bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Course Quality Checklist to Improve Online Courses
Authors: Kathuria Hitesh , Becker David Wayne 
Published: September 2021

Designing high quality, interactive online courses in a technologically rich environment can be a daunting task even for experienced faculty. This process becomes more difficult when faculty are teaching multiple classes, juggling service and research/creative scholarship. In order to help faculty focus on key aspects of online teaching and course design, we developed a checklist with links to institutional resources which help faculty meet several best practices for online teaching. Use of checklists and rubrics to meet quality assurance standards is common (e.g. - OLC OSCQR Course Design Review Scorecard, 2018; Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric, 2018), however they vary significantly with the time required to review a course (Baldwin, Ching, & Hsu, 2018). Our goal was to create a checklist that helps faculty design basic elements of the course and expedite the self-review process.
Given the current COVID-19 situation, when instructors were suddenly asked to teach remotely, this Course Quality Checklist will help faculty self-review their existing or new online course via multiple lenses such as course orientation, policies, organization, alignment, as well as Universal Design for Learning and interaction. Faculty may use this checklist to create a clear and consistent structure within their course. The checklist also links to several online, just-in-time resources (e.g. course templates, design and pedagogy training, and standards for interaction and accessibility). This will ensure they meet essential standards, save time, reduce cognitive load, and meet specific compliance requirements.
A simplified approach to bias estimation for correlations
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng Steven 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
We introduce a simple and unified methodology to estimate the bias of Pearson correlation coefficients, partial correlation coefficients, and semi-partial correlation coefficients.

Methods
Our methodology features non-parametric bootstrapping and can accommodate small sample data without making any distributional assumptions.

Results
Two examples with R code are provided to illustrate the computation.

Conclusions
The computation strategy is easy to implement and remains the same, be it Pearson correlation or partial or semi-partial correlation.
Study on the thermal properties and insulation resistance of epoxy resin modified by hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Guo Lei , Ding Shilin , Yuan Shuai , Gou Xiaofeng , Cai Fenglin , Wang Dongyang , Zhao Haiquan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
To study the effect of doping hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on the thermal properties and insulation resistance of epoxy resin (EP) and the mechanism of this effect, h-BN/epoxy composites with h-BN content of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 phr were prepared. Meanwhile, the corresponding molecular dynamics model of h-BN/epoxy composites was established, and the thermal conductivity, volume resistivity, glass transition temperature, and microstructure parameters of h-BN/epoxy composites were obtained. When the h-BN content is 40 phr, the thermal conductivity of h-BN/epoxy composite is increased by 138% compared to pure EP, and the glass transition temperature is increased by 76 K. At the same time, doping h-BN will reduce the insulation performance of EP. However, the lowest volume resistivity of h-BN/epoxy composite is still 1.43 × 1015 Ω·cm, and the EP composite still has good insulation performance. The fraction free volume and mean square displacement of EP decrease with the doping of h-BN, which indicates that h-BN can hinder the movement of molecular segments of EP, which is the reason for the increase in glass transition temperature.
COVID-19 triggered encephalopathic crisis in a patient with glutaric aciduria type 1
Authors: Zubarioglu Tanyel , Ahmadzada Saffa , Yalcinkaya Cengiz , Kiykim Ertugrul , Aktuglu-Zeybek Cigdem 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The impact of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) on metabolic outcome in patients with inborn errors of metabolism has rarely been discussed. Herein, we report a case with an acute encephalopathic crisis at the course of COVID-19 disease as the first sign of glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA-1).

Case presentation
A 9-month-old patient was admitted with encephalopathy and acute loss of acquired motor skills during the course of COVID-19 disease. She had lethargy, hypotonia, and choreoathetoid movements. In terms of COVID-19 encephalopathy, the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay test for COVID-19 was negative in cerebral spinal fluid. Brain imaging showed frontotemporal atrophy, bilateral subcortical and periventricular white matter, basal ganglia, and thalamic involvement. Elevated glutarylcarnitine in plasma and urinary excretion of glutaric and 3-OH-glutaric acids was noted. A homozygote mutation in the glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase gene led to the diagnosis of GA-1.

Conclusions
With this report, neurological damage associated with COVID-19 has been reported in GA-1 patients for the first time in literature.
Fer exacerbates renal fibrosis and can be targeted by miR-29c-3p
Authors: Sun Chen-Min , Zhang Wen-Yi , Wang Shu-Yan , Qian Gang , Pei Dong-Liang , Zhang Guang-Ming 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Aim
Renal fibrosis (RF) is a common clinical condition leading to irreversible renal function loss. Tyrosine kinase proteins and microRNAs (miRs) are associated with pathogenesis and we aim to investigate the role of Fer and its partner miR(s) in RF.

Method

In silico reproduction of Mouse Kidney FibrOmics browser was performed to identify potential miR(s) and target gene(s). In vivo validation was performed in C57BL/6 mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). In vitro validation was performed in rat kidney fibroblast NRK-49F cells. Mimics and inhibitors of miR-29c-3p were constructed. The target gene Fer was monitored by RT-PCR and western blotting. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum and media were measured by ELISA.

Results
The Fer expression and protein level were gradually increased during 14 days of UUO modeling. miR-29c-3p expression was strongly correlated with that of Fer. In vivo validation showed increased expressions of fibrosis-associated genes and increased phospoho-Smad3 level in the UUO model. Fer-knockdown (KD) significantly decreased expressions of fibrosis-associated genes. Pharmaceutical inhibition of Fer showed similar effects to miR-29c-3p, and miR inhibition showed a significant decrease of excretion of inflammatory factors.

Conclusion
Dysregulation of miR-29c-3p and Fer plays a role in RF. Pharmaceutical or genetic inhibition of Fer may serve as the potential treatment for RF.
Meditation for adults with non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Soares Larissa O. , Ferreira Giovanni E. , Costa Leonardo O. P. , Nogueira Leandro C. , Meziat-Filho Ney , Reis Felipe J. J. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
We aim to determine the effectiveness of meditation for adults with non-specific low back pain.

Methods
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PEDro, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases for randomized controlled trials that investigated the effectiveness of meditation in adults with non-specific low back pain. Two reviewers rated risk of bias using the PEDro scale and the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and disability.

Results
We included eight trials with a total of 1,234 participants. Moderate-certainty evidence shows that meditation is better than usual care for disability at short-term (SMD = −0.22; 95% CI = −0.42 to −0.02). We also found that meditation is better than usual care for pain intensity at long-term (SMD = −0.28; 95% CI = −0.54 to −0.02). There is no significant difference for pain intensity between meditation and minimal intervention or usual care at short and intermediate-term. We did not find differences between meditation and minimal intervention for disability at intermediate-term or usual care in any follow-up period.

Conclusions
We found small effect sizes and moderate-certainty evidence that meditation is slightly better than minimal intervention in the short-term for disability. Low-certainty of evidence suggests that meditation is slightly better than usual care for pain in the long-term. Meditation appears to be safe with most trials reporting no serious adverse events.
Aspectual pairing and aspectual classes in Abui
Authors: Kratochvíl František , Moeljadi David , Delpada Benidiktus , Kratochvíl Václav , Vomlel Jiří 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This paper describes the aspectual classes in Abui, a Papuan language of the Timor-Alor-Pantar family. Abui innovated a system of aspectual stem pairing, realized by consonant mutation, vowel grading, and rime mutation. Although stem pairing is widespread (about 61% of the verbs alternate), about 38% of our 1,330 verb sample are unpaired and immutable. Abui verbal stems combine with aspectual affixes, adverbs and auxiliary verbs, whose distribution is used here together with the stem types to describe aspectual classes, which are understood as lexicalizations of transitional possibilities of lexical items (e.g. inchoative-stative vs. inchoative-gradual.inchoative-stative). The paper takes the bidimensional approach to aspect distinguishing between properties associated with the perfective-imperfective system and other aspectual marking (cf. Sasse, Hans-Jürgen. 2002. Recent activity in the theory of aspect: accomplishments, achievements, or just non-progressive state? Linguistic Typology 6(2). 199–271). Combining the features of both types of aspectual marking, we construct in a bottom-up fashion the aspectual classes in Abui and also show that these may be further refined if contextual features such as valency or degree of change (affectedness) were included. A characteristic feature of the Abui system is the elaborate system of stative-inchoative verbs sensitive to scalar and change properties (e.g. instant vs. gradual). Abui telic verbs show sensitivity to the properties of the resulting state and are formally associated with stem alternation.
Tonotopic Specializations in Number, Size, and Reversal Potential of GABAergic Inputs Fine-Tune Temporal Coding at Avian Cochlear Nucleus
Authors: Al-Yaari Mohammed , Onogi Chikao , Yamada Rei , Adachi Ryota , Kondo Daiya , Kuba Hiroshi 
Published: September 2021

GABAergic inhibition in neurons plays a critical role in determining the output of neural circuits. Neurons in avian nucleus magnocellularis (NM) use several tonotopic-region-dependent specializations to relay the timing information of sound in the auditory nerve to higher auditory nuclei. Previously, we showed that feedforward GABAergic inhibition in NM has a different dependence on the level of auditory nerve activity, with the low-frequency region having a low-threshold and linear relationship, while the high-frequency region has a high-threshold and step-like relationship. However, it remains unclear how the GABAergic synapses are tonotopically regulated and interact with other specializations of NM neurons. In this study, we examined GABAergic transmission in the NM of chickens of both sexes and explored its contributions to the temporal coding of sound at each tonotopic region. We found that the number and size of unitary GABAergic currents and their reversal potential were finely tuned at each tonotopic region in the NM. At the lower-frequency region, unitary GABAergic currents were larger in number but smaller in size. In addition, their reversal potential was close to the resting potential of neurons, which enabled reliable inhibition despite the smaller potassium conductance. At the higher-frequency region, on the other hand, unitary GABAergic currents were fewer, larger, and highly depolarizing, which enabled powerful inhibition via activating the large potassium conductance. Thus, we propose that GABAergic synapses are coordinated with the characteristics of excitatory synapses and postsynaptic neurons, ensuring the temporal coding for wide frequency and intensity ranges.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe found in avian cochlear nucleus that the number and size of unitary GABAergic inputs differed among tonotopic regions and correlated to respective excitatory inputs; it was larger in number but smaller in size for neurons tuned to lower-frequency sound. Furthermore, GABAergic reversal potential also differed among the regions in accordance with the size of Kv1 current; it was less depolarized in the lower-frequency neurons with smaller Kv1 current. These differentiations of GABAergic transmission maximized the effects of inhibition at each tonotopic region, ensuring precise and reliable temporal coding across frequencies and intensities. Our results emphasize the importance of optimizing characteristics of GABAergic transmission within individual neurons for proper neural circuit function.
Microcalcifications without a thyroid nodule as the sole sign of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Ioakim Stamatina , Constantinides Vasilis , Toumba Meropi , Lyssiotis Theodoros , Kyriacou Angelos 
Published: September 2021

Summary
Our objective is to demonstrate the importance of considering microcalcifications even without evidence of nodules as a potential sign of malignancy. Current guidelines, such as those of the British Thyroid Association, acknowledge the clinical significance of microcalcifications only when found within nodules. In this case, they are considered a suspicious feature, classifying the nodules as U5 (i.e. high risk) where fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is warranted, following the high likelihood of cancer in these nodules. In addition, there is a dearth of evidence of ultrasound scan (USS) detection of microcalcifications in the thyroid gland outside of nodules, along with their associated clinical implications. Yet, this clinical manifestation is not so infrequent considering that we do encounter patients in the clinic showing these findings upon ultrasound examination. Three patients who presented to our clinic with thyroid-related symptoms were shown to have areas of microcalcifications without a nodule upon sonographic evaluation of their thyroid gland. These incidentally detected hyperechoic foci were later confirmed to correspond to areas of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) on histopathological examination of resected tissue following thyroidectomy. Four more cases were identified with sonographic evidence of microcalcifications without nodules and given their clinical and other sonographic characteristics were managed with active surveillance instead.

Learning points

Echogenic foci known as microcalcifications may be visible without apparent association to nodular structures.

Microcalcifications without nodules may not be an infrequent finding.

Microcalcifications are frequently indicative of malignancy within the thyroid gland even without a clearly delineated nodule.

Empirically, the usual guidelines for the management of thyroid nodules can be applied to the management of microcalcifications not confined to a nodule, but such a finding per se should be classified as a ‘high-risk’ sign.
Management of a patient with Sheehan’s syndrome and diabetes insipidus complicated by recurrent hyponatremia
Authors: Al-Sharafi Butheinah A , Askar Faiza , Qais Ahmed A 
Published: September 2021

Summary
A 38-year-old female was initially seen in the intensive care unit after severe postpartum hemorrhage. She was initially diagnosed to have Sheehan’s syndrome and after discharge, she was diagnosed to have a vesicovaginal fistula which initially caused a delay in diagnosing diabetes insipidus in the patient because she was having urinary incontinence. The patient had the vesicovaginal fistula repaired and was on replacement with levothyroxine, prednisone, and desmopressin. Years after her diagnosis, the patient experienced recurrent episodes of hyponatremia in the setting of desmopressin therapy. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing diabetes insipidus in a patient with Sheehan’s syndrome and a vesicovaginal fistula, as well as the long-term management of central diabetes insipidus in a resource-limited setting.

Learning points

Sheehan’s syndrome is rarely associated with diabetes insipidus, and in our patient, it was initially missed due to a vesicovaginal fistula which caused urinary incontinence.

Water intoxication is more common in young children and older adults but can occur years after initiating treatment with desmopressin in adults and should be kept in mind when treating patients with hyponatremia who have hypopituitarism associated with diabetes insipidus.

Water intoxication is much more common in patients with diabetes insipidus being treated with intranasal desmopressin than in those using the oral preparations.
Efectos de la suplementación dietaria con cebolla (Allium cepa) sobre el desempeño del pavo en crecimiento, peso de órganos internos y estabilidad oxidativa de la carne
Authors: Paredes Manuel , Sagástegui Fredy 
Published: September 2021

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el efecto de diferentes niveles de suplementación alimenticia del bulbo de cebolla (Allium cepa) sobre el desempeño productivo del pavo, peso de órganos corporales y estabilidad oxidativa de la carne. Se trabajó con 200 pavos Hybrid Converter machos desde 42 hasta 98 días de edad, asignados a cuatro tratamientos dietéticos (cinco repeticiones por tratamiento y 10 aves por repetición). Todos los pavos recibieron el mismo alimento concentrado, variando los niveles de suplementación con cebolla fresca picada (0, 1, 3 y 5% con relación al peso corporal semanal de los pavos). La cebolla fresca suplementada produjo mayor ganancia de peso, siendo el nivel de 1% suficiente para generar un mejor índice de conversión alimenticia. El bulbo de cebolla no mejoró el rendimiento de carcasa ni los pesos de corazón, hígado, bazo, molleja, o grasa abdominal; sin embargo, se comprobó la mejor capacidad antioxidante de la cebolla fresca sobre la carne del pavo cuando es almacenada a 4 °C durante siete días.
Nuevo bioestimulante de floración y maduración en café (Coffea arabica L.)
Authors: Chacón-Villalobos Yeiner , Chacón-Sancho Adriana , Vargas-Chinchilla Mariano , Cerdà-Subirachs Josep Ma. , Hernández-Pérez Ricardo 
Published: September 2021

Introducción. Las variables climáticas han sido en el cultivo del café en la región centroamericana; las altas temperaturas, altos niveles de luz ultravioleta (UV), las precipitaciones y su intensidad, han causado serios problemas para el desarrollo del cultivo. Hay desequilibrios fisiológicos causantes de pérdidas en la estimulación y cuajes florales y, según la variedad, las mermas de la producción pueden ser superiores al 60 %. Objetivo. Conocer el efecto que tiene un nuevo bioestimulante sobre la floración, maduración y calidad de los frutos en el cultivo del café. Materiales y métodos. El trabajo se realizó durante los años 2018 y 2019, en la finca La Hilda, lote Murillo, localizada en la provincia de Alajuela, Cantón San Pedro de Póas, Costa Rica, bajo manejo agroecológico. Se evaluó el efecto de la aplicación de un producto bioestimulante foliar a dosis de 3 l ha-1, certificado para producción en agricultura ecológica. Se utilizaron dos tratamientos, dos y tres aplicaciones, de bioestimulante y se compararon con un testigo absoluto. Los parámetros evaluados fueron: la estimulación y cuaje floral, nudos productivos para el próximo ciclo y calidad de los frutos. Resultados. No existieron diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los dos tratamientos del bioestimulante (3 l ha-1) en contraste con el testigo. Al evaluar la mayor producción de frutos cuajados y mayor calidad de estos, cuando se realizaron las aplicaciones durante la fase de floración y fructificación, se obtuvo una homogeneidad de la maduración y mayor número de cerezas por ramas. Conclusión. El empleo del nuevo bioestimulante con dos aplicaciones foliares sobre el cultivo del café, estimuló la floración, maduración y calidad de los frutos respecto al testigo sin tratar.
Performance of Mesoamerican bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines in an unfertilized oxisol
Authors: Beaver James S. , González-Vélez Abiezer , Lorenzo-Vázquez Giovanni , Macchiavelli Raul , Porch Timothy G. , Estevez-de-Jensen Consuelo 
Published: September 2021

Introduction. Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Central America and the Caribbean are often produced on low fertility soils which reduces crop yield. Bean breeding programs need to identify genotypes that have superior adaptation to these conditions. Objective. Identify Mesoamerican bean germplasm lines with superior adaptation to low soil fertility. Materials and methods. The performance of twenty-seven Mesoamerican bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines from the Bean Abiotic Stress Evaluation (BASE) 120 panel were evaluated in an unfertilized oxisol at Isabela, Puerto Rico over five growing seasons (four-year period from 2015-2018). The lines were inoculated with a mixture of Rhizobium etli and R. tropici to promote symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). Results. Four lines produced mean seed yields >1,200 kg ha-1 and had estimates of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (NDFA) >50 %. Greater nodule number was positively correlated with % NDFA, later maturity and seed yield. The heat and drought tolerant small red cultivar ‘Rojo Chortí’ and the heat tolerant white cultivar ‘Verano’ had among the smallest apparent C isotope discrimination values suggesting greater water use efficiency. Among the elite lines in the trial, root rot damage was minimal and the basal root growth angles were intermediate (40-60 %), which favored the uptake of water and soil nutrients. Conclusion. Mesoamerican bean lines with superior seed yield and enhanced symbiotic nitrogen fixation in a low fertility soil were identified. Many of these lines also possess resistance to other biotic and abiotic factors that limit bean seed yield in Central America and the Caribbean.