bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short term effects of Municipal Solid Waste compost, Khat-Derived Biochar and Co-composted Biochar on Soil quality and Faba bean Yield and Protein content
Authors: Tessfaw Zewdu Abebe , Beyene Abebe , Nebiyu Amsalu , Pikoń Krzysztof , Landrat Marcin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The effects of organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility and crop yield depend on the quality of organic fertilizer. The aim of this study was to test the short-term effects of the applications of municipal solid wastes (MSW) compost, co-composted biochar and biochar on soil quality and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grain yield and protein content compared with mineral fertilizer. The study was conducted in a field experiment prepared in randomized complete block design with three replicates of each treatment from February 2019 to June 2019. The eight treatments were; control compost, 5%, 15% and 25% w/w co-composted biochars, recommended rate of mineral N & P fertilizer (NPF), biochar, compost + 50% NPF, and control soil. Results showed that the soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable K+, Ca + 2 and Mg + 2 CEC and moisture in the residual soil were significantly increased in the municipal solid waste compost, co-composted biochar and khat-derived biochar amendments compared to the mineral NPF and control soil treatments. The faba bean grain yield was increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 34.2%, 33.7% and 30.% compared to the control soil and by 11.3%, 10.9% and 7.8% compared to the mineral NPF for the 5% co-composted biochar, compost + 50% NPF and control compost respectively. The organic fertilizer amendments with or without NPF applications were better than NPF alone with promoting nutrient concentrations, faba bean grain yield and protein contents. Thus, MSW compost and co-composted biochars are recommended because of their easy availability, sustainability and sufficient for proper growth of faba bean.
GaAs to Si Direct Wafer Bonding at T ≤ 220°C in Ambient Air via Nano-BondingTM and Surface Energy Engineering (SEE)
Authors: Gurijala Aashi R. , Chow Amber A. , Khanna Shaurya , Suresh Nikhil C. , Penmatcha Pranav V. , Jandhyala Siddarth V. , Sahal Mohammed , Peng Wesley , Balasooriya Thilina N. , Ram Sukesh , Diaz Timoteo , Bertram Michelle , Cornejo Christian E. , Kavanagh Karen L. , Culbertson Robert J. , Herbots Nicole 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
When different semiconductors are integrated into hetero-junctions, native oxides generate interfacial defects and cause electronic recombination. Two state-of-the-art integration methods, hetero-epitaxy and Direct Wafer Bonding (DWB), require temperatures > 400°C to reduce native oxides. However, T > 400°C leads to defects due to lattice and thermal expansion mismatches. In this work, DWB temperatures are lowered via Nano-Bonding™ (NB) at T ≤ 220°C and P ≤ 60 kPa (9 psi). NB uses Surface Energy Engineering (SEE) at 300K to modify surface energies (γT) to far-from-equilibrium states, so cross-bonding occurs with little thermal activation and compression. SEE modifies γT and hydro-affinity (HA) via chemical etching, planarization, and termination that are optimized to yield 2-D Precursor Phases (2D-PP) metastable in ambient air and highly planar at the nano- and micro- scales. Complementary 2D-PPs nano-contact via carrier exchange from donor 2D-PP surfaces to acceptor ones. Here, NB models and SEE are applied to the DWB of GaAs to Si for photo-voltaics. SEE modifies (1) the initial γT0 and HA0 measured via Three Liquid Contact Angle Analysis, (2) the oxygen coverage measured via High Resolution Ion Beam Analysis, and (3) the oxidation states measured via X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. SEE etches hydrophobic GaAs oxides with γT = 33.4 ± 1 mJ/m2, and terminates GaAs (100) with H+, rendering GaAs hydrophilic with γT = 60 ± 2 mJ/m2. Similarly, hydrophilic Si native oxides are etched into hydrophobic SiO4H2. H+- GaAs nano-bonds reproducibly to Si, as measured via Surface Acoustic Wave Microscopy, validating the NB model and SEE design.
Patient Education Booklet to Support Evidence- Based Low Back Pain Care in Primary Care – A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Simula Anna S. , Jenkins Hazel J. , Hancock Mark J. , Malmivaara Antti , Booth Neill , Karppinen Jaro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Inappropriate imaging and low-value care for low back pain (LBP) are common. A new patient-education booklet was created to overcome identified barriers to the delivery of recommended care, including the use of inappropriate imaging. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of this booklet as part of primary care for LBP patients in comparison to usual care.
Methods

A cluster-randomized trial was performed. The intervention involved providing practitioners with the new patient-education booklet and a 30-minute training session on its use. The booklet was provided during the clinical consult to all consenting LBP patients in the intervention group. Primary outcomes were the proportion of patients presenting with LBP who underwent imaging examinations during the first three months of follow-up and PROMIS PF-20 (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, 20-item physical functioning short form) change between baseline and three-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes, including sick leave and imaging examinations at 12 months, were investigated. Logistic regression using GEE-estimation was used for dichotomous outcomes, Poisson regression using GEE-estimation for count outcomes, and linear mixed models for continuous outcomes.
Results

Using the patient education booklet appeared to substantially reduce the proportion of LBP patients who underwent an imaging examination at three months, but the result was not statistically significant (OR 0.57, 95% confidence interval (Cl) 0.27 to 1.22). At 12 months, the effect was slightly larger and statistically significant (OR 0.50, 95%Cl 0.30 to 0.83, p = 0.008). No difference was observed in the PROMIS PF-20 T-score change between baseline and 3 months or 12 months (p = 0.365 and p = 0.923, respectively). The number of sick leave days in the intervention group was less than that in the control group at 3 months (RR 0.47, 95%Cl 0.26 to 0.83, p = 0.010) and at 12 months (RR 0.36, 95%Cl 0.18 to 0.72, p = 0.004).
Conclusions

The booklet appeared to be effective in reducing the proportion of LBP patients who underwent imaging examinations over 12 months. The intervention had no discernible effect on the PROMIS PF20 T-score change. The number of sick leave days was substantially lower in the intervention group.
Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN14389368, Registered 4 April 2019 - Retrospectively registered
Nutritional Behaviors of Women and Men in Poland During Confinement Related to the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic
Authors: Boleslawska Izabela , Błaszczyk-Bębenek Ewa , Jagielski Paweł , Jagielska Anna , Przysławski Juliusz 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose

The influence of the confinement on the changes of eating behaviors in men and women in Poland and between groups were assessed.
Methods

Results were obtained for 112 healthy men and 200 women. An anonymous questionnaire available on-line from 29 April to 19 May 2020 was the research tool. It contained questions about the frequency of consumption "before" and "during" confinement. Additionally, anthropometric measurements were declared by the respondents.
Results

An increase in the number of meals and an improvement in their regularity were observed in both groups. However, the frequency of snacking also increased. During lockdown women consumed potatoes, sweets, canned meat and eggs and men consumed canned meat more frequently. Products consumed less frequently were: fast food, instant soups and energy drinks (women), and white bread and fast food (men). The frequency of alcohol consumption also increased during lockdown. Average body weight and BMI increased significantly during social isolation. Body weight increase was declared by almost half of women and 40% of men.
Conclusion

During the blockade period caused by the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic, changes in the dietary behavior of the study group of women and men were found. The nature of these changes varied according to gender and the dietary parameters analyzed.
In-Hospital Rehabilitation and Functional Status of Non-Critically ill COVID- 19 Survivors
Authors: Musheyev Benjamin , Janowicz Rebeca , Borg Lara , Matarlo Michael , Boyle Hayle , Hou Wei , Duong Tim Q 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study investigated in-hospital rehabilitation and functional status at discharge of non-critically ill COVID-19 survivors with respect to pre-admission dependency status, discharge durable medical equipment, discharge medical follow-up recommendation, hospitalization duration, demographics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, and vital signs at hospital discharge. Comparisons were made between COVID-19 survivors who received rehab (N=155) and those who did not (N=162). Functional scores were obtained using the “Mental Status”, ICU Mobility, and modified Barthel Index scores at hospital discharge. Relative to the non-rehab patients, rehab patients were older, had more comorbidities, had worse pre-admission dependency status (p<0.05), were discharged with more assistive equipment and supplemental oxygen (p<0.001), spent more days in the hospital (p<0.001), had more follow-up referrals (p<0.05) with cardiology, vascular medicine, urology, and endocrinology being the top referrals, and had more secondary in-hospital diagnosis of AKI and acute respiratory failure. Functional scores of non-critically ill COVID-19 survivors were impaired at discharge and were associated with pre-admission dependency. Some functional scores were negatively correlated with age, hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, psychiatric disease, anemia, and neurological disorders (p<0.05). These findings warrant follow up of COVID-19 survivors as many survivors will likely have significant post-acute COVID-19 sequela.
Severe and regionally-widespread increases in tissue urea in the human brain represent a novel finding of pathogenic potential in Parkinson’s disease dementia
Authors: Scholefield Melissa , Church Stephanie J. , Xu Jingshu , Patassini Stefano , Roncaroli Federico , Hooper Nigel M. , Unwin Richard D. , Cooper Garth J. S. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Widespread elevations in brain urea have, in recent years, been reported in certain types of age-related dementia, notably Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Huntington’s disease (HD). Urea increases in these diseases are substantive, and approximate in magnitude to levels present in uraemic encephalopathy. In AD and HD, elevated urea levels occur across the entire brain, and not only in regions heavily affected by neurodegeneration. However, measurements of brain urea have not hitherto been reported in Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), a condition defined by changes in thinking and behaviour in someone with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, which shares neuropathological and symptomatic overlap with both AD and HD. This study aims to address this gap in the current knowledge of PDD.Methods: Here we report measurements of tissue urea from nine neuropathologically-confirmed regions of the brain in PDD and post-mortem-delay-matched controls, in regions that included the cerebellum, motor cortex, sensory cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra, middle temporal gyrus, medulla oblongata, cingulate gyrus, and pons, by applying ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Case-control differences were determined using multiple t-tests followed by correction with 10% false discovery rate.Results: We found urea concentrations to be substantively elevated in all nine regions, the average increase being 3-4-fold. Urea concentrations were remarkably consistent across regions in both cases and controls, with no clear distinction between regions heavily affected by neuronal loss in PDD compared to less severely affected areas. These urea elevations mirror those found in uraemic encephalopathy, where equivalent levels are generally considered to be pathogenic. These urea elevations also reflect those previously reported in AD and HD. Conclusions: Increased urea is a widespread metabolic perturbation in brain metabolism common to PDD, AD, and HD, at levels equal to those seen in uremic encephalopathy. This presents a novel pathogenic mechanism in PDD, which is shared with two other neurodegenerative diseases.
Safety and Feasibility of Autologous Olfactory Ensheathing Cell and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Co-transplantation in Chronic Human Spinal Cord Injury: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Zamani Homa , Soufizomorrod Mina , Oraee-Yazdani Saeed , Naviafar Dariush , Akhlaghpasand Mohammadhosein , Seddighi Afsoun , Soleimani Masoud 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Cell-based therapies are considered as promising strategies for spinal cord regeneration. However, a combinatorial cell therapeutic approach seems more beneficial as it can target various aspects of the injury. Here, we assessed the safety and feasibility of autologous mucosal Olfactory Ensheathing Cell (OEC) and bone marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) co-transplantation in patients with chronic, complete (American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification A) Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Three patients with the traumatic SCI of the thoracic level were enrolled. They received autologous OEC and MSC combination through the lumbar puncture. All adverse events and possible functional outcomes were documented performing pre- and post-operative general clinical examination, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), neurological assessment based on the International Standard of Neurological Classification for SCI (ISNCSCI), and functional evaluation using Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM III). No serious safety issue was recorded during the two years of follow-up. MRI findings remained unchanged with no neoplastic tissue formation. ASIA impairment scale improved from A to B in one of the participants. SCIM III evaluation also showed some degrees of progress in this patient's quality of life. The two other patients had negligible or no improvement in their sensory scores without any changes in the ASIA impairment scale and SCIM III scores. No motor recovery was observed in any of the participants. Overall, this two-year trial was not associated with any adverse findings, which may suggest the safety of autologous OEC and bone marrow MSC combination for the treatment of human SCI.This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT registration number: IRCT20160110025930N2/ registration date: 2018-09-29).
Cell Lineage Dependent Apoptotic and Immunomodulatory Signaling Induced By Parthenin Analog P19: An Insight to Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Kumar Ajay , Kaur Jagdeep 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Leukemia is one of the deadliest types of cancer. Specifically, acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) has been considered as one of the most lethal types of cancer. Due to the rapid progress in the various cancer cases and the accumulation of resistances in the cancer cells, the discovery of the new lead molecules with more effective anticancer properties are required. There is a growing interest in using herbal products/analogs as multi-component agents (as anticancer agents and immunomodulators) for cancer treatment. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to explore the anticancer and immunomodulatory activity of P19 in ALL. P19 was reported to demonstrate the anticancer activity by activation of apoptotic signaling events through robust NO formation in human leukemia HL-60 cells. Contrary to this observation, P19 mediated apoptosis in Raji cells was independent of NO and ROS induction. The mechanism of P19 was observed to be cancer cell lineage dependent. Further, P19 demonstrated very effective anticancer properties against ALL (IC50 3µM). Molecular investigations revealed that P19 induced mitochondrion mediated apoptosis by Bax localization to mitochondria and enhanced cytosolic calcium in the cytoplasm. Further activation of the caspase 3, caspase 8 and PARP cleavage suggested the involvement of the caspase-mediated apoptosis. Anti-proliferative activity revealed the telomerase inhibition and cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase after P19 treatment. Immunomodulatory effects of the P19 revealed the enhanced INFɣ and NO production in Jurkat and THP cells. Owing to its antiproliferative and immunomodulatory potential against leukemia cells P19 can further be explored as an effective therapeutics against leukemia.
Error Comparison Based Patching (ECP) for Medium Access Control of Cell-free Massive MIMO Networks in 6G Terahertz Band Communications
Authors: Woo Tai-Kuo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The future Internet is supposed to support a myriad of applications that generate many bursts of multimedia traffic. While the classical cell-based architecture of wireless networks cannot scale up to meet the area traffic capacity and connection density requirements put forth by 6G, Terahertz band for cell-free massive MIMO is regarded as a promising solution. However, the medium access control in Terahertz band communication is significantly different from that of previous generations due to the distinct channel characteristics of Terahertz band. A good match to Terahertz communication is cell-free massive MIMO network architecture, where the antenna beams are located irregularly, coordination among base stations is required to improve the throughput. In this paper, we propose an error comparison based patching where replicated packets transmitted from different access points in various directions (locations) are compared with each other, section by section, based on the degree of consistency between a data packet and its corresponding polling data bits. The error comparison based patching puts together the best sections among replicas of a data packet to form a good one. In the performance evaluation, we demonstrate that the proposed error comparison based patching can significantly improve the percentage of intermittent blocking fading of the data packets in THz band communications for a cell-free massive MIMO network architecture by as high as 80 percent.
Elucidating the Impact of Feeding Behaviour on Body Composition in Finishing Pigs Fed Ad Libitum Using an Integrative Feeding Behaviour Index
Authors: Salgado Hector Hernando , Méthot Steve , Remus Aline , Létourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre , Pomar Candido 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background: Large variability in body composition is observed in pigs fed and raised in similar conditions. Part of this variation might be explained by the feeding behavior of pigs, given its effect on metabolic hormones associated with energy regulation and protein metabolism. The objective of this study was to elucidate this relationship by examining body composition with a new index describing feeding behavior in finishing pigs. Feeding behavior and body composition information on 138 pigs during the last 28 d of the growing phase from three trials were used. For each pig, the sum of the areas between the observed relative cumulative feed intake and the regression line for the evolution of relative feed intake over time was used to calculate the new feeding behavior index. This index quantifies the irregularity of feed intake (IIFI) by integrating different components of feeding behavior into a single measurement. Body lipids and protein composition were estimated by dual X-ray densitometry at the beginning (day 1) and end of the finishing phase (day 28). Results: Weak to moderate correlations (r = ±0.31 to ±0.44; P < 0.05) of IIFI with body composition and performance variables were found only in datasets 1 and 2. However, in dataset 2, IIFI was also correlated with daily feed intake (r = - 0.54; P < 0.001). Irregular feeding behavior is associated to increased proportion of protein (PdDG) and decreased proportion of lipids (LdDG) in body gain. However, IIFI only accounted for 8% to 14% and 10% to 12% of the total variation of PdDG and LdDG in datasets 2 and 1, respectively. Additionally, factor analysis showed that the number of meals and IIFI had high loadings in a factor separate from factors associated with body composition or performance, suggesting that body composition and performance are independent of feeding behavior. Conclusion: Factors other than feeding behavior might be involved in modulating body composition of finishing pigs fed ad libitum.
Cryptanalysis of DRPE Using Complex S-Box Based on Linear Canonical Transform
Authors: Girija R , Singh H. , Abirami G. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
During recent decades, double random phase encoding grasped more attention for researchers. To achieve nonlinearity, it had been done with random S-Box. We exhibit this involvement that DRPE system is much vulnerable in the above methodology. Concatenating anything with DRPE needs an imaginary value, wherein s-box unsuccessful in it. Used S-box has been reformed into various sizes. Due to this scenario, S-box values are replicating. So, complex S-box has been employed and proposed size of the s-box is similar to an input image. Numerical simulations have been performed out to validate the practicability and trustworthiness of traditional DRPE system with complex S-box.
The Role of Functional Head Impulse Test With and Without Optokinetic Stimuli in Vestibular Migraine and Acute Unilateral Vestibulopathy: Discovering a Visual Dependence?
Authors: Casani Augusto-Pietro , Lazzerini Francesco , Ducci Nicola , Marconi Ottavia , Vernassa Nicola 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Visually induced vertigo (i.e., vertigo provoked by moving visual scenes) could be considered as a noticeable feature of Vestibular Migraine (VM) and could be present in patients suffering from Acute Unilateral Vestibulophaty (AUV). The hypersensitivity to moving or conflicting visual stimulations is named Visual Dependence. The visuo-vestibular interactions were analyzed using functional Head Impulse Test (fHIT) with and without optokinetic stimulation (o-fHIT) in 25 patients with VM and 20 subjects affected by AUV. We calculated the percentage of correct answer (%CA) without and with the addition of confounding screen (CS). In VM groups the %CA at fHIT was 92,07% without CS and 73,66% with CS. A significant difference has been found between %CA on the deficit side and the normal side in AUV, both without CS and with CS). The results of fHIT in term of %CA with and without CS could be very useful to identify the presence of visual dependence especially in patients suffering from VM. The difference of %CA with and without CS could provide an instrumental support to correctly identify patients with VM. We propose the use of fHIT in clinical practice whenever there is a need to highlight a condition of visual dependence.