubra. Biomass and carbon sequestration of V. vitis-idaea in forests with alien (invasive) trees decreased by 75% compared to ancient pine forest. Effects were also clear at the individual shoot level – in less suitable conditions we found taller heights and higher biomass allocation into stems than foliage. Biomass allocation in fruiting and non-fruiting shoots in pine forests was also different – less of the dry biomass of fruiting shoots was allocated to leaves than to stems.Conclusions: In the age of high interest in ecosystem services and discussions about usage of alien tree species as alternatives in forest management, our results clearly indicate disruption of ecosystem services provided by V. vitis-idaea in the presence of Q. rubra. Lingonberry benefited from the continuity of forest land use, however, regardless of land-use legacy, alien tree introduction led to decline in abundance of species crucial for ecosystem functioning. Therefore, to maintain valuable native species and for conservation of ecosystem services delivery, we suggest limiting the introduction of Q. rubra in areas with abundant V. vitis-idaea, especially in forests with continuous forest land-use history.
Peer mentoring experience on becoming a good doctor: Student perspectives.
Authors: Shafiaai Mohd Syameer Firdaus Mohd , Kadirvelu Amudha , Pamidi Narendra 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: PASS is a peer-led structured academic mentoring program designed to provide academic assistance for new students in their transition from college to university studies and also for students struggling in certain units. This study aims to establish acquired skills by peer leaders associated with peer-led mentoring via the PASS program, and to explore the role played by these acquired skills in their journey to become a successful doctor.Methods: Study participants were forty selected second-year undergraduate medical students at Monash University Malaysia with commendable examination results. Validated pre-test and post-test questionnaires were administered to explore changes in the level of communication, leadership, professional, and pedagogical skills before and after participation in peer mentoring program. Qualitative analysis of focused group interviews was performed by an independent investigator to identify how the skills developed as a peer mentor may help with becoming a good doctor. Major themes were identified with the thematic-analysis approach.Results: Thirty-eight students completed the pre-test and post-test questionnaires. Peer leaders reported improvement in oral and written skills for teaching; increased confidence to give constructive feedback; better stress management; efficient time management; improved interpersonal skills; and enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities. Eight major themes were identified from the interview and peer leaders reported positive experience of working in diverse environments and shouldering of responsibilities.Conclusions: Peer-led mentoring provides a good opportunity for medical students to shoulder responsibilities as a leader and offers an experience of managing a team of their peers and juniors which in turn may enhance their communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Communication of Pharmacogenomic Test Results and Treatment Plans in Pediatric Oncology: Deliberative Stakeholder Consultations with Parents
Authors: Longo Cristina , Rahimzadeh Vasiliki , Bartlett Gillian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Effective communication in support of clinical decision-making is central to the pediatric cancer care experience for families. A new laboratory derived pharmacogenetic test (LDT) that can diagnose difficult-to-treat brain cancers has been developed to stratify children based on their ability to respond to available treatment; however, the potential implementation of the LDT may make effective communication challenging since it can potentially remove the option for curative treatment in those children identified as non-responders, i.e. those with a catastrophic diagnosis. Objective: We solicited the perspectives of parents of children with difficult-to-treat brain cancer on communication preferences surrounding the potential implementation of the LDT in standard care using deliberative stakeholder consultations.Methods: Eight bereaved parents of children who succumbed to difficult-to-treat brain cancer, and four parents of children currently undergoing treatment for similar cancers attended separate small-group deliberative consultations – a stakeholder engagement method that enables the co-creation of recommendations following the consideration of competing arguments and diverse opinions of parents with different experiences. In the small-group consultations (Phase I), parents discussed four questions about potential communication issues that may arise with the LDT in practice. In Phase II, a total of five parents from both stakeholder groups (4 bereaved and 1 in current treatment) attended a consultation, known as the ‘mixed’ consultation, with the purpose of co-developing concrete recommendations for implementation of the LDT.Results: Explaining the risks, benefits, and accuracy of the LDT were considered essential to parents. Once an LDT-based diagnosis/prognosis can be made, parents valued honesty, empathy, and clarity in communication. Parents also requested that all results and treatment options be presented to them in measured doses, and in an unbiased manner over the course of several meetings. This communication strategy allowed sufficient time to understand and accept the diagnosis/prognosis, particularly if it was catastrophic. Continuous access to the appropriate psychological and social support or counselling at and post-diagnosis was also strongly recommended.Conclusions: Deliberants co-created family-centered recommendations surrounding communication issues of the LDT, providing guidance to pediatric oncologists that could implement the test in practice.
Cognitive and Motor Deficits Contribute to Longer Braking Time in Stroke&nbsp;
Authors: Lodha Neha , Patel Prakruti , Shad Joanna M , Casamento-Moran Agostina , Christou Evangelos A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Braking is a critical determinant of safe driving that depends on the integrity of cognitive and motor processes. Following stroke, both cognitive and motor capabilities are impaired to varying degrees. The current study examines the combined impact of cognitive and motor impairments on braking time in chronic stroke. METHODS: Twenty stroke survivors and 20 aged-matched healthy controls performed cognitive, motor, and simulator driving assessments. Cognitive abilities were assessed with processing speed, divided attention, and selective attention. Motor abilities were assessed with maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and motor accuracy of the paretic ankle. Driving performance was examined with the braking time in a driving simulator and self-reported driving behavior. RESULTS: Braking time was 16% longer in stroke group compared with the control group. The self-reported driving behavior in stroke group was correlated with braking time (r = -0.53, p = 0.02). The stroke group required significantly longer time for divided and selective attention task and showed significant decrease in motor accuracy. Together, selective attention time and motor accuracy contributed to braking time (R2 = 0.40, p = 0.01) in stroke survivors. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel evidence that decline in selective attention and motor accuracy together contribute to slowed braking in stroke survivors. Driving rehabilitation after stroke may benefit from the assessment and training of attentional and motor skills to improve braking during driving.
The association of priori and posteriori dietary patterns with the risk of incident hypertension: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Ramezankhani Azra , Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of dietary patterns with incident hypertension.Materials/methods: This prospective study was conducted on 4793 individuals of Tehran lipid and glucose study participants, aged ≥18 years who were followed for a median of 6.3 years from 2008-11 to 2016-18. A valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess usual dietary intakes. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and during follow up examinations. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA). Healthy eating index (HEI) and dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) score were measured based on dietary recommendations. Time-dependent Cox models adjusting for confounders were used to examine the association between dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension.Results: During follow-up, a total of 727 incident cases of hypertension were identified. The mean±SD age at baseline was 40.3±13.5 and 37.9±12.1 years in men and women, respectively. Two dietary patterns (the healthy and unhealthy) were extracted by PCA. Compared with participants in the first quartile, a 23% (HR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.00-1.53; P trend: 0.056) increased risk of hypertension was found in the fourth quartile of HEI score. This association was disappeared after further adjustment for confounders. Increasing DASH score, the healthy and unhealthy dietary pattern were not associated with risk of hypertension.Conclusion: Based on our findings, higher adherence to the posteriori- and priori-dietary patterns was not associated with risk of hypertension.
Application of the PET ligand [11C]ORM-13070 to examine receptor occupancy by the α2C-adrenoceptor antagonist ORM-12741: translational validation of target engagement in rat and human brain
Authors: Shahid Mohammed , Rinne Juha O. , Scheinin Mika , Virta Jere , Marjamäki Päivi , Solin Olof , Arponen Eveliina , Sallinen Jukka , Kuokkanen Katja , Rouru Juha 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Availability of the α2C -adrenoceptor (α2C-AR) positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, [11C]ORM-13070, and the α2C-AR antagonist ORM-12741 allows probing of the roles of this G-protein coupled receptor subtype in brain function, both in healthy humans and in patients with various brain disorders. This translational study employed [11C]ORM-13070 autoradiography and PET to determine α2C-AR occupancy by ORM-12741 in rat and human brain, respectively. Results: ORM-12741 has high affinity (Ki: 0.08 nM) and potent antagonist activity (Kb: 0.04 nM) as well as selectivity (Ki estimates for the human α2A-AR and α2B-AR were 8.3 nM and 0.8 nM, respectively) for the human α2C-AR subtype. [11C]ORM-13070 had highest uptake in the basal ganglia of rat and human brain. Pretreatment with ORM-12741 inhibited [11C]ORM-13070 binding in rat striatum in a time- and dose-dependent manner at 10 and 50 µg/kg (s.c.) with an EC50 estimate of 1.42 ng/mL in rat plasma, corresponding to protein-free drug concentration of 0.23 nM. In the living human brain, time- and dose-related α2C-AR occupancy was detected with EC50 estimates of 24 ng/mL and 31 ng/mL for the caudate nucleus and putamen, respectively, corresponding to protein-free concentrations in plasma of 0.07 nM and 0.1 nM. Modelling-based maximum α2C-AR occupancy estimates were 63 % and 52 % in the caudate nucleus and the putamen, respectively.Conclusions: ORM-12741 is a selective α2C-AR antagonist which penetrates the rat and human brain to occupy α2C-ARs in a manner consistent with its receptor pharmacology.Trial registration number and date of registration: ClinicalTrial.cov NCT00829907. Registered 11 December 2008. https://clinicaltrials.gov/.
Transcriptome analysis identifies genes involved in the somatic embryogenesis of Eucalyptus
Authors: Xiao Yufei , Li Junji , Zhang Ye , Zhang Xiaoning , Liu Hailong , Qin Zihai , Chen Bowen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Eucalyptus, a highly diverse genus of the Myrtaceae family, is the most widely planted hardwood in the world due to its increasing importance for fiber and energy. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is one large-scale method to provide commercial use of the vegetative propagation of Eucalyptus and dedifferentiation is a key step for plant cells to become meristematic. However, little is known about the molecular changes during the Eucalyptus SE.Results: We compared the transcriptome profiles of the differentiated and dedifferentiated tissues of two Eucalyptus species – E. camaldulensis (high embryogenetic potential) and E. grandis x urophylla (low embryogenetic potential). Initially, we identified 18,777 to 20,240 genes in all samples. Compared to the differentiated tissues, we identified 9,229 and 8,989 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the dedifferentiated tissues of E. camaldulensis and E. grandis x urophylla, respectively, and 2,687 up-regulated and 2,581 down-regulated genes shared. Next, we identified 2,003 up-regulated and 1,958 down-regulated genes only in E. camaldulensis, including 6 somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase, 17 ethylene, 12 auxin, 83 ribosomal protein, 28 zinc finger protein, 10 heat shock protein, 9 histone, 122 cell wall related and 98 transcription factor genes. Genes from other families like ABA, arabinogalactan protein and late embryogenesis abundant protein were also found to be specifically dysregulated in the dedifferentiation process of E. camaldulensis. Further, we identified 48,447 variants (SNPs and small indels) specific to E. camaldulensis, including 13,434 exonic variants from 4,723 genes (e.g., annexin, GN, ARF and AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor). qRT-PCR was used to confirm the gene expression patterns in both E. camaldulensis and E. grandis x urophylla. Conclusions: This is the first time to study the somatic embryogenesis of Eucalyptus using transcriptome sequencing. It will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of somatic embryogenesis and dedifferentiation in Eucalyptus. Our results provide a valuable resource for future studies in the field of Eucalyptus and will benefit the Eucalyptus breeding program.
Integrated analysis of Transcriptomic Data Reveal AP-1 as a Potential Regulation Hub in Inflammation Induced Hyperalgesia Rat
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Li Feng , Wang Miqun , Su Huibin , Wu Xuedong , Qiu Haiyan , Zhou Wang , Shan Chunli , Wang Cancan , Wei Lei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Inflammation associated chronic pain is a global clinical problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism of inflammation associated chronic pain remains unclear. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced cutaneous inflammation rat has been widely used as an inflammation-induced pain hypersensitivity model. Herein, we presented a transcriptomic profile of CFA-induced rat dorsal root ganglion via an approach targeting gene expression, DNA methylation and post-transcriptional regulation. We identified 418 differentially expressed mRNAs, 120 differentially expressed microRNAs and 2670 differentially methylated regions, which are all highly associated with multiple inflammation related pathways, including NF-κB signaling pathways and IFN signaling pathways. Integrated analysis further demonstrated that AP-1 network, which may work as a regulator of inflammation response, is sophisticatedly regulated at both transcriptomic and epigenetic level. We believe our data will not only provide drug screening targets for treating chronic pain and inflammation, but also shed a light on the molecular network inflammation induced hyperalgesia.