bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological Land Conservation Strategies Explained By Urban Growth and Climate Change
Authors: Zhao Shi , Shao Quan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Rising urban population throughout the world have boosted land use demand, intensifying pressure of ecological land resources linked with climate change. By incorporating risk into assessment, people can discourage excessive growth in megacity areas. Here, we propose a generalized analysis framework of ecological land conservation by devising a public goods game, which simultaneously considers population gravity and climate change along with interactions. Our method describes strategic conservation under the growth risk of urban boundary, where recurs across multiple rounds. We find that a compact and reasonable city with spatial structure will reduces erosion risk of ecological land and the lower costs of conservation, and higher its benefits. The conservation costs at the equilibrium do not increase with the degree of emphasis on the future, which show threshold effect. Ecological lands at the city boundaries have highest eroding risk, but rather pay a disproportionate amount of cost in this asymmetric game environment, which makes controlling erosion of ecological land less sustainable. Overall, our results suggest that implementing conservation strategies will efficiently reduce aggregate damages of urban growth and mitigate climate change, otherwise it may increase increases ecological land damages substantially.
A society ill-equipped to deal with the effects of climate change on cultural heritage and landscape: A qualitative assessment of planning practices in transport infrastructure
Authors: ANTONSON Hans , Buckland Philip , Nyqvist Roger 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper provides insights into the handling of climate change issues related to cultural heritage at different government decision levels dealing with physical planning, and in particular roads. Data are derived from a qualitative analysis of official reports and interviews with local and regional planners in three Swedish regions with contrasting climates. The theoretical lens of Institutional Interplay is applied to an analysis grouped into six themes: Climate threats to cultural heritage; Adaptation measures; Preparedness; Institutional preconditions; Institutional interplay, and Challenges. The results suggest that despite a strong environmental reputation internationally, Sweden is not particularly well prepared for dealing with future climate change impacts on cultural heritage and landscape. The lack of national standards and standardized methods risks regional and sectoral variation in the treatment of similar tasks; a problem which deficiencies in knowledge and continuing education are perpetuating. The degree to which discussions and cooperation occurs between divisions within the same authority, between authorities, and in national networks, varies considerably. Routines and criteria for prioritization of cultural heritage mitigation, essential under conditions of limited resources, have yet to have been implemented. We conclude with five recommendations for improving the planning process with respect to climate change risks to cultural heritage.
Differential expression of circRNA in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and validation of identified circRNA biomarker
Authors: Glavač Damjan , Mezzavilla Massimo , Dolinar Ana , Koritnik Blaž , Glavač Metka Ravnik 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive adult-onset neurodegenerative disease that is often diagnosed with a delay due to initial non-specific symptoms. Therefore, reliable and easy-to-obtain biomarkers are in desperate need for earlier and more accurate diagnostics. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been already proposed as potential biomarkers for several neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we further investigated the usefulness of circRNAs as potential biomarkers for ALS. We first performed a microarray analysis of circRNAs on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a subset of ALS patients and controls. Among the differently expressed circRNA by microarray analysis, we selected only the ones with a host gene that harbors the highest level of conservation and genetic constraints. This selection was based under the hypothesis that genes under selective pressure and genetic constraints could have a major role in determining a trait or disease. Then we performed a linear regression between ALS cases and controls using each circRNA as a predictor variable. With an FDR threshold of 0.1, only six circRNAs passed the filtering and merely one of them remained statistically significant after Bonferroni correction: hsa_circ_0060762 and its host gene CSE1L. Finally, we observed a significant difference in expression levels between larger sets of patients and healthy controls for both hsa_circ_0060762 and CSE1L . In addition, receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed diagnostic potential for CSE1L and hsa_circ_0060762 . Hsa_circ_0060762 thus represent a novel potential peripheral blood circRNA biomarker for ALS.
The co-development of models with expert judgement suppresses model diversity and underestimates risk
Authors: Thompson Erica 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
It is well-understood that mathematical models are developed with the aid of expert judgement about the relevant real-world processes. Here, I first consider the influence of the mathematical model itself upon our expert judgement. Having established a two-way relationship between model and expert judgement, I then consider some epistemic concerns arising from the difficulty of separating model information from expert judgement, concluding that statistical methods for assessing uncertainty in climate sensitivity are inadequate. I offer two potential solutions to these epistemic concerns. One: pre-registration of model experiments prior to the development of a model, and another: active exploration of other possible model structures based on different starting points and (ideally) different expert input. Next, I offer some practical recommendations for communication of climate information: we must distinguish statements about a model from statements about the real world, and it could be useful to consider ending climate simulations at a threshold of temperature change rather than on an arbitrary time scale. Having identified the climate modelling community (of researchers/modellers and the mathematical and computational entities which are the models themselves) as a cognitive assemblage, I suggest that policy-relevant science and decision-making would benefit from closer examination of the kinds of models and expertise that are privileged within this system and from actively encouraging greater model diversity. The current suppression of diversity results in underestimation of risk. Although I use climate as an example, these recommendations are generalisable to other policy-relevant modelling communities.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a Reproductive Health need Assessment Scale for violated Women
Authors: Dolatian Mahrokh , Ebadi Abbas , Hasanpoor-Azghady Seyedeh Batool , Nayebinia AnvarSadat 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Violence as a serious health problem and one of the main manifestations of gender inequality brings about adverse health effects for women. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to recognize the reproductive health status of women subjected to violence in order to provide the health services they need. Considering that one of the ways to determine reproductive health status is the use of valid questionnaires in this field, the present study was conducted based on a mixed-method design. The first part of the study (qualitative section) was conducted based on conventional content analysis. In this part, unstructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 violated women and 9 experts. In the next stage, the item pool was formed and the Reproductive Health Needs of Violated Women Scale (RHNVWS) was designed based on the review of the literature and the results of the qualitative section with 39 items using the Waltz approach. For psychometric assessment of the above instrument, face and content validity, item analysis, and construct validity were examined using exploratory factor analysis. Based on the results of factor analysis, the four following factors were extracted with a total variance of 47.62: "men's participation", "self-care", "support and health services", as well as "sexual and marital relationships. The internal consistency of the instrument was calculated at α = 0.70–0.89 and α = 0.94 for different constructs and the whole instrument, respectively. Moreover, intra-cluster correlation coefficients were obtained at ICC = 0.96–0.99 and ICC = 0.98 for constructs and the whole instruments, respectively. Based on the results of the current study, the RHNVWS is a tool that specifically assesses the reproductive health needs of violated women and has appropriate validity and reliability. The results of the assessment using the aforementioned instruments can be of great help in promoting the reproductive health of women subjected to violence.
Extracellular Volume-Guided Late Gadolinium Enhancement Analysis for Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: the Women’s Interagency HIV Study.
Authors: Kato Yoko , Kizer Jorge R. , Ostovaneh Mohammad R. , Lazar Jason , Peng Qi , Geest Rob van der , Lima Joao A.C. , Venkatesh Bharath Ambale 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Quantification of non-ischemic myocardial scar remains a challenge due to the patchy diffuse nature of fibrosis. This study develops a robust quantification method by utilizing T1 mapping based extracellular volume (ECV) to guide late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI analysis. Three cohorts of 80 non-ischemic-training (all-female, 73.8% human-immunodeficiency virus [HIV] positive), 20 non-ischemic-validation (all-female, 80% HIV+), and 10 ischemic-validation (all-male with reduced left-ventricular function) were prospectively enrolled and underwent MRI. The reference for obtaining an optimal ECV cut-off for scar/non-scar differentiation was determined visually by an expert user at the region of highest signal intensity (SI). An ECV cutoff of 31.5% achieved optimum performance (sensitivity: 90%, specificity:86.7% in training; sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 81.8% in validation dataset). An LGE threshold of n-times of standard-deviation (n-SD) above the remote-myocardium SI was then identified ensuring correspondence between LGE and ECV images. The identified threshold varied widely (range 3SD to 18SD), and was independent of scar amount (β= -0.01, p=0.92). In the non-ischemic cohorts, results suggested that manual analysis overestimated scar (%) in comparison to ECV-guided analysis (training: 4.5 [3.2–6.4] vs. 0.92 [0.1–2.1]; validation: 2.5 [1.2–3.7] vs. 0.2 [0–1.6]; P<0.01 for both). Intra- and inter-observer variability assessed in a subset of 40 non-ischemic cases showed ECV-guided analysis was more reproducible than manual analysis (CCC=0.94 and 0.78 vs. CCC=0.86 and 0.73, respectively; p<0.01 for all). In ischemic-validation, ECV-guided analysis was comparable to the standard full-width half-maximum method. In conclusion, ECV-guided LGE analysis is a robust scar quantification method for a non-ischemic cohort.Trial Registration: Clinical trial registration was documented on ClinicalTrials.gov with an identifier of NCT00000797. Registered on August 31st, 2001. (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00000797)
Clinical prognosis of isolated anterior cerebral artery territory infarction: A retrospective study
Authors: Park Hyungjong , Jeong Young Seok , Lee Seo Hyun , Jang Seong Hwa , Kwon Doo Hyuk , Hong Jeong-Ho , Sohn Sung-Il , Yoo Joonsang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Isolated anterior cerebral artery territory (ACA) infarction is a rare phenomenon and had known to have distinctive clinical features. Little is known about the clinical prognosis of isolated ACA territory infarction with associated factors and its impact on dwelling and job status. We investigated the short- and long-term outcomes and associated factors involved in the development of the distinctive symptoms of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory infarction.
Methods
This retrospective study in a prospective cohort of acute ischaemic stroke patients included consecutively enrolled patients with isolated ACA territory infarction. We investigated the functional status using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at discharge, three months post-discharge, and one-year post-discharge. We also investigated the occlusion site of the ACA (proximal vs. distal); presence of distinctive symptoms of ACA territory infarction including behaviour changes, indifference, aphasia, and urinary incontinence; and the effect of these symptoms on dwelling and job status one year after discharge.
Results
From April 2014 to March 2019, 47 patients with isolated ACA territory infarction were included. Twenty-nine patients (61.7%) had good outcomes (mRS ≤ 2) at discharge; however, the mRS score increased at three months (40; 85.1%, p < 0.001) and one year (41; 87.2%) post-discharge. Occlusion of the ACA proximal segment was independently associated with the development of distinctive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, 17.68; 95% confidence interval: 2.55–122.56, p < 0.05). Twenty-one (48.8%) patients with good outcomes at one year experienced a change in dwelling status and job loss; 20 (95.2%) of them had distinctive ACA territory symptoms with proximal ACA occlusion.
Conclusions
Short- and long-term outcomes of isolated ACA territory infarction were favourable. However, proximal segment occlusion was associated with the development of distinctive symptoms, possibly related to future dwelling and job status.
Failure behavior of the surrounding rock of jointed rock masses in a gold mine under impact disturbance
Authors: Li Peng , Wu Yunquan , Cai Meifeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The impact disturbance has an important influence on the safety of underground engineering openings. In this paper, based on the in-situ stress measurement and structural plane investigation, the model of jointed rock roadway was established using the discrete element method (3DEC) to study the instability and failure characteristic of roadway surrounding rock with dominant joint planes under impact disturbance and to further analyze the influence of different buried depths, impact stress wave peaks, and stress wave delays on the stability of the surrounding rock. The results show that the stability of the surrounding rock is poor, and the whole convergence deformation of the surrounding rock occurs under the impact stress wave. There are three failure modes in the surrounding rock: tensile-shear failure, tensile failure, and shear failure. Tensile-shear failure mainly occurs in a small range close to the roof and floor of the roadway and the free surfaces of the two sides, and tensile failure occurs locally, while shear failure mainly occurs along the joint plane outside this range. Moreover, the greater the buried depth and stress wave peak value, the more serious the deformation of the surrounding rock. With the increase of stress wave delay, the deformation of the surrounding rock shows complex characteristics. In addition, the impact failure mechanism of the surrounding rock in jointed rock masses was discussed. The research results have important guiding significance for the prevention and control of underground engineering cavern disasters.
High fidelity simulation to assess task load index and performance: a prospective observational study
Authors: Favre-Félix Jérémy , Dziadzko Mikhail , Bauer Christian , Duclos Antoine , Lehot Jean-Jacques , Rimmelé Thomas , Lilot Marc 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

The NASA Task Load IndeX (NASA-TLX) is a questionnaire widely used in aviation. This index might help for attesting the quality of a scenario in high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in healthcare.
The main purpose of this study was to
observe whether the score of NASA-TLX for critical care simulated
scenarios, designed for residents, was consistent with the values
reported in the literature.

The second purpose was to describe relationships between NASA-TLX, performance and generated stress during HFS.
Methods

All residents in anaesthesia and intensive care undergoing HFS were included. The primary endpoint was the task load generated by each scenario assessed by NASA-TLX. Based on literature, the NASA-TLX scores between 39 and 61 were considered as acceptable level. Stress level (Visual Analogue Scale for stress), specific technical and non-technical skills performances (Team Emergency Assessment Measure) were also assessed.
Results

Fifty-three residents actively participated in one of ten different scenarios, between June to December 2017. Median NASA-TLX score of scenarios was 61 [48–65]. Five scenarios (50%) generated acceptable task load level. There was no association between NASA-TLX score and technical or Team Emergency Assessment Measure performance scores, but an association between NASA-TLX and the stress level (rho = 4.7, p = 0.001) was observed.
Conclusions

Simulation scenarios generate different task loads for residents; the task load was deemed acceptable for half of the scenarios. The NASA-TLX could be considered as a tool to assess the pedagogic adequacy of scenarios. Scenario and generated stress level, but not task load, can modify residents’ performance during simulation. This should be considered when planning normative simulation.
Dimeric Tacrine (10)-Hupyridone Effectively Combats Alzheimer’s Disease as A Multi-Target-Directed Ligand
Authors: Xuan Zhenquan , Gu Xingmei , Yan Sicheng , Xie Yanfei , Zhou Yiying , Zhang Hui , Jin Haibo , Hu Shengquan , Mak Marvin Shinghung , Zhou Dongsheng , Tsim Karl Wahkeung , Carlier Paul R. , Han Yifan , Cui Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with multiple pathological features. Therefore, multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) strategy has been developed to combat this disease. We have previously designed and synthesized dimeric tacrine (10)-hupyridone (A10E), a novel tacrine derivative with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activation activity, by linking tacrine and a fragment of huperzine A. However, it was largely unknown whether A10E could act on other AD targets and produce cognition-enhancing ability in AD animal models.
Methods

Behavioral and biochemical methods were applied to evaluate multi-target cognitive-enhancing effects and mechanisms of A10E in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomers-treated mice. The neuroprotective mechanisms of A10E were explored in SH-SY5Y cells. And the anti-aggregation effects of A10E on Aβ were directly investigated in vitro.
Results

A10E could prevent cognitive impairments in both APP/PS1 mice and Aβ oligomers-treated mice, with higher potency than tacrine and huperzine A. Moreover, A10E could effectively inhibit Aβ production and deposition, reduce neuroinflammation, enhance brain derived brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, and elevate cholinergic neurotransmission in vivo. A10E, at nanomolar concentrations, could also inhibit Aβ oligomers-induced neurotoxicity via the activation of the TrkB/Akt pathway. Furthermore, Aβ oligomerization and fibrillization could be directly disrupted by A10E.
Conclusion

A10E could produce anti-AD neuroprotective effects via multi-target mechanisms, including the inhibition of Aβ aggregation, the activation of the BDNF/TrkB pathway, the reduction of neuroinflammation and the decrease of AChE activity. As MTDLs could produce additional benefits, such as overcoming the deficits of drug combination and enhancing the compliance of AD patients, our results suggested that A10E might be developed as a promising MTDL lead for the treatment of AD.
Nerve reconstruction with muscle-in-vein conduits VS autologous nerve grafts - a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies
Authors: Heinzel Johannes C. , Nguyen Mai Q. , Kefalianakis Laura , Prahm Cosima , Daigeler Adrien , Hercher David , Kolbenschlag Jonas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The gold-standard method for reconstruction of segmental nerve defects, the autologous nerve graft, has several drawbacks in terms of tissue availability and donor site morbidity. Therefore, feasible alternatives to autologous nerve grafts are sought. Muscle-in-vein conduits have been proposed as an alternative to autologous nerve grafts almost three decades ago, given the abundance of both tissues throughout the body. Based on the anti-inflammatory effects of veins and the proregenerative environment established by muscle tissue, this approach has been studied in various preclinical and some clinical trials. There is still no comprehensive systematic summary to conclude efficacy and feasibility of muscle-in-vein conduits for reconstruction of segmental nerve defects. Given this lack of a conclusive summary, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the potential of muscle-in-vein conduits. This work’s main findings are profound discrepancies regarding the results following nerve repair by means of muscle-in-vein conduits in a preclinical or clinical setting. We identified differences in study methodology, inter-species neurobiology and the limited number of clinical studies to be the main reasons for the still inconclusive results. In conclusion, we advise for large animal studies to elucidate the feasibility of muscle-in-vein conduits for repair of segmental defects of critical size in mixed nerves.
Genome-wide identification of MITE-derived microRNAs and their targets in bread wheat
Authors: Crescente Juan Manuel , Zavallo Diego , Vas Mariana del , Asurmendi Sebastian , Helguera Marcelo , Fernandez Elmer , Vanzetti Leonardo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are 20–24 nucleotides length and can repress gene expression at post-transcriptional levels by target degradation or translational repression. There is increasing evidence that some microRNAs can be derived from a group of non-autonomous class II transposable elements called Miniature Inverted-repeat Transposable Elements (MITEs) in plants. We used public small RNA, degradome libraries and the common wheat (Triticum aestivum) genome to screen miRNAs production and target sites. We also created a comprehensive wheat MITE database using known and identifying novel elements. We found high homology between MITEs and 14% of all the miRNAs production sites in wheat. Furthermore, we show that MITE-derived miRNAs have preference for target degradation sites with MITE insertions in 3' UTR regions in wheat.
Geometrical Optimization of Centerless Grinding Process by Profiled Workrest
Authors: Leonesio Marco , Wojcicki jeremi , Bianchi Giacomo Davide 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This work presents a method to optimize centerless grinding geometrical configuration. It is based on the regulation of the horizontal axes of operating and rubbing wheels of the machine machine coupled with an opportune blade profile, allowing a continuous selection of workrest angle and workpiece height, without requiring blade substitution and/or manual interventions. The regulation of workrest angle and height cannot be done independently: their relationship is defined during blade profile design. In machines with two independent axes for regulating wheel and blade horizontal displacement, this regulation can be performed in process or in the setup phase and does not require manual blade adjustment/replacement. This results in optimal processing parameter choice leading to improved quality and shorter time of processing as well as reduced setup time.