bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A culture‐independent approach to understanding the role of soil fungal communities in Bromus tectorum stand failure
Authors: Ricks Nathan J. , Williamson Taryn , Meyer Susan E. , Chaston John M. , Coleman Craig E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) is an invasive annual grass (Poaceae) that has colonized large portions of the Intermountain West. Cheatgrass stand failures have been observed throughout the invaded region, the cause of which may be related to the presence of several species of pathogenic fungi in the soil or surface litter. In this metabarcoding study, we compared the fungal communities between sites that have and have not experienced stand failure. Samples were taken from the soil and surface litter near Winnemucca, Nevada, and in Skull Valley, Utah. Our results show distinct fungal communities associated with stand failure based on both geography and sample type. In both the Winnemucca and Skull Valley surface litter, there was an elevated abundance of the endophyte Ramimonilia apicalis in samples that had experienced a stand failure. Winnemucca surface litter stand failure samples had an increased abundance of a potential pathogen in the genus Comoclathris. Skull Valley surface litter stand failure samples had an increased abundance of an undescribed new species in the Rustroemiaceae family which is responsible for the so‐called bleach blonde syndrome in cheatgrass, while the soils had an increased abundance of potential pathogens in the genera Olpidium and Monosporascus.
Analysis of some incentives on two‐echelon reverse supply chain with a strategic consumer: The case of unwanted medications in households
Authors: Laganà Iside Rita , Sharifi Somayeh , Khademi Mehrnoosh , Salimi Mehdi , Ferrara Massimiliano 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this article, there is established a reverse logistics (RL) system to collect unwanted medications (UMs) in households. A reverse supply chain (RSC) is proposed in a decentralized state including manufacturer, and retailer involving a strategic consumer. The novelty of this article is that the model is investigated from the consumer's perspective, whereas in the previous studies, the proposed models were from other upstream members' perspectives such as manufacturer and retailer. Furthermore, inducement and advertising strategies are proposed for stimulating consumers to engage more in an RSC. To analyse the effect of these two strategies, the three‐person RSC game‐theoretical approach is used. A three‐person supply chain consists of a pharmaceutical manufacturer and a retailer who will interact with a strategic consumer in several non‐cooperative Stackelberg games. Three Stackelberg games are established and, each member takes a turn as a leadership role and the other two players assume the role of the follower.
Voice Analysis with Machine Learning: One Step Closer to an Objective Diagnosis of Essential Tremor
Authors: Suppa Antonio , Asci Francesco , Saggio Giovanni , Di Leo Pietro , Zarezadeh Zakarya , Ferrazzano Gina , Ruoppolo Giovanni , Berardelli Alfredo , Costantini Giovanni 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients with essential tremor have upper limb postural and action tremor often associated with voice tremor. The objective of this study was to objectively examine voice tremor and its response to symptomatic pharmacological treatment in patients with essential tremor using voice analysis consisting of power spectral analysis and machine learning.MethodsWe investigated 58 patients (24 men; mean age ± SD, 71.7 ± 9.2 years; range, 38–85 years) and 74 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects (20 men; mean age ± SD, 71.0 ± 12.4 years; range, 43–95 years). We recorded voice samples during sustained vowel emission using a high‐definition audio recorder. Voice samples underwent sound signal analysis, including power spectral analysis and support vector machine classification. We compared voice recordings in patients with essential tremor who did and did not manifest clinically overt voice tremor and in patients who were and were not under the symptomatic effect of the best medical treatment.ResultsPower spectral analysis demonstrated a prominent oscillatory activity peak at 2–6 Hz in patients who manifested a clinically overt voice tremor. Voice analysis with support vector machine classifier objectively discriminated with high accuracy between controls and patients who did and did not manifest clinically overt voice tremor and between patients who were and were not under the symptomatic effect of the best medical treatment.ConclusionsIn patients with essential tremor, voice tremor is characterized by abnormal oscillatory activity at 2–6 Hz. Voice analysis, including power spectral analysis and support vector machine classification, objectively detected voice tremor and its response to symptomatic pharmacological treatment in patients with essential tremor. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Bilateral gradient‐echo spectroscopic imaging with correction of frequency variations for measurement of fatty acid composition in mammary adipose tissue
Authors: Baboli Mehran , Storey Pippa , Sood Terlika Pandit , Fogarty Justin , Moccaldi Melanie , Lewin Alana , Moy Linda , Kim Sungheon Gene 
Published: February 2021

PurposeTo develop a simultaneous dual‐slab three‐dimensional gradient‐echo spectroscopic imaging (GSI) technique with frequency drift compensation for rapid (<6 min) bilateral measurement of fatty acid composition (FAC) in mammary adipose tissue.MethodsA bilateral GSI sequence was developed using a simultaneous dual‐slab excitation followed by 128 monopolar echoes. A short train of navigator echoes without phase or partition encoding was included at the beginning of each pulse repetition time period to correct for frequency variation caused by respiration and heating of the cryostat. Voxel‐wise spectral fitting was applied to measure the areas of the lipid spectral peaks to estimate the number of double‐bond (ndb), number of methylene‐interrupted double‐bond (nmidb), and chain length (cl). The proposed method was tested in an oil phantom and 10 postmenopausal women to assess the influence of the frequency variation on FAC estimation.ResultsThe frequency drift observed over 5:27 min during the phantom scan was about 10 Hz. Phase correction based on the navigator reduced the median error of ndb, nmidb, and cl from 9.7%, 17.6%, and 3.2% to 2.1%, 9.5%, and 2.8%, respectively. The in vivo data showed a mean ± standard deviation frequency drift of 17.4 ± 2.5 Hz, with ripples at 0.3 ± 0.1 Hz. Our reconstruction algorithm successfully separated signals from the left and right breasts with negligible residual aliasing. Phase correction reduced the interquartile range within each subject’s adipose tissue of ndb, nmidb, and cl by 18.4 ± 10.6%, 18.5 ± 13.9%, and 18.4 ± 10.6%, respectively.ConclusionThis study shows the feasibility of obtaining bilateral spectroscopic imaging data in the breast and that incorporation of a frequency navigator improves the estimation of FAC.
Investigating the possible association between NLRP3 gene polymorphisms and myasthenia gravis
Authors: Agah Elmira , Nafissi Shahriar , Saleh Fatemeh , Sarraf Payam , Tafakhori Abbas , Mousavi Seyed Vahid , Saghazadeh Amene , Sadr Maryam , Sinaei Farnaz , Mohebbi Bahareh , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Shadi Hamideh , Rezaei Nima 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionIn this case‐control study, we investigated the association between nucleotide oligomerization domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10754558, rs3806265, rs4612666, and rs35829419 and myasthenia gravis (MG).MethodsSamples from MG patients were selected from a previous study conducted in our neuromuscular clinic, which investigated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes and MG. Genetic data of controls were also available from another study. The NLRP3 SNPs genotyping was performed using the TaqMan method.ResultsA total of 93 blood samples from eligible Iranian patients with MG and 56 samples from healthy controls were obtained. The NLRP3 rs3806265 “C” allele was significantly more frequent in MG patients (P < .001; odd ratio [OR] = 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4‐4.0) than controls. The “CC” genotype of this SNP was found in 18.27% of patients, but none of the controls (P < .001). The distribution of other SNPs was similar between the groups.DiscussionThese preliminary results suggest that there might be some associations between the NLRP3 gene polymorphism and MG.
Argus‐T adjustable male sling: A follow‐up study on urinary incontinence and patient's satisfaction
Authors: Casteleijn Niek F. , Cornel Erik B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsThe use of Argus‐T adjustable sling may be a promising alternative option for the treatment of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy, however long‐term data is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long‐term results of the Argus‐T sling on incontinence rates, patient's quality of life and tape‐related complications.MethodsPatients were eligible if persistent stress incontinence was present ≥12 months after radical prostatectomy. Measurements included 24 h frequency volume micturition list, 24 h pad test, 24 h pad count and quality of life questionnaires. Argus‐T adjustable sling was placed with a single perineal route incision approach.ResultsSeventy‐eight patients were included, 69 ± 6 years, pre‐intervention 24 h urinary loss 212 (75–385) g. Directly after surgery, 63.6% of the patients was completely dry, 79.2% of the patients reported greater than 90% improvement of their urinary loss and 92.2% > 50% improvement. Median follow‐up time was 3.2 (2.5–6.1) years. After 5 years of follow‐up, 53.3% of the patients were completely dry, 71.5% reported an improvement greater than 90% and 79.6% reported an improvement of greater than 50%. Patients with preoperative urinary loss less than 250 g reported significantly higher improvement of their urinary loss compared to patients with urinary loss ≥250 g (p = .02). Patients satisfaction was still increased after 5 years follow‐up (70 ± 21 vs.16 ± 9, p < .001) and patients quality of life remained high (85 ± 20 vs. 88 ± 13, p = .1). Complications were mainly observed directly after surgery. Two patients (2.6%) needed reimplantation of the sling.ConclusionThese data indicate that Argus‐T sling is an effective treatment option in obtaining substantial long‐term incontinence relief in patients with invalidating moderate stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
Facile synthesis of reusable graphene oxide composite magnetic beads for removal of arsenic (III)
Authors: Raj Savan K. , Sharma Jeet , Kulshrestha Vaibhav 
Published: February 2021

AbstractConsumption of As(III) in drinking water is a severe problem, and more than 180 million people are suffering worldwide. Therefore, developing an affordable technique to remove As(III) from drinking water is essential to protect human health. In this work, we report chitosan‐iron oxide‐graphene oxide composite beads (GO‐BDs) for the removal of As(III) from the drinking water. The incorporation of chitosan and graphene oxide (GO) provides better physical strength and stability to the GO‐BDs. Prepared GO‐BDs were characterized using different characterization techniques. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) spectra show the iron oxide nanoparticles were successfully linked with graphene oxide. The size of the beads confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found to be ~1 mm. Elemental mapping of beads show the uniform dispersion of GO/iron oxide on the surface of the beads. The adsorption of As(III) occurs rapidly and attain equilibrium condition in <6 h after removing As(III) from the water within the permissible limit. Effect of water pH, time, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and concentration of the dose have been studied in detail for arsenic removal. Coexisting ions show negligible influence on As(III) removal. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were also examined. This study provides the application of GO‐BDs for As(III) removal from contaminated drinking water.
Proteomics‐based interrogation of the kinome and its implications for precision oncology
Authors: Lim Kam Sian Terry C. C. , Chüeh Anderly C. , Daly Roger J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe identification of specific protein kinases as oncogenic drivers in a variety of cancer types, coupled with the clinical success of particular kinase‐directed targeted therapies, has cemented the human kinome as an attractive source of “actionable” targets for cancer therapy. However, “mining” of the human kinome for precision oncology applications has yet to yield its full potential. This reflects a variety of issues, including oncogenic kinase dysregulation at levels not detectable by genomic sequencing and the uncharacterized nature of a considerable fraction of the kinome. In addition, selective therapeutic targeting of specific kinases requires efficient mapping of total kinome space impacted by candidate small molecule drugs. Fortunately, recent developments in proteomics techniques, particularly in mass spectrometry‐based phosphoproteomics and kinomics, provide the necessary technology platforms to address these impediments. Moreover, initiatives such as the Clinical Proteomic Tumour Analysis Consortium have enabled the generation, deposition and integration of genomic, transcriptomic and (phospho)proteomic data for many cancer types, providing unprecedented insights into oncogenic kinases and cancer cell signalling generally. These multi‐omic data are identifying novel therapeutic targets, highlighting opportunities for drug re‐purposing, and helping assign optimal therapies to specific tumour subtypes, heralding a new era of “enhanced” precision oncology.
Microproteomic sample preparation
Authors: Alexovič Michal , Sabo Ján , Longuespée Rémi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMultiple applications of proteomics in life and health science, pathology and pharmacology, require handling size‐limited cell and tissue samples. During proteomic sample preparation, analyte loss in these samples arises when standard procedures are used. Thus, specific considerations have to be taken into account for processing, that are summarised under the term microproteomics (μPs). Microproteomic workflows include: sampling (e.g., flow cytometry, laser capture microdissection), sample preparation (possible disruption of cells or tissue pieces via lysis, protein extraction, digestion in bottom‐up approaches, and sample clean‐up) and analysis (chromatographic or electrophoretic separation, mass spectrometric measurements and statistical/bioinformatic evaluation). All these steps must be optimised to reach wide protein dynamic ranges and high numbers of identifications. Under optimal conditions, sampling is adapted to the studied sample types and nature, sample preparation isolates and enriches the whole protein content, clean‐up removes salts and other interferences such as detergents or chaotropes, and analysis identifies as many analytes as the instrumental throughput and sensitivity allow. In the suggested review, we present and discuss the current state in μP applications for processing of small number of cells (cell μPs) and microscopic tissue regions (tissue μPs).
Introgression between Betula tianshanica and Betula microphylla and its implications for conservation
Authors: Ding Junyi , Hua Donglai , Borrell James S. , Buggs Richard J. A. , Wang Luwei , Wang Feifei , Li Zheng , Wang Nian 
Published: February 2021

Societal Impact StatementIn rapidly changing environments species conservation can be hindered by uncertainties in distinguishing closely related species. Cryptic ongoing hybridization can add further uncertainty and could be beneficial or destructive. Here, we show that a declining birch tree species is hybridizing with a more widespread relative in the Junggar basin, NW China, and their hybrids have been previously named as rare sub‐species. Given the declining numbers of this birch tree, we suggest that conservation effort should aim to slow the rate of anthropogenic habitat loss at this hybrid zone and preserve its pure populations away from the hybrid zone.Summary

In areas where closely related species meet, the possibility that they may hybridize must be taken into account by conservationists. Hybridization may have positive or negative consequences for the long‐term future of species. If present, its dynamics need to be understood.

Betula microphylla is a declining wetland tree species in NW China that forms a continuum of leaf morphology and geographic distribution with its relative Betula tianshanica. We use ecological niche models to predict the distribution of B. microphylla and B. tianshanica. We use restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing and SSRs to resolve their genetic structure and patterns of allele sharing.

Ecological niche models predict an expansion of the range of B. tianshanica into that of B. microphylla since the Last Glacial Maximum and the contraction of B. microphylla's range in the future. Genetic data suggest that the two species have hybridized in the Junggar basin and in the Tianshan Mountains where the two species have co‐occurred in the recent past and in the Altay Mountains where there are no records of B. tianshanica occurrence. Rare populations previously identified as sub‐species of B. microphylla were shown to be of hybrid origin.

Further research is needed on the costs and benefits of hybridization between B. microphylla and B. tianshanica in the changing environment of NW China. Our current data suggest that conservation effort should aim to slow the rate of anthropogenic habitat loss at the hybrid zone in the Junggar basin and preserve pure populations far away from the hybrid zone in the Altay Mountains.
Influence of Particle Size and Temperature on the Burning Rate of Small Caliber Ball Powder
Authors: Ritter John J. , Petre Catalin‐Florin , Beland Pascal , Nicole Charles 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe performance of a small‐caliber propellant is influenced by many factors. Foremost is the chemical composition, however, other factors such as the physical properties of the propellant, the weapon system, and the operating conditions can also greatly influence the performance of a propellant. In this study, researchers investigated the influence of particle size and temperature on the performance of small caliber, ball powder propellant. Particle size is important as it provides the initial surface area available for a propellant to begin the deflagration process. The geometry of the grain will dictate how the deflagration progresses: progressively, regressively, or neutral. The initial temperature of the propellant also has a direct influence on propellant performance. Evaluations were conducted in a constant volume, a temperature‐controlled closed vessel to obtain pressure‐time data for the various experiments. The data coupled with the propellant thermochemical properties were used to calculate the burning rate coefficient (β) and pressure exponent (α) of the propellant. Dynamic vivacity, relative force, and relative quickness values are also reported.
Challenges of using protein antibiotics for pathogen control
Authors: Chai Ray , Rooney William M , Milner Joel J , Walker Daniel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBacterial phytopathogens represent a significant threat to many economically important crops. Current control measures often inflict harm on the environment and may ultimately impact on human health through the spread of antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial proteins such as bacteriocins have been suggested as the next generation of disease control agents since they are able to specifically target the pathogen of interest with minimal impact on the wider microbial community and environment. However, substantial gaps in knowledge with regards to the efficacy and application of bacteriocins to combat phytopathogenic bacteria remain. Here we highlight the immediate challenges the community must address to ensure maximum exploitation of antimicrobial proteins in the field. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Image‐guided robots for low dose rate prostate brachytherapy: Perspectives on safety in design and use
Authors: Dai Xuesong , Zhang Yongde , Jiang Jingang , Li Bing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundImage‐guided brachytherapy (BT) robots can be used to assist urologists during seed implantation, thereby improving therapeutic effects. However, safety issues must be considered in the design of such robots, including their structure, mechanical movements, function, materials and actuators. Previous reviews focused on image‐guided prostate BT robot technology (e.g., imaging and robot navigation technology and robot system introduction); however, this review is the first time that safety issues have been investigated as part of a study on low‐dose‐rate (LDR) prostate BT robots.MethodsMultiple electronic databases were searched for LDR prostate BT robot articles published during the last 24 years (1996–2020), with a particular focus on two aspects of robots: safety in design and use.ResultsWe retrieved a total of 26 LDR prostate BT robots. BT robots were divided into ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and fusion‐guided systems. The conditions associated with each system were then analysed to develop a set of requirements for the safety of prostate BT robots. Recommendations are also provided for future BT robot development.ConclusionsThe transrectal approach for prostate seed implantation is safer than the traditional transperineal approach. Research into the control of a steerable needle by the urologists and robot, the needle deflection model, and robotic automated needle changing and seed injection equipment should be pursued in a future study.
Reference input and hysteresis quantizer based triggered control for networked control systems over limited channels
Authors: Zhou Tianwei , Zuo Zhiqiang , Wang Yijing , Zhang Zhicheng , Chang Shaoping 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this article, we formulate a framework for the networked control systems over limited channels with a novel reference input and hysteresis quantizer based triggered control (RIHQBTC) method. Both hysteresis quantization and the network induced delay are considered and the finite‐gain stability is analyzed. By thoroughly exploring the structure of the hysteresis quantizer, we merge the hysteresis quantizer parameter with the reference input to construct the triggering condition. To compensate for the negative effect caused by the network induced delay, three kinds of local controllers are designed to connect the transformed controller with the original one. Moreover, the corresponding coders and decoders are proposed to bound the transmission bit rates. With this RIHQBTC method, it is proved that Zeno behavior could be intrinsically eliminated. The superiority of the proposed method is demonstrated by a numerical example and its efficiency is further verified on the wheeled mobile robot.