bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and 3D modeling investigation of a microfluidic electrode array for electrical impedance measurement of single yeast cells
Authors: Geng Yangye , Zhu Zhen , Zhang Zhao , Xu Feng , Marchisio Mario A. , Wang Zixin , Pan Dejing , Zhao Xiangwei , Huang Qing‐An 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHigh‐resolution microscopic imaging may cause intensive image processing and potential impact of light irradiation on yeast replicative lifespan (RLS). Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) could be alternatively used to perform high‐throughput and label‐free yeast RLS assays. Prior to fabricating EIS‐integrated microfluidic devices for yeast RLS determination, systematic modeling and theoretical investigation are crucial for device design and optimization. Here, we report three‐dimensional (3D) finite‐element modeling and simulations of EIS measurement in a microfluidic single yeast in situ impedance array (SYIIA), which is designed by patterning an electrode matrix underneath a cell‐trapping array. SYIIA was instantiated and modeled as a 5 × 5 sensing array comprising 25 units for cell immobilization, culturing, and time‐lapse EIS recording. Simulations of yeast growing and budding in a sensing unit demonstrated that EIS signals enable the characterization of cell growth and daughter‐cell dissections. In the 5 × 5 sensing array, simulation results indicated that when monitoring a target cell, daughter dissections in its surrounding traps may induce variations of the recorded EIS signals, which could cause mistakes in identifying target daughter‐cell dissections. To eliminate the mis‐identifications, electrode array pitch was optimized. Therefore, the results could conduct the design and optimization of microfluidic electrode‐array‐integrated devices for high‐throughput and accurate yeast RLS assays.
Computational insights into electrochemical cross‐coupling of quaternary borate salts
Authors: Matz Florian , Music Arif , Didier Dorian , Jagau Thomas‐C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCross‐coupling reactions for C–C bond formation represent a cornerstone of organic synthesis. In most cases, they make use of transition metals, which has several downsides. Recently, metal‐free alternatives relying on electrochemistry have gained interest. One example of such a reaction is the oxidation of tetraorganoborate salts that initiates aryl–aryl and aryl–alkenyl couplings with promising selectivities. This work investigates the mechanism of this reaction computationally using density functional and coupled‐cluster theory. The calculations reveal a distinct difference between aryl–alkenyl and aryl–aryl couplings: While C–C bond formation occurs irreversibly and without an energy barrier if an alkenyl residue is involved, many intermediates can be identified in aryl–aryl couplings. In the latter case, intramolecular transitions between reaction paths leading to different products are possible. Based on the energy differences between these intermediates, a kinetic model to estimate product distributions for aryl–aryl couplings is developed.
Should tree invasions be used in treeless ecosystems to mitigate climate change?
Authors: Nuñez Martin A , Davis Kimberley T , Dimarco Romina D , Peltzer Duane A , Paritsis Juan , Maxwell Bruce D , Pauchard Aníbal 
Published: May 2021

Intentionally allowing or promoting invasion by non‐native trees into areas characterized by treeless vegetation could contribute to climate‐change mitigation by increasing carbon (C) sequestration. In some areas of the world, incentives exist to retain invasive non‐native trees in natural systems as a mechanism for increasing ecosystem C storage and reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Although this novel opportunity for C sequestration holds appeal, such an approach is problematic for several reasons: (1) invasive trees do not always increase net C sequestration due to greater occurrence of fire or reduced soil C; (2) lower albedo in invaded areas can increase absorption of solar radiation, thereby offsetting potential C sequestration; and (3) tree invasions often also have negative effects on biodiversity, economic opportunities, and water yield. Such drawbacks are sufficient to raise doubts about the widespread use of non‐native tree invasions in treeless areas as a tool to ameliorate climate change.
Cortical N‐acetylaspartate concentrations are impacted in chronic stroke but do not relate to motor impairment: A magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Ferris Jennifer K. , Neva Jason L. , Vavasour Irene M. , Attard Kaitlin J. , Greeley Brian , Hayward Kathryn S. , Wadden Katie P. , MacKay Alex L. , Boyd Lara A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMagnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measures cerebral metabolite concentrations, which can inform our understanding of the neurobiological processes associated with stroke recovery. Here, we investigated whether metabolite concentrations in primary motor and somatosensory cortices (sensorimotor cortex) are impacted by stroke and relate to upper‐extremity motor impairment in 45 individuals with chronic stroke. Cerebral metabolite estimates were adjusted for cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue composition in the MRS voxel. Upper‐extremity motor impairment was indexed with the Fugl‐Meyer (FM) scale. N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) concentration was reduced bilaterally in stroke participants with right hemisphere lesions (n = 23), relative to right‐handed healthy older adults (n = 15; p = .006). Within the entire stroke sample (n = 45) NAA and glutamate/glutamine (GLX) were lower in the ipsilesional sensorimotor cortex, relative to the contralesional cortex (NAA: p < .001; GLX: p = .003). Lower ipsilesional NAA was related to greater extent of corticospinal tract (CST) injury, quantified by a weighted CST lesion load (p = .006). Cortical NAA and GLX concentrations did not relate to the severity of chronic upper‐extremity impairment (p > .05), including after a sensitivity analysis imputing missing metabolite data for individuals with large cortical lesions (n = 5). Our results suggest that NAA, a marker of neuronal integrity, is sensitive to stroke‐related cortical damage and may provide mechanistic insights into cellular processes of cortical adaptation to stroke. However, cortical MRS metabolites may have limited clinical utility as prospective biomarkers of upper‐extremity outcomes in chronic stroke.
Functional connectivity abnormalities underlying mood disturbances in male abstinent methamphetamine abusers
Authors: Jiang Ping , Sun Jiayu , Zhou Xiaobo , Lu Lu , Li Lei , Huang Xiaoqi , Li Jing , Kendrick Keith , Gong Qiyong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAnxiety and depression are the most common withdrawal symptoms of methamphetamine (METH) abuse, which further exacerbate relapse of METH abuse. To date, no effective pharmacotherapy exists for METH abuse and its withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, understanding the neuromechanism underlying METH abuse and its withdrawal symptoms is essential for developing clinical strategies and improving patient care. The aims of this study were to investigate brain network abnormalities in METH abusers (MAs) and their associations with affective symptoms. Forty‐eight male abstinent MAs and 48 age‐gender matched healthy controls were recruited and underwent resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The severity of patient anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured by Hamilton anxiety and depression rating scales, which decreased across the duration of abstinence. Independent component analysis was used to investigate the brain network functional connectivity (FC) properties. Compared with healthy controls, MAs demonstrated hypo‐intra‐network FC in the cerebellar network and hyper‐intra‐network FC in the posterior salience network. A whole‐brain regression analysis revealed that FC strength of clusters located in the right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) within the ventromedial network (VMN) was associated with affective symptoms in the patients. Importantly, the intra‐network FC strength of the rACC in VMN mediated the association between abstinence duration and the severity level of affective symptoms. Our results demonstrate alterations in brain functional networks underlying METH abuse, and that the FC of rACC within VMN serve as a neural substrate in the association between abstinence length and affective symptom severity in the MAs.
Local treatment of metastases plus systemic chemotherapy on overall survival of patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liao Wenjun , He Jinlan , Gou Qiheng , Duan Baofeng , Ai Ping , Liu Lei , Li Yanchu , Ren Kexing , Yao Min , Chen Nianyong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the effect of local treatment of metastases on overall survival (OS) of patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsOne hundred and forty‐seven patients were included. The association between local treatment and OS was examined with propensity score matching (PSM) method.ResultsIn entire cohort, the median OS was significantly longer in patients with local treatment of metastases plus chemotherapy compared to those with chemotherapy alone (71.7 vs. 16.2 months; p < 0.001). In PSM cohort, similar OS benefit of patients with local treatment was observed (55.6 vs. 17.6 months; p = 0.011). The survival benefit of local treatment remained regardless of the number of metastatic lesions and metastatic sites. Patients received radiation doses of >60 Gy had longer OS than those who received less.ConclusionsLocal treatment of metastases could improve OS of patients with metastatic NPC and could be considered in their treatment in addition to chemotherapy.
Belief in caffeine's ergogenic effect on cognitive function and endurance performance: A sham dose‐response study
Authors: Delang Nathan , Irwin Christopher , Cox Gregory R , McCartney Danielle , Desbrow Ben 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to determine if belief in caffeine's ergogenic potential influences choice reaction time (CRT) and/or running performance. Twenty‐nine healthy individuals (23.7 ± 5 years, 16 males) completed two trials (one week apart). Before the trials, participants indicated their “belief” in caffeine's ergogenic effects and previous “experience” using caffeine for performance. On arrival, participants randomly received either sham “Low (100mg; LD)” or “High (300mg; HD)” dose caffeine capsules 30‐min before commencing the CRT test, followed by a 10km run. Paired samples t‐tests determined differences between trials for CRT latency (Ex‐Gaussian analysis; μ‐, σ‐ and τ‐) and running performance using the entire cohort and sub‐groups exhibiting strong “beliefs”+/−“experience”. Sham caffeine dose did not influence CRT (μ‐, σ‐ and τ‐respectively, LD: 400 ± 53ms vs. HD: 388 ± 41ms; LD: 35 ± 18ms vs. HD: 34 ± 17ms; LD: 50 ± 24ms vs. HD: 52 ± 19ms, all p's > 0.05). Neither belief (n = 6), nor belief + experience (n = 4), influenced this effect. Furthermore, caffeine dose did not influence run time (LD: 49.05 ± 3.75min vs. HD: 49.06 ± 3.85min, p = 0.979). Belief (n = 9) (LD: 48.93 ± 3.71min vs. HD: 48.9 ± 3.52min, p = 0.976), and belief + experience (n = 6) (LD: 48.68 ± 1.87min vs. HD: 49.55 ± 1.75min, p = 0.386) didn't influence this effect. A dose‐response to sham caffeine ingestion was not evident on cognitive or endurance performance in healthy individuals, regardless of their convictions about caffeine's ergogenicity.
The Kwakshua Watersheds Observatory, central coast of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Giesbrecht Ian J. W. , Floyd William C. , Tank Suzanne E. , Lertzman Ken P. , Hunt Brian P. V. , Korver Maartje C. , Oliver Allison A. , Brunsting Ray , Sanborn Paul , Gonzalez Arriola Santiago G. , Frazer Gordon W. , St. Pierre Kyra A. , Hateley Shawn , McPhail James , Owen Colby , Butler Stewart , Fedje Bryn , Myers Emma , Quayle Lucy , Haughton Emily , Desmarais Isabelle , White Rob , Levy‐Booth David J. , Kellogg Colleen T. E. , Jackson Jennifer M. , Mohn William W. , Hallam Steven J. , Del Bel Belluz Justin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Kwakshua Watersheds Observatory (KWO) is an integrative watersheds observatory on the coastal margin of a rain‐dominated bog‐forest landscape in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Established in 2013, the goal of the KWO is to understand and model the flux of terrestrial materials from land to sea – the origins, pathways, processes and ecosystem consequences – in the context of long‐term environmental change. The KWO consists of seven gauged watersheds and a network of observation sites spanning from land to sea and along drainage gradients within catchments. Time‐series datasets include year‐round measurements of weather, soil hydrology, streamflow, aquatic biogeochemistry, microbial ecology and nearshore oceanographic conditions. Sensor measurements are recorded every 5 min and water samples are collected approximately monthly. Additional observations are made during high‐flow conditions. We used remote sensing to map watershed terrain, drainage networks, soils and terrestrial ecosystems. The watersheds range in size from 3.2 to 12.8 km2, with varying catchment characteristics that influence hydrological and biogeochemical responses. Despite local variation, the overall study area is a global hotspot for yields of dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen and dissolved iron at the coastal margin. This observatory helps fill an important gap in the global network of observatories, in terms of spatial location (central coast of BC), climate (temperate oceanic), hydrology (very high runoff, pluvial regime), geology (igneous intrusive, glacially scoured), vegetation (bog rainforest) and soils (large stores of organic carbon).
Differential genetic influences over colorectal cancer risk and gene expression in large bowel mucosa
Authors: Vaughan‐Shaw Peter. G. , Timofeeva Maria , Ooi Li‐Yin , Svinti Victoria , Grimes Graeme , Smillie Claire , Blackmur James P. , Donnelly Kevin , Theodoratou Evi , Campbell Harry , Zgaga Lina , Din Farhat V. N. , Farrington Susan M. , Dunlop Malcolm G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSite‐specific variation in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, biology and prognosis are poorly understood. We sought to determine whether common genetic variants influencing CRC risk might exhibit topographical differences on CRC risk through regional differences in effects on gene expression in the large bowel mucosa. We conducted a site‐specific genetic association study (10 630 cases, 31 331 controls) to identify whether established risk variants exert differential effects on risk of proximal, compared to distal CRC. We collected normal colorectal mucosa and blood from 481 subjects and assessed mucosal gene expression using Illumina HumanHT‐12v4 arrays in relation to germline genotype. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) were explored by anatomical location of sampling. The rs3087967 genotype (chr11q23.1 risk variant) exhibited significant site‐specific effects—risk of distal CRC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20,P = 8.20 × 10−20) with negligible effects on proximal CRC risk (OR = 1.05,P = .10). Expression of 1261 genes differed between proximal and distal colonic mucosa (top hitPRACgene, fold‐difference = 10,P = 3.48 × 10−57). In eQTL studies, rs3087967 genotype was associated with expression of 8 cis‐ and 21 trans‐genes. Four of these (AKAP14,ADH5P4,ASGR2,RP11‐342M1.7) showed differential effects by site, with strongest trans‐eQTL signals in proximal colonic mucosa (eg,AKAP14, beta = 0.61,P = 5.02 × 10−5) and opposite signals in distal mucosa (AKAP14, beta = −0.17,P = .04). In summary, genetic variation at the chr11q23.1 risk locus imparts greater risk of distal rather than proximal CRC and exhibits site‐specific differences in eQTL effects in normal mucosa. Topographical differences in genomic control over gene expression relevant to CRC risk may underlie site‐specific variation in CRC. Results may inform individualised CRC screening programmes.
A dynamic prediction score for obstetric anal sphincter injury among nulliparous women delivering vaginally
Authors: Meyer Raanan , Schwartz Anat , Horesh Nir , Alcalay Menachem , Ram Edward , Levin Gabriel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a risk score for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) occurrence among nulliparous women delivering vaginally, based on data available at admission for delivery and as labor progresses.MethodsA retrospective study of all nulliparous women who delivered vaginally between March 2011 and January 2021. Characteristics were compared between OASI and no‐OASI groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for OASI occurrence.ResultsOASI occurred in 453 (1.7%) of 26 081 women who met the inclusion criteria. The following variables were independently associated with OASI: maternal height (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–0.99), hypertensive disorders (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.03–2.95), sonographic fetal weight estimation (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00–1.00), second‐stage duration (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00–1.00), occiput posterior position (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.79–4.62), and episiotomy performance (aOR 0.63, 95% CI 0.47–0.84). In a risk score based on variables available at admission for delivery, the presence of two factors was associated with 4.3% OASI risk. Upon incorporating intrapartum variables, the presence of two risk factors was associated with 2.9% OASI rate.ConclusionA dynamic risk score for OASI occurrence based on data available at admission for delivery and as delivery progresses can assist in counseling regarding OASI risk.A dynamic risk score for obstetric anal sphincter injury occurrence based on data available at admission for delivery and intrapartum was developed.
A large adrenocortical adenoma surrounded with a renal arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Nishino Takato , Narimoto Kazutaka , Tominaga Koki , Sano Masayuki , Shimbo Masaki , Muraishi Natsuka , Kanomata Naoki , Hattori Kazunori 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionLarge adrenal adenomas are clinically rare. We report a case of a large adrenal adenoma with a renal arteriovenous malformation, mimicking a malignant adrenal tumor in preoperative imaging.Case presentationA 66‐year‐old woman presented to a local hospital with abdominal pain. A right adrenal tumor was detected, 66 mm in diameter and surrounded by thick and tortuous vessels. Based on the imaging findings, pheochromocytoma was suspected. However, clinical symptoms and endocrine abnormalities were absent, and radionuclide accumulation in scintigraphy was negative. Laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, a notable growth of vessels forming a nidus surrounding the tumor was observed. Pathologically, this was diagnosed as an adrenocortical adenoma in conjunction with a renal arteriovenous malformation.ConclusionWe report a case of a large adrenal tumor surrounded with an arteriovenous malformation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this combination.
Classification of the four‐class motor imagery signals using continuous wavelet transform filter bank‐based two‐dimensional images
Authors: Mahamune Rupesh , Laskar Shahedul H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe feature extraction technique plays a vital role in obtaining better classification accuracy. In this paper, a novel framework is proposed, which develops two‐dimensional (2D) images for convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify four (left hand, right hand, feet, and tongue) MI tasks. 2D image is formed by decomposing each trial using continuous wavelet transform (CWT) filter bank after pre‐processing the MI‐based EEG data by multi‐class common spatial pattern (CSP) method. Obtained images are used to train the CNN model for classification. The proposed framework is evaluated using publicly available BCI competition IV dataset 2a by calculating the classification accuracy for all subjects. Results show that the proposed framework has been giving better classification accuracy than some existing CNN‐based and conventional machine learning‐based approaches compared in this paper. The average time required to train CNN using the proposed framework is 12.67 s, acceptable for online MI‐based BCI applications.
Effects of mowing height and Cynodon spp. cultivar on traffic tolerance
Authors: Strunk William , Dickson Kyley , Sorochan John , Thoms Adam 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAthletic field managers often adjust agronomic practices according to the desires of coaches and athletes. One such agronomic practice often adjusted is mowing height. In an attempt to have athletes run faster, field managers are persuaded to reduce mowing height, thereby reducing potential friction from the surface on an athlete. With newer bermudagrass [Cynodon datylon (L.) Pers.] and hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] cultivars, maintaining a field at reduced mowing heights is much easier to achieve without apparent negative effects on surface performance. However, these expected effects have not been verified through rigorous research and are solely dependent on anecdotal data. The objectives of this study were to compare traffic tolerance of four hybrid bermudagrass cultivars ‐ ‘Latitude 36 Turf Bermudagrass’ (Latitude 36) and ‘Northbridge Turf Bermudagrass’ (Northbridge), ‘Tifway’, and ‘Patriot’ ‐ and two bermudagrass cultivars ‐ ‘Riviera’, and ‘Hollywood’ ‐ and determine the effect of mowing height on traffic tolerance. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with eight replications. Measurements of percent green cover, surface hardness, and peak rotational traction were collected before, during, and after simulated traffic. Latitude 36 and Northbridge were more traffic tolerant than any of the other cultivars tested. While there was not an interaction between cultivars and mowing height, the higher mowing height had greater traffic tolerance.
Clinical performance of ASTA SepsiPrep kit in direct bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test using MicroIDSys Elite and VITEK‐2 system
Authors: Yoo In Young , Han Jayho , Ha Sung Il , Cha Young Jong , Pil Shin Dong , Park Yeon‐Joon 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundRapid and accurate microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) are essential for timely use of appropriate antimicrobial agents for bloodstream infection. To shorten the time for isolating colonies from the positive blood culture, various preparation methods for direct identification using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) system were developed. Here, we evaluated the SepsiPrep kit (ASTA Corp.) for direct identification of microorganisms and AST from positive blood cultures using MicroIDSys Elite MALDI‐TOF MS system (ASTA Corp.) and VITEK‐2 system (bioMérieux).MethodsFor direct identification, a total of 124 prospective monomicrobial positive blood culture bottles were included. For direct identification, the pellet was prepared by centrifugation and washing twice. For direct AST, the pellet was suspended in 0.45% saline and adjusted to McFarland 0.5. The results from the direct identification and AST using MicroIDSys Elite and VITEK‐2 system were compared to those from the conventional method performed with pure colony subcultured on agar plate.ResultsCompared to the conventional method using pure colony, correct direct identification rate was 96.5% and 98.5% for 57 gram‐positive isolates and 67 gram‐negative isolates, respectively. For direct AST, among the 55 gram‐positive isolates, the categorical agreement (CA) for staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci was 96.7%, 98.4%, and 94.1%, respectively. For 66 gram‐negative isolates, the CA for Enterobacterales and non‐fermentative gram‐negative rods was 99.0% and 96.6%, respectively.ConclusionsThe SepsiPrep kit was easy to use combined with MicroIDSys Elite and VITEK‐2 system and also, the correct identification and AST rate were very high.