bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image distortion of intra‐oral photographs: The root coverage model
Authors: Kerner Stephane , Garabetyan Julia , Le Roch Sarah , Damman Daniel , Bouchard Philippe 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimClinical photographs have been advocated in studies dealing with the quantity of root coverage. Changes in different angles of the camera when taking a photograph may lead to parallax errors resulting in inaccurate measurements. The aim of this study was to explore the distortion of the photographs according to the shooting angle.MethodsA dental simulation model with a recession defect on tooth 21 was used. Photographs were taken with a digital camera at 5° intervals between 0° to 35°, by shifting the position of the model. Recession depth and root surface area were calculated with ImageJ and implemented in a mathematical model. The relationship between the experimental measurements and the outcomes of the mathematical model was statistically evaluated. The model was confirmed by clinical data.ResultsWhen the central axis of the lens of the camera focused on the experimental tooth is within a cone angle ≤36°, the maximum distortion of the recession area ranges from 0% to 14%, the maximum percentage occurring when the angle is coronal to the central axis.ConclusionsPhotographs without an external device connected to the camera provide a valuable support for root coverage assessment when using ImageJ as a measuring tool.
Male phenotypes in a female framework: Evidence for degeneration in sperm produced by male snails from asexual lineages
Authors: Jalinsky Joseph , Logsdon John M. , Neiman Maurine 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHow changes in selective regimes affect trait evolution is an important open biological question. We take advantage of naturally occurring and repeated transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction in a New Zealand freshwater snail species, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, to address how evolution in an asexual context—including the potential for relaxed selection on male‐specific traits—influences sperm morphology. The occasional production of male offspring by the otherwise all‐female asexual P. antipodarum lineages affords a unique and powerful opportunity to assess the fate of sperm traits in a context where males are exceedingly rare. These comparisons revealed that the sperm produced by ‘asexual’ males are markedly distinct from sexual counterparts. We also found that the asexual male sperm harboured markedly higher phenotypic variation and was much more likely to be morphologically abnormal. Together, these data suggest that transitions to asexual reproduction might be irreversible, at least in part because male function is likely to be compromised. These results are also consistent with a scenario where relaxed selection and/or mutation accumulation in the absence of sex translates into rapid trait degeneration.
Environmental impact assessment of plasma‐assisted and conventional ammonia synthesis routes
Authors: Anastasopoulou Aikaterini , Keijzer Robin , Patil Bhaskar , Lang Jürgen , van Rooij Gerard , Hessel Volker 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe importance of ammonia in the fertilizer industry has been widely acknowledged over the past decades. In view of the upcoming increase of world population and, in turn, food demand, its production rate is likely to increase exponentially. However, considering the high dependence on natural resources and the intensive emission profile of the contemporary ammonia synthesis route, as well as the rigid environmental laws being enforced at a global level, the need to develop a sustainable alternative production route becomes quite imperative. A novel approach toward the synthesis of ammonia has been realized by means of non‐thermal plasma technology under ambient operating conditions. Because the given technology is still under development, carrying out a life cycle assessment (LCA) is highly recommended as a means of identifying areas of the chemical process that could be potentially improved for an enhanced environmental performance. For that purpose, in the given research study, a process design for a small‐scale plasma‐assisted ammonia plant is being proposed and evaluated environmentally for specific design scenarios against the conventional ammonia synthesis employing steam reforming and water electrolysis for hydrogen generation. On the basis of the LCA results, the most contributory factor to the majority of the examined life cycle impact categories for the plasma‐assisted process, considering an energy efficiency of 1.9 g NH3/kWh, is the impact of the power consumption of the plasma reactor with its share ranging from 15% to 73%. On a comparative basis, the plasma process powered by hydropower has demonstrated a better overall environmental profile over the two benchmark cases for the scenarios of a 5% and 15% NH3 yield and an energy recovery of 5% applicable to all examined plasma power consumption values.
First report of Plectosphaerella plurivora causing root rot disease in Panax notoginseng in China
Authors: Han Li , Zhou Xuan , Zhao Yiting , Wu Lixia , Ping Xiangrui , He Yunlu , Peng Sheng , He Xiahong , Du Yunlong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPanax notoginseng is a highly valuable herb, but root rot disease severely impairs its development and decreases the yield and quality of roots. In this study, a fungal isolate (3A‐2‐2) was obtained from P. notoginseng seedlings with root rot symptoms and was identified as Plectosphaerella plurivora based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis. The fungal isolate 3A‐2‐2 could cause root rot disease and be re‐isolated, fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first study to report on root rot disease caused by P. plurivora on P. notoginseng in China.
Role of NaCl level on the handling and water mobility in dough prepared from four wheat cultivars
Authors: Avramenko Nicole A. , Hopkins Erin J. , Hucl Pierre , Scanlon Martin G. , Nickerson Michael T. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn bread, NaCl plays a number of roles including improving flavor, functionality, dough handling, and prevention of sticky dough. Its reduction can create significant processing challenges. As such, the dough handling properties for four wheat cultivars (Pembina, Roblin, McKenzie, and Harvest) were investigated as a function of NaCl (0–4%) level. In terms of dough rheology, both cultivar and NaCl level were significant factors. The maximum deformation (Jmax) in the dough decreased with increasing NaCl levels, indicating that the gluten network became stronger so that it was able to resist the imposed stress. For extensibility, increasing the levels of NaCl resulted in increased resistance to extension for all cultivars. Dough stickiness was shown to be both cultivar and salt level dependent, with weaker cultivars showing higher stickiness. Findings for water association indicated that with the addition of NaCl there was less free water among the different cultivars and an increase in the water associated with the starch‐fraction. Dough morphology measurements supported rheology trends; the stronger dough producing cultivars created more elongated protein polymers with a unidirectional network whereas the weaker cultivars created porous multidirectional networks. Overall, Pembina and Roblin formed stronger gluten networks than McKenzie and Harvest, however, the effect of NaCl level was shown to be cultivar dependent. Findings indicate that careful cultivar selection will help mitigate challenges in dough handling within a reduced NaCl environment.
The fate of páramo plant assemblages in the sky islands of the northern Andes
Authors: Peyre Gwendolyn , Lenoir Jonathan , Karger Dirk N. , Gomez Monica , Gonzalez Alexander , Broennimann Olivier , Guisan Antoine 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsAssessing climate change impacts on biodiversity is a main scientific challenge, especially in the tropics. We predicted the future of plant species and communities on the unique páramo sky islands by implementing the Spatial Explicit Species Assemblage Modelling framework. Specifically we: (a) calculated species’ maximum dispersal distance; (b) modelled species’ present and future distributions up to 2100; and (c) assembled models into plant communities. The final vulnerability assessment was based on a multi‐dimensional evaluation that considered the species, local plant community and sky island levels.LocationEcuadorian super‐páramo (>4,200 m).MethodsUsing species trait data, the maximum dispersal distance of 435 species was calculated. Species distribution models (SDM) were fitted to obtain current and future distribution predictions based on dispersal and bioclimatic factors. The final current assemblages and those for 2100 were achieved by stacking all probabilistic SDMs and applying the probability ranking rule. The vulnerability of each sky island was evaluated by quantifying richness and composition changes.ResultsMaximum dispersal distances ranged between 0.008 m/year and 6,027 m/year, and across all scenarios, 70% of models showed a net loss in species distribution, while 9% of all species were predicted to undergo extinction in Ecuador by 2100. Local richness was estimated to decrease by 56.63% on average, and compositional changes in each sky island suggested a mean loss of 64.74% of their original species pool against a 12.97% gain. Finally, 5% of the sky island floras reconverted from high‐elevation to low‐elevation species. These numbers were usually more important for high‐elevation species and the mountains Pichincha, Ilinizas and Antisana.ConclusionsThis methodological pioneer study provides novel insight into the future of páramo biodiversity. Significant losses in species distribution and changes in community richness and composition suggest drastic impacts and call for further research considering additional factors, such as land use. Finally, we recommend focusing monitoring and conservation strategies on the northern Ecuadorian sky islands as a priority.
The impact of coronavirus infectious disease 19 (COVID‐19) on oral health
Authors: Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Wojtyczka Robert 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHealth services across the world face an unprecedented situation as a result of a global COVID‐19 outbreak. Urgent joined research efforts regarding the SARS‐COV‐2 rapid tests, accurate diagnosis, especially early recognition, and effective treatment of life‐threatening complications would be highly desirable for humanity and medical workforce all over the world that try to combat a current global pandemic threat. Due to indirect complex effect, intensified COVID‐19 therapies and multi‐drug treatment, it is believed that some oral conditions could be aggravated by COVID‐19 disease, particularly those with autoimmune aetiology, linked to compromised immune system or long‐term pharmacotherapy.
Electronic cigarettes: A narrative review of the implications for the pediatric anesthesiologist
Authors: Lemay Francois , Baker Paul , McRobbie Hayden 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe use of electronic cigarettes (EC) is increasing and the number of EC publications is rapidly growing. While some health organizations focus on the harmful effects of using EC (vaping), others promote the benefits of ECs as a less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco. There is concern that vaping might have adverse respiratory consequences for pediatric patients facing anesthesia and intensive care. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge and recommendations regarding the risks of EC relevant to the anesthesiologist and the use of ECs as a step‐down option from tobacco. We provide guidance on the management of vaping patients in the perioperative period.
The Ca2+‐Regulated Photoprotein Obelin as a Tool for SELEX Monitoring and DNA Aptamer Affinity Evaluation
Authors: Krasitskaya Vasilisa V. , Goncharova Natalia S. , Biriukov Vladislav V. , Bashmakova Eugenia E. , Kabilov Marsel R. , Baykov Ivan K. , Sokolov Aleksey E. , Frank Ludmila A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBioluminescent solid‐phase analysis was proposed to monitor the selection process and to determine binding characteristics of the aptamer–target complexes during design and development of the specific aptamers. The assay involves Ca2+‐regulated photoprotein obelin as a simple, sensitive and fast reporter. Applicability and the prospects of the approach were exemplified by identification of DNA aptamers to cardiac troponin I, a highly specific early biomarker for acute myocardial infarction. Two structurally different aptamers specific to various epitopes of troponin I were obtained and then tested in a model bioluminescent assay.
Effects of ammonia on shrimp physiology and immunity: a review
Authors: Zhao Mingming , Yao Defu , Li Shengkang , Zhang Yueling , Aweya Jude Juventus 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe rapid expansion in shrimp farming comes with problems such as inadequate culture technology, disease outbreak, water pollution and other environmental degradation‐related problems. Prominent among these is the level of ammonia, which has been rising steadily in the last couple of years, mainly due to farming practices and other anthropogenic activities, and therefore has had consequent effects on marine life, especially shrimp. While optimal ammonia levels are a good source of nitrogen for marine phytoplankton that increases the level of dissolved oxygen in water as well serves as food for shrimp, high levels of ammonia are harmful to shrimp. When shrimp pond ammonia levels go beyond the tolerance limits, it inhibits chitinase expression, moulting, growth, phenoloxidase and haemolymph antimicrobial activity, thereby attenuating shrimp innate immune response. In this review, we bring together recent information on the effects of ammonia stress on the growth, physiology, biochemistry, ammonia‐metabolizing enzymes and immunity of shrimp. We also propose areas of research that can be explored in the breeding of new ammonia‐tolerant and disease‐resistant shrimp with robust immune and/or physiological systems that could withstand environmental stress and pathogens.
Causal Discovery of Gene Regulation with Incomplete Data
Authors: Foraita Ronja , Friemel Juliane , Günther Kathrin , Behrens Thomas , Bullerdiek Jörn , Nimzyk Rolf , Ahrens Wolfgang , Didelez Vanessa 
Published: April 2020

SummaryCausal discovery algorithms aim to identify causal relations from observational data and have become a popular tool for analysing genetic regulatory systems. In this work, we applied causal discovery to obtain novel insights into the genetic regulation underlying head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. Some methodological challenges needed to be resolved first. The available data contained missing values, but most approaches to causal discovery require complete data. Hence, we propose a new procedure combining constraint-based causal discovery with multiple imputation. This is based on using Rubin's rules for pooling tests of conditional independence. A second challenge was that causal discovery relies on strong assumptions and can be rather unstable. To assess the robustness of our results, we supplemented our investigation with sensitivity analyses, including a non-parametric bootstrap to quantify the variability of the estimated causal structures. We applied these methods to investigate how the high mobility group AT-Hook 2 (HMGA2) gene is incorporated in the protein 53 signalling pathway playing an important role in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. Our results were quite stable and found direct associations between HMGA2 and other relevant proteins, but they did not provide clear support for the claim that HMGA2 itself is a key regulator gene.
The disembedded digital economy: Social protection for new economy employment in China
Authors: Chen Bin , Liu Tao , Guo Lin , Xie Zhenglin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis research focuses upon employment in the new economy, exploring labour protection and social protection in the digital age in China. Through an empirical survey conducted in three Chinese cities, social insurance and the labour rights of employees in the digital economic sector, such as gig employment, e‐commerce, and various other forms of online employment, have been examined in‐depth. This study reveals new regulatory loopholes in the digital labour market, which have substantially eroded the basis of social policy arrangements in China, “softening” participation in social insurance branches and compliance with labour regulations remarkably. Drawing upon the theoretical concepts of Polanyi on embeddedness and disembeddedness, we argue that the digital employment sector in China has been increasingly disembedded from social institutions and social control. The new configuration in the digital field of social policy requires novel conceptual models and institutional settings to cope with increasing social risks in virtual spaces.
Improving the quality of statistical questions posed for group comparison situations
Authors: Frischemeier Daniel , Leavy Aisling 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPosing statistical questions is a fundamental and often overlooked component of statistical inquiry. In this paper, we provide an overview of shared understandings regarding what constitutes a good statistical question. We then describe three approaches—a checklist for improving statistical questions, a three‐phase feedback activity, and a matching game—that we find useful with preservice teachers to support the development of high‐quality statistical questions for the comparison of data sets.
Unconventional diets and nutritional supplements are more common in dogs with cancer compared to healthy dogs: An online global survey of 345 dog owners
Authors: Bianco Adriana V. , Abood Sarah , Mutsaers Anthony , Woods J. Paul , Coe Jason B. , Verbrugghe Adronie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis survey aimed to investigate and compare diet type and supplement use between dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, L.) with cancer and a population of owner‐reported healthy dogs and to assess the sources of information dog owners consult. Respondents were mainly from English‐speaking countries. Dogs were considered healthy (N = 213) if owners reported them to be in good health. Dogs were included in the cancer group (N = 132) if the owner reported that their dog had been diagnosed with cancer. An online survey was distributed to clients presenting to a tertiary oncology service, clients presenting to a local primary care veterinary practice, and through social media. Owners of dogs with cancer spent more time researching pet health (P < .001), pet nutrition (P < .01) and nutritional supplements (P < .001) than owners of healthy dogs. While veterinarians were most commonly reported to be an information source for both groups, owners of healthy dogs more likely consulted pet stores and owners of dogs with cancer tended more to social media groups and blogs. Healthy dogs were more likely fed commercial dry food (P < .001), whereas homemade cooked (P < .001) and raw diets (P < .05) were more prevalent among dogs with cancer. Supplement use, especially cannabidiol products, mushroom extracts or turmeric/curcumin, was also more common for this group (P < .001). Alternative diets and supplements were more popular among owners of dogs with cancer compared to owners of healthy dogs. These findings highlight the need for nutritional counselling and education of pet owners regarding nutrition‐related topics, especially when their dog is diagnosed with cancer.
Outbreak of human infections with uncommon Salmonella serotypes linked to pet bearded dragons, 2012–2014
Authors: Kiebler Craig A. , Bottichio Lyndsay , Simmons Latoya , Basler Colin , Klos Rachel , Gurfield Nikos , Roberts Elizabeth , Kimura Akiko , Lewis Linda S. , Bird Kiyomi , Stiles Felicia , Schlater Linda K. , Lantz Kristina , Edling Thomas , Barton Behravesh Casey 
Published: April 2020

AbstractReptiles are one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States pet industry. Reptile‐associated salmonellosis (RAS) continues to be an important public health problem, especially among children. We investigated an outbreak of human Salmonella infections resulting from serotypes Cotham and Kisarawe, predominately occurring among children. An outbreak of illnesses was identified in persons with exposure to pet bearded dragon lizards. Human and animal health officials, in cooperation with the pet industry, conducted epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory investigations. Onsite sampling was conducted at two US breeding facilities, one foreign breeding facility, and a large pet retail chain. A total of 166 patients in 36 states were identified with illness onset dates from 02/2012–06/2014. The median patient age was 3 years (range, <1–79 years), 57% were aged ≤5 years, and 37% were aged ≤1 year. Forty‐four patients (37%) were hospitalized, predominantly children. Sampling at breeding facilities and a national pet store chain resulted in isolation of outbreak serotypes at each facility; isolation proportions ranged from 2%–24% of samples collected at each facility.Epidemiologic, microbiologic and traceback evidence linked an outbreak of uncommon Salmonella serotypes to contact with pet bearded dragons. The high proportion of infants involved in this outbreak highlights the need to educate owners about the risk of RAS in children and the potential for household contamination by pet reptiles or their habitats. Strategies should be developed to improve breeding practices, biosecurity and monitoring protocols to reduce Salmonella in the pet reptile trade.
Comparison of semen characteristics between indigenous and Amo breeds cockerel of Gombe State, Nigeria
Authors: Usman Tijjani Haruna , Sir Saleh Mohammed , Sani Ma’aruf Bashir 
Published: April 2020

The experiment was carried out to compare the semen characteristics of indigenous and Amo strains of cockerel at poultry unit of teaching and research farm of Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria. Semen samples were collected from nine indigenous and nine Amo breeds of cockerel at three days interval for two weeks using abdominal massage technique. Semen samples were examined macroscopically for semen colour, pH and ejaculation volume. Then, microscopic observation was carried for sperm concentration, mass motility, progressive motility, live and dead sperms percentage, normal and abnormal sperm, all for semen characteristics. The results showed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between mass motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration and head defects of 4.85 ± 0.27 to 4.37 ± 0.19, 95.13 ± 0.43 to 81.63 ± 1.15%, 4.93 ± 1.84 to 3.40 ± 1.07×109/ml and 2.96 ± 0.17 to 3.44 ± 0.12% for indigenous and Amo breeds of cockerel, respectively. There were no significant differences observed as semen colour, ejaculate volume, semen pH, live / dead normal sperm neck (mid-piece), tail defects and sperm total abnormalities were found to be 2.85 ± 0.07 to 2.00 ± 0.090.21 ± 0.17 to 0.20 ± 0.02 /ml, 88.85 ± 0.58 to 72.70 ± 0.54% /ml, 11.14 ± 0.58 to 27.29 ± 0.54%, 81.00 ± 0.78 to 66.22 ± 0.61%,9.03 ± 0.42 to 13.96 ± 0.47%, 9.70 ± to 13.00 ± 0.30 and 21.70 ± 0.59 to 30.40 ± 0.53% for the indigenous and Amo breed groups of cockerel, respectively. It was concluded that semen quality characteristics could be differed between genetically improved (Amo strain) and indigenous breed of cockerels.