bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronapp: A web application to annotate and monitor SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations
Authors: Mercatelli Daniele , Triboli Luca , Fornasari Eleonora , Ray Forest , Giorgi Federico M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe avalanche of genomic data generated from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus requires the development of tools to detect and monitor its mutations across the world. Here, we present a webtool, coronapp, dedicated to easily processing user‐provided SARS‐CoV‐2 genomic sequences and visualizing the current worldwide status of SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations. The webtool allows users to highlight mutations and categorize them by frequency, country, genomic location and effect on protein sequences, and to monitor their presence in the population over time. The tool is available at http://giorgilab.unibo.it/coronannotator/ for the annotation of user‐provided sequences. The full code is freely shared at https://github.com/federicogiorgi/giorgilab/tree/master/coronannotator.
Impacts of land use/cover change on spatial patterns of summer precipitation at decadal scale over eastern China
Authors: Wang Qi , Yan Mi , Liu Jian , Ning Liang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe impacts and corresponding mechanisms of land use/cover change (LUCC), mainly crops and pasture, on the spatial patterns of summer precipitation over eastern China at the decadal timescale during the last millennium are investigated, using a set of land use/cover sensitivity experiments from the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Last Millennium Ensemble (LME) archive. Two leading modes of summer precipitation over eastern China at decadal scale before (with slight LUCC) and after (with drastic LUCC) 1750 AD are compared. The results show that the LUCC plays an important role in modulating the spatial patterns of summer precipitation over eastern China at decadal scale. Before 1750 AD, the first leading mode exhibits a meridional dipole pattern, while the second leading mode exhibits a meridional tripole pattern. After 1750 AD, the order of the spatial patterns switches, that is, the tripole pattern as the first leading mode and the dipole pattern as the second leading mode. During both periods, the “dry north‐wet south” dipole pattern is associated with an anomalous “A‐C” (anticyclone‐cyclone) low‐level circulation pattern and the related water vapour divergence‐convergence pattern from north to south over the eastern part of East Asia, whereas the tripole pattern corresponds to an anomalous “A‐C‐A" (anticyclone‐cyclone‐anticyclone) circulation pattern along with the corresponding tripole pattern of water vapour divergence/convergence. The regressions of sea surface temperature (SST) during boreal winter resemble obvious Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) or Atlantic multi‐decadal oscillation (AMO) modes. In addition, the AMO index displays a decreasing trend during the last millennium under the LUCC forcing, while the PDO index does not show an obvious changing trend. The possibility of coupled PDO‐AMO anti‐phase (in‐phase) increases (decreases) after 1750 AD, leading to the increased (decreased) possibility of the tripole (dipole) pattern in eastern China. Our findings confirm the necessity of including LUCC as an important forcing factor in predictions of future climate changes, especially at the regional scale and also at longer timescales.
Stability assessment of tamsulosin and tadalafil co‐formulated in capsules by two validated chromatographic methods
Authors: Rezk Mamdouh R. , Abdel‐Moety Ezzat M. , Wadie Mina , Tantawy Mahmoud A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe advent of a new pharmaceutical formulation evokes the need for examining the chemical stability of their constituents and establishing proper stability‐indicating methods. Herein, the stability of the newly co‐formulated Tamsulosin and Tadalafil were examined under different stress conditions. The acidic degradation of Tamsulosin yielded its sulfonated derivative, while Tadalafil was susceptible to both acidic and basic degradation. Two stability‐indicating chromatographic methods, namely; high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography, have been developed. Significant high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography‐fractionation could be achieved by utilizing a stationary phase of silica gel 60 F254 and a mobile phase composed of ethyl acetate/toluene/methanol/ammonia (4:2:4:0.6, by volumes) with densitometric recording at 280 nm over a concentration range of 0.5–25 μg/band for both drugs. The HPLC‐separation could be reached on XBridge® C18 column isocraticaly by using a mobile phase having acetonitrile/phosphate buffer, pH 6.0 (45:55, v/v) pumped at a flow rate of 1.7 mL/min and applying diode array ultraviolet‐detection at 210 nm over a linearity range of 3–70 μg/mL for each drug. Specificity of the two methods was additionally assured via peak purity assessment. Moreover, the methods were distinctly exploited for evaluating the drugs’ stability in accelerated stability‐studied samples of Tamplus® capsules.
MBMS study on plasma‐assisted low‐temperature oxidation of n‐heptane and iso‐octane in a flow reactor
Authors: Liao Handong , Chen Haodong , Liu Zhongkai , Zhang Ruzheng , Zhang Feng , Yang Bin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNonequilibrium plasma has a great potential in the lean combustion of gasoline engines. However, fundamental studies on plasma‐assisted combustion on gasoline components are limited. In the present study, Low‐temperature oxidation behaviors for n‐heptane and iso‐octane in a plasma flow reactor were investigated. Species measurements were performed at room temperature and low pressure of 40 mbar using the electron ionization molecular‐beam mass spectrometry (EI‐MBMS). A total of 72 and 57 species were quantified in n‐heptane and iso‐octane oxidation, respectively. Based on measured species data, reaction networks of n‐heptane and iso‐octane in the plasma system were discussed. Particularly, some typical low‐temperature intermediates, such as cyclic ethers, diones, and ketohydroperoxides, were observed, suggesting the applicability of the classical low‐temperature reaction scheme in the plasma system of large hydrocarbons. The results indicate that the major role of plasma discharge on the low‐temperature oxidation of large hydrocarbons is either to breakdown large fuel molecules or to accelerate the chain initiation reactions. We also investigated the parametric effects of voltage, frequency, and residence time on the species pools, and found that the increase of these parameters leads to higher production of intermediates. The whole system reactivity was most sensitive to the plasma voltage. The difference between plasma frequency and residence time on the species formation was found. Moreover, some highly temperature‐sensitive reactions, such as the RO2 → QOOH, proceed at very low temperatures (around 340 K) in the plasma system, which was potentially attributed to the additional energy from plasma‐generated species.
Why we should rethink ‘adoption’ in agricultural innovation: Empirical insights from Malawi
Authors: Hermans Thirze D. G. , Whitfield Stephen , Dougill Andrew J. , Thierfelder Christian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe challenges of land degradation, climate change and food insecurity have led to the introduction of conservation agriculture (CA) aimed at enhancing yield and soil quality. Despite positive biophysical results, low adoption rates have been the focus of studies identifying constraints to wider uptake. While the adoption framework is popular for measuring agricultural innovation, objective adoption measurements remain problematic and do not recognize the contextual and dynamic decision‐making process. This study uses a technographic and participatory approach to move beyond the adoption framework and understand: (a) how agricultural decision‐making takes place including the knowledge construction, (b) how agriculture is performed in a context of project intervention and (c) how practice adaptation plays out in the context of interacting knowledge. Findings confirm that farmer decision‐making is dynamic, multidimensional and contextual. The common innovation diffusion model uses a theory of change, showcasing benefits through training lead farmers as community advocates and demonstration trials. Our study shows that the assumed model of technology transfer with reference to climate‐smart agriculture interventions is not as linear and effective as assumed previously. We introduce four lenses that contribute to better understanding complex innovation dynamics: (a) social dynamics and information transfer, (b) contextual costs and benefits, (c) experience and risk aversion, and (d) practice adaptation. Investments should build on existing knowledge and farming systems including a focus on the dynamic decision process to support the 'scaling up, scaling out and scaling deep' agenda for sustainable agricultural innovations.
Analysis of the vaginal microbiome of giant pandas using metagenomics sequencing
Authors: Zhang Lan , Li Caiwu , Zhai Yaru , Feng Lan , Bai Keke , Zhang Zhizhong , Huang Yan , Li Ti , Li Desheng , Li Hao , Cui Pengfei , Chen Danyu , Wang Hongning , Yang Xin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study, a total of 14 vaginal samples (GPV1‐14) from giant pandas were analyzed. These vaginal samples were divided into two groups as per the region and age of giant pandas. All the vaginal samples were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing. As per the outcomes of metagenomic analysis, Proteobacteria (39.04%), Firmicutes (5.27%), Actinobacteria (2.94%), and Basidiomycota (2.77%) were found to be the dominant phyla in the microbiome of the vaginal samples. At the genus level, Pseudomonas (21.90%) was found to be the most dominant genus, followed by Streptococcus (3.47%), Psychrobacter (1.89%), and Proteus (1.38%). Metastats analysis of the microbial species in the vaginal samples of giant pandas from Wolong Nature Reserve, Dujiangyan and Ningbo Youngor Zoo, and Ya'an Bifengxia Nature Reserve was found to be significantly different (p < 0.05). Age groups, that is, AGE1 (5‐10 years old) and AGE2 (11‐16 years old), also demonstrated significantly different inter‐group microbial species (p < 0.05). For the first time, Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were detected in giant pandas’ reproductive tract. GPV3 vaginal sample (2.63%) showed highest Chlamydia content followed by GPV14 (0.91%), and GPV7 (0.62%). GPV5 vaginal sample (7.17%) showed the highest Neisseria gonorrhoeae content, followed by GPV14 (7.02%), and GPV8 (6.50%). Furthermore, we employed eggNOG, CAZy, KEGG, and NCBI databases to investigate the functional significance of giant panda's vaginal microbial community. The outcomes indicated that giant panda's vaginal microbes were involved in biological processes. The data from this study will help in improving the reproductive health of giant pandas.
Novel homozygous variants in the TMC1 and CDH23 genes cause autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss
Authors: Zardadi Safoura , Razmara Ehsan , Asgaritarghi Golareh , Jafarinia Ehsan , Bitarafan Fatemeh , Rayat Sima , Almadani Navid , Morovvati Saeid , Garshasbi Masoud 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundHereditary hearing loss (HL) is a heterogeneous and most common sensory neural disorder. At least, 76 genes have been reported in association with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic HL (ARNSHL). Herein, we subjected two patients with bilateral sensorineural HL in two distinct consanguineous Iranian families to figure out the underlying genetic factors.MethodsPhysical and sensorineural examinations were performed on the patients. Imaging also was applied to unveil any abnormalities in anatomical structures of the middle and inner ear. In order to decipher the possible genetic causes of the verified GJB2‐negative samples, the probands were subjected to whole‐exome sequencing and, subsequently, Sanger sequencing was applied for variant confirmation.ResultsClinical examinations showed ARNSHL in the patients. After doing whole exome sequencing, two novel variants were identified that were co‐segregating with HL that were absent in 100 ethnically matched controls. In the first family, a novel homozygous variant, NM_138691.2: c.530T>C; p.(lle177Thr), in TMC1 gene co‐segregated with prelingual ARNSHL. In the second family, NM_022124.6: c.2334G>A; p.(Trp778*) was reported as a nonsense variant causing prelingual ARNSHL.ConclusionThese findings can, in turn, endorse how TMC1 and CDH23 screening is critical to detecting HL in Iranian patients. Identifying TMC1 and CDH23 pathogenic variants doubtlessly help in the detailed genotypic characterization of HL.
Obligatory role of Schwann cell‐specific erythropoietin receptors in erythropoietin‐induced functional recovery and neurogenic muscle atrophy after nerve injury
Authors: Talukder M A Hassan , Lee Jung Il , Hegarty John P. , Gurjar Anagha A. , O'Brien Mary , Karuman Zara , Wandling Grant D. , Govindappa Prem Kumar , Elfar John C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundErythropoietin (EPO) promotes myelination and functional recovery in rodent peripheral nerve injury (PNI). While EPO receptors (EpoR) are present in Schwann cells, the role of EpoR in PNI recovery is unknown because of the lack of EpoR antagonists or Schwann cell‐specific EpoR knockout animals.MethodsUsing the Cre‐loxP system, we developed a myelin protein zero (Mpz) promoter‐driven knockout mouse model of Schwann cell EpoR (MpzCre‐EpoRflox/flox, Mpz‐EpoR‐KO). Mpz‐EpoR‐KO and control mice were assigned to sciatic nerve crush injury followed by EPO treatment.ResultsEPO treatment significantly accelerated functional recovery in control mice in contrast to significantly reduced functional recovery in Mpz‐EpoR‐KO mice. Significant muscle atrophy was found in the injured hindlimb of EPO‐treated Mpz‐EpoR‐KO mice but not in EPO‐treated control mice.ConclusionsThese preliminary findings provide direct evidence for an obligatory role of Schwann‐cell specific EpoR for EPO‐induced functional recovery and muscle atrophy following PNI.
A novel reduced‐order modeling method for nonlinear buckling analysis and optimization of geometrically imperfect cylinders
Authors: Liang Ke , Hao Peng , Wang Bo , Sun Qin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA novel reduced‐order modeling method with two‐step strategy is proposed for nonlinear buckling analysis of axially compressed thin‐walled cylinder. The nonlinear response analysis up until the buckling point is achieved quickly by solving the small‐scale reduced‐order model, accounting for the geometrically nonlinear behavior. The buckling point is determined accurately using an efficient buckling detection algorithm, where the stiffness information of the reduced‐order model is extrapolated based on an eigenvalue analysis until a singular tangent stiffness is obtained. Then, the nonlinear buckling fiber angle optimization scheme of laminated composite cylinders is constructed in the MATLAB's MultiStart scheme with gradient‐based algorithms. The proposed two‐step reduced‐order modeling strategy is adopted to calculate the nonlinear buckling objection function at a much lower cost. Numerical results for axially compressed cylinders with various geometric imperfection fields demonstrate the good performance of the proposed strategy in both nonlinear buckling analyses and lamination optimizations.
Stress and anxiety in nursing students between individual and peer simulations
Authors: Nakayama Natsuki , Ejiri Harumi , Arakawa Naoko , Makino Tsuneko 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe use of high‐fidelity simulation practice as an educational tool is becoming increasingly prevalent in nursing education. Despite the learning effects of simulation practice, students have been shown to experience high levels of stress and anxiety during simulation. In recent years, peer learning has been defined as an acquisition of knowledge and skills through active support and support among equal or equal peers and has been shown to be an effective educational intervention for clinical health science students.AimThe purpose of this study was to incorporate peer learning into simulation learning and to clarify the differences between stress and anxiety during personal and peer simulations.MethodThird‐grade undergraduate students in a four‐year course at two nursing universities participated in this study. In this study, the simulated patient was a 53‐year‐old man who had undergone gastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer. The scenario was that the patient had completely recovered consciousness in the operating room, and his tracheal tube had been removed one hour before the students examined him. Stress while simulation training was evaluated with heart rate variability. Anxiety was evaluated by the STAI after the simulations were complete.ResultsPersonal simulation practice (personal group;n = 50) and peer simulation practice (peer group,n = 59) was conducted. The personal group included 7 male students, and the peer group included 12 male students; the difference in male proportion was not significant. At the first patient assessment phase, stress of heart rate variability components at the peer group significantly increased relative to that of the personal. In addition, the personal had a significantly higher state anxiety score after simulation than the peer.ConclusionThis study shows that in the face‐to‐face scene involving vital sign measurements, the presence of peers did not objectively alleviate stress.
Approximation of functions by a new type of Gamma operators
Authors: Betus Ömür , Usta Fuat 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this article, a new type of Gamma operators which preserves 1 and x2 has been presented and tested. In order to show the approximation properties of the newly defined operator, Voronovksya type theorems, weighted approximation, rate of convergence, and pointwise estimates have been presented. Additionally, numerical examples implemented by MATLAB have been provided to show its approximation properties by numerically.
A nomogram of clinical and biologic factors to predict survival in children newly diagnosed with high‐risk neuroblastoma: An International Neuroblastoma Risk Group project
Authors: Moreno Lucas , Guo Dongjing , Irwin Meredith S. , Berthold Frank , Hogarty Michael , Kamijo Takehiko , Morgenstern Daniel , Pasqualini Claudia , Ash Shifra , Potschger Ulrike , Ladenstein Ruth , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Cohn Susan L. , Pearson Andrew D.J. , London Wendy B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term outcome remains poor for children with high‐risk neuroblastoma (five‐year overall survival [OS] ∼50%). Our objectives were to (a) identify prognostic biomarkers and apply them in a nomogram to identify the subgroup of ultra‐high‐risk patients at highest risk of disease progression/death, for whom novel frontline therapy is urgently needed; and (b) validate the nomogram in an independent cohort.MethodsA total of 1820 high‐risk patients (≥18 months old with metastatic neuroblastoma), diagnosed 1998‐2015, from the International Neuroblastoma Risk Groups (INRG) Data Commons were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study. Using multivariable Cox regression of OS from diagnosis, a nomogram was created from prognostic biomarkers to predict three‐year OS. External validation was performed using the SIOPEN HR‐NBL1 trial cohort (n = 521), evidenced by receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsThe nomogram, including MYCN status (P < 0.0001), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P = 0.0007), and presence of bone marrow metastases (P = 0.004), had robust performance and was validated. Applying the nomogram at diagnosis (a) gives prognosis of an individual patient and (b) identifies patients predicted to have poor outcome (three‐year OS was 30% ± 5% for patients with a nomogram score of > 82 points; 58% ± 1% for those ≤82 points). Median follow‐up time was 5.5 years (range, 0‐14.1).ConclusionsIn high‐risk neuroblastoma, a novel, publicly available nomogram using prognostic biomarkers (MYCN status, LDH, presence of bone marrow metastases; https://neuroblastoma.shinyapps.io/High-Risk-Neuroblastoma-Nomogram/) has the flexibility to apply a clinically suitable and context‐specific cutoff to identify patients at highest risk of death. This will facilitate testing urgently needed new frontline treatment options to improve outcome for these children.
University students' misconceptions about rational numbers: Implications for developmental mathematics and instruction of younger students
Authors: Powell Sarah R. , Nelson Gena 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTo understand misconceptions with rational numbers (i.e., fractions, decimals, and percentages), we administered an assessment of rational numbers to 331 undergraduate students from a 4‐year university. The assessment included 41 items categorized as measuring foundational understanding, calculations, or word problems. We coded each student's response and identified error patterns for items answered incorrectly. Students attempted foundational understanding and calculations problems more often than word problems, and students made fewer errors with foundational understanding and calculation items. Students demonstrated the most unique errors with calculations and word problems items. Given all items on the rational numbers assessment required elementary or middle school knowledge of rational numbers, the number and diversity of errors with a sample of university students demonstrates the persistent difficulties with rational numbers that students carry into adulthood. Elementary, secondary, and developmental mathematics educators should be aware of such errors and provide specific instruction on avoiding such errors.
Evaluation of a new spinal surgical robotic system of Kirschner wire placement for lumbar fusion: A multi‐centre, randomised controlled clinical study
Authors: Li Junyu , Huang Lin , Zhou Wenyu , Wang Zizhen , Li Zongze , Zeng Lin , Liu Zhongjun , Shen Huiyong , Cai Zhaopeng , Gu Hongsheng , Yang Xinjian , Zhang Rui , Hu Wanheng , Yu Miao , Chen Jianting 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo introduce a novel robotic system ‘Orthbot’ that has been developed and tested as a surgical assistant for auto‐placement of the K‐wire in lumbar fusion.MethodsThis is a multi‐centre, randomized controlled clinical study that includes 56 patients (robot group, RG: 27, free‐hand group, FG: 29). Following the pre‐operative planning and intra‐operative fluoroscopic images, the ‘Orthbot’ automatically completed registration and K‐wire placement under the supervision of the surgeon. Deviation distance (DD) and deviation angle (DA) were used as the primary parameters to evaluate the accuracy of the robotic system.ResultsThe average DD was 0.95 ± 0.377 mm and 4.35 ± 2.01 mm, respectively in the RG and FG (p < 0.001). The average DA of the K‐wire in the coronal plane and the sagittal plane in X‐Ray was respectively 6.80 ± 7.79° and 1.27 ± 2.32° in the RG (p < 0.001), and 22.22 ± 16.85° and 4.57 ± 3.86° in the FG (p < 0.001), which showed a higher accuracy rate in the robotic‐assisted cases compared to the free‐hand cases.ConclusionsThe novel robotic system could achieve accurate K‐wire insertions as indicated by the radiological results.
Thermo–time domain reflectometry method: Advances in monitoring in situ soil bulk density
Authors: Lu Yili , Liu Xiaona , Zhang Meng , Heitman Joshua , Horton Robert , Ren Tusheng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSoil bulk density (ρb) is a critical parameter for describing soil structure and physical processes, yet traditional methods are unable to capture spatial and temporal changes in ρb. Recently the thermo–time domain reflectometry (thermo‐TDR) technique has been applied to determine in situ ρb on the basis of soil thermal property and water content measurements. Here, we present theory, instrumentation, procedures, and comments for monitoring in situ ρb with the thermo‐TDR sensor. We conclude that the thermo‐TDR sensor offers a useful tool for determining ρb continuously and nondestructively.