bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin K supplementation and arterial calcification in dialysis: results of the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled RenaKvit trial
Authors: Levy-Schousboe Karin , Frimodt-Møller Marie , Hansen Ditte , Peters Christian Daugaard , Kjærgaard Krista Dybtved , Jensen Jens Dam , Strandhave Charlotte , Elming Hanne , Larsen Carsten Toftager , Sandstrøm Hanne , Brasen Claus Lohman , Schmedes Anne , Madsen Jonna Skov , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Frandsen Niels Erik , Petersen Inge , Marckmann Peter 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Arterial calcification is associated with cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. Active matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a vitamin K-dependent inhibitor of arterial calcification. Elevated plasma concentrations of inactive MGP, i.e. dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP), are prevalent in dialysis patients. MGP inactivity might contribute to arterial calcification. We investigated whether vitamin K supplementation had an effect on arterial calcification in chronic dialysis patients.

Methods
In a 2-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial, 48 dialysis patients were randomized to vitamin K [menaquinone-7 (MK-7), 360 µg daily] or placebo. MK-7 in serum and dp-ucMGP in plasma were used to assess vitamin K status. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and scores of coronary arterial calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) were used to assess arterial calcification.

Results
Thirty-seven participants completed Year 1, and 21 completed Year 2. At Year 2, serum MK-7 was 40-fold higher, and plasma dp-ucMGP 40% lower after vitamin K supplementation compared with placebo {mean dp-ucMGP difference: −1380 pmol/L [95% confidence interval (CI) −2029 to −730]}. There was no significant effect of vitamin K supplementation on cfPWV [mean difference at Year 2: 1.2 m/s (95% CI −0.1 to 2.4)]. CAC Agatston score increased significantly in vitamin K supplemented participants, but was not significantly different from placebo [mean difference at Year 2: 664 (95% CI −554 to 1881)]. AAC scores increased in both groups, significantly so within the placebo group at Year 1, but with no significant between-group differences.

Conclusions
Vitamin K supplementation improved vitamin K status, but did not hinder or modify the progression of arterial calcification in dialysis patients.
Farinel’s Ground and other ‘Follyes’ in English sources of the late 17th and early 18th centuries
Authors: Schönlau Stephan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This article is the result of a comprehensive study of folia grounds—usually known as Farinel’s Ground in England—published, copied in or otherwise connected with England, a list of which is provided. A discussion of general characteristics as well as of typical melodic, harmonic and rhythmic features of folia grounds from this period is followed by a comparative analysis of all English folias. These form relatively distinct groups of sources that often share strains, suggesting patterns of transmission particular to division grounds. Lastly, the order of strains in a number of versions is discussed in conjunction with principles outlined in Christopher Simpson’s The Division-Violist (London, 1659) and Thomas Mace’s Musick’s Monument (London, 1676), shedding light on what theorists and composers at the time thought about large-scale structure in division grounds, and in ground-bass compositions in general.
Reconsidering LINE-1’s role in cancer: does LINE-1 function as a reporter detecting early cancer-associated epigenetic signatures?
Authors: Kelsey Maxfield M G 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) is the only autonomously active retrotransposon in humans. While L1 has been implicated in several pathologies and the aging process, I present a model which challenges an understanding of L1 as predominantly antagonistic to human health. I hypothesize that L1 serves as a reporter in an early cancer alert system: a tripwire strung throughout the genome poised to trigger p53 and a type I interferon (IFN-1) response when the epigenetic landscape portends cancer. Cell proliferation and a shift to aerobic glycolysis cause dramatic changes in the epigenome which are permissive to L1’s escape from suppression. L1 has several properties which make it particularly apt to fulfill this hypothesized sentinel function. Being present in many copies spread throughout the genome allows it to monitor many regions for epigenetic instability and renders it robust to deactivation by mutation. This proposed cancer alert system would alter the cancer cell fitness landscape discouraging the use of growth-favoring aerobic glycolysis by threatening the activation of tumor-suppressive mechanisms. It also imposes costs on a strategy of non-specific global transcriptional derepression aimed at activating oncogenes. Erroneous activations of this system are predicted to increase the rate of aging, suggesting this represents a case of antagonistic pleiotropy trading prolonged youth for cancer prevention. More research is needed to assess this model.
Lay summary: During carcinogenesis the epigenome is remodeled by the Warburg effect and cellular proliferation. These processes globally relax chromatin. This epigenetic environment is permissive to the retrotransposon long interspersed nuclear element-1’s (LINE-1 or L1) escape from suppression. I hypothesize and present evidence for the notion that L1 has been co-opted to serve as a reporter in an early cancer alert system, poised to trigger tumor suppressive mechanisms when the epigenetic landscape portends cancer. This hypothesis describes a potentially major means by which transformation is thwarted early on.
A novel dextranase gene from the marine bacterium Bacillus aquimaris S5 and its expression and characteristics
Authors: Dong Dongxue , Wang Xuelian , Deng Tian , Ning Zhe , Tian Xiaopeng , Zu Hangtian , Ding Yanshuai , Wang Cang , Wang Shujun , Lyu Mingsheng 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Dextranase specifically hydrolyzes dextran and is used to produce functional isomalto-saccharide prebiotics. Moreover, dextranase is used as an additive in mouthwash to remove dental plaque. We cloned and expressed the dextranase gene of the marine bacterium Bacillus aquimaris S5. The length of the BaDex gene was 1788 bp, encoding 573 amino acids. Using bioinformatics to predict and analyze the amino acid sequence of BaDex, we found the isoelectric point and instability coefficient to be 4.55 and 29.22, respectively. The average hydrophilicity (GRAVY) was −0.662. The secondary structure of BaDex consisted of 145 alpha helices, accounting for 25.31% of the protein; 126 extended strands, accounting for 21.99%; and 282 random coils, accounting for 49.21%. The 3D structure of the BaDex protein was predicted and simulated using SWISS-MODEL, and BaDex was classified as a Glycoside Hydrolase Family 66 protein. The optimal temperature and pH for BaDex activity were 40°C and 6.0, respectively. The hydrolysates had excellent antioxidant activity, and 8 U/mL of BaDex could remove 80% of dental plaque in MBRC experiment. This recombinant protein thus has great promise for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
A Taper Equation for Loblolly Pine Using Penalized Spline Regression
Authors: Zapata-Cuartas Mauricio , Bullock Bronson P , Montes Cristian R 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStem profile needs to be modeled with an accurate taper equation to produce reliable tree volume assessments. We propose a semiparametric method where few a priori functional form assumptions or parametric specification are required. We compared the diameter and volume predictions of a penalized spline regression (P-spline), P-spline extended with an additive dbh-class variable, and six alternative parametric taper equations including single, segmented, and variable-exponent equation forms. We used taper data from 147 loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees to fit the models and make comparisons. Here we show that the extended P-spline outperforms the parametric taper equations when used to predict outside bark diameter in the lower portion of the stem, up to 40% of the tree height where the more valuable wood products (62% of the total outside bark volume) are located. For volume, both P-spline models perform equal or better than the best parametric model, with taper calibration, which could result in possible savings on inventory costs by not requiring an additional measurement. Our findings suggest that assuming a priori fixed form in taper models imposes restrictions that fail to explain the tree form adequately compared with the proposed P-spline.
Reconstructed evolutionary history of the yeast septins Cdc11 and Shs1
Authors: Takagi Julie , Cho Christina , Duvalyan Angela , Yan Yao , Halloran Megan , Hanson-Smith Victor , Thorner Jeremy , Finnigan Gregory C 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Septins are GTP-binding proteins conserved across metazoans. They can polymerize into extended filaments and, hence, are considered a component of the cytoskeleton. The number of individual septins varies across the tree of life—yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has seven distinct subunits, a nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) has two, and humans have 13. However, the overall geometric unit (an apolar hetero-octameric protomer and filaments assembled there from) has been conserved. To understand septin evolutionary variation, we focused on a related pair of yeast subunits (Cdc11 and Shs1) that appear to have arisen from gene duplication within the fungal clade. Either Cdc11 or Shs1 occupies the terminal position within a hetero-octamer, yet Cdc11 is essential for septin function and cell viability, whereas Shs1 is not. To discern the molecular basis of this divergence, we utilized ancestral gene reconstruction to predict, synthesize, and experimentally examine the most recent common ancestor (“Anc.11-S”) of Cdc11 and Shs1. Anc.11-S was able to occupy the terminal position within an octamer, just like the modern subunits. Although Anc.11-S supplied many of the known functions of Cdc11, it was unable to replace the distinct function(s) of Shs1. To further evaluate the history of Shs1, additional intermediates along a proposed trajectory from Anc.11-S to yeast Shs1 were generated and tested. We demonstrate that multiple events contributed to the current properties of Shs1: (1) loss of Shs1–Shs1 self-association early after duplication, (2) co-evolution of heterotypic Cdc11–Shs1 interaction between neighboring hetero-octamers, and (3) eventual repurposing and acquisition of novel function(s) for its C-terminal extension domain. Thus, a pair of duplicated proteins, despite constraints imposed by assembly into a highly conserved multi-subunit structure, could evolve new functionality via a complex evolutionary pathway.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense
Authors: Jin Shubo , Bian Chao , Jiang Sufei , Han Kai , Xiong Yiwei , Zhang Wenyi , Shi Chengcheng , Qiao Hui , Gao Zijian , Li Ruihan , Huang Yu , Gong Yongsheng , You Xinxin , Fan Guangyi , Shi Qiong , Fu Hongtuo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
The oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, is an economically important shrimp in China. Male prawns have higher commercial value than females because the former grow faster and reach larger sizes. It is therefore important to reveal sex-differentiation and development mechanisms of the oriental river prawn to enable genetic improvement.

Results
We sequenced 293.3 Gb of raw Illumina short reads and 405.7 Gb of Pacific Biosciences long reads. The final whole-genome assembly of the Oriental river prawn was ∼4.5 Gb in size, with predictions of 44,086 protein-coding genes. A total of 49 chromosomes were determined, with an anchor ratio of 94.7% and a scaffold N50 of 86.8 Mb. A whole-genome duplication event was deduced to have happened 109.8 million years ago. By integration of genome and transcriptome data, 21 genes were predicted as sex-related candidate genes.

Conclusion
The first high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of the oriental river prawn was obtained. These genomic data, along with transcriptome sequences, are essential for understanding sex-differentiation and development mechanisms in the oriental river prawn, as well as providing genetic resources for in-depth studies on developmental and evolutionary biology in arthropods.
The use of negative control outcomes in Mendelian randomization to detect potential population stratification
Authors: Sanderson Eleanor , Richardson Tom G , Hemani Gibran , Davey Smith George 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A key assumption of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis is that there is no association between the genetic variants used as instruments and the outcome other than through the exposure of interest. One way in which this assumption can be violated is through population stratification, which can introduce confounding of the relationship between the genetic variants and the outcome and so induce an association between them. Negative control outcomes are increasingly used to detect unobserved confounding in observational epidemiological studies. Here we consider the use of negative control outcomes in MR studies to detect confounding of the genetic variants and the exposure or outcome. As a negative control outcome in an MR study, we propose the use of phenotypes which are determined before the exposure and outcome but which are likely to be subject to the same confounding as the exposure or outcome of interest. We illustrate our method with a two-sample MR analysis of a preselected set of exposures on self-reported tanning ability and hair colour. Our results show that, of the 33 exposures considered, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of adiposity and education-related traits are likely to be subject to population stratification that is not controlled for through adjustment, and so any MR study including these traits may be subject to bias that cannot be identified through standard pleiotropy robust methods. Negative control outcomes should therefore be used regularly in MR studies to detect potential population stratification in the data used.
Nonuniqueness of Solutions to the Lp Dual Minkowski Problem
Authors: Li Qi-Rui , Liu Jiakun , Lu Jian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The $L_p$ dual Minkowski problem with $p&lt;0&lt;q$ is investigated in this paper. By proving a new existence result of solutions and constructing an example, we obtain the nonuniqueness of solutions to this problem.
The United States, China, and the Politics of Hegemonic Ordering in East Asia
Authors: Loke Beverley 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
China's rise has raised important questions about the durability of US hegemony in East Asia. Much of the debate, however, has generally been cast in fairly simplistic terms, suggesting the durability or end of US regional hegemony. Such framings nevertheless fail to fully capture regional dynamics and complexity. Advancing an English School conception of hegemony, this paper examines the politics, contestation, and renegotiation of the post–Cold War US hegemonic order in East Asia. It maps out four logics of hegemonic ordering in the existing literature, outlines their shortfalls and advances a twofold argument. First, although regional order will not disintegrate into binary “order versus disorder” or “US versus Chinese hegemony” scenarios, the politics of hegemonic ordering—the interactive discourses, processes, relations, and practices that underpin hegemony—will intensify as the United States and China continue to both cooperate and compete for power, position, and influence in East Asia. Second, I argue that the East Asian regional order will evolve in ways that resemble hybrid forms of hegemony in a complex hierarchy. Specifically, I develop a new logic—“coalitional and collaborative hegemonies in a complex hierarchy”—that is anchored in assertiveness, fluidity, and compartmentalization. It demonstrates that Washington and Beijing will not only form coalitional hegemonies, seeking legitimation from multiple and often overlapping constituencies, but also engage in a collaborative hegemony on shared interests. This better reflects evolving regional dynamics and yields theoretical insights into examining hegemonic transitions less as clearly delineated transitions from one distinct hegemonic order to the next, and more as partial and hybrid ones.
Quantification of Scopoletin from the Roots of Argyreia Speciosa (Linn. F) Sweet Using HPLC Through the Concept of Design of Experiment
Authors: Patel Preksha , Raval Manan , Patel Nidhi , Patel Samir , Vyas Niraj , Patel Amit 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
The roots of Argyreia speciosa (Linn. F) Sweet (family: Convolvulaceae) are used in Ayurveda to treat male reproductive and nervous system disorders.

Objective
Isolation of scopoletin from the roots of Argyreia speciosa, and development and validation of an analytical method using HPLC for the quantification of scopoletin from the root powder of Argyreia speciosa.

Method
Scopoletin was isolated from chloroform fraction prepared from hydrolyzed methanolic extract and identified using spectral studies. A reverse-phase HPLC-based analytical method was developed and optimized using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach to estimate scopoletin from the roots of Argyreia speciosa. Scopoletin was separated and quantified using HPLC containing the C18 column and a PDA detector. The optimized mobile phase was methanol: water (pH∼3.2) [25: 75, %v/v].

Results
The Box–Behnken design was used to optimize chromatographic parameters and the extraction procedure. The validation studies showed a linear relationship (r2=0.998) in the range of 1–40 µg/mL. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.28 µg/mL and 0.84 µg/mL, respectively, and the recovery values were found to be between 91.94 and 97.86%. The developed analytical method was found to be robust as well. The amount of scopoletin was estimated to be 0.024 ± 0.0016%w/w from dried root powder.

Conclusion
The recorded chromatogram and amount of scopoletin determined would serve as one of the standardization parameters to access the quality of raw material containing Argyreia speciosa.

Highlights
Developed analytical method may be adopted as a part of the standardization procedure for Argyreia speciosa in the quality control laboratory.
Metabolic response to temperature stress in the Colombian freshwater crabNeostrengeria macropa(H. Milne Edwards, 1853) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae)
Authors: Hudson David M 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFreshwater crustaceans are distributed throughout the montane and lowland areas of Colombia, and are therefore a useful indicator group for how aquatic species will respond to climate change. As such, metabolic determination of physiological performance was evaluated for the Colombian pseudothelphusid crab, Neostrengeria macropa (H. Milne Edwards, 1853), over a temperature range inclusive of current temperatures and those predicted by future scenarios in the plateau around the city of Bogotá, namely from 8 °C to 30 °C. The performance results mostly aligned with previous exploratory behavioral determination of the ideal temperature range in the same species, although the metabolism increased at the highest temperature treatments, a point when exploratory behavior declined. These results indicate that this species of montane crab behaviorally compensates for increased thermal stress by decreasing its physical activity, which could have negative predator-prey consequences with changes to community structure as different species undergo climate-mediated geographic range shifts in the region. As this species is endemic to the plateau surrounding Bogotá, it also experiences a number of other stressors to its survival, including infrastructure development and invasive species.
CSI-based human sensing using model-based approaches: a survey
Authors: Wang Zhengjie , Huang Zehua , Zhang Chengming , Dou Wenwen , Guo Yinjing , Chen Da 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Currently, human sensing draws much attention in the field of ubiquitous computing, and human sensing based on WiFi CSI (channel state information) becomes a hot research topic due to the easy deployment and availability of WiFi devices. Although various human sensing applications based on the CSI signal model are emerging, the model-based approach has not been studied thoroughly. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the latest model-based human sensing methods and their applications. First, the CSI signal and framework of model-based human sensing methods are introduced. Then, related models and fundamental signal preprocessing techniques are described. Next, typical human sensing applications are investigated, and the crucial characteristics are summarized. Finally, the advantages, limitations, and future research trends of model-based human sensing methods are concluded in this paper.
Hidden in plain sight: on copiousness in the Kunstkammer of Emperor Rudolf II
Authors: Keating Jessica 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The Kunstkammer of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II (1552–1612) in Prague was one of early modern Europe’s most famed princely collections. Part of this renown stemmed from the collection’s abundance of rare, exotic, costly and artfully produced objects. However, Rudolf’s Kunstkammer not only contained copious numbers of diverse objects, it also housed many objects that took copiousness (that is, sexual fertility and seasonal productivity) as their subject. This essay considers how copiousness affected the use of Rudolf’s collection. In the end, it reveals that copiousness complicated and made difficult the use of Rudolf’s collection on both a practical and an interpretative level.
Perception and Use of Economic Thresholds Among Farmers and Agricultural Professionals: A Case Study on Soybean Aphid in Minnesota
Authors: Hoidal Natalie , Koch Robert L 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Economic thresholds (ETs) are a foundational principle of integrated pest management but are not always widely accepted by farmers and agricultural professionals. This article reports on a survey of Minnesota farmer and agricultural professional perceptions of the ET for soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hempitera: Aphididae). We discuss insights for Extension programs on how to frame the importance of thresholds and teach stakeholders to use them effectively. Key takeaways include farmers and agricultural professionals often worry about combined effects of insect, disease, and physiological pressures, whereas effects of interactions with these other stressors are seldom discussed in educational outreach. Across groups, there is a fundamental misunderstanding about the difference between ETs and economic injury level. Many survey participants reported believing in the ET but lacked the time and capacity to fully implement it. Sales agronomists and farmers were the least likely groups to trust the university-determined soybean aphid ET, whereas commercial pesticide applicators and independent consultants were the most likely groups to trust it. Based on these results, we recommend adapting communication about ETs based on the target audience to address common misconceptions and barriers to ET use that are unique to each group.