bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age-Specific Differences in Asian Elephant Defecation, Dung Decay, Detection and Their Implication for Dung Count
Authors: Mohanarangan Ashokkumar , Chinnaiyan Sakthivel , Kaliyaperumal Sudhakar , Shanmugavelu Swaminathan , Desai Ajay A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The various components of the dung count method of population estimation were evaluated such as defecation rate, decay rate, detection probability of dung and age-specific estimates of elephant density based on dung size. The defecation rate of elephants was determined in captive elephants of the Mudumalai elephant camp, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 14 elephants in the dry season (Dec-Mar 2002) and 17 elephants in the wet season (Jun-Oct 2007) of different age-sex classes were observed for 42 days and 51 days by focal sampling methods and circumference of largest dung pile were measured to determine the growth curve. Total and age-specific elephant density based on dung circumference were estimated using indirect dung count method, 24 transect lines of 2 ~ 4km resulting in a total of 125km distance in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. The dung decay rate was determined by marking fresh dung piles (n = 1628) every month with an average of 125 ± 77 dung piles/month from Jan 2007 to Feb 2008. The mean defecation rate was 13.51±0.51 (n = 94) per day. The defecation rate varied across age-sex classes and seasons with a lower defecation rate for younger age classes. The dung circumference measurements showed similar growth curves to other Asian and African elephants. Dung size-based age classification significantly overestimates the adult age class, giving an estimate of 82% adults in the population against the true 48.5%. Experimental analysis of detection of dung across perpendicular distance detection of larger and smaller dung size/age classes is equal at a visible distance and declined significantly for younger age/size class at the furthest distance. Decay rate varied significantly according to age classes and across seasons, with lower dung survival rates of younger age classes compared to adults. The minimum required sample size for the dung decay experiment was 250. The age-specific estimate of elephant density based on the indirect dung count method revealed a precise estimate on density, both decay and defecation contribute less than 12% of the variance of the estimate. Age composition based on dung count is highly skewed towards adults, younger age class were low due to lower defecation and faster decay and lower probability of detection in the transect.
Breeding for chemical camouflage the case of salmon kairomones and resistance to salmon lice infectivity
Authors: Difford Gareth , Haugen John-Erik , Aslam Muhammad Luqman , Johansen Lill-Heidi , Breiland Mette , Hillestad Borghild , Baranski Matt , Boison Solomon , Moghadam Hooman , Jacq Celeste 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Salmon lice are ectoparasites that threaten wild and farmed salmonids. Artificial selection of salmon for resistance to the infectious copepodid lice stage currently relies on in vivo challenge trials on thousands of salmon a year. We found that salmon emit a bouquet of kairomones which the lice use to find and infect the salmon. Some of these compounds vary between families and could be used as a more direct and ethical measurements of lice resistance for breeding farmed salmon.
Data-derived wearable digital biomarkers predict Frataxin gene expression levels and longitudinal disease progression in Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: Faisal Aldo , Kadirvelu Balasundaram , Gavriel Constantinos , Nageshwaran Sathiji , Chan Ping Kei Jackson , Athanasopoulos Stavros , Giunti Paola , Ricotti Valeria , Voit Thomas , Festenstein Richard 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the epigenetic repression of the Frataxin gene modulating mitochondrial activity in the brain, which has a diffuse phenotypic impact on patients’ motor behavior. Therefore, with current gold-standard clinical scales, it requires 18–24 month-long clinical trials to determine if disease-modifying therapies are at all beneficial. Our high-performance monitoring approach captures the full-movement kinematics from human subjects using wearable body sensor networks from a cohort of FA patients during their regular clinical visits. We then use artificial intelligence to convert these movement data using universal behavior fingerprints into a digital biomarker of disease state. This enables us to predict two different ‘gold-standard’ clinical scores (SCAFI, SARA) that serve as primary clinical endpoints. Crucially, by performing gene expression analysis on each patient their personal Frataxin gene expression levels were poorly, if at all, correlated with their clinical scores – fundamentally failing to establish a link between disease mechanism (dysregulated gene expression) and measures to quantify it in the behavioral phenotype. In contrast, our wearable digital biomarker can accurately predict for each patient their personal FXN gene expression levels, demonstrating the sensitivity of our approach and the importance of FXN levels in FA. Therefore, our data-derived biomarker approach can not only cross-sectionally predict disease and their gene expression levels but also their longitudinal disease trajectory: it is sensitive and accurate enough to detect disease progression with much fewer subjects or shorter time scales than existing primary endpoints. Our work demonstrates that data-derived wearable biomarkers have the potential to substantially reduce clinical trial durations and a first in-human demonstration of reconstructing FXN gene expression levels from behavioral data alone.
Clinical Significance and Molecular Annotation of Cellular Morphometric Subtypes in Lower Grade Gliomas discovered by Machine Learning: a retrospective multicentric study
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ping , Jin Xiaoqing , Ahmadian Saman , Yang Xu , Tian Su-Fang , Cai Yu-Xiang , Chawla Kuldeep , Snijders Antoine , Xia Yankai , Diest Paul van , Mao Jian-Hua , Li Zhi-Qiang , Vogel Hannes , Chang Hang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Lower grade gliomas (LGGs) are heterogenous diseases by clinical, histological and molecular criteria. Here, we developed a machine learning pipeline to extract cellular morphometric biomarkers from whole slide images of tissue histology; and identified and externally validated robust cellular morphometric subtypes of LGGs in multi-center cohorts. The subtypes have significantly independent predictive power for overall survival across all three independent cohorts. In the TCGA-LGG cohort, we found that patients within the poor-prognosis subtype responded poorly to primary therapy and follow-up treatment. Furthermore, LGGs within the poor-prognosis subtype were characterized by higher mutational burden, higher frequencies of copy number alterations, and higher level of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and immune checkpoint genes. Higher level of PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, the subtypes learned from LGG demonstrates translational impact on Glioblastoma (GBM). Overall, we developed and validated a framework for the cellular morphometric subtype discovery in LGGs associated with specific molecular alterations, immune micro-environment, prognosis and treatment response.
Remifentanil Target Controlled Infusion for conscious sedation in a pregnant woman: safety and efficacy
Authors: Munafo’ Camilla , Mammarella Fulvio , Loperfido Antonella , Crosti Arianna , Iannilli Federico , Millarelli Stefano , Bellocchi Gianluca , Tritapepe Luigi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Every year 2% of pregnant women undergo non-obstetric surgical interventions worldwide. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice, pregnant women should never be denied the most appropriate surgical treatment regardless of the trimester of pregnancy.However, additional attention should be paid during the first trimester since there is the highest risk of inducing teratogenic mutations; similarly, during the third trimester, due to the possibility of preterm birth and low weight of the new-born great care should be paid.Case presentation: We present the case of a 36-year-old woman during her 21st week of pregnancy, with a normal-sized foetus according to the gestational age on ultrasound exam and with no additional risk factors. The patient referred an increasing nasal obstruction associated with rhinorrhoea of the left nasal cavity. She also reported episodes of sleep apnoea and hyposmia.The patient received a detailed otolaryngological examination which allowed to identify a mass within the left nasal cavity. The subsequent nasal endoscopy confirmed a greyish polypoid mass lesion with a multinodular surface occupying the entire left nasal fossa. The lesion totally obliterated the left maxillary sinus resulting in obstruction of the anterior osteo-meatal unit and ethmoidal sinusitis She was referred for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) using analgosedation with Remifentanil Target Controlled Infusion.Discussion and conclusions: To the very best of our knowledge this is the first case described in English literature about the use of analgosedation with Remifentanil Target Controlled Infusion for otolaryngology surgery, specifically in FESS. It could be an interesting option to avoid the use of inhaled anaesthetics that could induce foetal damage, especially during the first months of pregnancy. Furthermore, patient intubation is not necessary, avoiding cases of difficult intubation or any trauma to the airways. An adequate informed consent and the appropriate compliance are elements of paramount importance in tailoring the anaesthetic strategy for pregnant women who need non-obstetric surgical management.
A machine learning approach to identify psychological factors driving vaccine hesitancy in high income countries
Authors: Lincoln Tania , Schlier Björn , Strakeljahn Felix , Gaudiano Brandon , So Suzanne , Kingston Jessica , Morris Eric , Ellett Lyn 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Understanding factors driving vaccine hesitancy is crucial to vaccination success. We surveyed adults (N=2510) from February to March 2021 across five sites (Australia=502, Germany=516, Hong Kong=445, UK=512, USA=535) using a cross-sectional design and stratified quota sampling for age, sex, and education. We assessed willingness to take a vaccine and a comprehensive set of putative predictors. Predictive power was analysed with regression analyses and machine learning algorithms. Only 57.4% of the participants indicated that they would definitely or probably get vaccinated. A parsimonious machine-learning model could identify vaccine hesitancy with high accuracy (i.e. 83% sensitivity and 82% specificity) using 10 variables only. The most relevant predictors were vaccination conspiracy beliefs, paranoid concerns related to the pandemic, COVID anxiety, high perceived risk of infection, low perceived social rank, lower age, and female gender. Campaigns seeking to increase vaccine uptake need to take mistrust as the main driver of vaccine hesitancy into account.
Stakeholders’ interactions in Water Management System: Insights from a MACTOR analysis in the R’Dom Sub-basin, Morocco
Authors: BEN-DAOUD Mohamed , Mahrad Badr El , Moroșanu Gabriela Adina , Elhassnaoui Ismail , Moumen Aniss , Mezouary Lhoussaine El , ELbouhaddioui Mohamed , Essahlaoui Ali , Eljaafari Samir 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This article aims to understand the typologies of stakeholders, their role in the water resources management system in the R’Dom Sub-basin(Morocco), and to identify the current and desired interactions among stakeholders. For this purpose, The MACTOR participatory approach was adopted to involve all key water stakeholders and to analyze their interactions. The action system was characterized by the analysis of related issues and relevant actors on the ground. Thus, ten actors and twelve objectives were identified and assessed in this study. The analysis of stakeholder games allowed to identify the typologies of stakeholders according to their strategic objectives and to evaluate their power, influence and dependence, as well as their convergence in a global water management system. The results show a significant level of convergence among stakeholders despite the existence of certain stakeholders who may be considered autonomous given their low involvement in integrated water management. Furthermore, there was a limited involvement of stakeholders in certain strategic objectives such as capacity building, technical means, and awareness-raising actions. The paper shows the need to generate greater collaborative efforts among water stakeholders involved in the implementation of integrated water resources management in the R'Dom sub-basin.
Honokiol Attenuates Lipotoxicity in Hepatocytes via Activating SIRT3-AMPK Mediated Lipophagy
Authors: Tian Zhang , Liu Jingxin , Zhu Jianzhong , Li Rongsong , Lin Ligen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by ectopic accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that lipophagy regulates lipid mobilization and energy homeostasis in liver. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial NAD+-dependent deacetylase, modulates the activities of several substrates involving in autophagy and energy metabolism. Honokiol (HK) is a natural lignan from the plants of Magnolia genus that exhibits potent liver protective property. Methods: AML12 was challenged with 500 μM palmitic acid and 250 μM oleic acid mixture solution to induce lipotoxicity. The expression of autophagy-related and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway proteins was evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Intracellular lipid accumulation was validated by Nile red staining. Molecular docking analysis was performed on AutoDock 4.2.Results: HK (5 and 10 μM) was found to attenuate lipid accumulation through promoting SIRT3-AMPK-mediated autophagy, mainly on lipid droplets. HK had hydrophobic interaction with amino acid residues (PHE294, GLU323 and VAL324) and NAD+. Moreover, HK improved mitochondrial function to enhance lipolysis, through decreasing the acetylated long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase level. Conclusions: These results suggest that HK could ameliorate lipotoxicity in hepatocytes by activating SIRT3-AMPK-lipophagy axis, which might be a potential therapeutic agent against NAFLD.
Optimizing self-pollinated crop breeding employing genomic selection: from schemes to updating training sets
Authors: Sabadin Felipe , DoVale Julio César , Platten John , Fritsche-Neto Roberto 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Long-term breeding schemes employing genomic selection (GS) can boost the response to selection per year. Although several studies show that GS delivers a higher response to selection, only a few analyze the best strategy to employ it, specifically how often and in what manner the training set (TS) should be updated. Therefore, we used stochastic simulation to compare in a long-term breeding program of a hypothetical self-pollinated crop five different strategies to implement GS in the line fixation stage and four methods and sizes to update the TS. Moreover, among breeding schemes, we proposed a new approach for using GS to select the best individuals in each F2 progeny based on genomic estimated breeding and divergence and crossed them to generate a new recombination event. Finally, we compared these schemes to the traditional phenotypic selection and drift. Our results showed that using GS in F2 followed by the phenotypic selection of new parentals in F4 was the best scenario. Furthermore, adding a new set of training data every cycle (over 800) to update the TS maintains the accuracy at satisfactory levels for many more generations, showing that more data is better than optimizing the genetic relationship between TS and the targeted population in a closed system. Hence, we believe that these results may help breeders optimize GS in their programs and improve genetic gain in long-term schemes.
Investigating Future Changes in Southern China Precipitation Characteristics Based on Dynamically Downscaled CMIP5 Climate Projections
Authors: Liu Ying Lung , Tam Chi-yung , Tong Hang Wai , Cheung Kevin , Xu Zhongfeng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The Regional Climate Model version 4 (RegCM4) has been used to dynamically downscale outputs from four different general circulation models (GCM) participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) to the horizontal resolution of 25 km × 25km, in order to study 2050-to-2099 changes in the Southern China hydrological cycle according to Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5, relative to the period of 1979 to 2003. The mean summertime precipitation is projected to increase by 0.5 – 1.5 mm/day over coastal Southern China, and with significantly enhanced interannual variability. In boreal spring, similar increase in both the seasonal mean and its year-to-year variation north of 25°N is also found. A novel moisture budget analysis shows that changes in mean background humidity (anomalous wind convergence) dominates the increase in the interannual precipitation variability in spring (summer). Extreme daily precipitation (based on the 95 th percentile) is projected to become more intense, roughly following the Clausius–Clapeyron relation for the aforementioned seasons.
On the other hand, autumn mean rainfall rate will be reduced over a broad area in Southern China (although this might be subjected to models’ ability in capturing tropical cyclone activities). The annual number of maximum consecutive dry days (CDD) is found to increase by about 3 to 5 days over locations south of 32°N. Analyses of GCM raw outputs indicate that strengthened northerlies over coastal East Asia , which is likely associated with the so-called tropical expansion, are responsible for the drier autumn.
A Novel Mineralizing film Induces Biomimetic Mineralization
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zhou Zihuai , Fan Jiayan , Zhang Leiqing , Zhang Zhixin , Wu Zhifang , Shi Ying , Zheng Haiyan , Zhang Zhengyi , Tang Ruikang , Fu Baiping 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Demineralization of tooth hard tissues leads to dental caries, which causes health problem and economic burden throughout the world. Biomimetic mineralization strategy is expected to reverse initial dental caries. Commercially available mineralizing anti-carious products lead to indefinite clinical results because they could not continuously replenish calcium and phosphate resources. Herein, we prepared a novel mineralizing film (NMF) consisting of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and polyaspartic acid-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (PAsp-ACP) nanoparticles. HPMC containing multiple hydroxyls is a gel-forming material that could be either desiccated to be a dry film or gradually changed into gel in moist milieu. The HPMC was, for the first time, used as a carrier of PAsp-ACP nanoparticles for delivering biomimetic mineralization in moist milieu. Our results indicated the hydroxyls and methoxyls of HPMC could assist the stability of PAsp-ACP nanoparticles and maintain their bioactivity of mineralization. The results further demonstrated that the NMF bioinspired the early mineralization of demineralized dentin at 24 hrs and the heavy mineralization of the whole demineralized dentin (3-4 µm) at 72-96 hrs without any cytotoxicity and mucosa irritation. Therefore, the NMF might be promising mineralizing strategy for preventive dentistry with efficient mineralization capability.
Canine Vector-Borne Diseases of Working Dogs of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Free-Roaming, and Privately-Owned Dogs
Authors: Rajakaruna Rupika Subashini , Jayathilake PS , Wijerathna HSU , Fernando ADS , Ginarathne KMH , Naullage NGRK , Silva SNS , Thananjayan K , Amarasiri LKHRT , Jayasundara NPK , Mallawa MCK , Dangolla A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are a significant health problem among dogs globally. The veterinary records show that the military working dogs of Sri Lanka die early at an average age of six years and CVBDs have been listed as one of the speculated causes. This study examined CVBDs in the working dogs of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) together with free-roaming and privately-owned dogs living close to the SLAF establishments and country-wide.
Methods

Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein for a three year period, from July 2016 to July 2019. Giemsa stained thin blood smears were observed under light microscopy.
Results

A total of 668 dogs were sampled, of which 169 were infected (25.3%) with hemoparasites. The prevalence of infections among the SLAF working dogs (22.5%), free-roaming (26.3%), or privately-owned (26.2%) dogs did not differ significantly (Chi-square test, p > 0.05). A large number of infected dogs were asymptomatic (57.4%), which was significantly higher in free-roaming dogs (96.3%) compared to the SLAF (41.1%) and privately-owned dogs (38.2%; p < 0.0001) but not between SLAF dogs and privately-owned dogs (χ2 = 0.005, p > 0.938). Seven hemoparasites were identified: Babesia gibsoni, B. canis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Leishmania sp., Hepatozoon canis, and microfilariae. The most common infection was B. gibsoni (13.8%) followed by E. canis (9.9%) and A. platys (4.3%). There was no difference in the prevalence of B. gibsoni in the three categories of dogs (χ2 = 2.61, p = 0.10). Leishmania and H. canis were always presented as single infections, while microfilaria as mixed infections.
Conclusions

Even though the SLAF dogs are thoroughly quarantined before introducing them to the military units, the infection prevalence was similar compared to other dog categories. They have likely acquired the infections through ticks and other arthropod vectors. This is the first comprehensive and comparative island-wide study of dog CVBDs of Sri Lanka, especially the military dogs at the SLAF. It highlights that most infected dogs, especially the free-roaming ones, did not show clinical signs. Although it is speculated that they may act as reservoirs of infection, asymptomatic dogs' ability to spread these CVBDS should be investigated.
Individual energetic processes efficiencies in a polycrystalline silicon PV cell versus electromagnetic field
Authors: Adama OUEDRAOGO , SAVADOGO Mahamadi , HONADIA Prince Abdoul Aziz , KAM Sié , BATHIEBO Dieudonné Joseph 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The Photovoltaic (PV) system is often installed near the telecommunication antenna without takes account the performance degradation that the electromagnetic field can cause. The present work provides the recognition about the greatest losses occur which can cause the overall efficiency drop. In fact, the absorption and the thermodynamic processes are more sensitive to the variation of the electromagnetic field more than FF and thermalization processes in presence of the electromagnetic field. The absorption and thermodynamic mechanism are the main cause of the degradation of the polycrystalline silicon PV cell outputs. The PV cell having height base doping level to get a better resistivity to the electromagnetic field must be chosen to improve theses outputs. Then a low electromagnetic field zones must be searched to install the PV system improving its electrical production performance.