bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The legal street: a scarcity approach to urban open space in mobility transitions
Authors: Petzer Brett J. M. , Wieczorek Anna J. , Verbong Geert P. J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn urban mobility transition requires a transition in space allocation, since most mobility modes are dependent on urban open space for circulation and the storage of vehicles. Despite increasing attention to space and spatiality in transitions research, the finite, physical aspects of urban space, and the means by which it is allocated, have not been adequately acknowledged as an influence on mobility transitions. A conceptual framework is introduced to support comparison between cities in terms of the processes by which open space is (re-)distributed between car and bicycle circulatory and regulatory space. This framework distinguishes between regulatory allocation mechanisms and the appropriation practices of actors. Application to cases in Amsterdam, Brussels and Birmingham reveal unique relationships created by the zero-sum nature of urban open space between the dominant automobility mode and subordinate cycling mode. These relationships open up a new approach to forms of lock-in that work in favour of particular mobility modes within the relatively obdurate urban built environment. Empirically, allocation mechanisms that routinise the production of car space at national level within the EU are shown to be far more prevalent than those for bicycle space, highlighting the constraints faced by radical city-level policies aimed at space reallocation.
Characterization, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects of some Egyptian wild plant extracts
Authors: Diab Thoria A. , Donia Thoria , Saad-Allah Khalil M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Natural products from plants are very safe as compared to synthetic ones, so the aim of this study was to assess the in vitro antioxidant and antitumor activities of the ethanolic extracts of four Egyptian wild plant species (Varthemia candicans, Peganum harmala, Suaeda vermiculata, and Conyza dioscoridis), as well as polyphenols and flavonoid contents with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of the four plant extracts was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to determine 50% inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power by phosphomolybdate assay. In addition, the chemical composition of the four sample extracts was investigated using GC-MS. The total phenolic and flavonoid levels were also determined. Then, the antitumor activity of the plant extracts against HepG2 cells was determined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results
The results showed that Varthemia candicans extract was the highest one regarding both polyphenols and flavonoid contents. Moreover, the extract of Suaeda vermiculata exhibited the lowest half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) against DPPH, thus indicating its highest effectiveness. All studied plant extracts decreased the viability of HepG2 cells, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the lowest IC50 was for Suaeda vermiculata.

Conclusion
The investigated plant extracts showed potent antioxidant and antitumor activities in vitro due to their phytochemical contents.
Analytical method development and validation for simultaneous estimation of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate and sennoside-B in polyherbal laxative tablet using RP-HPLC
Authors: Patel Madhavi , Chauhan Shivangi , Patel Vishal , Soni Hardik , Trivedi Vikram 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundStandardization of polyherbal medicine though being the need of the hour is a toilsome task. Among the various methods employed for quality control and standardization of polyherbal medicine, phytochemical profiling is of utmost importance as it signifies the quality as well as efficacy of the medicine. The work was aimed to develop and validate a simple, quick, and accurate RP-HPLC technique for simultaneous assessment of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate and sennoside-B in a polyherbal laxative tablet. The phytomarkers were effectively quantified by RP-HPLC system on C18analytical column using gradient mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer to acetonitrile with the detector wavelength set at 254 nm. This developed method was validated by determination of parameters like accuracy, linearity, precision, limit of detection, and quantification as well as robustness according to ICH guidelines.ResultsCalibration curve of both phytomarkers showed excellent linear correlation coefficients. LOD and LOQ were also calculated by equation. Precision studies were carried out using intra-day and inter-day intervals and RSD values were found to be less than 2.00%. The method was found to be accurate, which was evident from 98.96 to 101.39% and 99.17 to 100.67% recovery of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate and sennoside-B, respectively, when the formulation was spiked with the respective phytomarkers.ConclusionThe validated method can be employed as standardization tool for herbal formulations with accuracy and precision. The developed method will assist in maintaining the good quality and batch to batch uniformity of polyherbal formulations containingYashtimadhu, Swarnpatri, andAragvadhaas active ingredients.
New Cutoffs for the Biochemical Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency after ACTH Stimulation using Specific Cortisol Assays
Authors: Javorsky Bradley R , Raff Hershel , Carroll Ty B , Algeciras-Schimnich Alicia , Singh Ravinder Jit , Colón-Franco Jessica M , Findling James W 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Context
The normal cortisol response 30 or 60 minutes after cosyntropin (ACTH[1–24]) is considered to be ≥18 μg/dL (500 nmol/L). This threshold is based on older serum cortisol assays. Specific monoclonal antibody immunoassays or LC-MS/MS may have lower thresholds for a normal response.

Objective
To calculate serum cortisol cutoff values for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation testing with newer specific cortisol assays.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of ACTH stimulation tests performed in ambulatory and hospitalized patients suspected of adrenal insufficiency (AI). Serum samples were assayed for cortisol in parallel using Elecsys I and Elecsys II immunoassays, and when volume was available, by Access immunoassay and LC-MS/MS.

Results
A total of 110 patients were evaluated. Using 18 μg/dL as the cortisol cutoff after ACTH stimulation, 14.5%, 29%, 22.4%, and 32% of patients had a biochemical diagnosis of AI using the Elecsys I, Elecsys II, Access, and LC-MS/MS assays, respectively. Deming regressions of serum cortisol were used to calculate new cortisol cutoffs based on the Elecsys I cutoff of 18 μg/dL. For 30-minute values, new cutoffs were 14.6 μg/dL for Elecsys II, 14.8 μg/dL for Access, and 14.5 μg/dL for LC-MS/MS. Baseline cortisol &lt;2 μg/dL was predictive of subnormal stimulated cortisol values.

Conclusion
To reduce false positive ACTH stimulation testing, we recommend a new serum cortisol cutoff of 14 to 15 μg/dL depending on the assay used (instead of the historical value of 18 μg/dL with older polyclonal antibody assays). Clinicians should be aware of the new cutoffs for the assays available to them when evaluating patients for AI.
Farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards management of cassava pests and diseases in forest transition and Guinea savannah agro-ecological zones of Ghana
Authors: Nsiah Frimpong Benedicta , Oppong Allen , Prempeh Ruth , Appiah-Kubi Zipporah , Abrokwah Linda A. , B. Mochiah Moses , N. Lamptey Joseph , Manu-Aduening Joseph , Pita Justin 
Published: February 2021

Background: Cassava is a major staple root crop in Ghana, which serves as a food security and an income generating crop for farming families. In spite of its importance, the crop is plagued with biotic factors such as pests and diseases, resulting in yield and income reductions. Methods: Farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards cassava pest and disease management were investigated. A mixed research questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from 94 cassava farm households across two major cassava growing agro-ecologies. Results: Using descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric analysis, our study revealed that farmers’ knowledge on cassava pests was high but low for diseases. Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), grasshoppers (Zonocerus variegatus), aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover), mealybugs (Phenacoccus manihoti), termites (Isoptera), and grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) were perceived as the most common damaging pests. Farmers’ descriptions showed that disease pathogens attacked foliar tissues, stem and root tissues and caused leaf dropping and die back. Cassava mosaic disease and root rot were the most common diseases; however, disease descriptions suggested the incidence of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases. Some of the farmers observed mixed symptoms on their farms. The results also showed that only 25.5% cultivated improved varieties. Management actions applied included field sanitation practices and pesticide application. The effectiveness level of the control actions was rated moderately effective. Conclusions: The analysis showed heterogeneity in personal and farm level characteristics of respondents across the two agro-ecologies, but agro-ecologies were independent of the management practices employed. There is a need to improve farmers’ access to improved disease-free planting materials through efficient dissemination pathways and increase farmers’ knowledge on cassava pests, diseases and integrated management through publfic awareness creation and capacity building by extension agents and research institutions. Continued government investment is needed to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Maternity care during COVID-19: a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of women’s and maternity care providers’ views and experiences.
Authors: Smith Valerie , Flaherty Sarah-Jane , Matvienko-Sikar Karen , Delaney Hannah 
Published: February 2021

Background: Considerable changes in maternity care provision internationally were implemented in response to COVID-19. Such changes, often occurring suddenly with little advance warning, have had the potential to affect women’s and maternity care providers experience of maternity care, both positively and negatively. For this reason, to gain insight and understanding of personal and professional experiences, we will perform a synthesis of the available qualitative evidence on women and maternity care providers’ views and experiences of maternity care during COVID-19. Methods and analysis: A qualitative evidence synthesis will be conducted. Studies will be eligible if they include pregnant or postpartum women (up to six months) and maternity care providers who received or provided care during COVID-19. To retrieve relevant literature the electronic databases of CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane COVID study register (https://covid-19.cochrane.org/) will be searched from 01-Jan-2020 to date of search. A combination of search terms based on COVID-19, pregnancy, childbirth and maternity care, and study design, will be used to guide the search. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed by at least two reviewers using the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI)-Centre 12-criteria quality assessment tool. The Thomas and Harden approach to thematic synthesis will be used for data synthesis. This will involve line by line coding of extracted data, establishing descriptive themes, and determining analytical themes. Confidence in the findings of the review will be assessed by two reviewers independently using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual). Conclusion: The proposed synthesis of evidence will help identify maternity care needs during a global pandemic from the perspectives of those receiving and providing care. The evidence will inform and help enhance care provision into the future.
IDENTITAS BUDAYA TORAJA DALAM NOVEL PUYA KE PUYA KARYA FAISAL ODDANG
Authors: Apriyani Tristanti 
Published: February 2021

Pengarang menggunakan cara yang berbeda-beda dalam menyampaikan makna sebuah budaya yang diamatinya. Ada pengarang yang menyampaikannya secara langsung dan terbuka, namun ada juga yang menyampaikan melalui representasi tanda atau simbol. Mengutip rumusan budaya yang dikemukakan Collier (1994: 36-44) bahwa budaya merupakan seperangkat sistem simbol, makna dan norma yang ditransmisikan secara historis. Ketiga perangkat sistem tersebut nantinya akan membentuk sebuah identitas kebudayaan. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji identitas budaya Toraja yang tergambar dalam novel Puya ke Puya karya Faisal Oddang. Kekayaan estetika etnografi dalam novel Puya ke Puya dikaji dengan pendekatan antropologi sastra. Oddang menggambarkan konsepsi magis orang Toraja ke dalam tiga simbol, yaitu Puyya, Pohon Tarra, dan Tongkonan.
Nurse-led telephone outreach for a COVID-adapted suspected colorectal cancer pathway
Authors: Bell Sheila E , Crawford Jill , Gunn Frances , Noble Colin , Miller Janice , Dunlop Malcolm G , Maeda Yasuko , Din Farhat VN 
Published: February 2021

Background: COVID-19 has brought about unprecedented challenges to healthcare services in the UK. The pandemic led to the cessation of colonoscopy and outpatient clinics. A bespoke COVID-adapted cancer pathway, using computed tomography (CT) scanning and the quantitative faecal immunochemical test (qFIT), was introduced to mitigate the risks of patients referred with potential colorectal cancer. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the workload of patient telephone calls undertaken by nurses and their impact on the operation of the pathway. Methods: Data were collected prospectively and analysed to assess the volume of patient flow, number of calls made and content of conversations. Findings: During a 2-month period, 975 patients (56.6% female, median age 63 years) were registered on the COVID-adapted cancer pathway. The 45.9% (n=448) of patients who did not return qFIT tests in a timely manner were contacted. Of these, 9.4% (n=42) requested to postpone or declined an appointment. Most were appreciative of the opportunity to clarify the rationale of the pathway and address any concerns. Conclusions: Phone calls made and received by nursing staff were helpful to discuss patient concerns and increase patients' understanding of the alternative treatment options available during the pandemic.
Proposal and proof-of-principle demonstration of fast-switching broadband frequency shifting for a frequency-multiplexed quantum repeater
Authors: Wang Peng-Cheng , Pietx-Casas Oriol , Falamarzi Askarani Mohsen , do Amaral Gustavo Castro 
Published: February 2021

A proposal for fast-switching broadband frequency-shifting technology making use of frequency conversion in a nonlinear crystal is set forth, whereby the shifting is imparted to the converted photons by creating a bank of frequency-displaced pump modes that can be selected by a photonic switch and directed to the nonlinear crystal. Proof-of-principle results show that the expected frequency-shifting operation can be achieved. Even though the dimensions of the currently employed crystal and significant excess loss in the experimental setup prevented conversion of single-photon-level inputs, thorough experimental and theoretical analysis of the noise contribution allowed for estimation of the system performance in an optimized scenario, where the expected signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for single-photon conversion and frequency shifting can reach up to 25 dB with proper narrowband filtering and state-of-the-art devices. The proposed frequency-shifting solution figures as a promising candidate for applications in frequency-multiplexed quantum repeater architectures with 25 dB output SNR (with 20% conversion efficiency) and capacity for 16 channels spread around a 100 GHz spectral region.
Lithographic pattern quality enhancement of DMD lithography with spatiotemporal modulated technology
Authors: Guo Shuping , Lu Zifeng , Xiong Zheng , Huang Long , Liu Hua , Li Jinhuan 
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we propose spatiotemporal modulation projection lithography (STPL) technology, which is a spatiotemporal modulation technology applied to the conventional digital micromirror device (DMD) projection lithography system. Through coordinating the micro-movement of the piezoelectric stage, the flexible pattern generation of DMD, and the exposure time, the proposed STPL enables us to fabricate a microstructure with smooth edges, accurate linewidth, and accurate line position. Further application on fabricating a diffraction lens has been implemented. The edge sawtooth of the Fresnel zone plate fabricated by using the STPL is reduced to 0.3 µm, the error between the actual measured linewidth and the ideal linewidth is only within

±
0.1

µ

m

, and the focal length is 15 mm, which is basically consistent with the designed focal length. These results indicated that STPL can serve a significant role in the micromanufacturing field for achieving high-fidelity microdevices.
A novel, sequencing-free strategy for the functional characterization of Taenia solium proteomic fingerprint
Authors: Gomez-Fuentes Sandra , Hernández-de la Fuente Sarah , Morales-Ruiz Valeria , López-Recinos Dina , Guevara-Salinas Adrián , Parada-Colin María Cristina , Espitia Clara , Ochoa-Leyva Adrián , Sánchez Filiberto , Villalobos Nelly , Arce-Sillas Asiel , Hernández Marisela , Mora Silvia Ivonne , Fragoso Gladis , Sciutto Edda , Adalid-Peralta Laura 
Published: February 2021

The flatworm Taenia solium causes human and pig cysticercosis. When cysticerci are established in the human central nervous system, they cause neurocysticercosis, a potentially fatal disease. Neurocysticercosis is a persisting public health problem in rural regions of Mexico and other developing countries of Latin America, Asia, and Africa, where the infection is endemic. The great variability observed in the phenotypic and genotypic traits of cysticerci result in a great heterogeneity in the patterns of molecules secreted by them within their host.
This work is aimed to identify and characterize cysticercal secretion proteins of T. solium cysticerci obtained from 5 naturally infected pigs from Guerrero, Mexico, using 2D-PAGE proteomic analysis. The isoelectric point (IP) and molecular weight (MW) of the spots were identified using the software ImageMaster 2D Platinum v.7.0. Since most secreted proteins are impossible to identify by mass spectrometry (MS) due to their low concentration in the sample, a novel strategy to predict their sequence was applied. In total, 108 conserved and 186 differential proteins were identified in five cysticercus cultures. Interestingly, we predicted the sequence of 14 proteins that were common in four out of five cysticercus cultures, which could be used to design vaccines or diagnostic methods for neurocysticercosis. A functional characterization of all sequences was performed using the algorithms SecretomeP, SignalP, and BlastKOALA. We found a possible link between signal transduction pathways in parasite cells and human cancer due to deregulation in signal transduction pathways. Bioinformatics analysis also demonstrated that the parasite release proteins by an exosome-like mechanism, which could be of biological interest.
The economics of abortion and its links with stigma: A secondary analysis from a scoping review on the economics of abortion
Authors: Moore Brittany , Poss Cheri , Coast Ernestina , Lattof Samantha R. , van der Meulen Rodgers Yana 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAlthough abortions are a common aspect of people’s reproductive lives, the economic implications of abortion and the stigmas that surround abortion are poorly understood. This article provides an analysis of secondary data from a scoping review on the economic impact of abortion to understand the intersections between stigma and economics outcomes at the microeconomic (i.e., abortion seekers and their households), mesoeconomic (i.e., communities and health systems), and macroeconomic (i.e., societies and nation states) levels.Methods and findingsWe conducted a scoping review using the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. Studies reporting on qualitative and/or quantitative data from any world region were considered. For inclusion, studies must have examined one of the following microeconomic, mesoeconomic, or macroeconomic outcomes: costs, benefits, impacts, and/or value of abortion-related care or abortion policies. Our searches yielded 19,653 items, of which 365 items were included in our final inventory. As a secondary outcome, every article in the final inventory was screened for abortion-related stigma, discrimination, and exclusion. One quarter (89/365) of the included studies contained information on stigma, though only 32 studies included stigma findings directly tied to economic outcomes. Studies most frequently reported stigma’s links with costs (n = 24), followed by economic impact (n = 11) and economic benefit (n = 1). Abortion stigma can prevent women from obtaining correct information about abortion services and laws, which can lead to unnecessary increases in costs of care and sizeable delays in care. Women who are unable to confide in and rely on their social support network are less likely to have adequate financial resources to access abortion.ConclusionsAbortion stigma has a clear impact on women seeking abortion or post-abortion care at each level. Programmatic interventions and policies should consider how stigma affects delays to care, access to accurate information, and available social and financial support, all of which have economic and health implications.
Genetically-determined body mass index and the risk of atrial fibrillation progression in men and women
Authors: Siland J. E. , Nguyen B. O. , de With R. R. , Van Gelder I. C. , van der Harst P. , Rienstra M. 
Published: February 2021

Aims
Limited causal evidence is available on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) progression. Sex differences have been noted and may be relevant for AF progression. We investigated the association between the BMI Genetic Risk Score (GRS) and AF progression in men and women of the Groningen Genetic Atrial Fibrillation (GGAF) cohort.

Methods and results
The GGAF cohort (n = 2207) is a composite of 5 prospective cohorts with individuals of European ancestry. AF patients with genetic information, with at least 12 months follow-up and AF progression data were included. AF progression was defined as progression from paroxysmal to persistent/permanent AF, or persistent to permanent AF. A BMI GRS was constructed of genetic variants associated with BMI. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed in the total population and in men and women, separately. During a median follow-up of 34 [interquartile range 19–48] months 630 AF patients (mean age 62±11, 36% women, BMI of 28±5) were analyzed, and men and women developed similar AF progression rates (respectively 6.5% versus 6.1%). The BMI GRS was not associated with AF progression either as a continuous variable or in tertiles in the overall population. However, the BMI GRS was associated with the tertile of the highest BMI GRS in women (n = 225), also after multivariable adjustments of clinical risk factors (Hazard ratio 2.611 (95% confidence interval 1.151–5.924) p = 0.022).

Conclusions
Genetically-determined BMI is only associated with women at risk of AF progression. The results may be supporting evidence for a causal link between observed BMI and AF progression in women. We emphasize the need for further investigation of genetically determined BMI and observed BMI to optimize AF management in women with increased risk for AF progression.