bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multiple‐lines‐of‐evidence approach for prioritising environmental watering of wetland and floodplain trees
Authors: Wallace Todd A. , Gehrig Susan L. , Doody Tanya M. , Davies Micah J. , Walsh Richard , Fulton Christopher , Cullen Rose , Nolan Martin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLong‐lived vegetation is a key attribute of lowland river floodplains; yet dieback is increasingly being reported globally, with prior studies identifying salinity, drought and altered flow regimes as key stressors. In the Murray–Darling Basin (Australia), many floodplain/wetland areas have management strategies that aim to maintain the condition of floodplain tree communities. Environmental water delivery is a key tool used to achieve such outcomes. Currently, one of the primary tools for determining the need for environmental water delivery is a qualitative visual assessment of tree crown condition. To advance to more quantitative assessment and understanding of tree condition, we present a suite of techniques ranging from low‐cost, rapid visual assessment of tree crown condition to laboratory analysis of components of soil condition and in situ measurement of tree physiology. The aim is to address a number of key knowledge gaps on how to use the linkages between soil water availability ↔ tree physiology ↔ tree visual condition to quantitatively inform environmental water delivery decisions to meet management objectives. We have developed a multiple‐lines‐of‐evidence management assessment framework that presents a pathway to enable managers to improve prioritisation management actions. Furthermore, increased confidence in predicted outcomes should assist water holders and floodplain managers to optimise timing and maximise the benefits of environmental watering. Application of outcomes of this research will increase the efficiency of environmental water use.
Silver nanowire size‐dependent effect on the catalytic activity and potential sensing of H2O2
Authors: Abdel‐Rahim Rabeea D. , Emran Mohammed Y. , Nagiub Adham M. , Farghaly Osman A. , Taher Mahmoud A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe design of potential nanosensors based on nanometric metals have been widely used for screening of various biomolecules and agents. One‐dimension (1D) silver nanowires (AgNWs) construction were synthesized by the polyol method and employed to detect of H2O2. The addition of various Ag‐source (AgNO3) concentrations of 0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 M lead to form of different AgNWs diameter of 0.05, 0.137, and 0.27 μm, respectively. The sensing property and electrochemical activity were enhanced with the decreasing of the AgNWs diameter, and followed the order of AgNWs0.05> AgNWs0.137> AgNWs0.27. Moreover, the morphological structure of good desperation, long wire length, and 1D orientation play a key role in the electrocatalytic efficiency of the designed electrodes. The facile diffusion of electron/molecules inner/outer the surface, the high volume to mass ratio ascertain the highly efficient electrocatalyst with high stability. AgNWs0.05, as an electrode surface, ascertains nonenzymatic sensors to detect H2O2 with high stability, high sensitivity, good selectivity, and reasonable reproducibility. The detection limit was low as 0.05 μM with a wide linear range of up to 1075 μM. Also, AgNWs0.05 shows a highly selective sensor for detecting H2O2 in complex mediums such as milk samples with a high recovery of 99.5‐100%. Therefore, the AgNWs0.05 can be used to detect H2O2 in various complex samples such as milk.
Multiobjective ant lion optimizer based network planning for Internet of Things on TV white space
Authors: Ding Lianghui , Jin Yiqing , Tian Feng , Yang Feng , Qian Liang , Zhi Cheng 
Published: December 2020

SummaryIn this article, we consider the planning problem of Internet of Things networks working on TV White Space (TVWS), that is, optimizing the number of gateways and their locations to cover the M2M devices using the available TVWS spectrum. We first formulate it into a nondeterministic polynomial optimization problem, and then present the multiobjective ant lion optimizer (MOALO) algorithm with low complexity to solve it. Simulation results show that the proposed MOALO solution can achieve better performance than the classical multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm. Considering the typical case with M2M devices distributed Gaussianly with the variance 80, to achieve 99% coverage, the number of gateways selected by the proposed MOALO algorithm can be 14% less than that obtained from the MOPSO algorithm.
Emerging tools and paradigm shift of gene editing in cereals, fruits, and horticultural crops for enhancing nutritional value and food security
Authors: Tiwari Manish , Kumar Trivedi Prabodh , Pandey Ashutosh 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGene editing using sequence‐specific nucleases, particularly CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein, has drawn enormous attention in plant research in recent years. Nearly a decade ago, Cas9 protein was initially discovered for a role in adaptive immunity in bacteria. Owing to vast potential, a large number of reports came out in a short span of time, comprising the identification of Cas protein from different bacterial sources, new Cas9 variants with reduced off‐targets, multiplexing, base editing, prime editing, and RNA manipulation in plants. Studies revealed that CRISPR/Cas‐based gene editing can play a major role in ensuring food security via developing resilient commercial crops with improved yield and nutritional value. Use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for creating mutation in genes and regulatory regions of promoter generated a number of alleles with variable phenotypes, which can serve as an excellent genetic resource in the breeding program. In this review, we provide a recent overview of state‐of‐art discoveries in the CRISPR/Cas system comprised of new Cas proteins, modifications of existing Cas9, refinements in CRISPR/Cas‐induced gene editing, applications, and outcome emphasizing on major cereals and horticultural crops. We also highlight the current global policy framework for the regulation of gene‐edited crops.
Cetuximab plus irinotecan administered biweekly with reduced infusion time to heavily pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and related RAS and BRAF mutation status
Authors: Jensen Benny Vittrup , Schou Jakob V. , Yilmaz Mette , Johannesen Helle H. , Skougaard Kristin , Linnemann Dorte , Hogdall Estrid V. , Larsen Finn O. , Johansen Julia S. , Pfeiffer Per , Nielsen Dorte L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMetastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is treated with cetuximab 250 mg/m2 administered weekly over 1 hour or biweekly (q2w) over 3.5 hours when combined with irinotecan. This prospective study investigated cetuximab 500 mg/m2 plus irinotecan 180 mg/m2 administered q2w over 1.5 hours independent of RAS or BRAF mutation status in mCRC patients in a third‐line setting. The intention‐to‐treat population included 181 patients. No patients had complete response, 18% had partial responses (PR) and 48% stable disease (SD). For cetuximab, a relative dose intensity of ≥90% was reached in 78% and for irinotecan in 67% of the patients. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities were pain (17%), fatigue (9%), neutropenia (8%), diarrhea (8%), rash (8%), infection (7%) and hypersensitivity (3%). No deaths occurred. Next‐generation sequencing in 96.7% of the patients revealed that 50.3% had RAS and BRAFV600E wild type (WT), with a mutation type (MT) in 45.1% of the RAS and 4.4% of the BRAFV600E genes. In patients with RAS‐WT and RAS‐MT tumors, a PR was obtained in 32% and 4% (P = .000003) and an SD in 43% and 53%, respectively, with a superior PFS (6.2 vs 3.7 months; hazard ratio [HR] 2.12, P = .00001) and OS (12.9 vs 8.8 months; HR 1.71, P = .0008). Treatment efficacy was poor in 7.4% of patients with an RAS mutation outside KRAS exon 2 and in 38% of patients with KRAS exon 2 mutations. Administration of cetuximab and irinotecan q2w, shortening treatment time from 3.5 to 1.5 hours, is recommended as standard therapy.
Predictive power of implied volatility of structured call warrants: Evidence from Singapore
Authors: Murad Samsudin Najmi Ismail , Mohamad Azhar , Sifat Imtiaz Mohammad , Hamid Zarinah 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the information content of implied volatility of structured call warrants in the Singapore Stock Exchange. The study is among the first to examine the implied volatility of equity options (structured call warrants) outside the United States. Using a daily dataset for 252 trading days between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015, we test whether implied volatility is an unbiased estimate of realized volatility (RV). In other words, we ask whether implied volatility contains information on future RV, and scrutinize the efficiency of implied volatility and its predictive power compared to historical volatility (HV). Our findings suggest that although implied volatility does contain some relevant information about future volatility, it remains a biased forecast of RV. The efficiency of implied volatility is trivial, and its predictive power is not superior to HV.
Delayed informed trades and opinion divergence: Evidence from earnings releases
Authors: Chen Tao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study begins to verify whether delayed informed trades occur surrounding an earnings release. Next, we discover that post‐event investor opinions tend to diverge when more informed trades are delayed after the earnings release. As additional empirical evidence indicates, investors are likely compelled to postpone their informed trades due to information complexity, stock illiquidity, and institutional competition. Finally, such a documented association between delayed informed trades and opinion divergence remains robust to the placebo test, endogeneity problem, and large‐cap sample bias.
Different dosing intervals of mifepristone‐misoprostol for second‐trimester termination of pregnancy: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wu Limei , Xiong Wanchun , Zeng Manman , Yan Aihua , Song Ling , Chen Meng , Wei Tianqin , Zu Qian , Zhang Jiayin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare 1‐ and 2‐day drug administration interval between mifepristone and misoprostol for second‐trimester pregnancy termination and provide evidence‐based recommendations.MethodsSearch strategy: the search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for the relevant published studies from their establishment to March 2020. Selection criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 1‐ and 2‐day time interval of mifepristone‐misoprostol for termination of pregnancy during second‐trimester pregnancy were considered. Data were processed using Revman 5.3 software.ResultsMeta‐analyses of three RCTs showed no significant difference was reported in the induction‐to‐abortion time and successful abortion rate between 1‐ and 2‐day mifepristone and misoprostol intervals. Statistical difference was not identified in the induction‐to‐abortion time between the two drug administration intervals in nulliparous or parous women.ConclusionsBoth 1‐ and 2‐day dosing intervals between mifepristone and misoprostol are suitable for clinical use for second‐trimester medical termination of pregnancy.
Low and high birth weight in a hospital population in Sudan: An analysis of clinical cut‐off values
Authors: Abdelrahiem Somia K. , Bilal Jalal A. , Al Nafeesah Abdullah , Al‐Wutayd Osama , Rayis Duria A. , Adam Ishag 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the cut‐off values for low birth weight (LBW) and high birth weight (HBW) of Sudanese newborns.MethodsData (maternal age, parity, birth weight, and gender of the newborn) from women (n = 2818) who delivered at Saad Abualila Hospital in Khartoum were retrieved from the medical files.ResultsThe cut‐off for LBW (the 10th centile) was 2400 g and the 90th centile (HBW) was 3700 g. Out of 2818 newborns, 317 (11.2%) had birth weights below 2400 g. Using the WHO (traditional) cut‐off of 2500 g, the prevalence of LBW was 14.3%. The difference between the two prevalences of LBW was statistically significant (P < 0.001). However, the agreement rate between the two was high (κ = 0.86). The cut‐off to define HBW was 3700 g. In the study, 292 (10.4%) newborns had birth weights of at least 3700 g. Using the cut‐off of 4000 g, the prevalence of HBW was 9.5%. The difference between the two prevalences of HBW was statistically significant (P < 0.001). However, the agreement rate between the two was low (κ = 0.06).ConclusionThe cut‐off values for low and high birth weight were 2400 and 3700 g, respectively.
Combination of metformin and chlorogenic acid attenuates hepatic steatosis and inflammation in high‐fat diet fed mice
Authors: Zamani‐Garmsiri Fahimeh , Ghasempour Ghasem , Aliabadi Masoume , Hashemnia Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Emamgholipour Solaleh , Meshkani Reza 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become an important health problem in the world. Natural products, with anti‐inflammatory properties, are potential candidates for alleviating NAFLD. Metformin (MET) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) have been reported to be effective in the improvement of NAFLD. Here, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MET and CGA combination in ameliorating NAFLD in high‐fat diet (HFD) fed mice. Fifty C57BL/6 male mice were divided into two groups, one fed a standard chow diet (n = 10) and the other was fed an HFD (n = 40) for 10 weeks. Animals in the HFD group were then randomly divided into a four groups (HFD, HFD + MET (0.25%), HFD + CGA (0.02%) and HFD + MET + CGA (0.25 + 0.02%). MET and CGA combination decreases fasting blood glucose and improves glucose intolerance. Decreased hepatic triglyceride level was associated with lower expression levels of fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c in MET+CGA treated mice. MET and CGA combination treatment resulted in the polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype, reduction of the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6), and decreasing protein level of NF‐kB p65. It was found that the lowering effect of combined MET and CGA on the expression of gluconeogenic genes was accompanied by increasing phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β. Treatment of HFD mice with the combination of MET and CGA was found to be more effective at alleviating inflammation and lipid accumulation by increasing phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the MET + CGA combination might exert therapeutic effects against NAFLD.
Alliance rupture and repair in early sessions of dialectical behavior therapy: The case of Rachel
Authors: Boritz Tali , Varma Sonya , Macaulay Christianne , McMain Shelley F. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEmotional and interpersonal instability are core features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and can pose a challenge for the therapeutic relationship. In dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for BPD, ruptures in the therapeutic alliance are considered through a behavioral lens that examines the client's relational learning history, the function and context of the rupture, as well as the patterns of emotional processing difficulties that underlie interpersonal conflict. In this article, we use the case of Rachel to illustrate how alliance‐focused approach can be integrated with DBT case formulation to enhance treatment planning and the successful negotiation of alliance ruptures.
An improved method for simple and accurate colorimetric determination of l‐asparaginase enzyme activity using Nessler's reagent
Authors: Simas Rodrigo G , Krebs Kleingesinds Eduardo , Pessoa Junior Adalberto , Long Paul F 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDColorimetric determination of l‐asparaginase enzyme activity most commonly uses Nessler's reagent, but often yields unreliable results due to precipitation of tetraiodomercurate salts. Interference caused by some commonly used inorganic and organic compounds of biochemical buffers, reagents and microbiology fermentation media was determined. The stabilising effects of tartrate and polyvinyl alcohol upon the impact of these salts was next evaluated using the following two‐step assay in 96‐well microtitre plates: 160 μL of 50 mmol L−1 Tris–HCl pH 8.6, 32 μL of 100 mmol L−1 l‐asparagine, 16 μL analyte and 128 μL water were added to each well. After incubation at 37 °C for 1 h, 16 μL of 1.5 mol L−1 trichloroacetic acid was added to stop the reaction. A 35 μL volume was next transferred to a fresh well containing 35 μL Nessler's reagent, 35 μL stabiliser solution (4 mmol L−1 disodium tartrate and 10 mg L−1 polyvinyl alcohol) and 245 μL water. After incubation at room temperature for 10 min, absorbance was recorded at 436 nm and the enzyme activity calculated by extrapolation of a (NH4)2SO4 calibrated standard curve.RESULTSAddition of tartrate and polyvinyl alcohol proved to be effective in reducing interference caused by precipitation of salts, allowing determination of l‐asparaginase activity in a range from 0.050 to 0.796 IU mL−1, ideal for monitoring enzyme production in fermentations.CONCLUSIONA method is offered for rapid and reliable determination of l‐asparaginase activity, particularly in complex samples such as microbial fermentation broths where existing methodologies do not account for interferences that frequently yield overvalues. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Reactor design for continuous monoclonal antibody precipitation based upon micro‐mixing
Authors: Martinez Michael , Mannall Gareth , Spitali Mari , Norrant Edith L , Bracewell Daniel G 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPrecipitation has been applied for the processing of important therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The scale‐up has proven to be a challenging task due to the complexity of the reactions and transport processes involved. This requires a good understanding of the molecular processes underpinning precipitate formation. The aim of this study was to build a micro‐mixing model for the precipitation of a mAb in continuous tubular reactors using ammonium sulphate. The effect of micro‐mixing on precipitate formation (with respect to size, strength, and nature) was evaluated. An ultra scale‐down (USD) centrifugation methodology was applied to determine the ease of precipitate clarification.RESULTSThe results demonstrated that the final mean particle size decreased with increased micro‐mixing, and was obtained with short residence times. Antibody yields in the tubular reactors were consistently above 90% and were shown to be independent of the mixing. Similar particle sizes between a lab and pilot‐scale reactor were correlated with the average energy dissipation rate. The smaller particles obtained from improved micro‐mixing had higher fractal dimensions that correlated with minimal breakage upon exposure to turbulent shear. Precipitates were easily clarified at the USD scale (> 95% clarification), but less so at pilot‐scale (< 80% clarification).CONCLUSIONPrecipitation is a rapid process where the final precipitate properties are controlled by the flow conditions. Therefore, the process can be manipulated to acquire a certain particle size range. A high‐throughput precipitation process is also possible. However, further investigation into large‐scale precipitate recovery is required. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of mind maps in dental education: An activity performed in a preclinical endodontic course
Authors: Grazziotin‐Soares Renata , Curtis Donald A. , Ardenghi Diego M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurpose/Objectives(1) to assess the ability of dental students to use mind maps to express the relationships of endodontic theory and technique; (2) to explore features illustrated from the highest‐ and lowest‐graded mind maps; and (3) to evaluate improvements in successive mind maps from the same student.MethodsA total of 31 second‐year students were asked to configure a mind map on root canal cleaning‐shaping and then 18 weeks later develop a second mind map on root canal obturation. Faculty visually analyzed the mind maps using a qualitative approach: a multilayered process of thematic analysis. Codes and themes were generated to investigate if students were able to express appropriate and evidence‐based ideas on the topics (accuracy of relationships and depth of information presented). Two of the highest‐ and 2 of the lowest‐graded mind maps for each activity were directly compared. Improvement by the same student from the first to second mind map was also evaluated based on trend/style and creativity.ResultsThe majority of the students accurately expressed the scientific basis for root canal cleaning‐shaping and obturation. The highest‐graded mind maps displayed the biomedical and humanistic conceptions of critical thinking. In comparing the second mind map to the first, nearly 50% of the students incorporated more detail and artistic expression in the second map.Conclusionsusing mind maps in dental education can benefit students with different learning styles and help the instructor to identify the level of conceptualization that the student had developed about a topic.
Effectiveness of educational intervention carried out by clinical pharmacists for the quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thong Vo Duy , Ngoc Phuc Nguyen , Quynh Bui Thi Huong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and AimIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with repetitive gastrointestinal symptoms that greatly reduce the patient's quality of life (QoL). Training regarding IBS‐related knowledge, medication adherence, lifestyle, and diet adjustments has been demonstrated to strengthen patient QoL. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention carried out by clinical pharmacists to improve the QoL of patients with IBS.MethodsOur research included data collected at the University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, from April 2018 to December 2018, and was designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients with IBS were randomized into an intervention group (IG) and nonintervention group (NIG). The intervention program included training about IBS‐related knowledge, the importance of medication adherence, symptom recognition, lifestyle, and diet adjustments. Participants were followed up by monthly telephone calls. The outcome was the change in patient QoL scores (IBS‐QoL) 8 weeks after they took part in the research.ResultsOf 273 patients in the trial, there were 132 patients in the IG cohort and 141 in the NIG cohort. At 8 weeks, IG QoL score changes were statistically higher than those of NIG: 20.1 ± 12.1 (IG) versus 13.2 ± 13.4 (NIG). Furthermore, pharmacist intervention played an important role in increasing QoL after 8 weeks, as confirmed by multivariate regression analysis (B = 5.9; 95% confidence interval 2.4–9.4, P = 0.001).ConclusionsPatient education, lifestyle, and dietary intervention, administered by clinical pharmacists, improves IBS‐QoL compared to standard medical therapy over 8 weeks.