bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An invasive shrub Lantana camara L. alters the flora and soils in tropical dry deciduous forests of Central India
Authors: Lone Parvaiz Ahmad , Dar Javid Ahmad , Kothandaraman Subashree , Khan Mohammed Latif 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background and AimsLantana camara is a highly noxious invasive weed species of global concern. However, its impacts on floristic and soil properties in tropical dry deciduous forests are elusive and fragmented. We aimed to assess the changes in the flora and soil properties following the invasion by Lantana camara in Central Indian forest ecosystems.MethodsThree study sites were selected and each site was further divided into two subsites: Lantana-invaded (LI) and uninvaded (UI). In total, 60 plots of 0.25 ha each (10 plots in each subsite) were laid randomly. Within each plot floristic structure, composition, diversity and soil SOC, STN, M%, pH and bulk density were assessed.ResultsLantana-invaded sites showed a significant decrease in density (D), basal area (BA), species richness (SR) and evenness (E) of seedlings (< 3cm diameter at breast height (DBH)), juveniles (> 3-9.9cm DBH), and herbs. In LI sites, a reduction of 57 and 25% has been observed in lower DBH class of trees (< 3cm and > 3-9.9cm). In all LI sites, a significant increase of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN) and soil moisture (M%) and a significant decrease of pH and bulk density (BD) were recorded.ConclusionsLantana may greatly impact the vegetation and soil properties and, successively, these strong changes increase its invasive potential and ability to replace native species by averting their natural regeneration potential. Therefore, a proper management strategy of this noxious weed is imperative to prevent its further expansion and future problems.
A first principle simulation of adsorption behavior of HF, CS2 and COF2 on Au-doped anatase TiO2 (101)
Authors: Nie Ling , Li Wei , Cao Zhengqin , Hu Gang , Yao Qiang , Wei Gang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
HF, CS2 and COF2 are three kind key partial discharge decomposition gas products of SF6 electrical insulation medium, which could be used for monitoring the type and degree of defect in gas insulated equipment. In this paper, the adsorption property including adsorption entropy change, adsorption distance, density of states, and frontier molecular orbitals, of HF, CS2 and COF2 on Au-doped anatase TiO2 (101) surfaces were simulated and analysis based on density function theory. The results demonstrated that Au-TiO2 incentive upon HF, CS2 and COF2 due to the little conductivity change and low adsorption entropy change, and this material could be not suitable to be used as a gas sensor for three decomposition gas detection in the application of condition monitoring and defect diagnosis in SF6 gas-insulated equipment based on DCA.
Survival and treatment of cranial and spinal cord chordomas: a population-based study
Authors: Li Huan , Zhang Gui-Jun , Cui Yu-Shi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveChordomas are rare, slow-growing malignant tumors. Given the paucity of data on it, the treatment strategies are disputed.MethodsWe collected survival and clinical information on patients with chordoma diagnosed between 1975 and 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and screened them according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify significant prognostic factors, and nomograms was constructed to visualize the results. The concordance index, receiver operating characteristic, calibration and decision curves were used to assess the predictive ability of the nomogram.ResultsA total of 1797 patients were initially enrolled, including 762 (42.4%) cranial and 1035 (57.6%) spinal cord chordoma. A total of 1504 patients, after screening, were further evaluated by statistical analysis. In the cranial group, the surgery (gross total resection (GTR), HR=0.434, 95% CI=0.270-0.699, p=0.001, overall survival (OS); HR=0.455, 95% CI=0.252-0.867, p=0.009, cancer-specific survival (CSS)) and tumor extension (distant metastasis, HR=2.036, 95% CI=1.326-3.125, p=0.001, OS; HR=2.321, 95% CI=1.366-3.943, p=0.002, CSS), the age (HR=2.766, 95% CI=1.635-4.682, p<0.001, OS) were independent prognostic factors for survival. In the spinal cord group, the age (HR=0.339, 95% CI=0.161-0.713, p=0.004), location (HR=0.288, 95% CI=0.155-0.533, p<0.001), GTR (HR=0.304, 95% CI=0.223-0.415, p<0.001), and tumor extension (distant metastasis, HR=2.391, 95% CI=1.734-3.297, p<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for OS; the age (HR=0.335, 95% CI=0.151-0.743, p=0.007), histological type (HR=4.600, 95% CI=2.356-8.983, p=<0.001), GTR (HR=0.284, 95% CI=0.178-0.453, p<0.001) radiation (HR=1.406, 95% CI=1.060-1.866, p=0.018), chemotherapy (HR=2.023, 95% CI=1.222-3.351, p=0.006), and tumor extension (HR=3.381, 95% CI=2.237-5.109, p<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for CSS.ConclusionsIn this large cohort, a significant association was noted between extent of resection and outcome. Even though adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy did not benefit patients with chordoma, the effect on prognosis should be explored in a further study.
The effect of prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy on ovarian reserve in patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Wang Shizhuo , gu jiahui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Bilateral salpingectomy has been proposed to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, but it is not clear whether the surgery affects ovarian reserve. This study compares the impact of laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease with or without prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy on ovarian reserve.
Methods

Records were reviewed for 373 premenopausal women who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy with ovarian reserve for benign uterine diseases. The serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and three-dimensional antral follicle count (AFC) were assessed before surgery and 3 and 9 months postoperatively to evaluate ovarian reserve. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they underwent prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy. The incidence of pelvic diseases was monitored until the ninth month after surgery.
Results

There was no significant difference between the two surgery groups in terms of baseline AMH, E2, FSH, LH, and AFC (all P > 0.05). There was no difference in potential bias factors, including patient age, operative time, and blood loss (all P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference between the two groups 3 months after surgery with respect to AMH (P = 0.763), E2 (P = 0.264), FSH (P = 0.478), LH (P = 0.07), and AFC (P = 0.061). Similarly, there were no differences between groups 9 months after surgery for AMH (P = 0.939), E2 (P = 0.137), FSH (P = 0.276), LH (P = 0.07) and AFC (P = 0.066). At 9 months after the operation, no patients had malignant ovarian tumors. The incidences of benign ovarian tumors in the salpingectomy group were 0% and 2.68% at 3 and 9 months after surgery, respectively, and the corresponding values in the control group were 0% and 5.36%. The incidences of pelvic inflammatory disease in the salpingectomy group were 10.72% and 8.04% at 3 and 9 months after surgery, respectively, while corresponding values in the control group were 24.13% and 16.09%.
Conclusion

Prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy did not damage the ovarian reserve of reproductive-age women who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy. Prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy might be a good method to prevent the development of ovarian cancer. Larger clinical trials with longer follow-up times are needed to further evaluate the risks and benefits.
MES7 Modulates Seed Germination Via Regulating Salicylic Acid Content in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gao Wenrui , Liu Yan , Huang Juan , Chen Yaqiu , Chen Chen , Lu Lu , Zhao Hongwei , Men Shuzhen , Zhang Xiaoming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Seed germination is an important phase transitional period of angiosperm plants and sensitive to environment condition. Although seed germination is under the regulation of salicylic acid (SA) and other hormones, the molecular mechanism underlying these regulations remains mysterious. In this study, we determined the expression of SA methyl esterase (MES) family genes during seed germination. We found that MES7 expression decreases significantly in imbibed seeds, and the dysfunction of MES7 decreases SA content. Furthermore, MES7 reduces and promotes seed germination under normal and salt stress conditions, respectively. The application of SA restores the seed germination deficiencies of mes7 mutants under different conditions. Taking together, our observations uncover a MeSA hydrolyzation enzyme, MES7, regulates seed germination via altering SA titer under normal and abiotic stress conditions.
A Comparison of Swarm-Based Optimization Algorithms in Linear Antenna Array Synthesis
Authors: Durmus Ali , KURBAN Rifat , KARAKOSE Ercan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Today, the design of antenna arrays is very important in providing effective and efficient wireless communication. The purpose of antenna array synthesis is to obtain a radiation pattern with low side lobe level (SLL) at a desired half power beam width (HPBW) in far-field. The amplitude and position values ​​of the array elements can be optimized to obtain a radiation pattern with suppressed SLLs. In this paper swarm-based meta-heuristic algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Mayfly algorithm (MA) and Jellyfish Search (JS) algorithms are compared to realize optimal design of linear antenna arrays. Extensive experiments are conducted on designing 10, 16, 24 and 32-element linear arrays by determining the amplitude and positions. Experiments are repeated 30 times due to the random nature of swarm-based optimizers and statistical results show that performance of the novel algorithms, MA and JS, are better than well-known methods PSO and ABC.
Use of Stand-Alone Intersomatic Titanium Interbody Cage Cespace for Cervical Anterior Arthrodesis and Fusion in Cervical Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Cacciola Fabio , Ghetti Ilaria , Caruso Gerardo , Ferri Simona , Caffo Maria , Fata Giuseppe La , Cardali Salvatore M. , Germanò Antonino 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Cespace is a solid titanium spacer used for arthrodesis and fusion between vertebral cervical bodies in the treatment of degenerative diseases of cervical spine. Methods: We present our clinical experience in a group of 180 patients, affected by cervical myelo-radiculopathy due to spondylosis or cervical disc herniation and undergone surgical operation. All patients underwent an anterior discectomy and interbody fusion through positioning of one or more levels Cespace device. Patients were evaluated by clinical and radiological assessment pre-operatively, immediately post-operatively and at follow-up. We assess clinical outcome using visual analogue scale for pain and a modified Japanese Ortho­pedic Association scale for myelopathy. We also considered functional outcome, using Odom classification. Results: After surgical treatment we report a significant relief of pain and clinical improvement. Radiological evaluations showed no change in cervical lordosis. No case of junctional syndrome was observed over all follow-up period. Conclusion: Cespace is a safety and efficacious orientated solution for cervical interbody fusion.
The Effect of Live Demonstration and Flipped Classroom with Continuous Formative Assessment on Dental Students’ Orthodontic Wire-bending Performance
Authors: Sivarajan Saritha , Soh Eunice Xinwei , Zakaria Nor Nadia , Kamarudin Yasmin , Lau May Nak , D.Bahar Aufa , Tahir Norhidayah Mohd , Hassan Wan Nurazreena Wan , Wey Mang Chek , Othman Siti Adibah , M.Razi Roziana , Naimie Zahra 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: In some dental schools, undergraduate students are taught wire-bending to train their manual dexterity. Traditionally, live demonstration (LD) was used as the sole teaching method until recently, either live video demonstration or flipped classroom (FC) teaching are being employed. Continuous formative assessment can be used as a systematic approach for personalised learning. This allows monitoring of the students’ progress and enhances learning by enabling students to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This study aims to evaluate the effects of live demonstration and flipped classroom teaching methods, supplemented with continuous formative assessment on dental students’ performances in bending six types of wire components for removable orthodontic appliances. By knowing the effectiveness of the teaching methods, appropriate method can be implemented in view of the current Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Forty third-year undergraduate dental students were randomly assigned into FC (n = 20) or LD (n = 20) cohorts. They attended six teaching sessions, for six types of wire components each, with either LD or FC teaching methods. Submission of wire assignments was required after each session, for blinded wire-bending assessment, which were distributed to the students, lecturers, and technicians before the next session, as part of their formative assessment. Students also completed a self-reported questionnaire after the first session (T0) and at the end of all six sessions (T1). Results: The mean wire-bending scores for FC was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than LD for two of the six assignments, namely the Adams clasp and Z-spring. In LD and FC, formative assessment was found to have contributed a significant increase in scores over time. No statistically significant correlation was found between the wire-bending scores and utilisation of videos. T0 and T1 questionnaires showed that students were satisfied with both teaching methods. Conclusions: Both LD and FC are equally effective in transferring practical skills of orthodontic wire-bending and well-received by students. Continuous formative assessment enhanced students’ learning of orthodontic wire-bending skills.
A novel, automated SARS-CoV-2 saliva PCR test protects a global asymptomatic workforce
Authors: Carter Nikki , Clausen Maryam , Halpin Rebecca , Blackmore Colin , Cai Kang , Delpuech Oona , kohlmann Alexander , Magnusson Otto , March Ruth , O'Neill Daniel , Parkash Kasthuri , Sherwood James , Sundin Tabetha , Swift Jason , Tarakameh Azar , Wijdicks Marilou , Wise Daniel , Fidock Mark 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Regular PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swabs from symptomatic individuals for SARS-CoV-2 virus has become the established method by which health services are managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses such as AstraZeneca have also prioritised voluntary asymptomatic testing to keep workplaces safe and maintain supply of essential medicines to patients. We describe the development of an internal automated SARS-CoV-2 testing programme including the transformative introduction of saliva as an alternative sample type.
The Mimivirus 1.2 Mb dsDNA genome is elegantly organized into a nuclear-like weapon
Authors: Abergel Chantal , Casares Alejandro Villalta , Quemin Emmanuelle , Schmitt Alain , Alempic Jean-Marie , Lartigue Audrey , Prazak Vojta , Vasishtan Daven , Colmant Agathe , Honore Flora , Coute Yohann , Gruenewald Kay , Belmudes Lucid 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Mimivirus is the prototype of the Mimiviridae family of giant dsDNA viruses, initially isolated in Acanthamoeba1. Little is known about the organization of the viral genome inside the membrane limited nucleoid2 and whether unpacking or other rearrangements are required prior to transcription and replication. Here we show that opening of its large icosahedral capsid in vitro leads to the release of electron dense, 30 nm diameter rod-shaped objects that appear to be expelled from the particles and unwinding. We developed a purification procedure and characterized the detailed structure at various stages of decompaction using cryo-electron microscopy single particle analyses and its composition by proteomics. This revealed that the viral genome is encased into a helical protein shell surprisingly made of the two GMC-type oxydoreductases that are also the major components of the glycosylated fibrils surrounding the capsid3. The 1.2 Mb genome is folded to follow a 5- or 6-start left-handed helix, depending on the nature of the GMC-oxydoreductase, with each helical strand lining the interior of the protein shell. Proteomic analyses of the purified genomic fibre revealed the presence of several RNA polymerase subunits as well as additional proteins involved in genome compaction that can fit into the central channel of the protein shield. Such an elegant supramolecular organization represents a remarkable evolutionary solution for packaging while protecting the viral genome, in a state ready for immediate transcription upon unwinding in the host cytoplasm. We expect that a dedicated energy-driven machinery is required for the assembly of this rod-shaped giant viral chromosome and its further compaction in the membrane limited electron dense nucleoid, characteristic of the mature Mimivirus particles2,4,5.The parsimonious implication of the same protein in two functionally unrelated substructures of the virion is also unexpected for a giant virus with a thousand genes at its disposal.
Genetic variation within a species of parasitic nematode, Skrjabingylus chitwoodorum, in skunks
Authors: Denham Allie N. , Hughes Malorri R. , Dowler Robert C. , Negovetich Nicholas J. , Ammerman Loren K. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Carnivores in the families Mustelidae and Mephitidae are essential hosts for the cranial roundworm genus Skrjabingylus. A high prevalence of Skrjabingylus chitwoodorum has been observed in the striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis. Genetic barcoding studies of other nematodes have successfully used the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial gene to analyze genetic variation and divergence. We tested the hypothesis that low population structuring occurs within S. chitwoodorum because M. mephitis is widespread across much of North America and has high levels of gene flow. We extracted DNA from 38 samples of Skrjabingylus removed from the sinuses of M. mephitis and one from the plains spotted skunk, Spilogale putorius interrupta, for amplification and sequencing of COI. Analysis of 492 base pairs confirmed all samples were S. chitwoodorum and showed low genetic divergence (1.0%) within Texas, but high haplotype diversity. Supporting our hypothesis, no obvious divergent lineages based on geographic location were recovered within the samples based on Maximum Likelihood analysis and median joining haplotype network analysis. In fact, samples of Skrjabingylus from New York and South Dakota showed little difference compared with samples from Texas.
Seepage losses from trapezoidal earth canals with an impervious layer under the bed
Authors: El-Molla Doaa A. , El-Molla Mohamed A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Seepage of irrigation water from earth canals is one of the most significant causes of water loss. It should be carefully studied and controlled. This research aims to study the effect of the presence of an impervious layer under the bed of trapezoidal earth canals on the amount of seepage discharge. The finite element numerical model SEEP2D is used in the study. Different scenarios for the canal's dimensions and side slopes are considered. Various values for the vertical distance between the canal's bed and the impervious layer are also studied. The numerical model's results are verified using Vedernikov's equations. The results show that the presence of an impervious layer can reduce the amount of seepage discharge by up to 82.7% compared to that calculated without it, depending on the depth of the pervious layer, the ratio between canal's bed width to water depth, and the side slopes. It is recommended to have boreholes at canal construction sites in order to investigate if an impervious layer exists under the canal's bed. This helps to estimate the correct amount of seepage discharge based on the vertical distance from the canal's bed to the impervious layer under it. Design charts are also provided.
Unravelling the Immune Modulatory Effect of Indian Spices to Impede the
Transmission of COVID-19: A Promising Approach
Authors: Devan Aswathy R. , Nair Bhagyalakshmi , Kumar Ayana R. , Gorantla Jaggaiah N. , T. S. Aishwarya , Nath Lekshmi R. 
Published: February 2021

:
Months after WHO declared COVID-19 as a Global Public Health Emergency of International Concern, it does not seem to be flattening the curve as we are still devoid of an effective vaccine and treatment modality. Amid such uncertainty, being immune is the best strategy to defend against corona attack. As the whole world is referring back to immune-boosting grandma remedies, interest is rekindled in the Indian system of Medicine, which is gifted with an abundance of herbal medicines as well as remedies. Among them, spices (root, rhizome, seed, fruit, leaf, bud, and flower of various plants used to add taste and flavors to food) are bestowed with immense medicinal potential. A plethora of clinical as well as preclinical studies reported the effectiveness of various spices for various ailments. The potential immune-boosting properties together with its excellent safety profile are making spices the current choice of Phyto-research as well as the immune-boosting home remedies during these sceptical times. The present review critically evaluates the immune impact of various Indian spices and their potential to tackle the novel coronavirus, with comments on the safety and toxicity aspects of spices.
Pre-attentive Visual Processing in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Event-related Potential Study
Authors: Na Eunchan , Lee Kanghee , Kim Eun J. , Bae Jong B. , Suh Seung W. , Byun Seonjeong , Han Ji W. , Kim Ki W. 
Published: February 2021

Introduction:
While identifying Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in its early stages is crucial,
traditional neuropsychological tests tend to lack sensitivity and specificity for its diagnosis. Neuropsychological
studies have reported visual processing deficits of AD, and event-related potentials (ERPs)
are suitable to investigate pre-attentive processing with superior temporal resolution.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate visual attentional characteristics of adults with AD, from
pre-attentive to attentive processing, using a visual oddball task and ERPs.

Methods:
Cognitively normal elderly controls (CN) and patients with probable AD (AD) were recruited.
Participants performed a three-stimulus visual oddball task and were asked to press a designated
button in response to the target stimuli. The amplitudes of 4 ERPs were analyzed. Mismatchnegativity
(vMMN) was analyzed around the parieto-occipital and temporo-occipital regions. P3a was
analyzed around the fronto-central regions, whereas P3b was analyzed around the centro-parietal
regions.

Results:
Late vMMN amplitudes of the AD group were significantly smaller than those of the CN
group, while early vMMN amplitudes were comparable. Compared to the CN group, P3a amplitudes of
the AD group were significantly smaller for the infrequent deviant stimuli, but the amplitudes for the
standard stimuli were comparable. Lastly, the AD group had significantly smaller P3b amplitudes for
the target stimuli compared to the CN group.

Conclusion:
Our findings imply that AD patients exhibit pre-attentive visual processing deficits,
known to affect later higher-order brain functions. In a clinical setting, the visual oddball paradigm
could be used to provide helpful diagnostic information since pre-attentive ERPs can be induced by
passive exposure to infrequent stimuli.